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Night Wolf Ch. 00

By: Lady_Blackhawk



Prologue

Salt Range

Wyoming Territory 1850

Alone he stood on a lonely windswept cliff, beseeching Maheo, the Cheyenne Great Spirit, to send him a vision. The young brave named Raven Wing faced the rising sun, his words easily slipping from his lips. He balanced his weight on the balls of his feet, perched precariously on the edge and raised his arms above his head. "Maheo'o, great mystery, send this humble brave your will."

He went through the preparations he needed to make, offering a gift of tobacco to the four winds. To Mother Earth and Grandfather Sun, he offered his hunger and thirst, for he would not eat or drink until the vision came. Taking a seat upon the rocky ground, his chanting and praying began.

"O' Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me! I am small and weak! I need your strength and wisdom! Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every rock and leaf. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy -- myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you, without shame."

He picked up his knife and sliced his forearm open, offering his blood to the Great Spirit. Alone he sat day and night. His tongue swelled, touching the roof of his mouth while his belly rumbled for food. Delirium set in, but still he chanted his prayers to the Heavens above. His mind clouded over with pain and he shivered at the chill of the early spring night. 

He stared at the glowing moon, with the prayer on his lips and before him silver shards of light spanned out before him. A large grey wolf, stalking his prey, stared him in the eyes and howled. He knew the wolf would be his spirit guide. Then he saw himself astride a mighty black horse, charging viciously into battle against his enemies. He witnessed a great battle with the bluecoats. Saddened, his spirit dream revealed to him visions of his people black-faced, the women cutting their braids off and slashing their arms in mourning. The sight of many death scaffolds and much grief made him bow his head, for he knew many of his people would die as a result of the bluecoat's treachery.

The wolf reappeared in his line of sight and led him to the next segment of his dream. The sounds and sights of a waterfall captivated him. He watched in awe as a flame haired beauty bathed freely. Who was this woman? His heart told him this woman ...this white woman... would be his.

Raven Wing opened his eyes as the vision faded. The screech of an eagle pierced the air as it swooped down from the sky and before him landed a brightly colored butterfly with wings of turquoise blue, brown and white.

"Taa'evaho'neho," he declared with a triumphant nod. "I am Night Wolf."

Rising from his spot, he donned his breechcloth and moccasins. After stretching his aching limbs, he started the journey back to the valley that nestled his village. He needed to speak to his father, Chief Medicine Bull, and to Coyote, the tribal holy man.

After slaking his thirst and appeasing his aching belly on sweet cold water and venison stew, Night Wolf spoke to Coyote about the vision he was granted. Coyote, being quite wise despite his younger years, interpreted the spirit dream for him. Night Wolf would become a mighty warrior, capturing countless coup on his enemies, red and white alike. He would become a respected leader, bringing his people through many hardships.

Night Wolf questioned the holy man about the woman in the vision. Coyote shrugged and lifted his pipe for a smoke. Who was she? What effect would she have on his life? The spirits had not chosen to impart that knowledge upon him, but would reveal it when the time was right. The young brave nodded, taking to heart all that the shaman had said. Despite his impatience, he knew to listen to Coyote, for the he truly was a wise man.

Night Wolf Ch. 01



Chapter One 

Oregon Trial

Wyoming Territory -- 1860

The trail had been long and hard in the three months since leaving Independence, Missouri. For weeks, no rain came, baking the ground into rutted cracks. The lack of rain had brought once flourishing streams to slow muddy trickles. Late June had turned hot and muggy with the forecast for July bearing no sign of relief. 

It meant hardship for the settlers crossing the buffalo plains west. Stock succumbed to heat exhaustion and death from the broiling sun and too little water. But as greener pastures beckoned promises of a better life outside the crowded eastern cities and the ever-present threat of war, the settlers flocked westward in droves by wagon train, searching for a better life.

Amongst the westward bound settlers was the Gillen family. Fleeing the strained politics of the east and the threat of Virginia's succession from the states, Charles Gillen sold his farm and lumber mill, packed his family up and headed for the lumberyards in Oregon Territory, where he'd accepted a position as a logging foreman, much to the dismay of his young daughters. 

Sixteen-year-old Samantha with pale blonde hair and bright blue eyes objected heavily. How could she leave her beau when surely he would ask for her hand in marriage and what of her friends? She'd miss the cotillion planned for the following month, and all of the Independence Day celebrations as well. Several of her suitors had already asked her to the Independence Ball, and she already had her dress!

On the other hand, eighteen-year-old Ione with flame colored tresses and brilliant green eyes didn't seem to mind the sojourn west. Although she'd become a governess for a wealthy family who owned a magnificent antebellum plantation, she knew nothing could hold her in Virginia since a stampeding horse had trampled her fiancé to death. She relished the chance to get away from her sorrow and start over in a new place. The west was full of men. She'd been told they outnumbered the women three to one. Perhaps she'd meet one in Oregon. Allowing her thoughts to wonder, she pictured the kind of man she would meet. He would be tall and handsome, also strong and brave, yet gentle and sensitive to her needs. Yes, surely such a paragon of men existed, just as her fiancé Seth had. That man had to be out there somewhere.

Ione picked up a small looking glass, taking in her reflection. She was young and beautiful. She'd never had a problem attracting suitors. They flocked to her like bees to honey, but once she met Seth, she had set her heart on him. He was everything that she ever could have wanted; the only thing about him she didn't like was his twin brother, Samuel, who sent shivers racing along her spine every time she thought of him. Ione didn't like the way her leered at her so openly. It made it hard to believe that the two were brothers. They were such opposites. She sighed heavily. Moving west would be an adventure, she surmised heartily. It would be the very thing she needed.

As the wagon hit another bump, Ione recalled their journey thus far. She thought back to the day they packed their two wagons, taking only what was essential and hitching up the team of oxen. Spare horses and a milk cow plodded docilely behind the two wagons. Her hopes had been high as they pulled out. Upon leaving Virginia, they crossed Tennessee and headed down into Missouri where Charles hoped to meet up with other settlers going west. He knew joining a wagon train would provide safety, companionship, and strength in numbers.

Upon reaching Independence, they came upon a small organized wagon train headed to Oregon Territory via the Oregon Trail. Charles immediately sought out the wagon master and inquired about joining up. Once permission was granted, the older Gillen returned to his family and followed the wagon master's orders, lining up at rear of the convoy, ten wagons back from the front.

Ione groaned as the rutted trail rocked the wagon her younger brother was driving, still thinking about the trip thus far. Although the trail had been rough and hardships occurred, the many families banded together to help each other. When an ox died due to the scorching heat, another family offered a replacement from their extra stock to the family in need. Snakebites, broken wagon wheels and dehydration plagued the train as they valiantly trudged across the plains. An elderly man succumbed to a heart attack while a young boy fell prey a hungry cougar. 

Finally the wagon train reached Wyoming and the cooler mountain passes brought a measure of relief the weary sun beat travelers.

Soon the rains came, drenching downpours that plundered the dry earth and sent rivers of mud and muck racing over once parched ground. Streams swelled quickly, their saturated banks unable to withhold the rising waters. The wagon train halted at the raging Green River. The imminent threat of severe flash flooding turned the placid meandering wagon train of westward bound travelers into a chaotic mix of racing horses, livestock and the settlers hell bent on controlling them. Amongst the turmoil, Charles and Mariana discovered a less treacherous crossing, thus finding themselves separated from the rest of the fellow travelers and on a lonely well-hidden trail. 

Although he'd hoped to find the main trail he'd so foolishly left, Charles traveled further off course and deeper into Crow hunting grounds, unaware of the danger they faced. He soon came to realize that he would not find the other settlers if he stayed on this trail. 

And as they made camp for the night, Ione helped her mother with supper while her father hunted for fresh meat. John, Henry and Andrew, Ione's three younger brothers and the lovely Samantha occupied themselves with feeding the livestock. As she went looking for berries and nuts to supplement their diet of salt pork, beans and cornmeal, Ione found a secluded waterfall. How beautiful and inviting it looked, she thought. She longed to take real bath for once instead of the sponge baths she took within the cramped confines of the wagon. She would come back the next day before they broke camp to bathe. Yes, she sighed, she would return to the waterfall for a most sought after bath before her father headed their wagons onto the dusty trail in hopes of locating the rest of the train.

She clutched her wide calico apron, bundling it in front of her as she filled it with sweet succulent black raspberries and stared out into the crashing waters. Her thoughts roamed and one person came to mind. She thought of the friend she'd made while traveling across the plains and if she'd ever see her again. Silvery blond hair and beguiling blue-eyed seventeen-year-old Tessa Bennett had most of the single men on the train lining up at her family's wagon to help in any way possible just to gain her favor. Ione and Tessa became fast friends, nevertheless. Ione wished she knew where Tessa was or even if she was alive. She prayed her father would soon catch up with the rest of the wagon train. Being alone without the safety of the whole train made her somewhat uneasy. She knew there had been signs of wild Indians sighted, but none in the flesh. A shiver coursed through her at the thought of coming face to face with a savage. She'd read stories in the eastern newspapers of settlers being murdered, the farms burned to the ground, their horses and livestock stolen by the heathen Indians who inhabited this wild land. 

It was best not to think of it. She pushed the thoughts from her head as she heard her father call her name. She knew she should get back to camp before he thought some ill had befallen her. Dutifully she made her way back and presented the berries she had found to her mother. 

"Those will surely make a delicious cobbler!" The red haired woman exclaimed heartily. "Your father will be pleased."

"Yes, mama, he will. It'll be a welcome change from the normal fare we've eaten. I am so tired of beans and cornbread. I hope papa brings back some fresh meat... a deer or a rabbit even. I think I'd even be happy with squirrel. A good hearty stew would taste divine and the cobbler would make the meal that much more special," Ione chirped as she sat down to help her mother, who hummed a happy church hymn.

"Mama, do you think we'll catch up with the rest of the wagon train?"

"I have faith that we will. Your father said it'd most likely be in a day or two. He knows the direction Fort Bridger lay in."

Ione nodded thoughtfully as she began to sort out the berries by size and ripeness. She gazed at her mother as she chewed her lips. "I miss Tessa. She's my best friend now. She told me that her father's destination was the same as ours. We'd be living in the same logging settlement as her family."

"I know, dear. I'm sure you'll see her soon." Mariana smiled with a gleam in her eyes. "What about that nice Kendall boy? He seemed quite taken with you."

"Thad Kendall is hardly a boy, mama. It's just hard to accept a new suitor. I know it's been six months since Seth died, but deep down, I still miss him and I still love him. It takes time to move on. Thad Kendall doesn't have the maturity Seth had, but I have to admit he is more handsome."

"Samantha had hoped he'd court her since you were unavailable." Mariana commented as she saw her younger daughter approach the small campfire and sit down beside her, joining their talk. 

"I did hope Thad would have gotten more serious with me. He is a fine looking man."

"Samantha!" her mother scolded.

"Mama, he makes eyes at her when he thinks she's not looking. He told me he thought she was quite beautiful and wouldn't mind courting her since he couldn't have me. And I know for a fact she looks at him the same way. I think you might have a new son by the time we reach Oregon Territory!" Ione divulged.

"Is that true, Samantha?" A shocked expression crossed Mariana's face.

"Yes, mama. He even kissed me. It was wonderful. He told me he planned on asking papa for my hand in marriage, but I saw him and your shameless friend Tessa go underneath a wagon together so I told him I would not have my future husband dallying with other girls." Samantha replied, "It's not right for the man I'm to marry to be trying to besmirch the honor of someone else."

"He didn't do anything like that to you, did he?" Mariana asked, scandalized.

"Heavens no, mama, I would never allow that. Not before marriage. I'm not some strumpet."

Mariana nodded as her eyes narrowed at her younger daughter. "You had better not. I didn't raise you to lift your skirts for the first man that came along. Decent men will not accept soiled goods as his wife and the mother of his children."

A blush covered Samantha's cheeks. "I wouldn't do that, mama."

Then Ione spoke up, taking the heat off of her sister. "I did want to thank you, mama."

"Whatever for, dear one?"

"For not pressing me to let suitors court me yet, I'm simply not ready." Ione replied with a smile on her face.

"That's what a mother is for, sweet child. You'll know when it is time." Mariana leaned over and kissed her oldest daughter's forehead as she continued to peel vegetables for the stew.

O.O

The next morning, Ione arose as the sun began to peak over the horizon. It looked like it would be a beautiful day and she intended to have her bath. Gathering a clean dress, a bar of finely milled lavender soap and a length of toweling, she made her way to the waterfall, unsuspecting that she had attracted a watchful visitor who remained hidden.

She undressed fully and laid her clothes on a large rock then waded into the cold water. A shiver ran through her as the water became deeper, but it felt too heavenly to pass up... the cold water enveloping her nude body. She splashed, giggled and frolicked like a water nymph. As she scrubbed her hair and skin, her thoughts wandered. What would life be like in Oregon Territory? Would she find a new life, a husband, a family of her own? Would she meet someone who would take Seth's place in her heart? Seth, sweet gentle Seth. She giggled as she thought of all the times she wished he'd kiss her, but never did. He'd blushed scarlet the first time he'd held her hand and kissed her cheek. She knew Samantha had already allowed a number of beaus kiss her on the mouth, including Thad Kendall. Had she been as interested in Thad as he had been in her before she told him she wasn't ready for a suitor yet, would he have kissed her instead? At eighteen, a maiden pure, Ione had never been kissed properly. Seth wouldn't until they were man and wife. A few chaste pecks on the cheek were all he'd ever given her. Seth, sweet, gentle Seth. His shyness toward her never seemed to go away, even after he'd asked for her hand in marriage. Now Seth was gone and she was alone again. She ducked under the cascading falls to rinse the soap from her body and hair. The water stung as it hit her skin, but it was well worth the discomfort to be able to bathe. Yet one lingering thought itched in her brain. Would there be a new beau for her in Oregon? She knew not what to expect, only that men in the west outnumbered women greatly. She also knew that only time would tell.

O.O

Night Wolf smiled to himself as he watched the flame haired female come toward the waterfall above which he had camped for the night. It was she! His vision woman. The years that had passed had not diminished the glory of her beauty. He knew he shouldn't watch her bathe, but to move from his spot would betray his presence here and deny her the bath she sought. He watched her undress, removing her calico gown, corset, pantalets, stockings, and lastly her chemise. Her flawless ivory skin beckoned him to recall the, oh so vivid vision he had sought ten years prior. The fiery mix of copper, red and brown glistened in the dappled early morning light that streamed through the canopy of trees. She was breathtakingly beautiful, more so than he could have ever imagined. He knew someway, somehow he would claim her as his own. She would be his. This part of his sacred medicine dream had come to pass. 

Looking at her again, he noticed how she moved beneath the flowing water. He studied her graceful limbs, her flat concave stomach and gently rounded hips to her long shapely legs. She turned around giving him a view of her sleek back and toned bottom, but what really delighted him was the sight of the brilliant copper color mound at the juncture when she turned back around to face him and left the sparkling pool. That sight alone sparked his mind to imagine the secrets held within, secrets he vowed he alone would discover. A groan slipped forth from his lips as a gnawing ache persisted in his loins. Only time would keep them apart. He vowed to Maheo'o that she would be his... very soon.

His eyes continued to follow her every move as she picked of the drying cloth she'd brought with her to race away the wetness remaining on her skin. Night Wolf studied her slender form once again all the way from her delicate facial features to her slender ankles and small feet. Maheo'o, the Cheyenne Great Spirit, had truly blessed him this time, and he whispered a soft prayer as she dressed. "Oh, Great Spirit, revered mystery above, I give thanks for the blessing you wisely bestow upon me this day. I am ever humbled by your generosity and pledge my life to protect her and will always be good to her."

He remained on the ledge upon which he sat above the waterfall. A soft tremble escaped his lips as he watched her leave in the direction she had come. Only then when she was out of sight did he move from his coveted spot. Once he returned to his camp, he walked over to the big stallion tethered to a tree. He stroked his hands over the warhorse's flesh; softly whispering to the big animal he had named Black Wind. "My faithful friend, you have been valuable to me, giving me your all, your strength and your courage." The horse nickered softly as if in response. "I have found her, my vision woman. Soon I shall make her mine."

He brushed the horse down and readied him to head back out on the trail. Then he gathered the meat that had been drying on a rack and stored it away in a beaded parfleche before he doused the smokeless fire and broke camp, strapping the loaded travois of dried meat and semi-cured hides onto the packhorse. He then took point, riding out on the black. 

His hunting excursion had been successful with a few more days left to hunt as he made his way back to his village that was still seven suns away. He knew the whole tribe would benefit from the meat and hides he was bringing back. He thought about the families who had no one else to bring them fresh meat, the elderly, the women whose husbands had been killed in battle against the enemy Crow, Ute or Pawnee tribes.

Yet he couldn't keep his mind from wandering back to the beautiful girl at the waterfall. He smiled as her name came to him. Falling Water, it fit her well. Her name would be Mahpetana'otse. His manhood hardened as he recalled how splendidly beautiful she looked as the water flowed over her, barely concealing the ivory smoothness of her supple skin. She had held him in awe of her grace. 

It wasn't that he'd never seen a woman's nude body before, despite the fact that Cheyenne maidens were revered for their purity and their mother's took every precaution to keep the men from possessing a maiden before she was wed. Night Wolf knew of the ways of lust. He was proud of his prowess, thankful for the two women who'd taught him well. He was well aware that the widow, Summer Moon, hoped he'd take her to wife, but he knew he wasn't the only young Cheyenne warrior who'd shared her bountiful favors.  

Other maidens had shown much interest in him and their fathers had approached him with words of encouragement that he join with one or another. Night Wolf had declined each time. He knew where his destiny lie... with the flame haired one. Never before had a male from his father's lineage intermixed with a Ve'ho'a'o --white woman. How would they accept this? What would the whole village think when the son of their revered chief, Medicine Bull, a great hunter and warrior, chose a white woman over all of the beautiful maidens? Would they demand he take a second wife, a Cheyenne wife, to appease his people's anger? The what-if's consumed his thoughts. He pondered them long and hard. He knew he just simply couldn't take a second wife. He wanted only one. The flame-haired one was his destiny... He meant for her to be his only wife. 

He sighed heavily. It was much to think upon and he knew he would have to have a long talk with his father or the Coyote, the shaman, once he returned to his village. Then hopefully he'd still be able to find Mahpetana'otse again, for he would not rest until he possessed her heart, body and soul.

O.O 



Night Wolf Ch. 02



Disclaimer: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I'd like to think I haven't offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I'm not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light... that is not my intention.

Chapter Two

Two days later, Charles Gillen came upon one of the other wagons as it stood charred and smoldering. He immediately recognized the dark haired man who lay upon the ground, riddled with arrows. 

"Hello, the camp. Is anyone there?" He called out as he pulled his wagon to a stop, set the brake and hopped down. He walked around the remains of the wagon, finding the bodies of Clarence Bennett and his wife Katherine. Scanning the area around the camp, he looked around for the two girls, Tessa and Chloe. Where were they? And what had become of Clarence's infant son? Had Indians stolen them all away? "Is anyone alive? Tessa? Chloe?"

Ione ran toward him and screamed from the shock. "NO!" She wailed as her eyes drank in the sight of her friend's murdered family.

"Get back to the wagon, girl!" Charles ordered. 

"No, papa, I must find Tessa!" She retorted as she ran around the camp and into the stand of trees that stood nearby.

Charles charged after her, catching her just inside the tree line. "Fool girl, she's probably dead or she's been hauled away by the heathens. If that's the case, she's probably wishing she were dead. Now do as I told you and get back to the wagons." He dragged her back to the camp. "It's time to give these good people a decent burial."

"No, papa, I must find her," Ione wiggled free of his grasp and dashed back to the stand of trees. She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand before hiking up the hem of her skirt, which would allow her to run like she hadn't run in years. Just as she made it to the trees again, she felt something slam into her and knew she had been caught. She whimpered pitifully as her body crashed to the ground and felt an oppressive weight pin her face down in the dirt. "Get off me!"

"Do as Pa told you to do and get back to the wagon," her younger brother growled in her ear.

"Get off me, John, now!" She bellowed as she flailed her legs about. 

John, being a year younger and at least seventy-five pounds heavier and six inches taller than she, hauled her up from the ground as he stood up and shoved her back toward the wagons and into their mother's waiting arms.

Mariana hugged her tightly. "Come with me, sweet girl. Your pa and your brother are only doing what is best for you. Your friend may be dead."

"She can't be, mama." Ione brokenly cried as she let her mother lead her away from the massacre.

She watched as her father and John, along with Henry and Andrew, dug shallow graves and buried the broken remains of Clarence and Katherine Bennett. Tears flowed down her cheeks. Would she ever see her friend again? She curled up in a ball within the confines of her sleeping pallet in the wagon. She had already lost so much; add to it the apparent loss of her new found friend hurt even more.

Before she knew it, her father was calling for them to move their wagons out. He hoped to put a few miles between here before they made camp for the night. He manned the main wagon while John drove the other. He had fourteen-year-old Henry ride in the seat along side him with a loaded rifle while his other son, fifteen-year-old Andrew, manned the seat beside John. 

A few hours passed and they came to a slow moving shallow river. Charles coaxed the team of oxen into the cool water and crossed it, waiting on the other bank for John to bring his across. He scouted the surrounding area and deemed it a good place to stop for the night. He directed them to a copse of cottonwoods that stood nearby, directing his family to set up camp. Each member went about their assigned chores before reconvening at the fire when Mariana called them to supper. She ladled heaping servings of stew into each of their bowls and served them cornbread that she'd baked in a cast iron skillet over a low fire. 

Before bedtime, Charles brought out his fiddle while John accompanied him on the banjo and Henry on his harmonica. They played a merry tune. Ione and Samantha joined in, singing the words to the tune as Mariana clapped in time with the beat. Danger may lurk beyond their cheery fire, but within the confines of its glow all was right with the world.

O.O

The family traveled for three more days before coming upon a wagon with a broken wheel. Charles slowed up, approaching the wagon that sat off to the side of the rutted trail cautiously. He called out when he came within a few wagon lengths of it. He could make out a campfire and horses grazing on a grassy slope a few yards north of the wagon.

"Hello, the camp," he called out, easing his team closer. "Hello, anyone there?"

A face he recognized poked out of the back of the wagon. Charles relaxed and directed his wagon to the side of the trail, parking a few yards behind the one that say there. "Thad Kendall! You are a welcome sight! I wasn't sure I'd run across anyone else alive!" Charles exclaimed as he set the brake on his wagon and hopped down to the ground, approaching the young man who was now exiting the back of his Conestoga wagon. 

"Mr. Gillen, I sure am glad to see you! I haven't seen hide nor hair of anyone since the Green River," he exclaimed as he met the older man and shook his hand exuberantly. 

"Are you here alone, Thad?" Charles asked, glancing around. At that moment, another head poked its way out of the back of the Conestoga. Charles' eyes narrowed as he recognized her. He cocked an eyebrow at the younger man before turning his attention to the female. "Tessa Bennett! Is that you?"

Tessa smiled widely and climbed out, straightening her dress as she made her way over to the father of her friend. "It's wonderful to see you! I thought we'd be stuck here forever."

"I am glad you are alive, child. We found your family's wagons some days back. What happened? And how is it that you are alive and where are your brother and sister?"

"Chloe's here with us, sir. My brother died." A sad look crossed her face as her large cornflower blue eyes glistened with unspilled tears. 

"I'm sorry to hear that. We buried your parents, thinking the heathens had carried you, Chloe and the boy off."

Tessa shook her head, valiantly holding back the tears. "No, Pa told us to run so I grabbed Chloe and William and ran away. I was so scared. I thought I'd be killed. I hid in the woods until I thought it was safe to come out. I saw the smoke from the burning wagon, but I couldn't go back. I ran further away. Thad found me the next day and I've been traveling with him ever since. Chloe is sleeping. Is Ione with you?"

The elder Gillen nodded. "She's worried about you as well. She's back in the wagon. Let me talk to Thad here before we all get back on the trail."

Tessa gathered the hem of her faded calico skirt and dashed back to the second wagon. She called out Ione's name, shrieking with glee as the girl came out of the wagon. The two friends embraced fondly, tears flooding from their eyes. They hugged for several long minutes before breaking apart. 

"I'm so glad we found you!" Ione gushed, happily.

"I was so scared! I thought I'd surely die at the hands of the bad men who attacked us. Their faces were painted, but they didn't look like the savages. I think they were white men masquerading as Indians. They had on buckskins and boots and carried rifles along with their bow and arrows. They must've been after Pa's lock box of money. It's the only thing of value we had."

"That is terrible, Tessa. You are safe with us now." Ione directed her friend toward where her mother stood near the wagon. "Ma, I've found Tessa!"

Mariana smiled at her, knowing how happy this made her daughter. "It is good to find you alive, dear child. Where is your sister?"

"Oh, she's in the wagon, sleeping. She's been sick for the past few days and we've been trying to care for her, but it hasn't been easy to do with our meager supplies. Also Thad thinks one of the horses is lame. We were hoping someone friendly came along soon."

"I'm sure my husband will insist you accompany us to Fort Bridger. It'll be safer for all of us. I'm sure young Mr. Kendall will see the logic in that," Mariana relayed to the girl. "Now take me to your sister. Let me see what I can do for her."

Tessa led Ione and her mother to the back of Thad's wagon. The girl was sleeping restlessly, thrashing about as Mariana entered the wagon bed. She soothed her with a soft voice and felt the girl's forehead. She was burning up with fever. A hoarse cough wracked the girl's small body while cold chills raced through her. It was as Mariana feared. The child had a case of pneumonia. She left the wagon, forbidding anyone to go near it as she sought out her medicine chest. She repeatedly washed the girl down with some cold water, hoping to cool her fevered skin and gave her a small dose of laudanum to help her sleep. 

As Mariana treated the ailing child, her husband sat with Thad, deciding what was best for the young man and his two charges. "Best I see it is you should follow us to Fort Bridger. I have an extra team of horses that I can loan you until we reach the fort. There you should be able to see about obtaining some of your own. If not, we'll settle up once we reach Oregon Territory. You just can't stay here, though. You'll be prone to attack by savages."

"I appreciate your offer, Sir. I was hoping to accompany you. Little Chloe needs a doctor and Tessa and I will be requiring the services of a preacher. I mean to take care of both of them. They're very special to me."

"I'm glad to hear that, son. I think Ione will be happy to have Tessa around for the remainder of the journey. She cried something fierce when we found her families' burnt out wagon. I was happy to see that the heathens that butchered her folks hadn't carried her or her sister away, but that still leaves her baby brother missing."

"William was with us, but he succumbed to a fever. I buried him a few days ago. Tessa has cried ever since, but she's been valiantly trying to save Chloe as well. I was afraid we'd lose her too, if no one found us. I had very little in the way of medicine. I managed to scrape off some willow bark for some tea. It seemed to quiet her somewhat, but not long enough. I am obliged that you came along when you did."

"Can you tell me who attacked the Bennett family wagons? Which bunch of savage heathens?"

Thad shook his head. "I'll be damned if they weren't the white men. I never saw the likes of Injuns with light skin and greasepaint on their faces. I figured they were trying to stir up trouble, in order to bring the Army in here. But they weren't any kind of real Injun."

Charles nodded. "I had wondered since neither Clarence or Katherine were scalped, but why kill them?"

"Tessa thinks it had to do with the money Clarence had hidden in the wagon. Everything they had was in that lock box, but they didn't find it. Tessa took it with her when she ran away with Chloe and the baby."

"I'll be damned. Good for her then. It'll come in use for you once you've married her. You'll be able to set her up in a house and provide for her until you find work. I accepted a job as a logging supervisor. I'll gladly see that you have a job if you follow us to Oregon." Charles replied as he patted the younger man on the back.

"I'll gladly do that, Sir."

"Good. It's settled then. Let's get your wagon hitched with a fresh team. Hopefully we can head out soon and put a few miles behind us." Charles took control of the situation, leading his spare team to hitch to Thad's wagon while the younger man rounded up the horses that grazed upon the slope. He tied them to the back of the wagon, put out the small campfire and loaded the meager supplies he had out into the back of the wagon. Mariana insisted on riding with Chloe to take care of the ailing girl while Tessa joined Ione in the wagon driven by John.

As Ione and Tessa talked, she found out what happened to Thad's parents and his younger siblings. The older Kendall's, Albert and Sarah, had been washed away by the flooded Green River and were assumed to have drowned. Then she lamented that wild Indians had stolen his brother and sister. They didn't know if either still lived, but hoped to find them as soon as they alerted the Army of what had happened. But soon enough, Tessa's sad tale turned to one of joy where it involved Thad. He had proposed marriage and vowed to take care of her. Tessa beamed joyfully over her news and Ione was very happy for her. Samantha flashed Tessa an angry look, miffed over the fact that Thad had not offered for hers, but Tessa pointedly ignored the younger girl, knowing full well that Thad hadn't ever really been interested in her.

Several days passed rather uneventfully with Chloe slowly recovering from her bout with pneumonia. Her lungs seemed to clear up with the help of the laudanum, venison broth and the willow bark tea that Mariana spooned down her throat. She predicted that Chloe would make a full recovery, but it would take some time. She hoped they'd reach Fort Bridger soon and could procure the services of a real doctor. He would be able to provide better healing for the young girl.

Ione spent every moment she could with Tessa. The two girls twittered and giggled constantly about everything under the sun, but usually their favorite topic was Thad. He weathered their attention with an easy-going smile, often allowing them to ride in his wagon with him. Yet Ione knew that Tessa wasn't telling her everything. He was far too casual in his affections with Tessa to simply be courting her. Ione knew something more had to be going on, but wasn't brave enough to ask her friend. They behaved like they were already married, touching and kissing when they thought no one was looking. The familiarity between them caused a pang of jealousy to course through Ione. She didn't want what Tessa had. She wasn't interested in Thad in any way, not like Samantha had been, but she wanted a beau to treat her the way Thad treated Tessa. Despite what she told her mother about not being ready for a new suitor, she knew deep down she wanted to experience love and what it was like to be in love.

O.O

As morning came and the sun peaked over the horizon, the camp stirred. Ione and Tessa giggled as they headed for the nearby stream to wash up and bring back enough buckets of water to fill the barrels. Tessa was happy that Chloe was thoroughly on the mend from her bout with pneumonia, but complained to Ione about Samantha's rude remarks and taunts over the fact that Thad hadn't chosen her. Ione promised to talk to her sister and make her stop being such a brat. 

Ione smiled as she washed her face and hands in the clear cool water. Despite the bad things they'd encountered, the trip had been fairly pleasant. She loved the sight of the verdant trees, the majestic mountains and wide expanses of prairie. And Oregon was said to be green and lush where a man could find his destiny. Everything seemed perfect right now. She had her family and her best friend and a new life in a new place to look forward to. How could it get any better than this?

How could she know that her happy world was in imminent danger... that it would soon be turned upside down? How could she have known they were being followed, being watched? Stalked by a war party of twelve seasoned Crow warriors, their very lives at stake without so much of a clue what was to come of them? 

O.O

The attack began just as the sun came up. Swiftly, the Crow rode upon the unsuspecting wagons, firing guns and arrows at Ione's family. Mariana screamed as a war whoop split the silence and dove underneath the wagon. Charles, Thad and John raced to grab their rifles, returning fire. Charles aimed at a particularly menacing looking warrior with a black and white painted face and a caricature of a snarling panther on his chest, but the shot went off target as an arrow slammed into his thigh. He bellowed in pain and snapped the shaft off as he cocked the rifle again. He joined Thad in screaming for the womenfolk to run and hide before another arrow pierced his chest. Thad reacted, pumping off several rounds from his repeating rifle as he watched Charles go down. His first shot hit a garishly painted warrior between the eyes while his second hit another in the upper chest. Another warrior with a intricate braids and a black hand painted over the lower portion of his face launched himself from his horse, leaping into the back of the wagon. He jumped down, avoiding a shotgun blast, and reached beneath the wagon. He grabbed Mariana, yanking her out from it and dragged her across the camp to the tree line. 

Noticing what was happening, John aimed his next rifle shot at the warrior's head. He pulled the trigger and watched in awe as the bullet hurtled outward, hitting the Crow between the eyes. He slumped to the ground, releasing Mariana. She screamed and took off running, only to find her escape halted by a tomahawk to the back thrown by a warrior galloping behind her on horseback. Her scream caught in her throat, leaving behind a sucking noise as the tomahawk blade severed her spine. Then heartlessly the warrior steered his horse to run over her, trampling her into the ground. 

A barrage of arrows and bullets flew through the campsite. One bullet hit John in the shoulder, knocking him from his perch on one of the wagons. He crawled beneath it, dragging his rifle with him. Through the wagon spokes he aimed and fired, despite the intense pain in his injured shoulder. Two more hideously painted warriors leapt from their horses, war lances in hand. As if on cue the warriors heaved them at Andrew and Henry, as the boys attempted to reload their rifles. One caught Henry squarely in the chest while the other lodged in Andrew's neck, knocking both to the ground below.

Thad was the next to be attacked. Two warriors surrounded him, their skinning knives held in one hand and a tomahawk in the other. Thad managed to squeeze off a round, hitting the Crow in the shoulder before they pulled him to the ground, cleaving him to death with each bloody stroke of their weapons. 

As soon as the battle was over, four warriors dragged Ione, Tessa, Samantha and Chloe back into the camp. They'd been found hiding in a stand of woods near the shallow creek. Ione screamed at the sight of her murdered family, seeing the bodies of her mother, father and brothers on the ground. 

Tessa clutched Chloe and sank to the ground, sobbing at the sight of Thad's mutilated body. She couldn't believe this was happening again, but this time it wasn't white men dressed like the natives. She screamed again in horror and received a harsh cuff to the head for her trouble.

Then Samantha shrieked in fright as a tall warrior with waist length raven hair and black and red face paint tangled his hands in her pale blonde hair and began to drag her kicking and screaming to his horse. The tall one addressed one of his comrades in a deep guttural language before throwing her over the back of the horse and climbing up behind her. She hung belly down over his thighs. He spoke a few more words, before wheeling his horse around and spurring it into a fast canter. 

The apparent leader on the war party made a few hand signals then issued what sounded grunting commands to the rest of his warriors. They raided the wagons and stole the livestock before setting everything ablaze. He, whose name was Black Tail Eagle, stalked his way over to Ione and hauled her to her feet. He shoved her toward this large roan stallion, growling in her ear to mount the horse. He turned to his companions, a smile on his face and spoke in that same language Ione didn't understand. "We have much to show for this raid. Let us move as swift and silent as the mountain lion and be as cunning as the fox."




Night Wolf Ch. 02



Ione squirmed about, hoping to catch a glimpse of where Samantha had been taken. She also had to know if Tessa and Chloe were all right. 

The horse, not accustomed to a novice rider, shied away from her as it sensed her fear as the sickly sweet smell of blood flared its nostrils. Black Tail Eagle grabbed the horse's mane and held it still while boosting Ione onto its back. She sobbed and flailed about, screaming for her sister. He leveled a hard slap to her posterior and groused at her in his native tongue. She fought the sudden urge to wretch as the horse bucked cantankerously. The warrior calmed it by stroking its neck before nudging it into motion with the tap of his heels. As he circled the campsite, Ione witnessed the carnage. She cringed, burying her face into her hands, while sobbing erratically. 

Then Tessa came into view, sprawled unladylike across the lap of the warrior who'd claimed her. As the two men spoke, Ione made eye contact with Tessa. Sheer fright froze Tessa's face into a mask of terror. The silvery blonde haired teenager squirmed around, kicking and flailing. Her captor cuffed her sharply, ceasing the struggles. 

Ione wondered what they were saying as the made hand signals and spoke in that same harsh sounding language. She watched his lips and listened carefully.

O.O

"Black Sun has already taken the yellow haired one. He is a fool to offer her to his mother as a slave. If I were he, I'd have her upon my furs nightly. And Bull Hump took the little dark haired one to gift to his wife to replace the one who died from the white man's coughing sickness." Black Tail Eagle related. "Let us go, Whirling Cloud, and take our spoils of war away while our brothers finish here."

Whirling Cloud grinned widely and shifted Tessa up to sit in front of him. He snaked an arm around her middle possessively. "Yes, my brother, we ride. We can meet up with our comrades in three suns time at the place of jagged rocks and continue on with them until we reach our village. We'll have much to show for this raid."

Black Tail Eagle let out a hair raising whoop, setting off a continuous echo of voices through the ravaged camp. Ione cringed, feeling a shiver race down her spine. She glanced over up at Tessa, noticing her friend now had her hands bound behind her and was crying silent tears. Then Ione caught a glance of why. She blushed furiously, the color of her face matching her vivid red hair. Tessa's captor had her skirts yanked up to her waist. He had torn her pantalets and was delving into the juncture between her thighs. 

Ione quickly turned her head and began flailing her legs. She wondered if she was next. Would her captor touch her like that? She cringed, letting out a scream. Black Tail Eagle delivered another harsh slap to her backside before spurring the horse to quicken its pace. 

Ione squawked in protest, "Stop that and let me go!" Yet a part of her thanked her lucky stars that fate hadn't befallen her yet. She glanced up into the blackest eyes she'd ever seen and shuddered at the sight of the hideously painted warrior who'd claimed her as his prisoner. God above, please help me.

O.O

Hours passed as they slowly traveled into the foothills. The two warriors had been joined by a third. His leering gaze raked over Ione every chance he got. Exhaustion and thirst plagued over her, her head lolling to and fro against the upper swell of his chest. She reached back and touched his leg while wetting her dry lips. 

"Thirsty," she said and pantomimed drinking something. With a sneer, he handed her his waterskin and allowed her to drink her fill. Then she rested against his body and closed her eyes, hoping oblivion would take her.

O.O

As Ione woke from her nap, she noticed twilight had set and they'd traveled deeper into the foothills. She glanced all around, looking for landmarks or for some clue where she might be? Black Tail Eagle noticed and leveled a sharp slap to her thigh and shook his head. She lowered her eyes. What would happen to them? How would anyone know Indians had taken her and Tessa? What would become of Chloe and Samantha? Would she ever see her sister again and most of all, who would give her family a Christian burial? The many questions puzzled Ione. So lost in her thoughts, she didn't realize the warriors had reined the horses to a stop amidst a small clearing.

Coming to a stop, Black Tail Eagle dismounted his horse and pulled Ione down along with him. She let out a startled squeak before he flung her to the ground and barked a command in his native language to stay put. Tessa then joined her with a shamed look on her face, righting her clothing as she curled up beside her friend.

"Ione, I'm so scared. What's going to happen to us?" Tessa blurted out frantically, clutching her friend.

"I don't know. It all depends on them," Ione replied, embracing her friend.

"Aren't you scared?"

"Frightfully so. We mustn't give up hope, though. We'll be okay. They didn't kill us, like everyone else. So they must have some other plan for us." She straightened her back and squared her shoulders, watching as the warrior's stripped their horses of gear, brushed them down before hobbling them for the night. The third warrior who'd joined them set off into the stand of trees to gather firewood. When he returned, he built a smokeless fire. "We have to be brave, Tessa. I've heard that they admire that. Courage is a big thing for them."

"Who are they, though? And where'd they take Chloe? She must be terrified." Tessa leaned against Ione. 

"I don't know who they are. They're dreadfully frightful. They must be evil men to kill our families and take us captive." Ione wrapped her arms more firmly around her friend. She watched as their captors stalked toward them. 

Black Tail Eagle snatched Ione up and marched her to the tree line. She pushed her behind a bush before motioning for her to relieve herself. She blushed indignantly, tapping her foot. She motioned for him to turn around. He cocked an eyebrow and slapped her soundly, knocking her to the ground. She rubbed her jaw and grabbed hold of a tree in order to right herself. She glared at him furiously before hesitantly hiking her skirts and squatting behind a bush, knowing he was watching. 

Once she'd finished he led her back, not knowing the horror that befallen her friend. Ione gasped at the sight of Tessa beneath the copper skinned warrior who'd stolen her. She turned away, her face becoming beet red. Tessa screamed and struggled while the long haired man worked himself between her legs, raping her violently.

Poor Tessa, Ione cringed as she realized she would be next. These foul men planned to rape and use their prone bodies. Ione dug her feet into the soft earth, resisting as Black Tail Eagle tried to drag her back to the fire. She screamed and kicked, flailing her free arm about. She'd rather die than be violated by any of these heathens. Tired of her fractious behavior, he cuffed her again and threw her over his shoulder. He carried her to the fire. She watched in horror as one warrior finished and the other one waiting took his place. 

Tossing Ione down to his bedroll, Black Tail Eagle removed the buckskin shirt he'd worn and pulled his leggings off, kicking aside his moccasins. With the flick of his wrist, he pulled the ties that held his breechcloth on. Ione screamed and tried to scramble away from him, but he stopped her with a vicious slap. 

The warrior ripped her bodice wide open and threw himself upon her struggling form, hoping to subdue her thrashing with his superior weight. Ione knew she'd have to fight him. She screamed and kicked, flailing her legs wildly. A triumphant grin crossed her face, as she was able to wedge up knee up enough to slam it into his groin. He howled in pain, clutching his tender manhood. Anger filled him. He slapped her hard before tearing her dress from her struggling form. Then he tore her chemise, petticoat and pantalets to shreds and flipped her over onto her stomach. She lay naked before him, her bottom in the air. Ione sobbed, knowing what was next. She'd seen enough animals mating on her father's farm and she knew what had become of Tessa.

"Help me!" Ione shrieked as he gripped her hips and settled in behind her. "Get off me."

He grunted something low in his throat that she couldn't understand. Throwing her leg back, her foot connecting with his lower abdomen. He howled once more, leveling a crashing blow to her head while he cursed in his native language. Ione screamed out, her voice echoing through the night.



Night Wolf Ch. 03



Disclaimer: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I'd like to think I haven't offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I'm not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light... that is not my intention.

Translations:

Nénáasêstse: Come here
He'kotoo'êstse: Be quiet
Hámêstoo'e: Sit down (plural; spoke to more than one person)
Méseestse: Eat
Tâhéovešêstse: Go to sleep (or Get some sleep)
Né'áahtovêste: Listen to me!
Mahpetana'ôtse: Falling Water




Chapter Three

As a gut wrenching scream split through the silence of the night air, Night Wolf lurched to his feet. A female! But who had her? He'd recalled passing by the burnt out remains of a few wagons during his hunt. He knew it could only mean that another white family from beyond the big water had died. They were fools to ride onto Indian lands, killing game for sport, fouling the rivers with their mining equipment and taking what wasn't theirs and not expect to pay for it with their lives. 

When a second ear splitting scream wrenched the night, he grabbed his weapons and silently headed in the direction in which it came. His thoughts turned to the woman who haunted his dreams. Where was she this night? He longed to gaze upon her loveliness once more as he recalled the sight of her bathing in the waterfall.

His senses came alive as he neared the camp. As the wind shifted, he caught the acrid scent of a fire burning. He crept closer while focusing on a lone warrior crouched amongst the trees away from the camp. Night Wolf paid close attention to the markings on the other man's clothing and knew they had to be Crow. This was his chance to count coup on one of his enemies. He stealthily made his way over to the man and jerked him down to the ground, covering the man's mouth before stabbing him in the neck. 

Night Wolf continued on, sneaking behind a large box elder tree, and peered into the camp. Two Crow and two females remained. He could see the desperate struggles of the women, one already being raped and the other... he moved from tree to tree to get a better look at her.

It was SHE!!!!

His vision woman. 

Night Wolf's heart raced. He fought for control over his raging emotions. She needed him. He had to free her... she was his destiny and he could allow no harm to come to her. But what of the other white woman? The Great Spirit had told him nothing of her. Nonetheless he had to act!

Whirling Cloud didn't know what hit him as Night Wolf jumped out of the brush and buried his tomahawk between the shoulder blades of the distracted warrior. He let out an ear splitting war cry, pulling the tomahawk back out. Whirling Cloud screamed in pain as Night Wolf yanked him off Tessa's writhing form and threw the man to the ground, planting the tomahawk's blade deep into the chest of his enemy. 

Then Tessa screamed and curled up, trying to cover her naked body. "Don't hurt me!" She bellowed loudly.

Night Wolf shook his head at her and hurled his tomahawk at the warrior wrestling with Ione. The sharp blade lodged deep into Black Tail Eagle's shoulder, nearly severing his arm. Black Tail Eagle screamed in utter agony, wrenching the tomahawk free with his remaining arm and flinging it back at Night Wolf. The volley went wide, missing Night Wolf by several feet.

That didn't matter to Night Wolf. He grabbed his war club and advanced on the injured foe, who had stumbled away from Ione and now lay on the ground bleeding from the mangled shoulder wound. Black Tail Eagle cursed at Night Wolf and gripped the war lance that rested beside the pallet of furs, holding it out before him defensively. Night Wolf sprang around the lance, bringing his war club down across the throat of his enemy. He listened to the sickening snap of bones and heard the warrior gasping for breath. Night Wolf repeated the action, crushing the other warrior's windpipe. To finish the fallen warrior off, Night Wolf pulled his knife from its heavily beaded, quilled and fringed sheath. In one motion, he removed his defeated foes scalp, holding it in the air triumphantly and shouting his victory.

Turning, he speculatively eyed the two girls before making his way over to Whirling Cloud and relieving him of his scalp as well. He placed them both in a pouch before squatting in front of the fire. Ione and Tessa sat huddled together, both trying to shield their nakedness from him.

"I won't hurt you," he spoke in his native Cheyenne language as he wiped his knife on the ground and put it back in its sheath.

"What did he say?" Tessa whispered to Ione.

"How should I know?" Ione shrugged and began to shiver. 

"Wonder if he speaks English?" The silvery blonde haired female questioned, eyeing Night Wolf curiously.

"I doubt it!" Ione scoffed derisively, wiping away her tears. "He'll probably finish what his companions began. That is before he kills us!"

"Something tells me he's their enemy. He wouldn't have killed them if they were friendly." Tessa replied, turning her attention back to Night Wolf who still sat across the fire from them.

He watched there every move, his eyes resting upon their mouths as if he were trying to understand the words they spoke. Then he stood up and headed over to the horses that belonged to the Crow warriors, disposing of any Crow markings from each horse. He then motioned for the girls to mount up.

"Nénáasêstse," he motioned once more and pointed at the horses. "I won't hurt you."

Both girls shook their heads furiously, refusing to budge from the fire.

"Nénáasêstse," he repeated, touching the flanks of the horse. 

"I think he wants us to get on the horses," Ione whispered to Tessa.

"No!" Tessa rallied, her cheeks burning with indignation. "I won't be violated by another savage. We can't go with him. We don't have decent clothes."

"He did save us from those other three," Ione interjected thoughtfully.

"No, Ione! He'll only to do the same. Besides, we're naked. Do you want to ride a horse with no clothes on? It's indecent, I tell you. And I'm cold!" Tessa shrieked, shivering even more.

Night Wolf's brow furrowed and he tapped his foot. He repeated his command a third time before rummaging through the packs of the dead Crow, finding garments for the girls to wear. He tossed each girl a buckskin shirt, a pair of leggings and a loincloth.  

Eyeing him warily, Ione cautiously picked up the long sleeved fringed buckskin shirt and examined it. It was made of animal hide and decorated with elk teeth, bear claws, beads, dyed quills, buffalo hair pipes, and scalplocks. She bellowed in disgust, throwing the garment back to the ground. Then she turned her anger to Night Wolf.

"Aaghh. How dare you expect me to wear that thing with scalps on it?" Her screech pierced the air with all the spine cringing finesse of fingernails scraping down a chalkboard as she frantically pointed at them.

Night Wolf leveled a glare upon her, motioning for her to put the clothing on. He chuckled to himself at her refusal and rage. He watched as her chin went up once more, refusing to do so. He rolled his eyes and drew his knife, stepping toward her. 

Ione screeched and backed away, bravado rescuing her fleeing pride. "Don't you dare come near me with that knife." 

Ah, she had such fire, his little spitting kitten. He sent her a level glare and knelt down to pick up the crumpled shirt she'd thrown away, proceeding to remove the offending scalplocks and graciously handing it back to her. Once again, he made the hand sign for her to put them on.

Ione gasped aloud, surprised by his actions. Was it possible he understood her words? Her jaw dropped in awe. She wasn't sure what to think. Her gaze shifted to her friend, who had quietly begun to don the buckskin garments Night Wolf had given her, happy to have something to cover her body. With a sigh, Ione did the same.

"Maybe he'll take us to Fort Bridger." Tessa whispered, as she looked Night Wolf over thoroughly, a scowl gracing her weary features.

"That would be nice!"

"He'kotoo'êstse!" He barked at them, frustrated with their unwillingness to comply. 

The two girls stared at him frightfully, clinging to each other. First, he grabbed Tessa and shoved her up onto the back of the horse. She struggled erratically while he tied her hands around its neck. "Let me go!" She screeched.

"Tessa!" Ione shrieked, attempting to flee across the campsite. Night Wolf caught her quickly, propelling her towards the second horse where he repeated his actions with her. He touched her flaming hair and spoke to her softly in his Cheyenne tongue. "You are my destiny and I would never hurt you. Someday, you will understand. You will become my woman."

His voice soothed her. She gazed upon him with bated breath. He held her awestruck. His demeanor was gentle, his voice soft. It gave her the feeling that he didn't mean her any harm. She nuzzled her head against the horse's withers, feeling the coarseness against her skin as a pale pink blush stained her cheeks, and sighed.

Night Wolf drank in the beauty of her face. The corners of his mouth turned up with the hint of a grin. He nodded to her and walked away, bounding up onto the back of the third house. He grabbed the reins to the remaining two horses, leading them away from the scene of the battle.

Ione watched their rescuer for a few moments before whispering to Tessa, "I think we'll be okay. I don't think he'll hurt us."

"How do you know?" Tessa shot back, irritated that he'd tied them to the horses. 

"It's just a feeling I get. He hasn't hurt us yet. I don't think he will." Ione whispered in response. "We'll make it, you'll see." 

"He'kotoo'êstse," he repeated in a low commanding tone. He knew he had to make the females understand how their voices carried during the silence of the night. He didn't want to alert anyone or any thing to their presence. 

After traveling a short distance, the trio reached the campsite Night Wolf had chosen for the night. Silently he untied the girls and helped them down, guiding them to the blankets he'd laid out for himself earlier that evening.

"Hámêstoo'e!" He spoke sharply and clearly, pointing to the bedroll beneath them. He watched as they sank to the ground, cuddling close to each other. Then he dug into one of his packs and pulled out several strips of dried venison and pemmican, handing them to each girl. "Méseestse!"

Although frightened, Ione accepted the food he'd given her and stared in awe at the tall, bronzed skin man whose skin seemed to pour over his body like molten gold. Her eyes were drawn to his masculine form like moths to a flame. His untamed raven black hair, which held many coup feathers secured by a strip of leather to a lock of hair at the back of his head, fell loosely to his waist. Thick black eyebrows framed his arresting liquid jet black eyes. From his high cheekbones to straight aquiline nose to his full, sensuous mouth, strong square jaw and chin, Ione searched over his features, locking him into memory. The perilous journey her eyes took caused her to wonder if she'd taken complete leave of her senses. What was it about this handsome stranger –this savage – that affected her so? How could she be feeling anything but fear for him?

Knowing she must remember everything about him in case she and Tessa were rescued, she continued to look him over. I have to know how to describe him once I'm rescued, she reasoned to herself.

Night Wolf was dressed in full Plains Indian regalia. His heavily fringed elkskin vest and leggings were ornately decorated with ermine and quillwork. The wolfskin loincloth did little to hide the growing male appendage; a testament to his desire for her. She blushed profusely and looked lower, taking notice of his knee high moccasins heavily beaded with bands of blue, grey, black and red. Someone had put much love and care into the making the exquisite garments. The detail astounded her. The outline of a howling wolf graced one side of his vest. Looking upwards, she caught sight of the gorgeous black and white buffalo hair pipe breastplate adorned with gold hued beads and bear claws that hung from his neck beneath the vest.

The Cheyenne warrior noticed her blatant perusal of him. He could tell by the delicate brush that settled on her ivory cheeks that she found him to be to her liking. Night Wolf smiled widely and whispered boldly in his native language, "Do you like what you see?"

"I don't understand," Ione replied. She looked away from him and took a bite of the pemmican her gave her.

Night Wolf chuckled behind his hand, watching her closely. It was now his turn to look over in the flesh. After seeing her twice already, once in his sacred vision all those years before, and secondly at the waterfall a few suns prior, he recalled her flawless ivory flesh. Her fiery mix of burnished copper, red and brown hair could easily outshine even the most beautiful of sunsets. Her vibrant green eyes smoldered with flecks of brown and gold. Her high forehead, delicately arched brows, small nose, perfect shaped full pouty lips was highly appealing to look upon.

She was beautiful.

He remembered well her small, perky apple sized breasts as he'd looked upon them at the waterfall and earlier as she'd dressed in the garments he'd given her, and felt the stirrings of desire sweep through his loins. Closing his eyes, he recalled her bathing in the waterfall again, bringing to focus her naked body shielded only by the cascade of flowing water. He remembered her graceful limbs, rounded hips, flat concave stomach, her long shapely legs and brilliant copper colored mound at the juncture of her thighs. A slight groan slipped from his lips. Oh, how he ached to possess her.

He opened his eyes and swept them over her as she looked now. Never before had the clothing of his enemy look so tantalizing. The buckskin shirt fell to mid-thigh, completely covering the loincloth as she wore beneath. He was surprised that the leggings fit her slender legs so well, considering he'd taken them from the possessions of a much larger man. He smiled as he glanced over her small feet, knowing they had to be swimming in the beaded moccasins he'd handed her. He noticed, however, that she'd managed to tie the laces as tight as possible to hold them on.

Yes, she was beautiful. No female in his village compared to her.

O.O

Ione stubbornly closed her arms across her chest and scowled at him. Her blush deepened. She knew this magnificent looking man had been eyeing her breasts. She huffed at the thought of him seeing her naked after he'd saved her from the one who'd tried to rape her. He watched her change into the buckskin clothing. She licked her lips.

Night Wolf groaned at the sight of her pink tongue flicking out to moisten her lips. Quickly he stalked away, grabbing up his waterskin, that he promptly presented to her. She nodded, accepting it, taking a long drink from it to quench her thirst. He motioned at Tessa as Ione handed it back to him. Reversing her action, she handed it to her friend. Once Tessa was done, she handed it back to Night Wolf. 

"Thank you," she murmured, moving away from him. 

Night Wolf nodded and walked toward the fire he'd built, banking it for the night. He then made his way over to the horses he'd taken from his enemies, brushed them down and hobbled them for the night. He gathered a few more buffalo hides that were big enough to serve as blankets and brought them back to the fire. He spread them out, uniting them with his own, and motioned for the girls to lie down.

"Tâhéovešêstse!" he said. 

As both girls warily obeyed him and snuggled down upon the fur blankets, he sat down between them. Grasping Tessa's right wrist, he looped a strand of leather around it and secured it to his own. She squawked a protest, shaking her arm angrily. He bore a hard gaze upon her, silencing her swiftly. Taking another rawhide scrap of leather, He secured it to Ione's wrist before looping it to his breechcloth. With a grunt, he settled in between them for the night. "Tâhéovešêstse!" he repeated, then closed his eyes.

Minutes passed as Ione stared up at the star-filled sky. She sighed wistfully, ruminating on what had become of her life. Was this to be the rest of her existence, held bound to some Indian warrior? Would she end up like Tessa, having her innocence ripped from her violently? Would she ever see her own people again? Have the chance to give her family a Christian burial? A glimmer of a thought niggled in her brain. She dared not to think it wasn't true. When she looked upon the devastation wrought by her family's attackers, she couldn't recall seeing John amongst the dead. Could it be that he'd somehow survived? Hope flared within her. 

"Ione," Tessa whispered across Night Wolf's chest. "Ione!"

"What?" She asked, breaking away from her thoughts.

""Let's go. We should take some horses and leave." The blonde haired girl suggested. "We could make it to a fort and be safe."

Ione paused for a moment before she spoke. Could they make to a fort all by themselves? She, for one, had no idea of where they were and had no clue of which way the nearest fort was. "But how will we find the fort?"

"I remember Thad talking about it. If we head back to way we came and then head west, we should be there in a few days. Let's go!"

Ione chewed on her lip, surprisingly torn on what to do. She knew she had to find out if John were alive or not, but something deep and primal urged her to stay with the handsome warrior who'd rescued them. "I don't know, Tessa. We could end up in a worse situation on our own. What if the other men who attacked the wagons catch us? What if they think we killed their companions? Who knows what would happen to us?"

"Ione Gillen!" Tessa squawked vehemently in protest, her voice shooting up a few octaves far past that of a whisper. "I can't believe you'd want to stay here with him after all that's happened! Who's to say it wasn't his people who murdered your family?"

"All I'm saying is he hasn't hurt us yet. He saved us. Surely he'd protect us. Once we get a better idea of where we are, then we can make our escape." Ione reasoned, looking up at his face. 

His eyes were open, his expression stern. "He'kotoo'êstse," was his firm response as he sent a fierce look at the blonde girl.

Her eyes widened, "You can't do this, you big heathen brute!" Tessa retorted, her courage rallying.

With an exasperated sigh, he severed their bonds and dragged her to a tree on the far side of the clearing. He pressed her against it face first, despite her struggling, then pulled her arms around the trunk, tying her hands together as they met. Tessa balked and squealed, forcing him to gag her as well. He covered her body with a blanket, tucking the ends under her shoulders and between her body and the tree.

Night Wolf grunted, and then spoke softly. "Né'áahtovêste!" 

His soft warning in her ear caught her attention. She stopped for a brief moment, listening to the rapid pounding of her heart.

"He'kotoo'êstse! Tâhéovešêstse!" He ordered before he walked away, turning a deaf ear to her startled weeping.

Tessa sobbed quietly into the rough bark of the tree. She cursed him softly, wishing she hadn't listened to her friend. This was a step up from being raped, she begrudgingly admitted to herself. She could deal with being uncomfortable better than she could deal with being violated. It just wasn't fair, though!




Night Wolf Ch. 03



Night Wolf stalked back to the pallet of furs, tying Ione's wrist to his. He noticed her shallow breathing. Rolling to his side, he studied her. Her beauty never ceased to astound him. He sighed and whispered, "You are beautiful."

Then he closed his eyes once more.

O.O

The sun had barely begun to peak over the horizon when Night Wolf gently shook Ione awake. She squealed in protest when she realized she had cuddled up to him for warmth sometime during the night. Their legs were tangled most intimately while his hand cradled one of her breasts. She blushed profusely and looked away as he longingly stared down at her. Yet he knew in his heart it was far too soon for him to broach the subject of intimacy between them. She was still as skittish as a doe and would likely run at first sign of danger. He would bring her to heel. He vowed she would come to him willingly. 

Ione shook her wrist at him, pushing herself into a sitting position. With a nod, he swiftly severed their bonds. The tightness smarted a bit, causing her to rub the feeling back it. Flashing him an indignant look, she scrambled up and fled into the same bushes she used the night before. Night Wolf followed, though he gave her the privacy the moment required.

Once finished, she cleared her throat and stepped out from behind them. "I'm done," she snapped gingerly, her cheeks colored with a delicate shade of pink. It annoyed her that he felt the need to follow her, invading her privacy. She knew she had very little hope to escape. Part of her didn't want to. He'd been nice to them, saving them from the others that truly meant to hurt them. If only he hadn't followed her! 

Night Wolf forced himself to hide a smirk as he found the blush to be most appealing then led her back to the campfire. He motioned for her to sit down, handing her more pemmican and dried venison.

Next he sought out Tessa, untying her and pushing her into the bushes as well. Ione noticed he was doing the same for Tessa as he had her. When they returned, a bright red blush on Tessa's face, he sat her down and handed her some food.

"Are you well?" Ione asked her, concerned for her friend.

"No, I'm not! Just who does he think he is tying me to a tree?" She balked strongly, shaking her fist.

"He'kotoo'êstse!" He turned his dark eyes upon her, shooting a menacingly glare at her. He wondered what he'd do with her if she continued to defy him. He knew having her in his lodge with his vision woman would be severely test his patience. Perhaps another woman would want her as a slave. Or perhaps even another male. Whatever happened, he couldn't allow her to convince his woman not to remain with him. He couldn't allow that. He told himself to remain silent, and not let them know he understood their white language. He'd only speak to them in his native Cheyenne tongue. He'd make her – Mahpetana'ôtse- Falling Water his woman.



Night Wolf Ch. 04



Disclaimer: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I'd like to think I haven't offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I'm not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light... that is not my intention.

 Author's Note: The English-Cheyenne word translations come from the Cheyenne Language Web Site, one that I've found extremely helpful for the telling of this tale.

 Translations:

Nénáasêstse: Come here He'kotoo'êstse: Be quiet Hámêstoo'e: Sit down (plural; spoke to more than one person)  Méseestse: Eat Tâhéovešêstse: Go to sleep (or Get some sleep)  Né'áahtovêste: Listen to me!  Mahpetana'ôtse: Falling Water Néá'eše: Thank you Taa'evâho'nehe: Night Wolf Mo'kôhtavo'ha: Black Horse Va'ôhtama, néséne: Welcome, my friend Tósa'e nétao'sêtsêhe'ôhtséme: Where are you going?  Hotohke: Star Hotohkenestoohe: Howling Star Héehe'e: yes

Chapter Four

The next seven days followed the pattern of the first. They rose at dawn, ate a morning meal, broke camp, rode for a few hours before stopping briefly to eat the midday meal and to rest the horses, and then continued on until Night Wolf found a secluded place to camp for the night. He fed the girls, generally letting them wander the campsite or instructing them on how to help him scrape, cure and tan hides or dry strips of venison over the fire. 

This night, he chose a sheltered glade nearby a babbling stream. He assisted the girls in brushing down their mounts before he hobbled them for the night and let them graze on sweetgrass that blanketed the ground.

Returning to camp, he noticed both Ione and Tessa were gathering wood for the fire. He smiled widely. He hadn't told either to do so. Yet he remained alert, and considered the fact that their ready acceptance of their captivity may be a ruse to loll him into a false sense of trusting they would not run if given the chance.

"Néá'eše!" He said, thanking them, as he motioned to the girls to sit down. They dropped the wood and did as he had bid them. He quickly built the fire, using a piece of flint and his tomahawk blade to produce a spark. Then he dug into a pouch and pulled out some corn cakes, several strips of pemmican each, and a few strips of dried buffalo meat, handing the girls their share. 

Tessa groaned at the offering. "Many more days of eating this and I think my ribs will be showing," she whined and rubbed her stomach. "I'm hungry for fresh meat!"

"I know! I'd love to have rabbit stew and skillet made corn bread and mama's cobbler. I miss it so much. I miss her so much." Tears formed in Ione's eyes and she quickly brushed them away. "Why did this have to happen?"

"I'd just like to know if Chloe's still alive," Tessa commiserated, reaching over to hug her friend.

Night Wolf watched them intently, listening to their words. He sensed the melancholy that had fallen over Ione. He knew she missed her family, and pledged to do whatever he must to make her happy. He'd show her that he was her family now and he'd protect her until he walked to the Spirit Path and joined his ancestors. 

He reached out to her, touching her chin softly, and lifted it to look at him. When she started to protest, he placed a finger over her lips and gazed deeply into her eyes. Then he spoke, his voice gentle. "You have me, and I will take care of you. I will bring you happiness if you'd only open your heart to it." 

She didn't understand his guttural words, but sensed he was telling her to cheer up. She cracked a shy smile before looking away, nibbling on a piece of pemmican. He smiled and stroked his hands over her burnished hair.

Then he pulled away from her quickly, bounding to his feet. Grabbing his tomahawk, he scanned the area. The sound of horse's hooves clip-clopping on the ground had caught his attention. Someone was nearby. He held his tomahawk in one hand and pulled his knife with the other, slipping into a defensive position while guarding the two girls.

"Taa'evâho'nehe," a voice called out. "Taa'evâho'nehe, it is Mo'kôhtavo'ha. I ask to join your camp."

Night Wolf relaxed and called back to Black Horse. Soon another tall, bronzed warrior wearing a heavily decorated buckskin shirt, breechcloth, and leggings with elbow length twin braids on each side of his head entered the clearing, leading a black and white painted horse. 

"Va'ôhtama, néséne." Night Wolf smiled, meeting his hand halfway and clasping the others forearm in greeting. "Join us!"

Night Wolf moved back to the fire and sat down before it. He removed his pipe from one of his packs and filled it with tobacco. Then he motioned for his friend to join him.

"I see your hunt has been successful, a travois full of meat and furs, extra horses and two captives who dress like the Crow." Black Horse quipped as he removed his blanket and hide pouch off his horse, dropping them on the ground beside the fire before he led his horse nearby where his fellow Cheyenne warrior had hobbled his.

When he returned, Black Horse offered his friend a share of his food in exchange for a smoke off his pipe. "Tósa'e nétao'sêtsêhe'ôhtséme?"

"Home. You are welcome to travel with me." Night Wolf replied as he accepted the pipe back for another draw off of it.

"I'd like that. So tell me, friend, how did you capture the white woman who dress like the Crow?" Black Horse asked, as he longingly eyed Tessa.

"The flame haired one is my vision woman. She is my destiny. Three Crow held them captive. I killed them and took the women. The Crow had torn up their clothes so now they wear the extra clothing from the parfleches of the dead warriors," Night Wolf related. "They've had a rough time."

Black Horse nodded thoughtfully. "I see. What are your plans for the other one?"

"I thought to keep her in my lodge with her friend. I have no interest in her. I only want the flame haired one. I call her Mahpetana'ôtse, because of the waterfall I first saw her under. The one with hair like silver was with my vision woman when I found them. They seem to be close as sisters. They were traveling when the Crow attacked their wagons."

"I want her, my friend. I will give you five ponies for her," Black Horse offered sincerely as he turned his eyes back to Tessa.

"Done." Night Wolf agreed, "But I ask you to be gentle with her. Two of the Crow had raped her before I found them."

"I will take care of her. I'll be good to her." Black Horse replied. "I have never seen hair or eyes so lovely before."

"What about Aamêhe'e?" Night Wolf inquired, "Your wife will not be kind to this white woman."

"Aamêhe'e has divorced me. She took her things and left my lodge. She waits to join with Shadow Walker." Black Horse told him, "She was young and made a mistake. There was no peace in my lodge with her. He was her true love. I hold no ill will toward her either."

"I'm sorry to hear that, my friend." 

Black Horse shrugged, "That was in the past and now I will once again fill my lodge with a woman. For she is more beautiful than Aamêhe'e." Black Horse flicked his eyes over Tessa and couldn't believe he'd come across such a beauty. Luck had smiled upon him.

O.O

Tessa leaned toward Ione. "I wonder what they're saying," she said, noticing the leer from Black Horse.

"I don't know, Tessa."

"That other warrior keeps staring at me. I'm not sure I like it either." Tessa shivered, running her hands up and down her arms.

"He certainly is a handsome man, just like the one we've traveled with these past few days," Ione giggled, sneaking a look over at Night Wolf and Black Horse.

"Yes, he's fine-looking. They both are. Who knew that wild Indians could be so handsome?" Tessa agreed, stifling a giggle. "I wonder what their names are. What tribe they're from."

"I wish we could talk to them," Ione sighed as a pink blush covered her cheeks.

Tessa finished her meal and reached for the waterskin. She quenched her thirst and moved away to lie down on a blanket near the fire.

O.O

"She is most lovely," Black Horse said as he glanced her way, drinking in the beauty of her young female body hidden within the buckskin clothing. He admired her silvery blonde hair, for he'd never seen such a color. He searched over her pretty face. Her sky blue eyes intrigued him along with her pale pink lips and voluptuousness he imagined through the buckskin shirt. The loincloth and leggings did little to hide her curvaceous hips and slender legs. She was the perfect bud of womanhood. He vowed she would be his before the night was through.

"What will you name her?" Night Wolf asked, watching his friend watch Tessa.

"Hotohke," Black Horse declared proudly.

"Star. It suits her well. Although the first few days I would have like to call her Hotohkenestoohe." Night Wolf laughed jovially before glancing back at Ione.

"Héehe'e." Black Horse quipped, "Those must have been seven interesting suns."

Night Wolf patted his friend on the back and stood up. He motioned for Ione to go to the blankets as he banked the fire. Ione blushed profusely, her heart racing as she caught the unmistakable look of desire in his coal black eyes. Would he touch her tonight? Would he do things to her? Ione's mind raced as she tried to swallow the lump that formed in her throat. She stomach fluttered as she walked the few short feet to the blankets. The past six nights he'd only required her to sleep beside him. Would tonight be the same? The questions clouded her thoughts and she wished her mother were there to console her and comfort her fears.

Ione looked back at him and blushed to the roots of her fiery hair. She watched, her cheeks blushing, as he removed his vest, leggings and moccasins, leaving on the wolfskin breechcloth. He walked to the blankets and settled on his.

"Tâhéovešêstse," he ordered, pulling a buffalo hide over both their bodies. Having heard the word before and knowing it meant for her to lie down and go to sleep. She followed the order quickly, snuggling into the blanket. She let out a yawn as she stretched out on her side and made herself as comfortable as possible on the hard ground.

Nearby her, she watched Black Horse approach Tessa's blankets and place his near hers. Like Night Wolf he stripped down to his loincloth and settled in beside her. Night Wolf touched Ione's face, drawing her attention to him as he softly stroked her hair. He whispered words she didn't understand in a soft crooning voice. Pulling her close, he rubbed his cheeks against hers and felt her stiffen.

"I won't hurt you," he murmured in Cheyenne as he continued to stroke her fiery hair. His hands dropped lower and began to stroke her supple young form, touching her everywhere. He caressed her face, learning the contours of her features. He smoothed his hands over her shoulders and down her arms to her waist. Then he embraced her in his arms, holding her close to him, and whispered sweet words of love. The heat of his body soaked into her, making her very drowsy. Soon she drifted off to sleep.

O.O

Sleep didn't come easy for Night Wolf. He knew what he wanted, but didn't want to rush her. Much had happened to her since her family was killed. He pulled her closer, glancing over at Black Horse and Tessa. He watched them pick up their blankets and move to a more secluded spot. Night Wolf grinned. Black Horse would have her like he said he would. He chuckled before closing his own eyes. His time with Falling Water would come soon. He planned on taking his time with her. He would make her want it. 

O.O

Ione awoke a few hours later with the sudden urge to empty her full aching problem. She wriggled out of Night Wolf's arms and found a spot behind a few small bushes. As she righted her loincloth, she heard a moan and a giggle. Who else could be out here? Ione's brow furrowed as she wondered if other settlers were nearby. Perhaps she could hide with them and be taken to the fort before she came too attached to the handsome warrior who'd stirred within her such tumultuous emotions that she didn't want to feel, emotions she was quite sure she'd never felt before.

Putting those thoughts out of her head, she walked closer to the noises. Coming to the stream, she gasped as she caught sight of Tessa with Black Horse, clearly illuminated by the moonlight. Black Horse grunted loudly, working himself between Tessa's widespread legs. The handsome warrior was making love to her friend. She knew she should walk away, but something held her frozen in place. How could Tessa be enjoying this when just a week earlier she screamed her lungs out while the Crow had raped her? It puzzled Ione and she shook her head as she decided that Tessa had to be willingly allowing this handsome man have her body so intimately whereas the Crow had forcibly taken what he wanted. Whatever the case may be, Tessa seemed to be enjoying it. Enjoying it so well that Ione heard her murmur words so erotic that Ione blushed red to the tips of her hair. Tessa's words of utter passion dazed Ione. It was obvious her friend had experienced these emotions, even before the Crow forced her. Things began to click in her mind. The looks between Tessa and Thad, the kisses and the secret embraces... and the fact that Thad had planned to marry her. She remembered the night Samantha had spoke of seeing Thad follow Tessa beneath her family's wagon. She couldn't have been a maiden when the Crow raped her. Indignation burned Ione. She thought Tessa had been a maiden, but she was wrong. How could she put up such a fuss? Was it all an act? Was her friend one of those immoral loose women her mother had often chastised? The kind that Reverend Alton had said would burn in the fires of hell when judgment day came?

Her indignation turned to embarrassment when Tessa and her bronzed warrior changed positions. Tessa straddled the hips of her lover, rocking upon him. They moved together as one. He caressed her breasts and kissed her mouth, his hands constantly moving. 

She sighed, shaking her head, and took one last look at her friend, who moaned loudly and threw her head back from the pleasure she was experiencing. To each her own, Ione surmised and headed back toward the camp. She wasn't surprised to find Night Wolf standing a few feet away from her, watching her intently. He knew she'd been spying on the two lovers. Grasping her hand, he silently led her back to the blankets by the fire.

O.O

The next morning when the traveling foursome stopped for their midday meal, Ione sought out Tessa as she washed her face in a shallow brook.

"Tessa," she spoke up and sat beside her.

"Yes, Ione," Tessa's brow furrowed in response. Why had Ione chosen to speak to her now after a morning full of silence and cold reproach? She knew she was about to find out.

Ione pondered her next words carefully. Though she knew it wasn't any of her business, she needed to know why her close friend given herself to the handsome warrior. Ione thought for sure they'd try to make their way to a fort as soon as the right opportunity presented itself. Surely Tessa couldn't be thinking of staying with these people? And though Ione had never been one to beat around the bush when she had something to say, but this was so far from anything she'd ever experienced. She hesitated for a second until she caught glimpse of Tessa's inquisitive look. "I ... uh... I saw you last night... "

"Huh? Ione, of course you saw me last night. We ate dinner together and ..." Tessa interjected, not catching her friend's meaning.

"No, Tessa. I mean, I saw you with him... with that savage," Ione snapped, pointing at Black Horse.

"Oh... OH! His name is Black Horse." Tessa replied, acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

"Black Horse?!?!?! How do you know his name?!?!"

Tessa grinned widely. "He told me, silly. He speaks a good bit of English. We talked for quite a long time."

Ione's brow ceased, her face turning red. "You did more than talk!" She scolded her hotly.

Tessa sighed, wondering where to begin. "There are a few things you don't know about me, Ione. Please don't judge me unfairly by what I'm going to tell you. Truthfully, I was not a maiden when those Crow raped me," the blonde confessed.

"You weren't?" Ione's voice trembled and she bit her lower lip.

"No, I wasn't. I lost that when I was fourteen. A man my father hired to do some work around the farm was my first. From that moment on, I enjoyed it. I craved it. Soon I learned I could get what I wanted by using sex," Tessa explained and watched as Ione's eyes widened incredulously. Then she continued, "Please don't think of me as a whore because I'm not. I like sex. I'd only known three men before my family started on our trek westward. I admit to having secret trysts with Thad before and after he asked me to marry him. He knew I wasn't a pure maiden and he accepted that. Thad loved me and I loved him. I was looking forward to being his wife. When that one Crow raped me, I screamed and fought him because he was too largely endowed. He tore me and I bled. It was very painful. Black Horse wants me. I may be his captive, but he will protect me with his life. He promised me that."

"Truth be told, I suspected you had relations with Thad. He was far too casual in his affections to be just courting you. Samantha saw you and Thad go beneath a wagon together and that was before the flooded river." Ione confessed to her friend. "You said he speaks English. What did he tell you? Who are they? And who is he?"

Tessa looked in the direction that Ione motioned and smiled widely. "Ah, the one that is sweet on you is called Night Wolf. Black Horse told me they are good friends. He also told me that Night Wolf is the second son of the tribal chief."

"What tribe?"

"Cheyenne."

"And who attacked our wagons?" The hunger for knowledge sent her mind into a ravenous tailspin of questions.

"They were the Crow. The two tribes are bitter enemies. That's why Night Wolf killed them."

"And where are we going?" Ione chewed on her lip nervously. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what plans Night Wolf and Black Horse had for them.

"To their village. Black Horse said we'd be there by tomorrow evening. He also said that he saw signs of a Crow war party. It could be the one that attacked us."

"By god, I hope not." Ione bemoaned, mulling the prospect over in her head. 

"They'll protect us. Black Horse promised me. And Night Wolf wouldn't allow any harm to come to you."

"Does he... Night Wolf... does he speak English?" Ione ventured to ask, hoping Tessa's would say he did.

"Truthfully, I don't know. Black Horse wouldn't say. At that point, he grew weary of my questioning and wanted to... well, never mind that." Tessa giggled, leaving Ione to fill in the blanks for herself.

"Will they ever let us go?" 

Tessa shook her head, "No, I doubt it."

A sign slipped from Ione's lips. She buried her face in her hands and rubbed her face while she fought back to tears. "I need to find Samantha. I need to know if she's alive or not. And I don't remember seeing John amongst the dead. I think he may have survived. I am hopeful, but worried about my sister. The Crow who took her could have raped her and killed her for all I know. And aren't you the least little bit concerned about Chloe?" 

"Of course I'm concerned about my sister. How could you think I wouldn't be? I told Black Horse about both Chloe and Samantha being taken captive. If they were going to kill either, they would've done it during the attack. Most likely Samantha's will become that warrior's slave and Chloe, being a child, will most likely be a replacement for one that's died. I miss her just as much as you miss Samantha."




Night Wolf Ch. 04



"Do you think they'll help us find them?"

"Perhaps Night Wolf will help. He obviously wants you and his father is the chief. The Crow are their enemies." Tessa suggested with a shrug of her shoulders.

"How can I ask him, Tessa? I don't speak Cheyenne and he doesn't speak English. That presents a bit of a communication problem." Ione retorted as her voice raised a few octaves.

"Calm down. You'll give yourself the vapors. Think about it and be reasonable. Either you learn his language or I will help you. I'm sure Black Horse will serve as an interpreter for us," Tessa shook Ione soundly before letting her go. She then stood up. "Our lives have changed drastically so we have to change with it. Now we should probably head back. Our menfolk are waiting for us."

"Our men? Don't you mean yours?" Ione shot back.

Tessa grabbed her friend's arm, pulling her along. With a saucy grin, she quipped, "No, I meant ours. You'll see." Then she sighed, "They are rather handsome, aren't they?"

"Yes," Ione indulged momentarily, then shook her head in denial. "I mean, I really hadn't noticed. He's nothing to me. Just another savage who thinks I'm his possession." 

"HA! You don't fool me, my friend. I've seen the way you've watched him when he's not looking, all moon-eyed. And I tell you he looks at the very same way. I don't think I've ever seen two people who have it as bad as the both of you do. You can deny it to yourself as much as you want, but you won't get away with lying to me. I know better. Perhaps you should stop denying your feelings. I think deep down you're as curious about him as he is about you. Call it destiny." Tessa stated and walked away, not letting on to her friend what she knew about Night Wolf.

Ione flashed her a puzzled look and followed after her. Once they reached the campsite, Ione sat down near Night Wolf and quietly listened to the strange guttural language both were speaking rapidly. They seemed engrossed in their conversation, but not enough that Night Wolf didn't notice her presence beside him. He touched her knee, stroking it gently through the buckskin leggings.

"But Tessa?" Ione whined, almost flinching at his touch.

"But what?" Tessa rolled her eyes and followed her friend across the camp.

"I'm confused."

"That's more than obvious." Tessa chuckled.

"Don't make fun of me!"

"It is natural to feel the way you do. You're a good girl who expects marriage and doesn't want anyone to disapprove of the things you do. You're trapped by what is supposedly right and wrong. Open your eyes, Ione and take a good look at the real world. It isn't always right or wrong or black and white. You'll see the grey areas. Feeling a need for someone isn't wrong, it's human nature." Tessa explained, hoping her friend would understand and thus relax some. Then she continued on. "I don't have many options and I don't know if I'll ever see Chloe again. Black Horse says his people admire purity in their women. He thinks my encounter with the Crow was my first time. He doesn't like that I was forced, but doesn't blame me. He said if the Crow that did that to me wasn't already dead, that the Crow would die a long painful death. He did tell me from here on out, he will be my only lover and I accept that. He's a good man as well as being quite handsome. Black Horse said he'd most likely marry me as well, so I will have rights within the tribe. He's not the only Cheyenne brave that's taken a white wife. There is another. Her name is Sky Eyes. He'll introduce us after we arrive. I am sure Night Wolf will do the same for you as well. I think you'll learn that Night Wolf will be just as kind and just as patient with you if you give him the chance to prove it."

"What do I do?" Ione asked, as she looked toward Night Wolf who met her gaze momentarily.

"Trust him and let your heart guide you. It won't steer you wrong. He won't force you." Tessa replied sincerely. "Do you feel better?"

Ione nodded. "I do. Thank you for calming my fears and for this talk. Knowing a little about him makes a big difference, somehow. He held so tightly while he slept and he whispered in my ear. I wish I knew what he was saying. What should I do if he wants to do more than just hold me?"

"Let your heart guide you. Let him teach you." Tessa encouraged. "He wants you and from what Black Horse told me, he has no other woman in his village."

"But he's so handsome..." The disbelief flooded out.

"He's been waiting for the right woman."

"Me?"

Tessa nodded her head.

"Oh my goodness." Ione sighed before near panic struck her again. "What do I do?"

Tessa grinned conspiratorially, leaning in close to whisper in Ione's ear. "I'll tell you what to do. Play hard to get. Give him something to work for. In the long run, he'll want you even more and it'll be more special for both of you."

"Do you think so?" Uncertainty filled her. "I don't know how to play hard to get."

Tessa leaned in closer and whispered things to Ione that made her blush bright red to the roots of her hair. Ione pulled away, shocked to the core. "And that will work?"

"Yes, I nabbed Thad Kendall that way right out from beneath your haughty sister's nose. Trust me, it'll work."

Ione clucked her tongue and shook her head. The very mention of Samantha sent a sharp pain shooting through her soul. She miss her family more than she'd ever imagined she would. She couldn't allow herself to think about it or else she'd fall into a deeper pit of despair. That wouldn't be good. Ione glanced over at Night Wolf and noticed he was watching her with a look of longing. Green eyes met liquid black, locking for a moment and shutting everything else out. It was a heady feeling. Ione blushed red again and tore her eyes away. She turned back to Tessa. "This is quite the turnaround from a week ago. It was I that was telling you how I didn't think he'd hurt us and now you are giving me advice to be clear-headed. Quite a change of heart, if you ask me." 

"Strange, isn't it?"

Ione nodded. "Most definitely, dear friend."

"I hadn't met Black Horse yet. Something happened when I saw him and it grew when he came to me. He is a wonderful man. Do you know that he paid Night Wolf five ponies for me?" Tessa confided as she stare at her lover quite dreamily.

"Then I am happy for you." Ione smiled, gazing over at Night Wolf once more. She studied his profile. His high forehead loomed above a straight nose, a well-shaped mouth and a strong jaw. His blacker-than-sin hair hung long down the back to his waist with two braids falling along side his face. 

Tessa interrupted Ione's bold gazing. "You'll see soon enough what a confident, strong, kind-hearted and good man Night Wolf is. He's been good to us so far. He saved us from the Crow, defeating three strong warriors. And he didn't tie you to a tree," the blonde added wryly.

"You sing his praises?" Ione questioned with a smirk. 

"I do. He was showing me who's boss. He is. Black Horse is." Tessa reasoned. "I gained a good insight on them last night while talking to him. These people aren't the bloodthirsty savages they're made out to be by the papers back East. Sure there is some cruelty amongst them, but you'll find that in our own people. These people are proud, stubborn and fierce yet are also gentle and caring. He didn't hurt me, well maybe he stung my pride somewhat, but I hold no ill will toward him."

"I don't either." Ione exclaimed, "Night Wolf saved us from torture or death or who knows what else. I owe him my life."

"Just remember what I told you."

Ione beamed at smile at her. "I will, Tessa. Oh, I'm so glad you're here with me. I'm glad you're my very best friend."

The girls embraced quickly. "Oh, it looks like the rabbit is done. I'm glad to have fresh meat instead of the dried stuff." Tessa sighed, returning to her place beside Black Horse while Ione sat beside Night Wolf. The foursome devoured the rabbit then doused the fire. Ione glanced at Night Wolf once more. He met her gaze longingly then motioned for her to come to him. She did so willingly and he helped her mount up on his big black stallion, instead of the chestnut gelding she'd ridden before. Glancing over at Tessa, she noticed her friend now sat before Black Horse. 

Ione watched while Night Wolf tied then lead ropes of the two horses Ione and Tessa had ridden to the packhorse that had the loaded travois behind him. 

O.O

Ione felt good cradled between his thighs, her bottom sensuously rubbing his manhood. He held her snugly with his arms wrapped around her slender body. Ione felt the friction --such delicious friction-- that the rubbing together their bodies produced; she wondered if it was affecting him as much as it affected her. She stifled a groan and felt a strange tingling in her loins as he slid his free hand over her body, slipping in beneath her heavy buckskin shirt. She jumped as his hand came in contact with her skin and arched her back against him, giving him access. Though she trembled something awful, she remembered Tessa's words. Trust him echoed in her mind. 

She felt his hands move upwards, cupping one of her breasts in his calloused palm. The friction of his hand on her soft flesh sent chills racing through her very core. She shuddered against him and arched a tiny bit more. The feeling was indescribable. Palming the small orb, he located her nipple, plucking softly. His mouth hovered over her ear, whispering soft love words to her. Though she didn't know what he was saying, the meaning was unmistakable. Tessa was right. He did want her and this was his way of showing her. 

When his hand abandoned her breast and slid down her torso to the top of the breechcloth she wore, she sucked in a deep breath and trembled harder, like a leaf shaking in a windstorm. Even softer, more sensuous sounding words calmed her. Beneath the loincloth his hand dipped, snaking lower to cup the dewy softness of her mons. She quivered even harder and arched again. She parted her legs as far as she could and remain on the horse. 

A finger dipped between the delicate folds, parting them, and found the throbbing little bud. He stroked it, feeling her twitch in his arms. She rubbed her buttocks against the hardness that formed there and heard his low groan sound above her ear. 

Calling for a stop, Night Wolf guided his horse into the shelter of a few trees and dismounted. Lifting Ione down, he grabbed a blanket and laid it on the ground. Then he placed her upon it and joined her. His lips immediately traced the line of her jaw, the slender column of her neck and the edge of her collarbone. He wasted no time in removing her shirt and despite her squeaks of protest, he settled his mouth upon one of her nipples while his hand covered the other and licked. The swollen tip went taut before he drew it into his mouth. Ione groaned, arching against him. The things she felt were like nothing she'd ever known. It was hot and primal. She gasped as if her insides turned into a molten pool of white heat and gathered deep within her womanhood.

His teeth grazed her swollen nipples. He pressed them together, drawing both into her mouth. He licked and sucked the rosy peaks, drawing more mewling hisses and stifled cries from her. The air became heavy with the dewy scent of her innocent arousal. She squirmed beneath as the copious moisture gathered between her thighs, dampening her loincloth. He relished the sounds of pleasure that slipped from her parted pale pink lips.

Night Wolf rose above her, whispering words she didn't understand in a crooning voice. He rubbed his cheek against hers before dropping his hands lower to stroke his way down her supple body to the top of her loincloth. He touched her gently, learning the contours of her shape before moving to untie the thongs that secured the breechcloth to the leggings. With a flip of his wrist, he had the concealing garment off of her. Ione squawked a startled cry as the cool air wafted over her heated skin. Night Wolf soothed her with his gentle voice, whispering tender words of love in her ear. 

Settling himself over her, he breathed in her womanly scent, letting out a small groan of his own. He wanted her with a fierceness he'd never felt before, but knew he shouldn't rush her. He steeled his desire and focused on bringing pleasure to her. Now that she lay naked before him, he went back to her breasts. He peered down at her heaving twin orbs, watching as her nipples tautened into tempting buds.

Night Wolf lowered his head and caressed with one hand while he drew the other back into his mouth. His tongue flicked the swollen orb, bringing mewling cries from her. He let his hands roam lower to her waist, spanning it with his hands before he dipped one to her weeping cleft. Ione trembled and moaned, squirming as his fingers delved into the feminine curls nestled at the juncture of her thighs. Soothing words traveled from his lips to her ears as he continued his passionate assault on her, suckling each nipple until they turned into hard peaks. Ione moaned and writhed beneath him, her body blossoming with need as a carnal ache pierced her core. She panted breathlessly. Night Wolf trailed a line of kisses down her body and delved his fingers back into the thatch of curls. He let out a groan at what he found there. She was soaked to the core and quivering. He sought out her pleasure button hidden within and ran his thumb over it. Ione let out a soft squeal and gasped for breath. What is happening to me, her mind pondered. Her senses overloaded and she bucked her hips in a frenzy. His marauding fingers teased the taut bud of pleasure and sent her soaring to heights she'd never been before. Her heart pounded, her breathing heavy and short as she let out a cry of bliss. Never before had she felt anything so intense as the first climax rocked her body. Then he sent her out of her mind, over the edge and spinning out of control as his hot tongue flicked over her swollen nubbin. She let out an animalistic cry of passion, reaching down and running her fingers through his raven locks. 

His tongue slashed over her slippery core and delved inside her channel where he felt her maidenhead intact. His heart swelled with love and pride, as he knew he would be the first to awaken her to the heights of passion he so longed to take her. He would be the one to initiate her to the realm of lovemaking between a man and a woman. 

Soon she was cresting once more, reaching that special peak of rapture. She writhed, moaned aloud and let the incredible climax crash over her in wave after wave of spectacular bliss. Never before had she known such a feeling was possible. Never again would she believe this act between a man and a woman was a duty, not to be enjoyed, but to be endured in order to bear children. As she caught her breath, she blushed and thanked the good Lord above for this man.

Night Wolf covered her and gazed deeply into her sparkling green eyes. His breath caught in his throat at what he saw there. She was a woman made for passion, made for his love. Tenderly he nuzzled his cheek against hers.

"You are my woman now," he stated as he held her close. 

Ione nodded, though she didn't understand what he said. If only she could talk to him. There was so much she wanted to know, so much she needed to say. 

"I want you," he murmured in her ear and felt the shivers race through her. "But I am prepared to wait until I know you are ready." 

Night Wolf gathered her in his arms and held her close for a while, allowing her to grow comfortable with the heat of his body pressed so intimately with hers. Then he released her and handed her the clothing he'd removed from her body. He allowed her to dress before embracing her once more. Ione felt the warmth of his body wrap around her slight form. She could feel the hardness of his manhood pressed against the curve of her belly. The fact that he didn't take her maidenhead puzzled her when she knew he very well could have. She rested her head on the upper swell of his chest and closed her eyes for a moment, her mind full of questions. Why hadn't he taken her? Did she displease him? Would he take her next time? Perhaps once they rested at dark. 

Sensing her mental dilemma, Night Wolf cradled Ione in his arms and whispered more words of love in her ear, words that seemed to soothe her. He stroked her body lightly, feeling the heat flowing between them. He groaned and resisted the urge to launch another passionate assault upon her sensuous little body. He wanted to sink himself slowly into her untried depths and coax her innocence from her lovingly. He longed to take and brand her with his passion, making her his alone. But it was all too soon. Calling on his training, he resisted, knowing it would happen when the time is right.

That time was coming. He could feel it. As sure as his heart was beating she would be his; totally, completely and unquestionably his. 

O.O



Night Wolf Ch. 05



Disclaimer: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I’d like to think I haven’t offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I’m not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light… that is not my intention.

Author’s Note: The English-Cheyenne word translations come from the Cheyenne Language Web Site, one that I’ve found extremely helpful for the telling of this tale. Also credit goes out to the Lakota Dictionary page on the language [dot] nativeweb [dot] org website. 

Translations:
Nénáasêstse: Come here
He'kotoo'êstse: Be quiet
Hámêstoo'e: Sit down (plural; spoke to more than one person)
Méseestse: Eat
Tâhéovešêstse: Go to sleep (or Get some sleep)
Né'áahtovêste: Listen to me!
Mahpetana'ôtse: Falling Water
Néá’eše: Thank you
Taa'evâho'nehe: Night Wolf
Mo'kôhtavo'ha: Black Horse
Va’ôhtama, néséne: Welcome, my friend
Tósa'e nétao'sêtsêhe'ôhtséme: Where are you going?
Hotohke: Star
Hotohkenestoohe: Howling Star
Héehe’e: yes 
Ho'óhomo'e: Lakota
Hau, kola: Hello, friend (in Lakota)
Tsitsistas: Cheyenne 
Ha Iyotaka: Yes, sit down. (in Lakota)
Tate Sapa: Black Wind (in Lakota)
Wasicu: white man or white person (in Lakota)
Heya: No (in Lakota)
Nóxa’e: Wait here
Né'éstséhnêstse: Come in!
Épéva'e: Good (It’s good)
Ma'heo'o: The Great Spirit or God
Náhko'e: Mother
Ného'e: Father

Chapter Five

The waning sun sank lower in the sky as Night Wolf reined the horses in a sheltered valley. He bounded down from the back of the horse, speaking in quiet tones to Black Horse who followed suit. Grabbing his weapons, he crept quietly through the trees with Black Horse close behind. 

Through the fronds of a leafy bush, he spied a small group of three warriors gathered around a campfire.  As Black Horse joined him, crouching by his side, he noticed the young female huddled upon an animal skin, shivering from the cold. Her dirty blonde hair was disheveled mightily, her face almost blackened with bruises and mud. “Ho'óhomo'e,” Black Horse whispered. 

“Héehe’e,” Night Wolf agreed, “Shall we speak to our Lakota brothers?”

Black Horse nodded and hailed the camp. The three warriors stood, reaching for their weapons, and kept a sharp eye on the two men entering their small camp. 

“Hau, kola.” Night Wolf spoke, “I am Taa'evâho'nehe of the Tsitsistas.”

“Hau, Taa'evâho'nehe. Join us. Our Cheyenne brothers are always welcome at our campfire.”

“May we may camp with you for the night? There is safety in numbers.” Night Wolf replied, using a combination of sign language and intertribal words.

“Ha, Iyotaka,” the leader of the group spoke up, motioning for Black Horse to come forward. “My name is Tate Sapa. This is Gray Eagle and Two Moons. Join us.”

“Hahóo,” Night Wolf nodded, using the intertribal word for thank you. He motioned to Black Horse using sign language to return with the horses and bring them to the campsite. His friend inclined his head and went on his way, returning several minutes later with Ione, Tessa and the horses in tow. 

Night Wolf graciously shared a haunch of deer meet with the Lakota warriors, all the while noticing Tate Sapa’s blatant appreciation of Ione. He hoped to dissuade the Lakota as he glanced over at the woman still curled up on the buffalo robe. There was something vaguely familiar about her, but he wasn’t sure what. He hadn’t encountered many white women in his span of twenty-five summers. Still he kept Ione close, even going as far as pulling her into his lap after the men had eaten to show she belonged to him. 

While the men conversed, Ione and Tessa ate their share of the venison haunch, talking in low tones amongst themselves. Occasionally they sneaked glances at the female who continued to shiver. Unaware that feeding her wasn’t allowed; Ione pulled off a few chunks of the venison, placed it upon a leaf and handed it to the girl. Tate Sapa reacted immediately, knocking the food from Ione’s hand before grabbing a bayonet he’d stolen from a soldier and holding it to her throat.

Night Wolf sprang into action, throwing Ione to the ground and placing himself between her and tip of the bayonet. “No one touches my woman without my permission,” the Cheyenne warrior growled in his throat, his voice sounding much like his name. 

“If I wanted my slave fed, I’d have ordered your woman to feed her.” Tate Sapa retorted, glaring at Night Wolf fiercely. 

“Falling Water is new to my people and does not know our ways yet. What harm is to give some food to your captive? How is she to remain strong enough to endure a hard day of woman’s work if she is weak from hunger?” Night Wolf reasoned, his eyes flicking over the girl then met Tate Sapa’s.

Tate Sapa pointed at Ione, then to the food and back to the girl. “You have much wisdom, my Cheyenne brother, but she is still mine.”

“And I have not challenged your claim to her, but tell me one thing, friend. How is it you came to be in possession of her?” 

“I found her wandering the prairie seven suns ago. She was lost and disoriented. I believe she is the survivor of an attack on a wasicu wagon train.” Tate Sapa replied as he packed his pipe full of tobacco and lit it. 

“Would you trade her?” Night Wolf nonchalantly shrugged. 

“Heya, I shall keep her. She pleases me.” The Lakota warrior replied and offered Night Wolf a smoke off his pipe. 

For a long while the men passed the pipe around and talked amongst themselves for the remainder of the evening. It left Ione and Tessa the chance to talk softly between them, but before they knew it, Night Wolf tenderly touched Ione’s leg, motioning for her to get their sleeping blankets from the pack on the travois. She dutifully obliged him, watching while he brushed the horses down and hobbled them for the night. Returning to the fire, he brought another blanket and a thick buffalo robe then directed Ione to a secluded place just out of view of the camp. 

Spreading the furs and blankets on the ground, he coaxed her down to them, his hands roaming her slender form. He snuggled into her, wrapping her in his warm embrace. Ione gazed up into his dark eyes, now so filled with naked desire that she trembled in response. His mouth descended to skim along her jaw to her ear where he whispered soft words of love. His teeth gently nipped the lobe of her ear before moving down the line of her neck to her collarbone hidden by the buckskin shirt. Coaxing her with sweet words she didn’t understand, Ione helped him remove her shirt, baring her breasts to the chill of her night. Warm, calloused hands cupped the ivory orbs tenderly, treating them like priceless treasures, feeling them swell to his touch, his long fingers seeking the tender peaks of her nipples, teasing them to full aching hardness. 

Ione gasped, sweet shivers raced through her body, igniting every one of her nerve endings into sensitive pleasure receptacles. She felt her fear melt away, and knew it was replaced by a growing need she could not control and found she had no wish to. Her body arched into his with a will of its own, pleading without words for his touch. His mouth traveled from her throat, along her shoulder, bestowing teasing little licks, searching out each sensitive spot along the way to her breasts.

As his questing lips captured her nipple, a sigh shuddered from her throat. Unable to stay still while he explored her, Ione brought her hands up and slipped them inside the vest he wore, removing the breastplate and setting it aside. She laid her hands upon his sides shyly, skimming around to feel the smoothness of his back. As her fingers mapped the contours, feeling power and strength in his body, her lips sought the angular planes of his face. She skimmed them across his forehead, planting tiny little kisses here and there, sweeping down his cheeks to nuzzle against his ear. 

Night Wolf let a low moan slip from his lips as his hands traveled the curves of her body, down across the flat of her stomach, the bend of her hip, trailing his fingers to the inside of her thighs until they found their goal. He lingered there, teasing and tantalizing until Ione was arching into his touch, shamelessly letting her cries slip from her lips as her fingernails raked the length of his back.

Impatiently he swept the rest of their clothes away and settled his body completely over hers, parting her thighs with his knee. Ione quivered at the heat of his passion throbbing against her. “You are mine,” he whispered, “You will always be mine.”

There was a brief tinge of pain as he entered her, making her his own. He silenced her startled cry pressing his mouth to hers, something he’d often witnessed his friend, Sun Bear, indulge in with his wife, Sky Eyes. It wasn’t the Cheyenne way to press their mouths together. Cheyenne lovers licked each other’s body, rubbing cheeks and other body parts together, but this kiss was a wondrous new experience.

Ione flushed bright red. Night Wolf’s mouth devoured hers while his hands excited her, introducing her to the world of sensuous pleasure. She surrendered herself to him completely, giving to him everything she had to give. His thrusts became faster and deeper, opening her untried tunnel to his marauding manhood. She whimpered and panted hotly until her passion flared into an all-consuming desire. She grew bolder, meeting the thrust of his hips with her own. The tender spark ignited, her body bursting into flames, consumed and fed by his. Quickly his needs became her own. Together they climbed from one plateau of passion to another, even higher, until at long last the heavens collided and erupted in a flurry of light and sound. Spurred on by the climactic cataclysms of bliss, they soared on the wings of ecstasy to the stars. Ripples of rapture shuddered through them as they clung together, savoring the delight of their mutual release.

Night Wolf held her close to him afterwards, stroking her and murmuring to her words she couldn’t understand. But there was one thing she knew without a shadow of a doubt. She belonged to him, heart and soul, and there would be no turning back. 

O.O

Ione flushed red as her hair the next morning when Night Wolf led her back to the tiny camp in the sheltered valley. She could barely make eye contact with anyone, not even Tessa, and especially not Night Wolf. He had ravished her thoroughly the night before, coaxing from her impassioned cries of incredible bliss. In her innocence, she never knew it was possible for two people to do such things or experience such pleasure. 

As she sat down by the fire, she noticed the knowing smirks on the faces of the Lakota warriors as well as Tessa and Black Horse. The captive of Tate Sapa lolled restlessly on her back upon a buffalo robe and sang a childhood song quietly to herself. She didn’t seem to care that others were around her or might possibly be disturbed by her out of tune voice. Tate Sapa rolled his eyes and nudged her none to gently, eliciting a squawk of protest from her, before he ground out something harsh sounding. She halted her singing and wandered towards a copse of dense trees, disappearing within them. 

Ione watched as Tate Sapa sighed and rubbed his face before following her. When they did not reappear for a while, Ione assumed the warrior hadn’t caught her yet, or if he had must be administering some sort of discipline. Or pleasure, she flushed pink to her top of her ears, once again remembering the night before.

Night Wolf watched her closely, noticing the pretty blush staining her cheeks and tinting her ears. Tessa took the moment to lean over and whispered, “Black Horse said there’s a stream nearby where we’ll be able to wash up. Are you coming with me?”

The thought of a bath filled her with even more joy. It made her momentarily forget her embarrassment over the fact that everyone knew what she and Night Wolf had done. “I’d love a bath!” She gleamed as she turned to her handsome Cheyenne captor to make sure it was okay. “Please?”

He nodded in consent, his eyes firmly fixed on her shapely backside as she scrambled off into the trees with her good friend. Tessa led Ione to the babbling brook, eager to get her friend alone for a few minutes so they could talk. 

“How pretty,” Ione sighed at the sight of the stream with its plunging little waterfalls. She headed toward a deeper part of the stream, and sat down on the bank. She removed her buckskin garb and waded into the water, letting out a small squeak as the chilly water surrounded her. It took a moment to acclimate to it, but once the initial shock passed, she ducked beneath, scrubbing her skin and hair with sand until she felt clean again. 

Climbing out, she slipped the buckskin over her wet body and sat down on the bank to allow her hair to dry. Tessa joined her, fingers combing the tangles out of her wet blonde locks. Her friend smiled at her warmly before posing the question she’d been dying to ask. “I know I shouldn’t be asking this, but was it everything you’d ever dreamed it would be?”

Ione blushed profusely, “Tessa!” She squeaked.

Her friend flashed a wicked grin. “I know. I know. I must be wanton to ask such a thing, but you can tell me. I won’t think badly of you. Trust me, Ione. I’m in the same boat as you are. And I’d say by your unrestrained cries, that he made it very pleasurable for you.”

Ione blushed again. “I … Tessa, I never thought the marriage bed would be so… it’s sinful. Ma never had much of a chance to explain a woman’s duty, but the way he made me feel was unexpected. Am I wanton for liking it?”

“Mercy, no, it’s a normal natural emotion. So I assume he was gentle with you?” Tessa replied, a sly smile gracing her lips.

“Quite so, it barely hurt. Ma always said that the first time on the marriage bed would hurt, but it was a pain to be endured in order to do a woman’s duty and to bear children. But Tessa, I think she was wrong. There was nothing to be scared about, nothing to endure. It felt quite good the way he touched me. Too good, in fact, surely I’ll burn in hell for liking the wickedness.”

A giggle slipped from Tessa’s lips. “You’re not going to burn in the fires of damnation for liking what is a normal human emotion. Desire and passion aren’t sins. Be thankful he took the time to please you. Many women, including your Ma, may have never experienced it. Believe me; such goodness isn’t just for the wanton.”

Ione gave her an unsure look. The thoughts swirled around in her mind. “But Tessa, he’s not even my husband. That’s wrong. No priest has said words over us. If we ever make it back to our own people, I’ll be labeled as a loose woman and therefore no decent man will want me.”

“By sharing a meal and lying with him on his blankets, he considers you his wife. He may have the tribal holy man say words over you to bless the union because he is the chief’s son, but in his heart, you belong to him and that goes far beyond being a captive. You’re his wife. He’s your husband. Furthermore, I don’t believe he’d let anyone take you from him. Not while breath still lingers in his body.”

“How do you know this?” Ione asked with a puzzled expression on her face.

Tessa cracked a wide smile. “Black Horse has told me much. He willingly answers my questions because it gets him what he wants. I have learned much from him. He has his own lodge in the village. Once we arrive, I will be the mistress of his lodge. He hopes I will fill it with the happiness he’s always sought but never had. He also promised to teach me his language. Night Wolf will do the same for you as well. You will see, my friend. We have a chance at true happiness. We just have to bold enough to capture it.”

Ione pondered her friend’s words long and carefully. She knew Tessa was right and valiantly took the first steps in that direction.

O.O

The late afternoon sun hung low in the sky as the tops of the conical shaped dwellings came into view sprawled out across the prairie. A winding river flowed beside the large camp. Riding through a tremendous herd of horses, he released the three taken from the Crow and led the pack horse which dragged the travois full of mostly cured hides and dried meat for his people through the village. He bade Black Horse a good evening before reaching the largest most ornately decorated hide lodge. He dismounted quickly and helped Ione down. 

“Nóxa’e,” he ordered, beckoning her to sit upon the ground in front of his father’s tipi, and rattled the bones, announcing his desire to enter.

“Né'éstséhnêstse!” A man’s voice replied, ushering Night Wolf in. The appetizing aroma of roasting meat wafted through the flap of the lodge out into the late afternoon air. Ione breathed it in, hearing her stomach rumble loudly. She tugged at Night Wolf’s leggings before he entered the lodge and rubbed her belly. He nodded in response, and continued on his way, shutting the flap behind him. Ione huffed in exasperation. What was wrong with the man?!?!? Didn’t he understand that she was hungry?

She watched speculatively as a few woman and children gathered near her, poking her with sharpened sticks and throwing clods of dirt and dog feces at her. She yelped in pain as one particularly sharp stick poked her ribs. “Stop it!” she cried out and curled in a tight ball. The lodge flap flew open and Night Wolf stepped out. His dark eyes glared at the women, shooing them away with a barking command. Kneeling beside Ione, he touched her face. She squawked in protest, her arms flying up in protection. Stilling her flailing arms, Night Wolf murmured soothing words to her before picking her up and carrying her to his own hide lodge that sat nearby his father’s. Entering it, he set her down on a pallet of furs, and once again telling her to wait there.

Returning to his father’s lodge, he joined his father at the fire. “I am happy you have returned safely, my son. How was your hunt?”

“Épéva'e.” Night Wolf relayed with a smiled. His father, Chief Medicine Bull, followed him outside, taking stock of the heavily loaded travois. “Our people will have much meat and hides for the coming months. A larger hunt will still take place when the buffalo arrive. I look forward to it and the Sun Dance celebration with our Arapaho allies.”

The cagey old chief grinned toothlessly at his son. “But you have brought back more than just hides and meat, my son. Where did you find the white woman?”

“I saved her from the Crow who had killed her family and burned their wagons,” Night Wolf replied as he gazed toward his tipi. 

Medicine Bull shook his head. “You would have done well to leave her at the mercy of our enemies. She will bring trouble with her. Our band is small and her being here will bring the wrath of the pony soldiers who number like grass on the prairie. I have no wish for our braves to die needlessly. You should release her.”

“I cannot, Ného'e. I have taken her as my wife. You see she is my vision woman.” Night Wolf admonished. “I first looked upon her as my sacred vision said I would. I saw her as she bathed in a waterfall.”

The old chief’s face turned into a stony mask as he admonished his second son. “You must think wisely before keep her with you. You are Cheyenne. She is white. You are the son of a long line of chiefs. We have never before mixed our blood with that of the white eyes. You would do well to take a Cheyenne wife and be rid of this white woman. She will bring you nothing but heartache and she will bring hardship to your people.”

“I cannot do that, Father. Like my spirit animal, I seek only one mate for life. My vision led me to her and I will have her with or without your acceptance.” Night Wolf replied, standing firm in his convictions. 




Night Wolf Ch. 05



“Our people will not accept her. What will you do then?” 

“They accept Sky Eyes and she is white. I will teach her the ways of our people and she will become one of us. She is my destiny, Father.”

Medicine Bull nodded, knowing full well he would be unable to dissuade his stubborn son. “I hope your decision is the right one. I still ask you to consider taking a Cheyenne wife. Big Pine has said his daughter favors you.”

Ignoring the comment of Big Pine’s daughter, Night Wolf gazed back at his lodge. “Father, Ma'heo'o would not steer me wrong. I believe that firmly.”

“So be it,” Medicine Bull replied before he re-entered his lodge, closing the flap behind him. Night Wolf sighed heavily. He knew his father would not be pleased, but he hoped his father would hear him out and listen to reason. Rubbing his face, he returned to his lodge and entered it. It made him happy to see that Falling Water had started a fire and was washing the mud and feces from her skin. She glanced up at him, her brow furrowing. He knew she wanted to communicate with him, but he vowed to never let on that he understood and could speak in her white tongue. Her willingness to learn and adapt would either make or break her. Night Wolf longed for the former. He needed her to succeed here. Though he’d only known her for a very short time, he loved her more than anything. 

Night Wolf knelt beside and took the scrap of hide from her hand, and wrung it out within the birch bowl she’d filled with tepid water. He washed her face thoroughly and helped her out the ruined shirt. Tossing it aside he dug into a pouch and pulled out one of his spare shirts and pulled it over her body. He liked how her cheeks flushed a rosy pink. Then he led her back to his parent’s lodge and entered it. He sat her down near the fire, turning to his mother. “Náhko'e, watch over my woman until I return.”

She nodded, graciously before offering Ione a share of the venison stew in a birch bowl, coaxing her to eat with a soft command. Ione accepted the bowl and a spoon made out of bone and began to eat. She watched as Night Wolf left the lodge and wondered when he would return. With a sigh, she ate the stew, savoring the herb infused broth, the chucks of root vegetables and the flavorful pieces of venison. It was better than her mother’s. Silently, Ione grieved, closing her eyes to stem the flow of tears that threatened to fall. Someday, she vowed, Somehow she’d learn the fate of Samantha and John. Someday.

O.O



Night Wolf Ch. 06



Disclaimer: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I'd like to think I haven't offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I'm not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light... that is not my intention.

Author's Note: The English-Cheyenne word translations come from the Cheyenne Language Web Site, one that I've found extremely helpful for the telling of this tale. 

Translations:

Nénáasêstse: Come here

He'kotoo'êstse: Be quiet

Hámêstoo'e: Sit down (plural; spoke to more than one person)

Méseestse: Eat

Tâhéovešêstse: Go to sleep (or Get some sleep)

Né'áahtovêste: Listen to me!

Mahpetana'ôtse: Falling Water

Néá'eše: Thank you

Taa'evâho'nehe: Night Wolf

Va'ôhtama, néséne: Welcome, my friend

Tósa'e nétao'sêtsêhe'ôhtséme: Where are you going?

Héehe'e: yes 

Nóxa'e: Wait here

Né'éstséhnêstse: Come in!

Épéva'e: Good (It's good)

Ma'heo'o: The Great Spirit or God

Náhko'e: Mother

Ného'e: Father

Pêhéveéšeëva, naaxaa'éhéme: Good day, my sister

Nómôheto: Go

Hénová'etse: What is it?

Hová'âháne: No

Néméhotatséme- I love you.

Chapter Six

Night Wolf made his way around the village, giving dried meat and semi-cured hides to the families he knew needed them the most, to the elderly and the infirm, to mothers and wives who'd lost sons and husbands in battle with the Crow and Pawnee. He handed a stack of deer hides and nearly all the meat from a large buck to a young wife who's husband had been gored and rendered lame from the waist down by a wounded bull buffalo. She exclaimed her thanks and carried the meat inside. He continued on towards the lodge of his grandparents, to which he gave a bearskin to his near ancient grandfather and another large buck to his grandmother. Sitting down near his grandfather at an outside fire, he listened as the old man told a tale of his first bear kill and the fine hide the sacred animal had given him.

After spending quality time with a man Night Wolf revered beyond all others, he moved on, making his rounds through the camp until he had a small portion to take back to his own lodge. Returning there, he looked around and nodded. It was time for a woman to make the large conical dwelling more of a home. A woman's gentle touch would be nice. He glanced around at his surroundings... from the thick fur pallet at the left side, to the willow backrests and his rack of weapons. The wood box was full of kindling, sage and sweetgrass while the 'kitchen' items where stored away in hide parfleches when not in use. Those items where on the right side. Definitely a woman's touch was needed here, despite the fact that his mother and sisters kept his lodge neat and clean. 

Tomorrow would begin her training. He would enlist the help of Sun Bear's wife, Amanda 'Sky Eyes' Rourke, to teach her the Cheyenne language and womanly duties. He knew he'd have to visit his friend soon. He would need Sun Bear's permission. With that decided, he returned to his parent's lodge. Sitting outside was his youngest sister, Little Sage, diligently restringing her bow. 

"Pêhéveéšeëva, naaxaa'éhéme(Good day, my sister)." Night Wolf greeted as he bent down near her. "If you get that bow finished, I'll take you on a hunt."

"Would you, brother?" The girl's face lit up brightly.

"Héehe'e(yes), since you think you are a boy instead of a girl. But what you should be doing is helping mother sew and scrape hides," he admonished teasingly.

"That is boring. Mother has Hummingbird to help her with that. I wish to make war and hunt like a brave."

Night Wolf laughed and ruffled her hair. "There is more to being a warrior than making war and hunting, my feisty little sister. Within a few years many young braves will be looking for wives and you will not have the proper skills. Mother and Father have been very lenient with you by letting you act like a boy. The time will be soon upon you to act like the girl you are and learn to become a good, dutiful wife."

"Don't lecture me, brother. You are sounding like mother, always harping at me to act like a girl. Girls have less fun than boys. Besides that, you are well past the age where you should have taken a wife to your lodge. Father gave you a lodge so you'd find a wife. Prairie Flower as well as Singing Wind look upon you with much favor. They are beautiful, are they not?"

He chuckled. "There are things you are not old enough to understand yet, little sister. I have chosen a wife."

"That white woman with mother?" Little Sage exclaimed loudly.

"Yes, my sister, she is Falling Water. Would you begrudge your favorite brother his destiny?"

"She is white, though, and Father says he fears that our warrior's will no longer welcome you in their circles or follow you on the war path. He said that Big Pine may consider passing the war chief bonnet to another."

Night Wolf clucked his tongue, thinking carefully before he spoke his next words. "I am a great warrior whether I have a white or Cheyenne wife. My choice does not affect my ability on the field of battle nor will it sway the outcome of Big Pine's decision. My chest still bears the scars of the sacred Sun Dance. I fight with much strength, honor and courage. My enemy will always feel the sting of my war lance and the bite of my arrows. I have fought the Crow, Ute, Pawnee, and Kiowa; I have also battled the bluecoats. My lodge pole bears the weight of the scalps of those who have fallen to my greatness. I have counted coup on hundreds of other warriors. My body bears the scars of those battles. So you see, dear sister, you would be wise to hold your tongue behind your teeth, for you know not of what you foolishly speak. A mere woman-child should not dare to discredit that I am the best warrior this village has ever produced."

"Forgive me, my brother, for I am but a foolish female that speaks without thought. I shall offend you no more." Little Sage trembled and ran away toward the river, leaving her bow behind. 

Night Wolf shook his head at her impertinence and watched her go before he re-entered the lodge of his parent's. Making his way to Ione's side, he crouched beside her, and spoke to her in an even firm tone. "Mahpetana'ôtse, nénáasêstse (come here)."

She looked over at him as she recognized his voice. She smiled and went back to watching his mother bead a buckskin shirt with a thunderbird design. She recognized the symbol that she'd painted upon a few of the lodges in the village. Night Wolf repeated his command and motioned for her to follow him. She frowned, her brow furrowing. What did he want now? It was come here and go there. She liked sitting and quietly watching his mother work. 

"Falling Water, come here," Night Wolf repeated firmly and extended his hand to her.

"Nómôheto (Go)," Night Wolf's mother barked at Ione, motioning to the door.

A dark scowl crossed her face. She knew when she was being dismissed, but what did her handsome warrior want of her? If only she could understand him. He led her to the door, avoiding walking between the fire and the occupant's of the lodge then said his goodbyes to his family before leading Ione back to his own lodge. Ushering her inside, he began to teach her proper etiquette.

His first lesson for her consisted of walking to the right of the lodge while he walked to the left. When he felt she understood him, he motioned her to take a seat at the fire then sat down beside her. Reaching for a parfleche of food, he placed a haunch of meat he'd saved for himself and cut strips from it to make a stew. He reached into another parfleche and pulled out a few wild vegetables they'd gathered while on their way back to the camp, instructing her to chop them. Slowly he pronounced the name of each item, having her repeat it back to him. 

Ione soon began pointing at items for him to tell her the words. He happily obliged her, knowing it would help her in the long run to learn their language. Once the stew was simmering he produced a few bowls from a pouch as well as spoons made out of bone. Then he pulled out a few corn cakes as well. Ione's thoughts took hold her while she waited for the food to cook. She recalled how Tessa had told her of some of their customs. Men ate first, served by the women. When he had eaten his fill, the women and children could eat. While the man was eating, the woman was expected to either work on something or sit quietly. The custom seemed unfair to her, but she held her tongue. Even if she objected, how could she make him understand her words of discontent or even begin to understand his response to them? 

Once the stew had finished cooking, Ione spooned out some for Night Wolf and handed it to him. He inclined his head and smiled at her before eating the offering. As he finished, he sat his bowl aside and motioned for her to eat hers while he picked up his quiver of arrows and began to work on new ones. He watched as she picked at the deer meat and vegetables with her bone spoon.

Ione's brow furrowed as she sat her bowl aside. Though hungry, she felt the urge to speak to him and remembering the pronunciation of Night Wolf's Cheyenne name that Tessa had told her earlier that day, she looked up at him, struggling to wrap her tongue around the strange words. "Taa'evâho'nehe (Night Wolf)," she spoke clearly, stumbling over the word.

Night Wolf's head jerked up, looking upon her strangely. She knew his name, but how? Then he grunted softly. Black Horse's woman must have told him after she spent much time speaking to him. Though he didn't agree with Black Horse's methods, it produced the results that Night Wolf had hoped for with his Falling Water. Star's assistance in the matter of reassuring his woman had been the catalyst to him fully claiming Falling Water.

"Hénová'etse?" (What is it?) 

"I don't understand you," she replied, her lips twitching before she chewed on the bottom one a tad bit nervously.

"Taa'evâho'nehe," he repeated, gesturing to himself before pointing back to her.

"I am Ione Gillen. Iiiii-oooooo-neeeee," she pronounced, drawing out the syllables.

"Iiiii-oooooo-neeeee," he repeated and shook his head. "Hová'âháne (no), Mahpetana'ôtse."

"Ione!"

"Hová'âháne, Mahpetana'ôtse," Night Wolf repeated.

She shook her head emphatically, "No, I am Ione. My name is Ione Gillen," she retorted, insistently.

"Hová'âháne," he repeated again, this time more firmly as he shook his head at her. "You are my Falling Water. Mahpetana'ôtse. Hová'âháne, Ione. Mahpetana'ôtse."

"Mahpe..." Ione struggled to repeat, wondering what it meant. "Mahpe-tana'ôtse."

"Good!"

"Mahpetana'ôtse," she said again and smiled triumphantly. The look of joy on Night Wolf's face warmed her to the core. It prompted her to learn more. She wanted to be able to communicate with him and most of all, she wanted to know him. "Taa'evâho'nehe," she said and pointed to the cook fire.

"Váótséva (deer)," he said slowly annunciating the word as he picked up a chuck of deer meat. 

She repeated it slowly trying to wrap her tongue around the words. From there, the lesson progressed. He taught her the words for the parts of her body, various foods, animals and commands as well as the appropriate names for each member of his family. 

"Falling Water," he spoke up, as he grabbed a trade blanket and a pouch of soap plant then motioned for her to follow him. She did so eagerly, walking beside him while he taught her new words on their way to the river. Her curiosity sparked as she pointed to things he hadn't mentioned to her and she tired her hardest to remember each of the new words. 

Once they reached the river, he led her to a secluded place. Ione flashed him an inquisitive look, wishing she knew how to ask why he'd brought her there. Was he expecting to bathe with her? She chewed on her lip, and took a deep breath. If that was to be the case, she may turn and run. Being this close to him had an affect on her she was sure she could get used to, but worried over the implications of it. She knew if she ever returned to her own people, she'd be branded a loose woman or worse. 

While her mind raced, Night Wolf tugged at the bottom of the shirt he'd given her to wear. It hung loosely on her, nearly reaching her knees. Ione let a nervous sigh slip from her lips as she glanced up into his dark eyes with apprehension. He motioned for her to come to him. When she did, he grasped the hem of the shirt she wore and he quickly removed it. Then he worked on the leggings and loincloth, quickly freeing them from her body. She squawked as the cool air hit her skin and instinctively snuggled into his warm body. Night Wolf chuckled, wrapping his arms around her before taking them away to remove his own clothes. 

Ione gasped as she caught sight of his engorged manhood jutting proudly from the thatch of black curls. She blushed and looked away, finding it hard to believe THAT had been inside her. Night Wolf tenderly pulled her head back to look at his and caressed her cheek. He murmured something she didn't understand, but instinctively decided he was urging her to look her fill of his masculine form. She surreptitiously drank in the beauty of his male body. He was an exquisite specimen of hardened muscles and splendid grace, all sleek and bronzed. The rippled sinew flowed over his form like molten gold. 

She never knew a man could possibly be this perfectly sculpted. He was a delight, a delicious sight to behold. The thought sent shivers racing through each and every one of her nerve endings. Best thing of all, he was hers.

Night Wolf smiled and gently lifted her into his arms, carrying her out into the water. She let out a startled cry as the cold water touched her bare skin when he lowered her to her feet. She shivered in the waist deep water. A chuckle slipped from his lips and he ducked beneath the water, coming up dripping wet. He didn't force her beneath the water as she thought he might. It surprised her when he began to wet her burnished red hair with handfuls of water. He reached for the soap plant to scrub her body and hair clean. She let out a gasp as he gently worked his soapy hands over her, bathing even her most intimate spots. Once he was finished, she rinsed herself while he bathed. 

He watched her intently while she swam around and splashed playfully. She brushed against him fleetingly, eliciting a low moan from him as he felt his manhood jerk violently. Not even the cold water had cooled his ardor for her. He wanted her badly, yet he had to continue to be patient, despite the fact that she'd given herself to him upon his blankets. He joined her, swimming and playfully splashing. Often their fit of giggles turned into full out belly shaking laughter. Ione was enjoying their playtime. It gave her a chance to get to know him in a whole different light. 

The sun was setting, though, calling an end to their play. He called her name and motioned to her shore. Taking her hand, he led her back to dry land where he wrapped a blanket around her slender body. He caressed a breast while he tucked in one end under the other. She smiled as he pulled her to him, gently holding her in his arms for a long moment. Night Wolf savored the feel of her being there, thanking the Great Spirit for bringing her to him. 

Knowing it was time to return to his lodge, he quickly donned his breechcloth and moccasins, layering over his chest the bone breastplate and his decorative vest. He gathered her clothing, reminding himself to borrow one for her until she learned to make one her own. Then he led her back to the tipi, aware of how everyone they passed gaped at Falling Water openly.

O.O

Once inside, he nudged her to their fur pallet, and removed the blanket that covered her. She flinched a moment and tried to cover herself. He enwrapped her in his arms, crooning soft words to her to calm her. It puzzled him why she was once again hesitant to allow him to see her body. She'd exhibited nothing of the sort while they frolicked in the water. He had enjoyed their play and looked forward to more of it, but for now he would soothe her fears as he ushered them into a deliciously good night. 

O.O

His soft words served as a gentle balm for her soul. Ione allowed him to draw her close to him and remove the blanket that covered her. She gazed deeply into his jet back eyes, fervently wishing she knew what he had said. Her meager knowledge of his language now failed to help her understand him, but soon, she vowed, soon she would be able to understand his every word and give the appropriate response. 

Smiling, Night Wolf gave her a gentle pat on the bottom, pulling her flush to him. "My beautiful Falling Water, you have much fire and spirit. Teaching you may not come easy. You may strain and fight against my will, but know that this is best for you. I will master you with a firm, but gentle, loving hand. You will come to me without hesitation or regret. I will have all of you. The sooner you accept that, the better it will be for both of us," he murmured while his hands trailed a path up and down her spine, sending shivers of delight through her.

Ione responded in kind, despite the fact that she couldn't understand his words. "I can't describe what you do to me and why you have this affect on me. I don't know what makes me want you so. It's so wrong, but I've never known another man so gentle, one who makes it seem so right. I know you don't understand my words anymore than I understand yours, but I don't know what to do. My family is dead and the Crow took my sister. I'm terrified for her. I need to find her. I need to know that she's unharmed. Won't you help me?"

Night Wolf took in all she had to say, but didn't let her know he understood her or that he spoke her language. He pressed a finger to her lips, silencing any further words. "Tâhéovešêstse (Go to sleep)," he spoke firmly.

"Sleep?" 

"Tâhéovešêstse," he motioned to the fur pallet, gently nudging her to it. 

"Okay, I'll sleep." Ione grumbled and obeyed him, climbing between the soft furs that made up the pallet. 

Night Wolf grinned at her and whipped off his breechcloth, following right behind her. He snuggled against her, pulling her into his embrace. Ione trembled, pondering what he would do next. Would this night be a repeat of the last? Sensing her apprehension, he proceeded slowly. His hand cupped one milky breast and caressed it tenderly, his thumb tracing circles around one taut nipple. Ione sucked in a breath of air and moaned softly, feeling a familiar ache surge within her feminine core. He pressed her flat to the pallet, and rose above her, parting her legs with his knee as he positioned himself within the cradle of her hips. Grunting, he let her feel the full arousal of his manhood poking into the soft curve of her belly. She whimpered as a carnal ache swept through her, causing all reason to abandon her. 

Night Wolf began to rub his cheek against hers, touched her hair softly before returning his hands to her breasts. He nestled his head in the valley of her lush mounds, plucking her rosy peaks. He heard her soft moans and gazed up into her passion glazed eyes and slightly parted lips. Her small pink tongue flicked out to lick her lips and Night Wolf moaned at the sight. How sensual that looked. 

Closing his mouth over one of her nipples, he suckled gently until she moaned loudly, squirming beneath him. With a soft chuckle of delight, he switched to the other nipple and ground his hips into her, making her cry out with need. She plunged her hands into the damp thickness of his raven black hair. 

Lower he traveled, combing his fingers through her nether curls and dipped into the secret center of her womanhood. She gasped and arched as he found the taut little nub hidden inside and rubbed it with the calloused pad of his thumb. Expertly, he fondled her, sending her flying to new heights. Ione whimpered and writhed wildly before unleashing a loud moan as she blossomed with a heart-stopping climax. Her voice pierced the silence of the night as her breath came out in hot sensual pants. 




Night Wolf Ch. 06



Night Wolf moved lower yet, nuzzling his head against her slender thigh, and dropped his fingers to her slick channel. He tested her moistness, slipping them inside her narrow sheath until she squirmed at the intrusion. 

"What have you done to me?" She moaned, trying to lift her passion heavy limbs. He murmured something unintelligible. Lifting her legs, he positioned them across his shoulders, sending her senses soaring as his passionate assault continued until her body tingled with unfathomable need. 

Then his mouth took over where his hands left off. Ione bucked at the feel of his tongue parting her nether lips, delving inside to tease her engorged nubbin. Lifting his head, he soothed her with tender words and promises of untold pleasures. He licked her from top to bottom, feeling her body jerk and writhe automatically, as if it knew it were being mastered. He delved into the sweetness of her tunnel, savoring the sweet taste on his tongue. He brought her to the brink, relentless in his quest for absolute pleasure. Then he shattered her, making her come apart by thrusting his fingers into her tight tunnel. 

Ione cried out, unable to suppress the feelings that overloaded her senses. The ecstasy he'd bestowed upon her sent her reeling and left her utterly satiated. Her body shook uncontrollably. He gathered her with his arms, holding her tightly until her breathing returned to normal. She could find no words to express her feelings of what had happened between them. It would have spoiled the moment. 

Ione opened her eyes and gazed deeply into his of midnight black. He smiled lovingly and stroked her hair. His tenderness infused her with much joy. Ione reached out to touch his chest, tentatively at first. She traced his flat nipples and watched as they puckered. She then ran her hand down his muscled abdomen, stalling at his lower belly. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. She felt a warm hand cover hers, guiding her downward. With a few tender words, Night Wolf urged her on as he offered a look of encouragement.

Night Wolf guided her hand to his swollen member and wrapped her hand around the engorged shaft. She gasped as she felt its velvet strength, allowing him to move her hand up and down the length of it. The size mesmerized her; surely it hadn't all fit inside of her. It sent her heart pounding in utter anticipation of the next time. She heard Night Wolf let out a low groan. Flicking her eyes up to his face, she noticed his eyes were closed and his lips were parted slightly. The look of pleasure on his handsome face made for an arresting sight. She wanted to please him. Clearing her throat, she gave him an inquisitive look. "What do I do?" 

Instead of answering her with words, Night Wolf released her hand and pressed her down to the pallet. He couldn't wait. He would have her. He cradled himself between her slick thighs. He touched her gently, plundering her weeping cleft with his fingers again until she writhed and exploded spectacularly.

"Please!" She cried, bucking her hips to the rhythm of his finger manipulations. The sensations sent her reeling into oblivion. She could feel the rigidness of his thrusts, scissoring to and fro. Then he shattered her again as he hooked his fingers just so, locating a sensitive cluster of nerves nestled within her. She cried out as her juices gushed, coating his fingers with their pungency. 

With whispered promises of love divine, Night Wolf guided his hardness to the entrance of her wet dark tunnel and pushed inward. Ione quivered around his strength while clutching his shoulders. He moved slowly at first with smooth, easy strokes. Already he could feel her channel blossoming, her juices coating him. He changed his rhythm, easing deeper into the hidden recesses of her being. His long strokes intensified. His urgency to please her skyrocketed as he felt her hips move with his, syncopated. 

He reached down and wrapped her legs around his waist, lowering his hands to her bottom and pulling her into his strong but tender thrusts. A cry of utter pleasure sprang from her lips. With each indescribable stroke, he took her higher, spiraling upward in a heady exodus of soul blistering rapture. Then, suddenly, her world exploded, sending her reeling, flying as she cried out. Night Wolf's own howl of desire mingled with hers and he collapsed atop her, shuddering as his violent climax battered her wet walls.

They lay silent for what seemed an eternity. He nuzzled her, fully embracing her within his arms. She whimpered softly. Night Wolf moved to her side, tenderly stroking her heated flesh, whispering soft words to soothe her. "Néméhotatséme (I love you)."

O.O



Night Wolf Ch. 07



Disclaimer: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I'd like to think I haven't offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I'm not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light... that is not my intention.

Author's Note: The English-Cheyenne word translations come from the Cheyenne Language Web Site, one that I've found extremely helpful for the telling of this tale. 

Translations:

Nénáasêstse: Come here

Tâhéovešêstse: Go to sleep (or Get some sleep)

Né'áahtovêste: Listen to me!

Mahpetana'ôtse: Falling Water

Néá'eše: Thank you

Taa'evâho'nehe: Night Wolf

Va'ôhtama, néséne: Welcome, my friend

Tósa'e nétao'sêtsêhe'ôhtséme: Where are you going?

Héehe'e: yes 

Nóxa'e: Wait here

Né'éstséhnêstse: Come in!

Épéva'e: Good (It's good)

Pêhéveéšeëva, naaxaa'éhéme: Good day, my sister

Nómôheto: Go

Hénová'etse: What is it?

Hová'âháne: No 

Néméhotatséme- I love you.

Na-éhame- my husband

Na-méhósené- my love

Móné-me'ó'-he-tonêšé'tovâtse! - I will not harm (lit. do anything) to you!

Héehe'e, nésé'e- Yes, my friend (spoken female to female)

Néséne- my friend (spoken male to male)

Hotóhké'e- Star Woman (Star)

Pêhévevóonä'o- Good Morning

Népévomóhtâhehe- Are you feeling good?

Náheševéhe- my name is 

Pêhéve'hetóeve, na-méhósené- Good evening, my love. (Not exactly sure if the translation for 'good evening' is correct, though.

Chapter Seven

It was now the morning after Night Wolf had brought her to his village. He had awakened early, as he always did. Though this morning it was harder to pull himself up out of the blankets and away from the incredible woman that slept peacefully beside him. He watched her for a few moments, drinking in the sheer beauty of her delicate features. He recalled the passion they'd shared the night before. She was perfect in every way. She had accepted his feral thrusts and cried out for more. It boggled his mind how quickly he'd fallen in love with her. The revelation made him want to run through the village like a crazy man, screaming it to the heavens above. 

Not wanting to wake her just yet, he silently left their sleeping pallet and donned his breechcloth and moccasins. Kneeling down, he began to chant his morning prayers outside the lodge, watching the sun as it peeked over the horizon to begin a new day. He thanked the Great Spirit for bringing Falling Water to him. He thanked him for the many graces he had been given, for good life and plentiful food, also for his family and friends. Once he finished, he grabbed up his weapons and headed to the lodge of his best friend, Sun Bear. He knew the woman of Sun Bear would help him further teach Falling Water the language and customs of his people. Sky Eyes knew what it was like to adjust to life in a Cheyenne village. Sky Eyes, Amanda Rourke to the white people, had come to Sun Bear willingly after she'd found him injured in the foothills near where her trapper father had forged a cabin. She nursed him back to health and joined him when he returned to his home. The tiny cabin and her father were gone now, but she had Sun Bear and that was all she needed to be happy. Night Wolf often had to smirk when he saw the two together. How could two people so different in proportion and personality find such happiness? Sky Eyes was ten years older than Sun Bear. The top of her head, crowned with drab brown hair often hung limply even when plaited into long braids, barely reached Sun Bear's upper chest. Her plump curves and boyishly proportioned breasts made her look even more diminutive next to her tall slender husband. Night Wolf often wondered what had attracted his best friend to such a homely female, but he knew Sun Bear was happy with Sky Eyes. They'd been together for several years and were eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child around the time the leaves began changing colors. 

And despite the fact that Sky Eyes was often high strung at times and tended to squawk endlessly like a magpie, he knew she would willingly do anything for someone in need. She had a very generous nature. He knew she would willingly become Falling Water's teacher. Wisely he would caution her to never tell Falling Water that Night Wolf understood and could speak her English words. Sky Eyes must teach Falling Water the ways and the language of his people. It was paramount to her survival here. He knew it would aid her in fitting in and finding a place within the tribe. Many of the women would not readily accept her. They had lost children, husbands, or both to the encroachment of the white man on their land. 

Night Wolf headed across the village to his best friend's lodge. Everyone he passed had a greeting for him. The village bustled with activity. Women scurried around preparing the morning meal. The few children that were up this early dashed about, some laughing and playing while others gathered wood and performed other chores for their mothers. Dogs barked and scuffled over scraps of meat and bone. The aroma of roasting meat blended with the pungent odor of hides being smoked over a fire.

His thoughts were still full with his woman. She had to adapt to her new life here. It wasn't a simple or easy decision to ask of her, but she was young and resilient; willful too. Her mind and body was strong. However, once she realized she'd be taken care of, he knew she'd willingly abide his wishes. 

"Taa'evâho'nehe, it is good to see you. My daughter spoke of your return last evening," Big Pine, the tribal war chief, called out as Night Wolf passed him by.

Night Wolf stopped for the moment, glancing at Big Pine pensively. "Yes, I have returned. My hunt was successful. I added three war ponies to my growing herd and three fresh scalps to my lodgepole, but I don't know why Prairie Flower would be keeping tabs on my whereabouts. I have no interest in your daughter."

"Have you not been courting her like she has told us? She told me you played your flute for her before you left on your hunt and when you returned you would make an offer for her. She favors you above all other warriors. She will be a good wife to you. Many braves have approached me for her to join with them, but none are as great as you. She has refused many ponies for she says her heart belongs to you. You will make a great war chief one day. It would be an honor to have my son follow in my footsteps."

Taken aback, Night Wolf stared at him in surprise. "I already have a wife. I need to have Coyote say a few words to make it binding by tribal law, but in my heart, she has been my wife since I first claimed her. Falling Water is all I want. She's all I'll ever need."

Big Pine flashed a furious look. "You lead my daughter on and then take a white woman as a wife. Have you no honor?"

"I have never had an interest in Prairie Flower. I've never played my flute for any female in this village. When I sought my vision quest ten winters ago, my destiny was shown to me, even the woman with whom I would spend my life. I found her recently and have brought her to my lodge."

Big Pine shook his fist at Night Wolf. "You shame my daughter by bringing a white woman to your lodge. You have no heart," he charged incredulously. 

"Ma'heo'o gave her to me. I have told you I have never made any indication that I was interested in Prairie Flower. She must've lied about playing the flute for her. I have done no such thing for her or any maiden. I've known for ten years who the love of my life was and I waited patiently to claim her. My words are true, for the chief's son would tell no lies. Falling Water is my destiny and my love. The Great Spirit would not steer me wrong."

"Ma'heo'o works in mysterious ways. I warn you to be watchful. My daughter is often spiteful and may seek revenge for shaming her," Big Pine offered before he walked away. Night Wolf gave a fleeting look in the war chief's direction before continuing on his way. 

He rattled the bones near the hide flap of a large ornate lodge decorated with paintings of yellow suns, great savage grizzlies and Sun Bear's many coups then waited to be invited in. He knew his friend's were awake due to the pot that rested upon a cooking tripod over a smoldering fire. The aroma of meat and onions wafted from inside. 

"Night Wolf, come in, my friend," Sun Bear greeted elatedly as he opened the hide door flap and motioned his friend to join them. "It is good to see you again. What brings you to my lodge this beautiful morning?"

"I am in need of your help, Sky Eyes, to teach Falling Water our ways." Night Wolf turned to his friend's wife and smiled.

"Who is Falling Water?" Sky Eyes asked, pulling her gaze from the frybread that sizzled within her cast iron skillet. 

"My new wife, I found her over seven suns ago. The Crow had killed her family. She was slave to a Crow warrior. I rescued her from him, but the most important thing about her is that she is my vision woman."

"Her entire family is gone?" Sky Eyes questioned as sympathy filled her expression. "The poor girl must've been so scared."

"They are all dead, but one. She says one of the Crow warriors carried her sister away. She has spent many nights crying for her sister and her need to find her. She doesn't know I can understand her words and I have no plans to tell her. She has to learn our ways and our language in order to belong here." Night Wolf cautioned.

"Was she... " Sky Eyes started, "Did the warrior rape her before you took her from him?"

"No, he hadn't, but it wasn't for lack of trying. She is a fierce fighter. She gave that gift to me. I cherish her more every day." Pride glowed in the handsome warrior's eyes. "Therefore I need you to teach her to become a proper Cheyenne woman, Sky Eyes."

"I will be honored to help, Night Wolf." Sky Eyes smiled widely as she fed Sun Bear his morning meal. "I think it shall be nice to have one of my kind for company."

Sun Bear shot her a stern look. "Are you not happy here, my wife? Do you not enjoy the company of our Cheyenne sisters?"

"Héehe'e, na-éhame." Sky Eyes explained, "I love my life here. I have many Cheyenne friends, but I miss my people too. I came to you by choice. It is just nice to have another white woman to talk to. I love you."

"Néméhotatséme," Sun Bear smiled at her lovingly.

"Falling Water is not the only other white female here now. Another was with her when I rescued her from the Crow. They seem to be good friends and were traveling together when attacked by the Crows. She is with Black Horse. He joined up with us as I was returning home. She is called Star," he replied then he continued, turning back to Sky Eyes. "Néá'eše. This means the world to me. I do have one more favor to ask. Falling Water needs a dress to wear. The Crow tore her clothing so she is wearing the extra clothes taken from the packs of the ones who held her. It is amusing to see my woman dressed as a male, though it would be better if she did not."

Sky Eyes giggled behind her hand and reached into a pouch. She pulled from it a butter colored tunic then handed it to Night Wolf. "This should suffice until enough hides are gathered to fashion her one of her own. I will instruct her in that as well." Sky Eyes stood and arched her back, running her hands over her enlarged belly. A groan slipped from her lips. "Our son grows stronger every day, na-méhósené. He kicks with the force of a bull buffalo."

"My son will be strong." Sun Bear beamed proudly and touched his wife's belly. "Shall we work those new ponies today while my woman teaches your woman our ways?"

"Yes, my friend. I had hoped to do that today," Night Wolf nodded as his belly growled. "But first, I must eat the morning meal. I shall meet you there when the sun peeks above the trees."

"Does Falling Water know how to cook?" Sky Eyes asked, mentally making a list of the simpler things she could start with. 

Night Wolf shrugged his shoulders. "I have done all the cooking since she has been with me."

"I will come by shortly then." Sky Eyes smiled, "By the way, does she need moccasins, too?"

"Yes." Night Wolf accepted them from her and inclined his head. "I shall see you soon, néséne."

With that he took his leave of their lodge then returned to his own. As he stepped inside, he smiled as he watched his woman sleeping. What a precious sight she was. He had been so fortunate to find her when he did. If it hadn't been for the screams he followed he wouldn't have found her. He had only gone on the hunting trip when he did to alleviate tensions between him and his older brother. 

Eagle Feather was the eldest of Medicine Bull's two sons and next in line to be chief. As it was, though, Eagle Feather held a great jealousy of his brother's physical prowess. Night Wolf had always been the fastest runner, the better hunter and even been more successful in battle. Night Wolf's personal herd of horses was even larger. To top it off, most of the village maidens desired Night Wolf for their husband, though he showed no interest in any of them. 

Eagle Feather's jealousy had driven a wedge between them and no matter what Night Wolf did to make amends; his brother wanted no part of it. His jealousy was harbored deep in his heart. It had grown and festered, becoming malignant. The great divide between them often caused Night Wolf heartache. He longed for the congenial relationship that their other siblings had. There was not this overwhelming animosity between Hummingbird and Little Sage. 

Ione was sleeping peacefully still. Night Wolf knelt beside her and softly touched her fiery red hair, stroking it silkiness. Her eyes flew open with a start and she let out a small shriek. The noise died in her throat as her eyes focused upon Night Wolf. His hand dropped to her face, caressing her cheek. "Do not be afraid, my love. Móné-me'ó'-he-tonêšé'tovâtse," he murmured in his native language. 

"You scared me witless," she replied, despite the fact she didn't understand a word of what he said.

He nuzzled her, covering her with his larger body, and caressed her face. "You have nothing to fear from me."

The sound of his voice soothed her. Ione snuggled into him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She smiled shyly up at him. A shiver coursed through her as he rubbed his cheek against hers and whispered sweet words of love into her ear. She knew what would come next and a bright red blush covered her skin. Certainly he couldn't be thinking of doing that now. It was daytime. She withdrew her hands and pushed at his shoulders. "No," she murmured. "We can't."

Night Wolf arched an eyebrow at her as his eyes met hers. He knew she was right despite the stirring he felt within his loins. He wasn't an animal. He wouldn't ravage her. Night Wolf nodded and moved to sit beside her. He grabbed the tunic and moccasins Sky Eyes had given him then handed them to Ione. "Get dressed," he motioned with his hands and stood up. Quickly he built a fire then placed a cooking tripod over it. To the tripod he attached a buffalo paunch and added water. 

As Ione dressed in the pretty doeskin dress Night Wolf had brought her, she watched him begin to cook their morning meal. Frowning, she shooed him away and took over the duty. Cooking wasn't a man's job. Her father had never cooked anything his whole life. Surely a proud Cheyenne warrior would feel demeaned by having to complete the task for his woman. Searching through the nearby pouches, she located some herbs and pulled some dried meat from another pouch. Using the herbs and water, she hydrated the haunch, cutting it into chucks. She added a few vegetables and let it cook. 

In another pouch she found some honey. She set it aside and looked in canvas pouch. It contained flour. She smiled and used some of it to make the same kind of skillet bread Night Wolf had made during their journey here.

Glancing over at him, Ione smiled again. He was so handsome. She wouldn't ever get tired of looking at him. Night Wolf sensed her eyes upon him and looked up at her. He met her gaze evenly and returned the smile. He had been focusing upon the leatherwork in his hands, though when she smiled, she commanded his attention. He would never get enough of her. 

As Ione served Night Wolf his morning meal and had eaten as well, he motioned for her to follow him. He took her on a brief stroll through the village, thus continuing her language lesson. He pointed out many things and told her the Cheyenne word for each, making sure she could repeat it with the proper inflection before they moved on to something else. Ione was a quick study. Her young mind was like a sponge, absorbing everything he had to tell her before wringing out what she didn't need. She needed to learn his language. There were so many things she ached to tell him, mainly her feelings. There was also much she needed to hear from him. She wanted to know what the sweet soft words he whispered to her at night meant, though she had a gut feeling what he was saying. 

During their stroll, they encountered Black Horse and Tessa. Ione embraced her friend tightly and was very happy to see her best friend. Ione's high pitched squeal caused several of the more reserved members of the Cheyenne village to glare sternly at her. She ignored their stares then walked along with Tessa, chatting merrily. 

"You look so beautiful. Has Black Horse been treating you well?" Ione beamed as she looped her arm around Tessa's thin waist and headed in the direction of the river.

"Héehe'e, nésé'e, he treats me wonderfully. I have learned many words from him and his mother. She is a beautifully sweet woman and wishes the best for her son. She accepted me right away," Tessa replied in a mixture of Cheyenne and English. "I am still learning."

Ione nodded, "Night Wolf is patient with me, but I think I surprised him when I pushed him aside this morning and took over cooking our breakfast."

Tessa flashed a knowing look at Night Wolf and beamed, "Épéva'e! A warrior shouldn't do woman's work, not when the woman is capable. I'm sure he appreciated that."

"I think so. We were having a language lesson before we met up with you," Ione replied and grinned at her friend. "We should wash quickly before returning to Night Wolf and Black Horse."

"Black Horse is taking me to meet Coyote later." A pretty flush covered Tessa's face. "I think he will marry me during that meeting. I want you and Night Wolf to be there as witnesses. I think Black Horse was going to ask Night Wolf."

Ione squealed happily. "Of course I'll be there for you. Do you have a nice dress to wear?"

"Winter Bird gave me her daughter's wedding dress. She said her daughter died of the white man's coughing sickness and wanted me to have it. They don't talk about loved one's who have died. Mentioning their names will anger the spirits. She said I am her daughter now. She knows I have lost my family and says that she will be my mother and she welcomes the thought of any children Black Horse and I might have."

Ione hugged Tessa tightly before she knelt down along the river bank to wash her hands and face. "What about Chloe? Is Black Horse going to help you find her?"

"Yes, he is organizing a war party to go against the Crow. He believes he knows which band it is that took her and wants to bring her home to me."

Ione smiled wanly, "Maybe they'll find Samantha, too."

"I don't know if Night Wolf is going with them," Tessa admitted. "Night Wolf and Black Horse belong to different warrior societies."

Ione cocked an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"I don't fully understand it myself because Black Horse didn't explain it to me, but there are separate warrior types within the tribe. They play different roles during the battles they fight. I don't know what society Black Horse belongs to because he said it was a man's job to know about the fighting and a woman's job to take care of the man. He kind of made me mad with his arrogance about it, but he made up for it when we retreated to our blankets." Tessa replied then removed her doeskin dress. She waded into the water, knowing full well Black Horse was on the lookout for anyone else coming along. She splashed about, washing her hair and body before climbing out and donning her dress. "Wow that felt brisk!"




Night Wolf Ch. 07



Ione shook her head at her friend's unreserved nature. It didn't seem to matter that she or Night Wolf were both present while Tessa openly bathed, but she did notice the frown on Black Horse's face. Night Wolf cocked an eyebrow at his friend.

"Your woman grows bold," Night Wolf smirked. "Perhaps some discipline is in need before you formally join with her."

"Perhaps your thinking is correct, my friend. I admire her open nature, but she must learn it is not for all to see," Black Horse conceded and flashed a glare at Tessa. "Hotóhké'e, behave yourself."

She grinned sheepishly before smiling at Ione. "I had better listen to him, don't you think?"

Ione shook her head, "Yes, Tessa, you should. He could beat you and no one would stick up for you because you are white and not Cheyenne. I suppose they could do anything to us that they wanted and no one would say a thing."

"I seriously doubt Night Wolf would do that to you. He loves you too much and I don't think he'd want to hurt you, even if it were for your own good."

"I think he would, if it meant life or death. You told me that they are the bosses here and I know Night Wolf would do what he had to do to make me understand that he is the boss. I'm sure he wouldn't like it, but would do it." Ione replied then shrugged her shoulders. "I think I should go. My lessons are waiting for me."

"Good day, Ione. I'll see you soon," Tessa gave her a warm hug before she dashed ahead of Black Horse.

Ione shook her head, muttering to herself. "That girl will be lucky if he doesn't beat her severely." She turned her focus back to Night Wolf who watched her with a curious expression on his face. She beamed a smile at him and joined him. He cocked his head back in the direction of the village and began to walk. As he strolled along, he resumed her lesson. He picked up various implements he hadn't yet named the words for and made sure she could repeat them with the proper inflection. Ione mentally went over some of the new words in her head and wondered just how she would ever remember all of them. 

A woman with dark braids and bright blue eyes sat waiting patiently outside Night Wolf's lodge. A warm smile crossed her face, "Pêhévevóonä'o Mahpetana'ôtse, népévomóhtâhehe?"

Ione flashed a curious look at her, "I don't understand you." Her eyes flicked over the heavily pregnant woman before her. Though her skin was tanned a golden brown, she was obviously not one of the People. Ione wondered how the woman before her came to be here and if she still spoke the English language.

"Nénáasêstse," she motioned to the door of the buffalo hide lodge behind her. "Sky Eyes náheševéhe." She pointed to herself as she stood up and reached out for Ione.

"I am Ione," the red haired female replied.

Sky Eyes gave her a cross look, which was reinforced by one from Night Wolf. She shook her head firmly. "Sky Eyes náheševéhe. Hová'âháne Ione. Mahpetana'ôtse. Falling Water."

Ione frowned at her. "Falling Water náheševéhe," she repeated as best she could. Sky Eyes shook her head and repeated it as slowly as possible, making sure Ione could produce the sound with the proper inflection. 

Sky Eyes smiled up at Night Wolf, "My husband is waiting for you. We will be fine here. I can see that she is quite stubborn, but has a strong mind. She will learn quickly."

He inclined his head and gathered a few things from within his lodge before taking leave. Once he was out of sight, Sky Eyes ushered Ione into the lodge and sat her down in front of the fire pit. "I not talk English long time. Am Cheyenne in heart and mind. You learn Cheyenne to survive here. I teach. This last time I talk English to you."

The sound of the stunted English shocked Ione at first. She gaped open-mouthed at the woman before her until she gathered her wits about her. "You're a white woman. How did you come to live here? Are you a captive too?"

"No, I here by choice. I have good husband. Soon have son," Sky Eyes smiled and rubbed her enlarged belly. "No longer white, am one of the People. You be one of People soon, but must learn language and ways. I help. I teach."

"I want to learn. I want to talk to Night Wolf. I want to understand what he says to me," Ione confessed as a soft blush covered her cheeks. Her thoughts wandered to the soft words he often whispered to her when they were alone.

"I teach. You learn. Cheyenne hard, but you young and smart, I have faith." Sky Eyes smiled sincerely and began their lesson. The language lesson was intermixed with a woman's daily duties as well as simple commands, verbs and phrases. Ione picked it up rather quickly. She was eager to learn. 

By the time twilight rolled around with Sky Eyes' help, Ione had a full evening meal cooked for Night Wolf. She had learned how to scrape and cure animal hides in the proper way to prepare it for making a dress or another article of clothing. Her day had been full and she had Sky Eyes' promise that the lessons would continue daily until she had a good understanding of the culture.

When Night Wolf returned to the lodge after a day of working ponies then hunting for some of the less fortunate families, he smiled widely at her accomplishment. She greeted him slowly, she said, "Pêhéve'hetóeve, na-méhósené. I have cooked a meal for you. Sit and eat!"

Night Wolf beamed at her effort and did indeed sit down before the fire and accepted the wooden bowl she handed him. He took a tentative bite of the stew, slowly savoring the flavorful spiced broth, chucks of meat, and wild vegetables. He nodded his appreciation of the hearty fare and dug into the meal. When he had eaten his fill, he motioned for her to eat.

Ione watched him while she partook of her stew. He sat restringing a bow and carefully fletching a few arrows with dyed feathers. When she was finished, she cleaned up after them. She knew they could have the remains of the stew for breakfast. Quickly she took the bowls and bone utensils to the river to wash.

When she returned, Night Wolf led her to the center of the village to watch the dancers around the central fire. They sat near his mother and sisters. Soon Sky Eyes and Sun Bear joined them, along with Tessa and Black Horse. 

The dancing continued into the night. Occasionally Night Wolf would get up and join in, but mostly sat with Ione, reveling in the look of awe on her beautiful face. He knew he would never get enough of looking at her. His heart swelled with pride that she belonged to him.

And when he led her back to their lodge, he looked forward to the night to come.

O.O



Night Wolf Ch. 08



Disclaimer: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I’d like to think I haven’t offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I’m not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light… that is not my intention.

Author’s Note: The English-Cheyenne word translations come from the Cheyenne Language Web Site, one that I’ve found extremely helpful for the telling of this tale. 

Translations:
Nénáasêstse: Come here
Mahpetana'ôtse: Falling Water
Néá’eše: Thank you
Taa'evâho'nehe: Night Wolf
Tósa'e nétao'sêtsêhe'ôhtséme: Where are you going?
Héehe’e: yes 
Nóxa’e: Wait here
Né'éstséhnêstse: Come in!
Épéva'e: Good (It’s good)
Nómôheto: Go
Hénová'etse: What is it?
Hová'âháne: No 
Néméhotatséme- I love you.
Na-éhame- my husband
Na-méhósené- my love
Móné-me'ó'-he-tonêšé'tovâtse! - I will not harm (lit. do anything) to you!
Héehe’e, nésé'e- Yes, my friend (spoken female to female)
Néséne- my friend (spoken male to male)
Hotóhké'e- Star Woman (Star)
Pêhévevóonä'o- Good Morning
Népévomóhtâhehe- Are you feeling good?
Náheševéhe- my name is 
Mátâháá'e: whore



Chapter Eight

Shadows danced upon the walls of the hide lodge, the flickering fire light captured their passionate embraces. Lovingly Night Wolf stroked Ione's body, running his hands down her supple skin, caressing her flared hips before dropping lower to skim across her belly. His fingers skirted the top fringes of her woman's hair then sliding upwards to trace the rounded curves of her breasts. He plucked her nipples, listening to her sharp intake of breath. Slowly he teased her, arousing her until he felt her womanhood blossom under the sensual movements of his fingers.

He nuzzled his cheek against hers, softly whispering sweet words. He covered her body completely, taking her mouth in a passionate kiss. Ione wriggled beneath him, her small body sparking a white hot flame against him. Night Wolf moaned, encouraging her to touch him. She wrapped her arms around him, plunging her fingers into the thickness of his jet black hair. 

His mouth moving lower, he burned a trail of heat down her body. She writhed as he nipped her tender nipples. How glorious it felt as he suckled each before moving lower still, seeking her hidden treasure.  He molded his hand against her secret patch of heaven, separated her lips then explored, thrusting his fingers into the heated cleft he found within.

As if of their own volition, her hips bucked in time with his probing fingers as she moaned loudly. Capturing her mouth, he kissed her hotly, his tongue snaking in then out as he plundered her moist channel.

Fleetingly as he broke the kiss, he glanced down at her half-closed eyes and pouting lips. His heart soared at the sight. Her flushed appearance served to magnify her beauty. He knew Maheo’o had truly blessed him. Continuing his passionate exploration, he attacked the taut bud of pleasure, nestled within her downy curls, with intense longing. He ravaged her senses, sending wave after wave of pleasure careening through her. Ione cried out, her moans of pleasure bouncing off the lodge walls, creating a cacophony of splendor for the camp to hear. Relentlessly he took her higher, pushing her senses to the limit. He brought her to a heart-stopping climax, reeling over the crescendos of bliss. Ione screamed, raking her nails down his back while her body shook from the aftershocks of passion. A hiss slipped from Night Wolf's lips before he pulled away, rising to his knees. 

His manhood swelled, throbbing as it reached full size. Ione opened her eyes then gasped. He murmured soft words in his native tongue, drawing her into a seated position as he cradled her head against the swell of his chest. His member loomed powerfully against her flushed skin. She eyed it curiously as a blush crept into her cheeks. Ione watched as he grasped her hand, guiding it to his throbbing length. It was soft as velvet yet hard as steel, hot to the touch, she demurred as he ran her hand up then down the hard length, allowing her to acquaint herself with it. He tossed his head back, moaning ferally, "Feel what you do to me," he groaned with a strained voice.

Though she couldn't understand what he said there was no mistaking the look of sheer pleasure on his face. Night Wolf drew back the hand that covered hers, letting her explore him. Though hesitant at first, her confidence grew as she listened to the moans slipping from his lips. She fondled him with exquisite care until his body jerked with absolute need of her. He groaned low in his throat, feeling his passion grow. Night Wolf pulled away; coaxing her back upon the blankets then cradled his body between her slick thighs. He touched her, plundering her core until she writhed, exploding a second time.

"Night Wolf, I need you!" Ione exclaimed, her voice raspy, sensuous.

Momentarily ignoring Ione's impassioned plea, Night Wolf sought the sweetness within the juncture of her thighs. He slipped a finger into her secret cove, bringing her to a hip jerking frenzy with his coaxing ministrations. Then he guided his shaft to her quivering sex, pushing into her wetness. Her wet walls clenched around his steely length, caressing exquisitely, as he thrust deep. He stoked the fires of her passion; his long strokes intensifying. His urgency to please her rocketed as he felt her hips move with his… synchronized.

Reaching down, he wrapped her legs around his waist, lowering his hands beneath her bottom, pulling her into his deep, tender strokes. A cry of pleasure shot from her lips. With each thrust, he took her higher, spiraling upward in a heady exodus of soul bonding rapture. Suddenly, her world exploded sending her flying across the heavens as she cried out.

Night Wolf's own cry of release mingled with hers; he collapsed atop her, shuddering as his violent climax battered her channel.

They lay silent for what seemed like an eternity. He cuddled her, shifting to her side as his embrace enveloped her. She sighed softly, snuggling in his warmth. "I love you," she whispered.

"Néméhotatséme," he replied.

O.O

The haunting sound of terrified screaming, the twang of bows being fired then the thunderous retort of racing horses fractured the early morning peace of the camp. Night Wolf scrambled from his bed, drawing on his breechcloth. He grabbed his bow, knife, and then picked up his war lance. 

"Run for river and hide," he spoke softly, using her English language. "I will find you."

Stunned at first to hear him speak her tongue, she stared as he raced out the hide lodge. Ione shook it off, grabbing her doeskin dress. She pulled it on, slipping her feet into her moccasins. She opened the door flap, sneaking a peak outside. What she saw horrified her. Several hide lodges along the eastern border of the village were in flames.  The air was thick with smoke. The shrieks of frightened women and children sounded throughout. Dogs and horses raced indiscriminately in every direction. Broken bodies of the dead and dying littered the fog shrouded ground. 

Ione rounded Night Wolf's lodge, heading for the tipi belonging to Sun Bear and Sky Eyes. An arrow whizzed past her head while she weaved her way through the fray. 

Unceremoniously Ione hit the ground as an enemy warrior on horseback raced past her. She hissed as pain shot through the palms of her hands. Scrambling to her feet, she continued on, trying not to look at the carnage around her. 

She reached her destination, opened the flap then peaked inside, "Sky Eyes," Ione bellowed. The lodge was empty. Sky Eyes must've made her escape. Ione continued on, weaving through the lodges quickly on her way to the river. She caught sight of Tessa and an older woman with graying braids. That had to be Black Horse's mother, she thought. Running faster, away from the epicenter of the battle, she called out to Tessa as loudly as she could. 

The noise from the battle drowned Ione's shouting. She ran faster, pumping her legs harder. The sound of her footfall on the hard packed ground roared like thunder in her ears. Suddenly, she skidded to a halt as she encountered an enemy warrior who swung at her with a bloody tomahawk. Ione screamed in terror, dodging as a Cheyenne warrior thrust his war lance between the shoulder blades of her attacker. 

She felt herself being lifted from the ground, haphazardly thrown across the lap of her rescuer. She watched; feeling detached from the tragedy surrounding her, like an unwilling spectator to some horrific show.  She screamed, flailing, only to feel his quirt strike her bottom. A second scream ripped from her throat while he guided his horse through the maze of lodges. 

The warrior spurred his horse on, leaving the village with its burning tipis and the raging battle behind as he raced across the plains. Only when he came to a large stand of trees did he slow the horse, guiding it inside the leafy bower. The warrior dismounted the horse, tethering it to a sturdy sapling then yanked her from its back. He threw her over his shoulder, carrying her kicking and stridently screaming further into the stand of trees. 

"Let me down!" Ione bellowed repeatedly as loud as she could muster. She couldn't see her abductor's face, but knew it wasn't Night Wolf. He would never treat her so callously.

She let out a startled shriek when he tossed her to the leaf covered ground. Looming ominously above her was a sneering warrior with eyes as cold as ice. Ione cowered, scooting along the ground in attempt to escape. The warrior stopped her progress as he grabbed a hank of her fiery red hair, delivering a vicious backhand slap to her cheek. Ione screamed as pain exploded through her jaw and cheekbone. Tears gathered, spilling down her cheeks. "What do you want? Who are you?" Her terrified wail split the silence.

"I want you to die, white bitch. You have no place amongst my people," he snarled as near perfect English slipped from his lips. "The Crow will pay handsomely for you."

Ione sobbed brokenly, curling herself in a ball, "Please, no."

"Look at you. You're a pathetic groveling mátâháá'e. Have you no dignity or pride in yourself? You shame your master with your cowardice!" The warrior taunted then scooped a handful of dirt, throwing it at her. 

Ione threw her arms up to deflect the biggest part of the debris flying at her. Feeling around, she grabbed a piece of deadfall, a broken limb a few inches in diameter and a foot long. She swung it at the warrior towering over her, smacking it solidly against his thighs. The limb splintered, raining shards of wood all over. The warrior grunted from the surprise and a brief jolt of pain. 

He lifted her by her upper arms, slamming her against a tree. She grunted as the air rushed from her lungs. Ione fought to take a breath.

"Stupid mátâháá'e, I can smell your fear. Your display of bravado doesn't impress me. Soon that won't matter. You'll be long gone. Then Night Wolf will forget you. He'll marry my cousin, Prairie Flower. She'll give him Cheyenne children we can all be proud of, not half blooded bastards," he taunted her further.

"You won't get away with this. Night Wolf will find me," Ione retorted as her anger began to override her fear. "You can deride me all you want, but you're worse than I'll ever be. You speak the English tongue. You consort with your people's bitter enemy, just to help your cousin land the husband she wants. You won't get away with this. Night Wolf will come for me. Then you will pay!"

"Night Wolf is too busy being a hero to know you are missing yet. When he realizes you're missing, it will be too late."

"He will find me," Ione repeated adamantly. Then her eyes grew wide as saucers when a second warrior entered the stand. The face paint he wore looked all too hauntingly familiar. His raven black hair fell to his waist. Black and red war paint covered his facial features, but didn't hide the coldness in his eyes. She gasped, eyeing him warily. This warrior was the one who carried Samantha away during the raid on her family's wagons.
Her abductor knelt beside her, "You recognize Black Sun. He's eager to get his hands on you."

Ione trembled, praying for Night Wolf to find her. "Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

Her abductor threw her to Black Sun then he mounted his horse. He nudged the animal's flanks, walking to the edge of the woods. He looked back at Black Sun with Ione at his feet then rode away, galloping back across the prairie.

O.O

Black Sun grabbed Ione by the hair, yanking her to her feet. He shoved her toward a horse tethered nearby, making a hand motion to mount up. When Ione defied his order, he motioned a second time more vehemently. She shook her head sternly, dropping to the ground. There she sat glaring up at him. 

Black Sun rolled his eyes, yanking her to her feet by her hair. Ione squealed as pain shot through her scalp. Black Sun lifted her off her feet, boosting her into the saddle then mounted behind her. He made a furious hand motion to behave before setting his painted horse in motion.

Ione jostled about from her position of being slung over the withers of the horse. She eyed the ground speculatively, wondering how damaging the horse's hooves would be if she fell beneath them. She wiggled about, attempting to slide backwards, but Black Sun slapped her upturned bottom before wrenching her to an upright position. He flashed a stern expression at her, sneering as she cried out from the pain. 

He raced his paint horse across the prairie, turning north when he reached the foothills. Skillfully he guided his horse through a labyrinth of jagged rocks, making sure his mount's hooves did not mar the surface. Then he located a well traveled game trail, mixing his horse's prints in with those of deer, elk, and other horses. As they came to a wide stream, he coaxed the horse into the water, travelling several miles upstream before exiting near of copse of trees. Black Sun dismounted, covering his tracks with deadfall from the nearby trees. 

He glanced at Ione slumped over the saddle, her head resting against his horse's withers. The long ride had exhausted her. Remounting, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her back against his bare chest, allowing her to rest comfortably. Then he continued on. His destination was in sight as he scanned the high bluff to the north. He knew he'd be there soon.

O.O

The Cheyenne warriors soon routed the raid on the village, bringing it to an end nearly as quickly as it began. Though the fighting was fierce, the Cheyenne soon had the attackers fleeing across the prairie. Several hide lodges were burnt beyond salvage, which meant the families that lost their homes would take residence with relatives until the necessary goods were gathered to build new homes. Amongst the dead was an elderly man, a mother, her young child, a boy that had been on herd duty, and Night Wolf's youngest sister, Little Sage. The girl who fancied herself a budding warrior with moderate archery skills had managed to plant an arrow into the chest of one invader, but ended up on the business end of a feathered tomahawk. 

Soon the fleeing women returned to their homes to assess the damage then help others in need. Tessa along with Winter Bird sorted through their household items, deciding which ones to donate. 

Night Wolf frantically searched for Ione, knowing he had not found her amongst the dead. He mourned his sister's loss, slashing his forearms to show his grief. He watched his mother coat her own face with ashes, hacking off her own braids with a knife. She keened brokenly, singing a dirge that would carry her beloved daughter's soul to the afterlife. Witnessing his mother's suffering sent a piercing ache through his heart, but it was nothing compared to the loss he felt that he couldn't find Ione.

He followed the slight indentations made by the moccasins she wore in the soft earth. He tracked her to Sun Bear's lodge then onward when they seemed to vanish. He noted a fresh set of horse prints. From the length of the stride, the horse had been galloping. The depth in the earth suggested it carried more than one rider. His heart sank with the realization she'd been carried off by one of the enemy. He had to find her. Her life depended on it.

O.O 

Black Sun led his horse up a steep incline on the side of the bluff. When he crested it, he mounted again, turning west. He maneuvered the horse through the maze of boulders until he came to the entrance of a large cave. Then he dismounted, leading the horse inside. The cave interior was deep, spacious, with stalactites hanging from its high ceiling. Ione allowed her eyes to adjust to the darkness, staring in awe at the natural architecture. 

When he reached the rear of the cave, he yanked Ione from the horse's back. She landed on her bottom with an 'oomph,' letting out a startled squeal. Black Sun ignored her as he brushed down the horse's lathered flesh. Then he provided it with some grain, tethering it near a shallow pool of water.

Grabbing up Ione, he led her to the opposite side of the cavern, sitting her down near a fire pit. He motioned to her, instructing her to get a fire going. Then he walked away a short distance, pushing a slab of rock aside. From within a shallow crevice, he pulled a beaded parfleche and what looked to be a dirty scrap of humanity. A high pitched cry sounded. At that moment, Ione knew it had to be female. Could it be Samantha? Hope swelled in her heart. 

Black Sun shoved the girl to the fire pit, pushing her to the ground. He handed the parfleche to her, making the hand sign to fix food then he returned to the horse. He glared at them before grabbing his bow and quiver of arrows. "Stay put," he growled in stilted English.

Ione spared the warrior a glance before carefully looking over the cowering girl before her. Dirt covered her facial features, stained her greasy looking dress. Hair that had once been pale blonde was now brown from mud. It hung in limp strands around the girl's face. She waited until Black Sun was out of earshot then crept over to the girl. She was sure it was Samantha.

"Samantha," Ione whispered as she reached a hand out to touch her sister's shoulder.

The girl's head snapped up at the sound of a familiar voice. Her eyes grew wide from the surprise of seeing her sister in front of her, "Ione!" They embraced happily as tears coursed down their faces. Samantha broke out in ragged sobs, clutching Ione tightly. "I'm so happy to see you again! You don't know what it's been like since that foul man captured me! How did you get here?"

"I was rescued from the ones who attacked our wagons by a Cheyenne warrior. He took care of me. He took me back to his camp, but it was attacked by Crow. I was captured, traded to the man who took you. We have to escape. I have to find Night Wolf," Ione replied.

"Black Sun will kill us if we try to run away. I've tried to get away from him, but he always catches me. He's done horrible things to me. He violates me every night. I try to fight him off, but he's too strong," Samantha cried, wiping her eyes on her dirty sleeve.

"I ache for you, sister. Night Wolf spared me that horror," Ione replied. "He's probably worried sick because I'm missing."

Samantha's brow furrowed, "Who is Night Wolf?"

Ione smiled despite their precarious predicament. "He's the most wonderful man I've ever met. He's handsome, gallant, and brave. He's the Cheyenne warrior who saved me from the Crow. He's taken care of me. He's been gentle and loving."

"He's one of those red-skinned bastards!" Samantha wailed, shocked at her sister's confession. "No decent white woman would give herself to one of them. How can you sit there, speaking of him like that when our mother and father lay dead somewhere, killed by his kind!?!? Our brothers are dead because of his kind! Thad is dead! They carried Chloe off. What about your shameless friend, Tessa? I bet she couldn't wait to spread her legs for them. She probably thought it would save her worthless hide!"




Night Wolf Ch. 08



Ione glared at Samantha, slapping her sharp tongued younger sister across the face. "Now you listen to me! Night Wolf saved my life. He's been good to me. The Cheyenne aren't responsible for our family's death, nor are they to blame for taking Chloe away. Tessa did tell me that Black Horse, who's going to marry her, was forming a war party to go after Chloe."

Samantha backed away, wide eyed. She rubbed her cheek where Ione had slapped her. She angrily started slamming sticks of wood into the fire pit then lit it with a rock and a piece of flint.  She opened the parfleche, pulling out a few wild vegetables, cutting them into small pieces with a bone knife. She grabbed a kettle, pouring water into from a skin then set it over the fire on a tripod to heat. Once it came to a boil, she added the vegetables.

"Ione, I'm sorry for what I said, but you have no idea what hell Black Sun has put me through. He's mean. He's hurt me, showing very little remorse. He'll probably do the same to you, too." Samantha inhaled a deep breath then exhaled slowly, trying to calm her frazzled nerves. 

"I'll fight him if he tries. I pray that Night Wolf finds us soon. I know he'll come for me. He loves me. I love him too. Night Wolf is a good man. The color of his skin means nothing to me. You'll see when you meet him." Ione smiled again.

Samantha nodded then stiffened as she heard a noise coming from the front of the cave. Black Sun had returned. He stalked over to the two girls then tossed the carcass of a rabbit into Samantha's lap. She made a face of revulsion, "Ewww."

"You skin. Cook it. Don't burn it," Black Sun spoke while making hand signs. Then he walked away, leaving the cave behind.

"Help me, Ione," Samantha whined, "I don't know how!"

"Here, watch me," Ione picked up the plump rabbit then grabbed his skinning knife. "A woman named Sky Eyes showed me how to do this." Ione went to work on the rabbit, dressing it before she skinned it. She saved the hide to be prepared for moccasin lining then instructed Samantha on how to cut the meat in small chunks for the stew. She added a few dried herbs she found in the parfleche before setting aside the rabbit's internal organs. She buried the heart, whispering a prayer of thanks to the animal's spirit. It had given its life so that she may eat. One day when she eventually died, her body interred into the ground, her remains would fertilize the ground, thus providing green grass for the rabbits.

Ione found enough bowls made from smoothed wood then served Black Sun a hearty portion. She set it on his side of the fire, waiting for him to return. Then she dug into the parfleche, locating a few corn cakes. Those she sat on a scrap of hide next to his bowl. 

Several minutes later, Black Sun returned, noticing the bowl of food prepared for him. He eyed Samantha before shifting his eyes to Ione. "She cook?"

"I taught her," Ione replied, her chin raising a notch. She glared at him. 

"Weak Cheyenne may like fire in woman, but Black Sun don't. You my slave now, obey me," he taunted back at her as he drew his hand back to hit her.

"Night Wolf will kill you when he finds us," Ione retorted, refusing to be cowed by this bully.

Black Sun scowled at her before extending his hand to slap her hard. His hand clipped her cheek, sending her sprawling against the sandy floor of the cavern. "He die. You join," he threatened.

"Please don't hurt my sister," Samantha rushed over to Black Sun, putting herself between her sister and the Crow warrior. "I beg you. I'll do anything. Just don't hurt her."

Black Sun sneered at her before shoving her to the sandy ground. He stepped over her, moving to the fire where he sat down to eat the bowl of stew offered him. He tasted it tentatively with a bone spoon. It tasted hearty and flavorful. He nodded, digging in with a healthy appetite. When he finished it, he handed the bowl to Samantha, "More," he demanded roughly.

Samantha hurriedly filled his bowl again, handing him a few more corn cakes to go with it. Then she sat down on the other side of the fire beside her sister. Her stomach rumbled as she inhaled the delicious smell of the stew. She wished he'd finish eating so she and Ione could divvy up what was left. Sometimes he left her a mere mouthful, other times none at all.  She sat quietly, listening to her belly growl a second time. This time it was louder.

Black Sun looked at her, grinning insolently at her, "Eat then go to blanket."

She picked up a second wooden bowl, filling it to the brim then handed it to Ione before she filled one for herself. She handed Ione a bone spoon then accepted the spoon Black Sun handed to her. Samantha nodded her thanks then dug into the hearty meal. The stew taste so good. It was ambrosia to her taste buds. She savored its savory broth, cooed over the tender chucks of meat, and took pleasure in the wild onions, potatoes and carrots. 

Once she and Ione had finished eating, Samantha put the bowls over to the shallow pool of water then washed them out. She returned them to the fire then packed the bowls and spoons away in the parfleche with the wild vegetables. 

With a sigh, she plodded over to Black Sun's blankets then made herself comfortable upon them. She knew what he wanted from her. She knew he'd take it no matter how hard she fought him. At least, he hadn't killed her yet. That morbid thought brought a measure of hope to her soul. As long as she was useful to him, she would survive. Eventually, she'd find a way to be free of him.

O.O

Night Wolf tracked the hoof prints made by the galloping horse all the way to the grove of trees where White Claw had turned Ione over to Black Sun. He tethered his horse, searching the ground for tracks. Much of the underbrush had been disturbed. He noted two different sets of tracks, one leading away from the trees and a second leading back in the direction of the village. He moved deeper into the trees, noting signs of a scuffle. When a scrap of pale fringe caught his eye, he picked it up, examining it carefully. It looked similar to the color of the dress Sky Eyes had given Falling Water. Searching around, he took note of the shattered limb then more hoof prints. 

He knew she had been here, but with whom? Where did they go? Most of all, he worried over her safety. If the Crow had stolen her, he knew her life could be in great peril. He knew he had to find her soon. Her life depended on him.

O.O

To be continued…



Night Wolf Ch. 09



Disclaimer: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I'd like to think I haven't offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I'm not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light... that is not my intention.

Author's Note: The English-Cheyenne word translations come from the Cheyenne Language Web Site, one that I've found extremely helpful for the telling of this tale. 

Translations:

Néá'eše: Thank you

Néséne: My Friend (spoken male to male)

Óoetaneo'o: Crow

Nae'ha: my son

Ného'e: Father

Tsitsistas: Cheyenne

He'heeno: Blackbird

Óoetaneo'o ného'e: Crow father

Néá'eše, ného'e: Thank you, father

Vé'ho'á'e: White woman

Chapter Nine 

Night Wolf slowly followed the trail of hoof prints back to the village, hoping it would lead to the one who stole Ione away. He couldn't understand the reason behind her disappearance, though. Why would his people wish to see her gone? He knew not everyone approved, but he thought they would come to accept her as they had Sky Eyes once she proved herself to the tribe.

He stopped just short of the village perimeter, examining how the horseman had mingled his horse's hoof prints with many others. He checked the freshness of the tracks; some were days old, while others had been there for weeks or longer. Then he picked out a distinguishing feature of the trail he'd followed since he left the grove of trees. One of the horse's hooves had a mark shaped like an arrow carved into it which left an impression in the soft soil. Night Wolf tracked it until he reached a lodge on the outermost ring of the camp.

A horse was tethered to a post driven in the ground. Its flesh was lathered as if it had just returned from a hard run. Night Wolf soothed the horse with soft words while he lifted the horse's right front leg, examining the hoof. His suspicions had been right. The mark was present. He released the horse's leg, stalking away from the lodge. He now knew Red Claw was involved with Ione's disappearance. 

He mulled the battle over in his head. The Crow hadn't come just for ponies this time. It was a calculated strike meant to kill as many warriors as possible, weakening the village, but many Cheyenne were going about their morning business. Many of whom kept their best horse near their lodge. The Cheyenne reacted quickly meeting the raiding Crow head on. He knew if they'd been caught unawares their enemy would've raided their food stores, killed the men, enslaved the women, children and made off with the best horses.

He vaguely recalled Red Claw riding away from the battle. Many had chased after the fleeing enemy. Night Wolf had assumed that was the case, but now he wondered if Red Claw was letting them get away instead. But why would Red Claw betray his people? Why help the enemy? Something didn't add up. 

As he jogged through the center of the village towards his father's lodge, he caught sight of Black Horse leading Star and his mother back to their lodge. Joining them, he spoke to his friend. "Ione is missing. She is not where I told her to go. Treachery is afoot; I fear one of our own has betrayed us."

Black Horse cocked an eyebrow, "Who?"

"Ask Star if she saw Falling Water during the raid," Night Wolf nodded to Tessa, ignoring his friend's question.

Black Horse turned to Tessa then posed the question. Her eyes went wide, "No, I never saw her. Winter Bird and I headed to the river, but she wasn't among any of the women and children who sought refuge. I figured Night Wolf would take her to safety. Where is she?"

"Gone," Black Horse simply replied, watching as a stricken look graced his woman's face. Tears flooded her eyes, streaming down her dirty cheeks. He cradled her in his arms, soothing his distraught female. Then he looked back at Night Wolf. "Do you want my help to find her?"

Night Wolf shook his head stoically. "No, my friend, this is something I must do on my own. I think I know who is behind this; I would rather not involve you in what I must do to find her, for it will require spilling the blood of one of our own. I must speak to my father then to Coyote. I believe we need to consult the sacred medicine arrows. If they run red with blood, then we know someone betrayed us to the Crow. It will be my duty to avenge my people."

Black Horse pondered his friend's cryptic words. When the medicine arrows ran red with blood it meant one Cheyenne had killed another. It was a taboo crime amongst their people. He felt Night Wolf's pain, understood the burden he bore. "Bring her back alive, my friend," Black Horse spoke up. "Star doesn't want to be alone here without her friend."

A somber look fleeted across Night Wolf's rugged face, "She's not alone, néséne. She has you," he nodded as he walked away. He looked back over his shoulder. "Have no fear. I'll have her back soon."

****

Night Wolf searched the village, hunting for Red Claw. He crossed the river, heading for the small forest opposite the village, checking for tracks as he went. Noticing two sets of tracks, one large and the other petite, as if they belonged to a woman or child, he followed them stealthily until he heard hushed voices on the breeze. Sneaking closer to the clearing his quarry occupied, he crouched behind a large leafy bush then listened.

He recognized Red Claw's voice immediately, his eyes honing in on the warrior his gut told him had everything to do with Ione's disappearance. As Red Claw shifted, Night Wolf caught sight of his companion. His eyes trekked up her form from the smallness of her heavily beaded moccasins to the resplendently decorated doeskin dress. He traced her fur wrapped braids to the coppery brown creaminess of her face. Night Wolf sneered. For all of Prairie Flower's beauty she couldn't begin to compare with his Falling Water, whose hair rivaled the sunset, whose eyes sparkled with the luster of the finest malachite stones he'd ever seen. Her smile warmed his soul; her gentleness filled his heart with joy and her perfect body heated his loins with unquenchable desire. 

As much as he wanted his love back, he knew it would be un-wise to charge into the clearing and confront Red Claw. He needed to have patience, needed to wait and listen. Knowledge would be his power and his greatest ally. But his need for vengeance would hold only so long before he acted. Ione's life could be in utter peril. Her survival depended on him; he vowed not to let her down. 

****

Night Wolf followed Red Claw as the older warrior exited the clearing, watching Prairie Flower leave in the opposite direction. He was infuriated by their conversation, but he knew he couldn't allow his anger to get the better of him. It wouldn't do Ione any good. He had to find her. Then a surge of betrayal ripped through his heart as Red Claw spoke of disposing of the "white bitch" in hopes that Night Wolf might look upon Prairie Flower with interest. Night Wolf had never shown interest in the maiden. Even her father knew Night Wolf's heart lay elsewhere. 

Night Wolf remained a few paces behind Red Claw, keeping to the shadows of the dense foliage. His mind raced. His thoughts zinged back and forth. Every thing deep inside urged him to confront Red Claw. They were far enough away from the village that any noise wouldn't be overheard. He knew it was bad medicine to kill another Cheyenne, but his woman's life was on the line.

Coming to another small clearing, Night Wolf stepped from the foliage, presenting himself to Red Claw. Night Wolf pulled his knife, scowling at the older warrior. "I know what you've done. You had no right to take my woman from me." His words were clear and concise as desire for vengeance burned in his eyes.

"Of what do you speak? I have done no such thing," Then Red Claw dismissed Night Wolf's accusation with a shrug though he met Night Wolf's eyes evenly.

"You are lying. I overheard you telling Prairie Flower how you disposed of her rival. If you had been smart like the fox, you would have known I've no interest in her. Her father is aware of this. Hear me, Red Claw, you will tell me who you gave Falling Water to. Then you will explain how you could betray your people by allowing the enemy to attack us this day!"

Red Claw sneered, "And if I do not?" 

"Then you've made your last mistake," Night Wolf growled as his voice took on the quality of his namesake.

"I fear you not, young pup. Perhaps you have forgotten that my father was Óoetaneo'o (Crow). His warrior spirit lives within me, overpowering my mother's Cheyenne weakness. I gave my true brothers the opportunity to seek revenge on you. The Crow you killed was my brother. My father sired him upon a proper Crow woman. He captured the white bitch first. She belonged to him, not to you. I simply returned her to where she belongs... to a true warrior who will put her in her place. She never was nor ever will be yours. You shall never see her again. If you try, Black Sun will kill her and the one called Sa-man-tha. You would do well to forget her. For the sake of your people, you should marry Prairie Flower. She will make a fine bride. One that will give you children worthy of your father's lineage," Red Claw retorted.

"Who is Black Sun to you?" Night Wolf's curiosity had been aroused.

"Also one of my brother's," Red Claw replied as he drew his knife from its sheath. "It is rude to speak of the dead. I will not utter his name. The other man you killed was my cousin. Challenge me, pup, I will send you screaming into the afterlife where my fallen kin will spend an eternity making you pay for their murder."

Night Wolf glared at Red Claw, not fearing the older warrior's words. "Your words hold no weight. Falling Water will always be mine. She is a gift from the Great Spirit. She gave her maidenhead to me." A satisfied smirk crossed Night Wolf's handsome face. "Furthermore, you will pay for your treachery and betrayal. You are my enemy now."

Without warning, Red Claw lunged at Night Wolf, slashing the blade of his knife across Night Wolf's chest. A thin line of blood blossomed from the cut. Night Wolf hissed at the sharp pain before making his own attack, rending a ragged cut across Red Claw's chest. With a guttural growl, a grimace of pain crossed his face; Red Claw lunged again at Night Wolf. Night Wolf sidestepped, bringing his knife down swiftly, jaggedly slicing a gash from Red Claw's shoulder to his waist. Red Claw howled in pain, kicking his opponent squarely on his chest. Night Wolf grunted, his lungs fighting for breath. Shaking off the pain, Night Wolf rallied, avoiding Red Claw's blade before delivering a hard punch to the older warrior's mouth and nose. Red Claw bellowed. 

The two combatants circled each other, both looking for the opening to take down his opponent. Red Claw struck first, goading Night Wolf then he jabbed his sharp blade into Night Wolf's shoulder, narrowly missing the younger man's jugular. "I will kill you, wolf pup. Then I'll make my claim on the white bitch as your blood seeps its way into the ground."

Night Wolf ignored him, blocking out the vicious taunts. "I will not die so easily," he laughed. "Many Crow scalps hang from my lodge pole. Yours shall join them." Night Wolf seized the moment to lunge at Red Claw, knocking the older warrior to the ground when his forearm connected with Red Claw's head, even though Red Claw attempted to block it. 



"They are the scalps of women and children that hang on your lodge pole, pup," Red Claw growled breathlessly. The hard fall to the ground left him gasping for breath. Red Claw rolled to his side, as he received the rib-cracking kick to his side. He clenched his jaw as whimper of pain whistled through his teeth, he tried to get up, but Night Wolf kicked him again. Then Night Wolf dropped, slamming his knee violently into Red Claw's chest.

"You are a beaten man, Red Claw. You will tell me where Black Sun took Falling Water. Then you will face the council for your treachery." Night Wolf rolled Red Claw onto his stomach, grabbed a handful of hair then jerked his back to expose Red Claw's unprotected throat.

"Finish it!" Red Claw growled.

Night Wolf unleashed a wicked laugh, running his blade across Red Claw's high cheekbone, slicing a gash from his nose to his temple. Red Claw screamed. Night Wolf then grabbed his beaten foes braids, hacking each off before drooping them in front of the beaten man. "You are unworthy of a warrior's death." He then slammed his fallen foes face into the dirt, spitting upon him before dragging him to the center of the village. Night Wolf threw Red Claw down at Medicine Bull's feet, watching as a look of surprise crossed the chief's face.

"What is the meaning of this, nae'ha (my son)?" Medicine Bull asked as his filled his pipe with tobacco, motioning for his son to sit beside him.

"Red Claw is behind this morning's attack on the village." Night Wolf calmly stated, "He is also responsible for the disappearance of Falling Water. He gave her to his Crow brother. I overheard him talking to Prairie Flower about removing her rival. I have no affection for Prairie Flower, no interest in the maiden. Ného'e (Father), I bring Red Claw to you. Let the council decide his punishment for betraying his mother's people."

Medicine Bull carefully eyed his son then the beaten warrior groaning at his feet. "Red Claw is of two hearts, conflicted between his Óoetaneo'o (Crow) and Tsitsistas (Cheyenne) blood. He'heeno (Black Bird), Red Claw's mother, is a fine woman, gentle and caring, too gentle to have survived in the Crow camp. We were lucky to have rescued her when we did. By then, she was already with child. She refused to give the babe to his father's people. It caused much strife, but your grandfather who was chief at the time was able to negotiate a peace with Proud Bear, the Óoetaneo'o chief of the time. In exchange for Black Bird, we gave them many ponies and many buffalo robes. We forged a short lived peace. Black Bird raised Red Claw with only the help of her mother and father, who have both passed on to the spirit world. Once Red Claw reached manhood, he sought his vision. He has been a torn soul ever since. It was only a matter of time before he betrayed us."

"Did you know he would? Couldn't you have done anything to stop him?" Night Wolf replied vehemently.

"Coyote and Grass Man had visions concerning him. I always felt in my heart the angry soul of his Óoetaneo'o ného'e (Crow father) would lead him astray. Council will gather soon. We will decide his fate."

Night World inclined his head respectfully, "Néá'eše, ného'e. I must find Falling Water. He gave her to his Crow brother. Perhaps you will be more successful in loosening his tongue."

Night Wolf stood, returning to his lodge. He sat upon the furs where he and Falling Water slept each night, hanging his head. Time was of the essence. He had to find Falling Water soon. Her survival would depend on it.

****

Once the tribal council had gathered, Medicine Bull called upon Night Wolf to tell the tale of what had transpired. Night Wolf spoke of the tracks leading to the grove of trees as well as the trail he followed back to Red Claw's lodge. He told of the mark in Red Claw's horse's hoof, which left the incriminating track. Then he spoke of the clandestine conversation between Red Claw and Prairie Flower, of Red Claw confessing to the maiden that he'd disposed of her rival, making way for the maiden to have Night Wolf. Finally he spoke of their altercation outside of the village. Night Wolf reiterated Red Claw's words concerning his Crow blood. He then spoke of how stealing Falling Water away was revenge for the death of Red Claw's brother and cousin, Black Tail Eagle and Whirling Cloud.

When Red Claw had the chance to speak his peace, glaring at Night Wolf, he remained silent. Finally Red Claw scathingly departed his last words to Night Wolf, "The fate of the vé'ho'á'e (white woman) rests on your shoulders. Black Sun will kill her and her sister. You would do well to forget about her."

****

Red Claw's fate was decided then handed down by the council. They ordered him to be turned over to the mercies of the women grieving for the lost husbands and children. Big Pine, shamed by his daughter's involvement with Red Claw, tied the warrior with his arms stretched above his head to a thick pole driven into the ground. The grieving women went at him with knives cutting, digging their fingernails into his flesh. A pool of congealed blood rested at the base of his mutilated body; his eyes, ears, fingers, toes, and genitalia were missing. Still Night Wolf was no closer to finding Falling Water. 

Dawn found Night Wolf leaving his village behind. He vowed not to return until he brought his woman home. It was his mission, the need that rode him relentlessly. With one final look back, Night Wolf set out.

****



Night Wolf Ch. 10



Disclaimer: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I'd like to think I haven't offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I'm not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light... that is not my intention.

Author's Note: The English-Cheyenne word translations come from the Cheyenne Language Web Site, one that I've found extremely helpful for the telling of this tale. 

 *

Ione rolled over onto her side, covering her ears as she tried to block out the sound of slapping flesh, of Black Sun's grunts and her sister's whimpers. Her heart went out to Samantha. She didn't deserve to be treated so cruelly by Black Sun... if only Samantha had escaped when she and Tessa had; if only she'd been caught by someone as wonderful as Night Wolf. A muted cry followed the sound of a sharp slap. Ione turned back, watching like a hawk as her sister shrugged beneath the larger warrior. Black Sun ran his hands down Samantha's sides then lifted her legs around his waist. He thrust harder, deeper into her, unleashing a harsh growl from his throat as she thrashed about in pain. 

Black Sun glared angrily. "You get yours when I done, bitch." He slammed against Samantha forcefully, pushing her legs over his shoulders. Samantha cried out again, pounding her small fists against his broad chest. He knocked her hands aside, pinning them to the ground, asserting his weight above her then continued his thrusting. Soon, he howled his release, hammering his flesh into hers until he sated himself on her nubile body. Black Sun pulled away from her, washed himself then disappeared into the darkness of the cavern.

As soon as Ione knew he was gone, she scrambled out of her bedroll, racing over to Samantha. "Sweetie," she cradled her crying sister. "You'll have to let me see how much damage he's done to you."

Samantha curled into a tight ball. "I can't. I'm... too... ashamed," the younger one blubbered as she shielded her face from view.

"You're my sister. We are blood. What he has done to you is not your fault. You are not shamed in my eyes. Let me help you. We will get away from him if we work together. Can you do that?"

"No, I can't. You mustn't... touch me. He's... ruined... me," she cried brokenly. "No d-decent man... will ever w-want me now."

"Ah sweetie, don't think that way. This isn't your fault. You don't know that. Once we escape, no one ever has to know what happened here." Ione stroked her hair. "Now let me see."

"But I will know. I can't live this way," Samantha hissed then her eyes widened as she looked up.

"What? What's wrong?"

A sharp pain erupted within Ione's head as something blunt hit her. Darkness embraced her. Samantha squeaked, gazing upon Black Sun, who had silently returned, "It wise not to run. I kill you both." He gathered Ione's prone body, throwing her back to her bedroll before bedding back down on his own. He gathered Samantha within his arms. "Sleep," he muttered.

****

Ione groaned, gingerly rubbing the knot on her head, when she awoke the next morning. She wondered what she had been hit with. She shivered against the chill, groping for the fur robe that had been part of her bedroll. It took her a moment to clear the cobwebs to remember where she was and what had happened to her. She glanced over at her sister. Her brow furrowed at the sight of Samantha curled up in Black Sun's arms. 

If Samantha weren't so snug, Ione could grab her and they could run away. She hated the thought of trying to run away without her sister. She didn't want Samantha to suffer for anything she had done. Ione crept away from her sleeping spot, making her way to the entrance of the cave. She poked her head out, breathing in fresh air. She watched as rain poured down in sheets. She knew if she attempted a run for it, she'd be drenched in no time at all and would likely end up with some kind of lung fever. Perhaps it was better to take her chances with Black Sun. With a sigh, she returned to her bedroll then added a few sticks of wood to the smoldering fire. 

Digging into his parfleche, she searched for ingredients to prepare an adequate breakfast for them all. With some meat left over from the night before, she added it to the pot along with more of his herbs and vegetables. She wondered if he'd let them gather more food soon. If not, they'd run out. In another parfleche, she found their last few corn cakes. As soon as the meal was ready, she'd wake Black Sun and Samantha if the aroma of the cooking meat didn't do that for her. 

The silence of the cavern around her broken only by the sound of the sizzle of the fire, the whipping of the wind, the drenching rain and the soft snores of sleeping duo nearby gave her troubled mind the chance to roam. Where was Night Wolf at this moment? Ione longed to see his handsome face again. She ached to behold his splendor and feel the warmth of his touch. She knew he had to be worried about her. He would come for her. She had faith that he would find them. She swallowed the lump of fear growing in her throat as Black Sun stirred. He gave Samantha's bruise blackened bottom a healthy smack, eliciting a startled sleepy cry, before climbing to his feet. Ione blushed, looking away from the sight of his naked form. She glanced back, noticing he had covered his private area with his breechclout before drawing his elkskin leggings up his legs, tying them with thongs to his clout. 

He sat down before the fire, motioning to the cook fire. "When food ready?" he questioned, eyeing her suspiciously.

Ione peaked into the pot, judging it as it shimmered, "Very soon." She handed him a few of the corn cakes to tide him over before sitting quietly before the fire.

"What white bitch thinking? I know your mind. You cook for Black Sun. Obey Black Sun. Plan to escape behind hands. You both mine to keep. No escape. I keep." He gave Ione a fierce look before turning his head to look over at Samantha, who had stumbled to her feet. Her once pale skin, now darkened with dirt and bruises, was a clear testament to what she had suffered at Black Sun's hands. She grabbed her filthy dress, pulling it over her head. Straightening her back, she marched over to the fire pit then between Black Sun and Ione. 

"The stew smells delicious, sister," she inhaled a deep breath, trying to make the best of their situation. She knew that Ione was right. If they were to escape, they had to work together. She knew it, but to her dismay, Black Sun knew it as well. 

****

By mid-afternoon the rain had passed, bringing the bright orb of the sun into the sky. Black Sun gathered his weapons, motioning for Ione and Samantha. He tied them together at the ankle before leading them out of the dark cave, down the steep bluff to the forest below. He planned on allowing his captives forage for the food they would need while he hunted. He had already warned them both that we would not hesitate to kill either of them if they attempted to escape.

Being out in the open with the sun on her face felt like a dream come true to Ione, she never thought Black Sun would allow them out of the cave like this. She drew in a deep breath, inhaling its fragrant scent. "It's pretty out here," she murmured to Samantha. 

Her whisper drew a glare from Black Sun. "Forage for berries, roots, and nuts like good woman would. I may not kill you yet."

Samantha shuddered then lowered her eyes. She clutched the empty parfleche he had given them then looked around, spying a bush bearing ripe red raspberries. She beamed a smile then hobbled over to it with Ione in tow. "I bet these will taste wonderful," she cooed with delight, momentarily forgetting Black Sun's looming presence. 

The stern look on his face softened for a brief moment as he watched her. Something so simple had brought her joy. He shook his head. Gathering food was a daily chore for the women of his tribe. He had never seen any of them react as the pale haired one just did. When food was bountiful, his village flourished. When food was scarce, everyone shared what little they had and many cried from having empty bellies. Black Sun doubted the pale one or her fiery sister knew what it was like to go hungry. Slaves were always the last to be fed after the warriors had taken their fill and the women, children and elderly had eaten. They were both in for a rude awakening.

Black Sun kept close watch on the girls while they relieved the bush of its bounty. Often after dropping several plump berries into the parfleche, the girls giggled softly, popping a ripe morsel into their mouths, savoring its juicy sweetness. Soon their lips and hands were stained with red berry juice, which made them giggle even harder, which brought a harsh hiss of silence from Black Sun and a warning to keep working. Ione and Samantha trudged on, finding as bounty of pine nuts, wild onions, wild lettuce, and wild potatoes growing within the small forest.

Once their search was finished, Black Sun gagged them, tying them to tree within a small thicket, hidden out of sight while he hunted for some fresh meat. The warrior stalked through the forest, following a game trail until he came upon a doe drinking from a shallow brook that ran close to a jumble of rocks. Black Sun halted in his tracks, pulled an arrow from his quiver then quickly fired it from his bow. His strike proved to be true, piercing the deer through its ribs. It gave a valiant leap before its legs buckled beneath it then crashed to the ground below. Cautiously Black Sun made his way to the fallen animal. He knew how quickly the scent of its blood would attract wolves and other scavengers. 

Dragging the deer carcass away, he slit its throat, dressed it then hung it in a tree away from predators. He hunted for smaller game while the deer carcass bled out. Two fat rabbits fell to his arrows. Returning to the girls, he handed them the rabbits then led them back to the cave before he came back for the deer carcass. He used his horse to carry it back to his cavern hideaway, instructing Samantha and Ione to get to work on it and the rabbits. 

Ione nodded while Samantha's lips curled in disgust, but Ione managed to get her sister to focus. She diligently taught her what she knew of skinning the animals. Some of the meat she cut into strips to dry. Some of it she cubed for stew. The bigger haunches she set aside to be roasted over the fire pit. The fat and brains she saved to use during the process of curing the hides. The buckskin would make a fine piece of clothing once it was scraped and the hair removed.

The day passed as Samantha learned the skills Ione taught her. The younger girl balked at first, but gave in since she knew it would make things easier for her. She could only imagine what awaited her once Black Sun took them to his village. As bad as things were here with him, she knew things would be much worse amongst his people. Part of her hoped rescue would come before that or perhaps he would choose to stay here indefinitely. 

Black Sun returned to the cave, taking a seat near the fire. He peered into the simmering pot hanging from a tripod, cocking an eyebrow at Samantha. She nodded then reached for a bowl, filling it with savory stew, and handed it to him along with a bone spoon. A bowl of red raspberries accompanied the stew as a sweet treat. He tasted it tentatively, the hint of a smile gracing his face, before he dug deeper into the bowl. 

Samantha let out a sigh of relief, remembering how some of her earlier attempts at cooking had drawn his wrath. Ione's help had saved her from that today. 

"You cook?" Black Sun watched her carefully. 

Samantha nodded, clearing her throat as she spoke up, "Yes, Ione has taught me. Is it not good?" She lowered her eyes, praying he wouldn't beat her again.

"It not bad...you do better next sun. Eat then come to bedroll," he ordered as he washed his food down with a long swallow from a waterskin. 

Samantha shuddered at the thought of going back to his bedroll. She could barely stand the thought of him defiling her, hurting her again. It angered her that he easily dismissed their hard work as nothing. She'd show him she could do better. Grabbing the other two bowls, she ladled hers and Ione's, sitting back to eat. Once again, she took her time, taking delight in the deliciousness to the savory stew. That bull-headed man may not appreciate it, but she certainly did. 

He called to her impatiently as soon as she finished eating. Quickly Samantha washed the bowls, spoons and utensils they'd used to cook with while Ione stored the leftovers then banked the fire. Reluctantly Samantha trudged across the cavern to Black Sun's bedroll, stopping just in front of it. He nodded his head, motioning for her to remove her dress. She whimpered softly, knowing he'd hurt her even worse if she disobeyed him. "Come," Black Sun stretched out his hand, drawing her down onto the pallet of furs and buffalo robes. "Remove my leggings and clout, woman."

Samantha gasped, shaking like a leaf. She gazed to the entrance then back towards Ione, searching for a way out. She didn't want to do this again. 

Black Sun delivered a swat to her bottom. "Woman, remove," he growled as he towered above her, placing his hands on his hips.

Samantha trembled, licking her lips. Why must he shame her this way in front of her sister? She closed her eyes for a moment before reopening them. Her hands shook as she reached for the thongs that attached the leggings to the breechclout. She untied them, smoothing each side down his well muscled legs, stopping to remove his moccasins. Tears flowed down her cheeks, dripping off the end of her nose as well as her chin. Her heart pounded in her chest as she reached for the breechclout. 

Samantha could feel the heat of his skin, could clearly see his engorged member throbbing within despite the darkness of the cave. Her throat went dry. She swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing her shaking fingers to cooperate. Then she looked away as the clout fell out to the floor. Black Sun jerked her head back, shoving her to her knees. "Look," he boasted, holding her head in place while she struggled. "Behold my mighty spear!"

His hand delved into her dirty limp hair before he fisted the girth of his member. He rubbed the thick bulbous crown over her tightly pursed lips before chuckling then pushing her down onto the pallet of furs. "Woman, learn it better not to fight."

Black Sun enjoyed toying with his captive. It gave him much pleasure. She had much fight in her that he secretly admired. Joining her, he slid behind her, curling his larger body around her. He pressed very intimately against her, nestling his engorged member against her bottom. He sought her breasts, tenderly kneading the nipple, bringing it to a taut peak. Then he softly stroked her flesh, running his hands through her hair, grazing her flat belly, gently curved hips and coltish legs. 

Samantha lay trembling, half from fear and half from desire. She couldn't understand what he was doing to her. This wasn't how their nights together ended. The fierce warrior usually yanked her dress off, threw her down and sated his needs on her... always viciously and painfully. This was different. It was as if he was showing her that she meant something to him after all. It couldn't be, though. It had to be a trick just to hurt her again. It had to be, Samantha whispered to herself. She could never trust Black Sun.

Black Sun nudged Samantha's thighs apart, dipping his fingers into the pale thatch of the hair that hid the pleasure jewel inside. He located the little nubbin, coaxing from within its hood with delicate strokes of his fingers. Samantha quivered in his arms while her juices coated his fingers. He brought it to his lips, licking, savoring her sweetness. 

His hand made the trip back down her body, returning to the juncture of her thighs. He parted her nether lips, swiping a finger over her nubbin once more, eliciting another shudder. She bit her lip, holding back the moan that bubbled in her throat. His thumb concentrated on her nubbin while his fingers gently slid lower, teasing the entrance to her channel. Samantha let out the moan she'd been withholding, arching her hips involuntarily to allow him access. 

These sensations shouldn't feel this good. She didn't want it to make her feel this way. She wanted to hate him for the way he treated her. Samantha bucked her hips, giving him better access to her tight channel. He slipped two fingers into her into her warm depths while his thumb massaged the nub of her clitoris. Samantha's senses were on overload. She'd never experienced anything like this before, wasn't sure what was happening to her. Gasping little breaths escaped her lips as she dug her dirty broken fingernails into the furs. Her juices rushed forth, coating his fingers. He pulled back; watching her writhe then licked her flavor from his hand. He covered her smaller frame, nestling himself in the cradle of her hips. His eyes met hers. Samantha blushed then looked away. 

Black Sun pulled her head back, gazing intently at her. "You are mine, woman. Do not forget that," he replied her as he guided the length of his hard member inside her slippery sheath. Gently he rocked against her, taking his time until he couldn't hold back any longer. It was only then his pace and the force of his thrusts increased. Samantha wrapped her legs around his hips, accepting these more intense strokes. Black Sun threw his head back, groaning loudly in climax. Then he rested his sweaty forehead against her damp breasts while he caught his breath. "Sleep, woman," he murmured as he shifted his weight off hers then curled himself around her.

****

Samantha flushed bright red any time either Black Sun or Ione spoke to her the next day. Ione smirked, knowing what her sister was going through. Night Wolf still made Ione feel like that. It puzzled her why all the sudden Black Sun was treating Samantha better. From what Ione had gathered every time the warrior had taken her sister it had been forcefully. Why all the sudden would he be gentle? It didn't make sense to her. 

"Woman," Black Sun spoke up as he marched into the cave, motioning at both of them. "Come."

Ione's brow furrowed as she stood up from the place where she'd been sitting into front of the meat drying rack. She flashed an inquisitive look at Samantha who shrugged her shoulders, setting aside the bone tool she'd been using to scrape the deer hide. They followed him out of the cave, giving each other a questioning look when he did not tie them together. Ione found that odd. Why all the sudden was he trusting them? Ione had only been here two days. She knew Night Wolf would come looking for her. Why risk everything? His actions as well as her own thoughts puzzled her.

Black Sun directed the two girls along the path, guiding them to the north a ways. He located a sheltered glade where they could bathe uninterrupted. From a beaded parfleche, he removed a pale butter colored doeskin dress adorned with elk's teeth, quilled designs, shells and bits of fur. Matching moccasins accompanied the dress. Samantha gasped at the beauty of the dress. Words escaped her. Her throat grew tight as tears welled in her eyes.

"Samantha, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Ione exclaimed, wide eyed with shock as she looked from her sister to Black Sun. What was he up to now?

The pale younger sister clutched the garment to her breast, hugging it tightly, unable to believe the sight of this beautiful gift. "Thank you," she bobbed a curtsy before him as all thought of how to properly thank her warrior captor escaped her.

"Bathe, woman. Wash stink off body. You no befoul cave with smell no more," he replied as she watched Samantha blush with shame. Then he turned to Ione. "You bathe."




Night Wolf Ch. 10



Then he stalked away, just out of sight, giving them some privacy but still remaining within view in case either one of them decided to run.

****

Ione and Samantha took pleasure in the cool water, playing and splashing while washing their hair and bodies with soap-plant growing nearby. It felt so good to Samantha to finally bathe after nearly two weeks of not having one. Her pale hair glistened in the sun. Her skin felt soft and gloriously dirt free. She climbed out of water, using her old dress to dry herself, before she pulled on the new dress and moccasins. 

Ione quickly parted Samantha's hair, braiding it as she had when Samantha was younger. It made her look more like a maiden. "You look pretty, sister," Ione smiled as she slipped into her dress.

"You think so," the younger girl questioned.

"Yes, I do." Ione smiled then her voice dropped a few octaves to a whisper. "What I don't understand is why he's being so... considerate all the sudden?"

Samantha shrugged, "Let's hope it doesn't end. I'd rather not be killed."

Ione frowned at her. "Do what you must to gain his trust. It'll make it easier for us to escape," she hissed through clenched teeth. "Night Wolf will come for us. He will find me."

Samantha lowered her eyes. Despite the way Black Sun had treated her since he'd captured her, the previous night had changed things for her. How could she tell Ione? How could she make her understand? 

"Woman, get head out of clouds. Return to cave. Cook food." Black Sun growled as he made his way over to her, looking her up and down. "Skinny white woman need put meat on bones to fill out dress, keep man warm at night."

Samantha glared at him indignantly. She had always felt she had a nice pleasing shape. She didn't want to get fat. How dare this man suggest she increase her figure!?!?!?!