Grey Eagle: Savage Ecstasy Part 13

The air was crisp and clear on this bright morning. Fluffy, snow-white clouds drifted lazily in the giant sea of blue sky. The braves struck a pace which would tire neither the men nor the horses. As was their custom, they spoke rarely. Each man concentrated on what was to come. One slight hesitation when action was necessary could cost one brave his life or even the life of his friends. They knew their mental readiness was one of their greatest advantages over their enemies. A wasichu would often give a split-second hesitation before slaying his foe. Many times this resulted in his conquer or death. But the Oglalas fought with ruthless fury, courage and undivided attention.

At dusk, they reached the deserted camp. Some of the braves dismounted to search the ground and camp for signs of the wasichus. They scattered out in several directions and found the trail the people had taken. The campfires were cold, indicating they had been out for a long time. Their tracks were filed with loose dirt. It was evident the people had risen early and puled out for some curious, unknown reason to return in the same way they had come. The wasichus would be forced to travel slowly with their great load. The Indians saw no need to pursue the departing enemy. It would be a long, tiring journey to catch them. By leaving the Oglala land and forest, the wasichus' lives would be spared. The Oglala did not seek out wasichus to slay for the love of kiling. The braves voted to camp there for the night and get an early start home in the morning. They made camp in the very same spot the wasichus had used only a day ago. They ate their quick, light dinner of dried meat and bread. Later, they sat around smal dinner of dried meat and bread. Later, they sat around smal campfires, talking and smoking.

There was no race anywhere who loved storyteling and talking more than the Indians. As with many past nights, they spoke of old glories and battles. Often, the one speaking would act out his tale or speech with great to-do. Gray Eagle's people were a happy, easy-going, inteligent tribe who enjoyed their lives and existences as they were.

When the time for sleep came, Gray Eagle lay on his back on his buffalo skin gazing up into the starry, clear night. He would be happy to get home and to again taste the sweetness of Alisha's surrender. He recaled many things about her as he lay there. I wil teach her the ways of the Oglalas and she wil become as one someday, he dreamed. A final truce has come between us now. He smiled as he thought of the simplicity of things to come. White Arrow observed the mood of his friend closely. He saw the smile come and go. He thinks of Pi-Zi Ista and her defeat to him, he deduced. I do not fuly believe she yields her al to him yet for her suffering and pain are stil too great in her mind and heart. Wanmdi Hota sees as he wishes it to be, not as it truly is. Who wil suffer the most when the time for this truth is here? I fear our people may accept her as his kaskapi, but never as his winyan. My greatest fear is she wil not be able to accept this life of slavery forever. Only the Great Spirit knows and controls the truth and only he can help either of them now.

Alisha's image formed before his mind's eye. He saw her soft, snowy skin; her proud, graceful walk; the sparkle of life and innocence in those gra.s.sy eyes; the fiery s.h.i.+ne in her auburn curls; and her courage in the face of danger. She makes any man, Indian or wasichu, desire her for his own, White Arrow sighed. or wasichu, desire her for his own, White Arrow sighed. How does he bring himself to hurt her these many times? he asked himself. If she were mine, I would be firm, but gentle, with her. I would love and protect her from al shame and hurt. He thought angrily, she clings to me for comfort and understanding, not him. She begged me to go against him to help her. Wanmdi Hota wil never know how close I came to doing just that!

Dreaming of how he would like to someday possess Alisha, White Arrow finaly dropped off to sleep.

The warriors ate quickly the next morning and were hurriedly on their way before dawn broke. This time they rode swiftly, eager to be home after the long, fruitless journey. There was no need to conserve the strength of the horses or men.

It was mid-afternoon when they reached their vilage, horses lathered and pawing loose dirt. The younger braves came running forward to take the horses. They would feed, water and rub them down in the cool stream water. The other warriors came out to hear the news of their ride. The group of men talked and laughed for a while.

The younger braves joked and planned for the day when they, too, would be with the warriors on hunts and raids instead of caring for the horses after the excitement was over. They led the animals to the stream and entered a shalow area. It was their daily task to feed, water and exercise the warriors' mounts. In this land, a man's horse could mean his life, and the animal was treated with great care. After he had been cared for, he was exercised to loosen and firm taut muscles.

The warrior's horse was put through a daily regimen of selected drils for speed and agility. The bridle was used only for selected drils for speed and agility. The bridle was used only for securing and leading him. He was directed and commanded by knee-pressure and verbal commands from his master. When properly trained, an Indian horse could only be ridden by his owner. Unless verbaly ordered by his master, he would not alow anyone else on his back.

This style of knee-pressure riding was necessary for their type of hunting and warfare. A brave needed the use of both hands for his weapons. His horse must be trained in alertness and nimbleness to adjust to sudden changes of direction when pursuing an enemy or game. The young braves knew the importance of their task and did it with great pride and efficiency. After the horses were exercised, they were tethered near the warriors' teepees.

Gray Eagle grew restless with the continued talking. He dismissed himself from the group of men to go to his teepee. He lifted the flap and entered. He looked about-she was not there. He went to find Matu and question her. Matu informed him she had done as he had commanded. She had left her alone. She had not seen Alisha since yesterday morning when she was returning from the stream. Alisha had gone inside his teepee and remained there. A quiver of apprehension disturbed Gray Eagle's mind. He tried to brush it away. Alisha must have gone to the stream and Matu had not noted her pa.s.sing. He walked there, but found no Alisha. He strained his ears and eyes for a sight or sound of her. Surely she must be close by. She could be out gathering berries, but why alone? He walked around, caling her name. There was no answer. He scouted the edge of the stream and forest for her. The incident with the trapper haunted his thoughts. Had something happened to her? Could she be hurt or taken prisoner by another?

Had she gotten lost in the forest or been attacked by some wild Had she gotten lost in the forest or been attacked by some wild beast? He knew the answers to al his fears, for there would be some sign of danger or warning to his keen eyes. He must have just missed her in the vilage. There was no other place she would dare go. The camp was a large place ...

He returned to have another look around, trying not to show his worry. It did not take him long to realize she was not in the vilage, at the stream or in the nearby forest-the only places a kaskapi could go. That intangible feeling of danger touched him again and he fought to suppress it. He was gazing off into blank s.p.a.ce when White Arrow came over to him. Gray Eagle explained his futile search for Alisha. White Arrow saw the black scowl mixed with anxiety on his friend's face. They walked back to his teepee for a clue to Alisha's disappearance.

His eyes scanned the teepee thoroughly. They darkened in fury as they noted the missing mni skin, wasna pouch, the garments, the blanket-and Alisha. His face went almost white with shock and rage at the implication of the missing items and his Alisha. White Arrow observed a tic in the taut muscle of his friend's jawline. As the ful truth settled in on his koda, he watched Gray Eagle's eyes narrow, and his brow tense in rapidly growing anger. He could hear the gritting of his teeth as he clenched them together as he paced the close confines of his teepee. As he planned what to do, he continualy pounded one fist into the palm of his* other hand. When he spoke at last, he vowed ominously, "This day, she wil regret above al other days she has ever known, my koda! She has dared to dishonor my trust in her and make a fool of me before my people. She has betrayed me and my acceptance of her. To think of what I was going to tel her this very day! I wil shame her before the very ones she shamed and dishonored me. They wil see before the very ones she shamed and dishonored me. They wil see and know 'Wanmdi Hota yields and bows to no winyan or man. She wil pay greatly for this betrayal. I wil never again make this mistake. I cannot forgive this thing, Wanhinkpe Ska. I cannot..."

White Arrow listened to the words which were tinged with anger and anguish. He tried to reason with Gray Eagle and to help him understand Alisha's escape, but Gray Eagle was past hearing any excuses or reasons. White Arrow comprehended the meaning of his premonition-the time had been too short to bring forgiveness, no matter how much love she felt for his koda. I tried to warn him, he thought, but he would not hear my words. She has betrayed not only his honor but his love. They wil both suffer for this deed, just as the warning promised.

As he watched Gray Eagle gather his supplies in order to track Alisha, he feared what Gray Eagle would do to her when he caught up with her. I must force him to take me along, he decided. I could prevent his kiling her out of anger. He must not act before his hurt and rage have lessened. Wanmdi Hota is not a man to dishonor as she has unknowingly done. Can he not see how greatly she fears him, and rightly so? Can he not see she hungers for freedom and peace just as he did? It takes more than love to make a winyan stay here wilingly.

Gray Eagle refused to alow White Arrow to go with him.

"This is between the girl and me! No one can help or protect her from me, not even you, my koda. The Great Spirit wil guide my path. He wil show me what to do when the time comes."

"Be sure it is the voice of the Great Spirit you hear and obey, my koda, and not the voice of vengeance within your own heart."

White Arrow knew it would not help to argue further with Gray Eagle for he was determined to go alone. White Arrow Gray Eagle for he was determined to go alone. White Arrow remained silent.

Gray Eagle alowed White Arrow to help him search the surrounding area for signs of her escape. Now that they knew she was fleeing, they would know what to look for. It did not take long to discover her tracks near the stream. Each man went in an opposite direction to find where she had left the water to enter the forest on the other bank. She possessed a light step and smal foot which made her tracks easy to define and folow. Earlier, they had taken no particular notice of her tracks near the stream for it had not seemed unusual for them to be there. As Gray Eagle moved along in the stream searching the bank for her trail, he realized she had purposely tried to hide her tracks.

He scoffed bitterly, knowing her ability to hide her pa.s.sing from his keen eyes would not hold a twig to his tracking skils. There was no way she could hope to hide from his alert senses. When he spotted the place she had left the water, he whistled a signal to White Arrow to come and join him. They studied the tracks. It was evident she had pa.s.sed here about mid-day the day before. He told White Arrow to return to camp and wait for him there. He stepped out of the stream and replaced his moccasins, then disappeared into the forest on the other bank. White Arrow knew it would not take his koda long to overtake Alisha. He is sure to move swiftly, he thought. He wil have her within his power and mercy by nightfal. I pray he brings his anger under control before he finds her.

But the opposite thing was happening to Gray Eagle. The faster he walked, the greater his anger built within him. He snarled angrily, her love was a lie, a trick! I have not been a fool of a winyan's deceit before. I have alowed no one to fool me with these winyan's deceit before. I have alowed no one to fool me with these games. She is not unlike the winyans everywhere. Fool! It was unwise to trust a winyan and to open my heart to one, especialy an ista ska. She wil pay for this. She wil never have the chance to dishonor or trick me again-if I do not kil her first. Gray Eagle knew he must come to terms with the rage which gnawed at his insides and the fire which burned a message of revenge across his thoughts. She had dealt him an unforgivable, crus.h.i.+ng blow. He knew if he did not bring his emotions under rigid control he would surely kil her with his bare hands. He concentrated on self control, but hardened his heart against Alisha. Gray Eagle was accustomed to covering many miles swiftly without food or rest when necessary. Even amidst his great anger, he knew he must find her soon before she came upon a wild animal or other warriors. To imagine a wild animal tearing at his Lese's body agitated him immensely. He felt uneasy and tense. He instinctively quickened his pace. Her death was more alarming than her escape.

Far worse were his thoughts of her capture by another tribe. After her reaction to the teepee sa, she would never endure many rapes and abuses. If they mistook her for an Oglala maiden, her beauty would be her downfal. No man could refuse to take her once he saw her; and after once taking her, he would not want to give her up.

His anxiety mounted with each pa.s.sing minute. He now traveled with new angers and concerns. She had no weapon to protect herself with. She would be powerless to ward off any kind of attack, by man or by animal.

In spite of his attempts to prevent them, happy days and times began to storm his mind. Little things began to sneak in around the began to storm his mind. Little things began to sneak in around the edges of his heart and lodged there, unwanted and resisted. Many incidents of his cruelty and her resistance flashed vividly before his mind. For a brief moment, a flicker of understanding glimmered, but he quickly extinguished it.

He asked himself if he were only trying to find excuses for her, trying to pretend she was innocent of blatant defiance and purposely trying to dishonor him, and trying to convince himself she did not love him and her response to him had not been deceitful. He knew it was beyond his power to protect and save her this time. He tried to force himself to accept the inevitable. His people would expect and demand her punishment for this deed and he could not lose face by refusal. What reason could he give for withholding it? He cried, if only there was some way to save you, Cinstinna, without the cost of my honor. This time my hands are bound by my laws and customs. You have chosen our destinies and we must live them.

He came upon the place where she had spent a restless night. He could imagine her fatigue and fear. She could not be too far ahead of him now-her signs and tracks were stil fresh. The gap was closing fast. He must soon decide his course of action when he found her. An action which would affect the course of both their lives.

The sun was slowly sinking on the horizon and blazed like a giant fire in the heavens. Darkness would soon be upon him. Suddenly, he sighted her. He halted instantly to quietly observe her, alerted by a sixth sense of impending danger.

She was standing immobile, staring wide-eyed and whitefaced at the ground before her. His gaze folowed her line of vision. Coiled and ready to strike, a large rattlesnake blocked her path. Coiled and ready to strike, a large rattlesnake blocked her path. She was poised between two high boulders in a narrow gap, which obviously had only one exit-the one now occupied by the viper. Evidently she had intended to hide and sleep in the gorge, but had changed her mind. Perhaps she had felt trapped without another means of escape. It appeared to be a test of patience and courage between Alisha and the rattler as to which one would make the next move.

He stood frozen in his hidden position until he was sure of his next move. He did not take the life of one of Wakantanka's creatures lightly, He carefuly studied al angles of the scene from where he was. He could not afford one error. She was surely too scared and tired to remain stil and silent much longer. He dared not show himself for she might move or cal out, inciting the snake to strike. A snake-bite was a horrible way for one to die. Her death or life was his to decide...

Had he been shown a way out for both of them? Had the Great Spirit sent one of his creatures to do what Gray Eagle did not have the heart and courage to do? He carefuly calculated the wind, the speed of his arrow, and the distance between them, knowing he would get only one chance to seal their fate. Fervently, he prayed to the Great Spirit to guide his aim and give his arrow true flight and speed, noping he had made the right decision. He was ready. ... He gazed intently at the fragile white girl who had brought stirrings to his heart as no other winyan had.

He silently and cautiously released the arrow from his bow, instantly knowing that now, al was in the hands of the Great Spirit. Alisha stared transfixed into the face of death. It was too late for Gray Eagle to come to her rescue. She had prayed he had already returned to his vilage and found her missing. Surely he already returned to his vilage and found her missing. Surely he would come to search for her, if only out of pride and anger. She knew it was too soon for him to have returned from his raid and have tracked her down. He had taken his bedrol. That meant he was planning on being gone for a couple of days. By the time he discovered her escape and tracked her here, he would only find her body, distorted in agony and death. What a stupid fool I was, she raged against herself. Perhaps he wil be glad to be rid of me. If he misses anything at al, it wil be my services in and out of his mats. She had once seen a man die of a rattler bite. It had been terrible to witness. His leg had swolen to twice its size, turning a flaming red, then a purplish greenish blue. His tongue became so enlarged he could not swalow or breathe. He had burned with a raging fever for days and ranted wildly in delirium. His eyes began to redden, bulge and glaze on the second or third day. After a few days, the leg began to turn a greenish-black and rot right off his body, producing a putrid stench. When the end came, he could no longer scream or even beg the men to kil him to end his torment. They couldn't even force whiskey down his throat anymore to a.s.sauge his suffering. The venom had traveled throughout him without mercy, ravaging him completely.

Alisha now knew she should not have attempted to escape. She was no match for this savage land ... or for Gray Eagle. If only he would come and save her from this horrifying death, she vowed she would never try to escape again.

While standing off the rattler, thoughts rushed through her mind. If I do somehow manage to escape this snake, I could be attacked by other animals or starve or get lost forever on the plains. I could even be captured by another Indian and... Horror flooded her senses. The reality of this fate was worse than death by the her senses. The reality of this fate was worse than death by the snake. No man would treat me like he has, she realized. They would treat me like Kathy ... the teepee sa... many men and nights of... She weighed the things he had done to her against the things she knew were done to other female captives. Nothing he had done could compare with the terror, shame and torment of those things. Please, Wanmdi Hota, she begged inwardly. Please find me ... if I must endure a life of slavery, then let it be with you. If I survive this ordeal and you do come for me, I'l never try this again. If only I could go back to yesterday, I would be safe in your teepee, waiting for your return.

But the day before, Alisha had thought only of escape. Gray Eagle had been gone when she awoke. She had immediately peeped out to see if he had left her guarded, but saw no one. She prepared the fire and did her daily ch.o.r.es. After she had cooked maize cakes, she took a pouch and packed it with food and a change of clothes. She clutched it tightly to her bosom and made ready to go to hide it for later. She took the mni skin and blanket, and concealed them in the wood sling. To anyone who noticed her, they would see only a kaskapi fetching water, wood and behaving as a good slave should.

She folowed the path to the stream and hid the bundle in some thick, leafy bushes near the water's edge. She hurriedly colected some wood, filed the mni bags, and bathed. She knew this could be her last bath for a long time. She scrubbed away the last traces of their lovemaking from her body, wis.h.i.+ng the same could be done for her mind.

She retrieved the wood sling, water bags, and her soiled clothes and returned to their teepee. Matu saw her leave and return. Then, seeing no reason for Alisha to leave Wanmdi Hota's teepee Then, seeing no reason for Alisha to leave Wanmdi Hota's teepee again, she dismissed her from her mind. She had not even thought it unusual to not see her again.

Alisha added more wood to the fire to give the appearance of her presence. She placed more aguyapi on the flat, hot rock by the fire. The smel of the fire and aguyapi cooking would avoid any suspicion toward her until it was too late.

It was mid-afternoon. The women had taken the smaler childen inside for their naps. Many of the braves joined their women at this rest time. The other braves went to the meeting lodge to talk and smoke with friends or to plan new hunts and raids. The older boys and girls were at the far side of the vilage doing ch.o.r.es or playing games. This was her chance. It was to be now or never. No one saw her as she cautiously slipped from the teepee and headed into the forest. She walked quickly, careful to notice if anyone was folowing. She retrieved the bundle she had hidden by the stream. She removed her moccasins and stepped into the water. She had recaled her father's lesson on scents and trails being concealed in water. She walked a long way in the stream, observing the trees and bushes for signs of discovery or danger. When she thought she had gone far enough, she left the stream by the other bank and entered the forest.

Every nerve in her body was on edge. She was too frightened to feel the scratches from the briars, or the sc.r.a.pes from the twigs which slapped against her, or to hear the sounds of the wild forest creatures.

She traveled for what seemed like hours, not daring to stop for rest. She came to the edge of the woods. Before her, she could see only dirt knols and sand flats which appeared to go on and on forever. The far landscape was etched with high bluffs and ravines, forever. The far landscape was etched with high bluffs and ravines, and in the far distance, dark mountains and plateaus. There were many sagebrushes, dried and withered from the harsh sunlight, to nip at her bare legs. From her viewpoint, the terrain looked rocky, dangerous, and very desolate, but for the occasional beauty of the yuccas and flowering cacti. The spa.r.s.e patches of tal gra.s.s seemed barely enough to support any kind of wildlife.

The boulders and canyons she noted in the distance could provide many hiding places for her. The trek would be slow and treacherous, but she had made her decision and resolved to push on quickly. She gazed around once more and stepped out into the open. She hesitated for a time as if she waited for some evil to swoop down and devour her on the spot. Nothing ... no movement or sound... only the blazing sun beating down on her in welcome to this arid, deserted wilderness. She ventured forth slowly. It was getting late and she knew she must soon find a safe place to stay the night. She searched the sides of the ravine as she moved along. Her eyes lit on a smal clump of bushes located on a semi-flat area a short distance up the embankment. She would have a good view of her surroundings from there. The bushes would offer some visual protection from intruders and a slight s.h.i.+eld from the cool night breeze.

She gradualy worked her way up to the bushes after many slips, fals and sc.r.a.pes to her hands and knees. She spread out the blanket and sat down on it, breathless and panting. She coughed to clear the dust from her nose and lungs. Perspiration dampened her body. The hard, stony ground instantly made its discomfort known to her posterior. She wished the buffalo skin had not been so large and obvious to carry. She would surely miss its warmth and comfort tonight. She s.h.i.+fted restlessly on the thin blanket and moved closer tonight. She s.h.i.+fted restlessly on the thin blanket and moved closer to the scanty shelter of the bushes.

She rested for a time. She soon became aware of the numerous stinging cuts and sc.r.a.pes. She picked up her water skin and gingerly bathed the dirt and blood from her face, hands, and legs. The water did little to soothe her minor injuries. A little later, she ate her meager meal. She was so weary, but so uncomfortable she could not fal asleep. Too many fears, doubts, and questions plagued her thoughts.

She watched the effect of the brightening moonlight on the nearby terrain. It was lit by the ghostly, sinister glow. The sky was clear and the heavens filed with hundreds of milky, iridescent stars. A chiling breeze leisurely swayed the tal gra.s.ses back and forth in hushed silence. The rock formations loomed dark and forbidding against the graying skyline. She studied the cacti and trees which were bent and mangled by age and weather. It gave them the appearance of hideous specters to a fatigued mind. Somewhere out there Wanmdi Hota either sleeps or sits beneath this same moon and stars, she mused. How different our thoughts must be. Our paths have crossed and now veered from each other. Sadly she thought, but we gained nothing from our touching of each other's lives. I have lived as chattel for these past months. I doubt if he wil even think of his white captive when he is gone.

She instinctively reached to finger her gold locket, but knew instantly it was missing and how it had gone. Drowsily she stared at the landscape. She slipped into a light stupor and without being aware of when or how, she drifted into a fitful slumber. Within a few hours, she was abruptly awakened by loud, mournful wails of a nearby animal. In the distance, a coyote was on mournful wails of a nearby animal. In the distance, a coyote was on the prowl. She shuddered and fearfuly glanced around, expecting to be pounced upon and ripped to pieces at any minute. Her exhausted mind played many tricks on her imagination. She saw and heard al kinds of evil things lurking in the nearby shadows. For the remainder of the night, she sat in wide-eyed fear, clutching her knees to her chest. She s.h.i.+vered from the chil of the night and lack of warmth from the light blanket. How she longed for a fluffy, thick buffalo hide and Gray Eagle's body heat. By daybreak, she was worn down mentaly and physicaly. She wondered how she could push on, but knew she must. This was no time to look back or falter. She watched the huge, orange sun rise from the bowels of the earth and sluggishly ascend upward into the periwinkle sky. Its hue gradualy changed from orange to ocher, to yelow, to a briliant platinum. It spread its warmth and dazzling light al around her, dispeling al the demons of the night. She ate very little, knowing her food supply and water would have to last for a long time. Surely there would be places to refil the water skin, but no way to kil or find more food. She had no idea how far or how long she would have to travel before she found other whites or the fort. She wasn't even sure if there were any other white settlers nearby. If she could only make it close to the fort, hopefuly someone would find and help her. She remembered Fort Pierre was to the northeast on the map her uncle had shown her. But the map was in the charred ruins of their fortress and the fort was northeast of that fortress, wherever it had been located. She didn't even know in which direction the Oglala camp was from her fortress. The only thing she could do was head east, toward the rising sun. Somewhere in that direction lay her civilization, Fort Pierre, and hopefuly her England. civilization, Fort Pierre, and hopefuly her England. She gathered her things and began to move on. The going became harder and slower. So much of this terrain was perilous with its sharp, slippery rocks jutting up to trip and cut the feet of a careless traveler. There were so many pitfals and hidden snares to avoid, she was forced not only to watch the countryside for dangers, but her footing as wel. Her progress went even more slowly.

Unaccustomed to long walking and the rocky terrain, her feet and legs ached. Her shoulders, arms and back begged for some relief from the constant strain of puling, pus.h.i.+ng, bending and carrying. Alisha was hot, sweaty, dirty, scratched, bruised and weary before noontime. Never had she been so tired, not even on the journey to this savage country. How much longer could she continue in this heat?

The sun beat down harder and harder. Its heat sapped her strength and its bright light pained her eyes. She did not realize how frequently she drank from her water skin.

It was almost sunset when she was so weary and sore she could go no farther. With shock she discovered she had used al her water. She squeezed and shook the water skin in panic. She glanced around for any slight sign of moisture. The arid, dusty land told her it had seen no rain for a very long time. There was no chance for escape without water. Escape, she scoffed. There is no life without water, Alisha. How could I have been so wasteful and careless? Al this suffering just to die from a death worse than one Wanmdi Hota would mete out.

She racked her brain for any shred of information about dry climates and water. Underground streams ... springs bubbling up near bases of cliffs... an artesian spring... vegetation which holds near bases of cliffs... an artesian spring... vegetation which holds moisture.... She scanned the landscape for the highest bluff. To her right, she spotted two high rock formations with a narrow pa.s.s between them. Perhaps in there, she thought with eagerness. She dropped her bundle and headed for the opening. The lack of water had panicked her into believing she was thirstier than she had reason to be.

She walked the length of the narrow pa.s.s until she came to where it was blocked by falen rocks. On her way, she had examined the wals and ground for any sign of moisture. She found none. The shadows on the sides of the cliff wals and the receding light reminded her it would soon be getting dark. She hurried back to the entrance. At least I have food, she rea.s.sured herself. I can eat, then find a place to sleep for tonight. I'l have to wait until the morning to search for water.

As she reached the entrance to the smal gorge, she halted, then froze in that very spot. One of the most terrifying sounds she had ever heard pierced her ears. Like a powerful magnet, her eyes were drawn to the ground before her. A deadly quiver pa.s.sed through her. She glared as if hypnotized at the six-foot long, diamond-backed rattlesnake that lay directly in her path, blocking the only exit.

She was mesmerized by the snake which was as large around as a huge apple. He had a triangular head with protruding mounds above his slanted eyes and minute pits on either side of his mouth. She noted the brown, black, and white diamond designs on his back. She watched the forked tongue as it darted swiftly in and out, and listened to the ominous rattling of its tail. The tail caught her attention and she vainly tried to count the number of rings on it. It was almost impossible with its rapid movement, but there appeared was almost impossible with its rapid movement, but there appeared to be twelve to fifteen. He had been around for a long time. In a flash, Alisha recaled Ben's warning about this particular snake and its aggression against its enemies. After Luke's death, Ben had told her al he knew about rattlers. He said that with their sense of smel, they could pursue their quarry relentlessly for miles. Most snakes would back off from a larger enemy, but this one would stand his ground and attack.

The rattler had made no move to strike at her so far, but neither did it slither away. It just lay there, waiting and warning her. It was a game of cat and mouse, with her as the mouse and the snake, the cat. It sensed her fear and toyed with it. Her body ached in every part, but she knew she must not s.h.i.+ft her weight in any way or it might instantly strike at her. She would not stand a chance of avoiding those deadly fangs. Her only hope was to remain completely motionless, as lifeless as the rocks around her, until the snake tired of this cruel game and moved on to other prey.

She could not venture a guess as to how much time had elapsed. Thoughts of her precarious position were foremost in her mind. Even if she avoided its first strike and fled into the gorge, it could pursue her. There was no way out of the boxed gorge. Wanmdi Hota, where are you? Alisha begged silently. Please come! I need you. Let him be in time, please...

A faint swish and heavy thud were suddenly heard as a yelow-tipped arrow was embedded deep within the snake's head. Her eyes retraced the flight of the arrow. Relief flooded her features. She screamed his name and nearly swooned in joy. features. She screamed his name and nearly swooned in joy. With Alisha's life in danger, Gray Eagle had made the only decision possible. He was sure the snake had no intention of leaving any time soon. It would have been only a short time before she had done something to incite him to attack. The snake's life had to be taken with great silence and caution. If he had missed, al would have been lost. She would have screamed or moved and the snake would have ended her life. He was sure the Great Spirit understood and agreed with his decision. Her life was now back in his hands. Alisha leapt past the stil thras.h.i.+ng snake and ran straight into the arms of Gray Eagle. She clung to him as she cried hystericaly. She babbled almost incoherently, releasing pent-up fear and joy.

"You came... so frightened... found me... al-most too late...

wouldn't leave me here to die ... sorry... never again... promise...

learned lesson ... prayed you would come... so tired... don't be angry... don't... hate..." The last couple of sentences, although rushed, were clearer to him. "You do care what happens to me, don't you? You wouldn't have come to save me if you didn't. Hold me, Wanmdi Hota. Just hold me and never let me go, ever again."

Her statement about his caring for her rifled through his mind and he reacted violently. He seized her by the shoulders and shook her. He shouted to be heard over her babbling.

"Hiya! Iyasni! Iyasni! Hiya wohdake! Sica!"

He continued to shout at her, but his tone and expression only gave her more reason to cry, which she did uncontrolably. She comprehended only a few of his commands-to be silent and that she was bad.

He realized he had little choice but to let her get it al out. When she did calm down a little, he bound her hands before her and tied a long rope to them. He left her standing there while he and tied a long rope to them. He left her standing there while he went to the snake. Taking his knife from its sheath, he cut the rings off its tail. The rings were believed to contain great magic. They were usualy made into a wanapin and worn to protect the wearer from evil and danger.

He came back to where she waited, stil silently sobbing. He glared coldly at her for a minute. He reached for the rope and gave it a tug. She nearly stumbled as she was abruptly yanked forward by both her hands. She mutely folowed him to.where he had dropped his own belongings. He retrieved his weapons and pack, and began to lead her away. He ignored al her attempts to explain her actions and to plead for forgiveness.

They walked for a very long time. Alisha was so exhausted she soon walked in a near stupor. She stumbled and tripped many times and then fel face forward into the dirt. Her elbows and knees were sc.r.a.ped and bleeding. She couldn't force herself to get up again and move on. Why was he being so mean? She couldn't go on anymore...

"Mni..." she pleaded hoa.r.s.ely. But when she wearily raised her head, she faced Gray Eagle's moccasins, firmly planted on either side of her head. She lifted her eyes to him. His expression was one of total indifference concerning her needs. She dejectedly dropped her head back to the stony ground and wept anew. She was in need of water and rest, but knew he would grant neither. He leaned over and jerked her back to her feet. He gave the rope a pul and led her forward again. She tried to hang back, but he grabbed her hand and forced her on and on. It was not long before she faltered and cried out, "I can't go any farther, Wanmdi Hota. Please let me rest for a while. Couldn't I have just one sip of water? I'm so tired! Please..."

have just one sip of water? I'm so tired! Please..."

She staggered on for a short distance until she began to hear a buzz which sounded like hundreds of insects flying around and inside her ears. Minute, brightlycolored lights formed and flashed before her vision like numerous fireflies darting about. The moon must have gone behind some clouds, for it was suddenly very dim and dark. The droning hum grew louder, the night grew darker, and the fireflies increased in number.

She weaved back and forth, shaking her head to clear her senses. She could not think where she was. Her mouth was very dry and her knees unsteady. She could hear a faint voice from far, far away caling her name, but she could not seem to answer. She could make out a blurred image before her, but the face swam from view before she could tel who it was. Total blackness engulfed her as she colapsed into Gray Eagle's arms.

Gray Eagle had surmised only moments earlier what was about to happen. He had planned to make camp as soon as they cleared the open plains. He was pus.h.i.+ng for the edge of the forest before they stopped for the night. The dense cover of the trees would offer the needed protection from the night and his enemies. He had refused to realize how weak and tired she was. Her face and lips looked bloodless. There were blue smudges beneath her eyes, and her breathing was too shalow and labored. He should have alowed her to rest and drink. He was using her to vent his anger and frustration.

He tenderly lifted her limp body and carried her the remainder of the distance to the edge of the forest. He spread both of their blankets out and laid her on them. He forced water between her lips and made her swalow it by holding her nose. After her parched mouth and throat were wet and soothed, she drank instinctively mouth and throat were wet and soothed, she drank instinctively from his mni skin, but did not regain consciousness. She did not even come to when he bathed her face in the cool water. He made a smal campfire near where she lay. He was too agitated to sleep. He gazed into her colorless face, then into the flames. He ate the dried meat and aguyapi with little appet.i.te, but drank thirstily from the same water skin from which she had begged only a sip. He had been consumed with an overwhelming need to force her to suffer because he had found her missing. He was determined to crush the rebelion which had caused them both such suffering and shame.

But her suffering had not eased his pain or fed his hunger for revenge. In fact, her suffering had only served to increase his own. The hards.h.i.+ps of the past two days would not compare with the sufferings she would endure when they returned to his vilage. I must not push her so hard tomorrow, he decided, or she wil be far too weak to survive the icapsinte. Without her knowing, I must find ways to let her rest and drink ...

He stood up, flexing his muscles to release their tautness. He went to sit beside her. His eyes surveyed her condition, the dirty, pale face which had lit up with such happiness at the sight of him. He could not prevent his hand from reaching out to caress her soft cheek. He was too mindful of a similar night two moons ago as he lay down beside her. How foolish his thoughts and plans had been on that night which now seemed so long ago.

She whispered his name in her sleep and snuggled closer to him for warmth. He puled her into his embrace and held her tightly. His lips brushed hers in a lingering kiss. Even in her deep sleep, she responded to his kiss.

Why did you flee from me after our last night together, Why did you flee from me after our last night together, Cinstinna? he pleaded silently. Did you not feel my desire for you?

Sleep wel, Cante. Tomorrow you wil hate me and curse my rescue. My heart wil bleed for you, but it must be done. Perhaps you wil one day come to forgive and understand why I must do this thing. Until you return your love to me, I wil hold you to me as my kaskapi.

At last, his troubled mind and weary body found the peace of slumber.

Chapter Eleven.

Early the next morning, Gray Eagle was awakened by the shril cry of a hawk. He lay for a time listening to the piercing cries of a hawk in warning to another who had invaded his territory. He thought of the similarity of his position with the white man and the hawk. Both he and the hawk were forced to defend their territories against their enemies. First, each of them warned the trespa.s.ser to withdraw peacefuly. If not, they would battle for possession of the same territory. The victor would be the stronger of the two, and the loser would be driven out or kiled. Was this not the way it had been between his people and the white man or the Ojibwa? He watched the intruder fly off into the predawn light, wis.h.i.+ng his enemy was as wise and relenting as that bird.

Quietly, he arose and walked a short distance away to relieve himself. He stretched and flexed his tight muscles. When the sun peeped over the mountains, he was stil standing in the same place, thinking and planning.

He knew he had never wanted a woman as he wanted this smal white girl who was his enemy. Was her total defeat realy necessary? Yes, she had made it so. What if he had shown her more kindness sooner? How could he blame her for doubting him and wanting to escape? He was confused by his feelings for her more than ever.

He wondered if she had run in fear or in hate. He recaled their last night together and asked himself if she could have run because she was afraid to love him. He scoffed, how could she love me after she was afraid to love him. He scoffed, how could she love me after what I have done to her and her people? It was al lies and deceptions on her part. She must have thought I would be more lenient and kind to her if she fooled me into thinking she loved me. Maybe she realized that last night she could not pretend to love and want me any longer. She had only been waiting until the day I trusted her enough to leave her unguarded. Maybe she has even guessed how I realy feel about her and is trying to use those feelings against me. I cannot alow my desire for her to interfere with my honor or leaders.h.i.+p. I do not have the power to grant you forgiveness, Lese. I wish I could see into your heart and know the truth which lives there.

His eyes must have deceived him yesterday when he thought he saw her face light up at the sight of him standing there on the hil. Maybe he had only seen what he had hoped to see. He could not understand why she did not let the snake bite her and end it al since she had been so desperate to flee him. She said she had prayed for him to come for her. How could he realy know for sure how she felt and what she thought? How he longed to know what the real truth was...

When he returned, Alisha was awake and sitting up on the skin. She was drinking some water and splas.h.i.+ng some on her face from a cupped hand. As she dried her face with the edge of the blanket, he stared at the bruises on her hands. When she lowered the blanket, he stared at the stil visible bruises on her delicate cheekbones. He had given her those and many other reminders of his cruelty and. power over her. Sadly, there was more to come. She felt his eyes on her and looked up to meet his gaze, letting her gaze linger questioningly. His impa.s.sive look told her nothing, nor did his deadly, calm att.i.tude.

nor did his deadly, calm att.i.tude.

He sat down and took the wasna and aguyapi from his pouch. When he had eaten his fil, he pa.s.sed the pouch to her. After his treatment to her the day before, she carefuly and suspiciously reached for the pouch. She knew she would have to wait until he was ready to reveal her fate to her. He pa.s.sed her the mni skin. She ate and drank slowly. When she had finished, he repacked the pouch and skin and stood up to depart. He gathered the remainder of his possessions and caled for her to come to him. He retied her hands before they left. She was too confused and weary to resist his commands. Her only thoughts were to keep moving and folow him. They walked at a slow but steady pace, which was certainly easier for her. She did not stop to think or question that their pace was solely for her benefit. She wasn't even suspicious at his frequent, unnecessary stops al day. He would use various excuses of checking tracks, finding water to refil the mni skin, s.h.i.+fting his packs or just resting himself. But at each stop, she would immediately drop wearily to the ground to rest. He would conveniently leave the water skin within her reach and pretend not to notice her drinking from it so often.

By afternoon, they were back at the stream near his camp. When she caught sight of the water, she made a dash toward the stream. She was quickly jerked back by the leash on her wrists.

"Water," she pleaded. He ignored her pleas. "Mni, yuzaza," she lapsed into his tongue, but he stil ignored her pleas. Although she had drunk sparingly from the water skin during the long, hot walk, the mni skin had been empty for the past hour and she was very thirsty. She was aware of the danger of drinking too much water when hot and excessively thirsty.

Gray Eagle knew how sweaty, hot and tired she was, but did Gray Eagle knew how sweaty, hot and tired she was, but did not dare relent now. Nor did he trust himself to watch her bathe. He told himself he must remain cold to her until after her punishment was complete. He could not alow himself to show her any concern or mercy, especialy before his people.

He puled Alisha through a shalow spot in the stream and continued moving on. The short contact with the cool water felt deliriously wonderful to her tired, aching feet. She would have resisted his cruelty if she had had the strength to pul back on the leash. Mutely, she pressed on behind him.

White Arrow came to meet them as they approached the outer circle of camp. His keen eyes quickly scanned her for injuries, just as Gray Eagle's had done when he first saw her. Her eyes met his and lowered in shame. Not too bad yet, he thought. To his friend, he said, "I see you have found her alive and brought her back as you said: Do those bonds mean she resisted your bringing her back? Is she injured in some way?"

"She did not fight me this time. She is foolish, but not a fool, Wanhinkpe Ska. She has a few smal injuries, but she is mostly weak and tired. I found her just in time to save her from the rattlesnake. I had to kil it to save her life." He held up the long row of rings for White Arrow to see.

Fearing the answer he might receive, he asked, "What wil you do to her for this, Wanmdi Hota?'

Gray Eagle stared off into the far distance and replied, "You know the punishment for this act and her constant disobedience- the icapsinte..."

White Arrow's breath caught in his throat and he hoped he had heard wrong. "The icapsinte! Surely I did not hear your words, my koda! She is no common slave, nor an Indian. She is the slave my koda! She is no common slave, nor an Indian. She is the slave of Wanmdi Hota. You cannot do this! It would either kil her or scar her for life. Why do you wish such a punishment for her? You must find some other way to deal with this thing she has done."