Spirit of the Lake

by Paty Jager

  “You will become cold up here.”

  Wewukiye’s deep voice in the cold silent air spiraled warmth from her head to her toes. His arm wrapped around her shoulder, directing her toward a glowing fire inside a shallow cave.

  “This is where you stay at night?” She peered into his face as he lowered her to sit on a blanket spread on the ground.

  “It is where I will spend tonight.” He sat beside her, drawing her body next to his. “This is not good you seek me. If the others learn you spend time alone with me it could hurt your plan.”

  She touched his solid angled cheek. “I seek answers and wish to seek the truth in your eyes. How is it you and I can talk without saying words? How is it you can hold and love me without being seen?” He started to open his mouth. She placed a finger on his soft, warm lips. Her body heated remembering the sweet warm puffs of air she knew were kisses. “Why does Crazy One insist you are her uncle when you are so much younger than she?”

  Dove wanted to know everything about this man who she wished to share her life and hold close to her forever.

  Wewukiye sighed, kissed the top of her head, and drew her closer. “You have felt things and understood far more than most mortals. My sister Sa-qan and the Creator would not like this, but I feel you should know the truth.”

  At the mention of the Creator her desires cooled, and her attention riveted to his words. “How is it you speak of the Creator as if you speak with him?”

  “You have asked many questions. They will all be answered when I am finished with my story.” He urged her head to lean against his chest, and he tightened his arms around her, pressing her body next to his.

  She draped her shawl around his shoulders believing he held her so close to keep them both warm as the cold Anihm air swirled into the cave.

  “Many seasons ago, long before the coming of the people with skin the color of antelope, my brother, Himiin, my sister, Sa-qan, and myself were of ages to go on our vision quests. Our father fell in with the trickster coyote. He listened to greed and hid behind cowardice, causing many deaths to the warriors of our band. Our people became mad with grief and his deception. Our band turned on us—his children—and the Creator took us from their midst.”

  Dove shifted to gaze into his eyes. Pain filled his usually content gaze. An ache started in her head and moved to her heart for the young men and woman.

  “He made us spirits to watch over the Lake Nimiipuu, the people of our mother. Himiin traveled about the mountain as a wolf, keeping the people safe from evil spirits. He carried our father’s betrayal the deepest. To keep him from returning to our birth land, the Creator did not allow him to leave the mountain. Himiin fell in love with the mortal, Wren. She was the daughter of the Lake Nimiipuu chief and given to a blackleg warrior to bring peace. This did not work out. Wren was killed by a Blackleg arrow. Himiin gave up his spirit to save her. In return, the Creator gave him a mortal body. They married and helped build the Lake Nimiipuu. Crazy One is the last of their children.”

  Dove pushed away from him to stare into his eyes. “Then you are her uncle?” She settled the words into her mind. The woman talked in questions which she had learned to decipher. Her adamant use of the word uncle had Dove believing the woman was a bit feeble. This strong young warrior was her uncle.

  Her mind whirled with the information. All of it. He was a spirit. She ran her hands over the buckskin shirt stretched across Wewukiye’s broad chest. The body underneath was hard, solid, and hot against her fingers.

  Wewukiye captured her hands, holding them over his heart. “When my brother neared his death he asked me to watch over the Lake Nimiipuu. He saw the coming of the White man and knew they would not honor the Nimiipuu. When I heard your story, I had to help you. It was my brother’s last wish.” He raised her hands to his lips. “I did not realize you would come to mean so much to me.”

  The baby fluttered, and she drew his hand to the slight bulge of her belly. She wanted him to feel the life growing in her—a life she now believed would give their people strength.

  The warmth of his hand heated her belly, moving throughout her body.

  “This baby has also come to mean a great deal to me.” He shook his head. “Sa-qan says I should not have revealed myself to you and your people. I believe it is the only way I can help. But they cannot know I am a spirit.” His gaze shone bright blue scanning her face.

  She nodded. “Many would not understand. I still do not understand it all, but I accept, since I have witnessed the wonders you perform.” Her heart belonged to this spirit. How would they continue once they had their proof and all could see the child she carried?

  “I understand you are not mortal, but how can we talk without saying words and how can you hold and love me without being seen?” These answers she wished more than any other. The two attributes brought them closer together.

  “You possess txiỷak, powers not as strong as a spirit but more than a shaman. Because of this you and I have connected and can speak between us with no one else hearing or seeing. You experienced my spirit form in the sweat lodge. It is water. As steam I can flow and wrap around you.”

  The knowledge she held txiỷak strong enough to converse with a spirit stuttered her breathing and heart.

  “H-how do you know it is txiỷak I possess?”

  He shrugged. “That is the only way to explain your acceptance of me and all things that have happened since we met.”

  She nodded, agreeing. “What happens next?”

  “I wish to visit with Agent William. To have him write down what Evil Eyes did to you. Do you think you can make the trip to Fort Lapwai if Sa-qan finds him there?” Concern glistened in his eyes.

  “It will be a long hard trip and hard to talk with this man.” She stared into his face. “If you will be by my side, I can do it.”

  “That is the hard part. I will be by your side in spirit only. I cannot show myself there. It is too close to the band of my people. It has been many lifetimes since the Creator made me a spirit, but Sa-qan fears trouble should I be seen.” He held her hand. “My essence will be with you, and you will feel my strength.” He peered into her eyes. “Your txiỷak grows stronger each day. That is how you sense and hear me.”

  Dove sensed someone approaching. She stiffened, unsure if she should move from Wewukiye’s embrace or hide her face. Fear curdled in her stomach to be found consorting with the man.

  “It is Sa-qan.” Wewukiye sighed deeply. “I had hoped to tell her you know all about me and your txiỷak before she discovered it.”

  A bald eagle stalked into the cave opening. The light of the fire gleamed off the shiny white feathers on its head. The pointed beak, small yellow eyes sparking with anger, and long talons digging into the cave floor as the large bird stalked forward sent chills down Dove’s back.

  Pú-timt wax kúyc

  (19)

  Wewukiye’s throat clogged with fear. He had hoped to tell Sa-qan about Dove’s growing spirit essence and their growing intimacy without Dove listening and before she found out like this.

  Sa-qan stopped at his feet. Her piercing eyes focused on the woman and then him. Why is she here?

  Her internal thought rang loud as a shout. He glanced at Dove. It was apparent she did not hear his sister for she stared at the eagle with curiosity.

  “You may speak in front of Dove.” This comment dealt him a glare as pointed as an arrow.

  “You are a stunning creature.” Dove’s voice offered more strength than he could conjure at the anger of his sister.

  “How is it you know of me and talk as if you are not surprised or afraid?” Sa-qan stared at Dove.

  “Her powers grow each day. She sensed your approach.” Wewukiye loosened his embrace, but did not allow Dove to pull away. He shrugged. “We have talked about my family.”

  “Finding you two together like this is not proper.” His sister ruffled her feathers.

  “I had questions I wished to ask Wewukiye face to face.
Ones I could not ask in the presence of others.” Dove held his sister’s gaze.

  “Why did you seek me?” He wanted the conversation away from him and Dove.

  “Agent William is at Lapwai.” She shifted her gaze from Dove to him. “A nephew of the Nimiipuu band is bringing his family to this area for the winter. I have suggested Crazy One talk to him about marrying Dove.”

  Dove straightened, drawing her shoulders back and thrusting out her chin. “I will not marry someone I do not know.”

  She stared straight into his eyes. Her panic forged with his. He would not allow her to become anyone’s wife but his.

  “Why do you suggest a marriage?” He narrowed his eyes on his sister.

  “She cannot remain in Crazy One’s care, not with a child coming. The old woman cannot provide for them. You will return to your duties. Lightning Wolf has two wives and four children. They could easily provide for Dove and the child. This would also bring back her honor.”

  “Her honor will be restored when the baby is born and the band sees Evil Eyes attacked her.” Wewukiye could not hold the anger rising with each mention of Dove becoming another’s wife. Not even knowing the offered husband was the offspring of this band and related to his brother. He could not allow her to marry anyone. She belonged to him.

  Dove placed a hand on his arm. “What if the child does not prove my accusations?

  “It will. The Creator would not have brought us together if it were not to prove the white man’s evil ways to your people.” His hand clenched. It had to be so. Why else would the Creator have brought them together if not for the reason of this helping the Lake Nimiipuu? As for her marrying anyone other than he… He raised his chin and narrowed a haughty glare at his sister. “Dove will not marry. I will provide for her and Crazy One.”

  Sa-qan paced to the opening and back. “You are becoming like our brother. Decisions are to be made with your head, not your heart. You are a spirit of the Lake Nimiipuu first. Your wishes do not matter.”

  “Why must it be that way?” Dove rose to her knees, leaning toward Sa-qan.

  Wewukiye’s chest expanded with pride. This woman, his woman, held much courage.

  “I would think using your heart would help make the decision of your head stronger.” She clutched Wewukiye’s hand. “Together we are stronger. That will help the people more than our remaining apart.”

  Sa-qan shook her head. “When you use your heart decisions are not weighed fully. Emotion does not ask the questions which bring forth honest answers.”

  “What is more honest than what your heart says?” Dove stretched her hand toward Sa-qan as if to make contact.

  Wewukiye watched in fascination as his sister peered into Dove’s eyes. Their gazes held, and their eyes widened in disbelief then crinkled at the edges in humor. He had witnessed the moment the two connected on a level higher than mortals. Sa-qan blinked and Dove loosened her grip on his hand, her body relaxed, and a slight smile tipped the edges of her lips.

  Sa-qan unfolded her wings then folded them back against her body. “It is true. Your spirit essence is strong, nearly as strong as mine.” She shook. “But that does not make a difference in where she is to live. She must still marry our young nephew.”

  Wewukiye fought the anger rippling in his gut. “No. Once the baby arrives I will find a way to help provide.” He swallowed the disappointment he felt for his sister’s unyielding need to marry Dove to their nephew.

  He stared her in the eyes. “Now we must figure out how to get Dove to Lapwai to talk with Agent William.”

  “This is foolishness. The trail between here and Lapwai is treacherous this time of year.” Sa-qan pointed a wing at him.

  “We must go now before it is harder for her to travel.” He placed a hand on Dove’s belly, ignoring his sister’s frown. Dove and this child belonged to him and lived in his heart.

  “I agree with Wewukiye. My words must be written in the so-yá-po’s hand before the truth is revealed to my people.” Dove placed her hand over his. “If we journey slow and rest often, I will be fine traveling to Lapwai.”

  “How will you explain the trip to the elders?” Sa-qan narrowed her eyes.

  She believed he had persuaded Dove to do whatever he wished. If she only knew how turned around her thinking was.

  Wewukiye glanced at Dove and then back as his sister. “We are still working on that.”

  “Do not bring any more discredit to yourself.” His sister stared at Dove. “My brother can rush into things without thinking. Be sure the reason is solid and the elders will have no doubts to your sincerity.”

  His sister’s words stung even as he acknowledged they rang of truth. He had gotten himself in trouble over the years by rushing into things.

  Dove nodded.

  “It is late. Do not linger here, the sentries will soon discover this cave.” Sa-qan walked to the entrance. “Keep me informed of your plans.” She disappeared into the dark night.

  Wewukiye drew Dove back into his arms. “Sa-qan is right. The glow of the fire will bring the sentries. Come. I will escort you back to the village.”

  “What if they come upon us? I should go alone.”

  The worry dulling her eyes, tugged at his heart.

  “You will never walk alone. They will not see me, but you will know I am there.” He kissed the top of her head. “We will discuss the trip to Lapwai tomorrow with Crazy One.”

  He stood, gripping her hand and drawing her to her feet. “It pleases me you no longer fear my touch.”

  Dove placed a hand on his cheek. “It was not your touch I feared, but my reactions. You have never given me cause to fear you. Tonight…In the sweat lodge, your touch warmed me like a comforting fire and warm bed.” Her lashes fluttered down to conceal her eyes. “Your touch promised strength, excitement, and”—her lids raised, and her dark brown eyes shone with her admiration—“love.”

  He lowered his head to kiss the palm of her hand. “It is how I wish you to always feel when I am near. I cannot tell you how our future will be, but know I will always be near and hold your heart.”

  “That is more than I could ask.” Dove stood on her toes and brushed her lips to his.

  Her actions, though brazen, gave her a sense of power. His hands roaming her body in the sweat lodge ignited a deep, powerful yearning. The need pulsed in her woman parts and burned under her skin. Even his sister’s warning could not dampen her desire to touch and be touched by this man. She slipped her arms around his neck and pressed her body to his.

  Wewukiye wrapped his arms around her, returning the kiss. His lips parted, his tongue slid across the seam of her lips, and she opened, allowing him access to her essence. Their kiss and intimacy sparked deeper desires and surged glowing light through her body, warming.

  She sensed others at the same moment Wewukiye broke from the kiss. His firm body turned to smoke in her arms. She stood alone in the cave but felt his presence.

  He Who Runs Fast and Many Scars stepped into the entrance of the cave.

  Dove pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders, covering her small bulge of belly.

  They both frowned, blinking their eyes in the bright glow of the fire. Their dark stares quickly found her across the fire.

  “Why are you not with the others?” He Who Runs Fast asked.

  She swallowed the lump of dread crawling up her throat and watched Many Scars studying the few possessions stacked against the wall of the cave.

  “I wished to be alone, to think.” She glanced out the entrance. “I did not realize it has become so dark.”

  Ask them to escort you back.

  She walked toward the entrance. “Would you walk me back to the camp? I sought solitude when I left, but now I am fearful to walk in so black a night.”

  The two shared a quick glance. Many Scars shook his head.

  One Who Runs Fast motioned to the cave. “Why did you come to the cave of the warrior with sunshine hair?”

  A lump of regr
et clogged her throat. She did not realize they knew Wewukiye stayed here. If they knew this why did they come here? Did they watch him? Did they wish to talk to him?

  “I was walking and saw a glow. I investigated and found embers. No one was here, so I tossed wood on the fire and sat to warm myself before heading back.” She hated to spin such a tale.

  I am here. Do not fear the untruths you tell. They are small compared to the bitter words of Evil Eyes.

  Many Scars scowled and waved his hand toward the entrance. She scurried by him and He Who Runs Fast, stopping a minute when the black of the moonless night blinded her way. Wewukiye’s reassuring hands on her shoulders moved her around bushes and rocks as she wandered down the cliff side listening to the movements of the men behind her.

  At the edge of the encampment the men silently drifted into the darkness. A soft puff of air heated her neck.

  Sleep well, I will see you tomorrow.

  The sudden cold seeping through her clothing told her Wewukiye had gone. She pulled her shawl tighter and hurried to the dwelling she shared with Crazy One.

  Inside the structure, the warmth of a well-banked fire filled her with the sense of home. Crazy One hunched over a form made of bent willow branches.

  “Did not my aunt meet you?” She glanced up, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

  “Did you tell Sa-qan where to find her brother and I?”

  “Was it not time she saw the truth?” She wrapped a length of rawhide around the willow.

  “What truth?”

  “Is it not the Creator’s wish you and Wewukiye be together?”

  “How do you believe this when Sa-qan wishes to marry me to a nephew?” Betrayal burned in her chest. She had connected with Wewukiye’s sister. And still she knew the spirit would remain her strongest obstacle in being with Wewukiye.

  “Is it not best you have a family to help with the child?” Crazy One stared at her, her gnarled hands stilling.

  “How could I even think of lying with another when Wewukiye has my heart?” The thought of even touching a man other than Wewukiye beaded sweat upon her brow and trembled her insides.