Savage Autumn by Constance O'Banyon

Author:Constance O'Banyon
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781428509344
Publisher: Dorchester
Published: 2010-09-22T04:23:50.243000+00:00

Crazy Farley started across the river and was immediately surrounded by twenty Blood braves. They were silent as they escorted him out of the river. When they reached the village he dismounted and one of them spoke to him.

“What do you want here, crazy one?” one of the warriors challenged him.

Farley spoke and understood the Blackfoot language as well as any Indian. He knew that Windhawk didn’t welcome many white men in his village, and he knew he was taking a grave risk in coming here.

“Take me to your chief, Windhawk. I have something to say to him,” Farley said, unafraid.

The Indian nodded. “Come with me, old man, I will take you to him.”

Joanna and Windhawk were standing in front of Sun Woman’s tipi talking to Morning Song when Joanna saw Farley. She could hardly believe her eyes. Windhawk had been watching her and he saw her face pale. His eyes followed hers and he stiffened when he saw the white man.

Joanna ran toward the old trapper and threw her arms around him. “I am so glad to see you, Farley.”

Farley saw the murderous light in Windhawk’s eyes, and loosened Joanna’s arms from about his neck. He stepped back a pace, knowing he wouldn’t live long if he didn’t do some fast talking. He was glad to see that Joanna James was alive, but if Windhawk had taken her for his woman, he didn’t want to appear too interested in her.

“I surely do recollect you, Miss Joanna. I am plumb tickled to see you alive.”

Windhawk rushed forward and grabbed Joanna by the wrist, pushing her behind him. “Take her to my mother,” he told Gray Fox, who was standing nearby.

Joanna wanted to protest, but the dark look in Windhawk’s eyes silenced her. She allowed Gray Fox to lead her over to Windhawk’s mother. Sun Woman took Joanna’s hand and led her inside.

“It was most unwise of you to speak to the white man, my daughter.”

“Why? I see no harm in talking to an old friend.” By now Joanna had had time to think clearly, and she resented Windhawk’s high-handed treatment. “I will not stay here like a child who has been sent to her room,” Joanna said, walking purposefully toward the opening. When she reached the outside, she saw Gray Fox standing with his arms folded across his chest, barring her exit.

“Let me pass,” she said, forgetting to speak in the Blackfoot tongue.

“I dare not, Joanna. Windhawk has ordered me to see that you remain with his mother,” Gray Fox answered her in English.

Joanna’s temper mounted, but she knew that Gray Fox would carry out Windhawk’s orders and she would not be allowed to leave Sun Woman’s tipi. She walked back inside and sat down. Sun Woman sat down beside her, offering her a cold drink of water.

“Do not worry, my daughter. Sometimes it is hard to understand a man. It is best not to try too hard.”

“I do not understand Windhawk. He has never been so…domineering with me before.”

“Why do you come among us, crazy one?” Windhawk asked.

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