Lakota Flower (24 page)

Chumani leaned forward, placed her warm hands over Caroline’s cold ones that gripped her knees tightly, and smiled to encourage and relax the tense female. “The first step of a hard journey is the worst, but take it, my friend. I will help you travel and finish it, as you have helped me live to make my life’s walk on Mother Earth.”

“Do you trust me, Dewdrops?”

“I do not understand your meaning, Caroline.”

“Will you believe me if I swear to you that evil—
sica, wastesni
—is living and plotting in your camp and threatens the lives of my good friends here?”

“What evil sprit attacks our camp? How does it do so, Caroline?”

“In the bodies of Two Feathers and Wastemna.”

Chumani straightened and stared at Caroline. “What do you say?”

Caroline related how she had overhead a shocking talk last night in the forest and what was said between those two people. She saw Chumani’s gaze first widen in astonishment, then narrow in anger.

“I swear upon my life and honor I speak the truth,” Caroline said. “I did not misunderstand their words and meanings. I feared no one would believe such a terrible story from a white captive about a great warrior, one who is a member of the chief’s family, and a man I fear and dislike and who scorns me. I feared I would be punished and slain or sent away to another band who might mistreat me. Even if that happens, I could not allow them to harm you and Cloud Chaser and cause your loved ones and people to suffer from your losses.” She revealed her temptation to leave Cloud Chaser a warning message and escape, but told why she could not handle the perilous plot in that manner.

Caroline was glad when Chumani remained quiet and attentive so she could finish her difficult task and had not accused her of lying or of being mistaken. “I came to you,
Dewdrops, because I think you are the best one who might believe me and you can find a way to thwart them. I hoped we could set a trap for him to prove to all Red Shields I speak the truth: I thought I could lure him into the forest, tell him I overheard his talk with Wastemna, and ask him to let me be the one to slay Cloud Chaser in trade for my freedom while Wind Dancer and others hid and listened. But I realized Two Feathers would not believe me, for he knows we are friends. He would suspect I was tricking him and would reveal nothing. I do not know how I can prove I speak the truth, but I do, I swear it.”

“I believe you, Caroline.” Chumani saw and heard her sigh in relief, then smile in joy. “You are a good friend, a brave woman, to take such a great risk with your life. You did the same when you saved me and my child and helped War Eagle defeat a foe and tended Red Feather’s cut. You have done many good deeds among us. You have not viewed or treated us as the ‘savages’ and ‘hostiles’ most whites believe us to be. Surely the Great Spirit sent you to us and He works His will through you. Remain here with Inunpa and guard her while I go to bring my husband, our chief, and the shaman to talk. Zitkala will keep Tokapa while we do so. We will plan our action before we speak with Dawn. Did you tell her of this evil?”

“No. I did not want to frighten her too soon.”

“That is good. We must be careful our enemies do not learn we know of their evil before we entrap them. I will return soon.” Chumani started to rise to leave, then sank back on her folded legs. “There is one thing you should not reveal to others, Two Feathers’ words about you and War Eagle. Tell them Two Feathers’ plots to destroy my husband and his youngest brother so he can become chief, but do not say how he planned to do so. It does not matter about Cloud Chaser, for all know the truth of his birth.”

“Are you saying I should lie to Wind Dancer and the others?”

“No, just hold back that tiny part about War Eagle’s secret feelings for you, for it could cause him trouble if it is true and is revealed too soon. I will tell my husband later when we are alone, but our chief and shaman do not need to know that secret at this time, for I do not want them to view you as a threat to War Eagle’s honor and rank. It is enough to say Two Feathers plots to destroy all three sons so he can become the next chief.”

“Would it dishonor War Eagle if he … wanted me as his woman?”

“I do not know, for I cannot see into the future. I will return soon.”

Caroline watched Chumani make a hasty departure and wondered if the “secret” disturbed her and the woman was escaping any discussion of it. Or perhaps Chumani was only distracted by her own worries or wanted to handle the grave matter fast. Surely they would discuss it at another time.

She moved to Chumani’s sitting mat after the woman departed and gazed at the sleeping infant. She reached out a hand, and lightly stroked a chubby cheek with the pad of her forefinger so as not to awaken Inunpa. Caroline was pervaded with elation and pride and she smiled as she watched the small miracle she had delivered.
You will not lose your mother, little one. She will be safe from their threat, as will your uncle. Perhaps one day I will have a daughter or a son or both. Perhaps he or she will have dark eyes and hair like yours if I can win the man I love.

Caroline closed her eyes and prayed.
If You truly sent me here to live and to do good things, Great Spirit, allow me to become as a Red Shield and make me worthy of becoming War Eagle’s wife without it dishonoring him. Bring peace to this territory. Guide and protect each of us.

Caroline looked up when Chumani returned, alone… Where, she worried, were the three men? Had she been distrusted and deluded by her friend? No, that could not be
true! Had the men disbelieved Chumani’s allegations and refused to come and speak with a lowly slave? Were they deciding on her punishment at that very minute? Would it be—

Chumani joined Caroline and whispered, “The others will come soon, one by one, so our people will not think it strange and wonder why they rush here to meet. Two Feathers has gone hunting and Wastemna is in the forest gathering wood, so they will not see them come.”

Caroline murmured in awe, “They believed you, believed me?”

“Yes, but it was hard for them to accept. I only told them Two Feathers and Wastemna are plotting evil and I must expose them.”

“What will happen to Wastemna and Two Feathers?”

Chumani admitted, “I do not know. It is hard for us to slay a band member as punishment, and we do not have a wooden tepee to hold evil ones captive as the whites and soldiers do.”

“But if they are only banished, the could sneak back one night and try to slay you and Cloud Chaser or others for revenge.”

“That is true, but their fates must be left in the Creator’s hands. He—” Chumani halted her explanation as Wind Dancer arrived and gazed back and forth between them. “Come, my husband, sit with us.”

Wind Dancer took a place beside his wife and said in Lakota, “We will not speak of the trouble until Father and Grandfather come to meet with us. Such evil does not need to fill your mouth many times.”

Chumani translated his words for Caroline to make certain she understood his request, and her friend nodded.

Caroline focused her attention on the baby so she would not have to look at the powerful warrior who was seated in front of her and was studying her intently. In many ways, War Eagle favored his older brother, but he had scant resemblance to Cloud Chaser, who probably took part of his looks
from his white ancestors. Yet, all three males were handsome, tall, and strong. From what she had observed and learned of their past exploits and characters, any one of them would make an excellent Red Shield chief. All three were brave, perhaps utterly fearless to a certain degree, cunning, intelligent, and skilled in hunting and warfare. They were loved, obeyed, and esteemed by their people, except for the two evildoers. They were fiercely loyal to their families, people, customs, and lands. They were men of great honor who practiced their beliefs daily and lived by their Four Virtues. How could she not admire and befriend such men of quality and high rank? How could she not love and desire War Eagle? It was impossible. It was—

Caroline halted her musings as the chief arrived to join them and Rising Bear took a seat beside his eldest son. As she watched him enter and take his place, she gave him a rapid scrutiny. His strength, agility, and near-regal bearing disguised his fifty years of age. His long dark hair exposed only a meager amount of silver or white near his temples. The top and sides of his black hair were drawn back and secured behind his head with a leather thong, an eagle feather dangling from the lock. His features were prominent, but not unappealing. He was a nice-looking man, but not handsome like his three sons. He was clad in a deerskin vest, leggings, breechclout, a tie belt with a knife sheath, and well-made moccasins. He wore no chief’s bonnet or eagle-bone breastplate in camp. but there was a leather medallion with symbols painted upon it suspended around his neck.

Caroline realized that Rising Bear was studying her, while Wind Dancer’s attention was focused on his wife and daughter. She presumed the younger warrior was angered by his cousin’s threat to his family. Although he had his emotions under control, there was a chilling gleam in his eye and a slight tautness to his jawline that suggested he was riled by the insidious scheme. As for the chief, his expression and
gaze told her nothing, as both were stoic, probably from years of practice to dupe enemies or mislead troublemakers. Yet, a man of his rank and with such a strong sense of loyalty to his family, surely Rising Bear was inflamed by the treachery and hatred of his nephew.

Nahemana came forward to join them. He was different from the chief and his grandson. He gave off an aura of reverence, inspiring veneration, and evoking awe. He was wise and serene and gentle, but had great strength of character and purpose. It did not seem as if the kind shaman ever had possessed a warrior’s spirit or even could, as he was the guardian of their emotional and physical well-being. He was a man of honor and peace, a teacher, a healer, a ceremonial leader, and intercessor to their Creator. The sage had convinced her he had inexplicable mystical powers, so—if he sensed her feelings for War Eagle, and his for her—what did Nahemana think and feel about such a possibly forbidden relationship? She pushed those ponderings aside as everyone appeared ready to take on the problem at hand.

Caroline sat still and quiet as the men listened while Chumani spoke. When questions were asked afterward, Chumani either answered them from what she had told her friend earlier or queried Caroline in English for clarity, then passed along her responses. She noticed how the men kept glancing at her while Chumani was speaking to them or querying her about certain points, as if to make sure they understood her correctly and/or to assess her honesty.

Then, Caroline heard Wind Dancer say he wanted to question her grasp of their language to be reassured she was not mistaken. She tensed, and prayed she could pass his test of her knowledge and skills. What if he asked only things she didn’t know? What would happen to her and her endangered friends if she failed his challenge? Would they believe it was easier to understand another language when one heard
it spoken than it was to speak it? Or that one could catch words here and there and grasp the gist of a talk?

Since so much depended on her success, she listened carefully to his first question, which was about how she had learned their language, and was told to respond in Lakota…

“Yutokeca Mahpiya he oiekicaton ta unspemakiye.”
Caroline replied that Cloud Chaser had taught her his language.

“How do you say
to kill
in Lakota?”

Caroline repeated his query, not just those two words,
“Kte toske Lakotiya eyapi he?”

Wind Dancer realized she had used
he,
the female ending to a question and not the male’s
hwo. “Tuktelyati hwo?”

“I live in Cloud Chaser’s tepee,” she told him in English.

“Nituktetanhan hwo?
Speak Lakota,” he instructed in a gentle tone.

In response to his “Where do you come from?” Caroline told him, “Paha Sapa
itehanyan,”
to relate
far away from Black Hills.

“Taku eniciyapi hwo?
Speak English this time.”

“My name is Caroline Sims.”

“Tanyan ecanun yelo.”

After he told Caroline, “You did well,” relief and joy surged through her and she thanked him.
“Pilamaya.”
She comprehended when he told the others she must have overheard those
“wicoie sica”
—
bad words
—correctly, for she spoke good
Lakota. Caroline realized the smiling Chumani already knew she had passed that test and was pleased. Since Rising Bear and Nahemana did not speak English, they had not known she was victorious until Wind Dancer told them. Both leaders looked at her and nodded, which she took as gratitude for her discovery and praise for her skills. Afterward, she saw the men exchange many glances as if they were communicating without words as the gravity of the matter settled in on them and/or they were seeking to learn how that insidious news was affecting the others. She grasped most of their words as they discussed the conspiracy and the two people involved in it and how they planned to deal with all three…

Later in Cloud Chaser’s tepee, Chumani related the grave scheme and how it would be handled to Macha, whose wide gaze kept traveling back and forth between Chumani and Caroline. Afterward, all three were silent for a time as Macha absorbed the shocking news. As she did so, it was apparent to the other two women that she did not doubt their honesty.

Macha said in her language, “It is good the Great Spirit sent you to us, Caroline, for you save lives in many ways. I could not bear to lose my beloved husband and our son. It is good the Great Spirit sent you into the forest, that He guides you along a path of true friendship and help to us. I would never become Two Feathers’ mate for any reason. His hunger for me is wicked. He wants to steal me from Cloud Chaser out of hatred and jealousy toward my husband. I thank you, my friend.”

Caroline nodded her gratitude and replied in Lakota, “I did not want to tell you such bad things on the past moon and bring much fear to your heart. I needed time to think of how to speak such words. I hear and grasp more Lakota than I can speak. I went to Dewdrops, for she speaks my tongue, and such talk was hard and long. I prayed she would believe
me, to save her life and your husband’s. Forgive me for hiding their threat from you on the past moon.”

Macha smiled and told Caroline she believed her just as she and Cloud Chaser believed Two Feathers had killed his wife, Sisoka, last year and tried to blame her death on an enemy. They had surmised Sisoka had discovered her husband’s evil and was going to expose him, so she was slain to prevent it.

Macha concluded that Two Feathers had hidden his evil behind a faked truce with Cloud Chaser until he thought it was safe to bring it forth again to obtain his goals, and Wastemna’s return had given him what he must view as the perfect opportunity to go after them. They had known Two Feathers craved her as his wife and hated Cloud Chaser, but could not guess what evoked his hostility toward her husband. Now, the truth was revealed, thanks to the brave and kind Caroline.

“I saw Two Feathers return from hunting as we entered your tepee. Soon, they will summon us to gather and he will be entrapped there.”

After those words left Chumani’s lips, all three heard a loud voice as Blue Owl walked through the camp and shouted,
“Omniciye ekta u wo!”

Caroline had heard those words before: “Come to the meeting.” She looked at Chumani, then at Macha, then back at Chumani. Her adversary and his accomplice were certain to deny the perilous accusations against them. Perhaps other Red Shields might not accept a white captive’s claims and she would be caught in the middle—the instigator of a grievous split between band members.

“Winyeya nanka he?”
Chumani asked if they were ready to go.

“Han, winyeya,”
they replied simultaneously. Then Macha and Caroline looked at each other and smiled in amusement.

After Casmu and Inunpa were placed on their mothers’ backs in their cradle-boards, the three women joined the crowd outside.

It did not take long for Two Feathers to sight Caroline amidst the gathering and to narrow his gaze in anger. He almost shoved his way past many people to reach her. He glared at her and demanded she leave the meeting. “You are a slave, a captive; you do not belong here. Go, white dog, and do our tasks before you are punished for such an offense.”

Nahemana had seen Two Feathers’ reaction and surmised his intention. The shaman placed a gnarled hand on the young warrior’s arm and said, “Speak no more bad words in a bad voice, Two Feathers. I say she can remain here. She is a friend to us.”

Caroline was relieved by Nahemana’s hasty and gentle defense of her, but she cringed at the blatant enmity in Two Feathers’ gaze and tone. She was astonished when he defied the shaman.

“She is one of the enemy. She is only a captive. She is not a friend. She speaks and acts false to trick us, to stay safe among us. Send her away.”

Nahemana noticed how Two Feathers jerked his arm from his light grasp and glared at him while protesting his decision. “Why do you challenge my words, flinch from my touch, and speak bad to your shaman, son of Runs Fast and Pretty Meadow? Why do you hate and fear a harmless white woman who has done much good for our people? What evil spirit dwells within you and provokes you to such wickedness?”

Caroline saw Two Feathers glance around and see that all eyes were on him, including the stunned gazes of his parents and closest friends. She surmised he perceived his slip in behavior and tried to amend the damage when he apologized—falsely and cunningly, she presumed—to the shaman.

“I am sorry, Wise One. I speak and act bad. I do not agree with your words and feelings about the captive, but I will obey your command.”

Before the warrior could retrace his path, Nahemana halted him. “Do not go, Two Feathers, for we have gathered here to speak with you.”

“What words do you have to share with me, Wise One?”

“Why do you seek to take the lives of Cloud Chaser and Dewdrops?”

Caroline saw the warrior’s gaze widen in surprise as he was taken off guard by that unexpected and fast-spoken query. Wastemna was urged forward by Wind Dancer’s grip on her forearm. Caroline saw her shake her head ever so slightly, as if sending her partner a signal she had not betrayed him. Two Feathers seemed to grasp her sly message and relax before he attempted a bold bluff.

“What is the meaning of your words, Wise One? For they are untrue. I do not draw my knife against members of my family. If I did such evil, the Great Spirit would expose me and slay me.”

As the astonished and confused Red Shields edged closer and closer to hear and see better, Nahemana disclosed “One among us overhead your evil plans to slay them.” Then, he repeated the sinister talk that had taken place between Two Feathers and Wastemna last night. “You have plotted such evil, Two Feathers, and the Great Spirit found a way to stop you.”

“It is not true! He speaks false!” Wastemna shouted. “I am no threat to them. I will bite the knife and swear those words.”

Caroline had been told of the custom to prove one’s honesty by saying the words or deed in question while holding a knife between one’s teeth. If the knife was dropped or it cut that person, it was a sign of lying. No doubt, she supposed, Wastemna had practiced that action countless times in the event such a hazard as this one occurred.

“We did not talk of slaying others. We met in the forest to speak of a joining between us. I did not want to ask
Wastemna to become my mate before others if she would reject me. Who speaks false against us? I will fight him for truth. I challenge him to a death battle; that is my right.”

Caroline froze in trepidation. No one had told her—warned her—about that custom. There was no way she could defeat such a skilled and strong and large warrior in a competition to the
death.

Nahemana refuted, “It is your right if the Great Spirit’s helper is Red Shield. She is not, so you cannot challenge her to the
kicizapi wiconte.”

Caroline watched Two Feathers stare at the shaman in confusion for a few moments; then, his narrowed and chilled gaze settled on her as he apparently guessed the truth. She forced herself to lock gazes with him, though his was potent and intimidating. She feared that to look away and refuse to face the accused would imply weakness and deceit on her part. She saw gleams of what she assumed were arrogance and satisfaction in his eyes and he almost grinned—no, sneered—at her. It was as if his invidious gaze said,
So, it is you, white dog; you are no match for me; you are a dead woman.

She prayed for the strength and wits to thwart him. He was the first to look away as he turned to address the shaman and his people.

“The white captive speaks false. She hates me and wants to see me slain or exiled, as does Cloud Chaser. My cousin told her to do this wicked task while he was gone; he told her of Wastemna’s past troubles here. I say the white enemy must be beaten and slain for her false tongue.”

As he glared at the insolent man, Wind Dancer argued in a sarcastic tone, “How could my brother evoke such mischief when he did not know of Wastemna’s return before he left camp to help save our people? Caroline did not know of Wastemna’s existence until you brought her to our camp. I tested Caroline’s skills with our language before Father and Grandfather, and she grasps it well. I believe Caroline heard
you and Buffalo Hump’s daughter plotting against my wife and my brother. Caroline would not know such things if she did not hear them from your mouths. I say it is Two Feathers and Wastemna who lie and must be punished.”

“I challenge you to prove I speak false in the ring of fire.”

Wind Dancer told him, “You do not deserve that honor and right. You must die. What say you, my people?”

“It can not be true!” Runs Fast shouted before a vote could be taken. “You can not slay my first son before giving him a chance to prove himself; this is our way, our law, our custom.”

Nahemana said, “He has betrayed all of them and us, Runs Fast. He is unworthy to be a Red Shield and to breathe the air of the Great Spirit.”

“Banish him, but do not slay him,” Pretty Meadow begged her brother.

Rising Bear said, “If we did so, sister, he would sneak back to camp for revenge. He must die. What say you, my people?”

Caroline observed as the other men agreed with their chief, all except the man’s father, who tried one final time to obtain mercy. Runs Fast glared at her as he spoke to the somber gathering of his people.

“The white captive lies. You must not slay him. He is the grandson of Ghost Warrior. He is a Sacred Bow Carrier. She lies; slay her.”

Nahemana told the distraught and riled father, “Your first son has dishonored that rank and brought shame to his bloodline. He is unworthy—”

Caroline was almost knocked down as Two Feathers shoved her aside, raced toward his horse, and leapt on its back. He galloped away while the stunned crowd’s gazes followed his swift and desperate movements.

“He proves his guilt by showing fear and trying to escape. I will go after him, Father, for he must be punished,” the future chief announced.

“No!” Runs Fast shouted. He seized Wind Dancer’s arm to halt his pursuit. “I will go after my son and speak with him. I will learn why he flees our camp and does not defend himself against such false words, for he is not evil. We will return soon to tell all the truth.”

Nahemana shook his head and reasoned, “No, Runs Fast, for your father’s heart and pride cloud your eyes and mind to his wickedness. They would not allow you to force him to return to face his punishment.”

“Why must you slay him? Why can he not be banished?”

Before Rising Bear could respond to the distressed father, Red Wolf urged his way forward and entreated, “Let me go after him, my friends and allies, and do that task for you so his blood will not be on family hands. This is why the Great Spirit guided me to your camp at this dark time.”

Rising Bear nodded permission as he took a deep breath of gratitude, and Red Wolf hurried to mount his horse and pursue the fleeing man.

Caroline glanced at Hanmani, whose expression suggested fear for the Cheyenne warrior’s survival, as it was well known that Two Feathers was a skilled fighter. Too, a desperate man was unpredictable and dangerous. In a split second, Caroline’s mind told her she was glad War Eagle was not there to go after her enemy.

While everyone was distracted, Wastemna seized a knife from the sheath of Runs Fast and plunged it into her own chest with great force, screaming as she did so. The startled crowd parted as the wild woman collapsed to the ground, bleeding and writhing in pain.

“For-give me, Cre-ator… Two … Feathers … blinded me … to what … is … good … Sum-mon … my spirit … to Your … side … and … pro-tect … it … from … harm.”

Wind Dancer knelt beside her and asked in a rush, “Did Caroline speak the truth about my cousin’s evil plans? If you lie or do not answer me and cleanse your soul, the Creator
will reject you and your spirit will roam forever, alone and in darkness. Did Caroline speak the truth?”

“Yes. For-give me … my … love. I … wanted … to be … your—”

All observed in astonishment—many in relief—as Wastemna drew her final breath on earth, trying to reach out and touch Wind Dancer’s face. Many dark eyes settled on the white female’s pale face and somber blue gaze as they realized she had saved the life of Cloud Chaser—son of their chief and doer of many large and glorious deeds last summer—and once again the life of Chumani, wife of their next chief and the Vision-Quest Woman of four years ago. Many murmurs of approval and praise for Caroline’s bravery and generosity were heard, as well as countless words of gratitude, especially by Rising Bear and his family.