Defiant Ecstasy by Taylor Janelle

Author:Taylor, Janelle [Taylor, Janelle]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp - A
Published: 1991-07-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Perceiving the full meaning of this challenge, she grabbed up the two ends of the lance and screamed at both of them, “No! I will have no deaths on my hands, not even yours, Wanmdi Hota. Powchutu, tell my father I will not be a part of this. I will not be a trophy in a game of death.”

Powchutu related her message to the chief. The chief looked at the frightened, distressed face of his daughter and replied, “Tell Shalee this is the law of our people. She is Si-ha Sapa and must obey our laws and ways. He is a chief’s son and has taken her first. He has the right of ki-ci-e-conape. She must join with the winner. I have spoken!”

Her eyes flashed rebellion and anger at him as she said, “I will not be sold again! When the time comes, I will choose! I will not allow either of them to die. I cannot!”

The Token-pi-i-ceyapi Itancan came forward to announce the challenge would take place in one hour. They were to go to separate teepees to prepare. Hearing his words, both men nodded and turned to go to their appointed teepees, to meet in one hour in a death struggle to possess her. She stared on helplessly. Was there nothing she could do? Was she a pawn in the hands of fate once more? Whose time had come to die? It angered her to know she was to be the weapon to take away a man’s life. Will I never have any say in my own life and fate? Will others always choose my paths for me?

Crying bitterly, she turned and ran to a tree near the river bank. Such pain filled her heart and mind. Why did this revenge not taste sweet? Why did Wanmdi Hota’s possible death not make her feel happy and free? If he died today, would she always feel this emptiness and longing for him deep inside? How would she feel if she never saw him again, if she never touched him again, if she never kissed him again, and never belonged to him again? She thought she had come to terms with all these “nevers,” but she realized now she had not. For somewhere deep inside, she had felt she would one day be his again. She had not given up the hope or dream he would come to love her as she loved him. But if he died ... his forbidden love would haunt her forever.

She would never be able to marry Mato Waditaka and love him if he killed Wanmdi Hota, no matter what they demanded she do. But if by some chance of fate Wanmdi Hota won, could she ever forgive the death of Mato Waditaka in order to win her back? Why was life so harsh and cruel out here? Why did it demand so much from her?

She gazed out along the horizon into the sky of endless blue. Would she ever adjust to the people

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