Part 15 (1/2)

Gray Eagle thought aloud to Little Beaver. ”It is almost time for the winter buffalo hunt and the Sun Dance. We must end this matter soon and prepare for them. The time comes to leave for our winter camp in the sacred mountains. We cannot leave our lands for the wasichus to come and take while we are gone.”

Gray Eagle paused, then decided, ”Let it be as they say. I wil go with my warriors and speak for the Oglala and war. We wil make ready to ride to the vilage of the Si-Ha Sapa. Cal the warriors and leaders together.”

Little Beaver ran off with the message. But no sooner had Gray Eagle spoken, when his mind was in turmoil again. How could he leave Alisha so close to death and go to smoke the war pipe against her people? Yet, he knew he must and would. He was not a man, but a warrior and a leader. Even as his desire to remain with Alisha tugged at his heart, his excitement and eagerness to be with his warriors in this important battle flamed within him. Thoughts of pus.h.i.+ng his enemies out of the red man's lands and hopes of victory glowed within him. With the help of the other tribes, total and final revenge against the wasichus was a bright reality. His heart soared revenge against the wasichus was a bright reality. His heart soared with relief-and dread.

When this battle was over, al wasichus would be gone. But one would remain: Alisha. That is, Gray Eagle thought, if Wakantanka did not take her life while he was away. Surely, the Great Spirit would not send the Bird of Death for her while he was gone. Did the Great Spirit time this so that he would be away when He came for her? No! He would not take her now, not now, not when the cause of many of their problems would soon be destroyed. He would give the Great Spirit many wasichu lives in exchange for Alisha's. When al the wasichus were gone from their lands, his people would forget and forgive her for being white. When they no longer had to see and feel the wasichu greed and hatred, they would come to accept Alisha as his. In time, her presence in his life and teepee would be a normal, natural thing. Gray Eagle knew he had no time to dream, and caled to the old woman to come to his teepee. He ordered her to take care of and guard his kaskapi wel during his absence. He cautioned, ”I place her life and care in your hands, Matu. Do not fail me. The girl is mine. Let no one and nothing harm her. Care for her as you would your own cunwintku.” He warned ominously, ”I wil hold you responsible for her life. Go. Bring your things here. Do not leave her side until I return. We go to the camp of the Si-Ha Sapa for war talk.”

Matu left. She muttered under her breath al the way to her teepee and back. Once more, she would be responsible for a ska witkowin. This one should die just as the other one did so long ago.... Anger and resentment boiled within her bitter heart. Whoops of excitement came to Gray Eagle's ears as his warriors prepared to depart. Tense expectation and joy filed the warriors prepared to depart. Tense expectation and joy filed the hearts of al the warriors, except one. His thoughts s.h.i.+fted from excitement to hesitation and from joy to sadness again and again. He went over to the mat where Alisha lay, stil unconscious. He studied her features for a time, then spoke softly, ”Do not take your spirit from me, Cinstinna. I have loved you and wanted you as I have no other. Soon, this wil be ended and we shal find the love and peace our hearts yearn for.”

He stood up, gathered his weapons, and quickly left his teepee, unaware of the deadly trouble brewing nearby. He caled to his warriors, ”We ride, Oglalas.” He mounted his steed and rode away, to face his destiny alone...

Matu stood outside his teepee watching him ride off with his band of warriors. Happiness filed her heart at the thoughts of revenge against the wasichu for whom she held a special hatred. No longer would there be any ska winyans to tempt the warriors, except this one here.

Angrily, she scoffed, he does not fool an old woman. He desires this winyan for his love, not as a slave. Once more, I am forced to protect the life of a white squaw for a chief. But no punishment could be as painful as the one for my last failure, not even death.

She could not deny Alisha's beauty and courage and it galed her to acknowledge them. She fumed hotly, it is not right for a warrior to give up his own winyans for a wasichu. These ska winyans come and take our best and bravest warriors. They cast their evil spels upon them and turn their eyes and hearts from their rightful mates. It should not be so! Must they take them to their hearts when they take them to their teepees?

Perhaps she could die just as the other one had.... Matu Perhaps she could die just as the other one had.... Matu wondered if Wanmdi Hota would always mourn Alisha's death as Mahpiya Sapa did for the one caled Jenny, Gra.s.s-Eyes. Do the spirits of lost loves linger near forever? Love? She would have to agree that Alisha did love Wanmdi Hota, just as Jenny had Mahpiya Sapa. But that did not change the truth of how things should be and remain.

She knew she could not risk kiling Alisha. Wanmdi Hota would be sure to know. Oftentimes, the apple left a stain in the mouth and an odor on the breath after death. If she dared to kil Alisha for her own revenge or for Chela's sake, Gray Eagle's vengeance would know no limits.

Matu went to where Alisha lay and stared down at her. She asked herself, what does he see in a pale, skinny winyan like you?

What magic do you have to make him desire you over his own kind? She lifted the blanket covering Alisha and asked, does he see the same things Mahpiya Sapa saw in his gra.s.s-eyed, flaminghaired, ska winyan? What made her life worth my sadness and banishment? How I long to return home to my people. I am old and wish to die among the Si-Ha Sapa. I could not have changed what happened that day. Does he not see and know this yet, after al these winters? I have suffered long enough because of some such as you, ska witkowin.

But Matu's last words froze in her throat and her eyes widened in surprise at the sight before her. She sank to her knees for a better view. Her scowl was replaced by a smile as she shook her head. It cannot be, she murmured, excited by her discovery. But she knew instantly that her old eyes did not deceive her.

”Thanks be to Napi!” she said aloud. She gently traced the scar on Alisha's left hip with her crooked finger. A mischievous, mysterious Alisha's left hip with her crooked finger. A mischievous, mysterious gleam flickered in her dul, ebony eyes as she fingered the little half moon.

It can be, it can be, she thought excitedly. I must tend to it now. Then, I wil go to Mahpiya Sapa. Just as Jenny took me from my people, you wil send me back in great honor and love...

Secretly, she left Wanmdi Hota's teepee to return to her own to fetch the needed items to bring her heart back to life once more. She returned to Gray Eagle's teepee carrying a smal pouch clutched to her sagging bosom. Her task took only a short time for she had traced that same akito many times in the dirt. Carefuly, she rubbed salve onto Alisha's back and gently tucked the blanket securely around her. She caled to Succoola. He had been left behind because of his age and weakness of body. She spoke with him quietly and secretly. She told him she must go immediately to the camp of Black Cloud with an urgent message. She told him to guard Alisha with his very life if necessary. She said no one was to enter Gray Eagle's teepee for any reason. No one was to tend her wounds or touch Alisha except him. Succoola did not understand Matu's sudden concern for the life and safety of the ska winyan. She had not hidden her dislike or contempt for Gray Eagle's kaskapi. She told him she would explain it al when she returned. He had no reason to doubt her and agreed to do as she asked. He sat down cross-legged before Gray Eagle's teepee to watch over Alisha until Matu's return.

Matu had been gone only for a short time when the sound of the thunder of many horses' hooves and the noise of firesticks reached her ears. She halted quickly and listened. She knew the dreaded meaning of those sounds. Fear and anger gripped her heart. The bluecoats were attacking the Oglala vilage!

heart. The bluecoats were attacking the Oglala vilage!

They had dared much to ride into the camp of Wanmdi Hota and Suntokca Ki-in-yangki-yapi. How did they know the warriors would be away? Surely they had, for they were not fools. She prodded her horse to a fast pace. She must warn Wanmdi Hota of the raid on his camp. Al other news must wait. If the girl were either kiled or rescued, al her hopes and plans would be dashed.

”Napi protect you, Taopi Cikala,” she prayed, using Gray Eagle's pet name for Alisha. She had heard him cal her that many times, unaware that he was being overheard.

It would be to Matu's advantage that Black Cloud would not see the akito this day. She had not noticed in her excitement that Alisha's sensitive skin had turned very red from the irritation of the scratches. For al Matu had noticed was the akito showing a quarter moon with a star on either side of it. And Matu knew that was the symbol that would set her free...

Chapter Twelve.

At the first sounds of gunfire and onrus.h.i.+ng horses, the women and children fled to the safety of the forest. The few elderly warriors who were too slow to flee or too weak to resist were kiled or wounded during the first minutes of the a.s.sault.

From their concealed position, the cavalry had observed the absence of warriors. The white truce flag was hastily replaced with the yelow and black standard of the cavalry. The commanding officer was elated at this excelent opportunity to teach the invincible Oglala and ”that arrogant, fearless b.a.s.t.a.r.d” Gray Eagle a lesson they wouldn't quickly forget. In the process of showing their strength and boldness, they would liberate any white captives. The regiment's a.s.signment was to seek out and trade any white prisoners being held by the Oglala, Si-ha Sapa and Cheyenne. The troop of ruffians agreed with the ranking officer that it would be humiliating and degrading to ride into camp and beg to trade for the white captives these barbaric heathens had dared to take prisoner. Why trade or plead for what they could take by a show of force? They would find no resistance with the warriors away on a hunt. They would teach the fierce Oglala the cavalry was not to be taken lightly.

The white cavalry charged into the Oglala vilage like the scourge of the devil and his host of demons, shouting curses and firing at almost anything which moved. The thunder of the horses'

hooves pounded like war drums, and the blast of many guns sounded like the cal of death. They roped and puled down many sounded like the cal of death. They roped and puled down many of the smaler teepees and set fire to others.

Some of the slower, feebler warriors were struck down with the b.u.t.ts of guns or skewered with sabers. The women who had not escaped to the forest were terrorized and taunted, but not ravished. Time did not permit this extra benefit. The witnesses would be left behind to tel the warriors of the daring and might of the akicitaheyake-to. A sweeping search was made of the entire vilage. Kathy had been located and rescued from the teepee sa. When she was questioned concerning other white captives, she wickedly told them there were no other captives there. Her malicious tone and expression told them otherwise. When pressed for the entire truth, Kathy'admitted there was one other white girl there. She said acidly, ”There ain't no need to free her cause she stays with him wilingly. When the Indians attacked our fortress, he saved her, brought her here with him, and treated her like a queen. He wouldn't let none of those other braves touch her. He didn't care to spare n.o.body's life except his harlot's. She's as much as a traitor and she's right in that teepee!”

Lieutenant Gordon and Captain Harrison ran to the teepee Kathy had pointed out. They lifted the flap, ducked and entered the teepee. After one glance at the shocking sight before them, they shook their heads with disbelief and horror.

Lieutenant Gordon walked over to the mat and knelt beside the delicate creature who appeared so smal and vulnerable. It was evident to him that there was real beauty beneath the bruised and battered body of the girl before them.

”d.a.m.n those red b.a.s.t.a.r.ds!” the lieutenant swore to his captain. ”They'l have the devil to pay for this!”

captain. ”They'l have the devil to pay for this!”

He sent the captain to tel the men to prepare to mount up and move out promptly. They couldn't be sure how long the warriors had been away or how soon they would return. One thing Gordon was sure of-it would be stupid to confront the braves on their own home ground.

Gray Eagle had told Matu to hide al of Alisha's clothing. If she did recover while he was away, he wanted to be sure there was no chance of her escaping again. No matter how much she hated or feared him, she would never leave his teepee naked. Gordon looked around for something to dress her in. He cursed again when he found she wasn't even alowed to have garments of any kind. Seeing nothing he could use to cover the upper part of her slender body, he galantly removed his uniform jacket and carefuly put it on her. As he b.u.t.toned it securely, he took note of her slim, but ravis.h.i.+ng, figure. She was neither child nor woman, but suspended momentarily between the two. He painfuly realized he was much too aware of her loveliness and desirability as a woman. He wrapped a blanket around the lower half of her body and secured it about her tiny waist. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to his waiting mount. Captain Harrison held her while he mounted, then handed her up to him. He settled her in his strong embrace and cradled her protectively.

As the other men watched with growing interest and curiosity, Kathy harshly exclaimed, ”I see you found the b.i.t.c.h. Too bad. She's not going to appreciate your help. She won't like being rescued and neither wil her brave.”

The lieutenant maneuvered his horse to stand before Kathy. He glared down at the bitter young woman, trying to detect the real meaning in her statement. He had loosened his grip on Alisha and meaning in her statement. He had loosened his grip on Alisha and her head had roled away from his shoulder. A few gasps were audible as the closest men became aware of the mental state and physical condition of the beautiful girl in Gordon's arms. The cloth had slipped from around her forehead and the swolen, jagged cut stared them in the face. The slender ankles were raw and chafed from rawhide bindings. The arm which hung free displayed a b.l.o.o.d.y bandaged wrist and minor injuries on her smal hand. The angelic features were also marred by a swolen lower lip.

Gordon retorted to Kathy, ”Is this what you cal a wiling mistress? This girl's been brutaly beaten into unconsciousness and inflicted with numerous other injuries. I saw from the las.h.i.+ng she took and the evidence of scars, she was far from being submissive and wiling. From the looks of her abused body, I fail to understand how you think she's been treated like a queen. I think those were your exact words. Why would any man, even a savage, flog a woman to near death Kathy spitefuly replied, ”He only whipped her yesterday. She tried to run away. He tracked her down and brought her back. The beating was for punishment. She's been living with him for months. She waits on him hand and foot. She does everything for him, Lieutenant, everything!”

Captain Harrison spoke up, ”If she liked it here so much, then why'd she try to run away? 'Sides, how are you so sure she was crazy about him? Did you sleep in the same teepee with them?” His last question was a cutting joke and the soldiers nearby laughed at the jealous girl.

Lieutenant Gordon cut in before Kathy could speak another word, ”Prepare to ride to the fort, men! Or else your head wil rest tonight on an Injun's belt!”

tonight on an Injun's belt!”

Gordon directed Harrison to take Kathy with them to Fort Pierre. The entire regiment fel into formation and headed swiftly out of the Oglala camp.

It was nearly midnight when they finaly arrived at the fort. The guards hastily opened the gates at Lieutenant Gordon's command. He immediately went to the doctor's quarters with his precious survivor. He pounded loudly on the door with his boot. As Doctor Philsey opened the door, Gordon kicked it back and hurriedly went inside. Carrying the limp body of the girl, he headed straight for the examining table.

”What's going on, lieutenant?” asked the perplexed doctor. Lieutenant Gordon shouted over his shoulder, ”Doc, we found this white girl in a camp we raided this morning... appears she's been badly whipped... been unconscious since yesterday... signs of other injuries, too ...”

Doc came forward to the table where Gordon placed Alisha and looked down at her. ”My G.o.d!” he exclaimed. ”She's no more than a girl! d.a.m.n these savages! Know who she is?”

Gordon carefuly removed his jacket from the stil girl. He shook his head and answered only the questions he could. ”Her name's Alisha Wiliams. She's one of those settlers from that smal fortress southwest of here. The one about two days' ride. You recal, the one that was raided about a month or so back. By the time w scouted the area, everyone was dead or captured. It was those Oglala, just like I thought. We brought back another girl, too; but she hasn't told us much. She said this one was the squaw of the chiefs son. If you asked me, I'd say the other girl is just a mite too spiteful to be trusted. I think there's more between these two girls spiteful to be trusted. I think there's more between these two girls than she's told us.”

Doc questioned, ”Did you say Oglala camp?” Gordon nodded yes. ”That would make the chiefs son none other than Gray Eagle, wouldn't it, son?”

Gordon grinned like the Ches.h.i.+re cat. ”You're right there, Doc. Finaly put one over on that son-of-ab.i.t.c.h! d.a.m.n, how I'd like to see his face about now!”

”Don't you think that was a bit foolish, son? Gray Eagle isn't a man to be dalied with. His feathers wil be mighty ruffled when he finds this treasure missing. You'l have to leave her here and I'l take care of her, if it isn't too late. From the looks of her condition, I'd say she doesn't have much of a chance to pul through. None, if infection sets in. Shame too, she's very young and pretty.”

Mrs. Philsey came out to see what the fuss so late at night was al about. She noticed the girl lying on the table and went to her. She gasped. She moved backwards a few steps, slightly sickened by the sight of Alisha's raw back and ugly welts.