Lakota Winds (Zebra Historical Romance) by Janelle Taylor

Author:Janelle Taylor [Taylor, Janelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2010-10-03T01:06:00+00:00

When the large group of Red Shields returned near midafternoon from their futile pursuit of the Apsaalooke, they were elated to discover the news of the awesome victory during their absence but were distressed by the losses their friends had suffered. Many praised Wind Dancer loudly and repeatedly for seeing through the Crow's trick to lure them from camp for a surprise attack and thanked the Strong Hearts for the defense of their tepees and families. They joined the others to repair damage to tepees, to tend the wounded, help construct scaffolds, assist with burials, and to hunt for those in need of fresh game who had lost their husbands on past suns.

By dusk, the wiconte wicagnakapis stood out on the verdant landscape against a darkening cobalt sky with seven bodies resting upon themfour females, two children, and an elderly man. Two of the women were wives and mothers, while the others were a girl of joining age and one of fifty whose mate had died during the past winter. Their deaths were mourned with sad songs, traditional chants, and cut marks on the legs and arms of adult family members. Even Mother Nature seemed to respond to the tragedy. The wind ceased to blow as if to honor those whose lives had been taken by fierce enemies. The sky's beautiful blue shade dulled as if in empathy and the sun hid behind a distant cloud as if unable to witness the somber sight. The birds were quiet and the animals remained concealed as if to prevent intruding on the people's sorrow.

After the burial ceremony was completed and all returned to camp, relatives and friends took in those tormented by grief and requiring help with children and husbands. The people ate in small and quiet groups before retiring, many to endure a restless night.

Chumani snuggled in Wind Dancer's embrace. Though they kissed and stroked each other, they did not make love, as sadness gripped their hearts. They drew comfort from each other and bonded more tightly from their sharing of such a terrible event. Too, their thoughts roamed into the past and they relived the tragic losses of their sons at the hands of the Crow warrior who had led the first attack to lure the others from camp so his companions could attack.

When Buffalo Hump had returned from chasing the first band, Chumani and Wind Dancer had made a shocking discovery. From Buffalo Humps description of the Crow leader's face design, they knew he was the same Crow warrior who had murdered their children. Each wished they had been with the war chief so the pursuit could have continued until their enemy had been overtaken and killed to avenge their sons' deaths. Yet, they somehow knew that their paths would cross again and vengeance would not be denied them, perhaps even be granted to them as a reward for their parts in the sacred quest, which was to begin in a few more moons. Each also knew another great event was to take place on the next sun.

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