Wind Warrior (Historical Romance) (12 page)

The sun had just broken across the canyon when the baby made its way into the world. Rain Song’s heart leaped with joy as she held the incredible miracle in her hands. Against all odds, the child had been safely delivered. Laying the baby on Tall Woman’s belly, she smiled at the lusty crying that bounced off the walls of the canyon. “You have a son.”

Tall Woman was weak but happy. “And you have a brother. We would not have survived without your bravery, my daughter.”

The two of them had shared an experience that would bind them together forever.

Tall Woman ran her hand over the child’s dark hair. “Your father will think we are dead.”

“I believe he will.” Then a smile curved her lips. “Will he not be surprised when he finds us alive—especially when you present him with his son?”

They were still not out of danger. Tall Woman needed water and she needed food. Wrapping the child in the soft buckskin, Rain Song sat beside her mother. “What should we do now?”

“Send Chinook for help.”

Rain Song handed the baby to its mother and went to the wolf, slipping the knife into her moccasin. There were cougars and bears in this place, and they were two helpless women. “I hope you can
understand me, Chinook. We are in trouble.” She leaned close to the wolf’s face and made eye contact. “Find Broken Lance,” she commanded.

Much to both women’s surprise, Chinook scrambled to her feet and went bounding toward the cliff, soon to be lost from sight on the other side. “Do you think she understood me?”

“We will have to wait to see.”

Rain Song thought of Wind Warrior, wishing he were there. Just thinking about him made her feel safe. A thought hit her that sent her mind reeling: she loved Wind Warrior! Closing her eyes, she could see his face in her mind, and she wished more than anything she could be in his arms.

Tall Woman had fallen asleep, so Rain Song walked the baby and sang to him. He was beautiful, the brother she had always wanted. She felt fiercely protective—she would give her life to protect this child. But they might all die if help did not come soon. Tall Woman had had a difficult time giving birth and she was too weak to walk anywhere. And of course the horses were gone.

Evening shadows fell before Tall Woman awoke. Rain Song handed her the baby, so she could nurse him.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Proud,” Tall Woman replied, smiling.

Rain Song touched the baby’s face. “I am proud of him as well.”

“Yes, but I was not speaking of my son. My precious daughter, it is you who fill me with pride. Without your help, the baby and I would have perished.”

Tears gathered in Rain Song’s eyes, and she brushed them away. “I love you and this child, my mother.”

Tall Woman’s eyes glistened with tears. “At last you have said the words I waited to hear. I love you, my daughter. I always have.”

Rain Song awoke immediately when she felt something wet touch her face, and she opened her eyes to find Chinook’s nose pressed against her. She smiled, her hands going through the wolf’s thick hair.

“So you have returned.”

A shadow fell across Rain Song’s face and she stared into Wind Warrior’s eyes. “The wolf brought us with her.”

Rain Song scrambled to her feet. “Wind Warrior! I was…I was wishing for you, and you are here.”

A smile curved his mouth. “Were you?”

He came to her side, looking her over, apparently to see if she had been injured. She was aware ashes must have smudged her face, her hair was tangled, and her gown was bloody from delivering the child. He seemed satisfied with what he saw, however, and offered his water skin to her.

Remembering her outburst when she first saw him, she wished she could take her rash words back. A blush climbed her face and she turned away so he would not see her confusion. “Please give my mother a drink first. She is in greater need.”

Wind Warrior shook his head. “This water is for you. Broken Lance is seeing to Tall Woman’s needs.”

Seeing Broken Lance bending near his wife, Rain Song gratefully took the water skin and drank deeply, then wiped her mouth on the back of her hand. “How did you find us?”

“Chinook insisted we follow her.” Wind Warrior removed a twig from Rain Song’s golden hair. He could not tell her the despair he had felt when Spotted Flower came into the buffalo camp and said Rain Song and Tall Woman had perished in the fire. After the initial shock, he had known Rain Song was alive because if she had died, he would have felt it in his heart.

Broken Lance explained: “By the time we saw the fire, it had consumed everything in its path.” So great was his relief that they were alive, he had to pause before he could continue. “I thought I had lost my family. Most certainly when Spotted Flower arrived, telling us of your deaths. Of course,” he said grimly, “now that Tall Woman has told me of her misdeeds, she will be punished.”

Taking his son in his arms, Broken Lance smiled. “Something good came from this.” He glanced at Rain Song. “My heart swells with pride in you, my daughter. This all would have ended differently if not for you.”

Rain Song felt tears in her eyes. It was the first time he had called her his daughter. When she took a step, she stumbled and Wind Warrior swept her into his arms.

“You are weak. I will help you.”

“Let us leave this place,” Broken Lance said, gazing about him. “We will carry the women up the path.”

Wind Warrior started toward the cliff with Chinook trotting behind. “You will ride with me,” he said to Rain Song.

“I must tell you,” she said, looking into his eyes, “Spotted Flower admitted she started the fire to discredit you.”

“I know. Tall Woman told us while you slept.”

“She hates me so.”

Wind Warrior’s eyes hardened and he nodded. “Do not think about it.”

When they reached the top of the cliff, Wind Warrior placed her on the horse in front of him. She closed her eyes, feeling as if she belonged in his arms. She was young, and so was he, but love knew no age, and she loved him desperately.

As they rode away, Rain Song snuggled in his arms.

“You are mine,” he whispered. “I will always look after you, my soul.”

But Rain Song had not heard him because she had fallen into an exhausted sleep.

Broken Lance looked at his woman. “What will we do about Spotted Flower?”

“She must be punished,” Tall Woman replied.

“She is Charging Bull’s wife and he is an important member of our tribe. Perhaps we should allow him to decide her fate.”

“It would be justice to allow our daughter to decide her punishment.”

He shook his head. “Rain Song’s heart is too soft. I will decide. For our daughter’s sake I will not have the woman killed, although she deserves it. I will banish her from our village, and everyone will be told of her shame.”

“It is just, my husband. The penalty of shame is a powerful punishment. Spotted Flower will be too ashamed ever to show her face in a Blackfoot village, and no one will take her in.”

They came to a halt, and Rain Song opened her eyes. In the morning light, there was nothing but devastation all about them. As far as she could see, the prairie was blackened by fire.

Wind Warrior handed her down and joined her. “It is a sad sight.”

“Such destruction. I do not understand why Spotted Flower would do such an evil deed.”

Wind Warrior studied her closely. “One with your honor will never be able to understand a person like your friend.”

She turned to look at him. “She is not my friend, Wind Warrior. I do not believe she ever was.”

He studied her, his eyes gleaming with an expression she did not understand. “Do you consider me your friend?”

Rain Song considered him so much more, but how could she tell him that? “Yes. I do.” She smiled mischievously. “You gave me Chinook.”

That was not exactly what he wanted to hear, but it would do for now. “I must speak with your father,” he said, turning away.

Rain Song went to her mother, taking the baby in her arms and touching her lips to his cheek. “He seems to be thriving, my mother.”

“He has a lusty cry,” Tall Woman said with pride. “He will be like his father.”

After they had rested the horses and Tall Woman
had fed the baby, they were once more on their way.

Rain Song felt Wind Warrior’s breath against her cheek and went weak all over. He must have sensed her feelings, because his hand slid about her waist and he pulled her closer.

“Do you feel what I feel?” he whispered against her ear.

Not knowing what he felt or how to respond, she shook her head.

“I think you do.” He laid his cheek against hers. “In that one moment when I thought you were dead, I felt as if someone had torn away pieces of my flesh.”

She turned her head so she could see his eyes, trying to understand his meaning—he did suffer for others, she had come to understand that. “I do not know what you want to hear.”

“Then I will wait.”

She was befuddled. “Wait for what?”

“There are things I would say to you. But this is not the time.”

By now they had reached the encampment and Wind Warrior handed her to the ground. Those who had been concerned about their safety quickly surrounded them. Everyone had to see the chief’s new son, and many praised Rain Song for saving the lives of mother and baby.

“Until his vision quest,” Broken Lance said, raising his son for all to see, “let this child be known as Fire Wolf because he survived the great fire and I was led to him by my daughter’s wolf.”

Rain Song glanced about her. Spotted Flower was nowhere in sight. Perhaps she had heard they had
survived the fire and was afraid to face Broken Lance.

Her gaze went to Wind Warrior, who was still mounted. He dipped his head to her, whirled his horse around, and rode away.

Rain Song watched him race his horse across the blackened plain, his ebony hair flowing out behind him. Her feelings for him were more intense than she would have thought possible. She thought about him every day, and he visited her dreams at night.

Remembering the words he had said to her, she dared hope that he cared for her just a little.

Chinook nudged her nose against Rain Song’s hand and she bent to hug the wolf. “You are amazing. You saved our lives.”

Chinook turned her head to watch Wind Warrior disappear over the hill. “I believe you will miss him as much as I do,” Rain Song said, rubbing the wolf’s head. “He has a way of affecting a female in a most unusual way.” She laughed aloud. “Especially you and me.”

When the Blood Blackfoot finally reunited at their fall encampment beside the river, they were a bedraggled lot. With winter just a short time away, new tipis had to be quickly erected, robes cured, and supplies replenished. The people worked tirelessly, helping each other when they could.

Sadly, twelve members of the tribe had lost their lives when the stream burst through the rock barriers, flooding the village, just as Wind Warrior had predicted.

A touch of early winter was on the wind. Cool air settled over the land, bringing the first frost.

The village was unusually quiet as the people waited to hear the outcome of the meeting the elders had called. Dull Knife had been summoned, as had Tall Woman and Rain Song.

Wind Warrior approached the council lodge, reminded of that day years before when he had been given his name. Now he was a member of that honored council.

Many eyes watched Wind Warrior as he moved through the village with the lethal grace of a mountain lion. He did not seem to see the young maidens who tried to draw his attention or those who
watched him longingly. His mind was set on a single purpose—to settle the matter of the prairie fire. On entering the lodge, he acknowledged each of the elders and Chief Broken Lance. He nodded toward his father, who seemed much frailer since the tragedies of the fire and flood. His gaze brushed over Dull Knife, and his eyes widened when he saw that Rain Song and Tall Woman were present.

Wind Warrior had not seen Rain Song since the summer season, and it seemed to him she was even more beautiful than before. Her golden hair was decorated with beads and hung down her back in a single braid. She wore a buff-colored fringed gown without ornaments. She looked into his eyes and dropped her head. In that brief moment he had read joy in her green gaze, as if she were happy to see him, and he felt a squeezing sensation around his heart.

“Join us,” Broken Lance said, motioning for Wind Warrior to come forward. “We were discussing the flood that washed away the tipis of those who remained in the river camp. It took some time to recover the bodies that were washed down the river. Twelve are dead, three missing.”

Wind Warrior dropped to his knees, waiting to be called upon to speak. Dull Knife, however, did not wait to be asked, but rose angrily to his feet. “The flood was not as bad as my brother predicted it would be. We have lost more people when our enemies raid the village.”

“Yes,” Broken Lance agreed. “We have lost many of our friends and families when the enemy came upon us unaware—but those who died in the flood
were warned and could have survived. If the rest of us had not moved, we would have suffered untold loss of life.”

Dull Knife held his temper with effort. “Two lives were lost in prairie fire, and all the tipis were burned as well. My brother did not foresee that.”

Broken Lance glanced at his daughter. “I will ask Rain Song to tell us why there was a fire on the prairie. Stand up and come forward, daughter.”

Rain Song was nervous but determined to speak of the events as they had occurred. She stood, clasping her hands, feeling everyone’s attention centered on her.

Broken Lance smiled encouragingly. “Speak, daughter.”

She wet her lips. “The fire did not begin spontaneously. Spotted Flower admitted to me and my mother that she was the one who started it.”

“Why would she do such a thing, Rain Song?” asked Big Hand, the elder who had taken Lean Bear’s place when he grew sick the previous winter and died.

Rain Song looked into the elder’s earnest eyes and realized he wanted to hear her opinion, which surprised her. “I do not know why she did such a thing, but I do know she wanted to see me dead and Wind Warrior discredited.” Her gaze moved to Tall Woman, who encouraged her with a nod. “Spotted Flower attempted to take the remaining horses so my mother and I would not have a way to escape the fire.”

Dull Knife looked at her with anger. If what Rain Song said was true, then Spotted Flower had disregarded his orders. She was supposed to make certain
Rain Song escaped the fire unharmed. He wanted the council to believe the fire had been a natural occurrence. “You say this is true. Are we supposed to believe you?”

Seeing her daughter’s trembling lips part, Tall Woman interceded. “May I speak?” she asked.

The elder nodded.

“What my daughter told you is the truth. For her part in the tragedy, Spotted Flower was banned from our midst. As I see it, the matter is over.”

Dull Knife could hardly challenge the word of Chief Broken Lance’s woman. His expression was sulky, and his face reddened as it always did when he was furious.

“Then let us bring this meeting to a close,” Big Hand said. “Dull Knife, you were mistaken when you chose to remain near the river and convinced others to do the same. But I place no blame on you—you thought you were right, and Wind Warrior thought he was right. Now that we know the outcome, we can all draw our own conclusions. As for me, I believe you were wrong, Dull Knife. Let the matter rest there.”

Rain Song remembered that Spotted Flower had said someone wanted to discredit Wind Warrior. Her gaze met Dull Knife’s—she believed it was he, but she had no proof.

Should she say something to the council?

Ducking her head to break eye contact with Dull Knife, she decided to say nothing. Rain Song waited until her mother rose to leave, and then she did the same. Once she was out of the tipi, Rain Song wished she had voiced her suspicions of Dull Knife. But that was all they were, only suspicions.

Looking skyward, she watched the first snowflakes of the season drift downward. There was coldness in her heart, and a fear that Dull Knife would do something to harm Wind Warrior. Not wanting to take the chance of running into Dull Knife, Rain Song hurried down the footpath into the woods, soon joined by her faithful Chinook. It had been difficult to relive the horrors of the prairie fire today, but it had been necessary to settle the matter.

Now she needed to be alone.

The wind whipped up and sent a chill through her body. Halfway down the path, she heard footsteps coming from behind and she turned.

The bristles on Chinook’s neck stood, and the wolf growled deep in her throat, dropping into an attack stance.

Dull Knife had followed her.

She wanted to run, but there was nowhere to go that he could not overtake her.

“You once walked with my brother—now walk with me,” he demanded.

She glanced down at Chinook—the wolf was quivering, ready to attack. “My father gave his permission for Wind Warrior to walk with me. He did not give you permission.”

Dull Knife grabbed her arm and shoved her behind a tree, and Chinook lunged, going for Dull Knife’s throat. Before Rain Song knew what was happening, Dull Knife stabbed Chinook, and the wolf fell to the ground.

Crying out in horror, Rain Song broke away from Dull Knife and rushed to Chinook. Going down on her knees, she quickly examined the wolf to determine
if the wound was life-threatening. Chinook was bleeding from her side, and Rain Song tried to stop the flow of blood by pressing her hand against the wound. When Chinook tried to get up, Rain Song ordered her to stay.

Her anger overruled her fear. Turning to Dull Knife, she narrowed her eyes. “You are evil.”

Dull Knife yanked her up, slamming her against a tree. “Forget about the wolf. I do not believe you yet comprehend that you belong to me,” he growled. “I will kill any man who comes near you. Do you understand that?”

He pressed his body against hers. She struggled and fought, trying to push him away. Bile rose in her throat and she willed herself not to be ill. She said forcefully through clenched teeth, “Let-me-go.”

Ignoring her, Dull Knife tightened his hold, glancing down the path to make sure they were alone. “I will have you now, Rain Song. No man will want you after I’ve finished with you,” he said, lifting her gown and shoving his hand underneath. His voice was deep and husky. “I
will
have you.”

All Rain Song could think was that the hands touching her were the same as had touched Susan, murdered her. She felt a sob building up inside. “Leave me alone!”

He jerked her chin and made her look at him as his hand continued to climb higher up her leg. “I will leave you alone when I am finished with you.”

Wind Warrior appeared so quietly, neither of them heard him approach. “You are finished. Take your hands off her.”

Dull Knife released Rain Song and turned to his
brother with a sneer. “I knew you were watching me when I followed Rain Song. I have been expecting you, little brother.”

“Move away from him, Rain Song,” Wind Warrior said, all the while watching his brother.

Dull Knife gave Rain Song a vicious shove toward Wind Warrior, and at the same time, withdrew his still-bloody knife.

Wind Warrior quickly pushed Rain Song behind him.

She had never seen Wind Warrior so angry. Well, perhaps the day she arrived in the village, when he had stepped between her and his brother. In horror she watched him withdraw his own knife and face Dull Knife.

Wind Warrior circled his brother. “You will never again put your hands on Rain Song.”

Dull Knife, so certain of his advantage over Wind Warrior, merely sneered. “Do you really want to challenge me, little brother?”

“It is time someone stopped you.”

“I have waited for this day for a long time. You have been a thornbush scratching at my skin for too long.”

“No, do not fight him!” Rain Song cried. “Not because of me.”

Neither man paid her the slightest attention. They were circling each other, both filled with anger, both waiting for an opening.

“You can walk away, Dull Knife,” Wind Warrior warned, “if you give your word not to come near Rain Song again.”

Dull Knife gave a derisive laugh. “You only say this because you know I am stronger, and you do not want to test your blade against me. Today, little brother, you die.”

When the two warriors came together, it was with such force that one of them, Rain Song did not know which, bumped into her and she went tumbling to the ground. Quickly rising, she watched with her heart beating in fear. Dull Knife was the larger of the two, the more experienced, and ruthless. She feared for Wind Warrior.

Dull Knife shoved Wind Warrior backward, but Wind Warrior caught himself and managed to remain on his feet. Once more the two of them circled each other. When Wind Warrior finally made his move, it was with such quickness it took Rain Song by surprise and Dull Knife as well. Wind Warrior slammed into his brother, taking them both to the ground. Locked in a life-and-death struggle, with muscles bulging, the strain showed on both their faces.

“You cannot have her,” Dull Knife panted, attempting to throw his brother off.

“And I will not allow you to have her,” Wind Warrior said.

Rain Song was shaking, unable to take her eyes off the two warriors. She moved to Chinook, and when the wolf tried to rise, Rain Song placed the animal’s head in her lap, stroking her gently.

The two warriors were still struggling for supremacy. In no time at all, Wind Warrior had gained the advantage over his brother. He threw Dull Knife to
the ground and pinned him there with the weight of his body. Dull Knife might be heftier, but Wind Warrior had superior strength.

Grabbing up a broken branch, he pressed it across Dull Knife’s throat until his brother gagged and gasped for breath.

“Tell me you will no longer haunt Rain Song’s steps. Say it!” Wind Warrior demanded.

In a last burst of defiance, Dull Knife tried to shove Wind Warrior away, but his brother was too strong for him. “It is not for you to tell me to leave her alone,” he croaked. “She was my captive. She still belongs to me.”

Wind Warrior pressed the branch tighter across his brother’s throat. “You gave up any claim you had to Rain Song when you presented her to the chief and his woman. Now yield, or die!”

Dull Knife’s muscles tightened, but at last he went limp and nodded.

Wind Warrior stood, gripping the branch like a weapon. “I allow you to live today because you are my brother. But I will not hesitate to kill you if you ever go near Rain Song again.”

Dull Knife stood, his face red with anger. He glared at Rain Song, and then dropped his gaze—no warrior had ever beaten him before, and it brought him great shame that Rain Song had witnessed his defeat.

When Rain Song saw Dull Knife’s eyes, she shivered with dread. There was no doubt in her mind he was already plotting revenge on his brother.

Without a word, Dull Knife turned and left.

Wind Warrior came to her, moving the wolf aside
and lifting her up to stand beside him. He gently touched a scratch on her face. “Did he hurt you?”

She had not meant to cry, but her shoulders shook and tears blinded her. Turning so he would not see her tears, she spoke in a tremulous voice. “No. I am not hurt. But…Chinook…is.”

Strong arms went around her and Wind Warrior turned her to face him. As if it was the most natural thing in the world, her head dropped on his shoulder. Her eyes closed as his dark hair cascaded against her cheek. She relished his nearness, his warmth, and the safe feeling that enveloped her. “I was afraid for you.”

“You need not have been.” He tilted her chin. “Do not fear for me, little one. I can take care of myself.”

“I am not a little one. I am almost a woman.”

Wind Warrior did not relinquish her, and she did not try to move away from him. She could feel the beat of his heart, and she could hear the beating of hers.

“Chinook needs me.”

He touched his mouth to her neck and slid it to her ear, where he whispered, “Go, my little almost-a-woman.”

Wind Warrior released Rain Song and turned his attention to the wounded wolf, examining her injury. “It is little more than a flesh wound. She is going to be sore for a few days. But she will heal.” He lifted Chinook in his arms. “Let us take her to the medicine man—he is adept at tending wounds.”

Rain Song laid her face against Chinook, her connection to Wind Warrior. “Sweet wolf, you are hurt because of me.” She knew the day would have ended
quite differently if Wind Warrior had not followed Dull Knife into the woods. “I am sorry for causing you trouble yet again,” she told him.