“Yes, it is so. But before we join, I must visit the Oglala camp. I must know the fate of my friend and brother, Bright Arrow. He has walked a painful and difficult trail for many seasons. I pray his demanding journey is past. If he does not survive to flee the Crow camp, plans must be made for others,” he remarked gravely.
Bonnie did not realize he was referring to Rebecca, for Windrider felt a deep commitment to her safety and happiness. In truth, he loved her, but not in the same way as Bonnie. “If they have not returned, I will go after Silent Thunder and Rebecca. Winter comes, and it is not good to be so far from family and home.”
Bonnie persuaded him to wait another day or so, to regain more strength. “I have taken much care to see you healed. I will not lose you to a foe while your body still seeks its full power. Two more moons cannot change what Fate has decided. Stay, my love.”
He smiled into her sky-blue eyes and relented. “How can I regain my strength when you force me to work and not rest?” he jested merrily before taking her again. They couldn’t seem to get enough time or privacy since he had gotten well. Though Rebecca was out of Windrider’s life, Sucoora couldn’t have been happier with her replacement.
Flaming Star and three Oglala braves reached the Yankton camp to make a stunning discovery: Rebecca had disappeared! He was told she had gone to Spirit Mound to prove her worth and mettle but had never returned. “It cannot be so,” he argued in disbelief. He knew Rebecca was brave and daring, but she was not foolish or stupid. “This matter does not smell sweet, my friends. We must seek the facts. I sense she is in grave danger. Some call the man who took her away Murray, but others call him Billy Culpepper. Both names are known to us,” the alarmed warrior stated grimly. “It is strange she took nothing but a bag with her.” With Flaming Star’s tedious investigation and keen intelligence, the alarming truth was unfolded, and he raged at the twist of fate.
Pierre Dorion had returned. He had intended to warn Billy to stay clear of the camp while Bright Arrow’s arrival was imminent, not inspire him to treachery against an innocent female. Angered by his friend’s deceit, he supplied the Oglala with an idea of Billy’s plans. Billy had talked about kidnapping Rebecca and giving her to Arapoosh, but Pierre had not taken him seriously. He chided himself, “I should have listened closer. His eyes were bright with mischief, but I thought he feared the man too much to steal his woman. Surely he is crazy. You must stop him and save the girl. He will never be welcomed in my tepee or this camp again. Do not fear for her safety along the trail; Billy would never touch a woman,” he informed them.
“Come, we must ride quickly. We will slay him and free her.” Flaming Star took Bright Arrow’s daughters and Windrider’s son and headed home at a rapid pace.
Three grueling days passed for Rebecca. Winter threatened to overtake the land within the next few weeks. Once it struck with its cold and snows, she would be out of the reach of a rescue party until spring, even if anyone guessed her whereabouts. She couldn’t imagine spending any amount of time, let alone the whole winter, in an enemy camp as a brutal man’s slave. She would rather die. But if she forced them to slay her or if she took her own life, she would forever be out of her love’s reach. Could she endure such degradation and cruelty with the hope of being returned to her love one day? What would she be like after enduring such a vile experience? How would Bright Arrow feel about a soiled, abused woman? How strong was his love? How large was his understanding?
She sank into exhaustion and depression. She didn’t speak unless Billy demanded some response. Because thinking of her predicament caused panic and tears, she tried to keep her mind blank. She mechanically obeyed Billy’s orders, ignoring his taunts, insults, and lewd remarks. Her body became numb to Billy’s harsh demands on it, and she gradually lost all hope and vitality. And still the journey went on and on.
Two days later, Windrider rode into the Oglala camp. He had cunningly avoided two Pawnee scouts and immediately warned Gray Eagle of their position. After three warriors sneaked behind them and captured them, Windrider met with Bright Arrow. The two exchanged tales, and each was happy for the joy of the other. Sun Cloud joined the two to revel in stories about his brother’s prowess and adventures. When Windrider learned of Flaming Star’s impending arrival with Rebecca and the children, he agreed to wait for his son there.
The next morning, several bands of Oglala warriors left to attack small camps of Pawnee and Crow warriors. They vowed to end these hostile attacks, at least for this season, by driving their enemies back to their lands, where winter would hold them away until the spring. Bright Arrow rode out as one of the four band leaders. To his surprise, most warriors wanted to ride with him, but the four groups had to be divided equally to ensure victory. The bands eagerly charged their foes and put them on the run. Determined not to allow further attacks, the Oglala continued to chase their enemies for miles.
Having just ridden for four days, Windrider awaited their return in the camp. No one realized two of the bands would be gone for several days, one of those being Bright Arrow’s. The leader of the band he was pursuing was the Pawnee Snake Tongue. He and his band resolved to slay the man who had wounded their chief. They would carry his scalp lock and medicine bundle back to Gray Eagle.
As Windrider was strolling around the Oglala camp, Flaming Star and two braves returned. Windrider felt a stab of foreboding when he saw that Rebecca was not with the small group. He hurried over to greet his son and to question Rebecca’s absence. Flaming Star related his dire news.
Shalee and Gray Eagle came out to meet Flaming Star. They were distressed over his revelations. Shalee took the two girls inside to calm them after their frightening race to camp. It was the first time she had ever seen her granddaughters, and she was saddened by the fact she would never view Moon Eyes. She silently prayed for Rebecca’s survival and grieved over Moon Eyes’s tragic death.
Shalee placed furry sitting mats on the ground for the two girls. “I am Shalee, your father’s mother, your grandmother,” she informed the wide-eyed Little Feet. “Soon your father will come home. He will be happy to see his girls. I am told you are Little Feet and your sister is Tashina. I have known your mother for many years, long before you were born. You are as pretty as Rebecca. When your mother and father come, we will have a feast and celebrate their return home.”
“A bad man took Mama away,” the child murmured with quivering lips and teary eyes, surprising Shalee with her knowledge and openness.
“You must not worry, Little Feet. Many friends are trailing them. They will rescue your mother and bring her home to you. Your mother is very brave and smart; she will not be harmed. You will see.”
“I want my papa,” Little Feet stated anxiously.
Shalee wanted to draw the confused child into her arms and comfort her, but she feared it might be too soon. After all, they were strangers. “Your father will be here soon; do not worry. I promise your mother will be holding you in her lap very soon,” she vowed confidently. She tried to change the subject to distract the older girl. “I have missed my son and his daughters. Your father says you will live here with us now. You will have many friends to play with and plenty of things to do. Do you know what a chief is, Little Feet?”
When the girl nodded, Shalee explained, “Your father’s Indian name is Bright Arrow. He is the son of Gray Eagle, the chief. Do you know you have an uncle called Sun Cloud? He is your father’s brother. He is seven years old. He is happy to have you come live with us. When your father and mother return, we will build a tepee for you. You will be happy here, little ones. You must be tired and hungry. I will prepare food for you, then you can nap. When you awaken, Sun Cloud will show you around our camp and you will meet many new friends. Do not cry or be sad, Little Feet. This is your home.”
Tashina was drawn to Shalee by her silky voice and gentle manner. She crawled into Shalee’s lap and snuggled to her breast. Shalee held her tightly and smiled, stroking Tashina’s shiny black hair. Fear left bo
th of the girls, and Little Feet slowly inched over to them. Shalee closed her arm around the girl and hugged both affectionately. It was good to have her grandchildren with her, where they belonged.
Gray Eagle told Flaming Star that Bright Arrow had gone on a raid, and that he expected the bands to return that afternoon. The men discussed this crucial matter, imagining what Arapoosh would do to the woman of Bright Arrow. Gray Eagle voiced his fears aloud. “It will be bad for her. They will be angry over Bright Arrow’s daring rescue of Sun Cloud. They will take this fury and hatred out on his woman. We must not allow her to reach the Crow camp. Why do such troubles attack my camp and family while I am not a whole man?” he raged in frustration.
Gray Eagle was still too weak to risk a long ride and battle; he angrily and reluctantly accepted this fact. Flaming Star would need to rest at least one day before he headed off again, for he had rushed home and was exhausted. Also, supplies had to be gathered for a long, hard ride. He hoped Bright Arrow would return that day and they could start their pursuit early in the morning.
“Do not worry, my chief,” Flaming Star declared. “Rebecca will not fall into the hands of our enemies. Grandfather will provide a way to rescue her and defeat them again. I go to prepare supplies and horses. When Bright Arrow returns, we will seek her.”
Windrider couldn’t wait. Rebecca meant a great deal to him, and he knew that by morning Culpepper and Rebecca would be more miles ahead of their present location. He sought out Shalee to give him supplies and to watch after Silent Thunder. He did not reveal that he was heading out alone. “I will ride ahead and scout their trail,” he told her. “I will leave signs for others to follow. We must act quickly, or lose her to them.”
“May Grandfather watch over you, Windrider. Bring her home to us. She is loved and needed here,” Shalee whispered urgently.
While Flaming Star was seeing to his horses and making plans, Windrider prepared himself and set out toward the Crow camp of Arapoosh. Shalee was busy with her grandchildren and did not notice his solitary departure. By the time Flaming Star learned of Windrider’s intention, the Cheyenne warrior was long gone and it was getting dark. He and his father, White Arrow, made plans to leave at dawn. It was a long, tormenting night in the Oglala camp.
Windrider halted only for rest and nourishment for himself and his horse. He headed straight for the Crow village, planning to lie in wait for the white devil who had captured Rebecca. Estimating the distance she and Culpepper must have traveled since her abduction, he knew he would be hard-pressed to get near the camp before they arrived in the area. Flaming Star had made good time on the river and had been told that Culpepper was traveling by horse, with a captive to slow him down. Therefore, Windrider assumed, he might be able to overtake the white devil. If he raced like the wind, there was hope. Yet, after two days on the trail, Windrider had to yield to his lagging energy and strength. Clearly he was not fully recovered from the white man’s illness.
Flaming Star and White Arrow had joined forces with two Blackfeet warriors who were visiting their camp. One of their great chiefs, Black Cloud, had been the father of Shalee and grandfather to Bright Arrow. His son Brave Bear had been slain years ago in a battle with the Crow. Brave Bear’s wife Chela, daughter of a past Oglala medicine chief, had died in childbirth three years before his death. Their daughter Singing Wind was now the adopted daughter of the Blackfeet chief, Medicine Bear. Revenge for Brave Bear’s death had long escaped the Blackfeet, and because of their strong ties with the Oglala, Brave Bull and Running Horse now insisted they ride with the Oglala warriors. The four set out at first light.
Two days went by at such a snaillike pace that Shalee feared her newly returned son had met with death. Sun Cloud encouraged her, saying his brother could not be conquered or defeated. When Bright Arrow finally rode victoriously into camp the next day, Sun Cloud beamed with smugness and pride. When Gray Eagle came out to speak with him, Bright Arrow grinned and tossed him the scalp lock, medicine bundle, and war shield of the man who had wounded him. Before his father could get a word in, the braves in his band bubbled with tales of Bright’ Arrow’s cunning and daring. They said he had used many tricks and traps to thwart their enemies. The chase had ended in hand-to-hand combat between Bright Arrow and Snake Tongue. The band insisted on a feast and celebration in Bright Arrow’s honor, and the warriors boldly argued over who was going to sing his coup chant.
Suddenly Bright Arrow noticed his father’s distracted expression and reserve, sensing his father was being too quiet and unresponsive for such a momentous occasion. His inquisitive gaze shifted quickly to his mother’s worry-lined face. He knew something was terribly wrong and questioned this alarming mood. “What new evil walks in our lives this sun, my father?” he inquired, fearing he didn’t want to hear his father’s reply.
“I would yield my coups not to utter such tormenting words, my son, but they must be spoken,” Gray Eagle began reluctantly.
When the facts were exposed, Bright Arrow was stunned and dismayed. “It cannot be true! Grandfather would not allow it! I have proven my courage and loyalty many times over. I should be rewarded, not punished!” he thundered furiously. This couldn’t be happening to him and his love—not now, not when everything was finally working in their favor! Surely he had misunderstood!
His daughters came running out to greet him. Little Feet eagerly asked, “Where is Mama? Did you save her from the bad man?”
Bright Arrow grimaced in pain and disbelief. He encouraged his child gently, “Mama will return soon, little one. You must stay with Grandmother while I go after her. You are a big girl; you will be brave for Papa, won’t you? You will help Grandmother with her chores?” When the child nodded both times, Bright Arrow kissed her cheek and nuzzled her neck, bringing forth laughter from both girls.
To calm them and to reassure them, he took precious time and energy to play with them for a few moments. Afterward, he placed them in his mother’s care and watched as Shalee led the girls inside her tepee, where Sun Cloud was playing with Silent Thunder.
It was almost dusk and he was weary. Still he knew he must mount up and go after his love. Thinking a chilling swim might revitalize him, he hurried to the stream and tossed off his garments, then dove into the nippy water. He knew he had to build up a new supply of energy and stamina. He felt terribly depleted and depressed by this new assault on his happiness. Suddenly he wanted to weep but realized such an act would be childish and of no value. He left the water and donned his garments, wetting them, then forced his slumped shoulders to straighten. He was determined not to give in to such hopelessness and fatigue. His heart began beating swiftly as panic crept into his thoughts. He couldn’t lose Rebecca—not now, not ever. Why was Fate so cruel to them? He anxiously prayed this was not a soul-staggering message from the Great Spirit. Rebecca belonged at his side, and he would fight the devils of all lands to rescue her! He would slay anyone in his path!
Suddenly scouts rushed over to Gray Eagle to warn him of a sneak attack by more Pawnee war parties. No time could be worse, for the Oglala had not expected another attack! Bright Arrow made sure his children were safely in his mother’s care, then he and his band seized their weapons and headed to meet this new and deadly challenge. He had no choice in this matter, for he would have to defend his camp and life, or die. As he rushed to meet these foes, he prayed his love would not be lost to him. At least Windrider, Flaming Star, White Arrow, Brave Bull, and Running Horse were on her trail. He begged Wakantanka to guide them to Rebecca and to help them save her.
Windrider had been on the trail for five days and was nearing the outskirts of the Crow territory. Perhaps it was wrong for him to hope that many Crow warriors were battling the Oglala in Sioux territory, but it certainly would aid his cause. The more warriors missing from this area, the better it would be for him and Rebecca. He rested just after noon, then mounted up to bravely and stealthily sneak into their domain.
Billy Culpepper halted his exhausting
trek early that evening, knowing he and his captive would reach the Crow village in one more day. He set up camp near a large pond that was partially enclosed by trees, then ordered Rebecca, “Now, white squaw, get off them clothes and scrub that body and wash yer hair. I don’t wants to give a stinkin’, smelly present to Chief Arapoosh.”
Rebecca was appalled by his command, and by this time she was too fatigued to obey it. She weakly lifted her head and spat, “I won’t go there in front of you and wash!”
Billy retorted, “I’m jest too tired myself to put up with yore arguin’ and ya better do as I says before ya rile my temper!”
Some of Rebecca’s spunk and courage returned. She clenched her teeth, shook her head, and rashly held her ground. She had endured too much from this brutal beast. She would not strip naked before him and bathe. If her ankles and wrists hadn’t been bound, she would have physically attacked him!
Billy drew his knife and stormed over to her. “If’n ya don’t wants me to cut them clothes off’n yore body, ya best obey me, squaw! If’n I cuts it off, ya’ll haveta ride naked into the Crow camp.” The petrifying threat was one Rebecca knew he would fulfill.
“How can you be so cruel and sinful, Billy?” Rebecca murmured in a ragged voice. “Please don’t do this awful thing. I’ve never done anything to you. If it’s gold you want, Bright Arrow will get it for you. Please let him pay for my release,” she tempted him.
Billy rubbed his bristly chin and jawline as he pondered her offer. He was afraid of Bright Arrow and didn’t trust the clever, strong warrior. He was certain he wouldn’t get two feet from that exchange before his body was full of arrows. Billy liked young boys between the ages of ten and fourteen, and the Crow warriors traded them for the female captives he supplied. This female ought to be worth two or three ripe youngsters, he calculated greedily. It was getting close to winter, and he planned to take over Bright Arrow’s cabin. The winter would pass blissfully with a slave or two in his possession. Of course he had never told the Crow why he wanted young boys, and he certainly wasn’t going to tell her!
Stolen Ecstasy Page 40
