Linnet nodded. Will continued, “The child has missed you. He cried for you for many days after they returned him to the village, crying, ‘Mi he wi! Mi he wi! Mi he wi!’ That means Sun Woman in their language, that is what the boy has named you,” Will reached out and touched her hair, “due to your sunset red hair.”
She smiled at the child she held and the little boy grinned back. “Mi he wi,” he stated firmly, reaching for a strand of her hair.
Will coughed. “The long and the short of it is this: you have been chosen to become his new mother. Yaogah means to take you as wife, as his squaw—”
She interrupted violently. “No! He cannot do that; I am already married! Tell him—explain to him!”
Will shook his head sympathetically. “White man’s law means nothing here. Do you have any children?” he asked.
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “No, why?”
“You might have stood a chance of convincing the council that you needed to return if there were children missing their mother.”
“It will be easy, then, we’ll tell them that I have children!”
Will shrugged, looking uncomfortable. “No, I cannot do that. Sorry, girl. You see, Yaogah saved my life and he has made me his blood brother, which makes me not only a member of his family but of the tribe. I owe him my life; I have pledged an oath of loyalty to him. I’m sorry, but I’ll not lie to him for you.”
“You would betray your own people for savages?” She was incredulous.
Will sighed. “Not savages. If I had to stake my life upon which nation is more savage, it would not be the Abenaki.”
“Honourable you say, snatching a married woman from her home to take as a slave?” she spluttered, enraged.
“Be reasonable, girl, you wouldn’t be a slave! I promise you that. You are miles from your home, your husband will never find you here, and anyway, the man should have taken better care of his wife! On both the occasions I have met you, the man was miles away from your side, what kind of protector is that?”
Linnet hung her head, tears flooding her eyes. “It was my fault, not his. If only I hadn’t been so stupidly wilful and headstrong!”
“I’d best warn you now that here, a headstrong girl will suffer punishment. You would have more freedom and respect in the tribe if you marry Yaogah, more than any other squaw. He is the strongest and richest warrior in the village. He is much sought after by the other women as husband. He is a good and fair man, but I warn you, girl, hurt his pride by showing bad behaviour and you will be severely punished. The worse thing for an Abenaki is to lose face in front of his companions.”
“What about my rights!” she demanded indignantly.
“Women here have no rights, they are squaws. You are allowed no pride; in fact, you don’t count at all.” Will explained.
She whipped back her hand and cracked him across the face. Will didn’t move except to lift his hand to halt Yaogah—who had taken a step forward—from interfering. The child sat up, startled. He stared wide-eyed at his father but when his father didn’t move, he settled back against Linnet.
There was silence. Will smiled. “It’s been a long time since a beautiful woman slapped my face. No woman would dare to do that here, their hide would be beaten from them! The only way for women to have a voice in the tribe is to be elected onto the council but that only happens when women become older and wiser, like Small Speech. She will be the council’s spokesman.”
A despondent tear slipped down her cheek.
Will swiped his thumb across her damp cheek. “Girl, believe me, I do understand why you are upset… I am only telling you these things to make your life easier.”
Linnet stretched out an imploring hand. “I am sorry I hit you, Will, I understand that this is not your fault but I am so frightened! This is just too ridiculous, it’s just so, so, impossible! I am English, I cannot marry a heathen! I am married, and happily, too! I love my husband, he loves me. This is insanity, it makes no sense! This cannot be happening to me!”
Will frowned and shook his head. “Well, I have done my best for you, my girl, the rest is up to you. The council will speak with you shortly. If you wish, I’ll translate for you.” He stood up.
“Yes, please translate for me. Tell them to let me go, Will, I beg of you, please, please tell them to let me go home!”
“I have a pretty young wife, Iniabi, her name means ‘homemaker.’ We have a babe on the way. I’m telling you to show you where my loyalties lie. These people are my family.”
“I understand,” she muttered, incredibly downhearted to hear this statement. She realised that Will was telling her he would only help her if it didn’t interfere with his own special relationship with this tribe.
“Be careful what you say to the council. Remember to show respect. I will tell you this, though: one of the old men on the council has a daughter, Running Deer. She is a pretty little thing, and before you obsessed his son, Yaogah fully intended to take her to wife. I have no doubt that her father would support you in your wish to leave here.”
“Thank you.” She felt there was some hope left. “Is there anything else I should know, Will?”
“No. Although, I should like to know what happened to my partner, Ned.”
“I am so sorry, Will, but he is dead. He-he tried to rape me. Luckily my husband John came upon us just in time and saved me. It was my husband who killed Ned… but I cannot say I am sorry he died, not after he attacked me.”
He gave a brief nod, pressing his lips into a thin line before turning towards the entrance. Just before he stepped outside, he turned. “Darn it all, I don’t understand why Ned just wouldn’t listen! I knew he’d wind up dead one of these days. I don’t rightly blame your man for killing him. Jus’ so long as you don’t go counting on your man to save you this time around, ’cause I can assure you, he won’t!”
Chapter 21
She was left alone with just the child for company, and stared down at his glossy black head in disbelief. Who would have thought that her simple act of human kindness would cause so much grief and trouble? Still, even if she’d known the outcome, she wouldn’t have left the child to die.
But what on earth was she to do?
She wouldn’t marry this Ya-whatever-his-name-was, that was for certain. Will had said that he’d represent her at the council, but could she trust him? He’d also said that he considered himself a relative of this native tribe. The bear man was enormous! She shuddered. He wanted her to take her as his wife but that couldn’t happen! She was married to John under God’s holy law, surely God would not allow this bigamous marriage to take place?
There was a commotion outside the lodge; an elderly woman entered the dwelling. She held out a soft suede native dress toward Linnet, who reluctantly accepted the gift. The woman then spoke with the child, holding out her arms to him. He clung to Linnet, burying his face in her neck. She smiled despite the situation and eased him upright then, smoothing his hair; she kissed him on the forehead. “Come along, it is time for you to leave, but I will see you again soon.”
She placed him on his feet, pushing him away from her. The small boy turned back and wrapped his arms about her neck, giving her a swift hug before he toddled over to the elderly woman. He reached up to take her hand. The woman smiled a toothless grin and left, taking the child with her.
The entrance darkened again as Will entered. He coughed. “Put on the dress, girl, it will honour the Council.”
He turned his back as Linnet did as he bid, stripping quickly out of her torn and muddy clothing and pulling the soft, beaded garment over her head. It was beautiful, a very soft, a pale buttery colour decorated with a fringed hem. It was shorter than any dress Linnet had ever worn before, ending at mid-calf. It showed her ankles and fitted her curves like a second skin. It felt indecent yet strangely liberating to be free of her petticoats, stays and underclothes which normally hampered her movements.
“Time to go.” Will lifted the hide flap for her
to step through. She took a deep breath and followed him. They passed through the press of Abenaki natives and he directed her towards a long wooden cabin. When they reached the steps, Will cried out in a sing-song voice to the entrance of the building, and a voice from within replied. Will entered first, lifting the hide for Linnet to pass under.
Inside, a group of mainly elderly women sat in a semi-circle around a fire. Opposite them sat Yaogah and his son. Linnet noticed that the elderly woman who had collected the child moments before sat in the centre. Will bowed his head to the council before sitting down cross-legged beside Yaogah. Linnet also bowed her head in greeting but she remained standing.
Yaogah’s dark eyes raked over Linnet’s body and he began to speak in a deep and guttural tongue. Linnet studied his thick, bulging muscles. His veins stood out like small snakes upon the surface of his muscular arms and his skin resembled the colour of tea.
He stopped talking and the elderly woman who seemed in charge smiled at her. The woman’s skin was creased, weathered with age, yet she looked wise. Linnet felt some hope that all may yet be resolved to her advantage. The old woman spoke, gesturing for her to sit, but Linnet remained standing until Will yanked her down onto the floor beside him. Once she was seated, the woman began to talk. Will translated her words.
“Ever since Aweont was found, he has longed for his chosen mother, Sun-Woman. You are to be honoured by Yaogah, who wishes to take you into his lodge as mother to his son.”
Linnet nodded, willing herself to remain silent and not interrupt. When the elderly woman finished speaking, she spoke up. “My name is Linnet. That is the name of a bird that lives in a land far away across the sea where I come from. Please may I ask your name, wise lady?”
Will looked at Linnet with surprise. Smiling, he gave a nod of approval as he translated her words. The wise woman glanced sideways, nodding approvingly to other council members. “You are right; introductions should come first. I, Soaewaah, Small Speech, representative of the Supreme Council, sit among the famous League of Nations. We, the council, enforce law in our villages. You are welcome here, Linnet-bird.”
Linnet smiled and waited for Will to finish the translation before continuing.
“I thank you, Small Speech, for your welcome and hospitality. I am pleased to see Aweont again, for he is dear to my heart, but I already have a husband, one whom I love dearly and who will be missing me. I do not know this man. I cannot marry him for I have sworn a holy oath to forsake all men but my husband.”
Will translated again and a murmur went up from the assembly. Finally, Small Speech spoke. “You have no children who wait for you but this child needs a mother. He chose you, he honours you, Linnet-bird. His father is a great warrior; he wants you to warm his bed. I cannot understand your objection.”
Linnet took a deep breath. Placing her hands protectively over her belly, she answered, “I am with child. I carry my husband’s son.” Will raised a brow but she glared at him. “Make sure you tell them exactly what I said,” she hissed. He nodded but before he could speak, her kidnapper, Yaogah, leapt to his feet. Grabbing Linnet, he held her in front of his body, placing one large hand over her belly, kneading her flesh. He growled at the council, whereupon one of the women stood up and begun arguing with a man whom Linnet assumed was Running Deer’s father. A furious row broke out amongst the gathered council.
Amidst all the shrieking and growling, a rattle sounded, and suddenly silence fell. Everyone settled down as Small Speech stepped into the fray.
She focused her stare upon Linnet as she spoke, and Will translated. “I am sorry for the behaviour of these dogs. Will you allow me to feel for the child you claim lives within you?”
Linnet could only agree, giving her a nod of assent, whereupon the old woman came forward and felt over her womb area. As she pressed and prodded, she muttered to herself, shaking her head. Will translated. “She says it is impossible to tell whether you are with child, it is too early.”
Small Speech turned to Yaogah and spoke with him at some length before turning back to Linnet. “Yaogah wants you even though you might carry another man’s child. He says that you cared for his son, and he will care for yours. The spirits alone will decide whether you shall bear the child.
“The council will talk of this; you will be told of our decision once it is made.”
Again, Will translated then, bowing to the council, he took Linnet’s arm and guided her away.
The wait seemed interminable, the afternoon dragged on. Linnet paced inside the lodge. She looked at the dirt floor and dropped to her knees. In desperation, she began to scrape the soft earth away from the wall of the lodge, hiding it under the bedding. No one came to speak with her all afternoon. At one point she heard a noise and hastily seated herself on the bed as though resting. A beautiful young woman peered inside the entrance, a furious scowl marring her pretty features. When Linnet called to her, she ran away. Will appeared to have vanished. She lifted the entrance flap to look outside for him, whereupon she discovered two Indian braves, presumably guarding her. Surely the council would find in her favour? She was a married woman, she might very well be carrying John’s child, for goodness’ sake!
She wished now that she had voiced her suspicions to her husband about the baby but she’d been waiting to see if her courses had really stopped. She guessed she could be at least three months with child. Dear Lord, she prayed, let John find me!
As the glooming settled and darkness fell, Will returned to take her back to the council. Small Speech was there alone—Bear Man and everyone else, including the child, were gone. As before, Will bowed and Linnet copied him. He translated for her as Small Speech spoke. “We have not taken our decision lightly. We have not taken into account your oath, for it is a white man’s oath and not applicable to us. We can find no reason why Yaogah should not take you to live in his lodge, if he so desires.”
Stunned, Linnet dropped to her knees, pleading with Small Speech to set her free. Will tried desperately to translate all she said but for the most part, Linnet was incoherent with shock.
He gave up, lifting her to her feet. “Come on, girl, really it’s not so bad. Yaogah is a good man. He will look after you. The other squaws will be envious of you. He is considered a great catch.”
She rounded on him. “Let them have him! I have a husband; do you hear me? Why will no one listen? I-have-a-husband!” she shrieked. Yaogah appeared from the shadows and scooped her up, carrying her back to his lodge where he dumped her unceremoniously onto the furs. Then he turned to Will, they spoke together in hushed tones.
Finally, Will hunkered down by Linnet. “I’d advise you to cooperate with your new mate. These people have some very nasty ways with those who won’t comply. I cannot help you any more, girl, now it is up to you.”
She closed her eyes. “I would rather die than submit to rape. Just go away!”
Will shook her by the shoulders. “Damn it, woman, that’s just what you will do, die, and none too pleasantly, either! At least while you’re alive, there is hope. You’re no good to your unborn child or John if you’re dead. Think on that, woman!”
He stood, nodded to Yaogah and left them alone. The huge native stood like a statue, watching her thoughtfully. Suddenly, with the speed of a mountain lion, he reached out, grasped her arm and hauled her up against his chest. A hand gripped her chin.
Staring down into Linnet’s green eyes, his free hand slid over her breasts, squeezing. It felt as though he was assessing her assets. Insulted, she drew back her head and spat in his face. Releasing her, he ran the back of his hand across his face to clear her spittle. She took the opportunity to bolt but as she made her escape, a large arm snaked about her waist and hauled her back inside the lodge.
He twisted a hand in her thick hair, pulling her head back, forcing her chest out. Her bosom jutted, her nipples outlined by the tight leather dress. His ham-like hands mauled them, pinching her breasts, kneading the tender flesh. Without thinking he
r action through, Linnet twisted her head and sank her teeth deep into his arm. He immediately let go of her hair. Giving a guttural curse, he sucked his injured wrist. Linnet dropped onto the furs behind her with a whimper of fear. She glanced at his face then blanched at the expression of fury she saw there. No longer inscrutable, she could see that he was livid with her.
Yaogah dropped beside her on the bedding. Reaching out a huge hand, he grabbed the skein of her hair and, wrapping it around his fist he tugged her face down across his enormous thighs. She struggled in vain; she knew this position only too well, recognising her predicament would bode ill for her.
He shifted slightly and produced a large dagger from the sheath tethered to his thigh. He proceeded to slit her dress from waist to hem, exposing her bare bottom. Linnet let out a banshee wail of fury and frustration. Only her husband had the right to punish her, this savage had no right! This indignity should not be happening to her, especially not with a barbarian!
She froze as she felt his large hand roughly exploring her hind end, stiffening as his fingers dipped between her legs, thrusting into and invading her private furrow. She kicked frantically, attempting to struggle free, but he pinched the inner flesh of her soft thigh, twisting the tender skin viciously.
She gasped with the pain. Thrashing her head from side to side, her mouth searching for flesh to sink her teeth into, she wished to bite, to tear, to vent her fury. When a loud slap and a sharp pain sliced across her buttock, she shrieked with rage, bucking. She gasped as a volley of powerful, painful slaps scalded the skin of her tender bottom.
The spanking was harsh, with no reprieve. Relentlessly the native beat her rump until she lay sobbing, her body jerking as each heavy blow fell. Finally, he halted. His hand moved purposefully between Linnet’s thighs, thrusting into her channel brutally, he shoved his fingers inside her, roughly fondling her sex, violating and humiliating her. This continued, and she assumed his next move would be to rape her.
Her Match, Her Mate, Her Master Page 27
