Grey Eagle: Savage Ecstasy Part 4

Couldn't they bargain for truce? Couldn't they beg for peace?

They most certainly could apologize for the way they treated him. Surely that would stop this farce! Were they al just going to fight and kil without any attempts to settle this without bloodshed? I do not understand this at al, she thought. There must be something we not understand this at al, she thought. There must be something we could say or do to stop him and the fight.

The men had fetched their guns and powder hurriedly and readied them for the coming battle. The men took their places like actors on a stage. But this drama was real and deadly. She heard curses and prayers coming from al directions. Another scream tore through the stil air and the blood bath began....

Shooting came from al directions around her. Anguished screams of the wounded were heard instantly. Arrows flew here and there with deadly accuracy. Some set cabins ablaze and some hit live targets which writhed in agony. Franticaly, the men fought against overwhelming odds and conditions. Women with ashen faces and trembling hands primed and loaded guns for the men. The worst wounded were dragged to cover near the cabins, while the less seriously injured had to flee for cover unaided. The dead lay where they had falen. No one could help them now. Without much effort, the Indians were coming over the fence with ropes. They charged with tomahawk, knife and war club, slaying any and al in their path. Men who were unable to reload fast enough used the b.u.t.ts of their guns for defense or their bare hands. No one of either s.e.x or age was immune to death. Both sides were aware of who the victor would be this day.

At the first warning shout, Thad had forced Alisha into the cabin and down into the trench he had dug under the table. She had begged to help with the gun loading and wounded, but her uncle would not hear of either. "Please, Uncle Thad, someone might need my help! Surely, there is something I can do?'

"No, Lese," he shouted breathlessly at her. "They are far too strong for us to resist for very long. We won't stand a chance against them. You must stay hidden until you are sure they are gone, against them. You must stay hidden until you are sure they are gone, then flee to Fort Pierre. The soldiers there wil help and protect you. You must do this for me! I cannot fight with you in danger. Promise me you'l remain quiet and hidden. Do as I have told you before. The map is in the trench. Promise!"

Tears glistened in her emerald eyes for she knew they were saying good-by for the last time. She thought her heart would surely break. How could she live here al alone without any family? She whispered, "I love you, Uncle Thad. Please be careful and don't give up hope yet. He could only mean to frighten and punish us. Maybe he won't kil us."

He shook his head in despair and answered, "You have given an old man much happiness and joy. I love you as though you were my own child. Be strong and brave. I shal be careful for both our sakes." He forced a brave, last smile for her to remember. He placed her into the smal trench and covered the opening with the floorboards. She heard the rasping on the floor as he slid the table back into place. Faintly, she heard, him say before leaving, "May G.o.d watch over each of us this day..."

For a time, al she could hear was her soft sobbing. "I wil never see you again," she cried. "G.o.d forgive us al for bringing this day to pa.s.s. Good-by, Uncle Thad. May it be done quickly..."

Chapter Three.

Taking his gun and powder, Thad opened the door and went outside. A noise drew him to the side of the cabin. No one was there; then he felt an excruciating pain in his back. It was as if his body were on fire; pain racked his head, then sweet, black oblivion. He colapsed to the ground, a tomahawk buried deep in his back between his shoulder blades. His dying words had been, "I'm sorry Lese ... I can... no ... longer... help you..."

The gates were thrown open and numerous Indians swarmed in and ran in al directions. Their bodies glistened with war paint and sweat. Hands were raised high brandis.h.i.+ng tomahawks and war clubs. Arms were stretched out taut with bows. It seemed as if al were yeling and shouting a sound that made the blood run cold and the spirit quake.

Some of the Indians carried highly decorated buffalo s.h.i.+elds for protection and wore breastplates made of the bones of smal animals. Faces were painted with lines, dots, circles and slashes in red, yelow, black and white paints. Each man appeared to have his own colors and design for none looked like the other. They captured guns, horses, supplies and a few people. They took only a few scalps from people who had red or blond hair, as black and brown were common and easily attained. They used these hairs to decorate lances, war vests, jewelry, armbands and s.h.i.+elds.

As the battle continued, they slew and maimed with deadly accuracy and speed. The pioneers were vastly outnumbered and accuracy and speed. The pioneers were vastly outnumbered and even worse, they were outskiled in warfare, for the Indians fought with a gruesome vengeance and hatred.

The shooting and fighting slowly diminished and finaly stopped. The only sounds heard now were women crying and screaming and the anguished moans from the stil surviving wounded. The Indians shouted victorious, unknown words and danced about happily. Fires burned here and there, destroying months of hard, back-breaking work. Bodies littered the ground and doorways like tattered, broken dols. Then, the pilage began...

They took any and al of what they wanted and could carry, setting fire to the rest. They herded the captives in a group like cattle and tied them together with ropes going hands-to-hands. Al others had been kiled, some slowly and others quickly, depending upon the warrior at hand.

Jed had been captured while gathering wood in the forest and tied to a tree near the gate. Horace had been taken as soon as the gates were forced open while attempting to flee for cover. Gray Eagle had, as soon as possible, taken his place at the Greeley door. He had previously pointed out the four prisoners he wanted taken, alive if possible. Greeley lay face down near the side of his cabin with a tomahawk wound in his back. Gray Eagle patiently watched until everything was under Indian control and things were being made ready to return to their vilage. Then, he entered the Greeley cabin. He looked around near the table until he spotted the floorboards which did not fit just right. He smiled sardonicaly to himself and walked over to stand beside the table. Alisha had never felt such soul-shaking, heartrending terror. What could be happening? The shooting had ceased and al she could hear were Indian yels, cries of pain, screams, and speech of could hear were Indian yels, cries of pain, screams, and speech of an unknown tongue. This can't be happening, she thought again and again. It's al a nightmare and I'l wake up soon. But she knew that it was not and that al were either dead or prisoners. What had happened to Uncle Thad? She knew that she must remain quiet and stil to avoid discovery.

Thoughts of her uncle had brought tears to her eyes. She trembled in fear and uncertainty. What can I do now? she fretted. What if they burn the cabin? I smel smoke already! The trench was only a little more than body size and alowed for almost no movement. What if they find me? What would he do to me? She heard a crash as the table and stools were flung across the floor. Someone was in the cabin! Her heart pounded so loud and hard that she feared they would hear it.

Suddenly, her eyes went wild in panic and she could not suppress the scream in her throat as boards were picked up and thrown aside. Before she could gather her wits as to what was happening, she was roughly yanked up and shoved out the door. She turned to fight her attacker, scratching, biting and kicking. She was immediately held in a vise-like grip. The smel of fire, sweat and blood filed her nostrils. Terror ruled her senses. She was whitefaced and quaking in fear. She stared in disbelieving shock when her captor crushed her to his bare chest and spoke coldly, "Hiya!

Ihakam ya, Pi-zi Ista!"

"You!" she murmured, recognizing the brave, and fainted. Gray Eagle laughed to himself as he picked her up and carried her to his horse. White Arrow held her as he mounted and then handed her up to him. "She wil have many more surprises before this day is over," Gray Eagle vowed.

The group of prisoners and victorious Indians began their long The group of prisoners and victorious Indians began their long trek through the forest toward the Sioux encampment. Most of the prisoners were dirty, b.l.o.o.d.y and weary even before the treacherous walk began. Their clothes were tattered and soiled with sweat, blood and dirt. They trudged along in grief and pain. The attack had been a complete success. They had been taken unprepared and by surprise as Gray Eagle had planned and predicted. Al four and a few other prisoners Gray Eagle wanted had been taken. Many of the warriors led stolen horses heavily laden with booty.

The captives staggered along, tied together in chaingang fas.h.i.+on, near the end of the advancing column. They coughed on the dust kicked up by the horses and occasionaly tripped over protruding roots and rocks. Wearily, they were pressed on and on, some in a daze. Cries and pleas for mercy and pity were heard many times from the women, but only curses and threats from the three men. Al went unheeded by the braves.

Alisha slowly became aware of movement, of being held in someone's arms, close to a man's chest. The noises and smels brought comprehension and reality to her fuzzy brain and senses. Her eyes opened and she tried to sit up. Her eyes made instant contact with the brave's. The look in his flinty eyes was enough to instil terror and momentarily subdue her. She sank back into his arms. The cramping and pain in her wrists and arms told her that she was bound securely with her hands behind her back. His right arm ran between hers, then under her right side and held the reins. His left hand lay familiarly across her abdomen. He was now gazing straight ahead. She studied the expressive lines of his face, now relaxed in freedom and confidence. The tightness in his jaw was gone and the coldness in his eyes was missing. She tried to gone and the coldness in his eyes was missing. She tried to comprehend the brutality this ruggedly handsome man was capable of inflicting. How could anyone do what he just did and look so unconcerned and uncaring? Did it not bother him at al that he had just kiled so many people and destroyed their homes? Anger filed her mind at his smug coldness.

A reckless mood came over her and she squirmed and wiggled in his grip. She preferred to be thrown to the ground and forced to walk like the others than to remain so near to him. Instantly, his left hand was on her throat, squeezing off the air. He shook her violently and spoke swiftly and ominously in his own language. She struggled and gasped for air as blackness filed her vision. Shocked by his reaction, she saw how greatly her resistance had angered him. She ceased to struggle and he loosened his hold on her neck. She labored to breathe as she stared wild-eyed at him. She watched the tightness in his jaw dissolve into a smug look. She read the sneer in his eyes as his hand slowly moved away from her neck, across her bosom and rested once more on her stomach. He could feel the pounding of her heart and the trembling in her body. She wil think again before she tries something like that, he thought. His eyes left hers and returned to scan the horizon. She knew now that she must remain calm and clearheaded until she had a chance to escape. Recaling his actions at the fortress, she thought, I wil do just as he did. I'l not cower or show fear. I wil be as brave as he was. She stiffened in determination. But her brave front and determination began to crumble instantly as she realized that al the things she had heard and been told about these Indians must be true. Unaware that she spoke aloud, she whispered, "It's true! Al the things Ben, Horace and the others said? They realy are savages and barbarians? What a fool I others said? They realy are savages and barbarians? What a fool I was not to listen and believe. Maybe he would be dead and the others stil alive if I had not interfered. Never in my wildest imagination would I have believed such people existed. What wil they do with us prisoners? Al those people butchered... ." Her stomach churned and she was grateful for the fainting spel which had prevented her from viewing most of it. "So much blood and pain... why... how could anyone be so cruel?"

She stopped murmuring and thought to herself, he looks like any other man physicaly, even better than most I've seen. But what matters is his conscience. How could he do what he did? Why did I not see what he was realy like? Am I that naive about men and life?

The others were right. How could I have been so stupid, so righteous, so stubborn? I'm partly responsible for their deaths and suffering... oh G.o.d, why didn't I know any better? Why didn't I listen to them and Uncle Thad? Surely, we'l al be dead tomorrow...

Tears began to flow down her cheeks and she whispered in anguish, "Uncle Thad, I pray you died quickly."

They rode slowly because of the walking captives. Gray Eagle could feel the dejected, heart-broken emotions of the girl. She has much to learn of life and the Indian, he thought. Hers is a different kind of fear and grief from the other wasichu. They had known what to expect and were not surprised by our actions. But she is confused, hurt and frightened. She does not believe or accept what she sees and feels. Can anyone be this innocent? he wondered. Watching her eyes and face, he knew that his answer was "sha,"

yes.

The riding and walking seemed to go on endlessly. Exhausted physicaly and emotionaly, Alisha fel asleep in his arms. Gray Eagle physicaly and emotionaly, Alisha fel asleep in his arms. Gray Eagle felt her body relax and knew that either she slept or had fainted again.

He s.h.i.+fted his arm to look into her face. Her hair was in wild disarray, her cheeks were streaked with tears and dirt and her face was very pale. Even so, her gentleness and beauty came through. Gray Eagle thought of the cruel lessons she must learn before she became his wiling slave. He would push her to the edge of fear and despair only to bring her back, grateful and obedient to him and his commands. Yes, her lessons must be swift and harsh to avoid a build-up of pride and rebelion. The sooner she learns and accepts her place, the easier for both of us, he thought. He lifted his eyes and silently thanked the Great Spirit. Wakantanka and the Oglalas had been avenged. Today and for al days, the wasichu paid for the ravage of the red man's lands, forests and people; for to kil the land and animals, is to kil the Oglalas. You have given us victory over our enemy, he prayed. We give you thanks.

Dusk settled; the night approached as Alisha stirred in his arms. Soon, they halted near a narrow stream. Some of the warriors watered the horses and tied them to a rope tied to two trees. Others built campfires and seemed to be preparing to stay the night. The captives, except for Alisha, were deposited in a heap and tied together back to back for the night. They were given neither food nor water.

Alisha sat beside a campfire with Gray Eagle and the other brave who always seemed to be close to him. The two men ate and talked while she stared heartbroken at the others. She could not make out who was in the group in the twilight. But two faces nearest the light of the fire met her gaze. One was Kathy's terrified nearest the light of the fire met her gaze. One was Kathy's terrified face as she struggled to get nearer to the man beside her. That man was Horace. He glared at the two braves, wis.h.i.+ng that he had a knife to slit their throats.

Horace's emotions at Alisha's predicament ran from anger to distorted pleasure at her downfal. I'd like to see her refuse him as she's done me so often, he thought with spite. I should have had the courage to take her myself. Now that filthy savage wil have her first. d.a.m.n! She'l wish later that she had let me teach her a thing or two. But knowing the treatment white female captives received, Horace's desire for her love finaly outweighed his desire to see her hurt.

Alisha saw the look of sympathy and anger in his eyes and was grateful that he did not wish to see her harmed. He knew that she was unaware of her situation. He mused, I wonder if that redskin intends to keep her for himself or share her with his friends. She'l never be able to endure what he's got in mind for her. d.a.m.n the filthy b.a.s.t.a.r.d! Sweet, beautiful Alisha ...

Alisha thought about Horace and their relations.h.i.+p. Should I have handled the situation with him differently? Was part of the trouble my fault? I was wrong about so many things. Could I have been wrong about him, too?

She recaled what had taken place between them. Horace had traveled here with the McDoogans. He was a young man in his early twenties, tal, lanky with a slender build. He had light brown hair and cow-brown eyes. He had worked as a carpenter's apprentice near the St. Louis settlement. His employer had died when they arrived there. The McDoogans had taken a liking to him and took him under their wing. He was hired to help Jed, who was also a carpenter.

also a carpenter.

Horace was considered nice looking and a fine catch, but he was crude and brash on many occasions and this disturbed Alisha. She recaled many unpleasant situations with him. He had been sure that he could convince Alisha to marry him... it was no matter now. But at that particular time in her life, marriage and love were the last things on her mind, and especialy to Horace. She recaled one day in particular when most of the men were out hunting. Horace, too, was thinking of the same incident, as he gazed at her hungrily.

He had been watching her for a long time that morning long ago, the gentle swaying of her hips, the soft sound of her voice, the sparkle of life in her eyes and the aluring expression on her face. His whole being had flamed with l.u.s.t for her. He had wanted to stroke that s.h.i.+ny hair, kiss those honey lips, feel her naked body touching his, hear her cal to him in heated response and know the ful depths of her womanhood and innocence. He had wanted to pul her into the wagon and take her that very minute. He would have forcefuly done so many times if she hadn't been so closely guarded by that uncle of hers. He could hardly speak to her or get near her without Thad appearing out of nowhere.

But that day, he had made sure Thad was out hunting before he approached her. Their wagon had been at the edge of the camp at that stop and Alisha had been working on the side away from the circle. He had slowly and quietly sneaked up behind her and whirled her around into his embrace and kissed her hungrily. His kiss had burned with desire as he thrust his tongue into her mouth. He had backed her into the wagon where she had no leverage by which to resist him. She wiggled and kicked at him until he pinned her legs between his. She had felt the hardness between his legs her legs between his. She had felt the hardness between his legs even through her clothes and petticoats. She had screamed at him through a covered mouth and tried to turn her head away, to no avail.

Suddenly, he had been wrenched away and thrown backwards, but not by her uncle. Ben had noticed the scene beside the wagon from where he was chopping wood. He had lashed out at Horace, "That ain't no way to be treating no lady and especialy Miss Alisha! You keep yore hands off'n her or I'l forgit that we've become friends!"

Her chest had heaved in anger at Horace's behavior and in frustration at her lack of self-defense. Her eyes flashed insults at him. "If you ever touch me again, I'l... I'l... Just don't you ever come near me again, Horace Swint! Never!" She was so upset, proper words failed to come. She had wished to heap coals of fury on him, but was so unaccustomed to being accosted by a young man, she could not think of the best way to verbaly flog him. Horace had stalked away, after retorting, "If you weren't so d.a.m.n beautiful and tempting, I wouldn't give you a second look!"

He acted and spoke as though she should be grateful for his attentions.

Kathy had also witnessed the scene between Horace and Alisha that day. She fumed at the way he begged the slightest crumb of response from her, when she would have given him anything he wanted, simply for the asking. She had watched many such incidents, green with envy. She wanted Horace for herself and he wouldn't give her a simple look or word as long as Alisha was around. She had flirted with him brazenly. In the way of unrequited, distorted love, envy turned to jealousy and jealousy to hate. Kathy felt the first two emotions for Alisha already and the third was felt the first two emotions for Alisha already and the third was quickly folowing. One day, he'l tire of chasing after her skirts and turn to me, she had thought. I'l have him yet, even if I have to trap him! He's a man and men are always hungry for a woman. Afterwards, the men wil force him to marry me. She thinks she's too good for him! Why can't he see that I'm the one for him, not her?

But Horace had stubbornly refused to fal into Kathy's clutches. He conceitedly reasoned that Alisha could not hold him off forever. After al, he was the best catch available. She'l come around, he would tel himself.

Alisha's eyes moved to Kathy and tried to focus on the look of hatred written there. Why does she hate me so, she wondered? I tried to be friends many times, but she wouldn't let me. Doesn't she see that I have no hold on Horace? That I dislike him and scorn him? But even now, Horace's eyes were only for Alisha. Kathy could have been a rock for al he cared or noticed. Kathy's father Thomas had been a dirt farmer back in Tennessee. But just like his daughter and wife Mary, he had the att.i.tude and appearance of bitterness and failure. Alisha once heard that Thomas had pretended to work on the large farm of a relative. She heard that this relative had paid for their trip West just to get them away from his own family and plantation.

Thomas's mealy-mouth whining and leeching had been a problem and nuisance to many on the way out West. Many could hardly believe that he had made it al the way. Maybe he had more s.p.u.n.k than any of them had realized. Maybe there were other reasons for his personality, like his wife and daughter. Alisha always believed that there were reasons for the way al people thought and acted that were not solely their own fault. Life had too many acted that were not solely their own fault. Life had too many outside, uncontrolable influences. Maybe that was why she tried to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and friends.h.i.+p. She persisted with her offer of friends.h.i.+p and help to al until she was sure that they did not want it or deserve it, just like Horace and Kathy.... Kathy was much like her mother in personality and looks. Both were sulen, drab, unfriendly women, especialy to other women. She had what her uncle had caled a mousy look. He had told her once, "Stay away from that kind of woman, Lese. They spread their bitterness to those around them. They don't want friends.h.i.+p or kindness. They're like the leeches the doctor uses. They suck the joy and happiness from the people around them and leave the scars to prove it."

Maybe he had been right in his a.s.sessment, for Kathy had rebuffed al her attempts at friends.h.i.+p and kindness. How unhappy and miserable such a life and existence must be! It is too late now to learn of joy and happiness for you, Kathy, Alisha pondered. At least, I have happy memories to remember until...

An elbow nudged her ribs and she turned to face Gray Eagle. He held food to her lips, because her hands were stil bound behind her. She looked at the food he offered and turned away in refusal. Gray Eagle grinned at White Arrow, who watched with keen interest. He puled her head into his lap by her hair and tried to shove the food into her mouth. Angrily, she clenched her teeth together tightly, defying him. If the others couldn't eat, than neither would she. He was only doing this to further torture the others who were hungry and thirsty. Wel, she would not be part of it!

He clamped his hand over her mouth and nose, cutting off her air. White Arrow carefuly observed this clash of wils. She struggled to break his hold on her face. Her eyes were wide with struggled to break his hold on her face. Her eyes were wide with fear and alarm. Her chest began to hurt from the lack of air and her face reddened. Stil, he held on and stil she gritted her teeth and struggled. Her ears buzzed and lights danced before her eyes. Her vision began to blacken. She blinked her eyes several times and shook her head slightly, trying to clear it.

She ceased her struggles and nearly went limp in his lap. He felt her jaw slacken and her body relax. Surrendering defeat to him, he released his hold. Her lungs fought for fresh air and her chest heaved in relief. Her vision cleared and the ringing in her ears went away.

Just as she regained normal breathing, he stuffed the food into her mouth and held it closed with his hand. She glared at him, but knew that either she had to chew the food or choke. Accepting her defeat, she began to chew the food. She was forced to eat and drink while the others watched in hunger, thirst and envy. Thankfuly, he made her eat only a smal amount, just enough to prove his power and torment the others.

Ben shouted insults at her treatment and was silenced by a sharp blow to the side of his head. She lurched forward to go to him, but was held back. Poor Ben, she thought, he always seems to be there when I need help.

She thought about the kindly giant of a man, a rogue of sorts. Early during their trip West, they had become good friends during Mrs. Frazer's ilness. She thought of the many days she had carried food to the Frazers and helped with the ch.o.r.es. Many nights she had been so tired after doing both families' laundry, cooking and dishes that she would fal into her bed-rol exhausted. Ben would chop the wood for her and bring fresh meat and fowl for her to cook for them al. As soon as Mrs. Frazer was strong enough, she cook for them al. As soon as Mrs. Frazer was strong enough, she took over her own ch.o.r.es with not so much as a simple "thank you." Ben's grat.i.tude and help ever since then made up for her rudeness and coldness.

Ben had been a blacksmith in the settlement of Virginia back in the colonies. He was a huge, burly man with powerful arms and shoulders, accustomed to heavy, hard work. He had been one of the best and busiest workers and successful hunters on the trail. But Ben was a man of conflicting natures. If a man were his friend, he would do anything for him. But if he did not like someone, if someone did him an injustice, he could be a harsh, cold enemy. Ben was usualy an easygoing, wel-liked, happy felow. He was always laughing and joking with the other men and oftentimes the women. He inspired hard work and cooperation among the men, many times taking the lead.

She had no doubts he had saved her from being attacked by Horace that day. He had become like a big brother to her since then and never let anything like that occur again. They had talked and joked at the end of many long, hard days. He had told her al about the smithy business and Virginia. He had said that he had been forced to flee after a fight and the death of the son of the area's wealthiest and most powerful plantation owner. Now, his new smithy shop would never be built. Al of their hopes and dreams had been dashed that morning.

For some reason, her thoughts strayed to Jed McDoogan. He was one of the few men who made her feel uneasy and embarra.s.sed. He had a way of looking at a woman with those little, black, beady eyes that made her feel she were naked. Alisha flushed even now, thinking about it. She had been told that the short, redhaired man was an Irishman, but he didn't have the short, redhaired man was an Irishman, but he didn't have the brogue of one to her. Although he was a very good carpenter and had a growing trade, he didn't know how to hold onto money and was usualy broke and begging for a loan. In fact, he had been fleeing bad debts and possibly a jail sentence when he joined their wagon train.

His wife Janie was the opposite of him. She was a short, plump woman in her forties. She was a jovial, garrulous sort who made everyone feel gay and relaxed. Alisha could stil hear that bubbly laughter that death had stiled forever. She could visualize her fat cheeks and neck jiggling in laughter and the large tummy shaking like a dish of custard. She was forever offering everyone suggestions on how to do anything better or faster. Even though she had been a magpie and slight snoop, she was wel-liked by al for her openness and honesty. Many hard, weary, bitter days, she had lightened everyone's spirits with her jokes and antics. She had a way of making even the worst time or event go more easily. Too bad, this love for people hadn't rubbed off on Jed. They were al gone, but why? Why?

Gone were Simon Tinsley, the candle and soap maker and his wife Elizabeth. They had been almost too weak and slow to make this trip, but with the help of another, younger couple, the Chinners, they had done it. The Tinsles had provided transportation and some supplies to the Chinners in exchange for driving the team and for doing most of the heavy ch.o.r.es along the way. This relations.h.i.+p had proven to be helpful for both families. The Chinners, a recently married couple and nearly penniless, had been able to make it out West to begin a new life, and the Tinsleys had had the help they had needed along the way. Mr. Tinsley had kept al the people in soap and candles along the way in exchange for the goods and ch.o.r.es and candles along the way in exchange for the goods and ch.o.r.es needed, other than what the Chinners could provide. In fact, Alisha now recaled that hardly any money had been exchanged along the way. Instead, the people had exchanged goods and services for what they had forgotten or used up on the trail. Now they, too, were dead and gone. Slaughtered like so many others...

Joe Kenny, who had been their scout, had already left for his old trapping grounds to prepare for the coming winter. He would no doubt be the sole survivor of this disastrous quest for freedom. There had been Bil and Alice Cooper, Matt and Cora Dooley, George and Katie Tanner, Dr. Frank and Virginia Blackstone and many others. Even though she had traveled and lived with most of these people for a year, she now realized that she had never realy gotten to know them. Al these people and many others were al lying dead in the burned ruins of their fortress. Gray Eagle drove two long stakes into the ground about seven feet apart with a large rock. To one, he secured Alisha's feet and to the other her hands. He knelt on one knee beside her and began to unb.u.t.ton the neck of her dress. She struggled furiously, but only managed to burn her wrists and ankles with the rawhide thongs. She screamed at him, ducking her neck to prevent his actions. He firmly took her chin in his other hand and held it stil while he undid a few b.u.t.tons to aid her comfort and breathing, then threw a buffalo skin over her.

She stared breathlessly at his profile as he lay on a skin beside her, confused by his actions. Why did her comfort matter to him? It seemed obvious that he meant her no further harm or attention tonight. Anger and fear ran rampant through her mind and body as she thought of al the dead people left behind.

She turned her face toward the sky and tried to stil her She turned her face toward the sky and tried to stil her quaking body and spirits. One good thing about this land was its cool, fresh air and beautiful night skies. The clear heavens were filed with twinkling stars and a ful, silvery-yelow moon, which looked close enough to touch. The stars glowed like hundreds of tiny candles on a mirror lake. The night birds and crickets sang praises to the night and to each other. A light breeze played across her flushed, slightly sunburned face and cooled her. She began to relax and her lids began to droop in fatigue. Soon, she slid into the silent, black world of slumber. Her face roled to lie upon her outstretched, bound arm, and even in sleep, a tear roled down her cheek and she mumbled softly for forgiveness. But from whom? He did not know.

He propped himself up on one elbow and studied her features. The last time he had been this close to her he had bitten her savagely. His eyes riveted to her hand. The reddish-blue marks, tinged with yelow and purple, were stil vivid and unhealed. He wondered how she had explained the injury to her uncle, or if she had told him anything at al. From the looks of it now, he had dealt her a very painful blow. By now, Gray Eagle reflected, she must realize that we are enemies and that I now hold her life in my hands, just as her people did mine.

White Arrow, who was lying next to him and watching her also, said in a hushed voice, "She is as beautiful as you said, my koda. I see this difference in her from the others that you spoke of to me. It is this that makes her stand above the others to you. It is not your skin, but your cruelty that she hates and fears. There is a strange look in her eyes when she looks at you. She is very brave. She wishes to suffer with her people and not be treated differently. Her spirit would be hard to bend if not for the strange looks she Her spirit would be hard to bend if not for the strange looks she gives you. Her feelings wil be more of a hurt than your punishments. You are lucky to have found her first."

"You are very wise and alert, Wanhinkpe Ska. You see with more than the eye. You also see with the mind, heart and senses. She hates me for what I have done, not that I am Oglala.... those the wasichu cals a Sioux." They lay down on their skins and were both soon asleep.

That morning, camp broke in a hurry in the predawn light. The others mounted up and puled out. Gray Eagle untied Alisha from the stakes and put the buffalo skins on his horse. She sat up and rubbed her wrists and ankles. She quickly realized that the others were moving ahead and turned troubled eyes to the brave. Why were they delaying? What did this mean? Was he going to kil her here or... ? Did he have other plans for her alone this morning? She trembled at this last thought. She gazed up into the azure sky and heard the singing of the many birds at daybreak. It al seemed so serene, so out of place after yesterday's bloodbath. She sat curled in a bal, arms hugging her knees, watching him through eyes wide with fear and dread. He was gathering his weapons and sleeping skins. He came and took her arm and puled her to her feet. He led her to a group of smal trees and walked back to his horse. She looked back at him in confusion, thinking that he was abandoning her here until comprehension set in and she flamed in mortification. She finished her business and returned, not daring to meet his amused gaze.

He bound her hands before her this time and mounted. He leaned over and lifted her up. He puled her arms over his head and placed them around his waist. As he began to ride away, she had no choice but to lean against his shoulder. They rode al day in the no choice but to lean against his shoulder. They rode al day in the hot sun. She thought sadly, this was what we worked and dreamed and sacrified everything for? This was the life that was going to bring them peace and freedom?

By mid-day, Alisha was drenched in perspiration. Her hair clung damply to her face and neck. Beads of water formed on her forehead and upper lip and trickled down her face and between her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. Her arms and back ached and she drooped in fatigue, thirst and heat.

The other captives had been tied to the backs of the stolen horses to speed up the trip to the Indian camp. On and on the journey continued. Hotter and hotter the sun blazed. Wearier, wetter and thirstier Alisha became. Stil, they pressed on. When would they reach his vilage? When would al of this be over? What was he going to do to them?

The constant glare of the sun hurt her eyes and head. Finaly, she lay her throbbing forehead on his chest to shade them. What did it matter what he thought? She was too tired, hot, thirsty and sad to care. The contact with his hard, muscular arms and chest did nothing to prevent the heat in her mind. Slowly she sank into a stuporous sleep from the heat and fatigue. In her sleep, she snuggled closer to him and murmured words which brought a heat to his body. He slid his arm around her slender waist and held her securely while she slept. "Niyemitawa, Cinstinna," he said softly. She stirred from the embrace of his arm and awoke just as they neared the vilage. She wondered how she could have slept so long under such conditions, then recaled that she had slept very little since the brave's escape ten days ago. She had been unable to erase his face from her mind's eye or remove thoughts of him from her brain. But these were far from the dreams and thoughts that she her brain. But these were far from the dreams and thoughts that she had had about him! How could she have so misjudged him? When he had accepted the food and care, she had thought it meant truce between them. How wrong she had been! If only he didn't have that strange, confusing effect on her. If only she didn't think there was more to him than met the eye. From now on, she must let her mind, not her heart rule her thoughts and feelings. His whole being screamed "danger" to her, but she had heeded the warning too late, or was it? Could she somehow find a way to escape this fate?

Maybe they would be rescued! Fort Pierre wasn't very far away. But she knew that she was clutching at mist. They would be dead before the cavalry knew they had even been attacked. Sometime soon in this remote vilage in the new world, the life, hopes and dreams of Alisha Wiliams would cease to exist. If only there were some sense to it al, she might accept what was happening. But there was none. She had been caught in a war that was not of her own doing. But stil, she would be caled on to pay its dues with her life. It wasn't fair! She had nothing to do with the situation! Both sides were wrong in one way or another. Didn't it matter to him that she was an innocent bystander? Hadn't there been enough death and suffering? How many lives did his revenge demand? Would anything change with their deaths? She wanted to scream at him, "Why? What's it al for? I offered you truce and friends.h.i.+p and you repay me with hate and death!"

She looked around the vilage as they entered. Dogs barked noisily at the excitement and the smel of strangers. Women, children, elders and other warriors came forward to greet the returning braves. Gray Eagle moved aside to let the others go first with their prisoners and booty. She watched the expectant faces come alive with the glow of victory and vengeance repaid. The come alive with the glow of victory and vengeance repaid. The white man's defeat was a happy occasion for the Indians. She watched as they laughed and talked excitedly with each other. Ironicaly, it brought to mind the time when Gray Eagle had been captured and brought to their fortress. Were the two groups of people so different then?

Alisha sat mesmerized by the vindictiveness of the people to the three men, who didn't appear to notice or harm the others. They pinched flesh, puled hair, and delivered blows to unprotected areas of the men. Why them? The three men seemed to have a special place of hate in their hearts. Was it because of what they did to the brave, or was there more to it? She was perplexed by this, but could make no rhyme or reason about it.

The male captives were led to huge posts in the center of camp and bound securely by their hands and feet, but the women were taken in a different direction. Then, the people turned to look over the newfound horses and plunder. Dividing and trading the bounty began immediately with great zeal.

Alisha was abruptly returned to the reality of her own predicament by a sharp pinch on her leg. She jumped and cried out in pain and surprise. A female voice, dripping with venom, spoke to Gray Eagle. The Indian girl was very beautiful and shapely. She had long, s.h.i.+ning black braids; copper-colored skin and large black eyes which shot daggers at Alisha. She was smiling seductively at him and her voice was sultry. Clearly, the girl had her hooks out for him, if he weren't already hers. Was this his wife or sweetheart, she wondered? The girl ran her hand slowly and possessively along his sinewy leg. To anyone who watched, her behavior and looks needed no interpretation. Her feelings and thoughts were openly flaunted before him and everyone.

flaunted before him and everyone.

A spark of anger, closely akin to jealousy, engulfed Alisha and she stiffened in his arms, watching the girl closely. From the corner of his eyes, Gray Eagle saw her reaction and let the game go on for a time.

Chela asked coldly, "Why is the ska winyan not with the other kaskapis and why do you carry her yourself?" She puled a knife from her sheath and asked permission to frighten the white girl with "a few cuts." Alisha instinctively knew the girl threatened her in some way.

Alisha pressed closer to Gray Eagle, tightening her grip around his waist, and trembled. "Please," she whispered against his chest. Gray Eagle gripped the Indian girl's wrist and brutaly twisted until she was forced to drop the knife. He spoke through gritted teeth to her, "She is my prisoner and I wil alow no one to touch her! You are never to harm her in any way! Do you understand?"

Chela's eyes widened in shock and disbelief, then rage, as she realized the implication of his words and tone. He wanted her for himself! "Am I not enough for you? You want the ska winyan for yourself?" Her jealousy and anger flared even more as she jerked her hand free and stormed away.

Alisha had watched the scene in confusion. It was evident that he had made her very angry with his words and actions. Why had he refused to let the girl harm her? Why had he treated her like that?

What was the fight about? Who was she and what was she to him?

For some reason, she felt compeled to thank him, even though he suddenly ignored her.

He rode over to where the other three captives were bound and dropped her to the dusty ground. He slid off the horse's back and a young boy led it away. She crumbled to the ground on her and a young boy led it away. She crumbled to the ground on her numb legs. She made no attempt to rise as the pinlike sensations tingled in her legs.

He stood towering over her like a giant bird of prey as she raised her head to face him, her eyes wide and searching. He stood tal and straight with the look of a fierce Viking G.o.d of war. Power and daring flowed from him and hovered al around him. He reached down and unceremoniously jerked her to her feet and shoved her over to an empty post and bound her there. He took the gold sash that the other brave handed him and tied it around her chest, indicating that she was his personal prisoner and was not to be touched by anyone. Without another word or look, he walked toward a very large teepee, ducked, and entered. She looked at the closed flap and then at the gold sash around her chest. What did it mean? Why was she not with the other women? He looked at her and treated her as if she were some animal that he had captured. She raged inwardly, how dare he do this to me! He has the power to dare anything he wishes! But what were his wishes concerning her? What was the purpose of the gold sash?

Thankfuly, for the moment the Indians were ignoring al the captives.

Alisha had her first real look around the camp. There were so many of them. There seemed to be at least three hundred teepees, which were arranged in circles, each circle growing wider and fuler. The teepees closest to the center were the largest and most elaborately decorated. Many had stripes at the top and bottom, mostly in red and black, some in yelow. The white, middle area had pictures and designs in red, black and yelow. Many of the scenes nearby were of warriors in battle or on buffalo hunts. The detail and talent displayed amazed her. How could these people be capable of talent displayed amazed her. How could these people be capable of such unusual and artistic talent as this? She studied the style and symmetry in fascination.

The Indians seemed to be enjoying themselves greatly, laughing, talking and smoking pipes. They did not appear to be the cold, forbidding, sulen people that had been described to her. How could a people who seemed so happy and relaxed now have been so vastly different yesterday? Was it this strange, new land? Did it extend its wildness and contrasts to its people also?

Alisha roughly counted five or six hundred warriors and at least two thousand people. Her own settlement had been unaware of so many Indians so close at hand. Only a smal band of about one hundred had raided their fortress. Gray Eagle was indeed from a powerful tribe. What would have happened if they had been friendly to him and released him? Would he stil have returned to attack them? How would she ever know what he was realy like, or could have been like? Why did people facing death always think in ifs and whys? By then, it was always too late to matter. She wondered if the brave they had captured was their leader. He a.s.suredly was in command and highly respected. If so, the whites would pay greatly for their abuse of him. Would he be lenient with her because of her attempts to help? No! He proved what he thought of her and her aid in the smokehouse that night. She studied the many breeds of horses tied outside the teepees. She recaled seeing a large corral near the middle of the camp filed with horses. Those staked near the teepees must be the warrior's personal horse. The boy who had taken the brave's horse had placed it outside the teepee he had entered earlier. She looked at the great beast which was an unknown breed to her. He was at least sixteen hands tal and had lean, powerful forelegs and flanks. least sixteen hands tal and had lean, powerful forelegs and flanks. He was larger than the other horses around and the only one she saw of that breed. A horse fit for a leader, fit for a king, for that matter. He was an off-white color with splotches of gray and brown. He was a magnificent creature. She recaled how easily he had carried both of them and how wel-trained he appeared. The horse was indeed as unusual as his master.

She had tried to keep her thoughts away from herself and the others, but now she turned to look at the men beside her. Ben, Jed and Horace were al sagging with fatigue and minor injuries against the posts. They looked dirty and exhausted. Alisha was wondering if there had been a way that al of this could have been avoided. A frantic, piercing cry rent the air as Alice Cooper ran from one of the teepees which was set out of line with the others near the second circle. It had a red circle at the top and base, with red, geometric designs in the white center and long, red strips of rawhide hanging from the entrance. She was immediately pursued and dragged back, screaming and pleading, into the teepee by a young brave wearing only a breechcloth. The brave had laughed as she struggled with him. Her clothes were torn and dirty, her face streaked with tears and dirt, her hair a tangled mess and a petrified look in her wild eyes and ashen face.

Ben strained against his bonds trying to free himself, shouting curses and taunts to the brave. He finaly ceased the useless struggles and lowered his head. In an angry voice, he explained the purpose of the redfringed teepee. The scout had told him once that it was caled a wokasketipi. Joe had said that al female prisoners were held there until sold or traded, to be used by the braves as often as they wished or by the women as a slave. When they tired of her, she would be sold or traded to others for the same purpose of her, she would be sold or traded to others for the same purpose or kept on as a slave. That was the purpose of the red teepee. Jed asked if anyone other than Alice Cooper, Kathy Brown and Elizabeth Tinsley had been taken into the teepee. The others al shook their heads no as Alisha stared at the teepee in panic and fear.

Horace could not resist a cruel stab at Alisha, "Where is our food, water and aid, Miss Injun Helper? You remember what I said, but you didn't believe me. I told you they wasn't nothing but bloodthirsty savages. He don't look so good now, does he?"

Her stricken look tore at his conscience as she answered, "Yes, I remember everything you said. I do regret the day I ever saw him and helped him! You were right! You were al right and I was wrong! Is that what you want to hear? Do you also want me to take the blame for us being here and the others being dead? Al right! I'l accept that, too! Who's to say or know what difference his life or death would have made now?" She turned her face away and tears roled freely and silently down her cheeks to drop unchecked onto her dress and the gold sash. She had never felt so wretched and miserable, so frightened and intimidated. Her tears were for the dead souls lying unburied at the fortress, for the women in the teepee whose fates were worse than death, for the men beside her whose blood and lives were yet to be taken and for herself and the death of al her ilusions of life and love. What cruel lessons life teaches in this G.o.d-forsaken land, she thought helplessly. Why? What wil it accomplish? There is no help or rescue for us. We are al alone now...

The cries and pleas went on in the teepee for a time and Alisha cringed in pity and terror with each one. Jed was the first to make the observation. "That Injun must have something special in mind for the observation. "That Injun must have something special in mind for you, Alisha or you'd be in there, too! Could be he plans to thank you personaly for your help! We coulda taken care of him before if you hadna..."

Her eyes had widened in alarm and her face had gone colorless. For a minute, he thought she had swooned. Her heart thudded heavily in her chest.