Flame by Connie Mason

Author:Connie Mason [Mason, Connie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Plans had a way of going awry. Running Elk returned the next morning before Tanner's escape plan could be implemented. Both Tanner and Ashley were outside when the chief emerged from the hills. Gaunt and hollow eyed, Running Elk appeared on the verge of collapse. His flesh was rent in numerous places, where he had slashed himself with his own knife, and he looked as if he hadn't slept or eaten in days. He looked neither right nor left but went directly to Dream Spinner's lodge.

Ashley watched in trepidation as Running Elk ducked into the shaman's lodge, dismayed that their escape had been placed in jeopardy by the chief's return. As if reading her mind, Tanner's arm made a protective circle about her shoulders.

Inside Dream Spinner's lodge, Running Elk collapsed onto a mat beside the holy man. He closed his eyes, trying to recall his vision so he could repeat it exactly for Dream Spinner.

Dream Spinner waited patiently as Running Elk gathered his strength for the recital. He offered his chief water and Running Elk drank thirstily.

"I feared the Great Spirit had abandoned me when no vision came," Running Elk said weakly. "I offered tobacco, prayed, fasted, sprinkled sage upon the fire to chase away evil spirits and rent my flesh, but still no vision was forthcoming. Last night I truly believed I might die on the mountain. I closed my eyes, preparing to accept the Great Spirit's will, when my mind suddenly awakened to the vision."

Dream Spinner nodded sagely. "What did Grandfather reveal to you? Were you shown what path to follow?"

"I came directly to your lodge so you can interpret my vision," Running Elk said. His voice raw with emotion, he relaxed against the backrest, closed his eyes and began speaking. "My vision was very confusing. Before my eyes the prairie erupted into flames. A path cleared and the enemy rode through the flames unscathed. Then suddenly I was there, mounted upon my pony and surrounded by our warriors. Our faces and our horses were painted for war as we rode out to meet the bluecoats. Time after time flames and heat drove us back. To our dismay, the flames and heat didn't seem to affect the enemy in the same way.

"Suddenly Flame appeared at my side. She told me she would call down rain to douse the fires if I granted her freedom. With the enemy nearly upon us I had no choice but to agree. Before we rode to meet the enemy she cut off a hank of her hair and gave it to me. I wove it among my own tresses and felt great strength flowing into me. The enemy fled before us and the day was ours. When I returned from battle Flame demanded that I release her. I appeared to be reluctant and Flame became angry, visiting her wrath upon me. Then there was thunder, and great slashes of lightning rent the sky. If I didn't agree to Flame's wishes our people would perish.

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.