Savage Conquest (52 page)

Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and the members of the
council had sensed courage and honesty in the white
man. The conflicts were increasing. Each time they
slew a "white butcher," another would take his place
with better weapons, endless supplies, and further
aggression. If there could be peace without dishonor
or defeat, this was the last chance to attain it. They
agreed to trust Reis, to help prevent more war. They
wanted to live in freedom and happiness upon their
ancestral grounds; they would agree to allow the
whites and bluecoats to settle on lands not included
in the Laramie Treaty. They wanted to hunt and enjoy their existence close to Mother Earth. They
wanted safety and honor for their families and
homes.

"Mahpialuta, Sinte Galeska, ku-wa," Crazy Horse
greeted Red Cloud and Spotted Tail and invited
them to join his campfire as they awaited the arrival
of others.

"Tashunka Witco," both greeted Crazy Horse in
return, then gave the sign for peace. "Pizi." Red
Cloud nodded at Gall and addressed him in friendship.

At Fort Sully, Brody Sheen and his aide called on
Miranda Lawrence to commence their scheduled
picnic. Although Brody was attempting to be
outwardly charming and genial, Miranda perceived
an intimidating remoteness in him. She wondered
why he was beginning their afternoon so sullenly. A
shiver of alarm ran over her body, and she wished she
could cancel the outing.

As they" mounted their horses, Miranda asked
about the squads which were riding east and north
from Fort Sully. Brody glanced in their directions,
then shrugged noncommittally. He said the men
were heading for a military exercise. She prayed she
was not acting too curious or nervous. She watched
the swallow-tailed cavalry guidon as it waved rapidly
with the flag carrier's movements and dismissed her fears and doubts. If he were suspicious of Reis's
conduct, Brody would not have remained behind.

Brody and Miranda rode to a-serene and lovely spot
near the river. As Brody helped Miranda dismount,
the look in his hazel eyes caused her twinges of
forboding to return. Yet she felt there was nothing
she could do but carry out this charade. Af ter all, they
were not alone. And, she was not helpless. She could
fight like a trained wildcat, and she had the small
derringer from Reis strapped to her thigh.

"We should have invited your sister and her
husband to join us. I noticed they had the same idea
when they rode off this morning," Brody commented
casually as he spread the blanket for sitting.

"They're newlyweds, Major Sheen. I think they
preferred to be alone," she conversed lightly, returning his amiable smile. "Shall we eat?"

Miranda tensed apprehensively when Brody signaled to the aide, who mounted and rode off instead
of serving them. She looked at the man beside her
whose expression was cryptic. "If this is a joke or
trick, sir, I do not find it amusing or pleasing. I shall
leave now," she announced haughtily, sending him a
frown of reproach.

"No, Miranda, you shall not leave," Brody
informed her icily.

"Sir, you are an officer in the United States
Cavalry! This is most distressing and repulsive
behavior," she criticized sharply.

"And you, Miss Miranda Lawrence, are a halfbreed slut," he stated calmly and insultingly. "You're an enemy to whites-you and your heathen
family. I believe the infamous Chief Sun Cloud is
your grandpa. Here I was courting Injun royalty. But
not for long. Before nightfall, your family and those
savage leaders will be dead or captured."

Miranda went ashen beneath her olive complexion. Tremors swept over her body. For a time,
she thought her heart had ceased beating, until it
began to race frantically. Horror filled her as his
words settled into her distraught mind. She decided
to call his bluff first, then physically battle him if she
had to. "Whatever are you saying, Major Sheen?
Surely this is some malicious ruse to spite or frighten
me? I shan't deny my mother was Indian, but that
gives you no right to verbally degrade or harass me. I
am not ashamed of my heritage. Colonel Custer will
be told of your despicable and rude conduct when he
returns. My family shall demand your apology and
punishment. I will listen to no more of this offensive
talk, nor shall I see you again. You, sir, are no
gentleman!"

"And you, ma'am, are no lady," he satanically
sneered, placing his hand upon her chest and
shoving her backward to the blanket.

Miranda alertly and agilely rolled aside, landing
on all fours, then j umping to her feet. "How dare you
touch me, you vile beast!"

As Brody scrambled to his feet, she struggled to
withdraw the tiny pistol. Before she could grip it
properly, Brody slapped her across the wrist and sent
the weapon flying into the bushes. To her rising terror, when she tried to battle him as Ling had
taught her, she discovered Brody knew the same
tactics and movements but was far superior in skill
and strength. And he was not reluctant to physically
battle or beat her!

Miranda tumbled backward and landed roughly
on her seat when he kicked her in the abdomen. This
was the first time a male had returned her attack. But
he had wisely controlled the force of his blow, only
wishing to stun her. Miranda gasped for breath as he
approached her like a stalking beast. When he came
within reach, she tripped him with her leg before he
realized she retained the strength and courage to do
so. His fall sprained his left wrist and enraged him.

As he pushed himself up from the hard ground, he
laughed bitterly and sneered, "So, you like to play
rough, do you?"

When Miranda continued to battle him with every
skill she possessed, his anger mounted to a dangerous
level. She had just enough talent and nimbleness to
keep him at bay for a time, but he inflicted many
bruises. Twice, he struck her across the face, bringing
a darkening bruise to one cheek and a steady flow of
blood from the corner of her mouth. She started to
retreat while panting breathlessly.

For each step she took backward, Brody took two
forward, his eyes glittering with lustful intention. He
savored relating where Custer and his men were
heading after joining forces away from the settlement. He mockingly revealed the fates of Reis and
Amanda but claimed that hers was in his hands. As his arm snaked out to seize her, his gaze never left
hers, watching for any sign of attack or defeat. But all
he saw was the feigned look of terror and vulnerability which Miranda desperately displayed.

She had to escape and warn them. Her booted foot
lifted with such quickness that it landed accurately
and rackingly in his private region before he could
dodge it. Just as instinctively and rapidly, his fist
shot out and made contact with the side of her head
instead of her jaw as she shifted with her movement.
Rather than breaking her jaw or cheekbone, the blow
dazed and staggered her. She fell sideways, injuring
the other temple when it struck a large rock.

Muffled curses and groans filtered into her hazy
mind as she attempted to clear her head and flee. As
she pushed upward to a wobbly sitting position, she
saw Brody in a crouched stance, his face a mask of
grimacing agony and his hands cupping his throbbing groin. She shook her head and blinked her eyes
to regain her senses. It was useless; her vision blurred
as pains and drowsiness assailed her. She crumbled to
the ground, chestnut curls falling over her bloody
face. She was weary and groggy; she could no longer
defend herself.

Brody mastered his pain and started toward her,
drawing his Colt from its holster. Suddenly, a redand-black-tipped arrow sang ominously through the
still air and slammed into Brody's back. He wavered
for a moment, then fell dead near Miranda. She could
not react, but she roused herself slightly. In the tiny
opening between two fiery curls, she could make out two masculine figures heading toward her. Her
confused gaze returned to the arrow whose colors and
markings did not match the identity of either male.
Perhaps she was dreaming. The arrow was her
lover's, but it was her Indian cousin and the fort scout
who were approaching her prone and limp body. She
could not summon the strength to speak or move, but
she listened to their words.

"Why did you shoot the bluecoat with Blazing
Star's arrow? Why did you not let him slay her?"
Bloody Arrow sneered maliciously.

"She is mine. I claim her as reward for helping you
defeat your rivals." As Tom kicked Brody in the ribs,
he scoffed, "I wondered why he didn't ride out with
Custer to attack the parlay. When I gave him your
words about the council meeting, he looked strange.
What real man would choose vengeful rape over a
glorious battle? When they are all dead, Bloody
Arrow, you will rule the Indians and I will rule the
whites as we planned. If you try to trick or slay me, I
will call down more soldiers upon you than I sent to
slay those at the meeting," he threatened malevolently. After today's victory, he would slay Bloody
Arrow in his own time and in his own way.

"You wish to have this half-breed whore as your
woman? I will sell her and her sister to the Apaches as
slaves. No white female can survive such torment.
She must die. After this sun, only Bloody Arrow will
carry the blood of Gray Eagle," the warrior vowed.
"Such matchless blood will flow only in my sons."

"You forget, Bloody Arrow, I also carry two bloods within me. Do not insult the man who helps you earn
your dream. She will be my mate and slave. Do as you
wish with her sister, but Tam aha is mine. You must
go and prepare to call the warriors from all tribes
together to avenge the slaughter of their chiefs," he
suggested coldly.

"In death, they will do more to free and avenge our
many tribes than they did in life and battle. Their
deaths will spark hatred and unity in all tribes. I will
lead the final battle to slay the killers of our chiefs. At
last, the chief's bonnet will be mine. Take her; she is
yours. But do not let her escape you," he warned.

When Bloody Arrow rode away to observe the
results of his careful and daring plans, Tom threw
back his head and laughed heartily. "You are a fool,
Bloody Arrow. Once all white and Indian leaders are
killed, you will join them in death and I will be chief
of all Indian and whites. When you and your family
are slain today, only Miranda will carry the blood of
Gray Eagle and Sun Cloud within her. My sons will
carry the blood of the two great chiefs which flows in
Tamaha's body; she will pass such honor to our
sons." Chilling laughter filled Miranda's humming
ears as she lost consciousness.

Tom gathered Miranda into his arms, his rage
boundless when he saw her injuries. He laid her
down, then scalped the dead soldier. He had told
Sheen that Miranda was not involved in this matter.
The fool should have listenedl He held the bloody
trophy high and issued a Sioux war cry, then tossed it
into the bushes. When this deed was discovered and reported, all evidence would point to the deceased
Blazing Star.

He lifted Miranda in his arms and headed for his
horse. He had previously decided where to conceal
her until this matter was settled. Once her family and
people were all dead, she would turn to him for love
and protection; she would be grateful for his rescue
and solace.

At the council meeting, another drama was
unfolding. Several Oglala scouts had arrived with
dismaying news; bands of soldiers were converging
on the area from three directions. Crazy Horse
retained his self-control and concealed his infuriating suspicions as he ordered the chiefs to disperse
quickly and furtively; he told them soldiers were
scouting the area and the parlay must be cancelled.
He said he would send word when the next meeting
would take place. He scolded himself for having been
fooled by this white foe.

Reis failed to perceive the danger he now faced.
When the others were gone, Crazy Horse and his
small band of warriors lingered to capture the white
dog who had arranged this trap. Crazy Horse turned
to Blazing Star and ordered him to seize Reis and
Amanda, to bind them and bring them to their camp
for questioning and punishment.

Reis was grabbed by several warriors and bound
securely. Initially he was alarmed and bewildered by
their actions, since he could not understand the Sioux tongue. The two small pistols in his suspender
holster beneath his jacket were taken; then the Barns
.50 boot pistol with its lengthy butt and barrel was
yanked from its concealed position.

Amanda screamed in fright as she was bound and
handled roughly. Sun Cloud inwardly doubted their
guilt and asked to take control of his treacherous
granddaughter until this affair was clarified. Reis
wished he had brought Miranda along to translate
for him. When he appealed for mercy and gentleness
for his wife, Blazing Star glared at him coldly and
declared that she would be executed along with him!

The situation was extremely perilous. Reis was
worried about Amanda, who had fainted in shock.
He tried to convince the Indian chiefs that he had not
betrayed them, that he knew nothing of the cavalry's
plans. He protested against their harsh treatment,
arguing that he would not have brought his beloved
wife along if this was a trap, reminding them of her
Indian heritage. Reis beseeched Sun Cloud to take
their side, to protect Amanda; but the old man hung
his head in renewed shame and refused. As a last
resort, Reis entreated them to wait until they
discovered the truth before harming his wife. Clearly,
they did not believe him.

Blazing Star took control of the female prisoner,
wondering if his beloved Tamaha knew of their
treachery and had been unable to warn them. Either
way, the Oglalas would never accept her into their
village and hearts after this betrayal. As surely as Wi
arose each morning, these two would die for their evil. But as they rode for camp with Reis and Amanda
as prisoners, Blazing Star prayed that Miranda was
not involved and prayed that she would not risk
showing her face in his camp to defend her family.
She had encouraged this situation; she had brought
the white dog to camp. She would be slain on sight!