Gold Raven (52 page)

That moment she knew there was no running, she would accept what was to come, and braced herself
, viewing everything through a dreamlike veil. While she knew where she was, she could not believe what was happening and that she was allowing it. Standing among people who were alien to her, she was doing what was required to marry their chief.

With a haze around her, she vaguely heard the chants of Cobenche; she barely felt the stinging quick slice of pain to the heel of her left hand, almost to the spot where Red Crow had placed the cut so many years before, when she was but a child who trusted him.

Dimly aware, she felt her left hand firmly bound with a white sash, to his right hand; their fingers intertwined so that their blood could flow and mix. Right before her eyes, things seemed to change. He was no longer a man, but a boy. She was a little girl.

She could see him dancing and singing around her, as she joined him copying his words, his moves; she had flowers in her hair. She gasped as the fleeting recollections came to her, her eyes shot up to his. Staring as she was at Red Crow, she did not see Cobenche move away, replaced by a smiling missionary. Realizing the change, she stared at him blankly. His words seemed mumbled and uncertain, with Red Crow responding. Turning to her, more was said, then a request for her to respond too. Red Crow lowered and whispered in her ear. “Say…I do.” She looked up at him confused, not knowing what was going on. “Say…I do.” He instructed her again. Looking back at the missionary, she obediently whispered, “I do.” Next was the direction to repeat after me. Red Crow did, and on her turn, she did, word for word.

Unexpectedly, she was turned and pressed against his chest, as he said to her for all to hear. “You are mine now. My wife before the Gods of my father;, my wife before the God of my mother. To all – know this! Gold Raven – is – my wife …and my wife… she shall always be.” He swore, looking directly into her eyes.

Startled by his booming declaration, she could only stare without comment. Just as shocking was his mouth landing possessively against hers, kissing her with intensity that left no doubt to those who watched, that she was indeed … his. Feeling secure and smiling, Red Crow turned to his bride as his mother approached. Josey softly nudged her son to get his attention. “Cherish her. Do not forget who she is, handle Amber Swann’s daughter with care.” She whispered for his ears only.

“
I’m in love with her. There is no other way that I would.” He assured her. Josey felt better turning to Hope. “You’ll be fine, go…time for you and your husband.” Following a hug and kiss, she turned from them, freeing them to leave.

Red Crow led his wife to the waiting Stallion, where he lifted her to its back, then leap
t up behind her, reaching around her for the reigns. Flicking them, he led the stallion back through throng of those cheering him in meeting his destiny. Hope found herself hiding her face against his chest as different ones patted his legs on either side with knowing looks of what they were off to do. That knowledge made Hope blush deeply as a shiver ran down her spine. “You tremble in my arms. Is it the coolness of the night, or the effect I have on you?” He asked flirtatiously. Resenting that he could dare flirt with her at a time like this, she responded tartly, “Both! The latter, not for the reason you think.” Red Crow chuckled, “Ah…there you are. I knew the little wildcat had not retreated too far within.”

“
I have no idea of what you speak, I was never afraid of you!” She lied, valiantly fighting to hide the fact that she was indeed very much afraid.

“
I am glad to hear it. I would not have you any other way. At first I was afraid that I would have to go slowly, gently, carefully – that you might be in truth, fragile and timid but since that is not so…there is no reason why I cannot have you this night. Remember what I promised… hmm? When I saw you upon this horse, waiting to become my wife – the sight of you took my breath away. Now, you are mine…I will never let you go, not ever!” A chill raced down her spine, to hear him say those words in such a gruff, possessive manner. His hand rested on her side, holding her firmly against him as the other held the reigns. She could feel the heat of him through her clothes. His breath was against the top side of her head, his lips almost brushing her skin making her heart lurch.

“
Red Crow!” His name burst from her lips in a panic. She could not think of why she called it out or what to say next, she just had to slow him down a bit. It was one thing to lay and pretend, pretty secure in the knowledge that nothing would happen, but this was something else entirely. He had every intention on taking things all way and curiosity was no longer making her brave…in fact, her curiosity had fully deserted.

“
Something wrong?” He asked softly.

“
Um, no.” Thinking fast, she continued. “I was just wondering where we’re going and how far?”

“
No worries, we will get there soon enough, no need to hurry.” He teased huskily, knowing full well, that hurrying was the last thing on her mind. “Unless that is, you wish for me to hurry…I can you know?”

“
No! This is – fine…just as we are…no hurry.”

“
You sure…” He let his words hang there, biting his lip not to laugh out at her. “Of course I’m sure…why would I wish to hurry?!” She snapped irritated by his having fun at her expense.

“
Just checking to be certain, I have every intention of pleasing you in everyway that I possible can. So – I can go slow…or…I can hurry. Of cours
e, left up to me, I’d much rather go slow. I would hold onto this night forever if I could.” He said softly, the last part so sincere it touched her, making her wonder something that she asked outright.

“
Why did you wait for me? I mean…really, surely there were many others who longed to be your wife, why me?”

“
Because from the first day that I laid eyes on you, without your cover on I knew you had to be mine. Earlier that first day, I also noticed that even though you were young; you were brave, daring, bold, and mischievous…I was impressed. Besides that, you were funny as well, then I saw you fresh and clean from your bath…and all questions I had long asked were answered, now, here you are.”

“
Why Gold Raven?” She asked, relaxed against him. He went on to explain more about himself, and the story of the ravens when hunting with his father. How they had symbolized them and how he had searched for the gold raven, until he had seen her and knew…that it was to be her. Filling her in on other details, he finally finished with a kiss to her forehead. “You smell wonderful.” He complimented.

“
I should, it’s a miracle that I have skin left to hold a scent, I’ve never been scrubbed so in my life. They skinned me, stripped me, steamed me, baked me, and then froze me with icy water…I wanted to strangle them all!”

“
Do not fret…I shall make you forget the sore and tender places on your skin. I promise, when needing a bath, I shall be the one who gives it, -(Hope’s eyes bucked, ‘Uh oh!’ she thought)- I promise you that my touch will be gentle.” He lightly stroked her arm for emphasis.

“
I can’t wait to make love to you, that is all we will do, make love.”

“
Red Crow, please!” She squeaked, embarrassed by such talk.

“
My every intention is to please. Taste, savor until we are both – pleased.”

With her face burning, she gasped, “Must you say such things? Why – it is obvious you are nothing more than a beast! A heathenish beast at that!”

Red Crow grinned down at her, answering, “Em hm, and I’m all yours now.”

“
Well, I’m not so sure I want you now! The least you could do is to show some respect! Some manners, I’m a woman after all – and – your wife!”

“
Well, actually…not until we have um…consummated.”

“
Consummated? What exactly does that mean?” She asked, leaning back against him once again despite her telling him off.

“
Hmm, and I must explain while being a gentleman…let me see? This is where you become my wife…in the truest sense.”

“
I see. Well, I suggest you mind your manners, or else…no consummated for you tonight.” She dared.

He chuckled in her ear, pulling on the reigns. Suddenly the horse came to a standstill and Hope sat up and away from his chest looking around. In the shadows, she could just make out a wigwam which was built from shaved branches used for poles, held together by strong leather thongs and grass ropes covered with hides, matting and grass weave. She sensed that, there would be the place they would spend their time alone. In no time at all, her fear returned. Bringing with it shivering tremors she could not control. Red Crow noticed, thinking her cold, but suspecting also that she was in fact afraid. Gently, softly he spoke to her, “The night has grown cool; once inside, you will quickly warm. Do not fear me Gold Raven, despite my words; I have nothing but love and gladness for you; for us. I would never hurt you; never shame you; you are my wife, above all things – I will cherish you always. No man shall ever bring you harm, including myself.” He reassured her. Taking her chin gently, he lowered his mouth to hers offering a tender kiss. It was a chore to tear his mouth away, but he wanted to get her inside. Hope shyly bowed her head as he dismounted; reaching up for her, he then placed her on the ground beside him. Removing the clean white blanket from the horses back, he placed it around her shoulders. “This will keep you warm.” He said, closing it over her breasts. Hope grabbed both ends, holding it in place before her, pulling it tightly.

“
Hey.”

She looked up slowly.

“
Do not be afraid of me.” He offered sincerely.

Her smile was weak at best. He caressed her cheek with love and admiration. “Be right back.” He whispered.

Hope nodded as he walked away to tether the horse in the crop of trees where a lean to was erected for its shelter. All was quiet, except for a few night sounds and the babbling brook where water made soft, trickling sounds against rocks and the bank. She noticed that trees surrounded them, the clearing that enclosed them was just big enough for the wigwam, which was conveniently close to the stream. The spot was serene and perfect for the newlyweds. She looked up and saw a clear sky with stars in full view…the moon shining brightly. With timing just right, she heard the flapping of wings, then a hoot owl sounding out as if announcing to the night, his watch. All was right around her, yet, she closed her eyes in an effort to harness her runaway nerves. Thinking,
‘Tell him you’re afraid Hope. Tell him! Don’t be stupid. He said he wouldn’t hurt you…let him know you’re not ready!’

“
Come, let us go inside …I will stir the fire
.”

“
I – I – I can’t, please…I can’t.” She stammered ashamed of her fear.

He only smiled at her, knowingly; he caressed her cheek once again. “So you are afraid. Come, I would never force you to do anything, you do not wish. Let us go inside, you will be comfortable once warmed up and relaxed…I have seen to all of our needs.”

He figured it was best not to touch her right then, but led the way to the entry of their dwelling, leaning low, he opened the flap covering, serving as their door, looking back at her waiting for her to enter. Hope stared inside at the orange glow that permeated the dwelling and then looked at Red Crow. His lips worded softly, “I promise.” Before she lost her nerve, she ducked inside. She was surprised to see how spacious it was on the inside, there was room for her to stand straight once away from the entry and large enough to seat up to twenty people, if not more, comfortably around the fire. She also found it warm, fresh and fragrant; pine and delicate floral scents intoxicated her senses…breathing deeply aided her into relaxing. Opening her eyes from enjoying the aroma, she stood observing her surroundings. Two rush mats placed together, were piled high with a variation of furs. Mink, rabbit, chinchilla and fisher…she imagined it to be a wonderfully soft bed that she would be eager to nestle into if it were not for his overwhelming presence. He was there; inside…standing beside her…her heart started its maddening palpitations again. The butterflies in her stomach were making her queasy. Even though there were many other things within the dwelling, such as arrows, spears, piled branches and sticks, cooking utensils and bowls…all she saw was that bed, suddenly her stomach hurt.

Then his hands carefully came to her shoulders, slowly pulling the fur blanket away, tossing it onto their bed. “You need a moment to calm and get out of your gown. There beyond our bed, is something more comfortable for you to wear…mother’s gift to you. I’m certain you will like it. I must see to Wenoebeg – I only secured him, but I’m thinking – he needs a good rub down.” He placed a kiss to her temple and was gone with the swish of the flap. She stood a moment more after he had left; reaching up, she removed her headdress and the few pins that held it in place. Holding it against her, looking around again; she finally walked to the bed and sat in its center. It did not move and she realized their bedding was piled inside a shallow frame. She lifted a fur pelt to see the wood surrounding it. It was incredibly comfortable.

However, no matter how comfortable, she could not undress and relax…there was just no way.

Chapter Twenty-One

"Emmm." Hope moaned.
'So soft, so nice.'
She thought dreamily, luxuriating in the cozy fur against her naked skin. Turning onto her back, she moaned again and snuggled deeper into the pelts. She turned her head aside with her elbows high above it, one hand against her cheek as she stretched feeling wonderful, so relaxed and dreamy. She yawned and licked her lips with a soft smacking, then gave out a contented sigh. Something in her head must have alerted her that what she was feeling, the way she was feeling it, shouldn’t be. Suddenly her eyes flew open. She did not dare move; she was staring at the wall of something, not a white wall, but the inner framing of a wigwam. Slowly her head turned and as it did so, she noticed to her horror, that she was naked, inside the wigwam, with not a stitch of anything covering her. She swallowed deeply as panic took root. Her head of its own initiative turned slightly more to the right.

Her heart began that slamming again. There…right there, lying beside her, equally naked, was Red Crow. Lying on his side, his head propped up in the palm of his hand, leaning there watching her, calmly. He had come in to find her slumped awkwardly, fast asleep. So he had removed the headdress carefully from her clutches and then removed her clothing, arranging her comfortably. Standing away, he had then removed his own. Most of the night had been spent, with him watching her sleep, until he too dozed off. As if a subconscious thought woke him, he leaned up after a yawn, taking up where he had left off, watching her sleep.