Destiny Mine (12 page)

The taunt stung the Cheyenne’s pride, and he glared at the man with one eye covered by a buckskin circle held in place by tied thongs. Embarrassed and angered by his capture, he yanked against his bindings. Unable to reply in sign language or in Crow, he scoffed in his tongue, “I am willing and ready to battle you.”

One-Eye chuckled as if he grasped foolish words. He stared at the awesome sight on the knoll for a moment, then departed.

As the Crow party galloped away, Stalking Wolf stared at Kionee, White Cloud, and Maja who remained poised dramatically against a dark gray sky on a vivid green hillock. The majestic sight they created awed him. If he did not know the identity of the rider, he also would be deceived. He could hardly believe the hunter’s daring challenge against such odds and wondered why Kionee had taken such a great risk to rescue him. He was also amazed that White Cloud had allowed anyone to touch and ride him. He did not know why Kionee had brought along such a disguise and why the hunter had not told him. Perhaps a vision had warned the
Hanueva to do so. The mysterious
tiva
had greater medicine and magic than he had guessed. It was clear why the Crow feared the
tivas
and wanted to defeat them to steal their powers.

After the Crow were gone and Kionee joined him and cut his bonds, the Cheyenne said, “You saved the life of Stalking Wolf. Your trick was good and brave. What words did you say to frighten them?”

Kionee removed the wolf mask so she could speak and breathe easier in the heat. “When Bird Warriors came to our land, long before the seasons of my grandfather’s father, their shaman told my people their ways and beliefs. Hanueva were given their language and traded with them, for they saw us as no threat or coup. My tribe taught them many things about our land and its game and showed them many mysterious and sacred places. Though we did not live and believe as they did, they thought the Creator honored us by placing so many wonders near us and He protected us. When the old
Apsaalooke
leaders joined their Great Spirit and other Crow bands came, friendship left our circle. The new chiefs and warriors saw us as weak and foolish—for my people loved peace and we did not raid, kill, and take captives. Hanueva were forced to defend our lives and camp when bold ones chose to raid us. If not for their past shaman’s vision, they would have tried to slay or capture all Hanueva long ago.”

Kionee checked the storm’s steady approach, then continued. “Crow have many names for the Creator: Old Man, Old Man Coyote, and the Sun. They pray, dance, and offer gifts to the Sun, as do other tribes. It is said the Sun claimed a Crow mate, but a daring Bird Warrior forced her to his mat to steal her magic. In dishonor, she took her life. The Sun was angry and made all Crow suffer. It was the Sun’s companion, the white wolf, who evoked mercy and forgiveness for them. They
also believe that long ago a powerful Old Woman possessed summer. They say the Creator sent a male wolf, deer, coyote, and jackrabbit to trick Old Woman and steal summer for them. As long as they have summer to grow grass for buffalo and other game and to grow sacred tobacco seeds, they will have power, life, and victory. They feared to challenge, harm, or disobey me, for I carried and bore symbols of their Creator and spirits. They also pray to Thunderbeings and honor the Spirit Of Rain, so my coming near a storm frightened them. I was taught such things by the elders and our
Tiva-Chu
and used them to fool our enemies. It will be the same with our next trap.”

Kionee related the talk between her and One-Eye. “They fear what they do not understand; they seek to escape evil spirits. They fear to offend Old Man Coyote or his helpers. If One-Eye had been alone, he would have challenged me; his hunger for coups and big medicine are large. He is hardest to trick. They will return to attack in two suns. We must be ready to defeat them again with fears of their own beliefs and spirits.”

After hearing that explanation, Stalking Wolf was convinced the hunter’s other plan would work. “You placed your life and Maja’s in danger for me. I will not forget your generosity. I will repay it. I was reckless and was captured. A Crow guard hid in a tree and jumped on me as I sneaked close.”

“Atah,
the one you call
Maheoo,
dulled your, wits to allow it; we needed to test our coming trick. We learned they can be fooled; we learned their strengths and weaknesses. Do not feel shame for being
Atah
’s scout. We would not know their secrets and plans if you had not fallen into their hands. If it was not
Atah
’s purpose, you would be dead. Hawate-Ishte would have killed Stalking Wolf when he was brought to camp.”

The warrior did not know if that conclusion was true,
but he was grateful to Kionee for helping him to save face over his capture. He smiled and thanked the hunter for such kindness. He stroked and praised White Cloud and Maja for their parts in the cunning victory. White Cloud nuzzled his master’s hand, but Maja edged closer to Kionee.

They knew there was no need to conceal their escape tracks, as the impending deluge would do that task for them. Riding doubleback, they headed to where Tuka and their possessions awaited them.

The short journey suited Kionee, as her body was in constant contact with Stalking Wolfs. She wished it would be a longer trip but knew she should be relieved it was not. The insides of her legging-clad legs pressed against the outer edges of his. Her hands rested on his hipbones, as she dared not encircle his narrow and firm waist and put her chest against his broad back. His wind-whipped golden-brown hair tickled over her painted face and neck. She inhaled his manly odor. She gazed at his powerful shoulders and muscular arms in blissful torment. If only she could have him, she would be the happiest person alive. Yet, she knew it was reckless to wish for what could never be.

When Stalking Wolf halted the stallion, Kionee slid off its back. To avoid making eye contact, she busied herself with departure preparations.

Stalking Wolf was amused when Kionee slipped behind thick bushes to change garments. He grinned, then packed their things and loaded them.

“Why did you bring those Crow medicine signs with you?” he asked after the hunter returned.

“A dream warned me to be ready for danger.”

“It was a good and powerful vision, Kionee. Why did you not tell me?”

She glanced at him and admitted, “I did not want you to think me foolish if nothing happened.”

“I would never do so. We are friends, companions. I trust you.”

“As I trust you, Stalking Wolf. If I had told you, my need for surprise might have been lost if your face revealed signs of knowing to them.”

He smiled and nodded agreement with the clever precaution. “You are wise and cunning, Kionee. Your prowess is great.”

“That is why we work well together; we match in many ways.”

“That is true. We must hurry; the storm moves swiftly toward us.”

They rode away side by side to complete the remainder of their task before racing the bad weather to camp, arriving only minutes before the downpour and nature’s fury unleashed itself over the land.

Near the bank of the river from the mountain of the Big Horn animals, Kionee waited in anticipation to spring their trap. She prayed they had selected the crossing which the Crow would take while en route to raid her camp. She and Stalking Wolf had agreed that this site appeared to be the best for safe and easy fording. They were fortunate that there were many trees, bushes, and rocks to hide behind. Lookouts were positioned for a long distance to watch for the Bird Warriors’ approach; each would fire an arrow to the next in line until the message reached them.

Just yesterday the Hanueva chief and council had agreed to this daring and dangerous trick, and most of Kionee’s people had helped prepare for it. She and Stalking Wolf had revealed the previous day’s episode to the astounded council. She had lied to her people for the first time: she had told them Stalking Wolf allowed himself to be captured so they could test their ability to
fool the enemy. The council had believed her, and had praised their courage and prowess. She had noticed envy in the gazes of Night Walker and Little Weasel at being denied participation in such a glorious and exciting event. When she explained her idea for this day’s ruse, they had quickly agreed with her clever plan.

The signal came, halting Kionee’s musings. She took a deep breath to calm her tension; it was win or die, be brave or be trampled as cowards. She cautioned everyone to be alert, still, and silent; and no one took offense at her words. She knew her camp was prepared for battle in case they failed in their mission. Spotted Owl had offered prayers to
Atah
for success and guidance, but she added hers to the wise and gentle shaman’s. She glanced toward Stalking Wolf, but he was hidden from view. She wished she could have one more glimpse of him before the Crow arrived. She wondered if one or both of them would die today without him knowing of her love and true identity.

A
S THE COLORFULLY DECORATED
party came close to the river, Regim made flashes with a shiny metal pan to distract them. The object was a gift from their chief to the
Tiva-Chu.
Bear’s Head had received it in a trader’s camp from strange travelers with white skin who passed through this land many seasons past and called themselves Lewis and Clark.

The flickers caught the enemies’ attention long enough for Stalking Wolf to throw a war lance from his hiding place in a tree without being seen by the band. Its sharp point stabbed into the ground with a noisy impact, and its tall shaft wiggled for a time. That action startled the Crow’s horses and caused several to rear, paw the air, and whinny, while others danced about in tension. The lance’s hand-grip was a coyote skin with coyote tails dangling from its edges. The wood was painted bloodred; eagle feathers were secured along its entire length. Its wild movements halted as the riders brought their mounts under control and glanced about for signs of danger.

Kionee moved into the open. She was attired in the same manner as their last meeting, and was accompanied by silver-pelted Maja. She sat astride the decorated White Cloud, whose hide bore more of the enemies’ sacred
and magical symbols this time. Ravens’ feathers were secured to his snowy mane, tail, and forelock; the black made a sharp contrast to his whiteness. “Halt! Why do you not ride for camp as commanded?
Tset-acu-tsi-cikyata
gave the Creator’s words to Hawate-Ishte and his companions two suns past. Why do
Apsaalooke
disobey sacred messages?” When a large cloud drifted overhead and shaded her—and them—as she spoke, she motioned toward the sky. “See how Sun hides His face from such evil.”

Hawate-Ishte shifted his head to compensate for the loss of vision in his left eye. He glared at the intruder. “How do we know the Creator sent you to us on both suns?”

“That is how I know where and when to find you.” Kionee noticed that rapid and sly response made sense to One Eye’s band. Yet the scowling and fierce leader did not look convinced. “I will prove my power and words.” Kionee beat a small drum as she pretended to call forth the evil river spirit, “
Aashe Baleilaaxxawiia.
”

Night Walker, who was hiding underwater with a reed in his mouth to obtain fresh air and clutching the alleged “monster,” heard the drum signal. He used all his strength to shove the enormous and water-soaked doll into sight; only the head at first, then the massive torso.

Kionee was relieved at the success of the chief’s son. She had feared the doll would become too heavy to lift or that Night Walker could not retain his position or his grip on it in the currents. They had made the creature from stuffed animal hides, the women stitching them together in a hurry. They had given it a hideous face and body: fox heads with jaws agape for hands, antlers protruding from its temples, two snake heads for eyes, sharp badger claws as ears, and eagle talons growing
from its cheeks and chest. She prayed their belief in evil river spirits would terrify them into leaving.

In a hurry, One-Eye grabbed food from a pouch and tossed it into the water to appease and distract the demon, as was the Crow custom. He realized their vivid colors did not frighten the beast, as usual. He watched his offering sink—or float away—untouched, as did his nervous followers.

“He does not accept your gift,” one of them murmured in panic.

“We mean you no harm,” One-Eye shouted to it. “Let us cross.”

Night Walker, his face just above the swirling surface but concealed behind the large object, moved forward in the water and roared a warning for them not to enter his domain or he would eat them as punishment.

Kionee watched the warrior retrieve his bow and fire several arrows at the mythical creature in a bold attempt to slay it. Of course his weapons had no effect on the frightful “beast,” who moved a few steps closer and roared in fury.

“You dare to challenge him?” Kionee shouted. “You are a fool-dog!” She beat her drum again as she pretended to call forth the mythical Little People—
Daaskookaate Bilaxpaake
—from Medicine Rock to give warnings against defiance. “Do you wish their arrows of death to pierce your bodies? Do you wish them to steal the aim of your arrows on the hunt and in battle?”

Hanuevas, concealed in bushes and trees and painted with disguises to resemble leaves, pushed small dolls with terrifying faces into sight and shook them with sticks attached to the backs of the dolls’ waists. They clicked their tongues in anger and scolding and chattered, “
Dee! Dee! Dee!
”, to tell the Bird Warriors to leave fast. The noise was loud and eerie, and all except Hawate-Ishte looked persuaded and petrified.

Kionee held up a large hoop of buffalo hide with a huge all-seeing eye painted on its surface. As she did so, having timed the incident with perfection, the sun—viewed a great Crow deity—came from behind its clouds as she shouted, “See their defiance, Creator! Little People and River Spirit, prepare to attack if the
Apsaalooke
do not return to their camp.”

As One-Eye gaped and listened and hesitated, Kionee shouted again,
“Xalusshe asshile!”

“We go, Hawate-Ishte; we must not offend the Creator and His spirits.”

“Itchia baawaalushkua,”
another warned of the “powerful magic.”

One-Eye gave the order, whirled his horse about, and charged from the infuriating scene with his panicked party galloping behind him.

As prewarned, everyone remained concealed, quiet and motionless, until the signal was given the threat was gone.

The victorious and exhilarated group laughed and talked in merriment. Runs Fast and Red Bull extolled Kionee for her courage and cunning. Regim embraced her, smiled, and sent her silent messages of praise. Others banded together to discuss the deed with great zest. Even White Cloud and Maja were cheered, and the two animals pranced about as if they understood their important parts in the deception.

When Stalking Wolf came forward, smiled, and commended the hunter, Kionee thanked him. It was difficult, but she managed to conceal her feelings for him from the warrior himself and the others. In truth, she wished she could fling herself into his arms, kiss him, and celebrate with him.

Gray Fox, Little Weasel, and Taysinga helped Night Walker pull himself and the drenched “monster” from
the river. The ecstatic man did not seem to notice he was soaked and chilled.

Taysinga handed her love a skin with which to dry off, then another to wrap around his body to warm himself. She savored his smile of gratitude. She watched as his brother and best friend congratulated him for his courage and success. More than ever, she decided he would make the perfect mate and father for her children; he was skilled enough to hunt for their tipi and for her family’s. Somehow she must find a way to win him, to pull his eyes from Kionee to her. At least she now knew that Kionee did not desire Night Walker, but there was still a chance that the chiefs son would find a way to compel Kionee to join with him. That must not be allowed to happen, she fretted.

If only, Taysinga mused, Stalking Wolf would seize Kionee and make her his, that fierce competition would be removed. She wished her rival would yield to desire for the Strong Heart warrior and would escape with him to his tribe. Yet, Taysinga doubted that Kionee would ever commit such a forbidden and perilous act; and it was wrong of her to hope and pray in that direction. She witnessed the scene, as did the Cheyenne, when Night Walker approached Kionee to embrace and compliment her on her successful plan.

“You also did well, my friend,” Kionee told him. “We would not know victory if you and those with the Little People had not frightened them, for Hawate-Ishte would have challenged me this time before yielding to my words alone. It is good we worked together to defeat them. We must return to camp and tell the others we are safe. Until our journey begins or we reach the grasslands, the Crow will not trouble us again.”

The elated Hanuevas returned to camp to be honored and exalted for their clever and brave deed. The chief and shaman acknowledged Kionee and Stalking
Wolf as the two responsible for bringing this time of joy and feasting. He hailed his youngest son and the others for their involvement.

Kionee’s parents and sisters, her paternal grandparents, Long Elk and Yellowtail, her maternal grandmother, Fire Woman, Regim, Little Weasel’s parents, Four Deer and Swift Fingers, and the rest of her kin gathered close to praise and honor her for saving them. There were so many people around her that Stalking Wolf had to sit with Runs Fast and his family. She wished the Cheyenne were part of her family, but that could never be.

With the rising of the dark new moon two days later came Kionee’s menses. She headed to the
Haukau
to endure her confinement in private, as was the Hanueva custom. She had told Stalking Wolf she was going to carry out a sacred
tiva
ritual to pray and purify herself for the tasks ahead before their departure on the sixth sun. She was pleased when he said he would hunt for her family and would protect them during her absence. He also had promised to tend her horses and to guard Maja. Her heart was touched by his generosity.

As she entered the willow hut, Kionee admitted to herself she needed some time away from the tempting man who was becoming more desirable to her each day. She was delighted to have her blood flow come while they were in camp. It would remove her from Night Walker’s sight, and she hoped Taysinga would take advantage of that.

During the few days while Kionee was absent, Martay was compelled to scold her youngest daughter again about making romantic overtures to their visitor. She
was glad the Cheyenne either did not notice the girl’s infatuation or was politely ignoring it. She tried to keep her energetic daughters—Moon Child in particular—busy gathering spring berries, greens, and various roots, bulbs, tubers, and corms. It did not escape her notice that Runs Fast always went along to guard them when he was not hunting. The love between him and Blue Bird was strong; their joining—she decided—would be a good one. Perhaps she would have little ones to help tend by the next buffalo hunt after this one. Thoughts of the continuation of their family circle excited her. She wondered if Kionee ever resented the fact a
tiva
could have no mate and children, or was bitter because her mother had not born a son to be head of their family. They had never spoken of such things and feelings since Kionee returned home after her training. It was sad that a female would be denied such joys. Perhaps, Martay reasoned, it was not impossible. Kionee could be the first
tiva
in countless seasons to leave her role if she had not misread the way Night Walker looked at her son. Night Walker had the skills needed to fulfill their laws, and it would be an honor for Kionee to join to such a man, a man with great prowess and rank, one from the bloodline of a chief. For a wild minute, Martay was overjoyed at the idea of having Kionee back as a daughter. But, she cautioned herself, the decision belonged to Kionee alone.

The
tivas
and men hunted for extra meat to be prepared by the women in their family circles to be used during their imminent and long journey. The females gathered extra berries, roots, and so forth. They also made additional parfleches for carrying food and replaced any worn water bags. They stretched hides and pelts on racks or staked them to the ground to dry for
tanning later. They repaired torn garments and moccasins and made any new ones needed. The best poles from winter tipis were chosen and marked to be used in the construction of travois for transporting their possessions. They believed it was wrong to cut more wood when using the tipi poles would prevent a waste of
Atah
’s creations, trees that might be needed at other times.

Men sharpened, repaired, or made new weapons for protection and hunting. They braided leather bridles and harnesses for their horses and travois. The camp was a busy and noisy place with many tasks to be done to get ready for the seasonal move to the grasslands.

Stalking Wolf supplied more than enough game and many hides for Kionee’s family, so they shared the abundance with the older
tivas.
That generosity endeared the warrior to Strong Rock and Martay and to the elderly
tivas
who could no longer perform their duties.

In small parties, the hunters scouted and continued to place guards around the camp in case the Crow returned. But time passed and no trouble threatened. And as the days went by, the tribe grew restless and eager to get under way with the yearly hunt that would provide them with hides and food and other needs to sustain life during the long and harsh winter.

On one occasion to relax between chores, men played a game where bones—carved into squares with designs marked on their sides—were tossed from a wooden bowl onto the ground, certain symbols designating the winner. As the group enjoyed themselves, questions were asked about the plans for their trip to Thunder Basin to camp near the Cheyenne.

Stalking Wolf told them the plan again. “The tribe will travel down the canyon of the winds and round the mountains to journey along the river near the Medicine
Bow forest. Four men will ride toward the place where it is Ten Sleeps to the yellow rock lands where water shoots into the air and bubbles in earth kettles. Leaning Tree and Yar will go with me and Kionee, for they are not the sole providers for their families; their fathers are strong, good hunters and fighters. The scouts will part there and take different trails to watch for Crow to see where they head to camp and hunt on the grasslands. They take the same trail each season; they first visit Medicine Wheel, then follow the river from the mountains of the Big Horn creatures, pass Ten Sleeps, and ride along one of the rivers with three forks. After they reach the grasslands, they choose a location to camp where many buffalo graze and there is water. The scouts must also prevent eager Bird Warriors from leaving their tribes to sneak raids on Hanueva. If we watch them and their tracks, we can learn their location and we can give the needed warning.”