Lakota Flower Read Online Free PDF Page B

crowd gathered around, most with expressions of curiosity and confusion. As some of the darkhaired females openly stared at her, Caroline released her hold on the warrior’s waist and rested sweaty and shaky hands on her thighs. Four males stepped close to her captor’s horse and studied her for a minute: two slightly older than War Eagle appeared to be, one at least twice his age, and an elderly man with gray hair and a serene aura. When the middleaged man spoke with War Eagle, she assumed him to be their leader, perhaps his father. She lowered her gaze and focused it on the back of her captor’s waist. All she could do was await her fate, as she could not understand their language. Be still and silent; don’t do anything to offend or provoke them against you. Please, God, guide me and protect me.
    In Lakota, Chief Rising Bear asked his third child, “Why do you and Swift Otter return to camp without the others, my son, and bring a white woman with you? Was there trouble during the hunt?”
    War Eagle remained mounted so everyone could see and hear him. “Yes, Father, we battled with bluecoats on the past sun, but no Red Shield was lost. We slayed them, but I spared her life, as is our way.”
    Rising Bear replied, “It is not our way to take white captives, my son.”
    “I could not leave a helpless female on the grasslands alone to die or be found and abused by an enemy band or found by other soldiers, for she would tell the white-eyes who did that deed, which would endanger us.”
    The chief nodded and praised him. “That is true and wise. We must call the council together so you can reveal your news to us. Take the woman to our tepee and leave her with your mother and sister.”
    War Eagle nodded. The crowd parted for him to do as his father, their chief, had commanded. He guided his horse to the side of the largest and most highly decorated tepee, situatedin the inner circle in a place of honor. He dismounted and helped Caroline to the ground, then handed his reins to a young boy who took charge of the horse. “Come,” he told her and led her to the waiting women near the tepee’s entrance. He pointed to the oldest one and said, “Mother, Winona,” and to the youngest and said, “Sister, Hanmani. I go. You stay.”
    Caroline nodded understanding and compliance before he left on foot. She looked at the women who gazed at her, thankfully without loathsome expressions. She pointed to herself and said, “Caroline.”
    Hanmani, who was astonished by her youngest brother’s action, said, “Sit,” as she motioned to a rush mat nearby. “I give you water.”
    “You speak English, too?” Caroline asked.
    “Speak little. Know more. Not Mother. Not Father. Brothers, yes.”
    Caroline was relieved that at least some of them knew her language, as that would help her understand their orders and learn their tongue. She took the assigned seat and sipped from the water bag the young girl handed to her. As she returned the bag, she smiled and said, “Thank you, Hanmani,” and saw the girl nod. She watched the two women return to their tasks nearby, working with buffalo hides and meat drying.
    At that time, she thought it was best to hold her silence until she was spoken to, though they seemed to ignore her presence and chatted amongst themselves in low voices. She saw an Indian man pause and stare at her from across the center clearing; there was something intimidating in his frigid expression, narrowed gaze, and stiffened body, which she found alarming. Who was he? And why, since she was a stranger and a mere woman, did hate and repulsion seem to emanate from him like an evil force? Relax, Caroline, don’t surmise the worst until you know the truth…
    * * *
    When the men gathered in a group beyond the tepees and sat down on the grass to listen to the report, Rising Bear asked, “Why did you attack and slay the bluecoats, my son?”
    After War Eagle explained his deed and motives, Runs Fast accused, “You will