“Tell me.”
Looking him straight in the eye, she lowered her voice to a bare whisper. “It is your actions that have caused my tears this night, Golden Eagle.”
“What?”
Sarah remained silent.
“Me? How can that be? What have I done to cause these tears?” Lifting himself to his knees, Golden Eagle stared in confusion at Sarah. With effort, he lowered his voice. “You will explain yourself, White Wind.”
Sitting in front of him, Sarah placed her hands upon his warm shoulders and curled into his lap, laying her head against his chest, feeling his heart beating against her ear. “Please, let us forget it. Can’t we just enjoy what time we have left? I don’t want to fight with you. Nor can I fight what will be.” Sarah felt her world crumbling around her.
Unable to hold back the tears at the sight of his bewilderment, she felt all her hurt drain away. All she wanted, all she needed, was to hold him and love him for whatever time they had left.
With furrowed brows, Golden Eagle fingered her braids. “What do you mean, our time left? We have our entire lives together. Explain this foolishness. I thought we had agreed that this matter was ended, did we not?” Golden Eagle asked, trying to understand what had upset her. “Has Night Star bothered you again?”
Looking sadly at her golden warrior, Sarah shook her head. “No, Golden Eagle. She hasn’t spoken to me since our return.” She reached up to stroke the side of his smooth jaw, and buried her face in the pulsing hollow of his neck and shoulder. “I saw you with Wild-Flower tonight. I saw her in your arms.”
Sarah looked up. “I want you to know, I understand her hurt. But it hurts me to know that soon she will have the rightful claim to you. That she will receive your embraces and kisses. That she will bear your children.” Seeing understanding dawn in his eyes, Sarah quickly continued.
“I know she must love you as much as I do. All I want is to love you. Please, let me love you, Golden Eagle. Let me pretend that you are mine forever, that you belong to no one else but me…” Her voice trailed off and she closed her eyes against tears that sought release.
Golden Eagle smiled tenderly at Sarah. “Look at me, my love.” He waited until he had Sarah’s full attention. “I love you and only you. You are the woman this warrior needs. Let me explain what happened. Tonight…” He stopped in midsentence as a firm hand closed over his mouth.
Sarah saw the truth radiating from her golden lover. Keeping her hand firmly placed upon his lips, she spoke, her voice full of desperation, eyes moist with unshed tears. “I know you love me, Golden Eagle, as I love you. But it may not be enough to keep us together. No more words tonight. Please, just hold me and love me.”
Not giving him time or opportunity to protest, Sarah removed her hand, wrapped her arms tightly around the strong column of his neck and took his lips hungrily. As his lips parted in surprise at her unexpected boldness, she thrust her tongue between his lips, effectively wiping out any remaining protest.
Golden Eagle groaned. He lifted his head and gave in. He pulled her legs around him as he was consumed by the fire that their bodies ignited within each other.
Far above, countless bright stars twinkled. A crescent-shaped moon seemed to grow just a little brighter as it shined down, sending shafts of glowing light to embrace the lovers as they moved in harmony to nature’s strongest demands.
Golden Eagle lay under Sarah, their sweat-slick bodies calm, she so still that he knew she had fallen asleep. He caressed the still-damp skin of her back and coaxed her awake.
She eyed him in the dazed manner of someone waking from a deep sleep, murmured something unintelligible and flopped her head back down.
“Hmmm, you smell so good.” Matching actions to words, he buried his face against her throat. Nuzzling and kissing his way to her lips, he added, “You taste good too.”
Sarah pushed him away. “You woke me up to tell me that? Golden Eagle, go back to sleep. I’m so tired,” she sighed.
Golden Eagle rolled over, ignoring Sarah’s protest. Propping furs behind them, he lay back and drew Sarah into the crook of his arm. “We must talk,” he said.
Sarah drew tiny circles with the tip of her finger on his chest, stalling. Golden Eagle’s firm hands closed over her fingers. She glanced up, sensing his serious manner.
“No more distractions. Listen. I will tell you the truth of what you saw. Wild-Flower came to me tonight to tell me she is in love with another warrior and does not wish to become my wife.”
Sarah pulled away and turned to look at Golden Eagle suspiciously. “She what?”
Briefly, Golden Eagle explained why Wild-Flower had sought him out and his conversation with her and why she’d been in his arms.
Sarah sat up and faced Golden Eagle. She shook her head in confusion. “But this is wrong. Neither one of you loves the other, you each love someone else, and still your fathers will force this marriage on you both?”
Golden Eagle took hold of her hands. He nodded, trying to make her understand. Lifting one hand, he fingered the necklace he’d given to Sarah.
“My people are proud. Our way is based on pride and honor. Both tribes will lose honor if the marriage does not take place. It is the only way to right the wrong of White Cloud’s father, and to satisfy my tribe’s need for revenge. Only this can restore honor to both tribes.”
Sarah frowned as she sought to understand. “If you go back on your word, then you would be no better than the one who started this in the beginning, and if Wild-Flower refuses, it would be her grandfather’s shame all over again.”
Golden Eagle nodded, pleased that she understood. “So you see, a way must be found where neither tribe loses honor.”
He let out a long sigh. “I am ashamed to admit this, but tonight was the first time I’ve seen the true Wild-Flower. All these years, I’ve thought her to be spiritless. My talk with her tonight showed me just how badly I have misjudged her.”
Sarah smoothed the hair from his face. “Do not feel so badly, my love. You probably saw what she wanted you to see. Wild-Flower is both smart and cunning, as you said. Who is it that Wild-Flower loves?”
Golden Eagle grinned. “She didn’t say, but I have thought about this. After all, I want her to choose well. I think it is Red Fox who has captured her heart.”
Sarah’s jaw dropped. “Red Fox? No, you must be wrong. He is so…cold and unfeeling,” she exclaimed.
“No, my love. Red Fox guards his heart well. If he returns her feelings, it explains why he has been so short of patience recently. It also explains his resentment of you.”
“What do I have to do with Red Fox? I would have thought if he loves Wild-Flower, he’d be happy that you love me. Do you really think he loves her?”
“If Red Fox felt her honor was threatened, that she was being shamed by you or me, then it explains much, my love,” Golden Eagle murmured, pulling her down beside him.
Sarah cuddled close to Golden Eagle. “So, my great and clever warrior, now that I am wide awake and dawn is still far off, do you have any ideas on how to pass the remaining time before we must show ourselves to the world?” she asked, her voice low and husky.
Golden Eagle moved over her. “I have many ideas. How about…” He whispered in her ear before proceeding to show her.
Elsewhere, under the same moon and stars, Wild-Flower and Red Fox lay, arms and legs tangled.
Standing, Red Fox pulled Wild-Flower to her feet. Arms twined, they walked the distance to the cold stream. Quickly they bathed, whispering words of love to each other.
Looking into her glowing eyes, Red Fox bent his head, lips lingering, then lifting reluctantly. “We must return, Wild-Flower. It’s too risky to remain any longer.”
Watching Wild-Flower step away to dress, he wondered if this was a dream. In all his wildest imagining, he’d never thought his wish would be granted. Maybe he would wake, alone, and find that this had been a cruel dream.
Wild-Flower smiled the smile of a woman
who had been well loved. Dressed, she eyed Red Fox with a mixture of love and wonder. Staring at his beautiful body, she laughed, the sound low and husky. “Does my Fox plan to walk back to the village like that?” Her dainty hand made a wide sweep of the naked body in front of her.
Looking down, Red Fox grinned, not the least bit embarrassed. He grabbed the giggling girl, swung her high into his arms and took her full lips with his, effectively silencing her. As he deepened the kiss, deep shudders racked his body at the same time that guilt overcame him. Lifting his head, he gently set her back on her feet and turned away to dress.
When her arms circled him from behind, Red Fox sighed, turned in her arms and placed his hands on her shoulders, putting distance between them. “I have dishonored you and betrayed my friend, Golden Eagle. We must not be alone again, Wild-Flower.”
Wild-Flower placed her hands on Red Fox’s chest and leaned forward. “I did not get a chance to tell you before, Red Fox, but Golden Eagle and I talked tonight. He loves Sarah and I love you. We will not marry. Somehow, we will convince our fathers that it would be wrong.”
“And if you cannot?” Red Fox asked sadly. He watched Wild-Flower turn and pace.
“Then we shall run away together. If my grandfather could do it, then so shall I.”
“No, Wild-Flower. That would cause war between our tribes again. Come, we will talk no more of this.”
Hand in hand, the two lovers strolled slowly toward the village in silence. Parting, each entered from a separate direction, hidden by the black shadows of night.
Blackness for evil. White for goodness. Swirling, tangling, like some primordial being, the two forces twisted together. With agonizing slowness, their colors began to separate and take on form. The billowing darkness condensed into the shape of a huge distorted man. Black surrounded him, came forth from him, consumed him and threatened the figure of a woman in white. The whiteness surrounding her began to fade, engulfed by the evil spirit.
In her dream-state, the nightmare, the future, seemed so real. The terror of the woman was so frightening that a scream lodged in the throat of Seeing Eye. Desperately, she opened her eyes. Beads of sweat lined her forehead as she made an effort to escape the nightmarish vision. With shaking hands, she first wiped her damp forehead, then wiped the tears still in her eyes from the haunting dream. She shook her head helplessly. There were times when she resented her gift of sight, times when it became a burden. There was nothing she could do to prevent the events forecast by her dream from coming true.
She could only pray that the spirits would watch over the girl and keep her from lasting harm.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Golden Eagle stood next to Red Fox to see Wild-Flower and her brother off the next morning. He glanced sideways at Red Fox. As usual, his friend looked to be relaxed, showing no emotion, just another warrior gathered to watch the important guests take their leave. No one looking at him would guess his true feelings.
But Golden Eagle knew his friend well. He spotted the rapid eye movements that followed Wild-Flower’s every move as Red Fox held his hands clenched tightly behind his back. Only Golden Eagle and perhaps Wild-Flower were aware that there had been no farewell salute from Red Fox.
Golden Eagle rolled his shoulders and tipped his head to the serene blue above, seeking courage to confront his father. When the time was right, he would tell Hawk Eyes that he would not marry Wild-Flower.
Turning, the two warriors began to talk of other pressing matters. As was the way with true warriors, they pushed their problems of the heart aside, hidden for the moment, to be taken out later in private and reexamined. Unpleasant matters awaited their attention.
Looking straight ahead, Golden Eagle imparted his news. “I received word from Matosapa of the Oglala. Matosapa has agreed to take Night Star as his mate. His first wife died last winter. He is a strong warrior who has counted coup many times for his brave deeds and has proven to be a good provider in his village. He should be able to control your sister so she cannot cause more trouble. He is on his way as we speak.”
Red Fox came to an abrupt stop and placed his hands upon his comrade’s shoulders, relief flooding his solemn features. “That is good news, my brother. I had feared there were no warriors left brave enough to take Night Star. Word of her troublemaking and mean spirit has spread to the other tribes,” he confided. His brows rose in concern, lips tightening. “Does Matosapa know of my sister’s reputation?” Red Fox asked. “I do not want her to be returned.”
Golden Eagle patted Red Fox on the back and moved forward. “Do not worry, Red Fox. Matosapa knows of your sister. He is lonely and needs a woman to take care of his tipi and give him little ones. He looks forward to the challenge of taming your sister.”
Red Fox sighed with relief. “Ah, that is good then. Let us go tell my father. He is getting too old to deal with her. It is time she had a family of her own to occupy her time.”
A short while later Golden Eagle and Red Fox left the tipi of Striking Snake and went their separate ways.
Red Fox spotted Night Star and approached her, interrupting the chatter of the small group of women. “My sister. You are needed in our tipi. Come,” he ordered quietly but firmly.
Night Star stomped after her brother and entered her father’s tipi. Placing her plump hands on her wide hips, she glared at Red Fox, completely ignoring her aging father.
“What is it you want that could not have waited, Red Fox?” she demanded peevishly. She’d been humiliated when Red Fox summoned her so brusquely. Oh, he’d been polite, but all had heard the command underlining the words, and she’d seen amusement in the other women’s eyes as she’d had no choice but to follow him. A brother was given authority over his sisters until that authority was transferred to her husband.
“Sit, daughter.” Striking Snake’s deep voice thundered in obvious displeasure as he cut off her angry tirade.
Night Star jumped. Her father had not spoken to her so harshly for many winters. A sense of foreboding assailed her. Nonetheless, she raised her chin and defiantly stated, “I will stand, my father. What is it that is so important that I must be summoned as if I were a child?”
Hands on her shoulders applied pressure. “Our father has asked that you sit, sister. Sit on your own, or be put on your sitting mat,” Red Fox told her.
Night Star threw a look of hatred over her shoulder and threw herself down, the corners of her mouth drooping with resentment.
Striking Snake studied his daughter’s defiant demeanor before looking over her shoulder to his son. “My son, I see that you are very wise. She does not have the look of contentment and happiness. I see bitterness and anger in their place. I have been neglectful in my duties, and for this I apologize.”
Night Star sputtered, and would have jumped to her feet, were it not for Red Fox standing behind her.
“I have received an offer of marriage for you, my daughter,” Striking Snake announced.
Lifting her head high, Night Star looked down her nose, hiding her relief. For a few moments she’d been afraid of something much more serious. This was a problem she could handle easily and quickly. “Who has made this offer, my father?” Night Star asked, struggling for the proper respect due such a request.
“Matosapa of the Oglala tribe has offered for you. He has sent some fine furs and two ponies.” With a wave of his hand, he indicated a pile of richly colored furs.
Tossing her head, Night Star stood and kneeled beside the generous pile of furs. She fingered the softness with regret. They were indeed beautiful, thick and rich in color. If only she could keep them without accepting the marriage offer. Turning back to her father, she gave him a sad look.
“No, my father. You will have to send these back. I do not wish to join to Matosapa.” She turned to leave, and gasped when Red Fox stepped in her path, blocking her exit.
Rounding on Red Fox, Night Star hissed, “Let me pass, Red Fox. I will not stay and discuss this. You have been given my an
swer.”
Red Fox calmly stated, “I did not expect any different answer from your lips, sister. I know that you bide your time for Golden Eagle.”
Night Star gasped. If the rest of the village found out she would never be able to hold her head up without fear of ridicule. Never mind that it was the truth. She drew herself up proudly, and boldly faced Red Fox. “How ridiculous, brother. Golden Eagle is spoken for. All know this. He is not the reason I turn down Matosapa. I will find a husband when I’m ready. Now let me pass.”
Red Fox shook his head and grabbed Night Star by the arm. “The decision has already been made, my sister. It was never a choice for you to make. Our father had hoped you would accept on your own. You will marry Matosapa when he arrives in a few days’ time.”
Twisting out of his hurtful grasp. Night Star turned to her father. Surely he’d not force her into this marriage. Seeing her father’s stoical expression, Night Star felt true fear.
She fell before him and begged, “No, Father, no. Do not force me to join this warrior. Don’t make me leave our village. You can’t send me away. I am your only daughter,” she appealed.
Seeing conviction hardening his eyes against her pleading, Night Star tried a different approach. “What about you? If I leave your tipi, who will take care of you? Who will tend to the women’s work here? You need me here.” She whined, truly afraid. Here, she could do as she pleased, but in another village…
Raising his brows sharply, Striking Snake glanced over his daughter’s head and met Red Fox’s knowing gaze. He shook his head at Night Star.
“Red Fox is right, Night Star. I have been wrong to let you wait so long. I had hoped that you would choose a mate and settle on your own. The one you choose and would wait for is spoken for and therefore not meant for you,” Striking Snake advised his daughter.
Night Star jumped up, all pretense of sadness vanishing as she glared at her brother.
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