Silken Savage

by Catherine Hart

Too many weeks later to suit Tanya, she finally succeeded in throwing Panther to the ground and pinning him there. In triumph she sat upon him, her face a wreath of smiles. “Now, my brave warrior, what will you give me to let you up?” she crowed.

  “What would you have?” he grinned up at her.

  “The price of your release is three kisses,” she announced.

  “You shall have them as soon as we reach the tipi.”

  Tanya shook her head. “Oh, no! Now,Panther, or we shall sit out here all night.”

  “Wildcat, you know public displays of emotion are not the Cheyenne way.”

  “I am aware of that, Panther, but the victory is mine, and I have named my price,” she insisted, wedging her knee into his ribs.

  “Wildcat, you drive a hard bargain,” he grunted.

  “All is fair in love and war,” she said smugly as she bent to receive her reward.

  e

  During all this time, Panther was systematically teaching Tanya to track. Periodically, he would take her out of the village, have her locate an animal’s tracks and follow them. This was by far the most interesting of her studies, but often frustrating. She would lose the trail and have to backtrack, or sometimes the trail would disappear on rocky ground only to pick up later somewhere else.

  Tanya learned to distinguish on sight which animal had made the tracks. Sometimes it was buffalo, elk, or deer; at others rabbit, a grouse, or a cougar. Panther taught her to examine the footprints and the spore, the paths they left in the tall grass, or the rubbings on the trees. She learned to tell how fresh or old the trail was. He taught her how to tell how many were in a group or herd, and how to tell if a horse was being led or ridden.

  In addition, Panther was helping Tanya learn to put all her senses to use. At times he would blindfold her and make her tell him what she felt through her fingertips and on her skin; what she heard and smelled; what she tasted; and what her inner senses, her instincts, told her.

  He taught her to walk softly, disturbing as little of her surroundings as possible as she passed, and how to cover her trail. She learned to sit and hide quietly for hours without moving. She learned to move swiftly and stealthily on silent feet. He drilled her constantly on this.

  Twice he took her for short trips into the forest. There they practiced what she had learned, tracking not only animals, but Panther as well. He would go off and leave her, making her find him by following his trail. As she improved, he made it harder and harder.

  In her turn, she would go off, doing her best to cover her trail so Panther could not find her. At first he did so with ease, but as Tanya’s skills improved, she eluded him for longer and longer periods. At last came the day they both anticipated. Tanya evaded Panther for an entire day, and finally had to find him,since he could not seem to locate her.

  That night, alone by their campfire, they celebrated her achievement. Snuggled in his arms, she sighed contentedly, and his arms tightened about her in response.

  “Summer is nearly over, and you are almost ready for your testing, Little Wildcat. Soon you will be a true daughter of the Cheyenne and I can claim you as my bride.” Pride registered in Panther’s voice.

  “It had better be soon,” Tanya sighed softly.

  “I know, my heart. I do not want our child to be harmed by the testing; but neither do I want you to have the heartache of bearing a bastard.”

  “How did you know? I have told no one, and my stomach is still flat!” Tanya was amazed.

  “Do you think after all this time I do not know every inch of your body? I know it better than you do; better than my own. Blind, I would know it; every curve, each rib, every mark, the scent of you. These days your breasts are more full and sensitive, your skin holds a special glow, and your hair and eyes sparkle with the vitality of the new life you carry within you.”

  “I didn’t want to tell you just yet and cause you worry,” Tanya explained. “I took special care to hide my sickness in the mornings and those times when certain smells nauseate me.”

  Panther gave her a tender smile. “I have noticed, but I think no one else has. I love you, Wildcat, and I would not put your life or that of our child in danger. You are young and healthy, and the testing should not be a problem if it comes soon. To wait would increase the danger.”

  “I would walk through fire for you, Panther. I love you so much!” Tears glistened in her golden eyes.

  “I am honored to have you for my woman,” Panther declared huskily, drawing her closer.

  He worshiped her with his lips and hands, making love to her more gently than ever before. One after another, he searched out the sensitive areas of her body, leaving no spot untouched, no part of her that was not yearning for him.

  Caught up in a web of desire, Tanya drew him to her, arching her body into his. “Panther, Panther,”she sighed his name. “You set my soul aflame!”

  “Then I must quench the fire with my love,” ho whispered back, and proceeded to make tender, exquisite love to her until they were both consumed by the flames of their desire.

  Later they talked softly. “Are you happy about the child, Wildcat?” he asked her.

  “I cannot tell you what joy it gives me to know your child grows within me,” she sighed, her face all aglow. “I find myself imagining a boy, a miniature of his handsome father, or a little girl with your huge, black eyes. Are you, too, pleased about the baby?”

  “More than pleased, I am proud and thrilled. I shall eagerly await the arrival of the child of our love and passion.”

  “Would you be disappointed if it is a girl? I know how important a son is to a man.”

  “If it should be a girl, she will be beautiful and courageous like her mother. How could I regret that ? But son or daughter, I hope it has your golden eyes, the eyes that first drew me to you. We should make beautiful children together, Wildcat. Brave, intelligent, proud.”

  “And if the first is a daughter, we can try again for a son. The trying is so very, verynice, Panther,” Tanya whispered softly in his ear.

  The day after their return to the village, Black Kettle set up Tanya’s tests. During the morning, she would sit in Black Kettle’s lodge and be examined orally on her knowledge of history, religion, customs, and medicine. In the afternoon, she would demonstrate her skills at riding, shooting, and fighting. She had already passed all her woman’s skills before Black Kettle’s wife, Woman-To-Be-Hereafter.

  The usually placid Panther paced outside his uncle’s tipi, unable to conceal his anxiety. Three hours later, Tanya emerged. Her face was set in calm lines; only her eyes were sparkling in delight. She gave Panther and Winter Bear a broad, saucy wink as she passed.

  Panther was unable to follow Tanya as he would have wished, for just then Black Kettle emerged from his tipi and approached Panther and Winter Bear.

  “Your woman surprises me, Panther,” he said. “She has the subtle tenacity of a spider’s web. For one who appears so fragile, she clings stubbornly to her goals.”

  “Like the spider’s web, she also wraps you gently in her grasp and holds you captive,” Panther answered absently, his eyes following Tanya as she continued on her way.

  “She does have great charm,” Black Kettle admitted reluctantly.

  “How did she do?” asked Winter Bear.

  “Very well,” Black Kettle told them. “I am beginning to think she may be a worthy mate for you, Panther. She has succeeded in grasping our beliefs and learning our tongue.”

  Here Black Kettle frowned thoughtfully at Panther. “In all the time she has been with us, I have rarely heardher speak English, and I have never heard either youor Winter Bear speak to her in her language, thoughyou both have the knowledge. Have you said nothing to her of your ability to do so? Panther, does'shenot know of your Spanish mother and your upbringing?”

  “No, Uncle. I have not told her. If she had known I could understand her words, she would not have felt the necessity of learning our tongue, and her progress would not have been
as rapid.”

  “Will you tell her now?”

  “The time is not right. I want her to accept me as I appear to be; as a Cheyenne warrior. I do not want her to see me as an extension of her white world, for I shall never return to it. I have chosen to live among my father’s people, and Wildcat had to chose this life also, freely and totally, without reservation or doubt. I will tell her when I feel the time is right. Until then, I prefer she does not know.”

  “Are you having doubts about her?” Black Kettle questioned.

  “No,” Panther denied, “but if Wildcat knew I could pass easily into her white world, she might want me to take her to visit her parents. She still misses them, though she does not mention it, and she worries that they may think her dead or mistreated, especially now that she is with child.”

  “She is carrying your child?” Winter Bear exclaimed. “Then how can she carry on with the testing?”

  Black Kettle’s mouth set in firm lines. “I shall cancel the rest of the tests.”

  “No!” Panther’s voice rang out loud and clear. “She wants to go on with it. We have discussed it and agree that Wildcat is strong and fit, and no harm will come to the child. Neither of us wishes our child to endure the pain of being born a bastard.”

  Winter Bear turned a concerned look on Black Kettle. “Uncle, is there no other way?”

  Black Kettle sighed. “No, Winter Bear. As soon as I issued the ruling, the entire tribe learned of it. I cannot change it now.”

  “There is no need,” Panther assured them both. “Wildcat has trained hard and learned well. She is ready and capable of proving herself not only to our chief, but to all our people. It is important that they accept her without reproach. As a chief’s daughter and my wife, this will be possible. My pride and hers will accept nothing less.”

  Tanya had never been as nervous as she was this afternoon. Her future hinged on the result of all her intensive training. Panther, for once, was no help at all, for he was as edgy as she. By sheer will, she forced herself to forget about the child within her. To worry over its safety would make her less daring and more cautious, and could cost her a life with Panther. With one last, silent plea to both his God and hers, Tanya picked up her knife and her bow and arrows and headed for the edge of the camp.

  Targets had been set up in various stops for her use. Taking her place where Black Kettle indicated, Tanya demonstrated her skill at throwing her knife. Time after time, her weapon hit the center of the target.

  When Black Kettle was satisfied, Tanya then concentrated on doing the same with her bow and arrows. Again her aim was sure, so true that twice her arrows sliced through the shaft of a previously placed arrow to hit their mark.

  Next she demonstrated her prowess on horseback. Galloping Wheat about the field, she aimed her shots from horseback, doing creditably well. In a simulated exercise, Tanya rescued a supposedly injured brave from his running mount; and attacked another by leaping upon him from her fast-moving mount and knocking him off his horse.

  Finally came the test she dreaded. Her normally soft mouth set in firm lines, she prepared to do battle with the young brave, Crooked Feather. To prevent injury to either party, they would fight hand-to-hand, without weapons.

  Mentally reviewing all Panther had taught her, Tanya faced her opponent. Slowly they circled; each waiting for the other to move; each gauging the other, sizing him up; trying to read his intentions from his face.

  Crooked Feather made the first move. Lunging at Tanya, he grabbed her arm and flipped her to the ground. Tanya rolled as Panther had coached her, bouncing immediately to her feet to face her opponent. When next he attacked, she pivoted neatly on one foot, catching his leg and arm simultaneously, tossing him flat on his back. Recalling Panther’s instructions, Tanya yelled loudly as she made contact with the young brave. There was something about a good, strong shout that added impetus to the move and strength to the attack, but never in advance as a warning of your intentions.

  Warily they circled again. Crooked Feather caught her by the arms and tried to throw her, but Panther had taught her to use leverage to her advantage. Failing this, he tried to force her to her knees, but could not. When he tried to trip her, she countered his move, butting her head solidly into his unprotected stomach.

  They broke apart. Several times he threw her, but could not keep her down. Several times she tripped him up, but he was on his feet again before she could follow through. Once, he tossed her square on her bottom, and as he leaped upon her, she placed both feet flat in his stomach and tossed him over her head into the dirt.

  For many minutes they fought, until both were dirt-smeared, tired, and panting. Neither had gained the advantage. In a surprise move, Crooked Feather threw himself at Tanya, grabbing her about the middle, both of them falling. As Tanya fell backward, she used their momentum to carry her and Crooked Feather into a neat backward flip, and when they finally came to rest, Crooked Feather was flat on his back, Tanya astride him. As he was flung onto his back, he loosed his grip, and Tanya quickly had his arms pinned to the ground, one under his own body. Her own long legs tangled in his, preventing him from flinging her off him. The force of the fall had knocked the wind from his lungs, and her sharp elbow in his chest kept it from returning. With the flat edge of her spare hand, she delivered a gentle blow to Crooked Feather’s windpipe. Had she held a knife, his life would have ended there.

  It was over. Tanya had won. She remained where she was until she heard confirmation from Black Kettle, then stumbled to her feet. With good grace, she held out a helping hand to Crooked Feather. For a moment she was afraid he would ignore the gesture. Then, with a wry grin, he caught her hand and let her help pull him to his feet.

  Throughout all the contests Tanya had remained blank-faced, showing none of her emotions. At last she allowed a hint of a grin to tilt the corners of her mouth. “It was a good fight,” she said to Crooked Feather.

  He nodded. “It wasa good fight,” he agreed.

  Black Kettle cleared his throat, but still his voice was husky as he spoke. “I, who have not been blessed with children of my own, may soon have a daughter.” His eyes glinted with pride as he looked at Tanya.

  “Tomorrow you will track one of our best warriors, and if you find him, you will then need to elude three of our finest trackers. That will leave only one final test, other than counting coup on one of our enemies. You will go into the mountains for seven suns and survive on your own, with only your knife, your hatchet, your bow, a flask of water and one of pemmican, and your horse.”

  “I will be ready,” Tanya concurred.

  Black Kettle eyed her seriously. “I wish you well, Little Wildcat. You have done well so far, and if you can continue to do so, I will be honored to call you Daughter.”

  A smile flirted at her rosy lips, and she couldn’t resist saying, “Prepare the feast, then, for I do not intend to fail.”

  Black Kettle laughed aloud. “You have a great pride, Little Wildcat. You will make a fine Cheyenne if your actions match your words.”

  Tanya gave him a level look and nodded. Then, shoulders straight, she walked back to her tipi, exhausted but pleased.

  Chapter 6

  THE ATTACK came in the predawn light the next morning. Tanya was awake, dressed, and ready to begin preparing the morning meal, going over her day’s strategy in her head. Panther was pulling on his moccasins, about to commence his morning prayers, when the first shrieks were heard. The short hairs on Tanya’s nape stood straight up, and she stared in wonder at Panther.

  “Ute war whoops,” he answered her unstated question tersely. He grabbed for his quiver, bow, and lance, and loped for the tipi entrance. “I must get to the horses.”

  Breakfast forgotten, Tanya scooped up her bow and slipped the quiver of arrows over her shoulder. “I am coming with you,” she announced as she hurried after him.

  Over his shoulder, he shouted, “No, Wildcat! Stay and find Shy Deer. If we lose the battle, run south along
the river and hide. I will find you.” His voice was almost lost as he raced away on his stallion.

  Checking that her knife was in its sheath at her waist, Tanya ran toward Shy Deer’s tipi. Several tipis along the north edge of the village were in flames. The air was filled with sounds of battle and the shrieks of frightened women and children. Thick smoke hung in the air, and dogs and humans alike seemed to be running indiscriminately in every direction.

  Tanya was thrust roughly aside as three braves on horseback raced by her. A Ute arrow whizzed past her head as she dodged and weaved her way into the fray near Shy Deer’s lodge.

  Rounding the lodge from the rear, she came abruptly upon a Ute warrior aiming his lance at Shy Deer’s back as she fought off another Ute brave. Without hesitation, Tanya lined up her shot and let the arrow fly. It drove cleanly between the warrior’s shoulder blades, and he fell from his horse, his lance still in his clenched fist. The brave attacking Shy Deer never knew what hit him, as Tanya’s knife neatly severed his spinal cord at the base of his neck. He lay twitching on the ground as Tanya tried to lead Shy Deer away.

  “Wait!” Shy Deer cried. “You killed him. You must take his scalp!”

  Tanya gaped at her in astonishment. “He isn’t even dead yet!”

  Shy Deer’s eyes were glazed with a strange light. “You must,” she insisted. “It is the custom.”

  Tanya’s throat muscles contracted as she stared at her friend. Finally she nodded, conceding that Shy Deer was right. She could ruin all chances of becoming Panther’s wife if she faltered now.

  Before she could dwell on it further, she quickly knelt, and with the razor-sharp knife, she lifted the scalp as easily as if she were slicing venison for steaks. Because he was still alive, the blood ran in a river between her fingers and onto the earth. Tanya closed her eyes and mind to what she was doing, and when she was done, she went on to the other warrior she had slain and did the same. This time there was less blood, for the warrior was dead, but the loud ‘pop’ as the top of his skull sucked loose from the rest of his head sickened her, and she was glad she hadn’t had time for breakfast as her stomach lurched.