People of the Weeping Eye(97)
Belly full, after days of travel and purification, he should have been lethargic by the time the last warrior finished. Instead, he was quivering with anticipation. He’d felt like this as a boy: giddy with excitement to receive a new gift.
Flying Hawk asked, “Does anyone have anything to say?”
Smoke Shield felt ready to burst as he leaped to his feet. “I have told of taking the high minko of the White Arrow People. At the same time, I took his three wives.”
Calls of assent arose.
Smoke Shield fought to keep his rising excitement at bay. “Some have said this is the greatest victory our people have had since settling in this valley. I do not know that to be the case, but I do know that I could not have done this thing without the unwavering support of Blood Skull. Acting as my second, he could have refused to attempt any plan as ridiculous as floating down a dark river. But he didn’t. Acting with bravery worthy of Eagle Man, he followed without complaint. In reward for such service to me, and to my people, I wish to give the high minko, Biloxi Mankiller, and all of his wives to Blood Skull as a representative of the Raccoon Clan.”
For a moment the room was silent, then burst into cheers.
Blood Skull stood, nodding respectfully to Flying Hawk, the Hopaye, and Tishu Minko Seven Dead. “Raccoon Clan and I are most honored by the war chief’s gift. We humbly accept, and find ourselves speechless at his generosity.”
Come on. Smoke Shield struggled to keep his expression blank. The man would do it, wouldn’t he? Fear, like a dousing of cold water, ran down his spine. He remembered Blood Skull’s reluctance that night under the lean-to. His heart began to pound. No, it would be impossible!
Blood Skull turned to Flying Hawk. “When the White Arrow attacked Alligator Town, it was the work of one man: the war chief, Screaming Falcon Mankiller. I was the warrior who captured him.” He hesitated. “Speaking for my clan, I would humbly offer him to High Minko Flying Hawk and the Chief Clan. Would you do us the honor of accepting this gift, High Minko?”
Flying Hawk nodded gracefully. “The Chief Clan is honored by your gift, Blood Skull. We are under obligation to you and your clan for bestowing such an honor upon us.”
Smoke Shield shifted uncomfortably. What about Morning Dew? Come on! Or are you just playing with me?
Blood Skull shot him an evaluative stare. Smoke Shield couldn’t seem to breathe. Blood Skull turned to the door, raising a hand. At his gesture, all eyes turned.
What is this? If I am double-crossed, so help me …
Two young men entered the room. Between them, a disheveled Morning Dew stared frantically at the faces surrounding her. She still wore her fine dress, though it was smeared with mud and had lost some of the gleaming pearls.
Smoke Shield started to rise, but caught himself. Every fiber of will was necessary to seat himself again. Fortunately—with all eyes on Morning Dew—no one had seen his lapse of control.
“Then there is the matter of this woman,” Blood Skull said. “She was once the new wife of Screaming Falcon Mankiller. She is the daughter of Sweet Smoke, and Old Woman Fox before her. With Sweet Smoke’s death, she is now the White Arrow matron. As representative of the Raccoon Clan, I have given long and careful thought to the matter of giving her away.” He frowned pensively. “So many are worthy. To make such a gift, however, is a special honor to bestow. For that reason, I have had the woman brought here. That you all might see.”
Smoke Shield’s blood was pounding. He’d knotted his fists, a rage beginning to burn between his souls. If you do not give her to me, Blood Skull, I swear, if it takes me forever, I will see you bleed.
“War Chief,” Blood Skull said, “you have led our people to the greatest victory in memory. In return for your leadership and courage, we offer this woman, Morning Dew, matron of the Chahta Chief Clan of the White Arrow Moiety of the Chahta people. Will you do us the honor of accepting?”
At the pronouncement, Smoke Shield saw Morning Dew’s legs buckle under her, almost toppling the two men who held her.
“I will,” Smoke Shield said hoarsely, and struggled to maintain his composure. Could they see how close he was to screaming his victory? When he looked down, his arms were shaking. The young men dragged her through the press, dropping her among the empty dishes in front of Smoke Shield. She lay like a dead fish.
He realized he was panting from relief; it blew through him like a cool wind. Licking his lips, he managed to say, “From this moment forward, I am in your debt, Blood Skull.” He looked back, seeing Thin Branch by the door. “Thin Branch, take this woman to my wives. Have them wash and feed her. I want her dress repaired and cleaned. Her hair should gleam in the light.”