Grey Eagle: Savage Ecstasy Part 15

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.

Doc had to force Gordon to leave to alow him to work on the injuries. He told Gordon he'd have to check her to see just how bad it was and see if he could fix her up. He maneuvered Gordon to the door and told him he would let him know her condition as soon as possible in the morning. He closed and bolted the door. He went back to join his wife at the girl's side.

Together they gently cleaned Alisha's back, which was a b.l.o.o.d.y pulp of torn, mangled flesh. They applied a salve and carefuly bandaged it, then set to work on her other injuries. The worst sc.r.a.pes, cuts and burns were painted with tincture of iodide. Her head wound was washed, balmed and dressed. This was about al they could do for her.

al they could do for her.

After talking it over with his wife, Doc decided it would be best if he kept her sedated for the next few days. He knew this would prevent him from knowing the ful extent of her head injury, but the reality of her pain and the tortures she had recently undergone would be far worse for her at the present. Doc gave her a heavy dose of laudanum and put her in the spare room to the back of the their quarters.

The next few days pa.s.sed slowly for the Philseys. They watched over Alisha as if she were their own daughter Elizabeth. Their hearts reached out to her when she would cry out for deliverance from her unseen enemy who haunted her even in her heavily drugged state. She had screamed out such terrible things. They would stare at each other in shock, wondering how she could have endured it al, if in fact her words were true. At those times, they would try to quiet and comfort her, but could not reach her. How could they doubt her words when her bodily injuries said she spoke the truth?

They daily bathed and dressed the wounds, keeping a close check for infection. Alisha's fever had finaly broken and some of the angry redness in the welts began to subside slightly. The Philseys had forced soups and fluids down her throat numerous times during the day and night. They had been forced to change blood and sweat-soaked sheets twice a day. Things finaly seemed to be coming under their control. Her cries would have puled at even the hardest heartstrings.

By the sixth day, Doc knew he must alow the laudanum to wear off in order to check Alisha for any internal and brain injuries. He dreaded the thought of letting her regain consciousness, but knew it was necessary. In her delirium and pain, she had traveled knew it was necessary. In her delirium and pain, she had traveled back in time and relived many horrible events. Each tragedy claimed her energies, and Alisha would cal out and whimper in her troubled sleep.

By mid-afternoon, the sedative began to wear off gradualy. She began to stir restlessly and moan in discomfort. With each movement, her pain and awareness increased. Each action brought fresh waves of burning, stabbing pain to her back and head. Her mouth was so dry she could hardly swalow. Her head pounded and swam dizzily. She ached al over. Why was she so weak and groggy? She fought hard to regain consciousness, but couldn't quite bring herself above the dreamy level. Every so often she would hear soft whispering. Where was she and why was she in such terrible agony? Where were her parents and why didn't they stop this excruciating pain?

Alisha could hear someone screaming and crying. She realized it was she, but could not order her mouth to stop. Why didn't someone help her? Had she been in some accident? Couldn't they see how much she was suffering? It was so hot. Her back felt like a sheet of fire. Her limbs felt strangely dismembered. Her thoughts colided one with the other in a kaleidoscopic dream of varying colors and phantoms. Although her mind had traveled backward in time, it was swiftly hurling forward to the present with each pa.s.sing minute. She would soon know the answers to her questions-only to wish for unconsciousness again.

A female voice startled her. She was stunned at the English she heard. "Don't cry, Sweetness. You're safe now. They can't ever hurt you again."

Alisha trod the twilight between consciousness and wakefulness. Her thoughts jumbled together and she moaned, "No wakefulness. Her thoughts jumbled together and she moaned, "No ... It can't be... It's not fair... Prayed to die ... Suffered enough ... Let it be over ... Can bear no more ... Others al dead ... Why not me? ... Can't wake up . .. Can't be kaskapi... No more cruelty and hatred... Al blood and death... Torture .. ." She screamed out, "Please don't let him hurt me again. The pain...

Hurts... My head... The fire... Untie me . .. Let me go... Please, water... Must escape ... Papa, help me! ... In the fire, burning, must save it... No-o-o ... Beg you, mine ... It's mine ... Must help Kathy... Don't hurt her... Needs water, food ... Hates us al...

No place to run ... Can't hide from his eyes and ears ... Al alone now... Al dead ... So hot... The pain..."

Her mental torment and agitation became so great, she bolted upright in the bed, face ashen with terror and eyes wide with fear. She screamed to her elusive antagonist, "No more, Gray Eagle. I beg you, no more..." The pleading softly faded as she lapsed back into unconsciousness, mumbling faintly, "... No more ... Be good... No more, please..."

She lay there drenched in perspiration, mentaly and physicaly exhausted. Mrs. Philsey stared down at her in shock and bewilderment. This girl's words and fears definitely did not match the accusations the Brown girl was spreading around the fort. Alisha certainly didn't sound like a wiling squaw to her. Al her pleas had been filed with hopes of escape from him and his brutality. It sounds to me like she was terrified of the b.a.s.t.a.r.d, Mrs. Philsey decided. Stil, there were nagging doubts which puled at her mind. Perhaps this girl was halucinating part of the things she said. The head injury or the terror of her capture and ravishment could be responsible for the ilusions in her mind.

One thing was sure-she had been the captive of Gray Eagle, One thing was sure-she had been the captive of Gray Eagle, for she had begged for mercy from him, only him ... Mrs. Philsey begrudgingly wondered if this Gray Eagle were as handsome and virile as she had heard. The few women who had caught a glimpse of him during raids had spoken heatedly about his good looks, das.h.i.+ng boldness and brave manner. He had been likened to Adonis. Even the Brown girl couldn't hide her envy of Alisha's position. Mrs. Philsey suspiciously wondered if his cruelty had completely blocked out al that magnetism and sensuality. It definitely had not in the Brown girl. Stil, Alisha had not spoken any words of love or desire. Confidently she vowed, I wil know her thoughts and feelings for him and his kind very soon...

Powchutu had given a surprised start when Alisha had cried the name of Gray Eagle. He had been standing near the window of her room adjusting the bridle on his horse when she had cried out loud. He had listened to her rantings as he pretended to be busy with his gear. He had an overwhelming desire to hear and know more. He had overheard the gossip from the soldiers in the fort. They enviously discussed the beautiful white girl they had rescued from the camp of the Oglala, in fact, from the very teepee of Gray Eagle himself! Powchutu was highly skeptical of the fact she was the private slave and captive of Wanmdi Hota. Gray Eagle capture and hold a white girl for his very own? Impossible! Why, he hasn't even taken an Indian winyan for his own! thought the Indian scout. Not that any one of them wouldn't give anything for that honor. Perhaps he is much like me. Perhaps he awaits that one special woman who wil stir and awaken the heart. From the facts I have learned, the decision of choosing a winyan wil soon be out of his hands. decision of choosing a winyan wil soon be out of his hands. But what is this white girl to him? She has caled out to him in her sleep. Do the white soldiers speak the truth for once? Did that girl inside truly belong to the most feared and awed warrior in this entire area? Al men, Indian and white, know the victories of Wanmdi Hota, and tremble to be caled his enemy.

Powchutu recaled his past two years as a scout for the fort. He rarely believed anything these men said or did, but this time it might be true. In al his twenty-six years, they had shown him only contempt and hatred as they did al mixed-breeds, "hankewasichun" as the Indian would say. How he despised being caled "that half-breed scout" by the white man and "hanke-wasichun" by the Indian. One day he would show them al! They wil come to fear and respect the name of Powchutu as they did the name of Wanmdi Hota.

There was a great deal of deeply rooted bitterness, hatred and resentment in Powchutu against both peoples. His mixed lineage had caused him many problems and a good deal of suppressed anger and mental torment. His kind were rejected and hated by both sides. He had no real friends or family on either side of his blood line, and his life was empty and dismal. It was tormenting to be so al alone and alienated in a world of living, laughing, loving people.

Powchutu, cast out by both the red and white nations, swore his revenge against them both. Perhaps he would win his retaliation through the eventual confrontation between Gray Eagle and Lieutenant Gordon ...

Later in the night, Alisha regained consciousness, screaming in Later in the night, Alisha regained consciousness, screaming in the grips of pain and ilusion. Doc and his wife finaly calmed her down. She was trembling uncontrolably. Her cheeks were very flushed and huge tears escaped the luminous green eyes. She was thin and pale from the many days of undernourishment and ilness. Her face revealed signs of the intense bodily pain and mental suffering she was undergoing.

She stared in disbelief and confusion at her unfamiliar surroundings and the two strangers who sat before her. She was hardly aware of what they were saying to her. She hastily blinked several times expecting the apparition to vanish. When it did not, she asked, "Where am I? How did I get here? Who are you?"

Before they could offer any explanation, her terror-filed eyes scanned the room and she shrieked, "Where is he? Why did he bring me here?" Her tone changed to one of pleading, "Please don't let him hurt me again. Tel him I won't try to escape anymore. It's impossible ... He'd only track me down again and..." She hesitated, then questioned, "What is he going to do with me now? Is the punishment over? Wil he beat me again when I am wel?"

Doc gently patted her hand and spoke comfortingly to her until she quieted down enough for him to go on with his explanation. He said, "You've been very il. We weren't sure we could even help you. My wife and 1 have doctored you day and night for these past six days. Without proper care, I doubt you would have survived in that vilage. It's a good thing Lieutenant Jeffrey Gordon found you when he did and brought you here so promptly. Of course, the Indians are gonna be plenty mad when they learn of his raid on their camp, if they don't know already."

She gazed dumbfoundedly at him. His words hardly made any sense to Alisha. She stammered, "How did the cavalry know about sense to Alisha. She stammered, "How did the cavalry know about us? Six days ... Safe ... Rescued ... When I tried to escape, I was heading for Fort Pierre. Lieutenant Gordon? Wil he come after me?

Wil he attack here?' She lowered her voice to a soft quiver, "You don't know what he's capable of. We're not safe even here. He destroyed our fortress and kiled everyone. He'l come here and..."

She could not believe that it was over. How could such a long, brutal ordeal suddenly halt? Could it realy be possible and true?

Free from torment and him?

Mrs. Philsey adamantly stated, "You're safe here, Sweetness. He can't harm you anymore. It's al over. He isn't strong enough to attack here. Why, our cavalry would cut him and his warriors to pieces if they tried to attack this fort! He's not that stupid." Alisha listened to the voice filed with positive a.s.surance. Doc caught Alisha as she fel backwards in a dead faint. "This news must be a great shock to her after al she's been through. Poor child, probably figured she'd never be free of those Indians again. When she realizes she's truly free and safe, she'l be al right. She's young and pretty. It'l take a little time, but she'l adjust and be fine." He laid her head on the pilow, adjusted her body and covered her up.

Mrs. Philsey replied causticaly, "Little time! It'l take lots of time to get over what she's been through. I'l wager she never forgets it. There's no teling what those savages have done to her. I can't see why the cavalry doesn't ride in there and punish them al. They should stop this kind of thing from ever happening to innocent people. If it takes kiling them al, then so be it. Go on and get it over with and stop al this brutality."

"Now, now, my dear. We can't just ride into their camps and slaughter them. Chances are things wil settle down soon. You're slaughter them. Chances are things wil settle down soon. You're just al riled up because she looks so much like our daughter."

"She's a white woman and they've dared to treat her like some animal! Mark my words, my husband, some day we wil be forced to either wipe them al out or get off their lands. I would bet my life that those redskins would sooner die than give this area up. I'l wager that's the only way we can remain here or have others come later. Those Injuns wil never be pushed aside or back. We'l be forced to get rid of them any way we can. You'l see..."

Doc was startled by the cold-blooded gleam in his wife's eyes and the tone of her voice. He reasoned she was only more upset about this event than he had guessed. Evidently she was seeing Elizabeth instead of Alisha. He refused once more to see there was more to her meaning than he was ready to acknowledge. He dismissed the subject.

He sighed deeply and said, "Let's go to bed and get some rest. She's exhausted. She'l no doubt sleep through the night. I'l come in and check on her later. Forget about those Indians and their punishment. It doesn't concern us." They retired for the night. The next few days were a confused time for Alisha, ful of painful awakenings and slow-descending reality. It was true... she was safe at Fort Pierre. Her days were consumed with resting and eating. Gradualy she began to regain her color and strength. The worst of the agony had receded. Now, it took only smal doses of laudanum to ease the harshest of pain and relieve sleeplessness. The medication duled the torment to a mild aching and eased the throbbing in her head. She became restless and agitated at having to sleep and lie on her sides and stomach al the time, but it was far too painful to lie on her back. When Doc placed the salve on her back painful to lie on her back. When Doc placed the salve on her back she would cringe in distress. The headaches gradualy went away and the head wound healed, leaving a dark bruise. With more time, the weakness and soreness lessened. Longer periods of total awareness were brought on by the reduction in medication. Her mind was constantly bombarded with thoughts of her past. She fought hard to push al memories from her mind until she was stronger, but they refused to be suppressed for very long..She knew she must come to terms with al of it, or go insane. Aliha thought, which was more frightening -reality or insanity?

She had refused al visitors and saw no one but the Philseys. When Jeffery Gordon insisted on seeing her, she panicked. Doc had no choice but to forbid it for the time being because of her highly agitated mental state. Most of the time she remained calm and subdued. But other times, she would just sit and stare off into s.p.a.ce with silent tears easing down her cheeks. Doc would shake his head sadly, knowing he couldn't offer any real comfort. He would convince himself it would al work itself out soon and she would be al right. She would come to learn her horror was over and life must go on.

He was deeply concerned about the look of terror in her eyes when she did not hear someone enter her room. On many nights the Philseys could hear her soft weeping, but had let her be. Doc said she had to work these fears and emotions out for herself. As the days hastened by, Alisha tried to form a friends.h.i.+p with Mrs. Philsey. But the doctor's wife constantly pressed her for answers to questions Alisha did not want to recal. Alisha thought in exasperation, why was she so determined to have al the grisly, private details of her capture and life of captivity? When Mrs. Philsey pressed Alisha for information, Alisha would retreat into Philsey pressed Alisha for information, Alisha would retreat into silence and gaze off into s.p.a.ce as if there was no one else present. This action would greatly irritt and aggravate Mrs, Philsey. She was forced to cease her questioning for the time being. She would study the girl who was sitting before her, so distant, taciturn and fidgety. To be denied the information she wanted was eating at her like a great gnawing hunger.

Alisha's stubborn silence, as she caled it, piqued her even more. Why did this girl refuse to tel her what had happened? What did she have to hide? Her captivity was no secret. Why did she refuse to discuss it with a sympathetic ear? Judging Alisha by her standards caused Mrs. Philsey's doubts as to what realy did happen to Alisha in the Oglala camp. Memory of Kathy's accusations began to filter into Mrs. Philsey's mind. She had coaxed Alisha with such arguments as, "It would help you to accept and deal with what happened to you if you would let us discuss it. Talk to me, Alisha. I can be very understanding. You can't keep al that tension, fear and hatred al corked up inside."

Alisha perceived Mrs. Philsey was only over-curious and a little too inquisitive. She couldn't possibly discuss the things which took place between her and Gray Eagle with this stranger. It was those intimate, personal things which tormented her. She wouldn't be able to conceal certain emotions and expressions if the discussion got out of hand. No one, no matter how considerate or sympathetic, would understand or accept how she felt and why. She must keep it al to herself, no matter how piqued or angry Mrs. Philsey became. She was grateful to her for al she had done for her, but this did not have to be repaid by baring her very heart and soul to the woman.

Alisha would try to talk politely and respectfuly. When al else Alisha would try to talk politely and respectfuly. When al else failed, she would plead with her, "Please, Mrs. Philsey. I just can't think or talk about what happened to me out there. I want to forget it ever did. It is too difficult and painful to recal it. I'm sorry, but I can't. I can't..."

Mrs. Philsey had done everything but demand she tel her everything. Reluctantly she would be forced to give in to Alisha's pleas. She was determined to have every gruesome, intimate detail of this girl's life in the Oglala vilage and those suspicious incidents back at their fortress. In time, she vowed. In time ...

Alisha's back began to scab over and hasten the healing process. It mainly hurt when she made sudden moves or bends. The scabs were taut, and would sometimes break and bleed. Doc insisted she get up frequently to exercise. She would sit by the open window for fresh air and suns.h.i.+ne. Doc had taken a liking to this slip of a girl. His fondness for her deepened each day. It became very easy to talk with her. She was very inteligent, and could converse on various topics. He became very much aware of her charm, wit and good breeding. She was fresh, alive, enchanting and lovely. But she was also vulnerable, artless and fragile. Such a combination in one so young, beautiful and abused. How had she managed to retain her air of innocence and dignity?

Much to Alisha's grat.i.tude and relief, he never broached the subject of her slavery. He had a way of relaxing and comforting her with just his smile. For a few brief moments, she could be herself and forget reality.

The nights were the worst time for Alisha. She would see Gray Eagle's face when she closed her eyes and hear his voice cal to her in her sleep. Even though I felt and saw his cruelty, she brooded, it seems so unreal now. I must forget him, and yet, I can't. How I seems so unreal now. I must forget him, and yet, I can't. How I long to go to him, to have him take me in his arms and tel me it was al a dreadful mistake, to have him love me!

She would admonish her thoughts and feelings. You live in a dream world, Lese, for you never realy knew him at al. You love a man you have created in your mind. The Wanmdi Hota you love and desire is only an ilusion-a beautiful, daring ilusion. Why do you refuse to see and accept this truth? You must recognize the real Wanmdi Hota for who and what he truly is, not what and who you wish him to be.

After al he has been to me, what wil my life be like without him? she wondered. How could I ever love another man as I have loved him? My heart betrays me for surely I should hate him with every fiber of my being. G.o.d help me, for I love him more than my own life.

How can I think of my future when my thoughts are living in my past? How do you tel the heart not to love, or the mind to forget, or the pain to cease? The longer I am here, the more I see his view of this brutal conflict. Stil, it did not and wil not change anything.

What now? her heart cried out. I can neither forget nor reclaim my past. It was distressing and alarming to realize the loss of Gray Eagle brought her more pain than the loss of anyone in her past life, or even than the beating he had inflicted upon her. Why did he realy beat me? she wondered. Had she pushed him so far? I wonder if he regrets his action.

She couldn't forget the strange expression in his ebony eyes just before he began. Had it been one of guilt, compa.s.sion, hesitation or regret? She would never know. I would rather have died than lose him forever, she cried to herself. I must surely be died than lose him forever, she cried to herself. I must surely be mad, for I would accept him with his hatred rather than not have him at al. He is lost to me forever.