White Wind (10 page)

Rising, Hawk Eyes paced the interior of the tipi, his glance falling on his mate, her deft fingers working beads into intricate patterns with skill and speed.

Arms folded across his massive scarred chest, he asked with deceptive softness, “She has agreed to life in our village? Agreed to learn our ways and live as one of us? Where is she to stay? Is she to sleep in your tipi? She has agreed to this?” Hawk Eyes rapidly fired the questions, not bothering to wait for a reply.

Rising also, Golden Eagle stated, “She will do as I tell her.”

Hawk Eyes leaned his head back, eyes drawn to the dark gray clouds gathering overhead. He had a feeling that stormy days lay ahead. “Bring the girl. I will speak with her myself. Only then will I make my decision.”

Sarah found herself jostled farther from the tipi that Golden Eagle and his father disappeared into. Looking around at unsmiling faces and remembering the cold glare she’d received from the chief, she wasn’t sure her presence here was wise.

Standing on tiptoe, she tried to look over the heads of the crowd, but was unable to see or hear what was going on. What was taking Golden Eagle so long?

The crowd closed in as a few of the younger women became bold, reaching out, fingers touching the strange white girl. Sarah felt hands behind her, stroking her hair. Others pulled at the material of her shirt, fingering the lightweight plaid, exclaiming over its texture and lightness.

Clutching her possessions tightly to her chest, Sarah closed her eyes and prayed that Golden Eagle would return soon. She fought panic as warm bodies pressed in on her.

A small chuckle followed by a sharp tug on her breeches drew her attention downward, and she saw a toddler standing on wobbly, chubby legs. Another tug, and brown arms lifted in demand to be picked up.

Sarah looked around and met sparkling sherry-brown eyes set in a round glowing face. The girl, younger than she, nodded her head. Cautiously, lest she startle the baby, Sarah squatted and lifted the small boy to her chest, ready to hand him to his mother if he cried. This was the first time she’d ever held a baby, and though she wasn’t sure what to expect, she found she liked the feeling of his cuddly body in her arms.

Looking into curious brown eyes, Sarah gave a tentative smile. The toddler grinned in return, and reached out to grab a handful of the shiny strands of hair that had drawn his attention.

Laughter and praise of his bravery followed his actions. Startled, he leaned toward the safety of his mother’s arms, his newfound bravery gone.

Sarah grinned, released the boy and gently ran a finger down one rounded cheek, amazed at the downy softness of baby skin. Giggling, the toddler buried his head against his mother’s chest, suckling at her breast for security and comfort.

Sarah looked away, embarrassed. Many of the women were half naked, wearing only hide skirts to cover their lower bodies.

Laughter at the boy’s antics dispelled much of the tension, and she shyly returned their grins. Confident now that these women meant no harm, Sarah relaxed, thinking it might even be fun to be with other girls her age, a pleasure that she’d never experienced living in so isolated an area.

Unexpectedly, a sudden vicious tug to the back of her head forced a cry of pain as she whirled about in confusion.

Sarah found herself facing an angry Indian maiden. Short and plump, lips compressed tightly in a face red with rage, the girl’s eyes blazed with hatred. Her fisted hands plopped on wide hips.

Maliciously, the girl advanced as Sarah stepped back. Her hands shot out, striking suddenly to shove Sarah back.

The silent crowd hurriedly moved away and the girl laughed as Sarah lost her balance and fell to the muddy ground, her belongings rolling beneath the feet of the women.

The Indian maiden spat at Sarah, sneering in halting English, “You white! No belong here! Red Fox not know! You no belong to Golden Eagle!”

Sarah started to rise, and grunted when her attacker’s bare foot made contact with her stomach. Gasping with pain and trying to draw her breath, she heard the girl’s wild laughter.

Rolling on her sore backside, Sarah caught her breath, her hand lying protectively in front of her chest to ward off another blow. Drawing a deep breath and narrowing her ice-blue eyes, Sarah decided to show this unknown girl she wasn’t here to be kicked around. Swiftly she sat up, grabbed the bare brown ankles in front of her and pulled with all her might.

Smiling with satisfaction as the larger girl fell heavily, Sarah scrambled quickly to her feet. She now stared down at the sputtering Indian girl, watching as she struggled to her feet amid the laughter and jeers of her people.

The girl had been caught completely by surprise, and her face reddened with humiliation. She reached for the knife strapped to her thigh and jumped to her feet, teeth bared as she promised, “You die, white whore. You no treat Night Star bad. Night Star kill you, feed to birds of death. Then Golden Eagle be mine.”

Sarah threw her hands in front of her, ready to duck to the side as the knife held poised in the air made a downward slash.

Golden Eagle stepped out of his father’s tipi and looked into the group of women for Sarah. A flash of metal caught his eye. Heart pounding, he saw the gleaming metal of a knife held high, ready to strike. His mouth went dry and he ran into the crowd, shoving his people aside.

A cry of outrage rent the air as Golden Eagle grabbed Night Star’s wrist. Ignoring her cry of pain, Golden Eagle applied pressure until the weapon dropped harmlessly from her fingers.

Paling under the cold menacing anger emanating from the fierce warrior, Night Star tried desperately to save her honor as well as her skin.

Using the Lakota tongue, she whined, “Take her away, Golden Eagle. She is evil, no good for our people. No good for mighty Golden Eagle. You be great chief one day. White spirits bad. White girl must go…” Her voice trailed off as the face above hers darkened in white-hot anger.

Keeping his temper tightly leashed, Golden Eagle jerked the whining girl’s arm behind her, effectively halting her struggles. He ignored her cry of pain. “Who gives Night Star the right to kill the white girl?” he asked in a deceptively soft voice. “Does Night Star now have rights to touch or destroy another’s possession?”

Night Star paled. Golden Eagle’s words reminding all in hearing that a person’s possessions could be freely given, but never taken or destroyed by others without suffering the consequences.

Night Star pointed an accusing finger at Sarah. “Your captive attacked me. I was only defending myself,” she lied.

Seeing only anger and disgust in Golden Eagle’s eyes, Night Star called to the women in the crowd. “Tell him. Tell our chief’s son that his white captive laid her hands upon me.”

The crowd moved away, refusing to meet Night Star’s wildly accusing eyes.

A warrior stepped through the throng of retreating women. “I apologize for my foolish sister’s actions. Golden Eagle. She brings shame to our tipi this day. She will not harm your captive again,” Red Fox promised, slapping a hand hard over his sister’s shoulders.

Night Star spun around and flinched from eyes that promised retribution.

Nodding his head, Golden Eagle accepted Red Fox’s apology. Turning his attention back to the sniveling girl, he felt loathing for the troublemaker. Giving her one last hard glare, he commanded, “Stay away from what belongs to me, Night Star. Harm my captive in any way and you will be punished. All have heard my words.” Night Star lowered her head, hiding hate-filled eyes.

“Take her to your father’s tipi, Red Fox. Perhaps it is time to arrange a husband for your sister…in another village!” Golden Eagle swung around, his long black braids whipping about.

“Are you all right?” Golden Eagle demanded of Sarah. His eyes searched for signs of injury.

Sarah waited until Red Fox led the violent girl away before turning to Golden Eagle. Her heart still raced from the close encounter. “You brought me here to be safe? I would have been safer on my own. Is this what I have to look forward to each day, Golden Eagle?” Sarah glared with reproachful eyes, taking care to keep her voice lowered, mindful of his previous warnings and those who watched.

Her accusation struck home. Guilt crept over him for not being there to watch over her. He’d promised her safety and if he’d been just a few minutes later…

“I’m sorry for what happened. Red Fox will punish Night Star,” Golden Eagle promised. “No one will harm you now, little one. All now know you belong to me.”

Sarah’s head snapped up, eyes flashing. “Belong to you, Golden Eagle? I don’t belong to you or anyone else. I am no prized horse or other such possession, nor am I a piece of bought merchandise to be shoved around.”

Golden Eagle drew himself to his full height and directed his still-smoldering gaze to her defiant blue eyes till they lowered in acknowledgment of his authority. “In my people’s eyes, I captured you, brought you here, and that makes you my possession. As my possession you are safe, for we do not steal from our own. You had best learn this now and accept it for your own good. Belonging to me is the only way to keep you safe,” he informed his spirited captive, his words cool and clear.

“Come. My father wishes to speak to you.” Taking a firm hold of Sarah’s arm, Golden Eagle led her to the tipi entrance.

Sarah was about to enter the large dwelling behind Golden Eagle when a soft voice came from behind her. Turning, Sarah watched as the mother of the baby boy approached.

Shyly, the girl handed Sarah her belongings. Speaking in halting English, she explained, “This belong to you. I save for you.”

Taking her precious bundle from the pretty young girl, Sarah smiled. She had forgotten all about it. “Thank you,” she murmured.

Pleased, the girl turned to Golden Eagle, who’d stepped out to see why Sarah had not entered. “I help. I teach white girl Lakota. Teach women’s ways.” She looked shyly at Sarah. “Maybe white girl teach Bright Blossom better white man’s tongue. No use for many moons. Bright Blossom forget many words.”

Taking an immediate liking to the friendly, sincere girl, Sarah agreed. “I would be honored for you to teach me, Bright Blossom.” Sarah looked at Golden Eagle, letting him know she expected his voice of agreement.

Nodding his head, Golden Eagle was pleased. Bright Blossom would make an excellent teacher and friend. Beckoning for Sarah to follow, he stepped into his father’s tipi.

The fragmented shadows of pine, rock and village lengthened and deepened. Merging as one, they came together, a black cloak draping itself across the land, plunging the village into darkness.

To soften the gloom, glittering stars peered from the darkened sky. Tiny bright jewels danced and twinkled as if hung from invisible thread, while the moon rose to reign in royal splendor, adding its own soft glow to the land below.

Inside a cone-shaped dwelling, Sarah paced, fighting waves of exhaustion.

Her eyes fell to her meal, brought to her by Seeing Eyes, which sat untouched by the cold fire pit. One hand pressed into her stomach, trying to still the queasy waves roiling inside her. What was going to happen to her? Where was Golden Eagle?

Her pacing stopped abruptly as she stumbled and fell. Too tired to continue, she grabbed a pile of furs and laid them on the hard floor in front of the doorway. Digging through the silky softness, she found several rabbit skins sewn together. She caressed the silky softness and wrapped the fur around her shoulders to ward off the chill of the evening.

Lying on her belly, hidden by the shadows within, Sarah pulled a corner of the closed flap aside and peered out into the evening.

Her head cocked to one side as she listened to the comforting activity of night creatures stirring. Owls flew through tree tops, their screeches announcing to the world they were awake and hungry. Insects chirped from beneath bushes and leaves where they hid. And rustling sounds of small scurrying animals foraging for their dinner blended in perfect harmony, nature providing its inhabitants with a special blend of evening music.

Sarah picked out gentle crooning voices mingling with soft singing as mothers held and cuddled their little ones. Relaxing slightly, Sarah found comfort in a ritual that was as old as time itself. The language was different, but a mother’s love was the same worldwide.

Her eyes dropped wearily as she focused her attention on a fire growing larger near the center of the village. Colorful flames eagerly licked and surrounded the small mound of wood and dried brush, flames leaping high into the air with loud snaps and pops. Sparks soared toward the heavens, then slowly faded out, never to return to the earth below.

A handful of men sat around the fire, talking, laughing and greeting latecomers.

Searching the shadowy faces, Sarah tried to see if Golden Eagle was among them. Peering intently as the shadows were broken only by flickering flames, she groaned in frustration as she could not get a clear view before shadows once again fell.

The group of warriors fell silent as an imposing figure walked with great dignity toward the fire and lowered himself.

Sarah recognized the proud stance of Chief Hawk Eyes, and ducked behind the flap. She bravely peeked out again, her need to see what was going on overcoming her fear of discovery.

As she watched the authoritative chief take control, his hand raised for silence, she unwillingly closed her eyes and relived her first meeting with the forbidding chief.

Golden Eagle had led her into the tipi and after many minutes of being appraised, she’d been commanded to sit, Golden Eagle standing behind her.

She’d sensed at once that the chief was not happy with her presence in his village. Never had she felt so intimidated and scared in all her life. Her insides had trembled as glowering eyes examined her thoroughly. The chief’s expression as he looked down his hawkish nose had clearly stated that he found her presence distasteful and lacking. His nostrils had flared and his eyes had blazed amber fire.

The silence lengthened between them, but she forced herself not to squirm. Whether the anger was directed at her or Golden Eagle, she didn’t know and had no desire to find out.

Keeping her hands tightly clasped in her lap, her back ramrod stiff, Sarah returned his fierce glare. Blue striking off amber, she waited for what was to come. She would not cower before these people. Nor would she show fear and uncertainty to this arrogant man. If she kept nothing else throughout this ordeal, she would keep her pride.

For long moments, silence reigned as the two of them sat there, staring, each measuring the other’s worth. One intimidating, one putting up a brave front.

Sarah could not have known that the first hint of grudging respect was coming her way for her show of fearlessness. To show fear brought scorn. Bravery earned respect, even if one was an enemy.

So intense was the tension between them that when he spoke, his deep voice booming suddenly in the tense atmosphere, she was startled when he addressed her in halting English.

“My son tells me you are here of your own free will. Is this so?” the old chief demanded, almost daring her to agree that it was the truth.

Swallowing hard, Sarah prayed that her voice would not quaver. “Golden Eagle speaks the truth,” she admitted, her voice soft, slightly husky, in her nervousness.

“Why?” The question shot forth, echoing loud and sharp like the roar of a firearm.

Sarah wished she’d known what Golden Eagle had told his father. But she had no knowledge of the words exchanged between them. Deciding on honesty, she took a deep breath and blurted out, “Your son offered freedom and safety to my people if I came willingly.”

The older man raised bushy eyebrows. His eyes narrowed as he reviewed her words. “Ah, so you are not really here of your own free will. Maybe you were forced to come to save your people?” he mused aloud, a gleam appearing in the older man’s eyes. Fixing her with his piercing stare, he offered, “Would you leave now if I promised the same safety to you, with no revenge to your people?”

Sarah saw his expression change, and didn’t like the calculating stare directed at her. Now that she was being given a chance to regain her freedom, she wasn’t sure she wanted it. Where would she go? She couldn’t return home, and trying to travel on her own had proved disastrous.

Perhaps this was where she should be for the time being. Of course, the man standing behind her didn’t have anything to do with that decision, she tried to convince herself.

She forced herself to meet the chief’s anticipating gaze and confessed, “It is true that I wasn’t given much choice, but I was given one. It is due to my foolish actions that I find myself here. I was unwise to attempt traveling alone. I gave my word to Golden Eagle and my father taught me to honor my word. I am bound by honor to the promise I made to your son. Only he may release me from the bargain.”

Suddenly, she found herself very afraid of being told she must leave. While she did not trust Golden Eagle’s motives for wanting her with him, she knew he would never harm her.

Chief Hawk Eyes was not pleased by her refusal to take the freedom he’d slyly offered. With an arrogant lift of an eyebrow, he retaliated. “And if allowed to stay, are you willing to become a slave to my son?”

Sarah’s eyes narrowed as she inwardly fought against the thought of being a slave to anyone, but she remembered what Golden Eagle had said earlier.

Sarah also recalled Willy’s last attack, and knew it was better to be a slave to Golden Eagle than be under Willy’s dominance. So, she gave her nod of agreement.

Still, Hawk Eyes sought to change her mind. “We have no separate tipis for slaves. As you belong to my son, you shall share his tipi.”

She blushed, the chief’s warning veiled but crystal-clear. Unable to meet the chief’s mocking eyes, Sarah lowered her head. “I will do as Golden Eagle says and live where he tells me I must.”

“And what of your…guardian?” The persistent voice continued the grilling, stumbling over the new word. “Would you bargain mercy for him?”

Clasping her hands in front of her, Sarah declared, “I promised Golden Eagle I will not interfere in your people’s dealings with Willy. My guardian chose his path. If he is caught, he must pay the price of justice. Whether it is from your people or my people, justice will be done.”

Shortly after, she’d been dismissed and Golden Eagle had told her she would be informed later of the chief’s decision.

Sarah was still waiting for him to return to his tipi to tell her what had been decided. She pushed to the back of her mind her wild responses to Golden Eagle’s lovemaking.

She yawned. Her eyes watered from exhaustion, physical as well as mental. Her hand fell from the flap. The toll on her young body finally won. No longer able to hold her head up, she fell into an uneasy slumber.

Several hours later, Golden Eagle nearly stepped on the sleeping girl. Stepping carefully over her still form, he moved silently across the darkened tipi to fashion another bed of mats and furs.

Squatting, he carefully lifted Sarah, cradling her warm sleeping body close to his. Sarah nestled closer to the warmth of his chest.

Unwilling to relinquish her. Golden Eagle studied her peaceful features for a while. Finally, he lowered his lips and inhaled her sweet scent. She smelled of sunshine and wildflowers. He brushed a kiss across her brow and grinned, remembering his father’s decision.

He would allow Sarah to remain until his joining with Wild-Flower only because she had no other male relative, and by their customs, Golden Eagle was responsible for her. If she could not be returned to her home, his father expected him to find another home for her.

Golden Eagle knew the chief was hoping he’d tire of his white captive and would then be ready to settle with his new wife.

Only
he
knew how strong his desire for Sarah was. He wouldn’t tire of her, but he would not try to convince his father of that now. He wouldn’t allow himself to think of being parted from her.

Gently he set Sarah down, and covered her with a soft fur before sliding down to his own pallet. Sleep was a long time in coming. His thoughts kept returning to the girl sleeping so close he could hear her soft breathing, smell her special scent. Close, but not close enough.

Sarah lay writhing and gasping as the smirking toothless face loomed over her, coming closer and closer. She felt the bite of harsh fingers digging into her tender flesh. Willy had come for her, had found her. She fought to free herself, and heard his evil laugh.

With both hands captured and held tightly in one of his, she couldn’t stop the clawing fingers of his free hand as they tore at the bodice of her dress. Tears of frustration ran down the sides of her face, and Sarah tried desperately to scream for help. No sound came forth. She panicked and renewed her efforts to free herself.

She moaned as she could not get free from the hands that held her still, and her body went limp. Even caught up in her nightmare, she sensed a change, something different in the arms holding her so firmly.

The sneer on Willy’s face faded; the remembered stench of stale liquor and sweat were replaced by the clean scent of tangy pine and wood fires. There was no harsh laughter, jeering taunts and vile threats. Only concerned calling of her name, a soft caressing whisper that repeated itself over and over. Hands no longer clawed at her, but caressed her cheeks and held her tenderly.

Cautiously Sarah opened her eyes to the dark stillness. Frightened, she squinted. She could make out a shape leaning over her. She was ready to scream, until a shaft of moonlight slanted across the man above her. Golden Eagle. Not Willy. Sobbing softly, relieved it had only been a dream, Sarah allowed herself to be lifted and enfolded into strong safe arms.

That small act of kindness, of comfort, was all it took for her to give in to tears too long repressed. Sarah wept for the loss of her father and the security she’d known. She gave in to the resulting fear she’d been forced to live with, and all that had happened since Pa’s death. The dam broke loose and all the tears she’d held back flooded.

She cried for what was and what could not be. She cried until the well ran dry and there were no tears left to spill over onto pale cheeks or to run onto a bronzed chest.

Stroking and letting her tears soak his chest, Golden Eagle crooned softly, her display of vulnerability wrenching his heart. His lips moved as he vowed to protect her, to keep her safe.

Golden Eagle knew how brave she’d been, what she’d endured. He’d seen grown men cry over less than what Sarah had been through.

Whispering words of comfort, he tenderly caressed her face, stroked her furrowed brow and rubbed the back of her neck until he felt her sobs subside and her body calm.

Wiping the last of the tears, he turned her face toward his and looked into her wide eyes still brimmed with tears.

“You are safe, little one. It was just a dream. A bad dream. Hush now.”

Sarah heard the tenderness in his voice. She relaxed slightly as she reached up to clutch his strong shoulders and stammer, “It w-was s-so real. He f-found m-me. He w-will never leave m-me alone. P-please don’t let him find me,” she whimpered, the fear in her eyes real as they locked frantically on to Golden Eagle’s compassion-filled gaze.

Golden Eagle put a finger to her lips, stilling her quivering flesh. Drawing her tightly against his damp chest, he stroked her tousled head as he comforted her. “You are safe here, Sarah. Do not fear. I will not allow him to touch you, ever again.”

Standing, he carried the trembling girl to his mat and lowered her to the softness below. Without releasing her completely, he lay down beside her and pulled her back into the warm security of his arms.

“Hush, hush. Lie with me. Relax. Sleep now. I will keep you safe.” Golden Eagle’s soothing voice murmured like a gentle breeze against her ear.

Sarah allowed herself to be pulled against the warm safe haven his arms created. Slowly her racking sobs subsided and her breathing settled into a soft, even rhythm. Golden Eagle knew she had finally fallen back into an uneasy slumber. Only an occasional hiccup gave testimony to her flood of tears.

The warrior lay awake a long time, his body painfully aware of Sarah’s soft curves that molded themselves so perfectly against him.