Lakota Flower Read online

  A shocked and worried War Eagle asked, “Will I be weakened and shamed by her?”

  Wind Dancer answered, “When Dewdrops related the evil talk to us in my tepee, she did not say how Two Feathers planned to defeat you. Caroline was afraid to deceive us, but Dewdrops told her it was not the time to reveal such feelings if they were true or false. Dewdrops held silent for she feared Father and Grandfather would view Caroline as a threat to your honor and rank, and might send her away by freeing her for her many good deeds.”

  So, War Eagle reasoned, that was what his cousin had meant by destroying him: he would be debased and rejected if he became the “dishonored captive of his captive.” He asked, “Did they want to free her?”

  “Father asked us if she should be freed, but Dewdrops spoke against it. She said Caroline would not be safe at the fort while her brother was gone and if he was slain in battle. After she told me all she had concealed at those two meetings, I believe she was wise to hold silent. Does love fill your heart for her?”

  War Eagle’s troubled gaze locked with his brother’s probing one. “Yes,” he admitted. “You also are wise, so what must I do?”

  “Be strong and brave and do not speak for her until the threat from her people is past. I had to battle many forces to win and keep Dewdrops, but my challenges were unlike yours. The same is true of our brother with Dawn, though he also carries the blood of a white-eye. It is different and harder with you, for you hold the ranks of Sacred Bow Carrier and the next chief if I am slain. Wahcawi has won the love and acceptance of our family and our people, but I do not know if all would accept her as the mate of the Red Shield chief, if that sun rises. Do you love and desire her enough to risk losing those ranks and honors?”

  War Eagle was compelled to respond, “Only a selfish and weak man would choose to please himself at such sacrifices. We are at war, so I must put the survival of my family, people, and land before my heart’s desire.”

  Wind Dancer smiled, clasped his brother’s wrist, and lightly squeezed it. He said, “You have spoken wise and true. Great pride and love fill me toward you, for such words and actions cause you much denial and pain. Do not forget, Wakantanka guided you to her, sent her to us, and has worked many good deeds through her. Perhaps He also created her for you. If that is true, wait for His sign to claim her.”

  “How will I know that sign?” War Eagle queried in rising hope.

  “Grandfather will help you see and grasp it, as he did with me.”

  “I will watch and wait,” War Eagle vowed, praying he could do so.

  “There are other things to speak of,” Wind Dancer said. “After we move to our new camp, we must choose another Sacred Bow Carrier to replace Two Feathers. Whom will you speak for to take that rank?”

  “Bent Bow, son of our war chief. He removed the stain from his face when he rode at our brother’s side three seasons past. He showed great courage and stamina when he did his second Sun Dance and our brother traveled that hard journey with him. He is a good choice and will bring honor to that rank as Raven and Talks Little did before our cousin stained it. The Sacred Bows of Broken Arrow, Swift Otter, and my own, have remained in our possessions for over four circles of the seasons, but the fourth has passed through the hands of three warriors during that same span of time. I pray Bent Bow will carry it for many circles of the seasons, as have we.”

  “I also will cast my vote for him to be tested for that rank. Come, let us return to camp.”

  * * *

  That night in Cloud Chaser’s tepee, Macha told Caroline what Chumani had related to her about the council meeting that afternoon, the details of what her husband and his companions had done and learned during their journey. Afterward, she revealed that War Eagle had been informed about his cousin’s treachery and death, and about Caroline’s role in the man’s defeat and how she and Red Wolf had been honored afterward.

  “What did he say about such news and events?”

  Macha replied, “I do not know, for Dewdrops did not tell me. Surely he is pleased that the woman he captured has done so many good deeds for us. My husband will be pleased with you when he returns. Two Feathers was evil and the Great Spirit punished him. That is how it should be.”

  “Will Cloud Chaser be angry I learned his secret and was forced to remind others of his birth by a white woman?”

  “No, if you promise never to tell other whites or the soldiers.”

  “I would not betray him to my people, if I ever see them again.”

  Macha knew about her husband’s meeting with Caroline’s brother. Since she and Chumani felt that War Eagle would want to share that happy news with their friend, she withheld that revelation. But there was another secret that troubled her, one she decided to expose tonight. She pulled a locket from beneath her garment and said, “This belonged to my husband’s mother. He gave it to me as a sign of his love and bond to me. Her name was Omaste, which means Sunshine, for her hair was the color of yours. She was a good and kind woman, an obedient and respectful captive. She was given to Rising Bear by a Cheyenne chief, so Rising Bear could not refuse to accept her. She was treated well and she came to accept us as her people.”

  “But she was never joined to Rising Bear, is that not true?”

  “Long ago when Rising Bear had only one son, Winona was stolen by our enemy, the Pawnee, and was lost of us for two circles of the seasons. Most believed her dead or gone forever. Rising Bear suffered much over her loss. Only one time did he turn to Omaste for comfort, and my husband came from that mating. Later, Winona escaped and returned to us. She forgave Rising Bear for his one weakness, as did our people. After Omaste died from winter in the chest, Winona cared for Cloud Chaser until he was lost to them at ten summers old and was raised by whites far away. After they died, he returned to us and we joined, for he had been told our band had been attacked and slain. Before his white parents died, he was told the truth of their false words. He has done many great deeds for us. He is much loved and respected by his father and our people.”

  “That is good, Dawn. I am happy for all of you.”

  “Cloud Chaser helped me learn some English,” Macha divulged while she had the courage, and saw Caroline stare at her. “I speak some, I hear and grasp more, but not as much as you do with our tongue. When you first came to us, my husband asked me not to reveal that secret to you so I could hear your words and learn if you could be trusted. You are my friend, so I tell you that truth this night.”

  “You speak English?” Caroline asked, dismayed and disappointed she had been deceived for so long and by someone she viewed as a good friend.

  “I speak a little English and know more. Forgive me for hiding that skill from you. I can no longer do so, for we are friends. Since I had kept it hidden for so long, I feared to tell you, for I feared it would hurt you and cause you to believe Cloud Chaser and I cannot be trusted. That is not true. We are your friends. Now, you know all things about us. If you cannot forgive us, I will ask my husband to let you go live with Dewdrops.”

  Macha’s expression, tone, and words touched Caroline deeply. She smiled and said, “I forgive you, Dawn. You have proven your friendship and trust by telling me the truth. We will remain friends.”

  “That is good, Wahcawi, and fills my heart with joy.”

  “As it does mine, Dawn. Tell me, how did Cloud Chaser win you and his people’s love and acceptance since he also carries enemy blood?”

  “You ask because of your feelings for War Eagle?”

  “Yes, for he steals my eye and heart more each sun. Is that bad?”

  “I do not know. I believe War Eagle sees you as a friend and ally to us, but I do not know what other feelings live in his heart and mind for you.”

  “If he shares the same feelings, could we ever … I mean, is it forbidden or dishonorable for us to … to become close?”

  Macha did not need an explanation to grasp the meaning of Caroline’s last word. “In my heart, it is not, but I cannot speak for him or
others. If War Eagle were not Rising Bear’s son, second in line to become chief, and a war were not coming fast between our peoples, it might be possible to become mates. But such things are true and stand tall between you.”

  “Does War Eagle’s being second in line mean Cloud Chaser could never become chief because of his mixed blood?”

  “Yes, for that is our way and law. Only one who carries Oglala and Red Shield blood can lead our people.”

  Caroline deduced that if the chief’s beloved and esteemed second son would be denied that rank due to his mixed heritage, surely her full-blooded white lineage would prevent her from marrying the man second in line to assume the leader’s place if anything happened to Wind Dancer. Since it was possible for Wind Dancer to be slain during the impending battle, War Eagle would never—in her opinion—take the risk of having the chief’s line lost to his family. Too, he was a Sacred Bow Carrier, one of the most important and elite warrior ranks in the band, in the Oglala tribe itself. Surely he would do nothing to stain his face when a great challenge loomed ahead for him.

  “It makes you sad to think you can only be friends with him?”

  “Yes, Dawn, it makes me very sad. But I will do nothing to injure War Eagle in any way. I will not attempt to ensnare and dishonor him. If we are destined to become more than friends, the Great Spirit will show us.”

  “That is true, for He did so with me and Cloud Chaser, and with Wind Dancer and Dewdrops, and with Rising Bear and Winona. Perhaps the Creator will bind you and War Eagle together one sun.”

  “Perhaps, but I doubt it. Too much stands between us.” Caroline took a deep breath and said, “Let us speak of happy things. Tell me about your adventures with Cloud Chaser before you joined to him.”

  As Macha began to relate their feats of last summer, War Eagle slipped away from his vulnerable location near the tepee. He was lucky not to have been caught listening to the two women talk. He had been unable to resist the urge to hear Caroline’s voice, as he had gotten only a glimpse of her since his return. He wanted to see and speak with her, but he had decided that to approach her too soon could arouse suspicions of his deep feelings toward her.

  Following the long council meeting and his talk with Wind Dancer, he had visited with Red Wolf in his parents’ dwelling and they had eaten the evening meal there. Afterward, he and Red Wolf had left the family tepee to camp beneath a large tree near the river so they could speak privately.

  * * *

  Now as the two sat near a small campfire and beneath a waning full moon, Red Wolf asked, “Do you want me to take Wahcawi to my camp on the next sun? Will it not be dangerous if a white woman is found in yours when War Chief Harney rides across your land seeking his enemies? She has done many good deeds for your people, so she will be safe with mine.”

  War Eagle related how he had attempted to take Caroline to Red Wolf’s mother many weeks past, but the Great Spirit had sent a sacred sign that told him not to do so. “Grandfather believes she was sent to us to help us, and she has done so many times. If I had not turned back from taking her to Sparrow, my second brother and Dewdrops would be dead soon. I do not know if her work among us is finished, so I must not send her away until the Great Spirit says that sun has risen. If the white war chief finds our new camp, we will hide Wahcawi from his eyes, as lookouts will watch for him.”

  “There is more to wanting her to stay nearby, is that not so?”

  “Do my voice and looks reveal such things to you, my friend?”

  “You kept them hidden until I asked to take her away. Your voice and gaze looked troubled and sad as you spoke. She means much to you?”

  “I fear that is true, but no bond can be made between us.”

  Red Wolf asked, “Why is that so? Your second brother is part white, but he joined to a Red Shield.”

  War Eagle related the obstacles between them. “It is different for me and Caroline. Cloud Chaser can never become our chief, so he was allowed to join with Dawn. I cannot endanger my rank when war approaches.”

  “The Great Spirit guided you, not another, to Wahcawi. Perhaps He did so because He chose her for your mate. Perhaps that is why He uses her in many good ways, to evoke your people’s love, respect, and acceptance. That is how the Fire Hearts feel about my mother.”

  “Cheyenne laws and customs are different from the Red Shields’. If I were only a band member and warrior, I could lay claim to her. I am more, so I cannot act selfishly and cause harm to my face, family, and people.”

  Red Wolf realized his friend was caught in a strong snare, just as he was. He was convinced there was no way Chief Rising Bear would allow him, “a half-breed,” to join to his only daughter who had stolen his eye and heart many years ago. To permit a union between him and Hanmani and between War Eagle and Caroline would mean that two of his children were bonded with a white and a half white, while a third carried enemy blood himself. Surely Rising Bear and the Red Shields would think that was too much vehoe ma-e mingling with their chief’s Oglala bloodline. As with War Eagle and his secret love, “… no bond can be made between” him and Hanmani. As he had done for years, Red Wolf concluded, he must keep his feelings hidden, even from his friend.

  “What deep thoughts fill your mind?” War Eagle asked.

  “That love is sometimes a hard, painful, and perilous path to walk when forces work against a victory in that journey.”

  “That is true, my friend, and I hope you never have to travel it as I do.”

  “What will be your next step?” Red Wolf asked, for I can take none. “Do you halt and wait, turn back, or continue onward with caution?”

  “Since I know the coup that lies ahead, I will stand my ground and pray for the Great Spirit’s guidance, help, and protection.”

  “That is wise and brave and generous. Do not leave your battlefield until defeat is certain. May the Great Spirit answer your prayer soon.”

  War Eagle nodded his gratitude, then spoke of other matters. “Will the Fire Hearts and other Cheyenne join the war against the bluecoats?”

  “I do not know. We will choose our path after the white war chief chooses his. If he challenges us, we will fight him.”

  “As will the Red Shields and most Lakotas,” War Eagle responded before they continued their talk on that serious possibility.

  After the morning meal, Red Wolf said farewell to his friend and allies before he mounted and headed for home to relate all he had learned there.

  As soon as he was gone and while others were busy with preparations to strike camp, and a few small parties left in search of fresh game or to scout the surrounding area, War Eagle sat on a rush mat near the entrance to his family’s tepee and worked on his weapons, restringing his hunting bow and sharpening his knife and making new arrows. He wanted to be within sight of Cloud Chaser’s tepee so he would know when, or if, Caroline left it and went into the forest alone…

  Caroline peered outside and saw War Eagle laboring before Rising Bear’s tepee, the autumn sun shining on his dark hair. Muscles bulged in his arms and shoulders as he secured a new string on his daily bow. His skin looked smooth and firm, and her fingers yearned to stroke it. It would be so enjoyable to sit next to him and talk and laugh together. It would be blissful to experience his touch and kisses. So close, my love; and yet, so far away from my reach. If only we could court and marry, I would be happy.

  Macha whispered from behind her, “Go into the forest to gather wood and see if he follows to speak with you away from the eyes and ears of others. Put on the garment Hanmani gave you, and your moccasins.”

  Caroline turned, looked at her, and asked, “Should I do so?”

  Macha grinned and said, “Yes, for you must learn of his feelings.”

  “What if they do not match mine?”

  “Cross that deep stream only if you approach it. Change and go.”

  “What will others think and say if I dress as one of you?”

  Macha laughed softly and teased, “If they did not w
ant you to do so, they would not have given you such gifts at your honoring ceremony.”

  She smiled and said, “You are wise and kind. I will obey.”

  War Eagle joined Caroline as she gathered wood in the forest, assured no one was close enough to see or hear them. “Hau, Wahcawi,” he greeted her, then watched her straighten and turn toward him.

  “Hau, Wanbli,” she responded, aware he had used her Indian name. “I am glad you returned safe, for it makes your family and people happy. It will be good when Cloud Chaser returns to his wife and son, for Dawn loves and misses him much. I am sorry you brought bad news about the Brules and General Harney. My people are wrong to do such evil acts.”

  “It is good to be here, and soon my second brother will join us. Father and Wind Dancer told me of your brave and generous deed while I was gone. I am happy they honored you and Red Wolf. Surely the Great Spirit guided me to you. Do you also believe He sent you to us?”

  Caroline selected her response with care. “I believe the Creator often works in strange ways to help and bless His people. I am honored and awed He chose me as His tool for good use. I also am honored and pleased your people trusted me and thanked me with gifts, a Red Shield name, and their friendship.”

  “It is good you can be called a friend and you call us friends.”

  “I can do so with all except Runs Fast. He blames me for his son’s defeat and death, though Pretty Meadow does not seem to hate me.”

  “After his heart heals and his mind clears, he will not feel that way. I bring you a gift of thanks,” he hinted and watched her reaction of surprise. “I bring you words of your brother.”

  “David? You saw him? Is he alive and safe?” she asked in haste.

  “My eyes looked upon him from far away. He rode with the white war chief at Blue Water Creek during the battle with the Brules.”

  Caroline’s heart pounded in dread and dismay. “How did you know it was David? Did he … Did he battle them?” she asked in reluctance.