Wind Dancer's Desire: The Quade Series, #2

By Sherry Derr-Wille

Wind Dancer has loved Crooked Snake for many years, but knows better than to tell him of that love. It is not her place and he has war, not love on his mind. When he tells her that he wants her in his life, she is thrilled, but learning he has turned himself in to the white soldiers, she knows all is lost.

Crooked Snake's trip south brings more than peace to his heart when he is reunited with the daughter he thought was killed fifteen years earlier. Knowing he cannot return to Canada and leave her behind, even captivity is better than separation. When a miracle happens he is allowed to live in peace on the reservation with his sons and anyone else from the village in Canada who wishes to follow.  Will he be able to take his place on the council of elders and still be able to convince Wind Dancer to become his wife?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597053297

Book preview

One

Montana Territory 1870

Wind Dancer could hardly believe that when the hunting party returned to the village, she would marry Running Horse. At the same time, her friend Owl Woman would marry Gray Wolf. In preparation for their lives among the women, they were included with the other maidens to help with the butchering of the meat the men would kill for the coming winter.

Have you and Running Horse been together? Owl Woman asked, as they mounted their horses in order to ride out with the men.

Wind Dancer put her hand protectively over her belly. The child I carry confirms our love. Even without the words the shaman will speak, we are bound together forever.

Wait!

Wind Dancer turned at the sound of Babbling Brook’s voice. She was the second wife to Crooked Snake, just as Wind Dancer would be the second wife of Running Horse. Both men were friends and their first wives had died, leaving them with children who needed mothers.

Babbling Brook had brought Crooked Snake’s two sons, Growling Bear and Tall Elk to adulthood and given him a beautiful daughter. As usual, Little Hummingbird trailed behind her mother.

I have brought you food for the journey, Babbling Brook said as she approached them.

Do you doubt the ability of our men, my sister? Owl Woman asked.

You know I do not, but the hunt will not begin until you are at least a day’s ride from the village. When I was younger, I too rode with the men to help butcher the kill. When I did, we rode without stopping until we arrived at the hunting grounds. This will sustain you on your journey.

Can I go, Mother? Little Hummingbird questioned.

When you are older, like your Aunt Owl Woman and our friend Wind Dancer you will be able to go. It is hard work. It is not for little girls. Your time will come when you are ready to marry a fine man like your father. For now, you must stay with me and prepare for your father to return with meat to preserve for the coming winter.

But Growling Bear and Tall Elk are going, the child persisted.

Wind Dancer remembered being Little Hummingbird’s age and asking her mother the same question. Like Little Hummingbird, she had been too young to understand why she wasn’t old enough to do the things her brothers were doing.

Because Growling Bear and Tall Elk have gone through their vision quests and have received their adult names. They are now men and it is their duty to hunt for the people.

Little Hummingbird stopped her protests and ran off to play with Running Horse’s children, who would stay with the family of his first wife while he and Wind Dancer were away.

We will enjoy the food you have provided for us, Wind Dancer said. I would like it if you would help Running Horse’s mother-in-law with the children. When we return, they will become my children. It would put my mind at ease to know that you will be helping Sleek Otter.

A call from the men signaled that they were ready to ride out. With a wave to Babbling Brook, the two women turned their horses to follow the men. The thought of joining the hunt was exciting.

Also riding with them were several other unmarried women. They were all on the verge of becoming wives and this was the last time they would make such a journey. Marriage would bring new responsibilities that would keep them too busy for such adventures.

CROOKED SNAKE WATCHED as Owl Woman and Wind Dancer talked with Babbling Brook. As he did, he thought of the private good-bye he’d shared with his wife early this morning. The sun had barely crested the eastern horizon when he awoke. Little Hummingbird was sobbing in her sleep, apparently from a bad dream.

Beside him, Babbling Brook stirred and went to Little Hummingbird to calm her childish fears. When the child quieted and drifted back into a deeper sleep, she returned to his side and slipped beneath the buffalo robe. In the semi-darkness, he caressed the bare skin of her body. Already her body had begun to swell with the child he’d planted.

He pulled her closer and kissed her. He prayed this baby would be born stronger than the one who came into the world just before last year’s hunt. That son had been unable to get his breath. It had broken his heart to send the spirit of his son to walk with the ancestors.

The death of his son didn’t quench the fire of love that burned for his second wife. After he lost his first wife, he had wondered if he would ever find such a love again, but then he’d met Babbling Brook. She and her sister, Owl Woman, along with Wind Dancer had come from a neighboring village of Cheyenne for a celebration. Although older than the other two women, he saw the beauty in her smile. When he asked about her, he learned that the Crow had killed the man she was to marry in an attack. If she stayed in her village she would never marry, for there were not enough men left who were not already promised.

In the months that followed he made many journeys to the village where she lived and finally won her love. Once they were married and well settled, his friends, Running Horse and Gray Wolf also returned to the village in search of wives. They were well pleased with the women they chose.

You are thoughtful this morning, Babbling Brook greeted him. Do you think of the hunt?

No, I think of my love for you. The time I will be away will be agony without you by my side. You have no idea how much I will miss you and Little Hummingbird.

His memory of the sweet morning with his wife was shattered by Little Hummingbird’s protests about being left behind. Before mounting his horse to ride out, Crooked Snake scooped his daughter into his arms. I will bring you back the horn of a buffalo so that during the winter months, I can carve it out to make you a holder for drinking water and tea, he promised.

Little Hummingbird squealed with delight and threw her tiny arms around his neck. I love you, Father. I want to go with you.

Your mother has told you why you cannot come with us. This is not a journey for a little girl.

But, Growling Bear and Tall Elk are going. Why can’t I?

Crooked Snake smiled at his daughter’s childish logic. Growling Bear became a man two summer’s ago and has been riding with us ever since. Now that Tall Elk has also gained his man’s name he is allowed to do the same. Someday you will be old enough to come with us and realize that it is more like hard work than a pleasant journey. For now it is best you stay with your mother and the other women and children where you will be safe.

Little Hummingbird’s tears were replaced with giggles as Crooked Snake tickled his daughter. Her laughter soon drew his sons Growling Bear and Tall Elk to their side.

It’s all right, Little Hummingbird. Growling Bear soothed the child. If Father doesn’t get you a buffalo horn, we will get one for you. While we’re gone, you have a very important job and that is to be good so that your mother doesn’t have so much work to do. When we return there will be a big celebration and we will tell you all the stories of the hunt and how brave we both were.

Little Hummingbird ceased her protests and hugged her brothers tightly before Babbling Brook joined them. I have a big job to do right here, Mother, she announced. I have to be a good girl so that you have time to prepare for the big celebration when the hunters return.

Crooked Snake watched as Babbling Brook lifted their child into her arms. Both Little Hummingbird and I look forward to your return. Do no fear, there will be a feast of celebration, that is, if you are successful. If not, I don’t know what will become of our people.

Crooked Snake enjoyed the teasing tone of his wife’s voice. She had a way of speaking the truth the made even the most dire predictions of what could happen in the future, seem like a mere jest.

The hunting party rode away from the village amid well wishes from friends and family. In his heart, Crooked Snake knew this would be a successful hunt. He’d promised Babbling Brook this would be his last hunt since his sons would be able to take his place next year. It was hard to believe that they were old enough to be men, but they had proven themselves worthy. In turn, each of them had gone on his vision quest and been given his manhood name.

The young braves rode boldly ahead of the older men and the women who had come along to help with the butchering of the meat. With the heat of the day upon them, Crooked Snake and the others of his age knew better than to run their horses. The young men would learn these lessons, but like all others they would come with experience and not the warning of the elders.

The summer had been particularly good. The rains had come at just the right time to keep the grass green and provide the grazing needed to fatten the buffalo so they could give sustenance to the people during the long winter that stretched ahead of them. Just the thought of the thrill of the hunt sent a chill of anticipation through his being. If this were his last hunt he would make the most of it. As someone these young braves looked up to this would be a time of teaching.

By the time they camped for the night they were close enough to the herd to smell the dung and feel the earth shake as the gigantic bodies of the animals moved as they grazed. Crooked Snake knew the others could feel the excitement and realized they would receive little sleep this night. Being down wind from the herd, they built a fire and sat around telling stories of other hunts until the moon was high in the heavens and the stars all glowed like small points of light against the blackness of the late summer sky.

Do you think this will be a good hunt, Father? Tall Elk asked.

Yes, I do. This has been a good summer. The buffalo have eaten well in anticipation of moving to the South when the first cool winds begin to blow. Our people will eat well during the long months of winter.

Other young men asked similar questions leaving Crooked Snake to listen and dream of the coming hunt. As was always the case, the night before the hunt brought uneasiness. Many men had lost their lives on hunts in the past. His older brother, Raging Moose had been lost when he was on his first hunt after he’d gone on his vision quest. He’d been caught between the hunters and the prey and had been trampled when the herd turned and stampeded.

Just the thought of what would happen to Babbling Brook and Little Hummingbird if he didn’t return saddened him deeply. Babbling Brook would become a widow dependent upon the generosity of others in order to survive. Little Hummingbird would have a hard time finding a suitable husband without a strong father to speak for her in any marital negotiations.

All of his mental musings made him more aware of the need for him to be careful in the morning when they began the hunt. He had to remain strong for his fellow hunters, but he also needed to be cautious for his wife and daughter.

ALL AROUND HER WIND Dancer could hear the contented snores of the others in the hunting party. She wished she could enjoy the bliss of sleep, but the presence of the herd so close to them brought fear to her heart. At any minute the wind could change and the huge beasts would be able to smell their presence. When they did, would they turn and run in the opposite direction or come toward the hunters and the dangers they held?

If they ran in the opposite direction it could take days for the hunting party to catch up to them. If they ran toward the danger, she and Running Horse would never be joined in marriage and their child would die a certain death in her womb.

Are you still awake? Owl Woman whispered when Wind Dancer turned over to find a more comfortable position.

Yes, but I thought I was the only one.

I have been unable to sleep as well. I worry about the herd that grazes so close to us. If they were to come in our direction we would have no defense.

I agree, but the men don’t seem to share our concerns. They haven’t even posted a guard to alert us to such a danger.

Perhaps that is because there is no danger. It’s best if we try to go to sleep and dream of the successful hunt our men will have when the sun crests the horizon.

Owl Woman’s words seemed to calm Wind Dancer and soon she was sleeping peacefully.

Before she knew it, Owl Woman was urging her to get up. When she opened her eyes she saw that the sun was already turning the eastern sky a beautiful shade of pink.

The other women were already preparing the morning meal when Wind Dancer joined them. She felt guilty for sleeping so late. The men would want to have a good meal before the hunt and she had spent her time sleeping, as though she hadn’t a care in the world.

With the morning meal finished, the hunters, along with the women, started toward the grazing grounds of the buffalo. Under the cover of darkness, Crooked Snake and his two sons scouted out the area where the buffalo were bedding down for the night. It was only a short distance away, but for Wind Dancer it seemed like it took them forever to walk their horses to where the hunt would begin.

She knew the importance of silence as they made their way toward the grazing animals. The slightest noise and the herd would stampede. It was best if the first kills were made swiftly to catch the leaders by surprise.

Wind Dancer gasped when she saw the herd for the first time. She’d heard stories about the magnificence of these animals, but never had she seen them for herself. They were the mainstay of the way of life for her people. They provided the hides for blankets and lodges, their meat for food and their horns for utensils and tools. Even knowing this, the size of these massive beasts was overwhelming. She found herself shaking with fear for the lives of the men who were so anxious for the hunt to begin.

The sound of horses’ hooves from behind her frightened Wind Dancer. She turned just in time to see the men riding toward the herd. The buffalo, frightened by the sudden intrusion on their quiet world stampeded in the opposite direction from the hunters.

The men road after the retreating buffalo. Their war whoops echoed across the plains as arrows and lances silently hit their marks, leaving the stricken animals to crumple and die on the lush grass on the prairie.

When the men were satisfied with their kill, they returned to where the massive carcasses lay either dead or dying. Before her eyes, Running Horse plunged his knife into an animal that had his lance embedded in its body.

She continued to watch in amazement as each of the men cut the still warm liver from the dead animals. When they raised their grizzly trophies to the heavens, her stomach began to roil. As one by one the men bit into the raw meat, the morning meal she’d eaten came up into her mouth threatening to strangle her.

Without thought of how she would only bring shame upon herself but also the man whose child grew within her, she dropped to her knees and lost the food she’d eaten earlier.

Does sickness in the morning happen often to you, child? Snow Flower, a widow who often rode with the hunters to help with the butchering, asked.

Wind Dancer could only nod her head as the acid of her vomit burned her throat and cut off the words that she wanted to speak.

The child you carry is making its presence known, Snow Flower crooned softly while she stroked Wind Dancer’s hair. Does Running Horse know that his child is growing beneath your breast?

Wind Dancer shook her head. After washing out her mouth with the cool water Snow Flower offered her from the water pouch Wind Dancer got to her feet. The shaman will join us together when we return from the hunt. It is then that I will tell him of the seed that has been planted and taken root.

It is good that you will be joined as man and wife soon. Even though you want to keep your secret, it is best if you tell him of his child before this night is over. Perhaps you should have stayed in the village. Do you think you will be able to help with the preparation of the meat and hides?

Wind Dancer nodded and allowed Snow Flower to help her get to her feet. It has passed now. I will be all right. I promise to stay close to Owl Woman. She knows about the child. As my best friend, I have trusted her with my secret.

Snow Flower helped Wind Dancer to walk to where Owl Woman waited for her. She managed a weak smile as her friend held out her hand in greeting.

Take care of her, Snow Flower said before leaving the two young women alone.

Wind Dancer could feel her strength return. Thankfully, the sick feeling had left her body. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, she worked butchering the meat, so lost in the work she forgot about her earlier sickness.

By evening the buffalo herd had moved to other grazing grounds, leaving the hunters to help the women with the meat. When the sun finally set, casting the entire area in dark shadows, the men built up a fire. As they danced in celebration, they told and retold the stories of their bravery during the hunt.

Wind Dancer could feel the strain of the day draining the strength from her body. After relieving herself, she took the opportunity for solitude and separated herself from the men and women who so enjoyed the celebration of the hunt.

Why do you sit alone, away from the warmth of the fire and the story telling?

She looked up to see Running Horse standing in front of her, the moonlight reflecting concern in his eyes. I felt the need to be alone, but since you have joined me, there is something I must tell you.

Running Horse sat down beside her and took her hand in his. If you wish to tell me about the child, there is no need. Crooked Snake saw you leave the women and go off by yourself this morning. He also saw that you were sick and that Snow Flower was comforting you. He watched you and later saw that you had joined the others doing the work. I was overjoyed when Crooked Snake told me all of this for he said it meant that you carried my child. Did you know before we left the village?

Wind Dancer nodded. I have known for over two moon cycles.

Then why did you insist on coming with us on the hunt?

Because it was important to me.

More important than our child?

Nothing is more important than that. I know of many women who have carried a child and still went to help with the butchering. I also know that the sickness only comes in the morning and once it passes I feel much better. I am carrying your child, I am not sick.

Without further words, Running Horse took her in his arms and kissed her with a passion she had not known before. The kisses led to tender lovemaking. Even though they had made love many times before she knew this time was different. This time they were beneath the stars and the man she was to marry was indeed thrilled with the fact that she carried his child.

AFTER THE HUNT, THE preparation of the meat took several days. At last they were ready to return home. Horses were loaded with baskets carrying both fresh and dried meat and travois trailed behind them with more meat as well as the hides and horns of the buffalo to be turned into blankets, lodges and utensils for the people. It had been a good hunt and there would be little or no shortage of food for the coming winter.

By the landmarks they passed, Wind Dancer knew they were close to the village, but for some reason she couldn’t smell the smoke of the cooking fires. Surely the women would be preparing the evening meal. It wasn’t that the wind was in the wrong direction, for it blew from the South and that was where the village lay.

As they rode even closer, the men and women of the hunting party exchanged worried glances. The only sound was the soft whisper of the wind mingled with the songs of the birds that lived within the forest that was to their right.

There is something wrong, she heard Crooked Snake say to his companions. "I smell no smoke from