Lakota Flower by Janelle Taylor

been a Shirt-Wearer for many years. In big matters, all warriors have a vote; and the majority rules. No one can go against the vote or he is punished. But most heed the words of our chief and council and vote as they do. The warrior societies are our army, our soldiers. As in your military, there are ranks, and the leaders of them are their officers. In our band, the best warriors belong to the Strong Hearts and Sacred Bows. The shaman is our spiritual leader and is in charge of all events. He is Winona’s father and is named Nahemana.”
    Caroline was surprised to learn of their democratic ways, and she had witnessed how religious and family-oriented they were. So much for their being uncivilized and insensitive as alleged! “What are the Strong Hearts and Sacred Bows? You and your brothers belong to them, isn’t that right?”
    “Strong Hearts are skilled and fearless warriors who take the Four Virtues to heart; they defend our camp, take care of those in need, and show other braves the best way to behave. Wind Dancer is a Strong Heart, as I am, as is Two Feathers, though I believe our cousin is unworthy of that rank for many reasons. The Sacred Bows lead in battles with our enemies and are last to leave the area. They must show greatcourage, cunning, and stamina and they must attack a foe in every fight. War Eagle, his friend Swift Otter, Broken Arrow, and Two Feathers are the four Sacred Bow Carriers. Our other cousin Broken Lance is a good warrior and is unlike his brother.”
    Caroline did not want her mind to dwell on the perils of War Eagle being a Sacred Bow Carrier. Nor did she want to think about Two Feathers. Besides, she needed to learn all she could about these people, and fast. She asked, “What are the ‘Four Virtues’ you mentioned?”
    “Courage, Generosity, Wisdom, and Fortitude, which means to be able to endure discomfort and pain in body and spirit, and the ability to show patience and self-control during times of strain.”
    He had described himself and War Eagle perfectly. “You said Wind Dancer would become the next chief. Does leadership always pass from father to son?”
    He nodded. “Unless a son proves himself unworthy of that rank.”
    “What if a chief doesn’t have a son when he dies or is slain?”
    “A new leader is chosen from among our best warriors.”
    “So if Wind Dancer was slain, you would become chief?”
    “The second son is next in line unless he is unworthy.”
    Caroline thought Cloud Chaser had looked and sounded odd for a few moments before and during his response. For certain, he had learned a great deal during his life in Oregon, as he knew English as well as she did! “I think you would make a good chief; you’re a kind and wise man.”
    Cloud Chaser smiled. “Your words are generous, but Wind Dancer is best for that rank.”
    “I haven’t met him yet. Will I?”
    “If you prove yourself worthy of that honor. Finish eating now, for we must rest soon. Tomorrow will be a long, tiring, and dusty day. We—” Cloud Chaser halted as Two Feathers approached, scowling. “Taku ca yacin hwo?” He asked the man what he wanted.
    In Lakota, Two Feathers scolded, “Why do you speak with the captive for so long? It is offensive to hear the white tongue in our camp. You must save that … skill for when you scout the bluecoats.”
    To perturb the man, Cloud Chaser feigned a calm he did not feel at that time. “I speak to her of our laws and ways so she can obey and not offend. Do not give me orders, my cousin, for I know what is good and bad.”
    “If that is true, you would trade her to me.”
    “It is true, my cousin,” War Eagle said as he joined them. “The girl was a gift to my brother and his wife and must not be traded to another. That is our custom so why do you challenge it? Why do you seek to provoke him and cause trouble and bad feelings? That is not the way of a Strong Heart or Sacred Bow Carrier or a Red Shield warrior. If her presence angers you,