Wind Warrior by Constance O'Banyon

Author:Constance O'Banyon
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: fiction
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.

Chapter Seventeen

Two Years Later, Blackfoot Rendezvous

A feeling of festivity was in the air as the Blood Blackfoot welcomed their brothers from other Blackfoot tribes: the Piegan and the Siksika had come together for their yearly gathering. It had rained the night before and a continuous muggy breeze swept across the nearby Porcupine Hills.

The sun poked through a smoke-colored sky, promising a fine day for the gathering. The whole area was covered with wild lilies and lupine, and the wind carried the sweet aroma of spring flowers. The Milk River was running full to its banks, and children splashed happily in the shallow parts.

There were even French trappers and fur traders among the people gathered—some who had taken Blackfoot wives.

Tall Woman, with Fire Wolf on her hip, entered the tipi, laughing. “Daughter, you would not believe your eyes if you saw all the maidens fussing among themselves, putting ribbons and beads in their hair. Of course they are all wearing their best gowns, hoping to find a husband at the gathering. And you know how silly they can be when they know Wind Warrior will be attending the games.”

As Tall Woman placed the child on a buffalo robe, she noticed Rain Song was wearing an older gown with tattered fringe at the bottom. “You do know that he will be arriving at the gathering today?”

Hope blossomed in Rain Song’s heart, only to be dashed a moment later. She was angry with herself for caring. She had seen Wind Warrior from a distance many times in the last two years, but not once had he spoken to her, or even looked in her direction.

“Let the others make fools of themselves. I will not.” She glanced up at her mother and found Tall Woman smiling knowingly. “Is it certain he will come?”

“It is certain, my daughter. He sent word that he wants to speak to your father.” Tall Woman’s smile deepened. “What do you think that is about?”

Although Rain Song gave a shrug of indifference, her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Wind Warrior, who had been away all winter. Chinook rose and padded to Rain Song, nudging her hand. Absently she reached for a chunk of dried meat and gave it to the wolf, which proceeded to curl up beside Fire Wolf.

“There is something else I think you should know.” Tall Woman turned her full attention on her daughter. “Spotted Flower arrived here last night. They say she has been living with a Frenchman since she was driven from our village.”

Rain Song was surprised. “I wonder why she did not return to Fort Benton.”

“I suppose she does not want to go back to that life. I wanted you to know she is here, so you would not be surprised if you see her today.”

“My mother, two people died in the prairie fire. One was a child, the other was an elder’s wife. Why would my father allow her near our people?”

“Broken Lance does not tell the French trappers who can live among them, or who they can bring to the rendezvous.

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