Camp Camel: The Heart of Texas

by Eaton, Rosemary

  Jenny held the boy out to Gage and got to her feet and nodded to Sparrow Hawk and left.

  Bryan watched as she left, “You’re going to have to show me how you get her to do that.”

  Sparrow Hawk replied, “She is stubborn like mule. You must convince her of why she must go where her heart has no desire to tread. Not work all the time. Sometime I used a stick. You must have worn her down first.”

  Bryan chuckled, “The boy helped. She talked herself blue trying to delay giving him up. We call this a mother’s depression in our medical books. Her body needs the infant to make her feel whole again. Without the purpose she waited so long to fulfill, she is in a darkness that’s like a pit that you can’t climb out. It is a very slippery slope that takes time to over come.”

  Sparrow Hawk nodded, “And some never find their way out and blame you for living when their sons or brothers do not.”

  That reminded Bryan of his new guest. He didn’t know a lot about Onaabi other than she lost her husband to measles and took Jenny’s place in Sparrow Hawk’s teepee. Bryan asked Sparrow Hawk, “Can I trust Onaabi?”

  Sparrow Hawk said, “Tatsinuupi’s and Mouse Dog’s blood sister, but a good wife. She had nothing to do with this treachery, treat her with respect. She has been good to Wasapi and Peekwi and not made them feel they were unloved.”

  Sparrow Hawk told Bryan, “I will tell my people the terms of our treaty tonight. Any who choose not to follow me will be allowed to leave or challenge me tonight. Those that leave may join up with the remains of Red Eagles tribe if their new war chief is of a like mind as they are. If I lose, I will not care, but you might. You understand what this means brother?”

  Bryan said, “You could be fighting for your life. What happens if you lose?”

  Gage said, “They could go through a fight for power just like what’s happening in Red Eagle’s camp right now.”

  Sparrow Hawk nodded, “With Mouse Dog and Red Eagle dead, it opens the way to your Chief if their new war chief feels Albert Pike’s offer for land now looks like a better choice. If not, they will try to take revenge on your fort. You must warn your Chief. The next time you see someone from my tribe, they may not be friends.

  Bryan asked, “So how would we know? Will there be some sign you want us to look for?”

  Sparrow Hawk gave a wry grin, “If I told them, they could use that to trick you. Even if they are loyal to me, does not mean they agree with me once I’m gone. But if you see my scalp on their pole or hanging from their belt, run.”

  Bryan asked with more than a little concern, “Jenny and your boys?”

  Gage wasn’t going to say what he and Sparrow Hawk knew well enough. If he had to ask, then Bryan never realized what he agreed to in the treaty. A feisty cuffs brawl with a war chief would kill any treaty as an act of war in itself. Gage said, “I’ll be waiting for her. I’ll get her out and the boys if things go badly tonight. You have to warn Dallas Bryan. Someone has to go back.”

  For the Love of a Child

  Jenny lifted the flap to Sparrow Hawk’s teepee. She thought to herself, “I have gone full circle. I am back, but what will they call me?”

  There in front of her was Wolf’s sister and Eagle Feather’s little sister dressed in their finest with tiny beads sewn into the pattern of an sparrow in flight and a hawk. Feathers bands hung from their arms. They nodded to Jenny and struggled to make the sound of her new name. It felt strange hearing it off their tongues. Wolf’s sister was fifteen. But Eagle Feather’s was only twelve, close to her eldest son’s age. What was Sparrow Hawk doing? Was he taking both of these girls for new wives? Didn’t he know Itsee liked Pihi?”

  Huutsuu, Wolf’s sister blushed, “You tell me what Sparrow Hawk like? You help me please him?”

  Pihi looked scared but tried imitate what the older girl said but her fear over came her as she said, “I am honored to be chosen as his third wife. Will we die tonight? Will Itsee and I die tonight?”

  Jenny took a breath. Well, this was going to require all her words. There was no way she could deal with this in silence. He had not asked her to be silent, only not cry or show fear. They needed to do the same and poor Pihi needed to face the reality that Itsee would never be her first and maybe not even Sparrow Hawk. Jenny addressed the youngest one first, “Pihi, you will not think of such. You must show courage for your brother’s sake as well as your husband’s family. You have wed?”

  Pihi nodded. Jenny thought about what business Gage attended. Yes, they were wed. He had taken new brides to replace the dead and missing. Smart. If anything Sparrow Hawk was smart. She could imagine promises for Itsee and Paaka to take first wives as well. Those more than likely would be introduced right before the treaty and most likely to strong men who might oppose him with daughters and no sons of their own. It wouldn’t even surprise her if he had promised Peekwi and Wasapi as future husbands.

  The teepee showed promise of being full tonight and of course she would cook for all of them. Jenny hoped Bryan was thinking hard about why she might consider herself a slave. Jenny forced a smile, “He is a strong man. He will not die tonight. There will be much joy in his teepee and many mouths to feed.”

  Jenny turned to Huutsuu, “He has chosen well. Your brother is brave and loyal to Sparrow Hawk. He is a good husband if you are a good wife. Do not talk back. Show a strong face that says you know he will be there to defend you. Do not weep for his enemies or those who died today. They were not your friends or his. Do not whack off men’s pricks even if they would kill him. He did not like it and I have the marks of my husband to prove it is not worth the pain of breaking our laws or giving his enemy comfort in your fear.”

  Jenny raised her skirt and the girls eyes grew wide as she quickly lowered it. Jenny said seriously, “If I were not white, he who was my husband would have stoned me for this. But he understands my mind is confused and can not tell which world I walk in day to day. One day I am Comanche and his wife, the next I am white and I have no husband or children, the next half white and half Comanche giving him his child, then white, and now I walk in my old world as the sister of his white brother Bryan. But you are Comanche forever and he will expect you to act as such.”

  Itsee came in the teepee and blushed as he looked at Pihi then turned his eyes to Huutsuu. He would not look on the woman who was his mother once. She knew his pain. To have your heart ripped from your chest by the one you pledged everything to. Itsee said, “Father says to cook many strips of meat, sweet mush, corn, and wokwave bread. There will be many eating from our fire tonight.” Jenny nodded. She gazed on the pain in the young girl’s face. Then she could not stop what she did next. She rose and took her son’s hands, “Son of my husband’s brother, you can not know the future that will be, but I have seen you happy and it brings joy to my heart knowing I can do this for you.”

  Itsee smiled, “As I have that you guide my father’s new brides and prepare them for what may come.” Itsee knew what was expected. He left almost as soon as he came.

  Jenny looked at Peekwi, “Son of my husband’s brother, can you take your younger brother and help build a fire for us while I speak with his wives.” Peekwi nodded and took Wasapi’s hand and left.

  Jenny addressed Huutsuu, “When you sleep tonight, put your body up against his where your hips fit into his hips. He will do all that is necessary. He will show your hands how to touch him and when to touch him. He will not expect you to know this. If you touch him like you have slept with men, it might be bad. Let him guide your actions until you know what he expects. He will not think bad of you for this. Pihi he may not touch you like Huutsuu until you have bled. Have your bled yet between your legs like your mother?”

  Pihi shook her head she had not.

  Jenny said, “Then do not stir his blood for you. You can not give him children until your body suffers like ours. Be as a sister to Huutsuu until he reaches for you, then do everything he tells you like he says. If you do not fight his touch, he is gentle. If you
fight him, he can be brutal to teach you your place in his life.”

  Pihi asked, “Is there not anything I can do?”

  Jenny said, “Yes, rub his shoulders and feet, wash his clothes, cook, help take care of his sons and perhaps future daughters and his first wife as if you lived in his teepee since birth. Show him he has chosen well and he will reward you when you are ready to have your own children. Onaabi will come back and when she does, treat her well. None of us can know the now that is not, but you can be good to each other and not make his life worse. Learn to share him for his sake if not your own. That is where Tatsinuupi and I failed him. You can do better. You must do better and do not begrudge each other happiness. Do not speak of her to him either in anger or support. He loved her as he will love you.” Jenny realized she had been talking a lot. Jenny looked down, “He likes quiet. Do not talk like I have here. Just do for him and answer if he asked you something, but do not gossip or jabber nonsense and disturb his peace.” Then Jenny turned to Pihi and Huutsuu as if she remember one more piece of advice that was important, “Do not look upon those you may have dreamed about with green eyes like you wished you were with them. It will only cause pain for him and you. Do not begrudge if those you dreamed of marries to strengthen his family. Life is short for a Comanche be it brave or squaw. Find the joy it offers and seize it.”

  Huutsuu nodded, “Thank you for your wisdom sister Jenny. Your white name means mule?”

  Jenny grinned, “My white father must have known me well before he named me. A mule is stubborn. Sparrow Hawk will tell you, I was a very stubborn wife. He had to beat me many times before I understood why he beat me.”

  Jenny added, “Forgive me for speaking like your mothers. This is your home. I am but your older sister in his teepee now. I will defend you and my husband’s brother family as will your brother’s family defend you. If we have no men to defend us, I will do what he has trained me to do. I will asked for a water challenge, I am ready and I ask you for the privilege to die for you. They will give you a chance to walk out if I win or lose.”

  Huutsuu asked, “And if you lose? Is there somewhere we should go?”

  Jenny didn’t speak, she drew a picture in the floor and held her hand up to her ears and pointed outside, “Into the cave in the hill and hide. We are still close enough you might reach it. There are caverns with water, one is very hot that the men use to bath.” She had marked the cave and made a map North into the hills. She shook her head that what she was saying was not true as she stated, “There are many openings to the outside, but most are afraid to search for them.” She pointed instead to landmarks they could look for to guide them toward Indian Territory and out of Texas. Jenny asked, “You understand what I have showed you?”

  The girls nodded they did. Jenny erased the drawing on the floor and rose, “We have food to cook now sisters. Let us make him proud.”

  After the wokwave bread’s aroma wafted through the camp, Red Cedar found Jenny, “May I have the honor or presenting you bread defender of Sparrow Hawk’s family?”

  Jenny swallowed. How could she say yes and yet how could she say no. To eat even a little invited Bryan’s wrath and retribution. She would be shamed. To not eat would be considered an insult to Sparrow Hawk by Bryan. He had agreed to her accepting the role Sparrow Hawk offered. She would shame her sons. They would drag her out into the campfires and stone her as unworthy to be considered the wife of Sparrow Hawk’s brother. This night was going to end badly one way or another. Better the shame was hers only. Jenny was pale as she replied, “Father of my war chief, I accept the honor from your hands.”

  Red Cedar nodded, “May you not need this, but if you do, know the now that is not now will be kinder to the one who returns to be his Nahuu one last time. There may be parts of you that are white, but you have the heart of a Comanche.” Red Cedar broke a piece of bread into pieces. He placed a small piece in Jenny’s mouth and she chewed and swallowed. Then unexpectedly, he took some and placed a bigger chunk in a leather pouch and tied it around her neck. Red Cedar said, “May you die full of glory and without fear. Any man who eats this will surely die. Your knife of justice lies here.”

  Jenny kissed the pouch, “Thank you honored Grandfather of my husband’s brother’s children. May you die fully of glory and without fear but not tonight.”

  Red Cedar turned to the two young brides, “This is what his second wife is expected to do. Die if she can not beat her challenger or die defending those who walk out if needed. She has nothing to gain or lose tonight. Her fate is sealed and she will not hesitate to defend those she loves enough to return to your man’s teepee to do this. This may be your fate one day if you are selected to be his new Knife.” Huutsuu and Pihi looked at each other wondering what determined who would be the second wife but neither were brave enough to ask.

  Jenny saw colors floating in her vision. What ever wokwave had been gifted tonight was much stronger than any she had ever tasted. Perhaps this was the day Red Cedar had seen her death or maybe he took pity on her and wished her madness to end so she could follow Chibitty to the spirit world. She felt invincible and was ready. She had lived her owe life to reach this one point. She would not fail her sons. The men could go to hell and back for their treacherous betrayals and lies that lead to this thing.

  Bryan and his escort found themselves on the eastern side of the ravine. There were buzzard flying large circles in the sky ahead of them. The braves looked concerned. It was a large circle. They carefully went a little further North but what had caught the buzzard’s attention quickly became evident as the stench of death and ripe bodies in the hot Texas sun reached their noses. The party crept closer until they could see, what had happened there was over. All that remained was the bodies of Red Eagle’s warriors and dead ponies.

  Onaabi looked down. She would not call out of scream. Who ever did this could still be close enough to hear.

  One of the braves rode over and poked each man. There was not one left alive. Raven looked at Bryan, “Your white Chief has been busy. Too bad we not take scalps back. It would make them think.”

  Bryan said, “Looks like someone took some already.”

  Raven said, “Still hair left, what they care now?”

  Bryan said, “I know, but I have orders to take her to my Chief with a message for him.”

  Raven asked, “You not Sparrow Hawk’s brother?”

  Bryan said, “Well, yes we’re like brothers.”

  Raven asked, “You want his family dead so you take his new wives too?”

  Bryan asked, “What new wives?”

  Raven answered, “Maybe you not that important if he no ask you. One called Gage there.”

  Bryan retorted, “I was taking care of my wife.”

  Raven nodded like he understood, “You beat Prick Whacker again. Jenny that is good name for her. Stubborn like mule she named for. But loyal, she will do her duty if he die.”

  Bryan swallowed, “Duty? She wouldn’t just walk out?”

  Raven said definitively, “No. She was trained to do water challenge. Good lungs, but maybe not as good as Turtle. He may out last her. She will die to give his sons and new wives a chance to run.”

  Bryan looked back at the way they came, “Hell no. That’s no way to treat a guest.” Bryan looked around, “Use their buckskin and lop off the most important one’s heads and lets put them on pikes, then scalp each of these multiple times and bag their hair. Let them try to figure out who it is and how many. We’re going back, Raven. Send her on or bring her back, I don’t care. I’m getting my wife out of this mess. You’d fight for him if it came to it wouldn’t you? You’d stand up with him?”

  Raven smiled, “Yes Wokwave, I stand with him and hundreds of scalps to make Turtle think the next one his if he challenge. They not bother her. They not know whose side she on. She has played the middle of ravine. Neither side can condemn her yet.”

  Dallas and his troops had been traveling Southwest into Red Eagle’s territor
y. After consulting with this officers and Sergeant Major Vincent they felt their best chance was not to let the remainder of his tribe get organized. They had been chasing strays and were driving about thirty head of long horns with them. They could stampede them ahead of the camels and let the Indians braves decide whether they wanted to be gored or shot if they turned down his generous offer to relocate. He also had a bag of scalps to prove he meant business and Red Eagle wasn’t coming back in case they had any doubts.

  Sergeant Major Vincent rode back to the main column. He addressed Dallas, “Sir, the village lies just ahead. They should know we’re here soon. Dallas put a white flag at the top of the standard and nodded, “Form up Sergeant Major. Pass the word. Don’t shoot first.” Dallas took the lead and as he passed Captain Bowman called out, “You have command if I don’t come back. Dallas took the reigns of the pack camel and loped off toward the village.

  Gage knocked on his Father’s door and called out, “Dad, it’s Gage. Can we talk?”

  The little Mexican maid opened the door, “Mr. Gage, your back. On no you don’t. Don’t leave that one on step and run like coward for the hills. You come in and face him this time.”

  Gage took his hat off and dusted his pants and stomped good to get the dirt of his boots, then walked into the door of his home. He covered the sling’s contents with his broad wide rimmed cream colored hat trimmed in Confederate gray and crimson and sabers on the front. Gage smiled as he walked into the room where his father was sitting in his favorite leather chair reading a letter. He looked up and addressed his son then noticed the sling, “Are you hurt?”