It made Kionee miserable to see both of her sisters nearing a joining sun when she was older than them and could not do so. They both seemed so happy and playful, and with good cause. Kionee tried not to resent their joy and or to become bitter over her lack of it, but it was difficult not to do so at times. On occasion, she found herself wishing one of them was the oldest daughter and had her rank. Then she would realize even that would not change her problem: Stalking Wolf was simply not of her tribe.
The following day, Kionee was given a chance for diversion. She and others were asked to fetch wood from the Medicine Bow forest: a two-day ride there, a day’s work, and two days’ travel to return. The wood was needed before the next hunt to make more stakes for drying racks, pegs for tanning hides, shafts for arrows, and replacement poles for their travois. While there, they would collect various herbs and arnica for food and medicine.
Kionee mounted Tuka and left camp with Maja and another horse which was dragging a travois for her load. Red Bull, Goes Ahead, Leaning Tree, Gray Fox, and Yar went with her. They also brought their travois, food, water, sleeping mats, and weapons. They headed across the expanse of flats and knolls as wind raced through the grass and billowy white clouds.
They used a tall peak in the forest of the medicine bows as a landmark, as it could be sighted in clear weather for many days’ ride from most directions. A dense timberline of pine, fir, spruce, and aspens covered the ridges and foothills. Mountain mahogany was located there, a fine wood for making bows and for use in healing rituals; it was the source of the site’s name. At the range’s feet grew many other kinds of trees and bushes. Grassland with abundant wildflowers, sage, and rabbitbrush walked to its base. Amidst the verdant forest were glacier-carved ravines, sparkling lakes, and rushing waters. The area was filled with birds and animals. Beaver and other water creatures were plentiful in rivers and streams for obtaining meat and pelts.
The mountains almost appeared to be a dark bluish color as the party approached its destination. On occasion, the riders sighted small gatherings of buffalo which were grazing near or dust-wallowing in prairie-dog villages. The large beasts seemed unconcerned about their distant presence, but the furry dogs fled down their holes after some barked warnings. Burrowing owls did the same after clacking their beaks and hissing like rattlesnakes. Buntings, longspurs, and meadowlarks took flight. Hawks soared overhead and sent out shrill cries as they threatened invaders to leave their territories.
The Hanuevas found a narrow and shallow spot to cross the river, then entered the foothills. Soon they halted to set up camp. Afterward, they ate and slept, as their task would begin early the following morning.
Kionee looked up from her work and could not believe that her gaze encountered her lover standing nearby and motioning for her to sneak away and meet with him! She furtively glanced at her friends to make certain they had not sighted Stalking Wolf. Dare she slip away, she mused, and join him for a few blissful moments? To go was taking a big risk, one larger than the unenlightened warrior could imagine. She looked at the place where she had glimpsed him; he was gone, hiding. The choice was: Be safe and denied, or risk danger and be happy.
17
KIONEE REASONED SHE COULD steal a few precious moments with him without getting caught. She told the others she was going to take care of private needs and left the work party. Maja walked beside her as she hurried deeper into the dense forest until Stalking Wolf stepped into view and grinned. “Guard, Maja,” she commanded in a soft voice and rushed from the wolf into the warrior’s beckoning arms.
“I had to touch you, feel your lips on mine, hold you,” he whispered.
Her gaze devoured his face and smile. “The same is true for me.”
“I love you, Kionee, and keeping distance from you is hard.”
“It is torment, for I love you and need you close.”
The elated couple hid behind a section of trees and thick bushes, in the unlikely event someone came looking for Kionee. They kissed deeply as their hands roamed in reckless abandon.
Kionee did not mind the rough bark which pressed into her back as she leaned against a pine to steady her shaky knees. It was not discomforting enough to distract her from this dream come true. It had been so long—too long—since they had touched and kissed, had privacy to show their feelings. With Maja on guard, she yielded to him and this blissful moment, ignoring the lethal threat of exposure which loomed over her head.
Stalking Wolfs arms slipped with gentle purpose around Kionee. He nestled his cheek against her hair and felt her braid press into it. He held her close as he thanked the Great Spirit for bringing her to him. He could not imagine his existence without her.
They kissed, embraced, and caressed in heady pleasure. That was all they had intended to do until fiery passion burned away any resistance. They gazed into each other’s glowing eyes and admitted they craved and needed more. They nodded messages of eager surrender. They wanted to move slowly, but a shortage of time did not permit leisure today. They could not even remove their garments.
Kionee eased her breechclout over its front loop and let it fall between her legs; Stalking Wolf did the same with his. They kissed and embraced again with the bare flesh below their waists in stimulating contact. His aroused manhood brushed against her softness and they delighted in that glorious sensation. He fondled her breasts and stroked their points through the snug band around them as his mouth explored hers.
Kionee experienced a flood of desire. The only thing which would feel better was if his lips and fingers were touching her naked skin. In leaps of joy and delight, her hunger for what was to come mounted with haste and urgency. She trembled when he nibbled her lobe and hot air entered her ear. She leaned her head back to give him more room to roam her neck from side to side, and moved one foot to allow his eager hands to move ever lower.
Stalking Wolfs mouth sought hers again and plundered it in a feverish pace. He found it exciting to kindle her beyond will or thoughts of grim reality. Her hands teased over his chest and back beneath his shirt, and he savored her touch. Her lips replied to every signal he sent to her. He gazed into her glowing eyes, so full of love and desire for him that it caused his breath to catch in his throat and his pulse to quicken. His fingers below became bolder as they prepared her for his entry. He dared not speak more tender words which might be carried too far in the quiet forest where only birds sang and squirrels chattered.
Kionee smiled and pressed kisses to his nose, cheeks, and chin. His strong hands grasped her hips and he lifted her so he could join their bodies. She gazed into his hungry tawny eyes before he rested his golden brown head on her chest as he held her in place and thrust within her. She clung to him and savored his masterful thrusts in exhilarating bliss. The rough bark could not bite into her buttocks, as the trailing breechclout protected them. The same was true for the shirt on her back. Even if she had been naked and the tree was clawing her raw, she would not care. Perhaps, she thought for an instant, fear of discovery and their cunning boldness made their lovemaking more intense and sensual, more gratifying.
Stalking Wolf could barely maintain his control. The fire within him blazed higher and hotter. His muscles rippled as he drove onward and upward in his quest to sate them. When the mutual moment arrived he raised his head and kissed her to prevent cries of rapturous fulfillment which would lead to exposure. After she calmed, he held her tightly.
They kissed and hugged as a rush of tenderness washed over and between them. They gazed into each other’s eyes and smiled, their moods and expressions speaking words their lips could not.
Stalking Wolf lowered her feet to the ground. He recovered his water bag and a soft pelt from nearby, as White Cloud awaited him at a safe and hidden distance. He let her wash away any signs and scents of their forbidden union, then he did the same. He adjusted his breechclout while she replaced hers. He kissed Kionee again, caressed her painted cheek, and let his fervent gaze speak of his love for her. His happy smile faded
as he signaled he must leave.
Kionee smiled, stroked his jawline, and nodded agreement. She watched him vanish into the trees before she went to join Maja and then the others in her party. She was aglow with love, happiness, and contentment. She warned herself to conceal those suspicious emotions. She stroked the silver wolfs head and mouthed a thank-you for his guard and understanding. She did not know how long she been away, but when she joined her friends, no one seemed suspicious. The huntress returned to her chores, fantasizing about Stalking Wolf as she worked.
On the fourth day following the wood party’s return to camp, the third buffalo hunt for the Cheyenne and second for the Hanuevas took place. Once more, Kionee helped Taysinga with kills to complete honoring the promise to Sumba’s family. Again, any abundance would be shared with others.
Kionee spotted a white buffalo almost hidden in trees on a creek bank. She knew the rare creature was considered good fortune, “big medicine.” She shot it with arrows which were marked with Taysinga’s symbols, making certain no observers were nearby: it was meant to be a secret gift to bring Taysinga honor and attention as the alleged slayer. She located the woman among the busy hunters and racing herd to reveal her deed. “It will bring you good luck with Night Walker and honor from our people,” she told the astonished tiva, “Tell no one I took its life, for it carries your arrows.”
Tears of gratitude dampened Taysinga’s lashes and caused her eyes to sparkle. She swallowed hard to clear her throat and struggled not to weep in happiness.
Kionee smiled and said, “Words are not needed between friends. You must accept this gift to catch your love’s eye and heart, and to show our people your honor and prowess have been returned by Atah.” She related why she believed the white buffalo was meant for the other tiva.
“Your heart is good, Kionee. I pray Atah will grant any desire in you. Even if this does not bring Night Walker to me, I will never forget your kindness and generosity. Somehow, I will repay them.”
“You owe me nothing but friendship, Taysinga.”
“You have it and more, my respect and love and loyalty.”
Upon return to camp, the Hanuevas crowded around Taysinga and praised her skills and good fortune. The tivas and shaman congratulated her and said it was a good sign, as was the fulfilling of her promises to Tall Eagle’s wife and to Sumba’s family. Almost everyone touched the white hide in admiration and respect, and many prayed for its departing spirit.
Night Walker examined it with envy, and extolled Taysinga for her success. He was stunned and pleased when she presented the hide to him as a gift for all he had taught her. At that moment the man suspected the tiva of having female feelings toward him. But he was a chiefs son, could become the next leader if his and Gray Fox’s fates changed. In such a rank, he should have the best woman in camp for his mate, and that was Kionee. He thanked Taysinga, accepted the gift, and took it to his tipi.
Kionee and Taysinga exchanged smiles and went to join their families.
The remaining number of hides Blue Bird needed for the impending couple’s tipi had been obtained. Their tanning would begin the following morning. The girl could hardly contain her excitement and pleasure. She thanked her brother many times for his skills and gifts. In appreciation and affection, Blue Bird gave Kionee a browband she had beaded, one with wolf symbols.
The tiva accepted it with matching feeling, for it was not her sister’s fault that Blue Bird could join when she could not.
Two days later, Kionee went to spend time in the Haukau, again relieved her blood flow had commenced.
While she was there, Martay, Blue Bird, Moon Child, and the two grandmothers—Fire Woman and Yellowtail—punched holes in the cured skins and sewed them together with strong sinew. Skilled in tanning, the mother and daughters had cured the more than twenty hides until they were soft, white, and waterproof. The tipi would be a strong and warm one. When the task was finished, it was rolled and stored until needed. Before the conical dwelling was pitched and the two young people could join and go to live in it, many pine poles would be cut, debarked, and rubbed smooth after their return home.
On the second day after she left the Haukau, Kionee and other Hanuevas were surprised by a nocturnal Crow raid on the edge of the Cheyenne camp. Guards were slain and many horses were led from the area in quiet stealth. Again, it was Maja who caught their scent upon the earth and found a slain man, then alerted Kionee. She trailed her pet to alarming clues, and saw the daring enemies before they were out of sight. She went to Big Hump’s large tipi and awakened Stalking Wolf and Five Stars to report her findings.
Five Stars was placed in charge of security in case the raid was a trick to lure warriors away from camp. He promised Kionee if an attack occurred, the Hanueva people would be defended by members of their societies during her absence.
Several braves were chosen to form a rescue party while Kionee fetched her weapons. She awakened her father and told him the bad news so her family would not worry when they found her missing in the morning.
“Why must you go with them into danger?” Martay reasoned in fear.
“There is little light from the moon,” Kionee began her explanation. “Maja is needed to follow their smell in near darkness, and he will obey only me. If we do not leave now, the Crow will reach their camp before we can overtake and defeat them.”
“Kionee is right,” Strong Rock said. “He must go. Do not be afraid, Martay, for he is a skilled fighter and he will have others with him for protection.”
“Be careful, Kionee, and return alive and unharmed.”
“I will do so, Mother, if that is Atah’s will.”
“We will pray it is so,” the frantic mother murmured.
“Do you summon other Hanuevas to ride with you?”
“No, Father, for we must hurry. The Cheyenne are skilled fighters who have battled Bird Warriors many times, so we need not risk the lives of our hunters and friends. Our tribe is small and needs no losses. Is that not true?”
“That is true and wise, my son.”
“It is good and kind, my son,” Martay added.
“Thank you, Father, Mother. You will see me again soon.”
Kionee left and joined her lover and his party. With Maja leading the way, they followed the silver wolf across the grassy flats and hills beneath a sliver of moon. She was glad Night Walker and Little Weasel had left for several days to hunt and scout, as they could cause trouble on the trail. She knew the two men would resent missing the action and a chance to gain coups. She fastened her gaze to Maja’s loping body as she wondered what challenges and perils lay ahead for them.
The next afternoon, the raiders and stolen horses were sighted not far ahead, galloping along at a steady pace. Neither party had halted to sleep, only to rest themselves and their mounts for short periods and to drink water from creeks they passed. Yet, progress had been slowed by the near darkness, a large sleeping buffalo herd in their path, a few snaking ravines, and several perilous prairie-dog villages. Though they were unaware of being pursued, the Crow had continued to move; so had the Cheyenne and Kionee. Maja’s acute nose had sniffed out their tracks and the silver wolf had used his sharp vision to watch for dangers.
During the chase, the Cheyenne praised the creature many times for alerting them to unseen hazards and for guiding them around unfamiliar locations. They were amazed that a wild animal had accepted and lived with a person. They noticed his loyalty and obedience to Kionee, who had found him injured and tended him back to health. It was clear the creature loved Kionee, and the hunter loved him. They knew, too, from word passed through their camp that he could not be touched by others unless Kionee commanded it. Since Maja had helped save their chief and Sacred Arrows, no one bothered him, not even the children. Most just watched him in awe, respect, and gratitude.
“They see us and run!” Sharp Lance shouted to his friends.
“Look, they part,” Fire Dancer added. “Five go straight and one turns toward the sac
red hills where the sun rises.”
“It is Hawate-Ishte!” Stalking Wolf exclaimed as he saw the man’s patch and the enormous eye on the enemy’s shield. “Go after the horses, my friends; we will capture or slay their leader.”
“Perhaps he leads you into a trap,” Three Arrows worried aloud.
“He is the one who will be snared,” Stalking Wolf replied. “They did not know we would see them taking coups from our camp in the shadow of darkness and follow. They have no war party waiting to attack us. Do not allow any to escape and boast of their deed, or tell of spying on our camp. If others learn of Maja and White Cloud from One-Eye, they will know we tricked them in the canyon of winds near the old Hanueva camp.”
“We will slay his party and recover our horses.”
“That is a good plan, Brave Badger. We will meet you in our camp. Come, Kionee and Maja; we go to make challenge and trick his people.”
Rides The Wind led the other four warriors northward in swift pursuit of their targets while Stalking Wolf, Kionee, and the silver wolf traveled northeastward after the enemy.
Hawate-Ishte rode toward Lodgepole Creek. He did not halt for darkness, as there was a certain place he wanted to set his trap for those following him, those who had tricked him twice. He knew Stalking Wolf, the masked warrior, and silver wolf were trailing him. First, he plotted, he had to place an arrow of death in the ferocious animal so it could not attack him or help them. With haste, he would wound the tiva. Then he would take the life and possessions of the Cheyenne who had escaped his knife. Afterward, he would cut out the tiva’s heart while it still beat and remove the colorful skin from his face and hand. He would eat the heart to take its big magic and sew the dried skins to his shield to give him great power and medicine in battle. He would add hairlocks from both heads to his shield and shirt, and he would wear the wolf pelt as a robe this coming winter. When his tribe saw his skills and power, he would take his chief’s rank.
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