Daughter of the Eagle by Don Coldsmith

Author:Don Coldsmith
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 2012-05-09T04:00:00+00:00

21

During the next few moons a legend was born. Even the far-flung bands of the People gloried in the tales of the warrior woman, Running Eagle.

The story of her first experience in battle became exaggerated in the recounting almost immediately. It was forgotten that the girl had been one of the minor members of the group, a novice on her first war party. In the minds of the listeners, after a retelling or two, Running Eagle became the leader of the party. She had initiated the attack so swiftly, it was said, that while others still readied their weapons she had already struck the enemy and had killed three men.

Only slightly less exaggerated were the tales of prowess of her companion, Long Walker. At first some who heard the tale thought that the tall warrior must be her husband or lover. But no, it seemed that the girl had taken vows of chastity. Her warlike efforts were directed at avenging her brother’s death. She had vowed to wreak vengeance on the Head Splitters. As a former warrior sister, she had extended her chastity. There was no clear limit to her vow—perhaps her entire lifetime, it was said. This deepened the mystery of the status of her companion, Long Walker.

Actually his status was as much a mystery to Long Walker as to anyone else. He had sought out the girl on the day after their return from the pursuit. The two took a long walk up the stream and talked of many things. Patiently the young man tried to dissuade her from her half-formed plans.

It was no use. It became apparent that she felt such a forceful call of duty that it must come before all else. She only knew that the enemy must be made to realize the folly of assault on the family of Eagle.

Long Walker exhaled a deep sigh. “Running Eagle,” he said slowly, “you know that I wish you to give up this vow. I know that you are able to avenge your brother. You have proved that.” He paused and sighed again. “If you must do this, I am with you.” He smiled a little wistfully. “We do fight well together,” he added sadly.

The decision made, it was now time to make plans. Running Eagle quickly outlined her ideas. They could follow the Head Splitters, steal horses, attack small groups, and in general harass the enemy at every opportunity.

“But Running Eagle,” Long Walker protested, “this is dangerous! We cannot fight the whole Head Splitter nation!”

“So be it!” she snapped. “I will go. I did not ask your help!”

Frustrated, knowing the plan to be foolhardy, Long Walker knew also that he could not press his protest too far. If she became too angry at him she would go alone. This must not happen. He must keep his objections quiet enough to avoid angering the girl. Only in this way could he protect her from herself.

“It is good,” he shrugged resignedly. “We will go.”

Because Running Eagle’s pledge of

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.