White Wind by Susan Edwards

be forced to break the feisty spirit he so admired.
    “Remember this, my wild one, respect is important to my people. I must have their respect as their future leader. They also distrust whites. You must learn your place or be put there. This I do not think you’d enjoy. In front of others, you will obey me and show proper respect. When we are alone, you may say what you please.” Grinning, he added, “I have no doubt you will anyway.”
    With that, Golden Eagle turned, motioning her to keep silent as he listened. Sarah only heard sounds of approaching nightfall as he cupped his hands and gave the call of the great night bird.
    Watching the alert body in front of her, Sarah wrapped her arms around her body, and shivered when she realized he was waiting for a signal in return. That meantthere were others and she’d no longer be alone with him. Whether that was good or bad she didn’t know. She only knew how hungry and tired she was…and scared.
    Startled out of her musings as his arm grasped hers and pulled her forward, Sarah realized she had missed the return signal, so expertly blended into the night sounds around them. Squaring her slender shoulders, she was determined not to let them know her fear.
    Moments later, she peered into the blackness ahead. She could barely make out the dark shadowy shapes of several horses.
    Nervously, she watched as one lone figure detached itself from the shadow of a tree and strode forward to meet them. Listening to the two warriors greet one another, she searched for others and found none. Frowning in confusion, she counted at least three horses hobbled beneath the tree.
    Feeling hostile eyes upon her, she looked at the fierce painted warrior before her. Swallowing hard, she met his dark brooding gaze before quickly looking away. Wishing she could understand their conversation, Sarah took another look at the horses. They seemed familiar somehow.
    “We eat and rest here,” Golden Eagle said, then led Great Star to the others, Black Lady following.
    Golden Eagle joined Red Fox after seeing to the horses. Together they watched Sarah disappear into a clump of bushes. Golden Eagle saw the tensing of his friend. With a smile, he patted his friend on the back and headed toward the small fire. “Do not worry, my friend, she’ll not go far.”
    Red Fox’s raised black brows seemed to question the confidence Golden Eagle displayed toward his captive.
    Unpacking food, sleeping mat and water skin, Golden Eagle related all that had happened since they’d parted.
    As Red Fox listened, Sarah returned and wandered over to the horses. He pointed and asked, “What does Golden Eagle plan for the white girl? She would bring you many fine offers. Do you plan to sell her?”
    Standing, Golden Eagle met the calculating stare of Red Fox. Softly, a thread of steel running through his words, he warned, “She is not for sale, Red Fox. Not to you. Not to anyone.” With that, he strode off to fetch Sarah for the meal.
    Sarah’s head turned as Golden Eagle approached. With firm steps she met him, hands on hips, and said loudly, “Two of those horses are mine. Has Golden Eagle taken to stealing?”
    Golden Eagle grabbed her chin, eyes narrowed to slits. “The horses taken from you will be gifts to the family that lost their daughters at the hands of your guardian. Would you rather give your life for theirs? Would you rather I give you to replace the help those girls gave to their parents? A life of slavery that you would not survive?” He drew a deep breath, ignoring the guilt over the fear he instilled, knowing her life depended on how she was accepted by his people and how well she adapted to their ways.
    “Nothing can replace Stands Tall’s daughters or ease his pain, but good horses are of much value to our people. They help make our work easier and will help take Stands Tall’s and his wife’s minds off their losses as they retrain them. Owning two fine-blooded horses will give the family