Savage Conquest

by Janelle Taylor

  Amanda was glowing with exuberance, delighted to be a part of this monumental conference and thrilled about meeting Sun Cloud and her sister's love.

  From surrounding areas, imposing and illustrious chiefs and spiritual leaders headed for the meeting which Reis Harrison had arranged with Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. Soon to convene were: Two Moons of the Cheyenne; Lame Deer and Hump of the Minniconjous; Sitting Bull, Gall, Black Moon, and Crow King of the Hunkpapas; Crazy Horse, Big Road, and He Dog of the Oglalas; and Red Hawk of another Sioux tribe. The Brule chief, Spotted Tail, and another Oglala chief, Red Cloud, slipped away from the agencies named for them to attend this crucial parlay. Along with these historic leaders came their most legendary warriors, a group which included Blazing Star.

  Reis had convinced Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and their council that the "Great White Father" did not know of the evil taking place on their lands. He asked that each tribe list their grievances and sign the paper; then he would personally carry the papers to the "chief of the whites and bluecoats." He told them Chief Grant would halt the bloodshed and punish the whites and bluecoats consumed by greed and evil. He tried to convince them that Chief Grant wanted peace, that he had sent Reis here to unmask the evil and correct it. Reis also warned that the meeting and papers must be kept secret, as those evil whites would try to prevent him and the evidence from reaching the "Great White Father."

  Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and the members of the council had sensed courage and honesty in the white man. The conflicts were increasing. Each time they slew a "white butcher," another would take his place with better weapons, endless supplies, and further aggression. If there could be peace without dishonor or defeat, this was the last chance to attain it. They agreed to trust Reis, to help prevent more war. They wanted to live in freedom and happiness upon their ancestral grounds; they would agree to allow the whites and bluecoats to settle on lands not included in the Laramie Treaty. They wanted to hunt and enjoy their existence close to Mother Earth. They wanted safety and honor for their families and homes.

  "Mahpialuta, Sinte Galeska, ku-wa," Crazy Horse greeted Red Cloud and Spotted Tail and invited them to join his campfire as they awaited the arrival of others.

  "Tashunka Witco," both greeted Crazy Horse in return, then gave the sign for peace. "Pizi." Red Cloud nodded at Gall and addressed him in friendship.

  At Fort Sully, Brody Sheen and his aide called on Miranda Lawrence to commence their scheduled picnic. Although Brody was attempting to be outwardly charming and genial, Miranda perceived an intimidating remoteness in him. She wondered why he was beginning their afternoon so sullenly. A shiver of alarm ran over her body, and she wished she could cancel the outing.

  As they" mounted their horses, Miranda asked about the squads which were riding east and north from Fort Sully. Brody glanced in their directions, then shrugged noncommittally. He said the men were heading for a military exercise. She prayed she was not acting too curious or nervous. She watched the swallow-tailed cavalry guidon as it waved rapidly with the flag carrier's movements and dismissed her fears and doubts. If he were suspicious of Reis's conduct, Brody would not have remained behind.

  Brody and Miranda rode to a-serene and lovely spot near the river. As Brody helped Miranda dismount, the look in his hazel eyes caused her twinges of forboding to return. Yet she felt there was nothing she could do but carry out this charade. Af ter all, they were not alone. And, she was not helpless. She could fight like a trained wildcat, and she had the small derringer from Reis strapped to her thigh.

  "We should have invited your sister and her husband to join us. I noticed they had the same idea when they rode off this morning," Brody commented casually as he spread the blanket for sitting.

  "They're newlyweds, Major Sheen. I think they preferred to be alone," she conversed lightly, returning his amiable smile. "Shall we eat?"

  Miranda tensed apprehensively when Brody signaled to the aide, who mounted and rode off instead of serving them. She looked at the man beside her whose expression was cryptic. "If this is a joke or trick, sir, I do not find it amusing or pleasing. I shall leave now," she announced haughtily, sending him a frown of reproach.

  "No, Miranda, you shall not leave," Brody informed her icily.

  "Sir, you are an officer in the United States Cavalry! This is most distressing and repulsive behavior," she criticized sharply.

  "And you, Miss Miranda Lawrence, are a halfbreed slut," he stated calmly and insultingly. "You're an enemy to whites-you and your heathen family. I believe the infamous Chief Sun Cloud is your grandpa. Here I was courting Injun royalty. But not for long. Before nightfall, your family and those savage leaders will be dead or captured."

  Miranda went ashen beneath her olive complexion. Tremors swept over her body. For a time, she thought her heart had ceased beating, until it began to race frantically. Horror filled her as his words settled into her distraught mind. She decided to call his bluff first, then physically battle him if she had to. "Whatever are you saying, Major Sheen? Surely this is some malicious ruse to spite or frighten me? I shan't deny my mother was Indian, but that gives you no right to verbally degrade or harass me. I am not ashamed of my heritage. Colonel Custer will be told of your despicable and rude conduct when he returns. My family shall demand your apology and punishment. I will listen to no more of this offensive talk, nor shall I see you again. You, sir, are no gentleman!"

  "And you, ma'am, are no lady," he satanically sneered, placing his hand upon her chest and shoving her backward to the blanket.

  Miranda alertly and agilely rolled aside, landing on all fours, then j umping to her feet. "How dare you touch me, you vile beast!"

  As Brody scrambled to his feet, she struggled to withdraw the tiny pistol. Before she could grip it properly, Brody slapped her across the wrist and sent the weapon flying into the bushes. To her rising terror, when she tried to battle him as Ling had taught her, she discovered Brody knew the same tactics and movements but was far superior in skill and strength. And he was not reluctant to physically battle or beat her!

  Miranda tumbled backward and landed roughly on her seat when he kicked her in the abdomen. This was the first time a male had returned her attack. But he had wisely controlled the force of his blow, only wishing to stun her. Miranda gasped for breath as he approached her like a stalking beast. When he came within reach, she tripped him with her leg before he realized she retained the strength and courage to do so. His fall sprained his left wrist and enraged him.

  As he pushed himself up from the hard ground, he laughed bitterly and sneered, "So, you like to play rough, do you?"

  When Miranda continued to battle him with every skill she possessed, his anger mounted to a dangerous level. She had just enough talent and nimbleness to keep him at bay for a time, but he inflicted many bruises. Twice, he struck her across the face, bringing a darkening bruise to one cheek and a steady flow of blood from the corner of her mouth. She started to retreat while panting breathlessly.

  For each step she took backward, Brody took two forward, his eyes glittering with lustful intention. He savored relating where Custer and his men were heading after joining forces away from the settlement. He mockingly revealed the fates of Reis and Amanda but claimed that hers was in his hands. As his arm snaked out to seize her, his gaze never left hers, watching for any sign of attack or defeat. But all he saw was the feigned look of terror and vulnerability which Miranda desperately displayed.

  She had to escape and warn them. Her booted foot lifted with such quickness that it landed accurately and rackingly in his private region before he could dodge it. Just as instinctively and rapidly, his fist shot out and made contact with the side of her head instead of her jaw as she shifted with her movement. Rather than breaking her jaw or cheekbone, the blow dazed and staggered her. She fell sideways, injuring the other temple when it struck a large rock.

  Muffled curses and groans filtered into her hazy mind as she attempted to clear her head and flee. As
she pushed upward to a wobbly sitting position, she saw Brody in a crouched stance, his face a mask of grimacing agony and his hands cupping his throbbing groin. She shook her head and blinked her eyes to regain her senses. It was useless; her vision blurred as pains and drowsiness assailed her. She crumbled to the ground, chestnut curls falling over her bloody face. She was weary and groggy; she could no longer defend herself.

  Brody mastered his pain and started toward her, drawing his Colt from its holster. Suddenly, a redand-black-tipped arrow sang ominously through the still air and slammed into Brody's back. He wavered for a moment, then fell dead near Miranda. She could not react, but she roused herself slightly. In the tiny opening between two fiery curls, she could make out two masculine figures heading toward her. Her confused gaze returned to the arrow whose colors and markings did not match the identity of either male. Perhaps she was dreaming. The arrow was her lover's, but it was her Indian cousin and the fort scout who were approaching her prone and limp body. She could not summon the strength to speak or move, but she listened to their words.

  "Why did you shoot the bluecoat with Blazing Star's arrow? Why did you not let him slay her?" Bloody Arrow sneered maliciously.

  "She is mine. I claim her as reward for helping you defeat your rivals." As Tom kicked Brody in the ribs, he scoffed, "I wondered why he didn't ride out with Custer to attack the parlay. When I gave him your words about the council meeting, he looked strange. What real man would choose vengeful rape over a glorious battle? When they are all dead, Bloody Arrow, you will rule the Indians and I will rule the whites as we planned. If you try to trick or slay me, I will call down more soldiers upon you than I sent to slay those at the meeting," he threatened malevolently. After today's victory, he would slay Bloody Arrow in his own time and in his own way.

  "You wish to have this half-breed whore as your woman? I will sell her and her sister to the Apaches as slaves. No white female can survive such torment. She must die. After this sun, only Bloody Arrow will carry the blood of Gray Eagle," the warrior vowed. "Such matchless blood will flow only in my sons."

  "You forget, Bloody Arrow, I also carry two bloods within me. Do not insult the man who helps you earn your dream. She will be my mate and slave. Do as you wish with her sister, but Tam aha is mine. You must go and prepare to call the warriors from all tribes together to avenge the slaughter of their chiefs," he suggested coldly.

  "In death, they will do more to free and avenge our many tribes than they did in life and battle. Their deaths will spark hatred and unity in all tribes. I will lead the final battle to slay the killers of our chiefs. At last, the chief's bonnet will be mine. Take her; she is yours. But do not let her escape you," he warned.

  When Bloody Arrow rode away to observe the results of his careful and daring plans, Tom threw back his head and laughed heartily. "You are a fool, Bloody Arrow. Once all white and Indian leaders are killed, you will join them in death and I will be chief of all Indian and whites. When you and your family are slain today, only Miranda will carry the blood of Gray Eagle and Sun Cloud within her. My sons will carry the blood of the two great chiefs which flows in Tamaha's body; she will pass such honor to our sons." Chilling laughter filled Miranda's humming ears as she lost consciousness.

  Tom gathered Miranda into his arms, his rage boundless when he saw her injuries. He laid her down, then scalped the dead soldier. He had told Sheen that Miranda was not involved in this matter. The fool should have listenedl He held the bloody trophy high and issued a Sioux war cry, then tossed it into the bushes. When this deed was discovered and reported, all evidence would point to the deceased Blazing Star.

  He lifted Miranda in his arms and headed for his horse. He had previously decided where to conceal her until this matter was settled. Once her family and people were all dead, she would turn to him for love and protection; she would be grateful for his rescue and solace.

  At the council meeting, another drama was unfolding. Several Oglala scouts had arrived with dismaying news; bands of soldiers were converging on the area from three directions. Crazy Horse retained his self-control and concealed his infuriating suspicions as he ordered the chiefs to disperse quickly and furtively; he told them soldiers were scouting the area and the parlay must be cancelled. He said he would send word when the next meeting would take place. He scolded himself for having been fooled by this white foe.

  Reis failed to perceive the danger he now faced. When the others were gone, Crazy Horse and his small band of warriors lingered to capture the white dog who had arranged this trap. Crazy Horse turned to Blazing Star and ordered him to seize Reis and Amanda, to bind them and bring them to their camp for questioning and punishment.

  Reis was grabbed by several warriors and bound securely. Initially he was alarmed and bewildered by their actions, since he could not understand the Sioux tongue. The two small pistols in his suspender holster beneath his jacket were taken; then the Barns .50 boot pistol with its lengthy butt and barrel was yanked from its concealed position.

  Amanda screamed in fright as she was bound and handled roughly. Sun Cloud inwardly doubted their guilt and asked to take control of his treacherous granddaughter until this affair was clarified. Reis wished he had brought Miranda along to translate for him. When he appealed for mercy and gentleness for his wife, Blazing Star glared at him coldly and declared that she would be executed along with him!

  The situation was extremely perilous. Reis was worried about Amanda, who had fainted in shock. He tried to convince the Indian chiefs that he had not betrayed them, that he knew nothing of the cavalry's plans. He protested against their harsh treatment, arguing that he would not have brought his beloved wife along if this was a trap, reminding them of her Indian heritage. Reis beseeched Sun Cloud to take their side, to protect Amanda; but the old man hung his head in renewed shame and refused. As a last resort, Reis entreated them to wait until they discovered the truth before harming his wife. Clearly, they did not believe him.

  Blazing Star took control of the female prisoner, wondering if his beloved Tamaha knew of their treachery and had been unable to warn them. Either way, the Oglalas would never accept her into their village and hearts after this betrayal. As surely as Wi arose each morning, these two would die for their evil. But as they rode for camp with Reis and Amanda as prisoners, Blazing Star prayed that Miranda was not involved and prayed that she would not risk showing her face in his camp to defend her family. She had encouraged this situation; she had brought the white dog to camp. She would be slain on sight!

  By the time they reached camp, Blazing Star's anger and anguish had been mastered. He was skeptical of Reis's guilt. Obviously the white man felt no fear for himself, no fear of death or torture; his only concern was for the safety and survival of his wife. The white man would not intentionally have endangered his woman's life. The warrior noted lines of anger in the white man's face, anger which indicated he was being falsely accused and bitterly resented it. The look in Reis's dark blue eyes shouted he had trusted the Indians rashly, that he was disappointed by their treachery.

  Amanda was held captive in Sun Cloud's teepee. She cried and trembled in fear of her beloved's fate. What did she care about her own death if she lost her love? How could they be so cruel to people trying to help them? She glared at her grandfather and Blazing Star. She had seen her husband bound to a thick post in the center of camp. The signal had been given for the leaders to meet in council to decide their fates. Poor Miranda had been so mistaken about these barbarians!

  Before the two men could leave her secured to the center pole, she scoffed at Sun Cloud, "No wonder my mother ran away from you and this vile life! You're cruel and evill I'll never understand why she longed to visit you! I wish I had never laid eyes on you. You're not my grandfather; Gray Eagle's son and Morning Star's father could not be a savage coward!"

  To Blazing Star, she sneered, "I'm glad my sister didn't come along with us. How could she love an animal like you? She'll hate you both and nevercome
here again. I pray she never learns her cherished grandfather and her beloved killed her sister. I despise you both) If you harm Reis, you'd best kill me too.,,

  Then she murmured sadly, "You two really fooled her, didn't you?" Tears eased down her pale cheeks as she whispered in disbelief, "You're killing the only man who can help you stop this war. He's telling the truth. I don't know how the soldiers learned of the meeting, but it wasn't from me or Reis. At least try to uncover the truth!" she panted angrily.

  Blazing Star related her words to Sun Cloud, then disclosed his own misgivings about this situation. Sun Cloud spoke to the younger warrior, then left for council. Blazing Star knelt before Amanda and told her, "Your grandfather is saddened by your cruel words and hatred. He says to tell you he will speak for mercy. He does not believe you and your mate betrayed us. He believes you because, Sky Eyes, you are the sister of Rising Moon and the daughter of Morning Star."

  She exhibited utter shock at her grandfather's understanding. "And what do you think, Blazing Star? What vote will you cast in council?" she asked. Shiny jet eyes fused with misty blue ones. "I will

  vote for your release," he stated simply, evading a full explanation.

  In a quavering voice, she pressed, "My release? Or mine and Reis's freedom? If you slay him, I don't wish to live. He is my life."

  "I will vote to free you and your mate," he responded warily.

  "Why?" Amanda questioned incredulously. "Because of my sister? Do you believe we're innocent?" Suddenly she was no longer afraid.