The Arrow-Maker Part 9

But, Simwa, am I never to come to you as other women to the wickiups of their husbands?

SIMWA

What need, Chisera, when I come so often to yours?

THE CHISERA

The need of women to serve openly where they love.

SIMWA

But what service could you do me when you had lost the respect of the tribesmen? You know the tribal custom. It is not for the friend of the G.o.ds to dig roots and dress venison.

(_Throws himself on the bank beside her._)

THE CHISERA

I have not found the G.o.ds any the less friendly since I have loved, Arrow-Maker; and I know not why it should seem strange to others that I should know love as--as we have known it. Only to-day the girls of the village came to me to buy a charm to keep their lovers safe in war. There was not one but dared to ask, even though she would not speak her lover's name for bashfulness. See, one of them gave me this to make medicine upon.

SIMWA

(_Taking it._) Bright Water gave you this?

THE CHISERA

(_Surprised._) How did you know?

SIMWA

I thought you said--that is, I have seen her wear it. Did she tell you from whom she had it?

THE CHISERA

Not by his name, but by the way he looked to her.

SIMWA

How was that?

THE CHISERA

As every lover looks to every maid--tall and strong and straight of back. Even as you look to me, Beloved.

SIMWA

(_Relieved, giving back the amulet._) May your medicine preserve him.

And, as for me, Chisera, I wish I could persuade the tribesmen to look as favorably on me as you do.

THE CHISERA

But you have no enemies.

SIMWA

The Sparrow Hawk, without doubt. Could you give me a curse for him?

THE CHISERA

(_Rising._) Ah, you should not have asked me that. Never since my father died have I thought to regret that he did not teach me the making of evil medicine. Would I had all the curses in the world!

(_Turning piteously to him._) But you do not love me any the less because I have not one little, little curse to give you?

SIMWA

No, it is nothing. No curse can reach me past your blessing. But I would not have thought the old man would leave you wholly unprotected. Why, even I could wrong you, and, without a curse (_trying to speak lightly_) you could not punish me for it.

THE CHISERA

If no one does me no more wrong than you, Simwa, I need no cursing.

But, in truth, my father did give me--Ah, now I have thought of another gift for you, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite! Before he died, the medicine man, my father--did I not tell you? (_she rummages eagerly in her medicine bag_)--gave me this magic arrow against my evil hour.

(_Drawing it out._) See how heavy it is, and how the blood drain is cut in a medicine writing round and round the shaft.

SIMWA

What magic has it?

THE CHISERA

That however far and feebly it is shot, it flies straight to the mark, over hills and high mountains, in the dark or light, and death rides upon its shaft. (_Laughing._) Why, you could kill even me with this arrow. See, I have tied it in your quiver, so that you may not mistake it and shoot it away on any slight occasion. It is my latest gift to you, Beloved.

SIMWA

Thanks for the gift, Chisera. Now give me the quiver. I must join the others before the Council. The fighting men were painting their faces when I came.

(_A war-whoop is heard at a distance._)

THE CHISERA

I hear shouting.

SIMWA

I must go quickly. I would not have Padahoon find me here.

THE CHISERA

Yes, he would brood upon it like a sage hen, until he had hatched mischief. Oh, Simwa, though I have prayed the G.o.ds until they and I are weary, to keep you safe in this war, yet my heart shakes to see you go. There is a beating in my breast as of the wings of vultures after battle.

SIMWA