Spirit of the Sky

by Paty Jager

  He faced her, the riding gear in his arms. “I don’t want to hear how you stole someone’s horse. They hang Whitemen for that offense.”

  She stood with her back to Wade as he saddled the horse. He took the rope from her and slid the bridle onto the animal’s head. Why had he hurt her with his sharp tongue and unkind words? If he held a strong belief in riding a stolen horse why did he saddle the animal?

  Sa-qan grabbed Wade’s arm. “If you look down on me for taking this horse, why do you accept to ride him?”

  His eyes softened, and his free arm wrapped around her shoulders. “Because I have fallen for a woman, and I will do anything short of killing to help her.” His eyes shown with love as his head dipped and his lips pressed to hers.

  Her heart raced with the knowledge he could forgive her actions even if he did not agree with them. And Wewukiye had known this truth. Because Wade loved her he would help her people.

  She curled her arms around his neck, returning the kiss.

  Wade drew out of her arms. “Show me the direction I must ride to catch up with the troops.”

  Where had her mind gone? They must hurry. She had flown the direction of the soldiers before getting the horse. The troops steadily gained on the Nimiipuu.

  “I will fly ahead of you.” She concentrated on shifting. Smoke swirled around her; the eagle form did not come as easily as usual. She had to concentrate harder before the transformation began.

  The effort needed to change left her shaking. To ward off the tremors, she ruffled her feathers and stared up at Wade. He mounted the horse and waited for her to take to the air.

  What was happening? First she slept and now changing forms trembled her body.

  Wade smiled at her and motioned. “I’m ready, let’s go.”

  She leaped into the air and flapped her wings, soaring toward the sun. Her mind worked on the puzzle of the weaknesses she had experienced as her eyes scanned the ground. Wade and the horse trotted along behind her. She soared higher and spotted the Nimiipuu in the distance.

  The Nimiipuu now spent longer time each day in camp and traveled slower. They believed with Cut Arm far behind they were safe. Once she lured Wade toward the soldiers, she would return to the camp and find a way to make them aware of the troops growing closer.

  Sa-qan dropped back down to where Wade could see her easily and circled. She continued circling and soaring until the sun hovered directly over the earth. Wade moved at a direct pace toward the soldiers. Her wings grew heavy, forcing her to find air currents to carry her along. This had never happened to her before. She had always flown for days never taking a break.

  Sa-qan landed on a rock not far from Wade. He pulled his horse up beside the rock as she slipped into her woman form. The change, again, taking longer and more concentration than usual.

  “Continue this direction and you will catch up to the soldiers by this time tomorrow.” Her body quivered from fatigue. How could this be? She fought the urge to ask him to hold her.

  “Sa-qan, angel, you don’t look well.” Wade started to dismount.

  “Stay on the horse. Go to the soldiers. Help my people.” It took all her strength to wave her hand. She did not wish him to see her in her weak condition.

  He ignored her plea and dismounted, pulling her into his arms. “What’s wrong? You’re shaking.”

  “I-I do not know. I am…weak.” She stared into his caring eyes. A new strength built in her chest and seeped to her limbs. “Go on. I will be fine. Once I have rested I will return to the Nimiipuu. You must go. These soldiers must have compassion in their hearts for my people.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Go. Carry your love for me and my people with you.”

  “I don’t like leaving you alone like this.” The worry etched on his brow added to her growing strength.

  “Wewukiye will be here soon. Go.” She pushed on his chest, standing on her own, and forcing her lips to smile. “Go.”

  He watched her a moment. “You’re sure your brother is coming?”

  She nodded. He would come when she called to him. “Yes. Go. You are wasting time.”

  Wade mounted his horse, scanned her from her head to her feet, and said, “I love you and do this for you.”

  Tears burned in her eyes. She sniffed and nodded. “You have my heart.”

  He spun the horse on its haunches and loped the direction of the soldiers.

  Sa-qan collapsed to the ground when only a billow of dust registered Wade’s departure. What was wrong with her? In all her seasons as a spirit she had never grown so weak or confused.

  Wewukiye, I need you. Come fast.

  Thoughts bounced around in her head. Did the Creator weaken her body to show his disapproval of her becoming one with a mortal? She thought of the magical moments with Wade. The love and hope he filled her with and the wonderful sensations of becoming one with him. How could that harm the Nimiipuu and her duty? He held the Nimiipuu in his heart as he held her. Wade, as a soldier, could help them work toward a common ground with the so·yá·po. This she believed with all her heart.

  “Sister, what is the matter?” Wewukiye and Dove skidded to a stop in front of her.

  The sight of her family trickled tears down her cheeks. Family cared for and protected one another. She stared at the two through tear-blurred vision. Dove shifted to woman form and sank to the ground beside her, embracing her.

  “Shhh, did you and Wade quarrel?” she asked.

  “No. He is headed to talk to the soldiers coming from the fort.” She sniffed and peered up at her brother. His eyes softened as he changed to a man and crouched beside her.

  “Why are you crying? What is wrong?” He put a hand on her shoulder.

  “I fell asleep. I have never had a need for sleep since becoming a spirit. And when I flew to show Wade where the soldiers are I became tired and now…” She swallowed the lump of fear lodged in her throat. “This vessel is weak and I cannot turn to smoke to change.”

  Wewukiye glanced at Dove. He cleared his throat. “Sister, may I place my hand on your belly?”

  Sa-qan nodded but wondered what he could learn by such an action.

  His large, warm hand rested low on her torso. He closed his eyes and chanted. His words sought answers to her body. She studied his face as he sang. His expression remained unchanged. His eyes opened. The light blue orbs peered into hers.

  “Sister, you are growing a mortal seed. As it grows your spirit powers lessen and you will become mortal.” His even tone and uncensored words struck her as soundly as a tree falling on her.

  A seed. Wade’s child grew within her. Warmth wrapped around her heart. She would be mortal and have Wade’s child. They could be together.

  She would become mortal.

  What about the Nimiipuu? They needed her. How could she help them if she no longer flew above seeing their enemies before they arrived?

  Dove wrapped her arms around her. “Congratulations, sister. You will remain with your soldier and have children.”

  “But what about our people? How can I help them if I am mortal?”

  “It will come to you just as you have found the way to be with your mate.” Wewukiye took her hand. “If you rest, can you still shift into an eagle?”

  “I do not know. Why did I not feel the child within me?” It bothered her that she could be losing her powers so quickly.

  “It is a part of you. You cannot detect yourself.” Wewukiye said.

  “But how will I survive as a mortal?” She would require food, shelter, and rest.

  “Your soldier will care for you.” Dove pat her arm.

  “He cannot help me until the soldiers leave the Nimiipuu alone.” Fear gripped her, crushing her chest, making it hard to breathe.

  “You can wait here. I will bring your soldier to you.” Wewukiye nodded his head as if he had given her a good choice.

  “No, I must remain with our people. I must help them.” Sa-qan clutched her brother’s arm. “You must take me to the L
ake Nimiipuu. I will live with Silent Doe and Girl of Many Hearts. They will remember me as the one who saved them. They will help.”

  “How will your soldier find you?” Worry trembled Dove’s voice.

  Sa-qan peered into her brother and sister’s eyes. “You will go to him and tell him where I am. When all is well he will come for me.”

  “I could leave right now and catch him. Bring him back to you.” Wewukiye shifted into his elk form.

  “No. He must meet with the soldiers and talk with them. He is needed to help the Nimiipuu. Silent Doe will care for me.” Confident words did not soothe the ache in her heart and longing to be in Wade’s strong arms. How selfish. Even as a mortal, protecting the Nimiipuu came first. She would not disfavor herself in the eyes of her people or the Creator. The child growing within her would be welcomed by her people.

  Dove shifted to an elk.

  Wewukiye knelt down. “Climb on. We will take you to the Nimiipuu camp.”

  Sa-qan climbed onto Wewukiye’s broad back and held onto the hair at the base of his massive neck. Fear of her future washed a shiver across her skin. What did she tell the Nimiipuu when she arrived in their camp? How did she explain being alone? They would be wary of her moonbeam hair and sunshine eyes.

  When would she see Wade again? There would be no more meetings. She had no way to reach him. What would he think when she did not run into him or speak to him? Would he listen with his heart and search for her?

  Wewukiye set off at a smooth lope, covering the distance quickly. He stopped where they could see the camp but not be seen.

  Her heart lodged in her throat. Since becoming a spirit this would be her first vulnerable moment. Her life hung on the Nimiipuu accepting her into their camp. Her only other option would be to ride Wewukiye to the soldiers and search for Wade. That would put her in more peril and hinder Wade’s ability to persuade the soldiers to talk with the Nimiipuu.

  She slid from her brother’s back. Her legs wobbled, but she straightened and took a step forward. “I will speak to you when I am settled.”

  “What will you tell them?” Dove’s wide caring eyes warmed Sa-qan.

  “I became separated from my Nimiipuu family and have been following them. It is what I told the old woman when I helped heal her family and two warriors.” She hugged Dove and Wewukiye. “I will continue to use whatever powers I still have to help the Nimiipuu and talk with you.”

  “I will tell your soldier what has happened.” Wewukiye nodded.

  “No. If he learns of the child and my change, he will stop working toward the good of the Nimiipuu and come to me. He cannot learn of this until our people are no longer troubled by the soldiers.”

  “This is wrong—”

  She cut Dove off. “I know Wade. He would come to my aid. The people need him more than I do.” She wanted Wewukiye to tell Wade. Wanted it with every breath she took, but she would not be selfish. Never would put her needs before The People.

  She inhaled deeply, let the air out slowly, and faced the camp. Keeping her gaze locked on the dwellings of the Lake Nimiipuu, she set out across the dying grass of the meadow.

  Halfway across the open area, a warrior on a horse raced toward her. Beyond him people formed a line at the edge of the camp. He rode his horse around her.

  “What is a White woman doing wearing a Nimiipuu buckskin dress?” he asked, continuing to circle her.

  “I am Nimiipuu. I have become lost from my family and wish to speak with the family of Lightning Wolf and Silent Doe.” She walked with determination toward the camp.

  The warrior stuck out his foot, stopping her forward motion. “You have the hair and eyes of a so·yá·po. You may not enter the camp.”

  She glared at him. “Then bring Lightning Wolf and Silent Doe to me. I will wait.” She crossed her arms and stood firmly in place.

  The man called out and a young boy ran toward them. The warrior met the boy halfway, leaned down to speak to him, and then rode back, keeping his horse between Sa-qan and the camp.

  Arms crossed, her glare never leaving the warrior’s face, she waited for Silent Doe. The sound of voices nearing the warrior on horseback could be heard. She sucked in air spotting Lightning Wolf, Silent Doe, and Joseph stepping around the horse.

  Le’éptit wax lepít

  (22)

  Sa-qan nodded to Lightning Wolf and Joseph before gazing into Silent Doe’s eyes. The woman studied her then smiled, grabbing her husband’s arm.

  “This is the woman who saved Girl of Many Hearts and myself at Big Hole.” Silent Doe stepped forward, reaching out a hand.

  Sa-qan gripped the offered hand. “Thank you for remembering. I am in need of your help.”

  Joseph watched her with bright intelligent eyes then scanned the area behind her. “You have hair the color of a warrior who showed himself to us when Girl of Many Hearts came to this earth. Do you know this man?”

  Did Joseph know Wewukiye was a spirit? Sa-qan returned the chief’s gaze. “He is my brother.”

  Joseph nodded.

  “She will stay with us.” Silent Doe wrapped an arm around Sa-qan’s shoulders and led her toward the camp.

  “She could be a spy,” the warrior on the horse said, pushing between them and the camp.

  “I have welcomed this woman. She is not a spy.” Joseph shoved on the neck of the horse, moving it aside for them to walk.

  Sa-qan wished to warn Joseph of the approaching soldiers but did not want to talk of it in front of the distrusting warrior. She would wait for a moment alone with the chief to tell him all she knew.

  The Nimiipuu gathered around, watching her entry into their camp. She would be required to help with the chores. Now that she was mortal she would have to deal with all the everyday tasks of living. Much knowledge she should know due to her age she did not. Having been plucked from mortal life at a young age and living as a spirit who required nothing of the mortal world she would be less educated than Girl of Many Hearts. How would she cover her lack of knowledge of the Nimiipuu way of life?

  Silent Doe stopped at a dwelling of green poles, blankets, and hides. The lodge was more than most families had for shelter. The woman ducked through the blanket opening, holding it aside for Sa-qan.

  Girl of Many Hearts rose from where she sat weaving a basket and hugged her about the waist. The small dwelling barely offered enough room for the three inhabitants to sleep. She hadn’t noticed a lodge for the unmarried women. Where did they dwell? Where would she sleep?

  “Sit, my sister.” Silent Doe folded her legs and sat on a blanket.

  Sa-qan sat across from her. Girl of Many Hearts settled beside her.

  “Girl of Many Hearts told me of your great bravery and skill.” Silent Doe’s gaze remained friendly.

  “It was my duty to save both you and Girl of Many Hearts.” Sa-qan squeezed her shaking hands together.

  “Daughter, fetch our guest nourishment.” Silent Doe smiled at her daughter.

  Girl of Many Hearts rose and exited the dwelling.

  “She knows the mother who brought her to this earth was special.” Silent Doe’s voice dropped to a near whisper. “She does not know the man who loved her mother held special txiyak.” She nodded. “I witnessed their love and great power when they came together. You have his look. And knowing you saved my life, I believe you hold his txiyak.”

  Sa-qan shook her head. “I once held his power. It no longer flows through me. That is why I must join this band. I need…” She hated to ask for help. Having been a spirit for so long and needing no one, the notion sat as prickly as using berry bushes for a bed.

  “You need your people.” Silent Doe placed a hand on her knee.

  She also needed Wade, but she could not tell this woman she loved the enemy.

  “Yes. I need my people.” And they need me.

  Girl of Many Hearts returned with a bowl of broth. She handed it to Sa-qan and sat.

  The meaty scent of the broth made Sa-qan’s mouth water. How m
any season had it been since food had passed her lips? Too many to count. She sighed, raised the bowl to her lips, and drank the filling liquid. The warmth settled in her stomach and her eyelids became heavy.

  “You are tired. Rest.” Silent Doe gestured for her to lie down were she sat.

  Her weary body accepted the offer. She tipped to her side and closed her eyes. Girl of Many Hearts covered her with a blanket, and she slipped into dreams of Wade and happiness.

  ****

  Wade caught sight of the troop mid-morning the following day. He’d battled over turning around or continuing the whole distance. Worry for Sa-qan weighed heavy in his heart and his mind. He’d never seen her tired or fearful. She’d been both when he left her. What had happened to steal her strength? Not their love making. Afterward she had glowed and professed her love for him. Once this campaign ended he would make her his wife, and they would find a place to live where no one knew their pasts.

  A group of five troopers charged out of the line toward him. They slid to a stop in front of his horse.

  “State your name and your business,” ordered a sergeant.

  “Lieutenant Wade Watts, seventh cavalry, Troop H, requesting a meeting with your commanding officer.” He sat straight in his saddle, waiting for the men to escort him to the head of the platoon.

  They fell in around him, the horses and troops were weary but not as worn out as the men and mounts under Sturgis.

  He recognized the commanding officer. Colonel Miles from Fort Keogh. He had nearly 400 cavalry and infantry men along with a large contingent of Cheyenne and Sioux and a Hotchkiss gun and Napoleon cannon. This group came prepared to wipe out the Nez Perce, and they were within the striking distance to do so.

  Wade’s heart plummeted and his guts twisted. How could he persuade them to parley with the Nez Perce?

  He reined his horse to a stop and saluted. “Colonel Miles.”

  “Lieutenant Watts. You’re a long way from your territory.” The colonel’s gaze roamed over him, and then his horse.

  “I started with General Howard at the onset of this campaign and have been following the Nez Perce constantly since.” He wasn’t ready to reveal his allegiance with the Indians to the colonel just yet. Rather, he’d listen to the officer and see where he could play on the man’s sympathies.