White Wind (21 page)

Taking the lightly tanned hand, Wild-Flower clasped it with her own darker one, and in that moment a strong bond formed between them.

Leaving the tipi, the two girls walked side by side as Sarah led the way to Bright Blossom’s tipi, conversing easily in French.

The watching males each had his own reaction to the sight of two rival women who showed no animosity toward each other.

Golden Eagle watched the two girls talk and laugh. He was proud of Sarah. He also eyed Wild-Flower with curiosity for he’d never seen her so animated, happy and relaxed. He shook his head as if to say he’d never understand the female species.

Running Wolf frowned, for he knew his younger sister all too well. He wondered what she was up to. He too glanced upon the white girl, and had to admit with her fair looks she was very appealing. He understood why Golden Eagle had taken her to his tipi. Any warrior would desire her beneath him on his mat. But he worried over the marriage. He couldn’t relax until the joining of the two tribes was complete. For now, he would watch and wait.

Chief Hawk Eyes brooded. He, the great chief, found himself confused in his thoughts. Despite his efforts, and he had fought hard, he had become fond of the white girl. She had taken to their way of life as if born to it, and took care of his son’s tipi as well as any Indian woman. His young daughter looked upon Sarah as an older sister. In fact, she tried very hard to emulate the other girl. And now, he had to admire this white woman for her brave deed in saving his son’s life.

Red Fox, who had just arrived, fought to hide his anger. How could Golden Eagle treat Wild-Flower in such a shameful way? As he watched Wild-Flower laugh and giggle, he knew she had to be putting on a brave face, hiding hurt and shame brought on by her unthoughtful and selfish future husband. She deserved better. She deserved… Jerking himself to his feet, Red Fox stalked away, knowing he had no say in the matter. But neither did he have to witness Wild-Flower’s shame.

The light of day slowly faded. It should have been a period for rest and reflection. A time to meditate and sort through the day’s events, a time to prepare oneself for what tomorrow would bring. But for one young woman, it was a trap, an enemy reminding her that time was running out.

Knees drawn to her chest, chin propped in her hands, Wild-Flower blotted out the laughter and shouting. Her thoughts were too angry and desperate to appreciate the high spirits of those celebrating her presence in their village.

Her eyes closed and she buried her head in her hands. During the evening meal, her brother had announced that they would be leaving on the new sun. When confronted later, Running Wolf had stated that it was time for her to return home. No amount of pleading changed his mind.

Wild-Flower raised her head. Her time in this amiable village was at an end. The next time she saw Golden Eagle it would be the day of their marriage. But what could she do in the short amount of time she had left?

She spotted Golden Eagle walking away from the roaring fire. Wild-Flower took a deep breath, mustered her courage and rose to her feet.

Golden Eagle nearly ran Wild-Flower down on his way to join his father and guests at the council lodge. His brows rose in concern when Wild-Flower lifted misery-filled eyes to his.

“Please, Golden Eagle, Wild-Flower wishes to speak with you.”

Golden Eagle’s brows rose at her bold request. “Speak. What troubles you, Wild-Flower?” Not a trace of surprise showed in his features, even though it was the first time Wild-Flower had initiated a conversation between them.

Glancing about, Wild-Flower looked at his injuries and asked, “Can we walk? What I have to say is of a private matter.”

Nodding his agreement. Golden Eagle turned and walked a short distance from the village. Stopping just inside the sheltering band of trees at the edge of his village, he turned toward Wild-Flower. “Now then, speak. What is on your mind?”

Wild-Flower’s eyes dropped to her quilled moccasins. She cleared her throat and hesitantly began. “We are to be joined soon. I…I don’t…”

“You don’t what?” Golden Eagle interrupted, his brows drawn together impatiently, frowning as he sought to understand what it was that had upset her so.

Wild-Flower glanced at Golden Eagle. Taking a deep breath, she blurted out, “I don’t wish to marry you. Golden Eagle. I love another.” A tremor of defiance crept into her voice and eyes. Chin thrust forward, she awaited his reaction.

Golden Eagle blinked. “Does my hearing deceive me? Did Wild-Flower say she does not wish to join with Golden Eagle?” he exclaimed, afraid to believe what he’d heard. He was certain it was his own desperation playing tricks on him, or fever from his wounds.

“Yes, Golden Eagle,” Wild-Flower answered. Her eyes were wide and filled with trepidation as Golden Eagle closed his eyes.

The silence grew, and Wild-Flower lost her courage. Turning away, she burst into tears, covering her face with her hands.

When he heard her muffled sob, Golden Eagle’s eyes flew open. He reached forward and pulled Wild-Flower into his arms, automatically soothing her while his mind struggled with her announcement.

He was so deep in thought that he was unaware of Sarah’s approach from the stream, her arms full of eating utensils that she’d washed and now nearly dropped. Golden Eagle did not see Sarah come to an abrupt halt, nor did he see her mouth fall open with shock and disbelief. He did not see the tears glistening in her eyes as she backed away.

Looking down at the black head against his chest, Golden Eagle knew only the great sense of relief soaring through him. There was hope after all. Surely, this was the work of the Great Spirit. Raising Wild-Flower’s trembling chin, he gazed into her tear-brimmed eyes. Gently, he wiped away the remaining tears.

Wild-Flower sniffed into the silence surrounding them. “I’m sorry, Golden Eagle. I do not mean to cause shame to you or your tribe. Please, do not be hurt or angry. I did not know what else to do. I thought it only right for you to know my feelings.”

Looking away, her fingers twisting together, she fretted. “I should not have said anything. If you tell Running Wolf or your father, I will be punished. I have acted rashly.” Wild-Flower shivered as if from the cold. “I will marry you as planned and be a good wife if you will not hold my actions against my tribe,” she whispered brokenly.

Golden Eagle smiled and laid a quieting finger over her lips, silencing her nervous chatter. “Look at me, Wild-Flower. Do you see the face of anger or hurt on this warrior?” He waited as Wild-Flower slowly lifted her eyes and took a good look at him.

“Wild-Flower is very brave to reveal her true feelings to this warrior. You are much braver than Golden Eagle. I too feel the trap of our fathers’ making. My heart also belongs to another. You and I were meant to take others as our mates.”

Searching the face above her, Wild-Flower saw the truth of his words. Golden Eagle’s eyes sparkled, his face so handsome Wild-Flower caught her breath. Nodding her head in agreement, she could only be honest as she admitted, “You are very wise, Golden Eagle. I am happy for you. However, the warrior I love does not yet know of my love for him. In fact—” she sighed sadly “—he does not even notice I exist But now, perhaps I can change that.”

Her eyes narrowed as she thought for a moment. “Soon,” Wild-Flower declared with confidence, “very soon, he will know of my love.”

Chuckling, Golden Eagle beheld her determination. “This warrior who has caught your eye must be blind not to notice your beauty. But what weapon does a poor warrior carry to fight a female in love?” he quipped, his lips twitching with humor.

Cocking her head to one side, Wild-Flower studied the warrior before her. “Or a helpless girl faced with a man’s love and strength,” she added. Her face lit up with relief and joy as she asked, “Is it true what I have heard, that you love your white captive?” She had let her naturally curious nature overstep the invisible boundaries laid down by custom.

Receiving his first spontaneous smile and listening to her laughter, Golden Eagle joined in, not in the least offended with her bluntness. “I think I am finally seeing and hearing the true spirit of Wild-Flower. You deserve to be thoroughly punished for your deceitfulness.”

Golden Eagle watched her face flush with guilt. Taking pity on her, he conceded, “Yes, I love Sarah. I wish to make Sarah my mate for my walk on
Maka.
It is meant to be. However,” he cautioned her, “our fathers will not release us from the arrangements just because each of us loves another. There is much at stake between our tribes. Pride and honor will be difficult to overcome. Do not do anything foolish.”

Frowning, Wild-Flower paced back and forth like a caged tiger. She stopped, a determined glint entering her eyes as she faced Golden Eagle and declared, “We must find a way. I will think of something.”

Shaking his head in wonder, as he had not quite adjusted to the transformation Wild-Flower had so suddenly undergone, Golden Eagle reminded her, “We have time. We will ask the Great Spirit to guide our respective fathers down his path. He will reveal his plan in good time. Meanwhile, now that we have been honest with each other, perhaps we can become friends?”

Wild-Flower smiled, nodding her agreement. “I would like that, Golden Eagle.” Turning, they made their way back toward the village. As they parted, Golden Eagle offered words of comfort. “Things will work out as they are meant to do. Do not worry for now.”

Wild-Flower stopped, an impish grin spreading across her young features. “You are right. Golden Eagle, but a little help can’t hurt.”

Golden Eagle watched Wild-Flower head toward his parents’ tipi with the look of a warrior who’d been struck by lightning. He tipped his head back and spoke to the heavens. “How could I have misjudged Wild-Flower so badly? How has she been able to fool me with her spiritless nature all this time? Have I perhaps seen only what I wished to see?” There were no answers forthcoming yet.

As the moon soared high, women and children retired to their tipis for the night. Hidden in shadows, Wild-Flower watched Red Fox leave the village. Chewing her lower lip, she wasn’t sure if she was brave enough to follow through with her plan. Squaring her shoulders, she made up her mind. She would do it.

Glancing about, she pinpointed her brother’s whereabouts and released her pent-up breath in relief as she found him deeply engrossed in conversation with a group of warriors.

Wild-Flower stealthily slipped away and faded into the darkness. He would never miss her. He would assume her to be bedded down in one of the tipis offered to her for her stay.

Wiping moist palms on her gaily decorated hide skirt, she was determined to get an answer tonight. She followed Red Fox, keeping a safe distance behind him. She didn’t know what she was going to do yet, but she had to find out if be was truly as indifferent to her as he seemed.

Staying in the shadows of the shrubs, she halted, so lost in thought she nearly revealed herself when Red Fox stopped at the water’s edge. She stood, waning to see what Red Fox was going to do. Then he suddenly stripped off his breechclout and waded into the murky water.

Covering her mouth with her hands, Wild-Flower was unable to tear her eyes away from his naked flesh. She had no idea he was coming to bathe. She clamped a hand over her heart, which was beating so fast she thought it would march off through her chest.

She came to her senses when Red Fox turned toward her, his bathing complete. Wild-Flower quietly backtracked a short distance.

Calculating her timing, giving him time to dry and dress, Wild-Flower casually strolled through the trees toward the water’s edge as if on an innocent walk.

She did not have to fake her surprised squeal when she caught sight of his sleek, wet, naked body stretching in the moonlight. Her face flushed with desire, and a longing to know the secrets of a man brought a surge of trembling weakness to her limbs.

When her eyes fell upon his sex, she quickly turned her back in an attempt to hide the raw need that suddenly engulfed her. She had gotten more than she had bargained for in her bold appraisal. What she’d seen of his naked body before he’d turned away from her far surpassed her wanton imagination.

Wild-Flower wasn’t the only one trying to regain composure. Red Fox cursed beneath his breath as he struggled with his breechclout.

Wet, but somewhat clothed, Red Fox walked over to Wild-Flower and roughly spun her around to face him. “What are you doing this far from the village, Wild-Flower? It is late. You should not be out, nor should you wander so far alone,” he rebuked her, his tone harsh due to his shock and extremely uncomfortable state.

All Wild-Flower’s hopes and dreams crumbled. Tears welled in her eyes. He’d never spoken to her so coldly before. She had her answer. Mortified, she turned to flee, humiliated and hurt beyond words. Blinded by tears, she tripped over a large rock jutting out in the darkness.

Too miserable to pick herself up, Wild-Flower couldn’t stop the tears from falling or the sobs that racked her slender form. Strong arms gently lifted her, but she kept her head averted as tears continued to roll down her cheeks. She found herself pulled into a sitting position and warm fingers slid beneath her quivering chin.

Red Fox swore into the night air as he held up his wet fingers. “This is all Golden Eagle’s doing. I will speak to him tonight. It is not right how he treats you. He has no right to make you so unhappy that you flee the safety of the village. You could have come to harm. He causes you shame with his behavior,” Red Fox spat.

Looking at Red Fox in confusion, Wild-Flower corrected the angry warrior. “Golden Eagle has nothing to do with my being here, Red Fox,” she said, her eyes wide and honest.

Drawing his thick brows together, Red Fox looked in confusion at Wild-Flower, her oval face staring at him with large sad eyes. “If not Golden Eagle, then what is the cause of these tears?” he demanded, softly stroking her damp face. “Is it Sarah? Did she say something to hurt you?” His nostrils flared with anger as his protective instincts surfaced.

Afraid Red Fox would act on his anger, Wild-Flower rose to her knees and clutched his bare shoulders. “No, Red Fox. I am happy for Sarah and Golden Eagle. They are in love. I am not in love with Golden Eagle,” she anxiously explained.

“Then why the tears?” Seeing her head lower, Red Fox stood, taking Wild-Flower with him as he again forced her to meet his gaze. “I will know the truth, Wild-Flower. Speak now,” Red Fox commanded, his heart beating faster with her confession that she did not love his friend.

Seeing no way out, but refusing to expose her wounds, Wild-Flower mumbled, “I too am in love. But the warrior I love does not return my feelings.” Closing her eyes in shame at her admission, she waited.

Red Fox flinched as if he’d been kicked in the stomach. He took a deep breath. “You love another? Who, Wild-Flower? I will know the name of this warrior,” he demanded angrily.

Refusing to meet his accusing glare, she shook her head.

Grabbing her arms, Red Fox yanked her close. “You will tell me now,” he thundered. Fear of an unknown rival brought jealousy to a rolling boil.

Wild-Flower’s eyes flew open. She opened her mouth to ask him to let her go but the look on his face stopped her. She fell against him and whispered, “It is you I love, Red Fox.”

The warrior staggered back, catching hold of Wild-Flower, who still clutched him. “Me?” His normally deep voice failed and came out as a high-pitched squeak. Swallowing hard, he whispered, “I am the man who does not return your love?” He stared at Wild-Flower. Groaning, he folded her into his strong embrace.

“Oh, foolish one,” he murmured against her smooth honey-brown neck. He held her head pressed against his heaving chest. “You are all I think about, dream about. I cannot get your lovely face out of my head,” Red Fox said with a sigh, closing his eyes.

He smiled sadly. “Thoughts of you are with me day and night. But you are promised to another. What I feel is not right. You should not be here with me.” His eyes opened as he set Wild-Flower away from him.