Lakota Flower (15 page)

Cloud Chaser did not give her time to refute his last words, though he doubted she would attempt to do so. “My second brother, Wanbli, was shown a vision of himself standing on the edge of a high cliff at sunset. His hand was lifted toward the sky, and a war eagle, the most powerful and awesome sky creature, flew down and perched upon it without ripping his flesh. The spirit bird looked out over our lands, sought out enemies with his keen gaze, and guided my brother to them by speaking within his head. He is meant to soar in freedom and greatness, to be swift and deadly when he swoops down on our enemies and captures them in his sharp talons. As with Wind Dancer, he is a superior warrior and a skilled party leader. He has earned and deserves the rank of Sacred Bow Carrier. If evil slays Wind Dancer, Wanbli is next in line to become chief and will be a good one.”

Caroline was perplexed by his last statement since Cloud Chaser was the second son, but she did not ask for clarity. Besides, her thoughts and emotions were running wildly in another direction. What she had heard about her captor caused her mind to sing happy songs and her body to quiver and burn with scorching desire. She could envision the scene that Cloud Chaser had described, her heart’s desire standing tall and proud and brave upon a jagged precipice with a giant bird of prey perched on a balled fist with both silhouetted against a blazing sunset. His bronze frame would be shiny and sleek beneath the fading sun’s glow. His long dark hair would be blowing in the wind. His gaze would be intense. What a thrill it would be to run to him and be embraced in those strong arms! To have his potent gaze engulf her. To press her mouth to his and kiss him countless times. To feel his hands caressing her and to sink to the black stone and make passionate—
Caroline Sims! Stop thinking such things!
She swallowed and remarked in a hoarsened voice,
“From what I have seen and been told, the Great Spirit chose perfect names for each of you.”

Cloud Chaser realized he had made another careless slip, which was unlike him. Yet, Caroline must not have caught it or she would have queried him about not being next in line as chief. Perhaps she was thinking about War Eagle, as her blue gaze had softened and gleamed as she listened to that part of his revelations. He suspected she was enchanted by his younger brother, just as he suspected War Eagle was potently drawn to her. He wondered what, if anything had taken place between those two during their journey together. For certain, no matter how sly they were, he had seen them stealing looks at each other. What would happen and what would others say and do if War Eagle laid a claim on her? He did not want to think along those perilous lines. “It is late. We must sleep soon. Finish your tasks and prepare your mat. We will talk more on another day.”

“Thank you, Cloud Chaser, for teaching me your language and for helping me to understand your people and ways. I’ll work hard to learn more, to learn all you’ll share with me. And thank Dawn for her patience with me and for allowing you to spend so much time teaching me things.”

He was compelled to translate her words to his wife, who smiled and nodded. He was tired tonight, and he hungered for that special closeness with Dawn. He could hardly wait until the necessary span of time passed so he could make love to her again. Even so, she was his life, his heart, his spirit, his destiny. He was the luckiest man in the world to have her. If the time came, he would lay down his life for her and their son. Peace, mercy, how he wished and prayed it were possible, but he doubted it! If only most whites were like his mother, his adoptive parents, Sparrow, Caroline, and some others he had met, it would be possible. Sadly that wasn’t the fact, and a bloody war between the two cultures was inevitable, and soon…

* * *

War Eagle was glad a large dark cloud concealed the half-moon above so his stealthy presence near his brother’s dwelling would not be seen by others. Yet, he had been unable to resist the urge to hear her voice and hopefully to grasp her words. Now that they were taking to their sleeping mats, he would sneak away to his own. As he had listened to Cloud Chaser and Caroline talk, his heart and mind had soared with joy and relief. How he wished he could be the one teaching her their language and ways, and sharing a tepee with her. His emotional and physical hungers for her grew larger and stronger each day, and the pains of denial gnawed ravenously at him like a starving wolf’s empty belly in winter. As with that wild creature and a discarded bone with a little meat still attached, he could force himself to settle and be grateful for even tiny scraps of attention and time from her during these difficult days of separation. Dare he take the enormous risk of reaching out and laying claim to her? The hindrance was, he would not discover the effects of that decision upon his family and people, upon his rank and honor, until it was too late if their reactions were unfavorable. Whom could he ask to advise him, someone who would keep his secret?

What must I do, Great Spirit, for I love and desire her as my mate? Is it wrong to take her as one? Why did You send her to tempt me if I cannot have her? Why did You not allow me to part us if we cannot be together? I am wise in many ways, but not about this matter. I have the courage to face whatever comes from claiming her, but first I must know it is right and good to do so. Only You possess that knowledge. I beg You to share it with me or with Grandfather so he can tell me what I must do. Give me a sign to tell me which path to walk, for I must not shame myself, my family, and people. Show me if I can have the flower of my heart.

War Eagle quietly entered his family’s tepee where they were asleep. He lay down on the mat that his mother or sister had spread out for him in its appointed place. He closed his
eyes and hoped it would not take long for the Great Spirit to send him an answer about Caroline. Then, he prayed it would be the one he yearned for and needed as much as the air he breathed and the food and water he consumed for survival…

“Hello, Caroline. Where you go?”

“Hau,
Wanbli.
Contanka on can. Hanyetu ecaca uwo.”
She greeted him and told him she was going to the forest for wood as night was coming soon.

“I come, protect. Go,” he said and motioned for her to continue so she could finish before darkness. If someone saw them together, he had a good reason for accompanying her into the woods this late: her safety from predatory animals and any foe who might be lurking and spying near camp.

“Pilamaya.”
She thanked him as they entered the dense tree line. She was surprised when he talked to her as she gathered scrub wood in a hurry to use in the morning, just as she was baffled by his concern and behavior.

He leaned against a large tree and revealed in a casual tone, “Next sun, War Eagle to scout white war chief’s trail.”

Caroline jerked upright. “Wanbli
hinhanna kin heyab iya yo?”

War Eagle’s heart leapt with joy to see how much it disturbed her to learn he was leaving camp tomorrow to spy on the soldiers. “Yes.”

Caroline was astonished by how fast and easy the Lakota words for “It is dangerous! Too many white soldiers are with the white war chief” flooded her head and spewed out her mouth.
“Okakipe yelo! Nina ota ska akicita un ska akicita itancan.” Including my brother.
“Wanbli
zuya?”
She asked if he was going to attack them, to make war on them.

War Eagle wondered if she was worried about an attack on her people, or if he might be harmed or slain. He hoped it was the latter. “I scout, no fight. Many bluecoats. Many firesticks. Scout with Swift Otter, River’s Edge, Cloud Chaser, Broken Lance.”

“Hiya Waci Tate, hiya ozuye, hiya Wiyaka Nunpa?”

“No Wind Dancer, no war party, no Two Feathers.” He translated her words as his response, and noted her mention of his troublesome cousin.
“Zaptan
scout,” he said as he held up five fingers since he did not know that word number in English. Suddenly he grinned, then chuckled.

“Taktokanun han he?”
She asked what he was doing as she patted her mouth and pushed her lips into a smile.

“Caroline Lakota
ia.
War Eagle speak English. You know much.” Yes, she had learned much of his language, a great deal more of it recently, which was true of him with English. Even if she did get some words out of order at times, he always grasped her meaning.

She smiled, then laughed softly. “War Eagle speaks good English.”

“Caroline Lakota
waste ia.”
He returned the praise and smiled again.

“I do not know how to say this in Lakota: I will be happy to teach you more English so you can speak with whites or soldiers if necessary.”

He guessed all except one word. “What … nes-see-sary mean?”

“Cin.”
She spoke the word for
want, need, to desire.

“Good task when War Eagle return,” he agreed. “Thank
you.” He was pleased by her generous offer; it would serve him well to be able to know what the whites were saying when he spied on them or any soldiers he confronted.

For a while, they were silent as she gathered more wood and placed it in the leather carrying-sling.

As she worked, War Eagle watched her. He could not forget what he had overheard last night as he listened near Cloud Chaser’s tepee, nor his thoughts and prayers ensuing at that stirring event. She moved easily and gracefully. He wished he could reach out and touch her. He got so much joy out of just speaking to her, hearing her voice and laughter, looking at her, and spending time with her.

Caroline sensed War Eagle’s constant gaze upon her, for it was potent and arousing. Did he realize how he affected her? Was his temptation accidental or intentional? Was he trying to attract her attention, evoke her affection, heighten her desire for him? Whether he meant to or not, that was exactly what he was doing! How and why was she being drawn to this particular man, one so unlike her, her very captor! She belonged to Cloud Chaser and Dawn, but War Eagle still had a say-so in her fate, as proven by his attempt to take her to the Cheyenne camp. Did his control extend to being able to recover her if he so desired?

As Caroline picked up the last piece of wood, she sighted a lovely and fragrant night-blooming flower nearby and plucked it. She placed the bloom in the sling, turned, and handed it to War Eagle. “Thank you for protecting me, Wanbli.
Wakan Tanka nici un.”
She saw him take the flower, glance at it, then fasten his alluring gaze to he’ and she could not look away.

War Eagle was moved by her action and last sentence:
May the Great Spirit go with you and guide you.
If he was not mistaken, she was just as flooded by love and desire as he was. She was standing so close. Unable to halt himself, he lifted his empty hand and allowed its fingers to brush a
stray lock from her flushed cheek. Without breaking their gazes, his head bent forward and he fused their mouths, and was thrilled to his core when she responded.

Caroline lacked the willpower or wits to refuse his intoxicating kiss. Her arms slipped around his waist and she leaned against him, suddenly feeling weak and trembly. She felt his arms embrace her; then, he pulled her closer—if possible—to him. After a long, deep, and stirring kiss, his lips wandered over her hot face and across her neck. He pressed them to her hair, upon each closed eye, and on her left ear where she felt the heat of his breath. She quivered in rising need, and was shocked it did not alarm her. To crave the man one loved was normal, but she could not lie with him unless they were married. Yet, she somehow knew that would be a glorious and fulfilling experience, one she hoped to share one day in the future. Despite her intentions, she was soon swept away by the flood of passion.

War Eagle felt charged with energy and strength, with joy and pride, with hope and pleasure.
“Niye mitawa,
Kawa Cante,” he murmured before kissing her a final time. He must not risk them being found like this, hard as it was to halt their closeness and revelation of feelings.
“Nisnala ya yo,”
he told her.
You go alone,
before someone came searching for her.

Caroline looked up into his handsome face and saw him smiling down at her. She read the desire in his eyes and saw how rapidly he was breathing. It was getting dark, so she surmised he was sending her back to camp without him so no one would know they had been together, and perhaps to give him time to quell his ardor. She smiled and nodded compliance. She told him to be careful.
“Itonpa.
Return soon.”

War Eagle nodded and used one hand to urge her toward camp before he changed his mind about their parting and his caution. As she walked away with the loaded sling suspended over her back, he raised the crushed blossom to his nose and smelled its sweet scent. He recalled his final prayer words
from last night:
Show me if I can have the flower of my heart.
Had the Great Spirit answered him this soon and in this manner? With all of his being, he hoped so. He untied the thong of his medicine bundle and placed the special coup inside it, and smiled in victory…

As Caroline left the tree line, she was happier than she had been in a long time. Surely he loved and wanted her, as he had whispered, “You are mine, Heart Flower.” Perhaps he hadn’t meant to do so or didn’t realize he had spoken loud enough for her to hear him, but she had. Now that their mutual feelings were exposed, what would happen between them?

When she entered the tepee, Cloud Chaser looked at her and said, “I was about to come look for you, Caroline. It’s almost dark, and danger could be lurking about in the night.” He noticed she was smiling and humming upon her return, but she halted both actions as he spoke to her. Her eyes seemingly glowed, as did her cheeks; and she quickly averted her gaze as if she had been caught doing mischief. He would think she had been running except she was not breathless, not even breathing hard. He had a strong feeling that something unusual was up with her. He wondered,
But what?

As she put away the sling filled with wood, she said, “I’m sorry I worried you, but it’s such a lovely and calm time of day that I got distracted and worked slowly. It will not happen again.”
But I had to spend time with War Eagle because he’s leaving tomorrow and, heaven forbid, might never return. Please, God, protect him from all harm; and protect David from all harm. Please don’t let them challenge each other in battle. I couldn’t bear it if either killed the other or if either was slain in this war.

“Is something wrong, Caroline?”

“No, why?”

“You looked strange, sad, for a moment.”

“I was just thinking about my brother, who must also be worried about me. Do you think I could send him a message that I’m alive and safe?”

“I will think upon your request, but it will be a hard task. We do not know where he is, and contacting him could endanger us.”

“You’re right, Cloud Chaser, and I don’t want to imperil anyone here.”

“I cannot make you a promise, but I will do your deed if possible.”

“Thank you, Cloud Chaser; you’re a kind person. I—”

Caroline’s words were interrupted when War Eagle called out for her owner to join him. Her head jerked in the direction of the entrance flap and she saw him standing beyond it. Actually, she saw him from the chest down, as his neck and head were concealed by the tepee. But even a half sighting was sufficient to spark the embers of her smoldering passion to life again. She struggled hard to prevent exposing his effect upon her.

Cloud Chaser told his brother he would join him soon, then said to Caroline, “We will talk again later. I must speak with War Eagle.”

As the men walked away to seek a private spot to talk, Caroline busied herself helping Macha with Casmu and with spreading out the sleeping mats. She was glad they had eaten early this evening and was elated it was almost time for bed. She could hardly wait to drift into slumberland where she could visit the man she loved…

“Something troubles your spirit, my brother?” Cloud Chaser asked.

War Eagle nodded as he took a deep breath. He was worried about leaving Caroline without close protection in camp from Two Feathers. He wished he could take their cousin along so the evil-ensnared man would not be there to intimidate
her with his stares and presence. But he could not allow Two Feathers to distract them from duty and alertness with his spite toward Cloud Chaser, whose presence and special skills were needed on this particular mission. He did not know what his second brother would think or say on the strange matter, but he related that concern to him.

Cloud Chaser was not surprised by that revelation, as he had suspected there were strong feelings between those two people. He did not know if a serious relationship between them was possible or wise, but he was not the one to make that decision or to face that great challenge. He remembered how difficult it had been for him—with his half-white blood—to lay claim to Macha as his wife, but it would be harder for War Eagle—who was second in line to become the next chief and was full-blooded Lakota—to take a white woman—one of the enemy—as his mate. His heart went out to his younger brother, who might be denied his desire forever and for what War Eagle might endure if he attempted to travel that obstructed path regardless of the perils, sacrifices, and consequences. He said, “I will ask Wind Dancer to look after her during our absence. Bent Bow is to hunt fresh game for Dawn and Caroline and to protect them if peril strikes at our camp. Do not worry, for they will be safe in our brother’s and our friend’s care.”

“My heart thanks you, for I am sure Two Feathers will harass her while we are gone. He will try to do so cunningly, and she might tell no one.”

“You fear for her safety and feelings because you love and desire her?”

Before he could halt himself, Ware Eagle admitted, “Yes.”

Cloud Chaser smiled and said, “I am happy and proud you trust and love me enough to share this secret with me.”

“On this moon, you are the only one who would understand my trap and feelings. What must I do and say, for you have learned the truth?”

Cloud Chaser inhaled deeply through his nostrils and exhaled
the spent air. “I do not know how to advise you, my brother, for this matter is a heavy one.” He related what he had thought earlier, then added, “Perhaps our people would accept her in your life, for she has done many good deeds since coming to our camp. But the impeding war with the whites could cast shadows over her and many might resist a bond between you two. Two Feathers is certain to cause trouble for you and her. He hates and distrusts me for my white blood and for stealing Dawn from his grasp, and he will feel even stronger about Caroline’s enemy blood and for my refusal to trade her to him. I do not know which path to tell you to walk, for either will demand much from you. I will tell you: no matter the sacrifices and perils, I had no choice except to walk the path toward Dawn, for she is my destiny, my true love. If you feel the same way about Caroline, you must journey toward her.”

“What if taking her is not the will of the Great Spirit?” “Ask Him to guide you to the path you must walk.” “I have done so many times, but I do not know if He sent me the sign I prayed for on this sun.” War Eagle related what had happened between him and Caroline on the trail toward the Cheyenne camp, during their return ride, and in the forest earlier. “Could the flower she picked be a sign?”

Cloud Chaser was surprised to learn how far things had gone between them. Then, he realized he should not have been, for the clues had been there for him to grasp. He grinned and confessed, “It was much the same with me and Dawn before we fled our camp during the last hot season so I could prove myself worthy of her and of becoming a Red Shield and Rising Bear’s son again. We sneaked many visits together where we shared kisses and embraces and special words. Often Hanmani would stand guard for us, for she knew of our feelings and believed we belonged together, and she did not want Two Feathers to ask for her best friend in joining. I will guard your secret and meetings until it is the right time to reveal your feelings to our family and others.
Until this current conflict with the soldiers and whites is settled, that time is not here. You are certain Caroline feels as you do?”