White Wind

by Susan Edwards

  Sarah let out her pent-up breath, keeping her eyes on Hawk Eyes. “Yes. My father is an Indian,” she announced quietly, simply and proudly.

  Hawk Eyes absorbed her words, then shook his head in denial. “My son says your father is a trapper who recently journeyed to the spirit world. Is this not true?” he asked.

  “The man who raised me, the one I called ‘Pa,’ died last winter, that is true. But he is not my blood father. The one who sired me is an Indian warrior,” Sarah explained, her pride mingling with fear of the chief’s reaction.

  Astounded, Hawk Eyes stared at Sarah and staggered back. Incredulously, for the first time in many moons, he found himself totally speechless. It slowly sunk in. The girl before him carried Indian blood. Groaning, he rubbed his temple with his fingers as he wondered if things could get any more complicated. “Does my son know of this story?” he sighed. Nothing from this point on would surprise him.

  Shaking her head no, Sarah confessed, “You are the only one who knows of this.”

  “Why did you not say something of this matter when you first came to us?”

  Sarah looked down at her hands, fingers threaded together. “I was afraid to. My people do not like those with Indian blood, especially women.”

  “You will tell me everything,” Hawk Eyes demanded, his voice laced with a new gentleness. He listened intently as Sarah told him of her mother, the little she knew about her Indian father, her guardian and why he hated her. She also told him how others of her race would view her mixed parentage and what her almost certain future would be if they ever found out.

  When she finished and glanced at him almost fearfully, Hawk Eyes placed his hands on her shoulders. “I have been wrong in my feelings toward you. You have conducted yourself with pride and honor in my village. I see now why you adjusted so quickly to our ways. You would make my son a fine wife.”

  He glanced at the stars slowly appearing far above as he conceded, “Yes. I would find much honor in calling you daughter, but like you, I cannot make promises until I meet with White Cloud. Being with child may change things considerably. Certainly your Indian blood complicates matters.” Seeing hope shining from her wide trusting eyes, he held up his hand in warning. “All is not settled.”

  Side by side, they returned to the village, with Hawk Eyes feeling a surge of protectiveness, making sure she did not trip over roots or twigs as he kept his hand on her elbow, guiding her.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Golden Eagle stood deep in the shadows of his tipi scanning the darkened village. All was quiet as most had retired for the night

  He glanced around, looking for White Wind, realizing he’d not seen her since their evening meal. He turned and headed for Bright Blossom’s tipi. Most nights, if he was called away on tribal business, she went there, the two women keeping each other company until their warriors returned.

  Halfway there, he spotted White Wind and his father leaving the shadowy protection of the woods. He started to head in their direction, but stopped when he noticed how deep in conversation they were. So absorbed were they, neither one noticed his presence.

  Their heads bent together as they moved toward the tipi Sarah shared with Golden Eagle.

  Golden Eagle followed, staying in the shadows. At his tipi, Chief Hawk Eyes waited outside while Sarah ducked inside. Moments later, she reappeared and handed his father an object. Hawk Eyes took his leave and Sarah reentered the tipi, lowering the flap behind her.

  Sarah danced around and resisted the impulse to shout her happiness. She was going to have a baby. A baby like little Two Feathers. A baby of her own. Hers and Golden Eagle’s. Her fingers splayed across her belly, a look of wonder overcoming her. Tears of happiness and joy trickled down her cheeks. A baby. They were going to have a baby!

  She was standing with her back to the doorway when Golden Eagle entered. At his entrance, she twirled around and flew at him, throwing her arms around his neck.

  Golden Eagle wrapped his arms around her and held her. Putting Sarah aside, he wiped the moisture from her flushed skin. “Kechuwa. What is wrong? What did my father say to upset you?” he asked, an edge to his voice, his lips tightening in anger.

  Sarah’s lips curved into a secretive smile. It was nice to know he watched over her and cared. Mary had always done a good job watching over her, but it wasn’t the same. She knew Golden Eagle did not like it when his father went out of his way to torment her. Only at her insistence that he not interfere did Golden Eagle agree to let her handle Chief Hawk Eyes on her own.

  Sarah grabbed his hands and held them gently in hers as she led him farther into the tipi and quickly reassured him, “I’m fine, Golden Eagle. I’ve got something wonderful to tell you.”

  Needing to be closer, Sarah placed her hands on his shoulders as she shyly revealed, “Your seed grows within my body. I’m going to have your baby, Golden Eagle.”

  She giggled as Golden Eagle’s features changed instantly from dark and foreboding to awestruck silence before he dropped to his knees. Opening his mouth, Golden Eagle gulped a breath of air and his lips moved, but no sound came forth.

  Looking down at her speechless warrior, Sarah gave a nervous laugh, her hands tightening on his shoulders. “You are pleased, aren’t you?”

  Running his hands down her fiat abdomen, Golden Eagle pulled her head down to his. Planting a feathery kiss upon her brow, he replied, “A babe? You’re giving me a babe?” At her shy nod, he grinned. “Yes. I am very pleased. I can’t believe it. You have made me very happy.” Drawing his brows together, he asked, wanting to be sure, “You are positive of this?”

  Sarah’s fingers stroked his cheek. “Your father is,” she replied, her tone light and teasing.

  Golden Eagle was still looking for signs of life when her words registered. “My father? What has he to do with this?” His head snapped up.

  Briefly, Sarah told Golden Eagle how his father had found her and the resulting conversation that led to the reason for her sickness.

  A light scratch from outside and a voice bidding permission to enter halted further conversation.

  Golden Eagle stood and called out permission for his mother to enter. The flap was shoved aside to admit Seeing Eyes.

  Looking from one to the other, Seeing Eyes nodded approval. “You have told him.” She directed her approval toward Sarah. “That is good. I have special drink for you. Take away sickness.”

  Seeing Eyes set the bowl down and gave each a swift hug before quickly departing, leaving the couple alone to share this special time together.

  Cautiously Sarah sipped the brew. Finding the taste not too bitter, she finished and handed the empty bowl to Golden Eagle. Golden Eagle quickly laid out their sleeping pallet and led her to the center.

  With reverence, he slowly removed each piece of clothing as if he needed to see where his child lay nestled within its mother’s womb. Not taking his eyes from her slender body, he grinned and placed a small tender kiss on the soft skin of her abdomen. “Soon, you will grow big with our child.” He spoke with reverence.

  Sarah needed to tell him everything, wanting nothing left between them. Stepping away from his gentle embrace, she sat, covering her nakedness with a fur around her shoulders. Not wanting him to get the wrong impression, she reached out, took his hand in hers and placed a kiss in the touch center of his palm.

  “There is more that you need to know, my golden warrior. I cannot seem to talk when you are touching or looking upon me.”

  Motioning him to sit, Sarah repeated her story about the summer her mother was in the care of an Indian warrior and why Willy sought revenge against her.

  Finishing her story, Sarah waited for Golden Eagle’s reaction, chewing her lower lip and fingering her locket as he remained silent for so long.

  Like his father, Golden Eagle found himself incapable of speech. He could only stare at Sarah as he digested her announcement.

  Sarah watched his eyes settle on her high cheekbones before moving
over her limbs. She knew he was studying skin that had once been a pale honey, but in the past couple of months had turned to a golden brown. He, as his father had done, was now seeing signs that had always been there.

  Next, she watched Golden Eagle glance around the tipi. He eyed her handiwork, all of which she’d learned so quickly. She sighed, knowing he’d come to the same conclusion as his father as to why she’d adapted to his way of life with a stamina and courage. She’d never be able to convince either one of them that just maybe, Indian blood or not, she had adapted to their way of life because she’d wanted to.

  Sarah watched the emotions chase across his face. Her nervousness had fled, and she was beginning to enjoy herself. She didn’t see him speechless very often, let alone twice in such a short period of time—and his father as well. The two of them in one short night! She’d better enjoy it. It would probably never happen again.

  “You have Indian blood flowing within your veins.” Lifting his hands to her blond hair, he fingered it in amazement. Looking into her laughing eyes, he asked, “My father? He knows of this too?”

  Nodding her head, Sarah laughed and told her stunned warrior of his father’s reaction and his promise to try and locate her father.

  “Why didn’t you tell me this?” Golden Eagle asked.

  Sarah shrugged. “I didn’t say anything before about my Indian parentage because I didn’t know anything about Indians or the way they lived. I was afraid to mention it. Most whites feel strongly about mixed blood. Children born with an Indian parent are called ‘half-breeds’ and are treated with contempt for something they had no control over. I was afraid you would think the same.”

  Interrupting her, Golden Eagle said, “Never would I have turned against you because you carry mixed blood.”

  Sarah stroked his cheek and replied gently, “I know this now. My plan was to try to find my father first and decide if I should make my heritage known. I was going to hire a scout to find him. After I came here, I found I didn’t want to leave you and was afraid if your father knew I had an Indian father, he would find him and force me to leave. A small part of me is still afraid,” she confessed. Hawk Eyes’s apparent acceptance of her still seemed too good to be true.

  Tenderly lowering Sarah to the soft bedding, Golden Eagle broke out into another silly grin. He bent his head to place another kiss on her belly. “Soon I will feel the strong kick of our son or daughter.” Trailing his lips upward, he blazed a sensuous trail.

  Reaching forward, Sarah held his long braids in her hands, and quickly undid them. Using her fingers as a comb, she separated the silky strands, until his hair fell forward, a dark waterfall spilling from his head, to pool onto her chest.

  Moaning his name, Sarah urged him over her, needing to feel him buried deep within her. Fumbling, she untied the offending piece of leather hindering her questing fingers and tossed it aside. Gently she wrapped her fingers around his hardness, thrilling as it filled her loving hands. Stroking the velvet-soft tip, she wiped away a drop of dew and coaxed his throbbing shaft to her hot moist center, letting him feel her readiness.

  Golden Eagle entered her slowly, carefully. His voice hoarse, he whispered in her ear, “I’m afraid I’ll hurt you or the babe, my sweet White Wind.”

  Tightening her legs around him, Sarah twined her arms around Golden Eagle’s taut neck, and reassured him, “You won’t hurt me or the baby. I love you, Golden Eagle. Take me now. I can’t wait any longer.”

  As he listened to her whispery pleas, all restraint and fear fled. Together they soared, carried by forces as old as time itself, until they lay satiated in each other’s arms.

  Before falling asleep, Golden Eagle lifted himself onto his elbows, relieving Sarah of his weight as he looked closely, concern etched in his features. He searched for any sign that she was in pain, but saw only the warm afterglow in Sarah’s eyes as she snuggled next to him, pulling him down beside her.

  Golden Eagle relaxed when he realized that he’d not hurt her or his baby. He turned to his side. “And you, White Wind? Are you happy about our babe?” he asked, needing to hear the words from her lips.

  Fingers stroked him from the side of his face down to his bare chest as Sarah stared at him through sparkling eyes, her lips smiling softly. “Yes, my golden warrior. I am very happy to carry your baby.”

  Golden Eagle pulled Sarah close, his shoulder pillowing her head. He listened to her breathing as it grew slow, and kissed her forehead lightly, vowing no harm would come to her. He gave silent thanks to the spirits and asked them to watch over his love and baby.

  A baby… He was going to be a father. What would their child look like? Would he have a son who would one day lead his people with courage and wisdom, or would their first child be a miniature of White Wind, with hair of the sun and eyes of the sky? Brown eyes or blue, white skin or bronze, it didn’t really matter to Golden Eagle. He knew their children would be special. How could they not be with White Wind as their mother? A smile played on his lips as dreams of fatherhood lured his eyes to close and sleep overtook him.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  “Hey,” Hank yelled, spurring his horse forward. “When are we gonna reach the next tribe of savages? I’m gettin’ tired of all this ridin’ round fer nuthin’.” He stood in his stirrups and lifted his sore seat from the saddle.

  Pulling on his reins, Harry whipped around, moving much faster than it appeared his bulk would allow. Startled, Hank fell back into his saddle with a moan of pain, pulling abruptly on his reins as he did so and nearly lost his seat as his horse reared to let him know he didn’t appreciate the rough treatment.

  When Hank regained control of his horse, Harry’s bushy brows pulled together, his face a cold mask as he lashed out at Hank. “You watch yore mouth, young fella, unless you want to get us all scalped. They could be watching us now. I’ll be at the village by afternoon,” Harry informed both Hank and Red before turning to continue onward.

  “Wait a sec, Ol’ Timer. We’s goin’ with ya this time,” Red declared. “We’s tired of stayin’ behind while you goes to eat and enjoy yourself. Hell, we’ll never find that brat for Willy,” he grumbled.

  “I agree with my brother,” Hank said. “We all go together this time. For all we know, maybe you’re getting all them squaws too. I’m ready for a woman. Even a squaw will do.” He snickered.

  Muttering about young fools who would get them all killed, Harry gave in. In a way, he couldn’t blame them. If any of them had guts, they’d return and tell Willy they had failed. But he didn’t want to face Willy’s wrath. Not yet anyway.

  Stopping a short time later on the pretense of resting, he warned his companions they were under observation. In a low voice he gave his instructions.

  “Go sit and relax. But leave your guns on your horses and stay calm for Gawd’s sake! They’s approach us here, we must be convincing as trappers if we want to get into their village. Do only as I do and for Christ’s sake, keep your traps shut and let me do any talking.”

  “Why don’t we just ride into the village? Why’s we gotta sit out here like sittin’ ducks?” Red complained, glancing over his shoulder.

  Closing his eyes, Harry forced himself to remain calm. Turning to Red, he hissed in a low tone, “You don’t just ride into an Indian village, you stupid fool. They are well guarded. They know you’re in their territory long before you find the entrance to their villages. Now shut up and do as you’re told, or I might just let them savages have at you.”

  Watching Red and Hank lower themselves beneath the shade of a large pine tree, he followed, grumbling he should’ve left those two fools behind and come alone as he’d done countless times since leaving Willy that night so long ago. He sat, a bundle of pemmican in his hand. Looking at each other, the brothers followed suit and started to eat.

  Sure enough, they had barely finished eating when they were approached and surrounded by several warriors, their faces and chests streaked with slashes of paint, sharp lances held
ready to throw in one hand, shields held in the other. Harry slowly got to his feet and used the hand signs for friends and traders.

  Harry conveyed to the distrustful warriors that they meant no harm. They were only there to trap and trade. Waving his hand toward the heavily loaded pack mule, he invited them to inspect his goods.

  The leader motioned to his warriors. Immediately, their horses and goods were inspected. Hank and Red sat, too afraid to move or speak. They cringed when the leader pointed his spear at them and looked to Harry, a question in his black eyes.

  Hank and Red turned their wide eyes toward Harry. Unbelievably, Harry sat relaxed, as if this were an everyday occurrence. Next time they would stay back, their looks to each other said.

  Harry didn’t have to understand the Indian’s language to understand his unspoken question. One glance at Red and Hank was all it took. The two quivering dummies didn’t look like seasoned trappers or traders. Hopefully, they wouldn’t get them all killed. Harry forced a laugh and again used sign language. He explained that the two were his sister’s sons, his nephews. Using the sign for children, he explained they were like children learning, and he was their teacher.

  He also signed to the warriors that they were slow learners, not very bright, but his responsibility. He pointed to his head, and shook his head.

  The leader laughed and shook his head to show his contempt at grown men who cringed like babies. Conversing with the rest of his party, the mighty warrior motioned them to their horses.

  Back in his saddle, Hank leaned over and asked what was going on. Unable to resist passing on the insult, Harry told the boys what had been conveyed. Watching their faces turn the color of Red’s hair, he advised, “You two big tough boys continue to act scared and green. It may be the only way you get out of their village alive. Follow my lead, and for Gawd’s sake, stay away from their women. If you get into trouble, I won’t be able to help you.”