A WARRIOR’S LOVE

After making up a story, Emma was relieved when her mother shooed her off to her room to prepare for the Majors arrival. She thanks God she was late as it seemed to save her from a barrage of questions.

Buttoning up her dark blue dress, she placed a small cameo at her throat, taking extra care with the delicate clasp. It was the only good piece of jewelry she owned and she treasured it. Picking up the brush, she touched up the small ringlets at her neck and forehead.

Peering into the small fogged mirror, she found herself thinking of Tokaalah once again. There was something about him that made her want to meet him again, but she shook her head, pulling her attention to her window above her bed. He was an Indian and whites did not associate with them,, especially a woman. She had heard enough stories from her father and the Major to last her a lifetime. Stories of kidnappings, rapes, murders even that were enough to make her stomach turn in vicious circles. She didn’t want to believe the stories but after hearing them over and over she had grown not yet frightened of them, but wary.

The sound of horse hooves approaching indicated the Majors arrival. Sighing, she pinched her cheeks for color and prepared herself for an evening of cat and mouse. A game she also was growing sick of.

The smells of roasting meats wafted into his tepee making him grow hungry. His stomach growled furiously as he methodically sharpened his knife, mindful of the strange looks his father was giving him every so often. He knew he wouldn’t be questioned and was thankful for that. It was rude to intrude on another’s thoughts. Only when they were offered was one permitted to respond.

The women outside were preparing the dinner, their bodies casting odd shaped shadows on the side of the tent. The furs under his thighs were warm, protecting him from the still chilly ground, but offered him no comfort wit his thoughts of her. Her face hovered in the back of his mind, causing him to be distracted, nearly severing the tip of his finger with his knife. It bled slightly but after wrapping it with a few leaves, it stopped quickly.

You were gone long my son and little to show for your time. You do me a dishonour coming back with little more then what a mere boy would. His father’s voices cut into his thoughts making him look up to meet his hard stare. Tokaalah made no excuses.

I did not hunt for prey. He replied knowing he could never lie to his father.

The older man placed his pipe on the rocks by the fire waiting for him to continue. Tokaalah gazed into the fire, the heat prickling his face. His father smiled, a low laugh came from deep in his chest making his son look over at him questioningly.

You have the look of a man in love. He stated simply. Tokaalah was careful to keep his face from showing his surprise. What maiden has caught your eye?

She is not from here. He replied trying to stay true to his vow of never lying to his father. He was beginning to feel most uncomfortable and wished the subject would change.

Oh? We have had no visitors,, who is this woman you hide from me?

I hide no one. I have no love for one woman at this time. He replied quietly.

Just as his father was to answer him, the flap on the tent opened and the lithe form of a young woman entered, her long black braids swayed as she moved. Setting a wooden platter in front of each of them, she sat on her haunches, eyes downcast.

Jaydah grunted his approval after tasting his meal making the younger girl smile shyly.

Tokaalah recognized her to be Saheesla, the daughter of his father and second wife. He to tasted his meal and gave his approval allowing her to leave them in peace.

She grows quickly. I must find her a husband. Jaydah commented between mouthfuls.

Tokaalah nodded in agreement. She is 14 summers now,, it is time to begin looking.

And you approach your 23rd summer. He added flatly looking over at him with amused eyes.

Emma walked with the Major towards his horse tied up in the corral by the large barn being careful to keep a discreet distance between them.

It’s a clear night tonight. The stars reflect in your eyes Emma. He said placing his hand under her elbow making Emma cough to cover the threatening laughter at his poor attempts at seduction.

Are you catching a cold my dear? He asked turning to look into her face with concerned eyes.

No,, not at all… Emma shook her head waving her hand in dismissal.

I am fine,, perhaps a bit of indigestion. She added when he didn’t seem convinced.

He nodded, rubbing his flat belly with a gloved hand. Yes, your mother is a great cook but I always eat too much.

They kept walking, her skirts rustling in the quiet of the night air. Pulling her shawl closer about her, she worked up the courage to ask him about the local Indian tribes. Major Davis…

Please,,,, He interrupted her, stopping her and pulling her around to face him. Please call me by my given name… Steven. He smiled boyishly down at her; his white teeth almost glowed in the moonlight.

Emma fought the urge to roll her eyes and nodded politely. Alright,,, Steven,, may I ask you a few questions?

Of course,, anything. He beamed down at her as they approached the fence of the corral where his horse grazed.

It concerns the Indians…. She started off slowly, gauging his reaction.

Steven arched an eyebrow at her; shocked she would want to know anything about them but waited for her to continue.

How many tribes are in the area?

Steven leaned on the fence with his elbows as he answered, painfully aware of her perfume in the night air. The Sioux hold the territory just north of the fort. There must be 12 camps up there easy. Their land is around 25,000 square miles.

I see,,,, so the Indians we hear of at the fort who come for trading,,, they are Sioux? Emma asked innocently.

Yes, that’s them,,, there are always a few stragglers from other tribes but they are outcasts,, rebels even. Not much good and tend to get drunk a lot. The Sioux are good people, but like with any savage, you have to watch them.

Emma looked up at him and blinked. Watch them for what?

Major Davis frowned. We don’t call them savages for nothing Emma. They can turn just like a wild animal. Never trust them I tell you,, never.