Part 20 (2/2)

He gazed at her darkened window, wis.h.i.+ng he could share this good news with her. He would see her tomorrow and tel her then. At that same time, Jeffery was properly thanking Kathy for her help that afternoon. She had realy knocked the wind out of Alisha. Only a few more days and he knew Alisha and not Kathy would be lying beneath him. After she's mine, Jeffery thought, I'l kil Kathy if she ever comes near me and mine ever again. Within three more days, that d.a.m.ned scout wil be dead, and Alisha wil be my slave for a change ...

Chapter Fifteen.

Matu had ridden hard and fast toward the camp of Black Cloud to tel Gray Eagle of the raid on his camp. Al her plans would be in vain if the girl died in the raid or was rescued. Gray Eagle, his warriors and those from many of the other tribes and vilages swiftly rode back to the Oglala camp. They arrived to find many dead and wounded scattered about the vilage. Others were hiding in the nearby forest. The camp had been ransacked and many teepees turned over and burned. Fortunately, most of the teepees and supplies were stil intact. They had attacked quickly, without warning, and left the same way. He dismounted and hurriedly went to his own teepee. He was furious when he saw Alisha's mat empty and the deep boot prints al around the mat. Old Succolu ran in, panting. ”They took her, Wanmdi Hota. I could not stop them. There were too many of them and they carried the mzawakan. I was to guard her while Matu came to the camp of Black Cloud, but I have failed. She was stil sleeping and never awoke when they took her. I watched from the edge of the forest. It was the one with the yelow hair, as before. He placed her on his horse and rode away. I am shamed, great leader of the Oglala.”

The old man lowered his head dejectedly.

Gray Eagle looked at the old man and spoke softly, as he would to his own father, You were brave to remain so close and watch. The one with the yelow hair should take only the white girl, not the life of an old warrior, my koda. You did wel. It does not show wisdom to remain in the face of death. You could not have show wisdom to remain in the face of death. You could not have saved her. The one with the yelow hair has dared the vengeance of Wanmdi Hota for the last time. He and al his kind wil die before the snows touch our lands once more. I have spoken and so it shal be.”

Gray Eagle's rage knew no bounds when he was alone in his own teepee. He clenched his hands into hard fists and ranted to himself, how dare they raid my camp and take what is mine! I wil kil every one of them in our lands and forests. Their blood wil soak our soil. We wil do as Mahpiya Sapa says, we wil band together and ride against them in twenty-eight suns. We wil destroy them al. Gray Eagle inwardly hoped Alisha would be cared for until he could reclaim her, for surely he would. She was as much his as his own body. It would be a very long moon before al the tribes would gather and be ready to slay the bluecoats.

As he paced around his teepee, he wondered what she would think when she awoke to find herself freed from his hold. She wil no doubt be happy to be free of me. But not for long, Cinstinna!

You are mine, and no man wil take you from me, ever! You wil once again share my teepee.

Each of the tribes returned to its own camp to prepare for war agains the wasichu cavalry. Many arrows, lances, war clubs, knives and tomahawks had to be made, sharpened and repaired. s.h.i.+elds and lances were decorated with feathers and scalp hairs. War paints were mixed and readied for use on the promised day of justice. Hunting parties kiled and stored game for the women, children and elderly warriors to be used during their absence. There was chanting, singing, and praying for the Great Spirit's help and guidance. The Owacitipi Hunska, asking for help and protection, was chanted and danced many times in the folowing days. Al was chanted and danced many times in the folowing days. Al things necessary were being done and made ready for the largest raid ever attempted, and hopefuly, the last.

For Gray Eagle, the nights were the hardest time for him in the twenty-eight day period. The busy days flew swift upon their course of time; but the nights were lonely, crawling by slowly. They moved like caterpilars on the bark of the cottonwood tree. His arms ached to hold his Lese, to be sure she was al right, to show her he loved her and wanted her close. His body hungered for her touch, her smel, her love, her kiss.

Wanhinkpe Ska had been right, the beating had taken her from him and his care. If she had not been unconscious, she could have been hidden by Succolu in the forest. She wil surely hate me for the beating and for not letting her know why it was necessary, Gray Eagle mourned. Wil she also hate me for recapturing her and bringing her back if I explain these things to her? Even not, I must have her back! Our lives and hearts have touched; now I cannot live without her. What life and happiness could I find with another?

As the days pa.s.sed on and on, White Arrow would find him pacing anxiously back and forth, which was unusual for this man of great and long patience. He would stop and stare in the direction of the fort and mentaly besiege it by himself.

White Arrow commented once, ”So, you miss Pi-Zi Ista. I would not have guessed you cared this much by your actions, my koda.”

Gray Eagle scowled at him and retorted, ”I only miss her warmth in my mats and her duties as my slave. I am angry because they have dared to defile my camp and take what is mine.”

White Arrow laughed, seeing through his facade. He proclaimed innocently, ”They only took back what you had stolen proclaimed innocently, ”They only took back what you had stolen from them. If you do not care for her, then why does she haunt your heart these many nights?”

Gray Eagle exclaimed, ”She is mine! I shal have her back. She is no longer one of them, Wanhinkpe Ska. But you speak wise and true, my koda, for even now I see her face before me...”

White Arrow spoke the words he had refused to think upon until now, ”Suppose she is dead ... or she could be wounded or kiled in the attack on the fort? Also, one of the other warriors might find and capture her first.” They both flinched at these thoughts.

”I can alow none of those things, my koda. I wil tel them she is mine and wil kil the first man who dares to take her with a chalenge. They know and respect the honor and courage of Wanmdi Hota. They wil not refuse.”

His words sounded more confident and daring than he felt deep within his heart. If it came to a chalenge, he would die defending her, or kil her before he would alow another to take her. Gray Eagle's eyes narrowed in concentration. He knew he must find a way to get her out of the fort before the battle. He tumbled different plans over in his keen mind. Then a plan struck him by surprise. He could pul a white man's trick-speak with a double tongue and bluff them.

He excitedly related his idea to White Arrow. ”When the akicita-heyake-to sees such a large band of warriors outside the wooden fort, al I have to do is convince them we wil not attack if they give me the girl they took from my vilage. They wil not dare to refuse. We know they are very low on supplies and men, for we have not alowed them to pa.s.s our scouts for a long time. We have also prevented their hunting parties from taking game. They cannot have enough food or mazawakans to ward off a heavy attack for have enough food or mazawakans to ward off a heavy attack for very long. They wil be in. great fear of this raid.

”I wil be very careful not to alow them to see her importance to me, or they may try to hold her as hostage. I also cannot alow the other warriors to see this is more than a show of power and humiliation. Al must see only hatred and vengeance in my words for the raid upon my camp. I wil tel them her life is demanded in payment for the damages to my camp and people. I wil say I demand apology and sacrifice from them for what they did to me. I wil say the cause of the raid must be returned to me for punishment.”

White Arrow listened to his words and was impressed by his koda's inteligence and boldness. ”It wil work! I am sure of it. Who could dare to stand before the mighty Wanmdi Hota and not tremble with fear? They wil be happy to give up her life rather than their own. But what if she begs for their protection? Wil they not listen to one such as she and refuse to give her up to us without a fight?” He laughed as he answered his own question, ”No, for the white-eyes are frightened and helpless. Besides, Pi-Zi Ista is brave and she would not alow others to die for her safety.” He agreed with his friend. .

Gray Eagle gazed in the fort's direction again, but this time with a smug smile upon his lips and deviltry glimmering in his inky black eyes. Soon, I shal feel the softness of your body next to mine and taste the sweetness of your mouth, he thought. I wil see the sparkle in your eyes and hear the music of your voice. This time, you wil be far too frightened to fight or defy me. You wil submit and I wil not have to be harsh or cold to you. Yes, Cinstinna, this time wil be different...

The entire day before the raid, the chiefs and leaders went into The entire day before the raid, the chiefs and leaders went into one sweat lodge, and the warriors went into another. This was a teepee with very little ventilation and was covered with thick, heavy buffalo hides. They built a large, hot fire in the center of the teepee and placed many rocks in it. As the rocks heated, the teepee became very hot, causing the men to sweat profusely. This ritual was done to release al impurities, evil spirits and fear from their bodies. This was always done before al battles and contests to renew and cleanse them in body and mind.

After they left the sweat lodge, they went to the ceremonial lodge to the Warrior Society meeting. The pezuta yutas were pa.s.sed around and eaten to instil endurance and courage for the next day. They chanted and prayed to the Great Spirit as the euphoric halucination began. Gray Eagle prayed silently: Wakantanka, hear us; We cal to you for help and guidance.

The white bird you gave to me has been taken away. The white bird you gave to me must be returned.

She holds my heart and spirit with hers, Return her to my teepee, Return her to my heart and life. Wakantanka, hear me; Send me your sign...

Gray Eagle weaved to and fro as he spoke of the vision he saw. Under the influence of the peyote, the others believed they heard and saw the same vision he was experiencing. Ma.s.s halucination was taking place under those circ.u.mstances of close contact and empathy of mind and body.

He spoke of the great eagle soaring free and wild in the heavens when it spied a smal white bird lying injured on the ground heavens when it spied a smal white bird lying injured on the ground far below him. He gave a shril cry and swooped down. He gently gathered the little bird into his sharp talons. As he flew homeward, many other birds tried to steal her from him. Being of superior strength and courage, he protected the little bird from further harm. He cared for her and protected her until she was almost healed. One day while he was out hunting food for them, a large flock of bluejays came and stole her away from his nest. She vainly tried to resist them and flee, but she was stil too weak. She caled out for him to'come and help her, to free her. When he returned home, he found her gone and saw the blue feathers al around his nest. He soared high into the heavens to search for her. He untiringly flew al around the skies and lands day and night for a sight of her. At last, when he was about to lose hope, the great Thunderbird appeared to him and told him where to seek her. He quickly flew there and engaged in a fierce battle with the bluejays. He kiled al his enemies and freed his little bird. She flew home with him, protected under his great wing, to live forever in his domain and under his care.

Gray Eagle talked on and on under the influence of the peyote. Al of the others could mentaly see and hear the battle and the other events he described in vivid detail. The halucination began to slowly fade and relaxation came to each of them. Later, they related the vision from the Great Spirit to al the other warriors in the council meeting. They believed the mutualy shared vision to be powerful magic and of great importance.

The Oglala understood what the vision signified- what Matu had known the moment she saw the strange half-moon scar on Alisha. The tribe concluded, ”The white girl has been given to you by the Great Spirit for your bravery and generosity. She has shown by the Great Spirit for your bravery and generosity. She has shown courage and friends.h.i.+p to our people. We did not understand the Great Spirit meant for her to live here. That is why you were sent to their fortress many moons ago. He wished you to find her and save her, and now you must do this once more. She has been taken by our enemy, but we have been told to help you bring her back here. The Great Spirit has a purpose for wis.h.i.+ng her life spared. We wil do as he has commanded when he alowed us to share his vision guidance to you. We wil be your spirit helpers. We wil free the girl before the battle and restore her to you. You wil place her under your wing and guard her wel until the Great Spirit chooses to reveal her purpose to you. We shal kil the invaders of our lands and forests. We wil tel the other chiefs and warriors of this message when Wi rises in the heavens. She wil be spared and returned. We listen and obey you, Great Spirit, knower of al things.” The council had decided and voted to return Alisha's destiny to the hands of Gray Eagle.

Gray Eagle and White Arrow were so excited about the vision of her rescue and return, neither of them could sleep. By the time of the new sun, she would once more be among the Oglala. The pre-dawn light found the warriors prepared in their linked-bone breastplates and dressed for war. They took their weapons and mounted their finest, fastest war ponies. Their breastplates were an important item of their dress, for they were believed to protect the warriors heart from the magic of the mazawakan. Their hair was adorned with varying colors of feathers, which by the number and position of the feathers indicated that brave's coups.

They were prepared to ride away as the Tokeh-pi-iceyapi Itancan's voice sang loud and clear. He could stil be heard as they Itancan's voice sang loud and clear. He could stil be heard as they rode away as he repeated the war chant for the fifth time: Wakantanka, hear us, We cal to you for help; Give us your sign, Give us your guidance; Show us your great love and protection.

Wakantanka, hear us, Our Mother Earth cries; Our forests and their creatures cry, Our slain warriors and brothers cry, Our winyans and papoose cry, The waters and Wi cry, Al cry for the leaving of the wasichus from our lands. Wakantanka, hear us, We wil take the wasichus mazawakans; We wil take the wasichus woyetu; We wil take the wasichus sunka; We wil take the wasichus spirits and lives.

Wakantanka, hear us, We wil be revenged; We wil free the forests and the creatures, We wil free the plains, and our brothers the buffalo, We wil free the children of Wakantanka and Makakin; Wakantanka, hear us and help us...

The cry as they left was thunderous: ”Yekiya wo! Ku-wa, Oglala, kodas, ihakan ya!”

Oglala, kodas, ihakan ya!”

They rode like the wind until they neared the fort, then halted. In the early morning of the twenty-eighth day since the raid upon the camp of the Oglala, dawn was approaching with breathtaking majesty, as if she sent her own, special blessing to the Indian. Gray Eagle sat proud and erect upon his appaloosa before the entrancing sunrise. Its tawny hues sent rays like s.h.i.+mmers from heaven to outline him against the cobalt skyline. He appeared awesome and forbidding, sitting there like a G.o.d of war ready to swoop down and conquer the entire world.

It was time.

Gray Eagle urged his horse forward and forcefuly hurled the lance he carried into the dirt. It struck with a great force and stood quivering at the vigorous impact. The two feathers at its end began to gently waver in the light wind.

Gray Eagle sat waiting for the fort to respond to his signal to talk. He sat proudly and boldly before Fort Pierre and the warriors. There was no indication of fear in him.

Tension and panic ran rampant throughout the fort. The sight of the enormous band of Indians outside their wals was alarming. Terror broke loose at the vision of the awesome event about to take place. The soldiers scurried about like mice, getting their weapons and preparing to defend their lives and the fort. The few civilians present hurried inside their quarters to hide in dread. Everyone antic.i.p.ated death; or worse, torture.

The lookout watched the Indians closely for any movement. He stared at the tal, arrogant warrior sitting before the others. He wondered if that was the infamous Gray Eagle of the Oglalas. Who else would be so daring and fearless?

General Galt caled up to the lookout, ”How many would you General Galt caled up to the lookout, ”How many would you say are out there? Can you tel the tribes involved?”

”About two thousand, maybe more, Sir,” came the reply. ”I'd guess there are five or six different tribes out there. They appear to be waiting for something. Could be for others to join them or...”

That was when it happened. He caled down, ”There it is, Sir! They want to talk. That warrior out front has thrown the talking lance into the ground and is waiting for an answer. My G.o.d!” he shouted excitedly. ”The feather is yelow! It's him, Sir. It's Gray Eagle himself!”

Jeffery quickly spoke up, ”Best we send Powchutu out to see what he wants.”

”After that raid you puled on his camp, lieutenant, it should be obvious what he wants! It'l take some doing to talk ourselves out of this predicament.” Stil, the general heeded the lieutenant's suggestion. He ordered, ”Powchutu, it looks like they want to talk. I'm sending you out there to see what they're up to.” His apprehension was apparent to the scout and Jeffery.

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