Lakota Flower

by Janelle Taylor

  “Chase, I mean Cloud Chaser, told me some of the history and trouble of the Indians and this area and I saw what happened during that massacre, so I understand their fears, distrust, and retaliations. But how did you come to be with these Indians? What happened to you, Caro? You’re a mess.”

  “A small party of Red Shields attacked the soldiers escorting me to Fort Kearny. They were all slain, but not tortured before or mutilated after death like the rumors I heard at Fort Pierre. They were hauling cannons and weapons to be used during imminent attacks on Indians, so the Red Shields believed they had to destroy them. The soldiers were slain because, if they had been allowed to live, they would have reported who was responsible for that raid and the Red Shields would have been attacked and slaughtered like the Brules were for the Grattan incident. The soldiers were buried in a secret place, not left to rot or feed scavengers like Harney did with his victims; and the weapons were dumped where they can’t be recovered and used against any Indian camp. The had no choice, David. I wasn’t harmed in any way. I was captured and taken to their village. I’ve been living in the tepee of Cloud Chaser and his wife. I help her with chores and with tending their infant son. I’ve also taken care of sick or injured band membe’ I even delivered the future chief’s daughter when a hazardous problem arose. I have Grandfather’s medical kit with me and you know how I used to work with him in his office. The Red Shields like, respect, and accept me among them because I’ve done those and several other good deeds for them.”

  “Such as?” David prompted, intrigued by her astonishing tales.

  Caroline revealed the things she had done in their camp and how she had been honored by them, even given the Lakota name of Sunflower and a coup feather. She saw her brother stare at her in amazement, then smiled in love and pride. “The reason I look so terrible is a ruse,” she began and explained the initial rescue plan, her preparation to take part in it, and why it was changed. “I’ve made many close friends there, and I’ve been fine.”

  “I’m very proud of you, little sister. You’ve shown great courage and intelligence and kindness. I was worried about you and I blamed myself for allowing you to come here and be endangered. I would never have forgiven myself if you had been slain or injured.”

  “We made the right decision about my coming. Besides, we had no choice after the bank took everything following Mama’s and Papa’s deaths. At least they went fast. Merciful heavens, I still miss them terribly.”

  As they comforted each other with an embrace, David murmured, “So do I, Caro. I guess it seems less real to me because I was so far away. It’s hard to believe I won’t ever see them again. I should have been there.”

  To get his mind off of undeserved guilt and to assuage his anguish, she said, “I’m sorry you couldn’t come home for their funerals and burials, but I handled everything properly. I never expected to lose our home and land and possessions. I imagine that’s what helps me understand the Indians’ feelings and reactions so well. I suppose the bankers told the truth about Papa’s debt to them. If they lied, there was no way I could prove it.”

  David clasped her hands in his and said, “I’m sorry you had to face those ordeals alone, Caro, but the army refused to grant me a leave.”

  “You would have been there if possible, so don’t blame yourself. I was lucky our letters got passed along so quickly. I certainly didn’t want to become a beggar and burden to any of our friends. I would have sought out a respectable means of support, but you know what kinds of jobs single women are offered and how sorry they’re paid. And I certainly couldn’t marry that William Crawford to get myself out of dire straights.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t turn to him. I never liked that arrogant dandy, and you deserve better. We can’t stay in this area, not with the army sure to search for me soon. How does heading for Texas sound to you? I think we would like ranching. Of course, I’d have to work until I earned enough to buy a little land and stock. You think you might enjoy becoming a cowgirl?”

  Caroline reached the moment and subject she had dreaded; it was time to reveal her secret plans and she prayed he would take the news well. She selected her words with great care and used a gentle voice to speak them. “I think it sounds wonderful for you, big brother, but not for me. I want to stay here.” Noticing his confusion, she hurried on. “I’ve met a man and we’ve gotten close, very close. We love each other and want to become man and wife. I’m sure you’ll meet a woman in Texas, get married, have a home and lots of children, so you don’t need to have me around,” she jested to lighten the heavy situation, but David neither smiled nor laughed.

  “What man, Caro? You’ve only been here for a few months. Your stay at Fort Pierre was brief and you’ve been with the Indians since …”

  When David halted and stared at her, she resolved the mystery for him. “It’s the man who rescued you, Cloud Chaser’s brother. His name is Wanbli. He’s the chief’s youngest son. If anything happens to his older brother, Wind Dancer, he will become the next chief when their father dies. He’s a good man, David. I love him and want to become his wife.”

  “And he loves you? He’s told you so? He’s already proposed to you?”

  “Yes, yes, and yes to your three questions. We’re perfectly matched.”

  “But you haven’t known him very long.”

  “We’ve spent a lot of time together during the last few months, so I know him well. Are you disappointed in me? Do you think he’s unworthy of me because he’s an Indian?”

  “I’m deeply concerned because you two are from different cultures. I know you’re a good judge of character, but are you sure you know what you’re doing? Marriage is serious, Caro. Besides, this area and his people will be at war soon if things don’t settle down and reverse.”

  “I understand the risks I’ll be taking to marry him and remain here. But I love him and want to spend my life with him. Don’t forget, I’ve been living in their ways and village for months, so I know I can fit in there. I wouldn’t be happy and complete if I left with you, and I can’t forget him.”

  David realized that arguing could cause a breach between them, and that wasn’t how he wanted to leave matters before their separation. “You have a good head on your shoulders, Caro, so I’ll have to trust you and your decision. But will you promise me you’ll come to Texas to join me if things get too bad here? I can leave word at the Dallas post office where I’ll be.”

  Caroline surmised the situation was difficult and sad for him and she was elated by his reaction, his generous—if reluctant—concession to her wishes. “If I need you, big brother, I’ll get in touch with you. Thank you, David, for understanding and having faith in me. I love you and I’ll miss you. Please be careful and take excellent care of yourself.”

  “I love you, little sister, and I’ll miss you. At least I know you’re alive and safe before I leave and I’ll know the general area where you are. When things settle down here and General Harney is gone, I’ll come back in a few years and locate you for a visit.”

  “That would make me happy,” she said as she hugged him. “Would you like to speak with Wanbli to appease your worries about me, about us? He speaks some English and Cloud Chaser can translate anything else. Oh, yes, I’ve learned their language, so we communicate just fine.”

  David chuckled and teased, “As I said, I have an intelligent sister. Yes, I would like to meet him and speak with him, if he doesn’t mind.”

  “He won’t. I’ve told him a great deal about you, and he saw for himself I was being honest. He was the leader of the party that witnessed the Brule attack, so he knows what you did there and his brother told him about the letter you were sending to Washington. He’s most impressed by you. Just as you’ll be favorably impressed by him after you get acquainted.”

  David grinned, amused by her expression and tone and touched by her confidence in both of them. It was obvious to him that his sister was truly in love. “Then I guess we’re off to a good start at being f
amily members.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that. I’ll go get Wanbli and Cloud Chaser.” As she headed toward the two men, Caroline almost scolded herself for one tiny deception; by intention she had not used her beloved’s name in English as she did not want her brother associating him with war.

  When she did not return with them, David surmised that Caroline was allowing them privacy to talk man-to-man and out of their friends’ hearing range since the matter was personal. He looked at the stranger and said, “I guess you’re Wanbli, the man who captured my sister’s heart?”

  “I Wanbli,” War Eagle replied in English, having grasped those words. “You Caroline brother, David. We speak, make friends. Yes?”

  David extended his right hand and said, “It’s an honor to meet you, Wanbli. Caroline told me a lot about you and your people.”

  War Eagle knew of the handshaking custom, so he returned the gesture. He noticed David had a firm and assured grip, though the man did not squeeze hard as if to prove that his strength and worth were superior. He realized the siblings favored each other in appearance and traits, so David’s looks and genial manner calmed his apprehensions of the unknown. Caroline had told him everything had gone well with their talk, and he sensed nothing in David’s expression and mood to indicate a problem would arise.

  “I want to thank you and your people for sparing my sister’s life and for taking good care of her. I also want to thank you for saving mine. To show my gratitude and to help prevent trouble that could ensnare her, I’ll tell you all I know about the military’s plans and opinions. First, I’d like to ask if you truly love my sister and want her to marry you and if you believe you can make her happy and keep her safe from harm.”

  To be certain his brother understood everything David had said, Cloud Chaser hurriedly translated his message into Lakota for War Eagle.

  War Eagle decided it was best to be honest and direct. “Caroline good, brave woman. She capture Wanbli heart. Creator guide Wanbli to her and give sign we become one. Wanbli love Caroline. Wanbli want her as wife. She be happy, be safe. Wanbli give life to protect her. You no take Caroline away?”

  David respected him for being forthright and for providing answers he needed to alleviate his concerns. The subject was serious; yet, he could not help chuckling, and said, “I doubt I could bind her and drag her away from you and your people. She wants to stay here with you as your wife. My sister is a kind and brave woman, and she’s smart, so I trust her decision.”

  After Cloud Chaser translated again, War Eagle smiled and nodded appreciation as his spirit leapt with joy and relief. “David be Wanbli brother after we join. We be friends. You safe in our lands. You good white man.”

  “Thanks, and I’m honored to be your friend and brotherin-law. As to another matter, we all realize I can’t stay in this territory because General Harney won’t stop searching for me until he’s convinced I’ve left the area. I’m heading for Texas today. You know where that is Cloud Chaser?” After the man nodded, David continued, “I’m going there to work until I scrape enough money together to buy some land and cattle for ranching.”

  Cloud Chaser said, “That sounds like a good choice, David. Two of our companions will escort you to the Sante Fe Trail so you won’t get lost and you’ll have protection. We don’t want you to run into any of our allies or enemies alone. After you’re on the trail, just ride it to the end and head on down into Texas. We’ll give you some supplies to use along the way.”

  “That’s generous of you, Cloud Chaser. In a year or two after things settle down here and Harney’s gone and the army’s forgotten about me, I’ll come visit Caroline and your people, if that’s all right.”

  “You’re welcome in our camp any day,” he responded, then told his younger brother what they had been saying.

  War Eagle said, “It good plan. You come back one season.”

  “I will, and you take good care of my sister. Now, I’ll tell you what I know about Harney and his plans,” David began and related those facts. As he finished his revelations and conclusions, the scout who had been left behind arrived, and their talk ceased as they went to hear his report.

  Yellow Tree told them he had seen the soldiers heading toward Fort Laramie after they awakened, found the captives missing, and freed the two guards. The bluecoats had gathered the Pawnee clues that they had left behind, then mounted and galloped away without even eating.

  War Eagle deduced the soldiers had headed westward because that fort was closer to them than Kearny and no doubt they had feared another attack. “It is good they ride away from our next target.”

  “What does he mean by that?” David asked after another translation.

  Cloud Chaser explained what he and Caroline intended to do at Fort Kearny to prevent future trouble for a search for her and the missing escort and weapons. “Do you agree with our plan?”

  “It sound like a clever idea to me and should end the matter. You’re lucky those soldiers headed in the opposite direction so you two can carry it out. Please do it fast because they might return with reinforcements to search this area and continue on to Kearny afterward. You wouldn’t want to be sighted and captured again, and I don’t want Caroline imperiled by her ties to you and your band.”

  Cloud Chaser urged, “Don’t worry, David, I’ll protect her while we’re there; and we’ll work fast like you said. We’ll be long gone before they have time to arrive. I hate to rush you, but we all need to get moving. You should say any final words you have for your sister and mount up.”

  While the brothers and their companions talked and made preparations to leave, David took his suggestion and joined Caroline a short distance away. “Well, little sister, it’s time for me to go. Cloud Chaser is giving me supplies, and two of his friends are riding a ways with me as guides and protectors until I’m out of this territory.”

  “That’s wonderful news, David, so I won’t worry as much about you. I’m going to miss you and I hope—I know—you’ll succeed there. I’ll keep looking for you to come visit us one day.”

  “I’m going to miss you, too, Caro. Our reunion was too short and full of complications. I promise you I’ll be fine and I’ll return one day. Be safe and happy, Caro; you deserve it.”

  “I will be, I promise. The same goes for you, big brother. Find a good woman and marry her, have lots of children, and build a prosperous ranch.”

  “I’ll try my best to follow your advice.” He glanced toward the others before he locked gazes with her and said, “I like Wanbli and Cloud Chaser. If the rest of their family and people are anything like them, you’ve done well with your choice of a husband and decision to stay here.”

  Caroline hugged him as she replied in an emotion-constricted voice, “Thank you, David; it means so much to me to hear you think and feel that way. I love you and I’ll miss you something fierce.”

  “Good-bye, little sister. You take excellent care of yourself.”

  “Good-bye, David, and I’m so glad we had this time together.”

  “So am I. Mama and Papa would be so proud of you. I am.”

  “They would be proud of you, too. I’m glad you’re out of this conflict. No soldier should have to obey such wicked orders.”

  “You’re right, and I couldn’t. I’m no murderer. I—” David halted as Cloud Chaser and War Eagle approached them with his roan.

  “I’m sorry, Caroline, David, but we have to ride. Your horse is ready and loaded. Black Wolf and Red Feather will travel with you until you reach the Sante Fe Trail.” He motioned to one of the men and said, “Red Feather speaks some English; he’s my older brother’s best friend. If trouble strikes, just do as Red Feather says and you’ll be safe.”

  David shook hands with Cloud Chaser and War Eagle. “Good-bye, my friends, and I’ll pray for the best with what’s ahead for your people.” To War Eagle, he added, “I have a feeling you and my sister will be happy together. I’ll be seeing you again. Good-bye, Caro, and be careful at For
t Kearny.”

  “Good-bye, David, and I will.” She watched him mount and gaze down at her for a minute, then smile and leave with his companions. Please, God, protect him and help him with his new life in Texas. Let him find a woman who’s a perfect match for him. And help us in the dark days ahead. Please don’t let anything delay or prevent my marriage to War Eagle.

  “Are you ready to ride, Caroline? I mean, Wahcawi. I’ll have to get used to your new name, and it suits you perfectly. I’m glad things worked out for you with my family and people. You’ll be good for us.”

  “Thank you, Cloud Chaser, and so am I. But don’t get used to my new name until after we finish our task at Fort Kearny,” she jested.

  “You’re right. Let’s go get it done.”

  Caroline exchanged smiles with War Eagle, aware this was not the time or place to sneak off to talk and kiss and celebrate their victory.

  Over two days later, Caroline and her group reached Ash Hollow where soldiers’ graves were visible near the river and road. She could not help thinking those men would be alive if General Harney had not viciously attacked the Brules nearby. After using his field glasses to study the landscape, Cloud Chaser told her and the others that Fort Grattan looked abandoned, as there were no dragoons or other soldiers or horses in view. They also had been fortunate, in her opinion, that they had not encountered anyone so far. It almost seemed as if the region was deserted by both Indians and whites.