CHAPTER 13

 

 

TANC SETTLED easily into the ways of the Lakota. Riding with the men on hunting excursions and scouting trips to see how many whites were intruding into their territory became a regular routine. On the days they stayed near the village, the warriors would practice hand-to-hand warfare tactics or perfect their expertise with their weapons. It was in those moments that Tanc gained the most respect of the braves. She would teach them techniques in fighting and bareback riding to improve their survival in battles. Soon the braves gained a formidable reputation among the other tribes, providing them with a degree of protection from attack, at least from other Indians.

For the first few years, several of the braves tried to win her favor, hoping to bed her. One by one, they eventually gave up and good-naturedly teased her about her celibate life.

"It has been two years since you arrived here," Little Deer pointed out after returning from a buffalo hunt. "Don't you miss being with a man?"

Tanc looked at him and raised both eyebrows, questioningly.

"I thought braves were men. Have I missed something?"

"You know what I mean. Why haven't you chosen a mate? There are plenty of young braves who would love the honor."

"I'm not interested in a mate," Tanc said, pulling out her knife for sharpening.

"How will you bear children, if you don't mate?" Little Deer asked, frowning. All women wanted children, he thought.

"Except me," Tank replied to his unspoken words. Unconsciously, her eyes began following a young Indian woman recently captured on a raiding party.

Little Deer shook his head. She always seemed to know what he thought. He was about to comment when he noticed her eyes following the captive's movements. It had never dawned on him that Tanc would be interested in women. Now it made sense.

"You like her?" he asked, motioning toward the woman as she disappeared inside of Gray Cloud's tent.

Tanc looked at Little Deer, not sure how to respond.

Nodding his head, her friend grinned.

"You like her," he said, answering his own question. "Why don't you take her? Gray Cloud doesn't deserve her."

"She is his. He found her."

"He treats her badly. Already she bears the scars of his rage."

As if to prove his point, Tanc saw the woman's body thrown out of the tent followed by Gray Cloud, who was carrying a leather whip. When he began beating her, Tanc and Little Deer jumped up and ran over to see what was up.

"What are you doing?" Little Deer demanded, disgusted.

"She is lazy. I'm teaching her a lesson," the Indian snarled.

"Beating her will only teach her hatred. She is like a young mare. You must use gentle hands if you want to train her properly."

"Bah," Gray Cloud growled. "You are soft. A firm hand is all it takes."

Pulling back his arm for another strike, he was surprised when Tanc stepped between him and his prize.

"That is enough," she said quietly.

Enraged, the Indian swung the whip at her, catching her left cheek. Blood poured from the split skin but Tanc didn't flinch or make a sound. Only her eyes betrayed the fury raging inside. Gray Cloud swallowed nervously and stepped back, knowing he would pay dearly for the blunder.

"I'll sell her to you," he offered, his voice shaking slightly.

"What is your price?"

Glancing at Little Deer, Gray Cloud realized he had better make a generous offer.

"Two ponies... young ponies."

"No," Tanc said, surprising both braves.

"It's a fair price," he said gruffly.

"No ponies. No animals. You have no respect for them."

Gray Cloud was at a loss now. There was nothing else he needed.

"What do you want?" he asked, his eyes begging her to come up with something that would help him save face.

"I'll take her off your hands. You say she is lazy. Why would you want a lazy squaw? She will cook your meals and wash your clothes, but she stays in my teepee."

Realizing he had no choice, Gray Cloud willingly agreed.

Helping the woman to her feet, Tanc pointed to her tent and nodded. Turning back to Gray Cloud, she let him feel the full force of her anger with her next words.

"And Gray Cloud, if you ever strike her again, I will kill you."

Gray Cloud nodded, knowing it was not an idle threat.

"You're lucky she didn't do it tonight," Little Deer said.

"Over a squaw?"

"Over this woman. Tanc has taken a liking to her."

Gray Cloud looked at the brave, confused. Laughing, Little Deer just shook his head and walked away. How a brave could be such a good warrior and so dumb was a mystery.

Slipping inside the tent, Tanc saw the woman trying to clean the slashes on her back. Taking the cloth from her hand, she dipped it in water and then began wiping the blood away. Before she could say anything, the entrance curtain was pushed aside and Little Deer walked in carrying a small bowl.

"I thought you might need this," he said, handing it to her. "The Shaman gave it to me. He said to rub it on the wound and it will heal quickly."

"Thanks, Little Deer."

Feeling awkward, the brave put the bowl next to them and left. Scooping up some of the poultice, she patted it on the wounds and then pulled the sleeve back on the woman's shoulder. Afterward, she slid over onto her bed of skins, put her arm over her face and closed her eyes, giving the woman privacy. Moments later, she heard the woman moving and then a hand gently clasped her arm and pulled it down. Tanc stared into her eyes looking for something; what, she didn't know. When the woman started cleaning the slashed cheek, she remained still, showing no sign of pain.

"What's your name?" Tanc asked softly.

"Raven."

"Thank you, Raven."

That night Raven curled up close to Tanc for warmth and for comfort.