Lakota Flower (6 page)

She was amazed by how efficient, swift, cooperative, and hardworking the band was. She witnessed their enthusiasm about the seasonal move, as if they were filled with joy and energy. Families labored together in harmony. Youths aided childless elders with their tasks. Teenage girls tended small ones and babies while their mothers or aunts were busy.

A strange recollection entered her mind. Long ago at her friend Clara’s wedding party and honoring a southern tradition, she had taken a slice of fruitcake and wrapped it in a lacy handkerchief. For amusement, she had placed it beneath her pillow that night to see if she actually would dream of the man she would one day marry; and it hadn’t been William Crawford who “visited” her! She quivered as she remembered dreaming of a tall and muscular man with his back to her, long black hair grazing the lower portion of his shoulder blades, his bare torso a coppery shade. Was it possible,
Caroline mused, that dream man could be … No! Dreams were not real, and visions had never called on her! Yet, it was an odd and provocative coincidence, if happenstances existed.
Why,
she scolded herself,
are you even thinking about such ridiculous things? Stop it now!

After everything was secured in place, Macha mounted a gentle mare that would pull the dragalong, Casmu’s cradle-board strapped to her back with the infant sleeping safe and snug inside.

As the sun rose higher and the day’s heat steadily increased, Caroline stood beside the heavily loaded cart awaiting the signal to move out, as she was to walk beside it. Many others would be afoot, so it was not only because she was a lowly slave that she was not allowed to ride one of Cloud Chaser’s extra horses. She came to alert when Macha called her name and motioned for her to follow as the long trip got under way, with families falling into line in preassigned positions. She saw Macha wave to her husband, who left to travel with his father at the front of the column.

The chief, shaman, war chief, and Big Bellies left first with their families close behind them. The highest-ranking band members were next, among which were the Shirt-Wearers and Strong Hearts Warrior Society. Then, the rest of the braves from various societies left the area. Guards encompassed the large group, men who were heavily armed and on alert for daring raids by enemies, be they Indian or white.

Caroline knew from what Cloud Chaser had told her that he and his brothers could locate themselves in several places by their own choice. Wind Dancer could travel either up front with the chief or with the Shirt-Wearers, or with the Strong Hearts. War Eagle could journey with his father or the Sacred Bow Carriers. Cloud Chaser could travel with his father or with the Strong Hearts. Wind Dancer had chosen to be near his parents and grandparents for their defense in the event of trouble, as protecting their chief was important to him for many reasons. War Eagle was riding at an advanced
distance with the other Sacred Bow Carriers, as it was their duty to act as scouts and guards and to be first to challenge any threat. Cloud Chaser would rejoin his wife and child later. She didn’t know what those warrior ranks meant, but her owner had promised to explain them to her later.

As she trudged along, wearing her sunbonnet to shield her face from the blazing sun, Caroline wondered if Cloud Chaser had told War Eagle about their cousin’s offer to trade for her and what had he thought about it. She had promised Cloud Chaser she would not try to escape, yet nothing would prevent her from attempting it at any risk if she were sold to Two Feathers! She could imagine no worse fate than to become that cold man’s slave.

Besides, Caroline encouraged herself, when she and the soldiers failed to arrive at Fort Kearny soon, a search party would be sent out to find them. Even if she and the men were expendable, surely the canons and other weapons were not. The army would have to locate and rescue her if only to learn what happened to the soldiers and supplies.
Just be careful and bide your time; help will come soon. But when it does,
her heart queried,
what will happen to these people? To Cloud Chaser, Dawn, and Casmu? To War Eagle? A massacre?
As she glanced at the people around her and thought about how they had not mistreated her, she realized she did not want to be responsible for their deaths. Yet, how could she prevent the army’s retaliation for the attack on them? Time, that was what the Red Shields needed, time to get out of this area before a search was on and the grim evidence of their deed was discovered. But how many days or weeks of safety did they have, and would a generous Mother Nature conceal those telltale signs before they could be found? She did not know, but despite her circumstances, she prayed for their survival.

At that same time in Kansas Territory, General William Harney and his infantry and dragoons were leaving Fort
Leavenworth for Fort Kearny to begin what was already being called “the Great Sioux Expedition.”

At the end of the first day of travel and while they were eating, Cloud Chaser tried to explain his people’s government to Caroline. “Our chief is like your president. He leads us and has much power. The council, as with your Congress, can change his orders if they believe he is wrong in a matter, though that rarely happens. They are called Big Bellies; they are made up of our present and past chiefs, shamen, and the best warriors who are too old or disabled to fight. The council makes our laws and gives instructions. Twelve Shirt-Wearers who are chosen by the Big Bellies carry them out, as with your lawmen. Wind Dancer has been a Shirt-Wearer for many years. In big matters, all warriors have a vote; and the majority rules. No one can go against the vote or he is punished. But most heed the words of our chief and council and vote as they do. The warrior societies are our army, our soldiers. As in your military, there are ranks, and the leaders of them are their officers. In our band, the best warriors belong to the Strong Hearts and Sacred Bows. The shaman is our spiritual leader and is in charge of all events. He is Winona’s father and is named Nahemana.”

Caroline was surprised to learn of their democratic ways, and she had witnessed how religious and family-oriented they were. So much for their being uncivilized and insensitive as alleged! “What are the Strong Hearts and Sacred Bows? You and your brothers belong to them, isn’t that right?”

“Strong Hearts are skilled and fearless warriors who take the Four Virtues to heart; they defend our camp, take care of those in need, and show other braves the best way to behave. Wind Dancer is a Strong Heart, as I am, as is Two Feathers, though I believe our cousin is unworthy of that rank for many reasons. The Sacred Bows lead in battles with our enemies and are last to leave the area. They must show great
courage, cunning, and stamina and they must attack a foe in every fight. War Eagle, his friend Swift Otter, Broken Arrow, and Two Feathers are the four Sacred Bow Carriers. Our other cousin Broken Lance is a good warrior and is unlike his brother.”

Caroline did not want her mind to dwell on the perils of War Eagle being a Sacred Bow Carrier. Nor did she want to think about Two Feathers. Besides, she needed to learn all she could about these people, and fast. She asked, “What are the ‘Four Virtues’ you mentioned?”

“Courage, Generosity, Wisdom, and Fortitude, which means to be able to endure discomfort and pain in body and spirit, and the ability to show patience and self-control during times of strain.”

He had described himself and War Eagle perfectly. “You said Wind Dancer would become the next chief. Does leadership always pass from father to son?”

He nodded. “Unless a son proves himself unworthy of that rank.”

“What if a chief doesn’t have a son when he dies or is slain?”

“A new leader is chosen from among our best warriors.”

“So if Wind Dancer was slain, you would become chief?”

“The second son is next in line unless he is unworthy.”

Caroline thought Cloud Chaser had looked and sounded odd for a few moments before and during his response. For certain, he had learned a great deal during his life in Oregon, as he knew English as well as she did! “I think you would make a good chief; you’re a kind and wise man.”

Cloud Chaser smiled. “Your words are generous, but Wind Dancer is best for that rank.”

“I haven’t met him yet. Will I?”

“If you prove yourself worthy of that honor. Finish eating now, for we must rest soon. Tomorrow will be a long, tiring, and dusty day. We—” Cloud Chaser halted as Two Feathers approached, scowling.
“Taku ca yacin hwo?”
He asked the man what he wanted.

In Lakota, Two Feathers scolded, “Why do you speak with the captive for so long? It is offensive to hear the white tongue in our camp. You must save that …
skill
for when you scout the bluecoats.”

To perturb the man, Cloud Chaser feigned a calm he did not feel at that time. “I speak to her of our laws and ways so she can obey and not offend. Do not give me orders, my cousin, for I know what is good and bad.”

“If that is true, you would trade her to me.”

“It is true, my cousin,” War Eagle said as he joined them. “The girl was a gift to my brother and his wife and must not be traded to another. That is our custom so why do you challenge it? Why do you seek to provoke him and cause trouble and bad feelings? That is not the way of a Strong Heart or Sacred Bow Carrier or a Red Shield warrior. If her presence angers you, speak to me of that matter, for I am the one who captured her and brought her to our camp.”

Two Feathers frowned at War Eagle for taking Cloud Chaser’s side against him again, and for daring to scold him before others. “It would be good to break our custom this time. Your brother carries white blood, so it is bad for a white to live with him and remind others of that weakness.”

“Cloud Chaser has proven his Oglala blood is strongest. He did so many times during the last hot and cold seasons. Why do you insult him and seek to injure him? To treat him in that way insults and injures all in my family, and it shames you in our eyes. Go, pray, and cleanse yourself of such evil, my cousin.”

War Eagle saw Two Feathers lock challenging gazes with him for a short while before the rebuked man stalked away. Each of them had spoken in lowered tones, but some were observing them in curiosity, as each campsite was spaced from others to allow ample room for sleeping mats, horses, travois, walking, and cooking-smoke dissipation.

War Eagle hunkered down, looked at Cloud Chaser, and said, “It is settled for now, my brother, but not for long. Be
wary of him, as some evil force lurks within him, and I do not know why or how to slay it.”

Cloud Chaser nodded in agreement, then told his brother what he had been explaining to Caroline. “If part of what Two Feathers said is true, I will speak less and more quietly to her in the suns ahead.”

“That is wise, but it is good for her to learn much about us.”

“Takuwe?”
Cloud Chaser asked why.

“To help her obey and show respect. If she becomes a friend to you and your mate, she will not want to escape or betray you.”

“That is true and wise. Do you want to eat and drink with us?”

“Mother has filled those needs. I must go, for night comes swiftly.”

“Thank you, my brother; my heart leaps with joy over your help.”

“You would do the same for me or Wind Dancer.” War Eagle made certain he did not even glance in Caroline’s direction during his visit or his departure, as he furtively glimpsed Two Feathers watching them.

After her handsome captor left, Caroline summoned the courage to whisper, “What did he want tonight?”

“You,” Cloud Chaser replied, knowing to whom she referred.

“Why is he so determined to have me?” she asked as her quivering fingers toyed with the dried fruit and nut bread in their grasp.

“When I learn that secret, I will share it with you. I warn you again, Caroline, do nothing to show defiance or disrespect to me and others. We must not speak so long and openly. We must not forget our ranks again.”

By “ranks,” she assumed he meant as owner and slave, as enemies. “Does that mean we cannot be friends?”

“Not this soon. First, you must prove yourself to me and
others. And my people must get used to you being among us.”

Caroline noted how he looked at the ground as he spoke, as if he were embarrassed. “Is that what your brother told you to do?”

“It is my decision, a wise one for all of us. No more talk tonight.”

Hurt and dismayed, Caroline did not speak again, but she mentally berated Two Feathers for his interference and spitefulness, as she blamed him for this change. She realized their peoples were in deep conflict; soon, at war. It seemed obvious Cloud Chaser was entrapped in a predicament concerning her. She must do nothing to shame or disappoint or anger him. And she must keep a close eye on his antagonistic cousin who appeared resolved to have her either dead or in his tepee.

As for War Eagle, he had ignored her completely.

By the time the long and wearying journey ended, War Eagle was annoyed and alarmed by his cousin’s offensive behavior. At least he was relieved those actions had been carried out only between them during the final few suns before they reached this location today and set up their winter camp. For a while after his warning and scolding on the plains, Two Feathers had controlled his words and conduct, especially before others, but as they had neared their destination, he had begun to make cunning remarks and eventually to tease War Eagle with bluntness about Caroline.

On one occasion as they scouted ahead together, Two Feathers had grinned and said, “Cloud Chaser’s captive makes a man’s shaft grow hot and hard within his breech cloth. Why did you not keep her to relieve your own fierce urgings?”

War Eagle recalled how he had frowned at the insidious jest and scoffed, “You watch her enough to know she works hard and obeys. Even if she belonged to me, why would I want to cause her pain in her body and heart and stir defiance? That is rash and cruel, and it is not our way. She has not earned such mistreatment.”

“She would be a good mate,” he persisted.

“How so, my cousin, when she is white and an enemy to you?”

“She does not behave as our enemy and works hard, as your words told me and as I have seen. Why should her white skin trouble me or others when the white blood of your second brother does not?”

“Cloud Chaser is Oglala, Red Shield, son of our chief. It is different.”

“Is that why you did not keep her, she is a pale-skin and an enemy? Or did you fear you could not fight her magic and win that battle?”

“I had no need for a captive. My mother had no need of one, for she has my sister to help her. Four living in our tepee is plenty.”

“But Cloud Chaser cannot be alone with his mate with her there.”

“It is the same in all families where others share a tepee. When desire burns within a husband and wife, they find a way to be alone.”

“They could be alone if the white girl becomes my mate and shares my new tepee. Surely Cloud Chaser would be pleased to have her gone, for she must remind others of his mixed blood.”

“You do not seek to help my brother, and you speak false when you say his white blood does not offend you, for you show such bad feelings to him many times and they are wrong. You must purge yourself of them. Speak no more of such things, for such foolish talk stirs bad feelings within me toward you.”

War Eagle worried that Two Feathers would become bolder with his remarks, speak them before others, and create trouble. He must not allow his cousin to cause dissension in their band during the grave times ahead, or provoke bad feelings toward Caroline after those hostilities increased. He had a grave decision to make, one he must discuss with Cloud Chaser—but after he talked with his grandfather…

* * *

As they ate an early meal, Caroline asked Cloud Chaser, “What will happen when soldiers come looking for our missing party and find those men’s bodies and the wagons? Will they trail us and attack your camp?”

“Do not worry, Caroline, for a great herd of buffaloes was stampeded over the tracks made by the wagons and horses, so there is no trail for soldier scouts to find and follow. The wagons were shoved over steep bluffs in a location called the Badlands by whites who visited it while hunting and collecting bones of ancient creatures years ago. Many of its canyons are unreachable from the top or bottom, so the army cannot recover those weapons even if they are sighted. The remainder of your possessions are resting there; perhaps they can be retrieved one day, as we know many secret paths into such places. The soldiers’ graves were concealed by stones, and their horses were released far away. I hope it will not injure your heart or anger your mind and provoke defiance to learn no rescue is coming.”

Caroline knew she had underestimated War Eagle’s intelligence and foresight. “But won’t the army blame the Lakotas for those disappearances in their territory?”

“Probably, since they blame all Lakotas for anything bad that happens in this area. If a large troop nears our camp to search it, our scouts will warn us of their approach, and you will be hidden from them. If a miracle occurs and a real treaty is made, you will be released to return home. Until that day comes, you will live among us in peace, so accept that fact.”

Caroline was not provoked by his last statement, as he had spoken it in a gentle tone and with a pleasant expression. “I’ve already promised you I’ll be obedient and respectful, unless I’m mistreated. If I’m abused, I will try to escape. Surely that’s understandable.”

Cloud Chaser eyed her honest expression and countered,
“As I have promised, you will not be mistreated unless you are bad or try to flee.”

“Then, we have a bargain we can both honor.”

Cloud Chaser nodded in agreement and returned to his meal.

As Caroline ate, she reflected on certain episodes during the long journey to the lovely and serene location. It was so different from the immense grasslands, now yellowing at the end of summer, a gently rolling terrain that had seemed to go on forever until abruptly terminating at the Paha Sapa. A verdant forest of mainly pine, spruce, and hardwoods swept up into picturesque foothills that continued upward into mountains of black spires, awesome pinnacles, and rugged ebony peaks. The winter village was situated amongst sheltering trees and boulders for protection against harsh weather during the cold season, a river flowing beyond the lengthy stretch of tepees for a fresh water source. She had sighted many animals nearby, so fresh game was abundant.

Cloud Chaser had explained their yearly routine to her: break camp in late spring, travel to the grasslands, hunt buffalo during the summer and preserve rations for the harsh winter, and return to this or a nearby location in early fall. He had said they normally gathered afterward with other tribes and bands for an annual trading fair, but it had been canceled this year due to the brewing trouble. Her owner had given her more language lessons, and she had worked hard to learn as much of their tongue as possible.

She recalled meeting his oldest brother, Wind Dancer, the future chief’s wife, Chumani, which meant Dewdrops, and their three-year-old son, Tokapa. She had been impressed by that warrior who had treated her with respect but reserve. She remembered working with their seventeen-year-old sister, Hanmani, who was best friends with Macha and was pretty, kind, and genial. She had seen but not spoken with River’s Edge, Dawn’s twin brother, a handsome and appealing
man who was still unattached and living with their parents. The same almost could be said of Broken Lance, their cousin and the younger brother of Two Feathers, whom she had tried to ignore and avoid during their travels.

The most unsettling meetings, Caroline recalled, were with Chief Rising Bear and the shaman Nahemana, powerful and esteemed leaders of the Red Shields. Neither had spoken to her directly, but both had studied her intently while visiting with Cloud Chaser along the way on two occasions. Although she had not understood the conversations, there was something about each man that had commanded her respect and evoked her curiosity. Oddly, Cloud Chaser did not favor his parents, grandparents, or siblings. In fact, he did not even look like a full-blooded Indian, which struck her as being strange since he had told her he was the birth son of the chief.

That which dismayed and intrigued her the most was how she caught herself covertly watching and thinking about War Eagle, as if she could not control an enormous interest in her fascinating captor.

To distract herself from more thoughts of him and to cool the warmth that came to her cheeks, she looked at the baby who was sleeping on its cradle-board. Positioned over the infant’s head was a low three-pronged stand from which was suspended a “dream catcher.” The small hoop of interwoven sinew—with fluffy breath feathers, colorful wooden beads, and intricately carved miniature animals dangling from its weblike surface and from its willow ring—was supposed to ensnare and destroy any bad dreams that tried to enter the child’s mind while he slept, allowing only good ones to slip through a tiny hole in its center. She wished the Indian myth were true and she had one to hang over her head at night to halt near-nightmares about Two Feathers finding a way to coerce her from Cloud Chaser and Dawn, and to halt horrible dreams about her beloved brother lying dead and unburied somewhere, victim of another Indian attack. What, she worried,
was her fate, her destiny? Surely it wasn’t the tragic life of a slave…

War Eagle met with his grandfather in the edge of the forest to explain his dilemma to the shaman whom he loved, respected, and obeyed without question or hesitation. After he finished the dismaying tale involving his cousin, he said, “I do not know what path to follow, Grandfather, to find what is best for all concerned. What do you think I must do?”

Nahemana laid a gnarled and gentle hand upon War Eagle’s shoulder. He smiled and urged, “You must follow the tuggings of your heart, my grandson, for surely the Creator placed them within you. If He did not, and the path you have chosen to ride is not His will, He will send you a sign to stop traveling it. If it is meant for the white girl to live with Red Wolf’s family in the Cheyenne camp, you will encounter no danger or hindrance in your path. If one appears, you must halt and return home.”

“Was I wrong to bring her to our camp?” he was compelled to ask.

Nahemana shook his head and smiled again. “I do not believe that is true, my grandson. I believe she was sent here for a purpose. What it is, I do not know, for Wakantanka has not shown me that answer in a dream or a vision. But deep within me, I feel and think she was placed among us for a good reason.”

War Eagle was confused. “Do you say that reason has passed? Is that why you tell me to leave with her and head for Red Wolf’s camp?”

“I believe you must follow the urgings in your head and heart. But leave before the sun rises and do not tell Two Feathers of your journey, for she is not to fall within his greedy and sly grasp.”

“Why do you say such words, Grandfather?”

“We do not want him to stir up trouble. I believe he seeks
the girl only to injure your second brother, and that is wrong. If he tries to follow you, I will order him to remain in camp.”

“That is wise and true, Grandfather, and I will obey your words.”

“Have you spoken to Cloud Chaser on this matter?”

“I go to speak with him soon, but he will agree it is best.”

As War Eagle left, Nahemana took a deep breath and lifted his gaze skyward.
Guide him and protect him, Great One, for he is lost in a forest of unknown emotions and her loss will pain him deeply. She has touched his heart in a mystical way and he battles that truth fiercely. If there is to be a bond between them, You will find a way to bind them together, just as You did with his half-white brother and Macha. What is destined to be, no man can prevent. If he tries, he is punished or slain. I pray You do not allow my second grandson to suffer greatly before the truth is revealed to him and us.

Shortly before dusk at the river and while they had privacy, War Eagle related his dismaying decision to Cloud Chaser as they tended their horses. When he finished, he asked, “Do you agree, my brother, for she now belongs to you? If you object, I will not take her to Red Wolf’s mother. Speak the thoughts that are strongest and largest in your head and heart.”

Cloud Chaser was surprised by that discovery; yet, it was not totally unexpected. He had not known how War Eagle would deal with the serious matter, but he had been convinced his brother would find a way to handle it wisely. He suspected how difficult the decision was and felt empathy for the other man.

“Do as your grandfather says. I think it is wise for all involved if you take her to live in Red Wolf’s camp where she will be safe from our cousin’s wickedness, for surely it will continue to grow worse. If it is not the will of the Creator, He
will block your path as our shaman told you. I am to be one of our camp guards this night, so you can slip past my position without alerting others to your leaving. I will tell Caroline to pack her possessions and be ready to go with you when you come for her. You must leave when the moon is straight over our heads, for it enlarges to full cycle soon and will provide enough light to guide you. When the sun rises, if Two Feathers learns of your absence, you will be far away. Nahemana will not allow him to follow and halt you.”

War Eagle realized—with the positions of their tepees, his own and those of Cloud Chaser and Two Feathers, and with his brother standing guard tonight—that sneaking away should be easy. “That is a good plan.”

Cloud Chaser smiled and reminded him, “During the last hot season, I was the one sneaking from camp during darkness with Dawn at my side.”

“That is true, but things were different for you and her. You rode away to prove yourself to us and to claim Dawn as your mate.”

Cloud Chaser countered with a grin, “Yes, but I was helping her elude the greedy grasp of our cousin, as you now do to protect Caroline. That is good; yet, it is strange how such actions and deeds match. You will find victory and joy, as did we,” he said with confidence.

How so,
War Eagle’s heart scoffed,
when she who steals your heart and troubles your spirit will be far away and lost forever? That is true and good,
his mind retorted,
for no union between you two is possible, and she will be a great temptation if she remains nearby. If you can endure the pains of the Sun Dance and find victory in the Sacred Bow Race, surely you can abide her loss and find triumph elsewhere.
“I hope so, my brother,” he finally responded, “for soon we must war with the bluecoats, so no other worries should steal our thoughts and distract us from our duty.”

As soon as those words left his mouth, War Eagle realized that ignoring the flower of his heart would be the hardest
challenge he had ever faced. If only that task were a physical one, it would be easy to confront it with courage, stamina, skills, and resolve; and he was confident he would succeed. Kawa Cante, Heart Flower; it described her perfectly, for she had taken root within his chest, entwined herself around his pulse of life, and grown larger and stronger and more beautiful each day. What or who would pluck her lovely bloom? he fretted; and would doing that deed slay her? Make him bleed to death?
Hear me, Great Spirit, for I need Your help and comfort in the suns ahead.