Wind Warrior (Historical Romance) (13 page)

He gave her a smile that went through her like a strong wind.

“Think nothing of it,” he replied, his gaze locked with hers. Then he said in a teasing tone. “It strikes me that you are always in some kind of trouble.”

Rain Song nodded. “That does seem to be my nature. And it seems to be your nature to save me from the trouble I get myself into.”

Wind Warrior gave her a look she did not understand. “It is no more than I would have done for any Blackfoot maiden who suffered my brother’s torment.”

Blackfoot maiden?

Yes, that was the way Rain Song was beginning to think of herself. For so long she had fought against being absorbed into the tribe, but she no longer belonged to the white world. She thought of Tall Woman—not even Aunt Cora had been more of a mother to her than her Blackfoot mother.

As she stared into Wind Warrior’s eyes, she felt as if a flame had torched her heart. He stirred emotions in her that she had never felt before, but they were strong and consuming.

Those she loved and cherished most were Blackfoot, and so was she in spirit.

Two Years Later, Blackfoot Rendezvous

A feeling of festivity was in the air as the Blood Blackfoot welcomed their brothers from other Blackfoot tribes: the Piegan and the Siksika had come together for their yearly gathering. It had rained the night before and a continuous muggy breeze swept across the nearby Porcupine Hills.

The sun poked through a smoke-colored sky, promising a fine day for the gathering. The whole area was covered with wild lilies and lupine, and the wind carried the sweet aroma of spring flowers. The Milk River was running full to its banks, and children splashed happily in the shallow parts.

There were even French trappers and fur traders among the people gathered—some who had taken Blackfoot wives.

Tall Woman, with Fire Wolf on her hip, entered the tipi, laughing. “Daughter, you would not believe your eyes if you saw all the maidens fussing among themselves, putting ribbons and beads in their hair. Of course they are all wearing their best gowns, hoping to find a husband at the gathering. And you know how silly they can be when they know Wind Warrior will be attending the games.”

As Tall Woman placed the child on a buffalo robe,
she noticed Rain Song was wearing an older gown with tattered fringe at the bottom. “You do know that he will be arriving at the gathering today?”

Hope blossomed in Rain Song’s heart, only to be dashed a moment later. She was angry with herself for caring. She had seen Wind Warrior from a distance many times in the last two years, but not once had he spoken to her, or even looked in her direction.

“Let the others make fools of themselves. I will not.” She glanced up at her mother and found Tall Woman smiling knowingly. “Is it certain he will come?”

“It is certain, my daughter. He sent word that he wants to speak to your father.” Tall Woman’s smile deepened. “What do you think that is about?”

Although Rain Song gave a shrug of indifference, her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Wind Warrior, who had been away all winter. Chinook rose and padded to Rain Song, nudging her hand. Absently she reached for a chunk of dried meat and gave it to the wolf, which proceeded to curl up beside Fire Wolf.

“There is something else I think you should know.” Tall Woman turned her full attention on her daughter. “Spotted Flower arrived here last night. They say she has been living with a Frenchman since she was driven from our village.”

Rain Song was surprised. “I wonder why she did not return to Fort Benton.”

“I suppose she does not want to go back to that life. I wanted you to know she is here, so you would not be surprised if you see her today.”

“My mother, two people died in the prairie fire. One was a child, the other was an elder’s wife. Why would my father allow her near our people?”

“Broken Lance does not tell the French trappers who can live among them, or who they can bring to the rendezvous.”

Tall Woman poured water in a wooden bowl and placed it down for Chinook to drink. “Put her out of your mind. This is a time of great joy for the young people of the tribe.”

Rain Song returned to the subject that filled her thoughts. “I wonder why Wind Warrior has not chosen a woman to share his life. He could have any maiden he wanted.”

Tall Woman realized her daughter had not understood the significance of Wind Warrior asking to speak to Broken Lance. “Who can say what is in his thoughts? I suppose he must be sad since his father died this winter. He is all alone but for Dull Knife, who is worse than having no brother at all.”

“Did you know his mother?”

“Yes. She was sister to my mother, and a very worthy woman. The women in my family are very strong-willed. I suspect she taught Wind Warrior much of what he believes today. Dull Knife, being the elder son, fell under his father’s teachings. We know how that turned out.”

Rain Song returned to her task of grinding camas bulbs, which were to be used to sweeten the flat cakes that would be served later in the day. “A warrior should choose a wife.”

“Daughter, you have worked enough,” Tall Woman said, removing the wooden grinder from her hand.
“Take your little brother with you and join the others of your age.”

“I would rather—”

Tall Woman’s hands went to her hips. “The games are meant to be enjoyed, and you must see them. But first you should change your gown.”

“I refuse to make a fuss over what I wear today,” Rain Song said, smoothing her hair. “There is nothing wrong with this gown.”

“It has no beads and some of the fringe has fallen off. Do you not want to look your best?”

Unenthusiastically Rain Song explained, “No one will notice or care what I wear.” She took Fire Wolf’s hand, but then paused at the tipi opening. “I have heard there will be many couples united at the gathering. Do you suppose he has come here to select a wife?”

Tall Woman bent to fold a blanket, turning her head to hide a smile. “Of whom do you speak?” she asked, although she already knew.

“Wind Warrior,” Rain Song admitted, her cheeks coloring.

Tall Woman studied her daughter. Rain Song was not even conscious that she had grown into a beautiful young woman. Her hair was a halo of gold, her eyes as green as spring grass. Her face was so lovely, warriors, upon seeing her for the first time, stopped in their tracks when she passed by them. She had a warm and loving temperament, and word that she sang beautifully had spread to other tribes.

Rain Song did not know that many young warriors had noticed her and sought to take her as their woman. She knew nothing of the many offers of
marriage Broken Lance had turned away because Tall Woman had insisted on it. She was waiting for Wind Warrior to claim Rain Song.

“Some would say Wind Warrior has waited longer than most young warriors to choose his woman. There must be a reason,” Tall Woman said.

Fire Wolf tugged at Rain Song’s hand, and she smiled down at him. “It might be that he does not wish to marry at all.”

“I believe he has already made his choice,” Tall Woman said. “If we wait, no doubt we will find out who that fortunate maiden is.”

Sighing, Rain Song let go of her brother’s hand and quickly rebraided her honey-gold hair, placing a cluster of beads near the crown of her head.

So she did care how she looked today, her mother thought, smiling to herself. Rain Song still faced jealousy from some of the other maidens, but she was well received by the older members of the tribe. When Wind Warrior’s father, White Owl, lay dying last winter, he had asked that Rain Song come to his tipi and sing to him. The old man had died with a smile on his face and the sound of Rain Song’s sweet music in his ears.

Rain Song stared down at her brother, who was waiting not so patiently for her to take him outside. Lifting an empty water jug, she took Fire Wolf’s hand and smiled down at him. “You can play with your friends if you do not go near the horse races. It is too dangerous.”

Her brother grinned up at her, his dark eyes dancing. “You know you are the real love of my life, don’t you?” she told him.

He giggled and nodded. “You do love me so much.”

“Yes. So much.”

Tall Woman moved past Rain Song and stepped through the tipi opening, knowing her daughter was following. “Go, join those your own age. I would have you enjoy this day.”

Rain Song was lost in thought as she led Fire Wolf toward the river. Absentmindedly she watched the child pull away from her and run in the direction of his friends, who were playing beside the river. Though Rain Song would not admit it even to herself, she was every bit as aware of Wind Warrior as any of the other maidens—maybe even more so. She was just better at hiding her feelings than the others were. She hoped.

White Wing called to her and ran to catch up. Her eyes were dancing with excitement. “I have great joy. Falling Thunder has asked that I be his woman and my father has agreed.”

Smiling, Rain Song pressed her friend’s hand. “I know how long you have looked upon him with favor. I am happy for you.”

White Wing searched Rain Song’s face. “Have you heard who is arriving today?”

Cautiously Rain Song nodded, hoping her friend would not read the eagerness in her expression. Wind Warrior had been right when he had advised her to confront White Wing. Of course, it had taken two different confrontations to accomplish the feat. The very next day after Rain Song had shoved White Wing in the river, the girl had cornered her once more, yanking so hard on Rain Song’s braid, it had brought tears to her eyes.

Rain Song would never forget that day: In anger and frustration she had spun around and landed a punch in White Wing’s stomach that sent the girl to her knees. After that, White Wing avoided her for a time. Then one day she sought her out and asked if they could walk together. Rain Song had been struck dumb when the girl asked if they could put the past behind them. Since that day they had been friends.

“I
have
heard Wind Warrior will be arriving. It is all anyone talks about.” Rain Song glanced at her friend, who was a very pretty girl with long black hair and equally black eyes. She had a broad forehead and a small nose. Today she wore a white doeskin gown and had braided her hair with beads and feathers. “You look very nice. Falling Thunder will certainly think so.”

Walking beside Rain Song, White Wing sighed. “I once thought only of Wind Warrior, but he never noticed me, except the time he was furious with me for taunting you.” She smiled. “Yet he is still pleasant to look upon. Do you not agree?”

“Yes,” Rain Song said hesitantly.

“I have heard he has already chosen a wife. She is not likely to be anyone we know, or we would have seen him courting her.”

Pain stabbed at Rain Song’s heart. If Wind Warrior took a wife, she would never be allowed to talk to him. By now they had reached the river and Rain Song knelt to fill the water jug before answering. “My mother also believes he has already chosen his wife.” It had been a foolish hope to think Wind Warrior would choose her.

“No one can imagine who the fortunate maiden
might be. I asked Falling Thunder if he knew, but if he does, he would not tell me. I have not seen Wind Warrior pay extra attention to any maiden in our village. Perhaps he has chosen a woman from another tribe.”

Rain Song swallowed past the lump in her throat. “You are probably right.”

White Wing looked worried. “I wanted to talk to you about something, but I do not know how you will take it. I do not want you to think I am meanspirited as I was in the past.”

“You are my friend. You may say anything to me.”

Pausing, undecided, as if she were measuring her every word, White Wing finally said, “I want to warn you about Dull Knife.”

Even after all this time, just the sound of that man’s name frightened Rain Song. She had told no one except her mother about the clash between the two brothers when Dull Knife had stabbed Chinook. She might not have told Tall Woman either if her mother had not questioned her about the wolf’s wound. Rain Song had said nothing, however, about Dull Knife’s attack on her because Wind Warrior had allowed him to live, and her father would have demanded his death had he known.

She shivered. “I detest Dull Knife. I always have.”

“With good reason. My brother told me Dull Knife is determined to have you for his woman.”

Rain Song paled. “I will never allow him to come near me. There have been times when he…came too close to me. I will never allow him to do so again.”

“You must be careful never to be alone with him,”
White Wing warned. “You must be aware that he has an ally who wants to see you suffer.”

Raising an eyebrow, Rain Song replied, “At one time that could have been half the village.”

White Wing grinned at her. “Not anymore. You are one of us now.” Then she gripped Rain Song’s arm. “Do not take this warning lightly. I believe there is someone else who wishes you harm.” White Wing looked at her with a worried expression. “Spotted Flower. I saw her this morning.”

Shaking her head, Rain Song frowned. “I am not afraid of her. And I believe she will be too ashamed to face me.”

“She does not know what shame means—she only knows bitterness and the need for revenge. You do know she blames you for her banishment.”

“She has always blamed me for everything. It is her way.”

“From the first she was trying to cause you hurt. It pains me to remember that once I chose her friendship over yours.”

“Do not speak of it. As for Spotted Flower, I believe she despises me because I remind her of her old life. She lost so much when she was taken away from her family, and the bitterness always ate at her.”

White Wing blinked her eyes. “Why should you make excuses for her? She lost no more than you did.” White Wing was quiet for a moment. “Grief sometimes twists a person’s thinking, and so does jealousy. I admit there was a time I was jealous of you. But knowing you has taught me true friendship.”

The two young maidens watched as several men wearing buffalo masks danced around others who
waved their lances at them. The beating of the drums and the high-pitched sound of the wooden flute wound its way through Rain Song’s thoughts. “My mother has said that when the heart is twisted, the mind is also twisted.”

White Wing nodded in agreement. “When I saw Spotted Flower this morning, she was huddled with Dull Knife. I heard him speak your name, and I came to warn you. I do not know if they plan anything, I only know you should be careful.”

“Thank you for telling me this. I will be careful.”

“Dull Knife is ambitious and would like to have the chief’s daughter for his woman.”

Rain Song watched as a group of warriors rode through the village, with Dull Knife in the lead. “I do not want to see him,” she said, moving away from the river. “I have chores I must do for my mother.” With that excuse, she lost herself in the crowd of people watching a horse race.