Savage Ecstasy

by Janelle Taylor

  Many more days passed by, but Matu stil refused to change her attitude toward her. She persisted in treating her with coldness and contempt. She disliked having to teach Alisha her chores or watch her doing them. She was openly pleased Alisha preferred watch her doing them. She was openly pleased Alisha preferred White Arrow’s company, for he surely did not seem to mind hers. In fact, Matu read more than tolerance in his eyes. She blamed Alisha for this also.

  Alisha was unaware of Matu’s deep-rooted hatred for white women, especialy those with auburn hair and green eyes. Each time she looked at Alisha, she did not realy see Alisha, she saw Jenny. She would silently curse her as she recaled past pain-filed days. Matu would ask herself what Alisha possessed that her kind did not possess better. She would think, she is soft and spoiled. She must be shown and taught everything. She cannot be left alone and must always be guarded. She is weak and beneath my people, the Si-Ha Sapa. She is even beneath the Oglala and al other tribes. Why do great warriors like Wanmdi Hota and others lower themselves to capture and keep these white women? “Ska witkowins!” she spit out bitterly. They could have their choice of any winyan in their vilages, or even winyans from other tribes. Any winyan would be honored and pleased to take a man such as Wanmdi Hota or Wanhinkpe Ska. It was beyond her to understand and accept this.

  Matu knew she must do as Wanmdi Hota told her, but she did not have to like it, or the girl. She would not dare to cal her a witkowin again. He had been very angry with her. But why? She was his whore, was she not? Stil, she must not cal her that again, at least, not out loud.

  On those days when Alisha was in Matu’s care, she was taught which berries, wild vegetables and herbs to gather. She was shown how to properly prepare and cook them. Certain berries were used in the pemmican they caled wasna, others in soups, others for eating plain, others for cooking in breads, some for dyes others for eating plain, others for cooking in breads, some for dyes and as medicines. They would gather certain roots to be cooked in several ways; some boiled, baked or smoked.

  The hunters had just returned from a very successful hunt, and meat was plentiful. Along with the buffalo meat, the hunters would bring home other game, such as deer, rabbit, squirrels and hehoka, the Oglala name for elk, moose or antelope. Most of the buffalo was used in preparing the wasna for winter rations and the remaining meat for eating now. Alisha quickly learned how to cook buffalo meat in various ways for the different cuts and parts. She had been surprised to find it had a venison flavor which was very tasty and nourishing. Matu was very careful to suppress and hide Alisha’s progress as a cook and worker.

  Alisha learned which herbs and greens to use to flavor and tenderize the tougher cuts of meats. Her most disliked chore was helping with cleaning and gutting the animals for cooking. Each time she did this chore, she had to fight constantly to overcome her feelings of weakness and nausea. The sight of blood on her hands and the mutilating of the animals’ bodies made her nervous and uneasy. At this time, she did not realize the reason for her discomfort and tension.

  Nearly every day or two, Gray Eagle and White Arrow would bring home fresh meat of some kind to her, Matu or other women who had no warrior to hunt for them. It appeared to her that generosity and assistance to others in need were great deeds to be honored and praised. She became very much aware of his actions and deeds. She saw the great respect, honor and love his people felt for him and showed to him. But she was unaware of her heart softening and reaching out to him more and more as the days passed.

  passed.

  Days began to slip by more swiftly as she worked under the watchful eyes of Matu. She gathered pokeberries, which they caled pakon. The shoots were cooked and eaten, the purple berries used for a dye, and the roots dried and pounded into a medicine. They also gathered chokecherries for food, medicine and dye. They gathered buffalo berries for eating. Other days, they colected wild cabbages, onions, prairie turnips, horsemint, camass bulbs, and roots from the bitterroot plant. Al of these she learned to identify and cook, much to Matu’s frustration and chagrin. Her polite manner, interest, quickness and gratitude did not sit wel with Matu. Alisha thought the hardest task was gathering the buffalo berries. They grew on trees which were about fifteen feet tal and covered with thorns. The tree had silvery leaves and an egg-shaped fruit which was sweet and delicious. This fruit turned a yelowishred when it was ready for picking. Matu had tricked her the first time they gathered this fruit. She had made her climb the sticky tree to pluck the fruit and drop it down to her.

  After White Arrow had removed al the thorns from her arms, hands and feet, he taught her to use a long branch to dislodge the fruit with a light touch. He was very angry with Matu, but Alisha would not let him punish her.

  “Hiya, Wanhinkpe Ska,” she begged, holding his arm. She did not wish to tattle or cause more conflict between herself and Matu. It would be unwise to force him to take sides between them. The deed was done and punishing it would only lead to more hatred and resentment. Perhaps her forgiving attitude would ease some of the tension between them.

  One of her favorite tasks was the gathering of items for dyes and paints. They would join some of the other women as they and paints. They would join some of the other women as they gathered and colected earth pigments and plants. They would make yelow from buffalo galstones; yelow, orange, and red from ochers; blue from wanhu and pokeberries; red from vermilion; black from charcoal; and other colors from grasses, clays and flowers. Sometimes they would mix the extracts and particles with water, and other times, with grease or oil from animals or plant stems. Perhaps one day, Alisha daydreamed, Gray Eagle would alow her to paint some scene on his teepee or designs on his horse. She secretly wished to do even the body painting for ceremonies, but not for war or raids against her people.

  Early each morning, she would hear their prayers and chants to their god, Wakantanka, or to the sun, Wi. She was taught in the beginning what things she was not to do or touch. She was taught never to touch his weapons; his pipes, caled canduhupa; his candi tobacco; his medicine bundle, caled pezuta wopahte; or his ceremonial headdress, which was the top part of a buffalo head. He had shown her these things and shaken his head and said,

  “Hiya!” firmly after each one. He had repeated the sequence to be sure she understood his instructions. She nodded her understanding by pointing to each one and stating “hiya” after each. Even on those nights when she was alone or bored, she did not dare to disobey. She would often look at or study the items, but never touch or handle them. Such an offense was considered bad medicine and evil. For an enemy, or sometimes a woman, to touch such personal things could cause them to lose their power and magic. Such an offense was punishable by death or the loss of a hand.

  She had soon comprehended the woman’s place in Indian life. Even though she labored hard and long hours, she was highly Even though she labored hard and long hours, she was highly respected, and treated with dignity. The warriors did no domestic tasks of any kind, or anything which appeared to be female work. The Indian women accepted this way of life as easily as breathing. They did their work with efficiency, reserve and pride. It was quickly apparent to Alisha that the men were the supreme rulers in this domain also, just as it was back in her homeland. But there was a very noticeable difference in the attitudes and manners of these women. They quietly and wilingly accepted their lot in life, whereas many of the white women hated their lots and destinies. She had witnessed many of her friends’ anger at their pre-arranged lives and marriages. Alisha knew she would have done the same if she had been forced to marry one of those same men. She wondered if women would ever be free to choose their own mates and ways of life.

  She came to understand that his tribe was ruled by a council, of which Gray Eagle and White Arrow were members, and caled the “Oyate Omiciye.” They would often meet in one of the most elaborately decorated teepees in the inner circle. The most influential leaders and warriors lived in the first three inner circles. She could see they were the ones in
charge of the laws, punishments, raids and hunts. Many times she had watched as a group of hunters or warriors would raise Gray Eagle’s arm and cheer him as the “tiospaya itancan” for their coming raid or hunt. She had watched him leave their teepee and go to the council lodge when the old man caled out, “Oyate Omiciye kte lo.”

  White Arrow had pointed out the medicine lodge to her one day. He had caled it the Pezuta Teepee. He had pointed out where the Yuwipi Wicasta lived, but his teepee was empty at this time. She thought perhaps he had gone to colect some special herbs for She thought perhaps he had gone to colect some special herbs for medicines, or to perform some secret incantations. With her smal, inadequate vocabulary, there was no way for her to ask about the things she did not understand.

  She also noticed there was another teepee empty in the inner circle. It was the largest and most beautiful of al. Its skins told tales of many fierce battles and daring hunts. The hero in al scenes wore a flowing, ful bonnet of yelow feathers. She knew this must be their chief’s teepee. But where was he? Why was he not here? She had no way of knowing Chief Suntokca Ki-in-yangkiyapi and Pezuta Wapiye Wicasta Itancan Torlac were in the Paha Sapa, their sacred lands of healing.

  She stil had not learned or guessed Gray Eagle’s true status, but knew him to be in high esteem in his people’s eyes. Perhaps he was the chiefs son as Simon had said. She tried not to show too much personal interest in him and forced herself not to ask him or White Arrow those questions which plagued her mind. For some unknown reason, she felt danger in asking or knowing about their chief. This was a wise decision, for it would only have reminded them he was not here because a white trapper had shot him, nearly kiling him.

  The women’s lives were filed with various chores each day, and there always seemed to be something new for her to learn. On this occasion, she was helping the women gather sumac berries to be used in the treating and tanning of animal skins and hides. She had observed them for a long time in silence, watching and learning. They would stretch the skins taut and secure to a wooden frame, then scrape the fat and bits of meat from the skin with a sharp tool. When the scraping was thoroughly done, the skin was rubbed with animal brains to soften and condition it, then tanned. animal brains to soften and condition it, then tanned. Later, she had helped for a short while, until Matu became impatient with her sluggishness and nausea as she worked with the brains. Matu pushed her aside to observe some more. Alisha was only too happy to obey this time.

  There were other women sitting close by colecting and treating sinews, which were used for binding skins and clothing together, much like the thread her people used for sewing. She watched as they removed and colected claws, teeth, feathers and quils to be used as decorations on clothing and belongings. The Sioux favored the use of the porcupine quils for adorning pipe bags, bow quivers, men’s vests, moccasins and women’s clothing. First, the quils were softened in warm water, then flattened and pressed with a heavy rock. Later, •they were braided or sewn onto the skins and hides.

  The first time she had attempted this task, she only succeeded in pricking her fingers numerous times with the sharp quils. Unfortunately, the design was incorrect and had to be taken apart, inflicting more painful, bloody pricks. Matu had delighted in her pain and trouble. She had continued to instruct Alisha until Gray Eagle guessed what was realy taking place with the lessons. He had caled for Alisha to come to do a chore for him. She had immediately answered his beckoning.

  She had reddened when he took her two smal hands into his large, strong ones to examine them. Embarrassed, she defended her lack of ability. “I guess I wasn’t very careful. I’m not very good at it yet, but soon…” She halted when she realized what she was saying and doing. Angrily, she continued, “You probably think I’m stupid and careless, just like the old woman does. I’l learn to do it yet, even if my hands are covered with pricks and blood,” she vowed, even if my hands are covered with pricks and blood,” she vowed, determined not to be bested by him or Matu.

  He had made no comment, but had taken her to the Pezuta Teepee. There, he put some oily substance into the palms of her hands, then motioned for her to rub it in. She did so, and was surprised to find it numbed and soothed the stinging pain. The bleeding soon stopped. She looked up into his eyes and smiled her thanks. He ignored her smile. He caled for her to folow him back to their teepee to prepare their evening meal. Each such event would gnaw at her diminishing fear and mistrust of him. At al times, except during lovemaking, he held himself away from her in dignity, arrogance and coldness. He was lofty, forbidding and unreachable. He accepted her presence and services, but offered no outward friendship, attention or concern. She mused to herself, perhaps he pretends I am Indian in the dark. Or, at least, he can ignore my white skin as he makes love to me. It was apparent to even a naive girl like Alisha that he enjoyed her body, her resistance, her submission and her docile behavior, but not as a person. She would have been greatly shocked if she had but guessed how he truly felt.

  He worked hard at suppressing and denying his feelings and thoughts about her to everyone, including himself. He constantly reminded himself she was only his slave and enemy. He would keep her at arm’s length at al times, except when he made love to her at night. On those occasions, he would think of it as a game, a show of power, or as punishment. He enjoyed forcing her to betray herself and submit wilingly to him, night after night. He did not realize how deep and strong his feelings for her were becoming. He dismissed such ridiculous thoughts.

  In her plight of slavery without friends or family, she turned In her plight of slavery without friends or family, she turned more and more to White Arrow for the affection and happiness missing in her life. In return, White Arrow was drawn to her beauty and vulnerability like a bear to a honey tree, aware of both its dangers and rewards. To see her smile, to hear her soft laughter, to be a part of her happiness, and to watch her grow and bloom into a desirable creature before his eyes, was wel worth a few stings. Only the knowledge she belonged to his best friend, who was like a brother to him, held his attentions under control. As long as she belongs to Wanmdi Hota, White Arrow thought, I wil not touch her and dishonor him. When the day comes that he casts her aside, she wil be mine. Wanmdi Hota wil not dare to keep her much longer. The others wil begin to question his feelings for his white slave. The time for trading her wil come soon. When she is mine, I wil not be forced to give her up, for I am not a chief’s son. He must soon take his mate and cannot keep her then. What mate, especialy one like Chela, would alow him to keep a slave such as Pi-Zi Ista? He rationalized, when the time comes, she wil come to me wilingly, for we are friends and she trusts me. One night later, she sat watching Gray Eagle as he put some feathers in a pouch. She picked one up and admired its strength and beauty. She questioned, “Eagle?” making the sign for a bird. Instantly, his head jerked up at her word. She was examining the feather and did not see this curious reaction. He sighed in relief, but took advantage of this situation.

  He said, “Wanhinkpe Ska.” She looked up at him in confusion. He went on. He held up an arrow and said,

  “Wanhinkpe.”

  She brightened and replied, “Wanhinkpe, arrow,” touching the arrow he was holding.

  arrow he was holding.

  He nodded and continued with a list of things which had to do with the color white. He said, “Wasichu … ska …”touching her skin. He pointed to her eyes and said, “Ista… pi-zi, ska…” He picked up a feather and, touching the white tip, said, “Ska…”

  Concentrating on his meaning, she surmised, “White man; eyes, green and white; feather tipped with white.. .” The answer was obvious. She exclaimed with delight, “White Arrow!

  Wanhinkpe Ska means White Arrow!” She smiled, pleased with herself.

  He went back to his task. She studied him curiously for a few minute, then timidly inquired, “Wanmdi Hota?”

  He looked up and met her soft, steady gaze. He picked up one of the eagle feathers and said, “Wanmdi,” maki
ng the sign for a large bird. He spread out his upraised arms like giant wings, indicating the bird was large and powerful.

  She studied his motions and words. The bird must be large and the feather was from an eagle. Quickly, she guessed, “Eagle!

  Wanmdi is eagle. Hota?”

  He took the two containers of paint which he was using on his new buffalo shield. He pointed to the black, saying, “Sapa.” He pointed to the white and said, “Ska.” Knowing she had guessed that word correctly, she could not suppress a smile. He slowly mixed the two colors together until he had the color he wanted. He began, pointing to each color in turn, “Sapa, ska, hota…”

  “Gray Eagle … yes. The most powerful and courageous ruler of the heavens. Arrogant, untamed, unafraid, untouchable; but also a beautiful, brutal kiler…. A name wel suited, my love, for you are al of those and more. You fear nothing and no one. You yield and bow to no one. You conquer and take what you desire, and kil bow to no one. You conquer and take what you desire, and kil anyone or anything in your way. The day wil come when you turn those claws on me and kil me, just like you did to al the others. Perhaps you wil use those talons to tear my heart from my very soul. Gray Eagle … wel chosen indeed,” she nodded agreement. He had carefuly listened to her words, heedful to keep his face and eyes blank and empty. He reflected on her description of him. He mused, she knows me wel, or thinks she does. Her use of the words “my love” is interesting. Is it only a phrase used by the wasichu, or does she mean them in another way? She has said them with softness and a touch of mockery. There is stil much to learn about this winyan, he noted ruefuly.

  Alisha had taken over his task and was separating the feathers and putting them in their appropriate pouches. She was very careful not to bend or muss them, especialy those to be used on arrow shafts. The feather controled the aim and flight of an arrow. When she had put al the pouches away, she turned to find him staring at her with an intense, nearly imperceptible glint in his eyes. That look never failed to spark flames in her own traitorous body.