Tender Ecstasy Page 19

  White Elk laughed sardonically. He signalled to his small band and they rode a short way from camp.

  “Why did you not hand Rebecca over to him and prevent this battle? You say she must leave. Why did you not use her to keep peace?” Bright Arrow asked his father.

  “Rebecca is not the center of this conflict, Bright Arrow. She is only an excuse for White Elk to use for a challenge. The evil within his heart is clear. He wishes to slay us both. He wants to rule the Oglala. He also desires to possess your mother.”

  “My mother!” he echoed in astonishment.

  “Many times. I have seen the way both Standing Bear and White Elk have watched her. Their eyes glowed with manly desire. But moments ago, he studied her more closely than the man he was about to challenge! This is not good. Greed and lust make a man a deadly enemy. He also seeks power and fame. This, too, is dangerous. If I had turned Rebecca over to him, it would not have ended there. He would have taunted you until you were forced to battle him. He is cunning, my son. He knows what your death would do to my spirit and senses. To melt before him and to give Rebecca to him would appear cowardly. Both you and your mother like this girl. Soon, Shalee will have need of her. To send her away now would make others think we fear to keep her. This cannot be. Rebecca remains in our tepee,” he calmly announced.

  “I can keep her?” he exclaimed in surprise, brows lifted inquisitively.

  “I will not reveal weakness by sending her away. She must-remain here to prove we buckle to no man! We must prepare ourselves for this battle.”

  The two men entered their tepee. Gray Eagle’s eyes fused with those of his wife, while Bright Arrow’s happily engulfed those of the baffled Rebecca. As Bright Arrow went to Rebecca to communicate this second reprieve to her, Gray Eagle gingerly approached his quiescent wife.

  “You heard?” he asked in a strained tone.

  “Yes,” she quietly replied. “Can our son beat him?” she softly inquired, anxiety written in her eyes, past troubles dulled in the light of newer and deadlier ones.

  Gray Eagle sighed heavily and looked away from her gaze. “White Elk is strong and crafty. But he is consumed by envy and evil. Such will take some of his strength and cunning. Bright Arrow must keep his head clear and calm. He fights for his honor and the girl. I said she could remain here. I thought it best to remove any shadow upon his mind.”

  “Is that wise, my husband? Your hatred of her will deny peace and laughter in our tepee. Her presence hinders your love and touch. I do not wish to live this way,” she cautiously whispered.

  “Would that I did not know the truth about her, Shalee. Perhaps in time my mind will learn to ignore it,” he stated in a tight voice, for her ears alone. “You were right. I cannot make her suffer for the deeds of her father. Still, I cannot help but see him within her. I can no more change my warring heart or the past than she can change her skin color. Your forgiveness of my anger and cruelty will help me accept her here. It was wrong to vent my anger upon you. My honor is stained by my loss of temper.”

  Tears glimmered within her softened eyes, for she knew how much love and strength it took for him to say and do this. She reached up to caress his taut jawline with the back of her hand. I love you with all my heart, Wanmdi Hota. Nothing and no one can ever change that. We both spoke in anger. We have both been bruised and punished. We must encourage our first son. I could not bear to lose him. But if the Great Spirit…

  He silenced her with a finger to her lips. “Do not speak or think such thoughts, my love. He cannot die…”

  She gently seized his hand and moved it away from her mouth. “I must speak what is in my heart. If he loses and you must battle White Elk next, remember how much I need and love you. Remember I now carry another child who will also need his father’s love and protection. I could not live without you.”

  He pulled her into his arms and hugged her possessively. “You are my very heart, Shalee. I will do all within my power to walk the face of Mother Earth once this evil has passed. I must live to see the face of our new child. I love you, Grass Eyes,” he huskily murmured.

  She sighed contentedly. It felt so good to feel his unbound love and warmth once more. The gusts of hatred and revenge had wreaked havoc within the man she loved. But now, the maelstrom was over; those perilous winds had calmed. Once more, he was hers. She raised her lips to his. Neither cared who saw them this time. The kiss was lengthy and deep. He covered her face with many others, then embraced her fiercely.

  Bright Arrow called out to his parents, “The time has come. I must speak words you will not wish to hear.”

  Arms around each other, they turned to face their son. He must be allowed to speak his tormenting words. “If I do not survive this challenge, you must end this evil which Standing Bear began, my father. I am honored to be the son of Wanmdi Hota and Shalee. Soon, you will have another child. Remember him when you avenge me. I also ask for you to take care of Rebecca. Do not blame her for this battle or my death. Perhaps I have dishonored and displeased the Great Spirit by taking her to my mat and heart. Even so, the happiness she has given me makes this challenge endurable. If Wi and Hunwi could call back their paths across the sky seven times, I would still take her. If this deed must claim my life, then I mourn for what I could not help or change. Forgive me, for I love her.”

  His news was heart rending, but not unexpected. Shalee squeezed Gray Eagle’s hand to offer her sympathy and encouragement. She looked up at him. A look of sad resignation and disappointment filled his midnight eyes. Pride and joy filled her as she listened to his words.

  “Many times we do not understand the ways and thoughts of the Great Spirit. If He has placed love for this white girl within your heart and body, I cannot remove it. It grieves me to hear and see such a deed, but I must accept it. If you wish to know her touch again, my son, then you must use every skill and instinct you possess. You must think of nothing and no one but victory and honor. If it must be, I will avenge your death. There is Shalee and another child to think upon. Yet, my first son owns my life and honor this day. Come, the time is near.”

  Disregarding their eyes and presence, Bright Arrow pulled Rebecca to her feet. He embraced her and kissed her. He looked deeply and longingly into her entreating eyes, perhaps saying farewell for all time. He smiled, then went to his parents. He hugged his mother and kissed her cheek.

  “Pray for all of us, Mother. I love you. I am proud to be your son. Forgive what I must do and have done.”

  “I do not worry, Bright Arrow. You have the shadows of both Wanmdi Hota and the Great Spirit over you. You are your father’s son. You cannot be defeated by evil. Know this as I do. The blood and courage of Wanmdi Hota flows within you. This will aid your victory. I will remain with Rebecca until you return for her,” she stated confidently. “You will live long and happily. You will lead the Oglala after your father. You will one day become the great leader he is now. You will profit from his courage. He is all a man and a warrior should be. You will follow in his steps. This I know with all my heart. The Great Spirit sees and knows all. He will guide your hand this day. When the moment comes, He will divinely resolve this deed. He will reveal the truth for all to see.”

  Bright Arrow beamed. She had said the things which he needed to hear. He was ready to meet this new challenge. He hugged her once more, then turned to his father. “I will use all I have learned from you, my father. Evil must not triumph over good. Yet, the Great Spirit might have some unknown purpose for my sacrifice. I do not fear death, only dishonor. I will accept what must be.” He stood proud before them, exuding confidence.

  “All your mother said is true and wise, my son. It is not the time for your feet to travel the path to the Great Spirit. Be alert and quick. Do not drop your guard for a single moment. Beware of any crafty tricks. White Elk might seek to disarm you with taunts and mockery. Close your ears to such deceit. Your skill, courage and resolve will diminish his own. You not only fight for your life and honor, but also thos
e of your family and people. You are destined to lead the Oglala. Let nothing prevent this. I will watch my son prove he is guarded by Wakantanka.”

  They embraced. The drumming began. Bright Arrow’s gaze sought his mother’s first, then Rebecca’s. The significance of what was taking place transcended their language barrier. Rebecca ran into his arms. What did she care who saw her display of love and worry?

  “Be careful, Bright Arrow. I love you and I could not bear to see you die. May God forgive me if I am to blame for this trouble. I would willingly die if it would spare your life. Your laws and ways are confusing to me. Yet, I know your honor is at stake here. God protect you, my love, for never have I known a man such as you.”

  Rebecca confronted Gray Eagle. Her inability to comprehensively converse with him angered and frustrated her. “Why can’t you stop this? If they demand my life in payment for the other brave, then give it to them. It is not worth the sacrifice of Bright Arrow’s. I am only a white slave, but he is a great warrior. He is your son. Stop him! Stop this fight! He must not die for me. I love him. If only I could make you understand, Gray Eagle…”

  The intense love she felt for Bright Arrow was clear to each of them. She would honestly exchange her life for his! She truly loved him! She cried out to the dauntless chief, “Many of you have been kind and gentle with me. I know this. I have tried to show how grateful I am by obeying you and by holding my tongue and resentment. Do not allow him to fight for me again. I have seen the sadness I have brought into this tepee. Send me away now. Spare his life and return the joy and peace which I have innocently taken from each of you. I was lucky to be captured by him and to live in your tepee. But I am bad for him. I only cause pain and trouble here. Hand me over to them. You must!”

  Gray Eagle actually smiled at Rebecca. Her selflessness touched him deeply. She was like Koda Joe, not that evil scout. He stroked her cheek ever so lightly. “Hiya,” he stated in a calm tone. “Rebecca hiya ya. Rebecca Bright Arrow winyan.”

  Rebecca gaped at him. “You want me to stay here with him? I can remain his slave?” she asked skeptically, fearing to trust her ears.

  Since she had spoken in English, he could not reply. But when she made these questions known in Oglala, he nodded. Elated and mystified, she spontaneously hugged him. “Thank you. But I still cannot be responsible for his death. I love him.”

  Shalee pulled her away from the two men. She smiled at her. “Hiya wohdake. Hehoka Ska ki-ci-e-conape. Rebecca koda. Rebecca yanka.” Shalee nodded for the two men of her heart and life to depart. They smiled and left to face their unknown fates, each appealing to Wakantanka for guidance and survival.

  Shalee repeated her soft command for Rebecca to sit down beside her, “Yanka, Rebecca Kenny. Wakantanka wayaketo. Kokipi sni. Rebecca koda. Rebecca tipi,” she declared, hoping Rebecca would comprehend her encouragement and offer of permanent truce.

  The two women anxiously waited for the hopeful return of their men. An aura of consternation and trepidation filled the seemingly airless tepee. Each knew what this day could cost them. Rebecca prayed to God to spare the life of both men. Shalee prayed to the Great Spirit who was God with an Indian name.

  To ease their tensions and to make time pass swifter, Shalee tried to communicate her joyous condition to Rebecca. Through a series of signs, drawings, and words, Rebecca finally grasped what this woman was telling her. “A baby! You’re expecting a baby. How wonderful, Shalee. Such a special gift. I will do all I can to help you. You must not work so hard or risk injury. Do not worry, for I will take care of you and the chores. Another child…” she murmured wistfully, wondering what it would be like to carry the child of the man you loved, to gaze into its face and see both you and him represented there, to be joined forever in the body of another person.

  “I wish I had a brother or a sister. My mother lost her first…” Rebecca nervously began, but was silenced by the threat of death which was sounding loudly outside this tepee, ever increasing its volume and speed.

  The eerie drumming abruptly halted, and so did her anxious chatter. The steady, vibrant voice of a man spoke up. No doubt it was the ceremonial chief telling of the challenge. Rebecca tensed and trembled. “Please don’t let him die,” she prayed softly.

  When the noises of the deadly battle could no longer be ignored, both women rushed forward to peer through a slit in the flap. The fight was ominous, for the two men appeared evenly matched in strength and skill. Horrified, the two women helplessly witnessed this bloody duel, which could swing in either man’s favor at any moment. Each lunge artfully parried was quickly followed by another, even bolder, one. The terrifying battle went on and on…

  The still air was abruptly filled with the clattering of many horses’ hooves. Another party of Cheyenne warriors rode into camp. Shalee stiffened. Had they come to war upon them? What should she do? Should she attempt to flee into the protective cover of the cool forest. What imminent danger did they represent to her, her family, the Oglala, her unborn child?

  An angry shout was heard above all other sounds. Her terrified gaze flew to the lined, coppery visage of the Cheyenne chief. His face was not stoic. It was suffused with vivid rage. He called out sharply to White Elk, “Cease this disgrace upon yourself and your people! You dare to earn the rank of chief by claiming the life of Bright Arrow and Wanmdi Hota! Falling Tree has told me of your rash plans. You will not bring war. between the Oglala and Cheyenne with your greed and lust. You are no longer a Cheyenne! We are shamed by your unforgivable actions. Leave this camp and that of the Cheyenne. Forget this foolish deed. Forget your lust for Princess Shalee. Beg the Great Spirit for his forgiveness and to halt your madness.”

  The air was strangely motionless and silent as the old chief related these facts for all to hear. Gradually, angry murmurings against White Elk could be heard. Hostility permeated the windless area where the battle to death had ceased only moments earlier. “No! Bright Arrow must die! You are old, Silver Star. Too old to lead the Cheyenne against their enemies. I claim the rank of chief. Who will side with me?” he brazenly encouraged treason in the speechless warriors, those with him and with Silver Star.

  White Elk raised his arms skyward, then loudly asserted, “Hear me, Cheyenne! Silver Star is old. He has grown soft and weak. He sits in his tepee while I plan and ride for him. We have no need of a chief with cloudy vision, a weakened body, and a dead spirit. His courage is gone. He is like a woman now. How say you, Cheyenne?”

  A loud, ominous swish sang through the oppressive air. A heavy thud registered in the minds of everyone present. White Elk whirled and glared at the self-assured warrior sitting astride a ghostly white stallion beside Silver Star; Flaming Bow was wearing the wanapin of Silver Star, symbol of successor.

  Flaming Bow called out to him, “You challenge for what I already possess, White Elk. Silver Star has chosen me the next chief. I desire peace with my brothers the Oglala. I have ridden with Bright Arrow many times. He is a man of honor and courage. You are not. This day, the Great Spirit will judge your treachery. All Cheyenne who side with White Elk step forward and share his fate. All who side with me, place your arrow within his traitorous body,” came the new chief’s verdict.

  A look of sheer terror filled the wounded warrior’s face. “You cannot do this, Flaming Bow,” he cried out, a note of pleading in his voice. Searing pain was evident within his eyes. A stream of scarlet liquid eased down his cinnamon back and soaked into his tanned breeches. “I will lead the Cheyenne, not you!”

  White Elk’s fear and pleas instilled disgust and hardness within the hearts of even his own followers who had been craftily deceived into this perilous situation. Before he could speak again, his body was assaulted by countless Cheyenne arrows. He spun and fell beneath their forceful impact, and screamed as they pierced his vital organs.

  Flaming Bow urged his albino horse forward. He paused before Bright Arrow. The Chief met the warrior’s steady gaze and declared, “I have no battle with the son of
Wanmdi Hota or the Oglala. Standing Bear and White Elk have paid for their deeds. I say we forget this matter. What do you say, Bright Arrow?” he inquired.

  “I say the matter is settled. I say the Cheyenne have another great chief, one who is brave and noble, one who is wise and cunning. I say to Silver Star, there is no dishonor in growing old. This is a part of each warrior’s life-circle. You have led your people well. It is not the Indian way to take away honor which has been earned or given to a man by the Great Spirit. You have earned the right to live out your days in happiness and safety. These are the words of Bright Arrow to his friends, Silver Star and Flaming Bow.” A smile relaxed Flaming Bow’s serious expression.

  “As with your father, you will make a great and wise chief one day. It is good, Bright Arrow, my friend.” His tone vibrated with intense concern, as he focused his eyes and words upon Gray Eagle. “Today, there are grave matters which concern both the Cheyenne and the Oglala. We must rest, then talk.”

  “You are welcome in our camp. Deer-Stalker will show you where to rest. Then we will eat and talk,” Gray Eagle cordially replied.

  A sinewy brave stepped forward to lead the Cheyenne warriors to a tepee for visitors. Gray Eagle ordered water sent to them for washing and drinking. They headed back to their tepee. Upon entering, Shalee rushed forward to greet them. Rebecca timidly and wisely waited for Bright Arrow to approach her. When he did, she could not contain her joy and relief. This time, even Gray Eagle lacked any visible resentment toward her romantic overtures to his son.

  When Flaming Bow and Silver Star came to join them for the late meal and to talk, he smiled mischievously and jovially teased, “I can see why Standing Bear and White Elk desired the woman of Gray Eagle, also the white captive. Both are very beautiful. The Great Spirit has smiled upon Wanmdi Hota.”

  Gray Eagle grinned cheerfully and replied, “Soon He will smile upon us again, for Shalee now carries another child.” His pride and joy were apparent to all present. Shalee sent him a radiant smile which declared her love for him.