Lakota Winds (Zebra Historical Romance) Page 8

  He looked down at her and, though aroused by the sight of her naked body and almost aching to possess it, said, "There is no need to rush."

  "There is no need to move slowly. Do as you must to seal our joining bond, just as you smoked the pipe to seal the alliance bond with my hand.,,

  "Such matters must not be done in haste. First, we must talk more."

  "There is no need for words when such a task must be done."

  Wind Dancer could not suppress a grin at her own words, but as suspicions soon filled him that she had not enjoyed her nights with her first husband. Perhaps Dull Star had never given her pleasure on the sleeping mat; perhaps the foolish man had been neither gentle nor generous with her.

  "It is unwise and unkind to laugh at another in pain."

  "Why does it pain you to become my wife? Am I not worthy of you?"

  "I did not wish to join with you and leave my people. I will do my duty, but it brings sadness to my heart."

  "I will do my duty soon, but our tepee will be a happier place if we become friends first. To do so, we must learn much about each other."

  "What more do you desire to know about me?"

  "All things," he responded as he held a blanket out to her.

  Chumani wrapped it around her. "Why does a great warrior, a future chief, like Waci Tate choose a woman he does not know?"

  "I did not choose Dewdrops to become my wife," he reminded her. "The Great Spirit chose you. If we are to love each other, He will put such feelings in our hearts. If not, we must find our happiness in obeying His command, for He knows all things and has a purpose for our union. Since you had a mate and child in the past, you know how to tend a tepee and do a woman's work. But you also possess warrior-hunter skills, so I will not fear for your safety or that of our childrens' when I am away from camp. I know it is hard for you to leave your family and people, but you will see them again soon. Sleep, Dewdrops, for on the new sun we will return to your camp, gather our possessions and my family, and ride for my camp. After we have come to know each other and have become friends, we will become mates."

  "Your words are wise and your heart is kind. It will be as you say."

  "That is good, mitawin, for we must have trust and acceptance between us to face the dangers and challenges which loom ahead for us.

  After Wind Dancer was lying beside her and they were covered by a warming hide, Chumani listened to the pops and crackles as new wood caught fire and feasted in delight. She heard nocturnal birds, creatures, and insects as they foraged and spoke with their mates, or warned rivals away from their territories. A shiver passed over her, as if she were lying naked in the snow; yet, her flesh itched as if she were staked over an anthill. The nights were still chilly and the wind was brisk that moon, and she was enclosed naked in a blanket, so she tried to blame those conditions for her sensations, though she knew they were not at fault. Her heart and body had warmed when Wind Dancer gave her the blanket, gave her a mating reprieve, and called her, "my wife."

  Chumani admitted to herself she was a little disappointed that he did not lay full claim to her, as doing so would answer many of the questions about him, their new life, and the contradictory emotions which troubled her. She got little sleep, too aware of the temptation nearby and the numerous uncertainties in her future.

  As was the custom, Wind Dancer sought a private place at the river for his morning ritual of bathing and greeting the Great Spirit. Clad only in his moccasins and breechclout, he stood straight and still as he faced the rising sun and mutely prayed to the Creator of all things. He gave thanks for his blessings and asked for guidance and protection in the days to come. He closed his eyes for a moment as he ended the holy communication, then took a deep breath of invigorating air and knelt to finish his daily task.

  As he splashed water upon his face and torso, he noticed the flecks and small nuggets on the shallow river's bottom which glittered like the golden sun. He knew he could pull up clumps of grass which edged its banks and find the same shiny mazaska zi clinging to their roots. He also knew the white man would trade his very soul to collect them and would encroach on this sacred site at any price of warfare to lay claim to it. So did other bands and tribes, and all had agreed not to reveal its presence in the sacred Papa Sapa or to use it for trade with the wasicun. Yet, somehow and some day, he recalled with a resentful heart, the enemy would make that discovery and a fierce war would ensue, for his grandfather had seen it happen in a vision long ago; and Nahemana had never been wrong.

  The Oglala warrior heard the splashing of water beyond a section of dense bushes on the bank where the river curved behind them and did not have to be told his wife was there bathing. As he closed his eyes again and summoned her image to his mind, his loins sprang to life with desire for her. He warned himself he must learn to control his urges or they would consume him and he would seek her out on the sleeping mat before she was ready to reach out to him. Patience was a virtue and he must practice it, no matter how hard or how long his quest for her required.

  Chumani bathed in a hurry, as the water was still chilly even if winter was past and the snow was gone. The sky was blue and almost clear of white clouds. The winds from all directions were calm, and the day was warm, warmer than it normally was for this time of the rebirth season. Mother Earth had renewed her face. The grass and trees were green. Flowers had bloomed. Nature had called out the the birds, animals, and insects who were busy with the mating and reproducing season. Perhaps, she mused, that was the reason behind her discontent; no, her yearnings. Female urges and instincts buried within her were straining to burst forth when she must hold them captive. Since she was so well trained and well practiced in deceit and self-control, surely she could dupe Wind Dancer about her feelings. If not, how would that influence her future?

  Chumani could not answer with accuracy, so she pushed those thoughts aside to return to their campfire.

  After sharing embraces and final words with her loved ones and people, Chumani mounted to leave with her new family and to take the next step along the path of her new destiny. The gifts had been loaded upon two of the horses Wind Dancer had brought to her father, who had given them to her to transport her possessions to the Red Shield camp and to the grasslands for their summer encampment there. She had warmed when Wind Dancer had smiled and thanked Tall Elk for his generosity, and had thanked her people for theirs. She recalled she had told her mother during a private moment together upon their return, that Wind Dancer was a good and kind man and a great warrior, that the Great Spirit chose well for her. She had said those things to give her mother joy and comfort; in her deepest heart, she hoped they were true.

  Their farewells finished, the couple departed with the other four Oglala men riding slightly ahead of them and with Cetan flying high overhead, his keen eyes on the strange sight below him.

  As they journeyed in silence, Chumani thought about her best friend who had not returned before she had to leave, so Wind Dancer had not met Zitkala. She could not help but wonder if her husband would like and respect her best friend in spite of her masculine demeanor. She knew that even if she had been away with Zitkala instead of in camp tending her ill mother when Wind Dancer arrived, he would have awaited her return to claim and take her away. Despite her doubts, she knew the inter-tribal alliance was necessary. She could not help but feel proud to be the one chosen to seal it and to be a part of the sacred visionquest. No matter her uncertainties in many areas, she must not do anything to dishonor her parents, people, and herself; she must make the best of this challenge and sacrifice.

  Besides, Chumani told herself as she stole a glance of him, Wind Dancer was being understanding and patient. Still, she worried that his behavior might be nothing more than trick or a gentle ploy until he got her away from her loved ones and under his control. Perhaps, she fretted, his heart belonged to another woman whom he had been compelled to sacrifice in order to obey the sacred vision. Or perhaps he did not find her desirable, and mating with
her would be a chore for him. Maybe that was the true reason why he was delaying their physical bonding. Do not think suchfoolish thoughts, she chastened herself. You are smart, brave, and strong. The Great Spirit chose you for an important task, so He will guide and protect you.

  When dusk approached, the small group halted to camp. As was the custom, while the men tended the horses and talked, Chumani gathered wood, built a fire, and fetched fresh water from the nearby river. As she waited for the men to eat before she consumed her own meal and put everything away for the night, she listened to their talk and observed their actions.

  "It is good the Great Spirit chose Dewdrops to become the wife of my son," the chief said. "He has told me of your courage and skills in the forest with the Crow. My heart is proud to look upon you and to call you my new daughter. You will be a good sister for Hanmani and War Eagle."

  Chumani was touched by his comments, but surprised that Wind Dancer had exposed their past meeting to his family. "Your words are kind, Rising Bear, and I thank you for them. I will do my best to be a good wife, daughter, and sister to my new family." She looked at War Eagle as he spoke. At seventeen winters he was a handsome and virile male and a skilled warrior, who had great pride in his family and older brother.

  "You will have a place of great honor in our camp and upon our tribal buffalo hide. Our people and my family will rejoice at your coming, and sing happy songs that my brother has finally taken another mate. He will become a great chief as our father is. It is good to have you in our family."

  "Your words are also kind, War Eagle, and I thank you for them."

  "All he said is true, Dewdrops," Nahemana concurred with his young grandson. "Your coming was foretold in my sacred vision and soon you will ride a glorious trail with Wind Dancer to save our two peoples and lands."

  "I pray I am worthy of that challenge, Wise One, and I will not fail in my duty to the Great Spirit, my husband, and our peoples."

  Red Feather grinned. "Do not worry, Dewdrops, for my best friend has seen your skills and courage and has boasted they are a match for any warrior's. I pray to be chosen to journey with you two on the exciting task ahead."

  "As do I," War Eagle added to Red Feather's remarks.

  "When will the Great Spirit reveal what that task will be, Wise One," Chumani asked the shaman, "and when we will depart to begin it?"

  "Soon, Dewdrops," Nahemana told her, "for the signs I saw in the vision are close to those which cover the face of Mother Earth this sun."

  "Will the hawk who lives and travels with Dewdrops be a part of the sacred quest, Grandfather?" War Eagle asked.

  "I do not know, but a hawk was in the visions and Wind Dancer was told to paint one upon a new shield to carry."

  After Red Feather questioned her about Cetan, Chumani answered him with the same details she had revealed to her husband last night. She glanced at the large bird who was perched in a pine tree nearby, smiled, and finished with, "He is my friend and he will obey any commands Wakantanka gives him."

  "We have far to ride on the new sun, so you must eat before we rest."

  Chumani did as Wind Dancer suggested while the men continued their talk about past battles with the Crow, then put away the remaining food and added more wood to the lowered flames. When she returned from excusing herself in bushes cloaked in shadows, she took her place beside her husband upon their sleeping mat. Her feelings were mixed when Wind Dancer cuddled up to her from behind, arranged a blanket over her shoulders, and allowed his arm to rest over her waist. Between the cover, his body heat, and her reaction to contact with him, she was warm and cozy in many ways. Yet, she was tense from suppressed desire and from wondering if his gentle behavior was genuine or only a pretense before his family to dupe them about their relationship being a happy one. She prayed another sleepless night would not follow the previous one, and to her delight, it did not.

  The five men and one woman approached the Red Shield camp late the following afternoon.

  Chumani's heart began to drum within her chest at the thought of meeting the rest of his family, relatives, and people. As if he sensed her apprehension, Wind Dancer moved his horse closer to hers, looked at her, and smiled as if to encourage and comfort her. For a moment, she felt lost in his captive gaze. Then she returned his smile before focusing her eyes on the large encampment spread out before her where her new home, new people, new life, and unknown destiny awaited her.

  Chumani was elated by the genial welcome she received, as War Eagle and Red Feather had ridden ahead to announce their approach. It was as if the entire band enclosed their horses to greet them, to study her, and to gaze in fascination at the large hawk which sat upon her shoulder on a wide and thick leather strip to guard her flesh against accidental pricks from his sharp talons. Several times she lifted her hand to stroke Cetan's chest and to speak soothing words to him as he flexed his claws and jerked his head about, as he was uneasy amidst the unfamiliar crowd. As their gazes shifted from her and Cetan to the two symbolsa yellow dewdrop and brown hawk-painted upon Wind Dancer's new shield, she overheard several of the Big Bellys remark on the accuracy and "big medicine" of the sacred vision. She met countless people in a rush and realized there were many names and faces to learn: his family of five, his mother's parents, Winona's brother and his family and her sister, the sister of Rising Bear and her family, and their many friends. It appeared to her that she was accepted and respected as the mate of their chief's son and future leader, and as the "vision woman." She told herself that even if she had lingering doubts about what their shaman and her husband saw during their peyote-induced dream quests and how Nahemana interpreted those signs, they, his family, and his people believed they were messages from the Great Spirit; and she, a part of them.

  Wind Dancer had expected his new wife to get a warm reception, but he was overjoyed when her arrival went better than anticipated. Surely that event would please and calm her, draw her closer to him.

  "Come, we will show you your new home, my second daughter and my first son," Winona said. "Then, Hanmani and I will help you unload the horses. Many helped with the tepee and many brought gifts to fill it with your needs. Later we will have a great feast to celebrate your joining and to welcome Dewdrops to our camp and family circle."

  Before the crowd dispersed to return to their chores, Wind Dancer and Chumani thanked the people for their generosity and hard work.

  Afterward, they followed his exuberant mother and sister to a location near the edge of the forest which traveled into the foothills of the Papa Sapa. Numerous other tepees were scattered amongst evergreen and hardwood trees and huge black rocks and in small clearings between the deep and swift-moving Spearfish Creek and backdrop of mountains and canyons; they were not placed in ever-widening circles as on the grassy Plains where a tighter set-up was required for self-defense.

  Chumani knew from her camp far to the south near the Cave of the Spirit Winds that such sites were chosen for seasonal encampments because the sacred hills provided rear protection from enemies' attacks and protection as well from the worst winds and snows of the cold season. The sheltered valleys were filled with grass and water where horses could be kept in safety and grazed.

  As they stood before a large conical dwelling where the band's Story Catchers had painted his coups on its exterior, the couple was amazed and delighted by its size and beauty, and the quality of the hides and work. With enthusiasm and pride, Hanmani hurriedly told Chumani about several of the glorious and successful exploits colorfully recorded there.

  Many scents filled Chumani's nose as they entered the dwelling: recently cut and debarked pine, whose finished poles had been rubbed smooth using rough sand; the smell of tanned buffalo hides which covered those poles; upward-drifting smoke from a low-burning fire enclosed by a circle of rocks in the dwelling's center; and various other familiar or unknown scents. Twenty-six tall poles made a sturdy framework for it. A fifteen-foot pointed cluster seemingly reached for the sky, which was exposed
through the open ventilation flap. The buffalo hides had been laced together to prevent them from being blown apart or off during a violent storm or brisk winds. Above the entrance flap, numerous wooden lodge pins held the two sides together. She noticed that the tepee's interior was clean and neat and everything was well organized, thanks to Winona and Hanmani.

  She continued to scan the area. A colorfully painted dew-cloth, an added layer of brain-tanned hides stitched together to form a lengthy roll, was suspended from a height of five feet to the ground where it was pegged securely in place; that strip discouraged drafts at the base, provided added warmth in winter, and beauty during all seasons for the simple home. It also diverted to the outside any rain that ran down the poles and created an air flow to force smoke upward and out the peak's flap. The dew-cloth's numerous top ties were secured to a lengthy rope that went from post to post and was attached to each to hold it in place.

  Possessions-which Hanmani delighted in pointing out and telling their giver's name-hung from the strong rope: a sewing pouch with an awl and sinew; two buffalo bladder waterbags; two backrests made of willow and interwoven reeds; large pouches for holding horn spoons and cups and wooden plates, along with a pounding stone and wooden bowl for crushing nuts and dried berries and corn obtained through trade from distant tribes; an open topped bag which held a flesher and a scraper; a furry kneepad for doing chores; parfleches for holding clothing and such; a medicine bag with healing herbs and plants; a wood sling; and many other gifts.

  A thick sleeping mat had been placed near the tepee's base, rolled and tied into a tight ball until needed at night. A three-legged stand held the weapons Wind Dancer had left behind; she knew some man had placed them there, as females were not allowed to touch them or to touch a man's prayer pipe and personal medicine bundle. Her hus band's other belongings, which the two women had moved from Rising Bear's tepee, were there as well.