Lakota Flower by Janelle Taylor Page A

speak to me of that matter, for I am the one who captured her and brought her to our camp.”
    Two Feathers frowned at War Eagle for taking Cloud Chaser’s side against him again, and for daring to scold him before others. “It would be good to break our custom this time. Your brother carries white blood, so it is bad for a white to live with him and remind others of that weakness.”
    “Cloud Chaser has proven his Oglala blood is strongest. He did so many times during the last hot and cold seasons. Why do you insult him and seek to injure him? To treat him in that way insults and injures all in my family, and it shames you in our eyes. Go, pray, and cleanse yourself of such evil, my cousin.”
    War Eagle saw Two Feathers lock challenging gazes with him for a short while before the rebuked man stalked away. Each of them had spoken in lowered tones, but some were observing them in curiosity, as each campsite was spaced from others to allow ample room for sleeping mats, horses, travois, walking, and cooking-smoke dissipation.
    War Eagle hunkered down, looked at Cloud Chaser, and said, “It is settled for now, my brother, but not for long. Bewary of him, as some evil force lurks within him, and I do not know why or how to slay it.”
    Cloud Chaser nodded in agreement, then told his brother what he had been explaining to Caroline. “If part of what Two Feathers said is true, I will speak less and more quietly to her in the suns ahead.”
    “That is wise, but it is good for her to learn much about us.”
    “Takuwe?” Cloud Chaser asked why.
    “To help her obey and show respect. If she becomes a friend to you and your mate, she will not want to escape or betray you.”
    “That is true and wise. Do you want to eat and drink with us?”
    “Mother has filled those needs. I must go, for night comes swiftly.”
    “Thank you, my brother; my heart leaps with joy over your help.”
    “You would do the same for me or Wind Dancer.” War Eagle made certain he did not even glance in Caroline’s direction during his visit or his departure, as he furtively glimpsed Two Feathers watching them.
    After her handsome captor left, Caroline summoned the courage to whisper, “What did he want tonight?”
    “You,” Cloud Chaser replied, knowing to whom she referred.
    “Why is he so determined to have me?” she asked as her quivering fingers toyed with the dried fruit and nut bread in their grasp.
    “When I learn that secret, I will share it with you. I warn you again, Caroline, do nothing to show defiance or disrespect to me and others. We must not speak so long and openly. We must not forget our ranks again.”
    By “ranks,” she assumed he meant as owner and slave, as enemies. “Does that mean we cannot be friends?”
    “Not this soon. First, you must prove yourself to me andothers. And my people must get used to you being among us.”
    Caroline noted how he looked at the ground as he spoke, as if he were embarrassed. “Is that what your brother told you to do?”
    “It is my decision, a wise one for all of us. No more talk tonight.”
    Hurt and dismayed, Caroline did not speak again, but she mentally berated Two Feathers for his interference and spitefulness, as she blamed him for this change. She realized their peoples were in deep conflict; soon, at war. It seemed obvious Cloud Chaser was entrapped in a predicament concerning her. She must do nothing to shame or disappoint or anger him. And she must keep a close eye on his antagonistic cousin who appeared resolved to have her either dead or in his tepee.
    As for War Eagle, he had ignored her completely.

Chapter Five
    By the time the long and wearying journey ended, War Eagle was annoyed and alarmed by his cousin’s offensive behavior. At least he was relieved those actions had been carried out only between them during the final few suns before they reached this location today and set up their winter camp. For a while after his warning and scolding on the plains, Two