Whispers on the Wind: Their Untold Stories

By Mike Hatfield

Whispers on the Wind follows five families from 1873 into the twentieth century. A young Zeke Martin follows his uncle Lemuel into the West to escape a bitter family feud fueled by the bigotry of the Civil War. His youthful inexperience in life is soon expanded when a group of Crow warriors gives him a captive Sioux Indian woman. Little Walking Buffalo Woman, along with a jealous young Sioux girl, Looks at the Sky, will lead him through the door of manhood. Together, they will face mysteries, adventures, and an onslaught of strangers who will change the West forever. Follow Deputy Marshal Ethan Bullock on his quest for a murdering madman across the West and the Indian Nations. Catherine Bullock is a spoiled, narcissistic daughter arriving in the twentieth century learning nothing from her many trails. Eagle’s Nest House with its dark shadows and deadly supernatural secrets will enslave her selfish soul. Only the Cherokee mystic, Eloise Demmia, knows of the horrors lurking within its walls. Come join them through decades and generations on their journey through time and mystery. This is based on real people and events.
This book includes a three book series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796021394

Mike Hatfield

Mike Hatfield is a retired Headteacher, and later an educational consultant. The inspiration for many of his short stories and first novel has come from the insight gained into the rich diversity of lives of people from all walks, through years spent working in and supporting schools around Leicestershire and the East Midlands.

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Copyright © 2019 by Mike Hatfield.

Library of Congress Control Number:        2019902967

ISBN:                        Hardcover                          978-1-7960-2122-6

                                 Softcover                            978-1-7960-2123-3

                                 eBook                                   978-1-7960-2139-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 03/22/2019

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1 1872, Dakota Territory

Chapter 2 1873 Dakota Territory, The Chase

Chapter 3 Village Life and Drama

Chapter 4 The Reckoning

Chapter 5 The Return

Chapter 6 1875, The Outlaws

Chapter 7 Reunion

Chapter 8 1876, Changing Times, The Coming of Wicahpi Wicasa

Chapter 9 1881, Powerful Women And A Strange Enlightenment, The Fugitive

Chapter 10 A New Century

Chapter 11 New Beginnings

Chapter 12 New Homes And Unexpected Friends

Chapter 13 New Families And Dire Consequences

Chapter 14 The Raven, The Dark Gives Way To The Light

Chapter 15 The Specter, The Birds And New Futures

Chapter 16 917 Mill Road, Undercurrents

Chapter 17 Revenge, Redemption And the Unforeseen

Chapter 18 Exodus, New Loves and Old Hatreds

Chapter 19 Death of the Undead, The Desperados’ Last Raid

Chapter 20 1905-1908, New Arrivals and Farewells, A Ghost from The Past Returns

Chapter 21 1917-1925, Modern Times Approach, Discovery and Deceit, An Old Outlaw Moves On

Chapter 22 1933, Shattered Lives And New Adventures, A Tragedy for The Millers

Chapter 23 A prophesy Comes True, Be Careful What You Wish For

Chapter 24 Love, Loneliness and Adventure, The Last Old West Outlaw

Chapter 25 1937, A Dangerous Destination, Stunning Revelations

Chapter 26 Adventure in the Amazon, New Romance Begins and a Life Ends

Chapter 27 A Monster from The Past, Escape, An Old Mystery Is Revealed

Chapter 28 True Loves and Intrinsic Evils, Growing Concerns

Chapter 29 Love and Heartbreak, A Mysterious Stranger Appears

Chapter 30 1939, A Compendium of Deceit, As You Sow, So Shall You Reap

Chapter 31 1941, An Ancient Discovery, Just Desserts, An Evil, Bad Seed Blossoms

Chapter 32 Into the Unknown, Real Truths Revealed

Chapter 33 Lost History in a Prehistoric World, The Magic of Gris-Gris, A Hideous Discovery of Evil

Chapter 34 The Old Elephant’s Graveyard, A Legend Dies, The Maelstrom

Chapter 35 New Ideas, Hopes and Dangers

Chapter 36 A New Generation Takes Over, Connections with The Dark Side

Chapter 37 1942, The Long Road to Redemption, Changing Directions

Chapter 38 The Courage of The Western Spirit, Paying Reparations, A Strange Death

Chapter 39 1943, The Other Heeds the Warning Call, A Cowboy’s Unexpected Occupation

Chapter 40 A Rising Star, Eating Crow Is Never Easy

Chapter 41 A Lamb Turns Into a Tiger

Chapter 42 Growing Pains in Hollywood, A Search is Ended, Into the South Pacific

Chapter 43 A Hero That Evil Shuns, He Flies His Coach of Steel…, The Pain of Truth

Chapter 44 1945, Through Fiery Breath, His Dragon Sings

Chapter 45 1946-1949, The Hunt for War Criminals, A Dastardly Revenge

Chapter 46 An Old Friend and Protector Dies, The Search for The Mystic One, A Supernatural Experience

Chapter 47 An Odd Coincidence, A Cost to Fame

Chapter 48 A Confrontation with Evil, Some Fairy Tales End Unhappily

Chapter 49 Discovery in New Mexico, Loneliness Can Cause Bad Decisions

Chapter 50 Finding Yourself, Love Changes Hands

Chapter 51 The Old Gives Way to The New, Sparks of Hope

Chapter 52 1950, Choices-Relentless Pursuits

Chapter 53 The Belief in True Love, Some Dreams Do Come True, A Devil Is Set Loose

Chapter 54 1951, Nefarious Collaborations, A Massage from Brother Owl, A Hard Decision

Chapter 55 1952-1954, New Prospects-Failed Responsibilities

Chapter 56 Discontentment, Evil on The Trail of Revenge

Chapter 57 The Raven’s Message Rings True, Taking The Temptation of Personal Fulfilment

Chapter 58 Glimpses Into a Maniac, Crossing The Line

Chapter 59 Tumultuous Relationships, A Monster Rages On

Chapter 60 The Blindness of Love, Brother Coyote-The Trickster

Chapter 61 Those Who See Are Sometimes Blind, Evil Knows No Boundaries

Chapter 62 Revenge of a Madman

Chapter 63 1955, Time To Move On, Crossing Paths

Chapter One

1872, Dakota Territory

Zeke Martin’s six-foot 2 lean frame hung over a huge boulder looking down at the arroyo below. He thought he heard something in the distance but he had been wrong before in his paranoia of this gigantic west.

You heared somun’ boy? his uncle Lemuel whispered slowly sneaking up from behind.

I thought I heared somun’ Uncle Lem… Zeke whispered back running his eye up and down the arroyo. Then, there at the very north end, slowly emerging, a horse’s head; eagle feathers hanging from the side of the rope bridle, its face painted with reds and greens. He pointed as Lem peered over the boulder. They watched until an Indian appeared, his legs dangling from the sides of his mount, slowly and cautiously walking his pony intently looking about the arroyo. Lem pulled Zeke back down behind the boulder.

Crow raidin’ party scout, Lem whispered, must be tottin’ somun real impotant! Zeke quickly pulled his rifle close to him. Lem grabbed his arm, Don’t be shootin’ at nothin’ boy. Not the time er place. He knew his nephew was green, this being his first time west and not having accumulated many years on the earth. He had caught him doing some very foolish things that could have cost him his life but shooting before seeing the whole picture could very well cause them both to pay that price.

They slowly looked back over the boulder to see four other braves their faces heavily painted- two armed with bows and arrows, one with a spear and the fourth hanging over his blood covered horse. One of the two with arrows led a horse with a woman riding. Zeke could tell she was exhausted by the way she was slumped over, her head bobbing. From out of the trees one more warrior appeared.

Well I’ll be damn! Lem whispered. Zeke looked over at his uncle puzzled. Lem stood up screeching a strange sound. Zeke was terrified. He had never encountered western Indians, his only knowledge of them were the scant tales by the few men who had returned to West Virginia from the frontier. Those hideous stories of what they had done to white men had made his nerves tingle.

Uncle Lem! What the hell are ya doin’? In his eighteen years he had never felt this type of terror even when it came to running into a sow bear and her cubs back home in West Virginia.

Lem shouted a long sing song of words Zeke had never heard then yelled what sounded like a war hoop. The men below repeated the words and war hoop.

Up the side of the arroyo at a run rode the last warrior to appear, readying his spear. Screaming and yelling he charged at Lem, his spear held high ready for attack. Lem stood laughing and braced himself. Zeke thought his uncle had lost his mind and fell back against the boulder shaking with fear. The advancing Indian let fly his spear finding its mark between Lem’s spread legs. He flew from his horse tackling Lem both tumbling in a heap. They wrestled until Lem pinned the Indian down and pulling his Bowie knife it looked as though he was going to scalp his aggressor. Grabbing the Indian’s hair Lem yelled another war hoop and made a slash in the air near the scalp. He fell off his attacker both of them laughing so hard they were chocking. Lem finally stood and helped the man back to his feet. They embraced each other patting each other on the back. Zeke heard them talk in that strange language again moving their hands as they spoke. After a while they walked over to Zeke. He stood up his eyes widening as he noticed how big his uncle’s attacker was.

Lem stopped in front of Zeke seeing his apprehension. He giggled, Ya alright boy? He looked over at the man next to him, This here’s, Plays with The Hawks-I jest call him Hawk. He turned to the man and spoke that strange language again. I tol ‘em you was my nephew. The man extended his arm to Zeke. Well take it boy. He’s offerin’ you his hand. Zeke slowly took his hand only to be pulled to the ground. He heard them both laugh as he wiped dirt from his face. He shot from the ground swinging his fists each haymaker swing missing its target, the big Indian jumped around as if he had springs on his feet. With each jump Hawk would screech out causing Len to laugh uproariously. Finally, Len grabbed Zeke from behind whispering in his ear, Listen hear boy. You jest proved ya anit no coward. Ya got his respect which means a lot in this country. Lem released his nephew, Hawk walking over to them, a stern look on his face. Putting his hand on Zeke’s shoulder he spoke again in that strange tongue then turned and walked to his horse.

Wha’ he say, Uncle Lem?

Tell ya latter boy. Let’s go.

Zeke rode along intently watching as his uncle and Hawk talked in Crow their hands and arms making wild gestures at times. The other Crow had payed no attention to him, interested in something else as if they were looking for something. The one that had been bleeding was now half way sitting up being led beside Hawk, occasionally trading words. The Indian woman who had been riding behind him rode up on his left side. He looked at her face covered in dirt and smeared with dried blood. It was hard to tell how old she was, probably not too old, there wasn’t any gray in her long black hair which hung like a rat’s nest down her back. She looked as if she had been dragged or in a fight. It gave him the willies the way she was staring at him through all that dirt and blood like an itch on his neck he couldn’t reach. Her hands were bound and around her waist was a rope the other end in the hand of a Crow riding close behind. Zeke looked forward trying to ignore her but he felt her eyes on him all the long miles up the trail.

It was a small clearing with a little stream nearby where Hawk decided they would camp for the night. Zeke watched as the man who held the girl by the rope dismounted from his pony and pulled her from her horse. He untied her hands saying something to her. She stood defiantly yelling at him then spat on him. The man roared in anger taking the tail end of the rope and slapped the girl hard across the face knocking her down. The other men stopped and laughed. Scrambling up from the ground the girl headed into the woods her captor close behind her.

Little rough on da girl wadin he? Zeke asked starting to unsaddle his horse.

You stay out of it boy, Lem said quietly taking his bedroll from the back of his saddle, Taint none our business. Besides that, anit no girl, dat’s a grown woman.

Woman? Zeke questioned as he watched her walk away. She was small maybe five feet tall with a thin body under that buckskin dress. Her face when he had looked at it didn’t seem like that of an older woman even with the dirt and dried blood.

They stole her. An I thin I knowed who she might be. An if I thin it’s who I thin it is, we need to get away from these boys as soon as possible.

Maybe we ought to high tail it outta here now.

Wouldn’t be polite, boy. Leave ya hoss saddled.

Zeke loosely cinched his saddle, took off his bedroll and dug into his saddlebag for some jerky and blackberries they had collected along the way. As they both rolled out their bedrolls it hit him. What a you mean we might have ta git away from these boys?

Lem giggled, Could get a little excitin’ boy. That woman might be the daughter of a Sioux Chief. Friend a mine. He don’t take kindly to Crows carrin’ off his kin. Him and dem Sioux boys are madder dan hell right now. But dem Crows must have fixed their trail so it be hard ta follow. Lem looked about as he laid down on his bedroll. They don’t seem too worried.

Zeke was about to get into his bedroll when a hideous shriek came from across the camp. Lem jumped up his nephew following and they sprinted across the clearing. Lem knelt next to Hawk who was holding the wounded man. Zeke listened as Hawk said something to Lem in Crow then looked down at the bloodied man.

Lem told the other men something then turned to Zeke, Go ta my saddlebags-dar’s a pouch of sulfur, bring it here. Hurry up, he’s bleedin’ ta death.

Zeke swiftly retrieved the sulfur. On his return one of the men was handing Lem several strands of horsehair twisted into a string with a porcupine quill attached to it.

Lem looked at Zeke as he handed him the sulfur, Damn. My hands are crampin’ up. Bad time for that!

I’ll sew ‘em up…. Zeke said.

You know doctorin’, Boy?

Done it a lot of times: dogs, hosses, cows, two brothers and a cousin who had a gash jest like that’n there, Zeke said with pride.

Well, get to it boy! Lem said relieved handing him the string and quill. Lem instructed the other men in Crow to hold the injured man down as Hawk put a stick in between his teeth to bit down on.

Lem applied the sulfur as Zeke began to stitch up the wound. The quill was sharp slipping easily through the flesh, its string sliding together a smooth binding. He fought to keep the line straight and tight as the man screamed and convulsed. Then finally it was done and Lem smeared more sulfur on the neatly stitched line.

Lem looked up at Hawk and said something with a smile. All the Crows yelled and whooped.

He be alright now, Uncle Lem. Zeke said. As he tried to shake some of the blood from his hands he saw the woman captive step from the trees with an arm load of branches. She stopped, her steely gaze fixed on him until her Crow captor pushed her yelling something at her.

You did good boy. Let’s get you cleaned up…. Zeke followed him to the nearby stream feeling a little foolish about his fears. Unlike his uncle, who had many years of experience on the frontier, this vast, untamed wildness was all new to him. That experience had kept him alive all these years just as it was doing now for the both of them. He resigned himself to stop his fears and learn more from the man he had admired for so long.

Lemuel Quincy Martin had left his family’s home in West Virginia at sixteen more out of wanderlust and curiosity than any other reason. He had been lucky, being a greenhorn boy, to meet a few decent men along his trek west who had proved to be good mentors. It had been those first men he owed his life to, the freighters with their oxen and Conestogas, the Pioneers with their long trains of covered wagons and cavalry soldiers and scouts. It had been those few in the beginning who were friendly and willing to teach him the beauty and the deadly dangers of the sprawling western frontier keeping him from dying of thirst, starvation and a multitude of other ways a man could meet his demise in the vast aloneness. It was a savage land but a beautiful land for those willing to see it. That beauty was never lost on Lem; The Great Plains with its tall, waving grass, never ending to the horizon; the abundant wildlife of elk, deer, antelope and herds of buffalo, some taking three days to pass. Traversing the great Rocky Mountains, he met mountain men learning to trap and the finesse of hunting new guileful game. His wonderings led him to cross paths with the natives; becoming friends with those Indians who were like minded and battling with those who wished to take his life. Those years of adventure were not without its pitfalls; accidents that had caused broken bones, near death from freezing, encounters with cougars, grizzly bears and pneumonia. He should have met death a hundred times but didn’t, attributing his strength to his Irish-English heritage. The Martins had never been people who had given up easily. Those he encountered along his travels were at first intimated by his six foot-four, muscular bulk quickly coming to know him as never a bully or trouble maker, but as a respectful, peaceful man unless riled. His sandy brown hair had some gray in it now and his round face showed some age with wrinkles on his brow and crow’s feet at the corners of two light, blue eyes. A white, short beard hung from his face, having given up shaving years before. He had become a man who had payed his dues more than once.

The sun had gone and Zeke could see the Crow had bedded down with the exception of one standing guard. He could see the captive woman stoking the fire she made from the load of branches she had collected. She was again starring at him causing the same uncomfortable feeling as before.

It felt good to lay on his bedroll after cleaning up and a good supper of hardtack and berry’s. Looking up at the stars his mind drifted over the events of the day when Lem interrupted his thoughts.

Yep. Good day, boy….

Wha did that Hawk fella say ta me back there on da trail?

Said you are a brave man. That you have his respect.

But he licked me!

Lem giggled, Jest tryin’ is jest as impotant as winnin’ to them. Kinda like countin’ coup

Coup? Wha’s ‘at?

That’s win ya touch a enemy win ya coulda kilt ‘em. Bring ya big medicine.

Dat don’t make no sense… Zeke’s eyes saw the light streak across the sky then stop. He was paralyzed with fear, he had never encountered anything so strange and wasn’t sure why he was so terrified. It was only when the object had stopped in midair from its incredible speed and started coming closer to them emitting different colors that he could find strength enough to speak.

Uncle Lem…. He looked over, Lem was asleep. UNCLE LEM! he screamed.

Lem shot up grabbing his rifle, Wha? Wha?

Zeke jumped up from his bedroll pointing to the object, Look!

Lem looked up and became irritated, It’s a star, boy, anit ya ever seen a star!

Not one da colors a da rainbow! Ya shoulda seen how fast it was movin’!

Shut up an go ta sleep! Be a long day tomorrow…. Lem turned on his side away from Zeke.

Zeke was still freighted thinking there must be some danger in the occurrence. But look at that thing!

I said shut up an go ta sleep! Lem screamed adamantly.

Zeke heard some of the Crow laughing reading into the argument. The Crow sentinel looked at him puzzled then joined the others laughing. None of them were looking at the object except for the captive woman. Her eyes were fixed on it until the sentinel pushed her hard toward a tree where he bound her for the night. He felt foolish and stupid for becoming so panicked over something that was probably just a star. Laying back down on his bedroll he watched it until he fell asleep thinking it was just a star, probably reflecting light from the sunset-even though the sun had set an hour before.

The clearing was strangely quiet when Lem shook Zeke awake. Zeke looked around to see an empty camp except for the woman captive who was sitting at his feet unbound once again starring at him.

Where’d de go? he asked Lem rubbing his face.

Gone home more an likely. Didn’t ask. You sure made a impression on ‘em Lem giggled.

Wha?

The man that was cut is Hawk’s brother. He thinks ya saved his life, which you probably did. He’s pretty grateful. He give you this woman.

I don’t want no woman! Zeke protested looking back at the woman sitting cross legged. It was the first time he had taken a good look at her. She had cleaned the dirt and blood from her face that hid a natural beauty he would never suspect. Her high cheek bones swept down to a small chin over which sat a set of full lips. Her nose was small and feminine. Dark eyebrows hung over large, almond shaped, light brown eyes-the same eyes that were still drilling through him as before. Most men would consider her pretty as Zeke suddenly discovered. Embarrassed at the feeling stirring inside him he turned, his uncle’s words slowly coming into focus.

Mind yer mouth, boy. We don’t know if she knows English. No need ta insult. I’m gonna find out right now who she is. Lem spoke to the woman fast and fluidly as though he wasn’t a white man at all.

What you speakin’? Zeke asked.

Sioux. Now be quiet. Lem said without taking his eyes off the woman. "Tuwe niyate ki?"

Lem suddenly had the woman’s full attention. "Sunka Khuciyela" she replied prideful.

He looked over at Zeke, Uh, oh! Chief Low dog’s daughter. Turning back to the woman, "Nitawa Caje?"

Mitawa caje Kitala winyan wakan, she replied.

Her name’s Little Walking Buffalo Woman; I need ta find out when they stole her. Toha Kagi Wicasa manu niye?"

"Kagi Wicasa!" she replied with a hateful spat on the ground, "Htaleha."

Boy, she sure hates dem Crow! Lem laughed, day took her yesterday, we may have time. Don’t want ‘em thinkin’ it were us who took her. Lem sat looking at Zeke for a while until Little Walking stood up saying in a demanding way, Hahepi Wicahpi Oyate hi. Oyake miye sica Wicahpi Oyate hi. Unkis iyaye. Wana! Wana!"

Wha she rantin’ ‘bout Uncle Lem? Zeke asked, picking up his bedroll and heading to the horses.

No wonder them Crow didn’t want her. She’s crazy. Lem mumbled looking at the woman. She was scowling, giving him a dirty look. Hell, maybe she does know English, he said turning and starting for the horses.

Wha she say? Zeke stopped in his tracks waiting for an answer.

Lem blew out an exasperated breath, She says, mocking her, "The Star people paid us a visit last night." He stopped to look at the woman walking up behind them, his voice a bit chilling to Zeke. Told her the evil Star People were comin’ ta dis place an we need to get out a here. Looking back at Zeke he could see a little fear welling up in the boy’s face. Ahh boy, don’t let some woman’s nightmare bother ya.

Wha da hell is Star People?

Lem laughed, Ol’ belief the Sioux got. People come otta da sky in ships or boats or somethin’; ancestors to ‘em. Say long ago they put ‘em here.

But she’s sayin’ they talked ta her!, then he remembered, An dat thing in the sky last night!

Lem stopped pointing a finger at Zeke over his outburst. Now, ya look here, boy. Don’t be getting’ your hackles all up just cause some stupid woman had a nightmare an ya seent a star! I mean it damn it!

Think it was jest a nightmare? Zeke said looking for reassurance.

Hell yes. He replied cinching his saddle tight. That or she’s crazy; whichever it is she’s your problem now, boy. Hawk gave her ta you! He laughed swinging up into the saddle with one hand the other gripping his Sharps rifle.

We only got two horses, Zeke complained.

Guess ya’ll have ta tote her double with ya! Lem laughed out loud.

Zeke mounted his horse and looked down at the woman who had walked up next to his leg. She had that strange stare again. He put his arm down; she took it and swung up behind him. She locked her arms around his skinny frame like a vise causing Zeke to have a strange feeling.

"Inahni!" She yelled at Lem.

Hurry my ass! We go at my speed!

"Inahni!" she whispered in Zeke’s ear. Feeling her warm breath and her clamping arms made him flush with excitement taking only a few steps up the trail before he had an embarrassing erection.

It was late afternoon when they came close to Chief Lowdog’s village. With it being the beginning of fall the sun was setting sooner now and Lem hurried his companions along at a quickened pace in order to meet his old friend while there was some natural light.

Before they could get too far, a group of mounted, well-armed braves with paint on their faces intercepted them from out of the woods on their left. Lem pulled his horse up. Zeke watched as Lem held his hand up in some sort of salute while shouting out something in Sioux.

Put yer hand up like I’m doin’, boy Zeke heard him say in a low voice. Make sure yer fingers are spread apart an look ‘em right in the eye.

The group of braves stopped in front of them, the one in the middle saying something in Sioux. Zeke saw them looking intently at their raised hands. After a long moment the group of men put their hands up in the same fashion. Lem spoke to the middle one who was obviously the leader. He then spoke to the woman who had been hiding her face behind Zeke’s back. When the braves saw her face they started to yell and scream. Zeke thought they were done for. He was bewildered when Lem kicked his horse forward riding slowly through the group of braves. Zeke anxiously trotted his horse up to Lem’s, the braves riding along each side of them still screaming and yelling.

Arrival at the village made Zeke sweat with fear-everyone was screaming. Children were running around, woman held their hands to the sky swaying about or dancing. Lem pulled his horse up at a teepee in the middle of the village. Zeke rode up aside him inspecting the large dwelling decorated with paintings of animal hunts and tribal fights. Little Walking Buffalo Woman jumped down giving Zeke a start. He had momentarily forgotten she was there with all the excitement.

Anagopta! she screamed at the crowd closing in on her. Anagopta! The crowd silenced. Lena wasicu patan miye etaha Kagi Wicasa! She looked up at Zeke and pointed. Lila waste wasicu! The crowd started yelling and screaming again.

Zeke whispered to his uncle, Wa da hell is she sayin’?

Lem trying to keep from laughing whispered back, Hell boy! She says you is a hero fer savin’ her from the Crow! He listened as she continued to speak to the people around her. Ah, hell! There she goes again!

Wha? Zeke asked.

She’s startin’ up with them Star People again. Says they told them Crow they had better leave her with you cause you had big medicine an if day didn’t terrible things were comin’ after ‘em. The woman is crazy. Zeke felt a strange feeling watching the crowd become awed by the woman’s speech.

Well? Zeke seemed to side with the woman.

Lem looked at his nephew in disbelief, You anit startin’ ta believe dat shit?

It got us dis far…

One thang’s fer sure, will live high on the hog now!

That night just before they fell asleep in the lodge that had been provided in the honor of the newly arrived heroes Zeke turned to his uncle. Wha was all dat puttin’ hands up and spreadin’ da fingers stuff?

Lem chuckled, Dat, my boy, is Sioux superstition. Has ta do with them believin’ in monsters comin’ outta ta da clouds an walkin’ da earth ta take ‘em.

Take ‘em where?

Back up yonder somewhere.

Yeah. But why da we hold da hand up?

Lem held his hand up, See dem five fingers?

Yeah.

All regular folks got five. Well, dem monsters supose ta have more or less din five. Iffn a man had some sort a accident, or say one or more of his fingers was cut off by another man in a knife fight, day would kill him. But, it’s more than dat; somethin’ ‘bout day hands not lookin’ like real people’s…

Kill ‘em? But he got dem cut in a knife fight!

Day don’t know dat and day anit waitin’ ‘round ta find out. Day believe day gotta kill ‘em quick before day is taken away into dem clouds. Stupid, uh? he laughed looking at his nephew who was visibly frightened as if he were a child who had just been told a scary story. Oh, Hell, boy, it’s jest a damn, heathen superstition. Don’t worry yerself on dat. Day anit no such things! Now go ta sleep!

Time seemed to ebb slowly along as the village waited for Chief Low dog and his party of warriors to return from their futile search for his stolen daughter. In the interim Little Walking Buffalo Woman had noticed another woman had taken a brazen interest in Zeke. Looks at The Sky was much younger, just sixteen and considered by others to be very beautiful. She had been sought after by many men, young and older, always ignoring their attentions. After all it was her right as a Sioux woman to take any man she wanted for a husband as long as he wanted her. Seeing Zeke ride in took her breath away. His dark eyebrows hung slightly over two pale blue eyes. There was a straight, masculine nose, thin lips and strong chin set on an oval face, the jaw strong, angular. This handsome, young, white warrior who had saved the Chief’s daughter from the Crow devils had almost made her swoon when Little Walking told her tale. The Star People told of his big medicine! What more could a young woman want? She had made up her mind to be his wife and bear him many sons.

Little Walking’s jealousy was quickly turning to anger. Zeke was to be her husband; her dreams had told her so. Those dreams had come over and over after her Sioux husband had been killed years before in a battle with the Pawnee. She felt an overwhelming guilt from having such dreams while she grieved over her dead husband. Telling her grandmother of the dreams she had told her to go talk to the pksape wicasa who was very old and knew of such dreams. Tall Bear had given advice and direction to many of the people and had always been proven right. After telling him of her reoccurring dream Tall Bear sat quietly for a long while.

The fog this young white man comes out of is the crossing between two worlds-one of the whites and one of The People. You say that each step of the horse he rides has lightening flashing from the hooves-the horse is power-the lightening many battles won-powerful medicine! When he lifts you to his horse it means you will be together. The four small shadows you see in the distance will be his children. You say one small shadow stands with a larger head and away from the other children? This is because he is a stranger. The girl who grabs your leg and hangs on is a rival that you will never be free of…….

She sat waiting for more. How shall I know him?

Tall Bear smiled, You will know when the time comes.

The child who is a stranger, how is this child a stranger?

He is of a different breed.

A different breed? I do not understand.

You will in time.

On her way out of his teepee she turned with one last thought, Is the rival something or someone?

Could be either. This rival is meant to be with you and your white warrior. If you try to rid yourself of it, grief is all you will find…….

Little Walking snapped herself from those old memories in time to see Looks at The Sky trotting down toward the river with a smile beaming across her face. Following the girl, she could see she was heading towards Zeke who was standing on the riverbank. She hid herself behind a tree close enough to hear and watched as Looks at The Sky flirted with Zeke, smiling and twirling her hair in her best coquettish manner. She felt herself flush with anger hearing the girl tell Zeke in Sioux, You are a great warrior-a man with big medicine. You should not be alone…. You should have a wife to tend to your needs, a wife who is young and beautiful such as me!

The only thing that kept Little Walking from rushing forth and tearing the stupid, little girl’s eyes out was the look on Zeke’s face. He shook his head in bewilderment. He had never been around any girls or woman much beside his mother and sisters and was absolutely ignorant when it came to anything of the opposite sex. Little Walking all most laughed out loud when Zeke nervously turned and sprinted away back toward the village leaving Looks stunned. After he had passed her she stepped out from behind the tree to see Looks at The Sky starting at a trot after him. She stopped when she saw Little Walking starring at her.

What do you want? She asked curtly.

I want to talk to you. Little Walking said doing her best to control her anger.

I have no time for you. Can you not see? I am busy! She replied starting at a trot by her.

Little Walking grabbed her arm and spun her around. You will talk now!

That hurt, she screamed pulling her arm away. She was taken aback seeing the anger in Little Walking’s eyes. Why are you angry?

He is my man! She said through clinched teeth.

Looks was confused for a moment then she realized, Uh! You? What can an old woman do for him that a young woman cannot? Your husband is dead-you’ve had your chance! Now leave me to mine!

You are young and stupid! You will only be bad for him! Little Walking yelled.

"Ha! Ha! You are old and stupid! Too old to bear him the sons he deserves! You shriveled up old Pte!"

Looks at The Sky never saw the fist coming at her eye, only aware she was on the ground with the other woman on top of her, hands grabbing her hair and pounding her head on the ground.

You will stay away from him! she heard Little Walking screaming over and over.

Stop! Stop! Looks pleaded.

Little Walking stood up out of breath. You stay away from him! she panted then turned and walked toward the village.

Through her crying she could see her attacker leaving. "Never! Never! You pte! Neveeeeer! He is mine you pte! He will be mine!"

It didn’t take long for the entire village including Lem to hear the gossip about the two women fighting especially with Looks sporting scratches and a black eye.

They was fightin’ over you, boy! Lem laughed squatting by a fire and tossing a cup to Zeke for his morning coffee. They had slept that night on their bedrolls under the stars next to Chief Low Dog’s Teepee.

Over me? Why? He cringed remembering Looks at the river babbling on in Sioux.

"Seems that woman a yores beat up a young girl who was flirtin’ with ya. They’re sayin’ ‘ista otoya’ she gived her a black eye. Somethin’ like that happen?"

So that’s what that was. Down by the river, there came this girl and she was jumpin’ around an’ sayin’ somethin’ in Sioux-well hell, I didn’t know what the hell she was doin’!

Lem laughed, Hell of a predicament, boy! Got two women in love with ya. Guess you’ll have ta make a choice. He laughed hysterically causing him to go into a coughing fit. When breath came back to him, he jumped up standing telling Zeke to do the same. Looking down at the end of the village he said, It’s Low Dog! Chief Low dog and his warriors had finally returned after a week of futilely searching for his stolen daughter. Zeke watched as Low Dog lead his search party through the mass of tepees, a group of men walking alongside his horse talking to him. Zeke’s eyes grew wide with apprehension as the Chief rode right up to them. He dismounted, walked to Lem and grabbed him in a bear hug. Matoskah! Matoskah! Pilamayaya! Pilamayaya mitawa tiblo! Low Dog let Lem go but they continued to grab arms and talk.

Lem finally looked over at Zeke. He’s real grateful about his daughter bein’ saved. He turned back to Low Dog saying something in Sioux. Low Dog walked to Zeke and grabbed him in a bear hug, Pilamayaya!

That night they eat well and slept inside Low Dog’s tepee.

Zeke awoke to an empty tepee the next morning. Not sure what had happened to everyone he exited to see Chief Low Dog, Lem and little Walking Buffalo Woman standing together talking some distance away.

"Hau!" Zeke stepped to the side of the tepee where he had heard the voice coming from to see Looks at The Sky standing there.

Tanka wasicu wicasa! she smiled. Zeke remembered how pretty she had been the day before and now there was that swollen, ugly, black eye.

She’s sayin’ what a great white man ya are! Lem, who had snuck up on them, laughed.

Startled, looks ran off.

Ahh, Uncle Lem! Zeke agonized not able to handle his newly found fame.

Lem cleared his throat and spat. Was dat da girl from yesterday?

Yeah.

Lem rubbing his jaw looked off into the distance trying to keep from laughing. Looks though ya got a choice ta make.

Wha? Choice? Zeke was confused.

Da’s right. Choice at which two of these women ya gonna take up with-be yore Injin wife.

What? Zeke screamed.

Ya could do a lot worse. Ya got a pretty young girl who can’t be more’n fifteen-give ya a lotta sons but not much experience in taken care of a man. An ya got a woman who’s gotta a be at least thirty, considered old around here but with a lotta experience and could take good care a ya and a chief’s daughter ta top it off.

I don’t need no wife! Zeke hotly protested.

Look here, boy, you really don’t have much choice; it has ta be dat older woman! Low Dog already knows ‘bout this here situation-hell, the whole village knows! She’s da only one left in his family! His wife died a pneumonia years ago and both his sons was kilt in battle wit da Pawnee. Iffn ya don’t take up with his daughter he’s not gonna be too happy; he’ll take it as an insult an they’ll be hangin’ our hair on their tepees by ta night!

Zeke was flabbergasted. How did all this happen? All he wanted to do was tag along with his uncle looking for adventure when they left the family in West Virginia last spring. Zeke knew he was lying to himself; feeling his heart grow heavy knowing the bigger reason that he had followed Lem west. Remembering the feud that had started after the War Between the States; causing the deaths of so many people, still made him sick to his stomach. The Talmans fought for the north and the Martins for the south. After the war ended they brought the fight back to the Tug River country to continue the already existing hate. Zeke and Lem never participated in the war, for separate reasons, but had a good taste of it with one side killing the other at home. It was the deaths over baseless arguments and senseless squabbles that drove Zeke to follow Lem back to the west. He wanted to escape the hate and explore an exciting unknown.

The adventures had been limited to trapping and selling the hides at North Platte all summer, something he could have done back home. That is until he had met the Indians. Now he found himself regretting asking his uncle to accompany him. It was all those fabulous tales of the west his uncle would yarn about and that damn feud he blamed for winding up in this mess.

Uncle Lem, I come out here ta have some adventures, not ta get married!

Well, ya could always go back home, boy. I bet dem Talman’s be real happy ta see ya. He said dryly. He cocked an eye, his face screwed up in thought, I wonder what dumb ass reason they been comin’ up wit ta kill each other besides who’s pig was stole at dat darn dance?

Lem’s words dug into Zeke like a knife. I don’t need no wife. Like I said, I come out here fer adventure.

Believe me; son, he put his hand on Zeke’s shoulder, this will be one of the best adventures you will ever have! You bein’ Low Dog’s son in law means yell have great power. The whole Sioux Nation will know who you are! They’re the biggest tribe in these parts now that those Comanche are ‘bout gone. Out here, boy, that’s worth more n gold! Besides, we be movin’ on before da snow flies and ya can just leave her here iffn ya have a mine to.

We can just pack up an’ go? Zeke asked, a wave of relief flowing over him.

That’s right. Gone like a wisp a smoke. Lem laughed.

Uncle Lem…. Zeke turned half away ashamed.

What is it, boy?

He stumbled over his words, I anit never been with no females before….

Wha? For a moment Lem was unsure of what he was asking. Your daddy or them boys back home never talk ‘bout dat?

Some. But I never….

Ahh, hell, boy. Anit nothin’ ta be ashamed of. As natural as grass growin’ or the wind blowin’. Let’s get some coffee started and I’ll tell ya all ya need to know………

A litter of pups had been born on the day of Zeke and Lem’s arrival at the village. A Spanish hunter had been killed by a Grizzly a few months before leaving the dogs to the fate of the group of men he was with. The dogs had fought valiantly to save their master but in the end the bear proved to be too furious for the canines and they retreated. The other hunters retreated as well abandoning their camp and rifles in their haste. In an angry tirade the monstrous animal destroyed everything including the food supplies-either eating them or fouling them.

The hunting party had made friends with the Sioux along the way and traded the dogs to Looks to The Sky’s parents for provisions for the long journey back east. Normally, her father Mahpee would scoff at trading for dogs but these caught his eye with wonderment. They were blue merles from the Bask Mountains of Span. It was their blueish, smoky hair and striking blue eyes that caused Maphee to trade thinking they were surely a sign of good magic. Most of the people thought him an idiot for taking such interest in mere dogs that were meant for hauling when the village moved or food when times were hard. This attitude quickly subsided when his wife, Tiwaka, took an unusual interest in them as well. She was respected by all the people as a very powerful shaman woman who many came to for assistance with magic charms.

The white hunters had come leading the dogs by ropes explaining in Spanish their need for staples and provisions offering to trade their dead companion’s horse. Tenemous un caballo para comercio de alimentos y suministros. Maphee had learned much of the Spanish language from the many Spanish trappers and hunters since the time he was a boy. It was easy for him to see the quality in the Spanish equine-it’s beautiful head and near perfect confirmation and was about to agree when his attention was interrupted. The two Spanish dogs were growling menacingly at one of the village dogs curiously inspecting them. Instant fascination fell over Mahpee at the sight of them.

Tiwaka had been standing silently behind her husband until she too saw them. Sukas! Ha! Sukawaka hiya! she said almost screaming. Sukas!

Her husband turned to her, You want the dogs and not the horse?

Sukas! she demanded.

Mahpee turned back to the Spaniards feeling relieved that he would not have to argue with his wife over the trade for mere dogs. Negociamos para los perros extranos.

The Spaniard doing the talking was dumbfounded, They don’t want the horse.

Well, trade the dogs. They are no use to us, said one of the other hunters.

Perros? he asked looking at Mahpee, just to reassure himself.

Si! Mahpee said adamantly. Tiwaka not understanding Spanish waited in anticipation.

! Es un bargan!

In the late afternoon Mahpee and Tiwaka watched as the newly supplied Spaniards waved farewell riding out of the village. A large raven interrupted landing on the ground in front of them cawing frantically at the pair of dogs tied to one of the lodge poles of their tepee. The canines looked up at them in a curious way.

See! Tiwaka instructed her husband. "The ghost-eyed dogs know they belong here. They do not see the kagi nor do they hear his screams. They see only us!"

Her words sent a strange tingling down his back. The raven is a sign of a new beginning……but why do they not see the bird, not hear his voice…. only stare at us? Mahpee asked.

"Last night there came a dream to me. Two spirits floated into our tepee. At first, they were dark shadows then…. turning into two wolf pups-their eyes as blue as the sky…. then they spoke Dakota….and in our people’s words they told me of the great fortune and honor they bring with them to our lodge! Beware they warned! We are a gift from Tunkasila the great one! Protect us and honor us or great fury will come upon you and your lodge! As her words ended the large raven flew away. Had he come to deliver the message also? Mahpee, a man of great strength and bravery-a man of many battles-a man with many coups stood shivering at his wife’s words. Protect them?"

Yes! Always! Untie them, bring them into our lodge. Cold and hunger will be strangers to them for the rest of their days!

Zeke was apprehensive to say the least when Low Dog happily put his daughter’s hand into his sealing the marriage. Little Walking Buffalo Woman had told her father of her dream; sure, that the white man in it was Zeke. Watching his daughter’s eyes, he could tell she was deeply in love with him, even more so than her first husband. He watched as the couple disappeared into the lodge that family and friends had built for them; complete with blankets, a fire ready to start and food for several days. All expected not to see them during those days while on the equivalent of a honeymoon.

Chief Low Dog looked over at his friend Lem smiling, Lila waste!

Very good? Lem thought, Hope so! Then replied to his friend, Lila waste!

Zeke followed Little Walking into their lodge pulling the flap shut. He sat down on the bed made of furs, his hands feeling a smooth fluffiness, a soft, smoky smell filling the air. His eyes squinted to adjust to the darkness-the only light coming from the top of the tepee. The entrance flap suddenly flew open; the light streaming in revealing Little Walking standing by it naked looking at him.

Close that! he screamed at her.

No. she replied walking to him. Knelling down close to him she put his hand between her legs. You husband. I you bitch…

Wha? Zeke asked startled. You speak English! He expected her to answer but when she didn’t he looked up to see her face turned upward in ecstasy, rubbing his hand against her vagina. Trying to pull his hand away she gripped onto it strongly taking one of his fingers deep into her wet lips causing her to gasp with delight. He stopped trying to pull his hand away fascinated with the sudden thought of exploring this woman’s body. His Uncle Lem had been right-all those female mysteries he had wondered about, were about to be discovered. He felt a great power come over him and he rose up and kissed her awkwardly on the lips.

Little Walking had suspected he was very inexperienced in the ways of love making; very young and ignorant as she had been as a girl with her first husband. He had taught her the ways to satisfy a man; instructing her in each kiss and position to the ultimate, climatic passion. Through all of those passionate episodes no child came forth which had saddened her for many years. Looks’ words came back to, You are too old to bare him sons! That fear welled up in her now. She would prove that stupid, little girl wrong!

As Zeke’s lips kissed her ear, her neck sending chills of desire down her back Little Walking pulled at his pants trying desperately to get them off. In an instant, Zeke rose stripping his pants from his body. Little Walking saw his hardened penis as he pulled his shirt off. Looking down at her she grabbed his manhood squeezing it and licking it with her tongue. She knew she would have to hurry. Lying down on her back she beckoned to him with her hands, gasping, I you bitch! I you bitch! Zeke felt himself welling up ready to explode as he lay down on top of her. They hungrily kissed each other as she spread her legs wide for her new husband. Feeling his penis probing for entry she reached between her legs to guide it into her but it was too late. She felt his hot semen squirt on her pubic hair, thighs and fingers. Zeke fell limp on her moaning then slide off to the side of her. For a moment she felt disappointment then remembered his inexperience. Though it was difficult, her patience was needed now as the recollection of her dream came back. There was no doubt that the dream was coming true. She rolled to her side swung her leg over his stomach and put her arm around him; her head next to his whispering in Sioux that she loved him Waste lake niye.

He could hear birds chirping outside the tepee when Zeke woke a few hours later to the sight of Little Walking straddling him, his hardened penis in her hand guiding it up deep inside of her. She fell forward on him her gasps and moans growing louder with each up and down stroke she made on his big shaft. She felt as if it were in her stomach it had grown so big casing some pain but not enough for her to stop. Her desire pushed her till she could hear him roar with pleasure as he ejaculated inside her. She knew she would have to hurry now to reach her climax. With her first husband it took some time but with him the excitement was so overpowering she screamed as she climaxed minutes later.

Their honeymoon lodge had been set some distance away from all others for privacy. The distance proved not to be enough with the loud sounds of pleasure reaching the ears of some of the people. They laughed wishing the newlyweds well and many children.

There was one who didn’t laugh. Looks at The Sky stood outside of her family’s lodge in a jealous rage crying and cursing the newlyweds as she listened to their lustful tryst.

"I will fix you Little Walking Buffalo Woman! You pte!" she screamed not caring if anyone heard. "I should be in that lodge making a baby with my young white warrior not you! You ugly old pte! I will take him away from you!"

Why do you wish to have a man who does not want you?

She turned to see her mother, Tiwaka, standing behind her. He is mine! I will take a knife and kill her! He is mine!

Tiwaka waited until her daughter’s convulsive crying subsided a bit. He is not yours! He has chosen Little Walking Buffalo Woman.

Only through her tricks does she have him! She tricked him into taking her! I know he wanted me!

What’s done is done! There is another for you not this white man! You should be the wife of one of The People!

No! she snarled back at her mother. I will get him! If I have to kill her to do it!

"Do you really think this white man could love you knowing you killed his wife? He would only hate you for such an act! She waited for an answer from Looks who was trying to catch her breath from hysterical sobbing. I warn you girl… She listened; fear growing inside her knowing her mother being a shaman, medicine woman of the tribe, knew things other people could not comprehend. If you continue this path you will have nothing but heartache and sorrow!" Looks stood still trying to catch her breath as her mother walked away. Though she feared the prophecy her mother had warned her about she would not be discouraged. She would find a way. There must be a way….

When Zeke saw the blue pups, the Spanish dogs had produced, he knew he had to have them. He traded Maphee some skins for two of the fuzzy newcomers. As they grew in the following months, he taught them little tricks that would entertain the small children. Maphee’s son, Sunkwa, asked him what he would do with them. Gonna make ‘em champions, great warriors! he quipped thinking of the hound dogs he had helped to train back home in West Virginia. Sunkwa was excited and asked if he might learn this talent from him. Sure kid, he told him in Sioux, just come along with me. He took them on hunts with Sunkwa and the Sioux braves teaching them to herd game their way. Sunkwa, only fifteen, had never heard or seen such magic with dogs before. He soon became Zeke’s constant companion watching and learning as he worked his dogs. His training abilities seemed so profound with the canines the people gave him a new name, Woglake El Sukas" Talks to Dogs. Wherever he journeyed he took the two blue eyed merles with him. Little Walking was very proud of her husband’s abilities with his dogs, her prominence in the village growing greater because of it. That prominence was not ignored by Looks at the Sky, her hatred and jealousy growing by the day for the older woman. Her strong will would not allow her to give up on her dream of stealing Woglake El Sukas from Little Walking. Following him; spying on them whenever they were together her devious mind hashed out a plan. She may be his wife for now, she thought forcing herself to wait, be patient, until he had his fill of the old woman. It would be then she would regain, what she knew, was rightfully hers…

Chapter Two

1873 Dakota Territory, The Chase

Deputy U.S. Marshall Ethan Bullock sat on a rock starring at the frying pan full of beans-the same kind of beans he had eaten for the last week and he was sick of them. The trail had been long, tracking his query day and night for the last six weeks. A dangerous man was out there lurking around waiting for another victim to add to his long list. In the beginning of his pursuit it had been hard for Marshall Bullock to imagine what kind of evil monster could continue a rampage of such gruesome, violent killings. The posse that had started out with him in Belle Fourche had long given up; their horses played out. They had become disillusioned by the constant near misses that had occurred trying to apprehend this murderer in spite of the revolting atrocities committed in their town. Bullock winced at the memory of the murder scene. A widow and her daughters had been found with their bodies mutilated and their throats slit. The little money they had in the house had been taken along with a sorrel horse; a blaze in his face and two hind stockings. Bullock and his posse had tracked the killer to a farm house ten miles from Belle Fourche where a farmer and his wife had been butchered with an ax; their house ransacked.

His belly growled as he looked at the beans. His ear caught the sound of hoof clicks against rocks. He pulled his colt, cocked it and took cover behind a boulder.

Hello the fire! he heard a voice say.

Show yourself! Bullock demanded.

Wha you say? the voice answered.

Not knowing what the murderer looked like Bullock was more than cautious. I said show yourself! Hands up!

Two men rode slowly into his camp their hands high in the air. Don’t shoot Marshall. We just wanna help.

Bullock stood slowly up from behind the boulder studying the surroundings for signs of any others. Just you two?

That’s right marshal. Just us, anit nobody else, said the one nearest him.

Walking over to them, his colt still readied, he could see better now in the dim sunset that they were not men at all but young boys. The one that had spoken was no more than sixteen with a pale face, a big nose and wide brown eyes. Tuffs of blonde hair shot out from under the brim of a tattered slouch hat. His clothes were worn, old and a bit undersized for him as was common with many settlers’ kids. The bay mare he sat on looked tired, dried sweat marks ran down her neck and from under the skirts of an old, beat up saddle.

The other boy looked much younger and smaller than the first, maybe twelve, also with blonde shoots of hair, only longer, sticking out from under his