Sweet Savage Heart Read Free Page B

horses and skins to trade for a wife. He is strong and brave; he can protect his family from all evil. In his camp, you will forget your foolish ways and words. He has spoken with me about you. He wishes to join soon. I say we accept his offer. Do you agree?”
    Anguish and panic ruled her senses. “You despise my white blood so much that you would send me to another camp, to a stranger, to become his slave by the joining law?” she inquired anxiously. Tremors assailed her body as she observed his resolve. Normally she would have battled him with obstinate words and actions, but she knew he was gravely serious. She dared not push him today.
    “Many warriors have asked for you as their mate; each day the offers for you grow larger. Black Hawk and Prairie Dog have asked to approach you. No maiden has received such great offers of trading. The other women grow jealous and angry. You must not reject so many noble warriors. The warriors challenge each other and joke over who will tame the wild wind. For peace, you must choose one, or I will do so. Is there a warrior who stands taller and braver than than Rides-Like-Thunder?”
    “You would sell your own sister for the biggest price? I do not wish to marry your Cheyenne brother or any otherwarrior. I am young, Lone Wolf. I am not ready to become a wife and mother. There is much to learn and see. I do not love or desire any of them,” she protested. She had allowed several handsome braves to steal kisses, but they had had no effect on her. What was so special about the joining of bodies on sleeping mats? she wondered. Once she was wed, her freedom and joy would be lost forever, and her restless spirit would be corralled. If only Soaring Hawk were still alive…Her Indian father had understood her hunger for life, her many differences from the others of the tribe. Sometimes they had talked for hours of the mysteries of life and the variations in people. He had never pressed her to be anything more than she was. Why had he been taken from her during this confusing period in her life? Why could she not consent to her brother’s commands? She knew why: somewhere there was a special existence and a man awaiting her. She would have to resist Lone Wolf’s orders until her destiny was revealed to them. If only the Great Spirit would open her brother’s eyes to the truth, he would understand why she was refusing to comply with his wishes, and perhaps he would find a way to help her locate her path to happiness.
    “I will invite Rides-Like-Thunder to visit our tepee. You will see that he is the best choice for the daughter of Soaring Hawk and sister of Lone Wolf. Do not rashly close your heart and mind to him. He is a good man and my friend. You are my sister and I love you. That is why I choose the best man for you. Accept him and my words,” he coaxed. He did love her, and this matter was difficult for him. He was distressed by her rebellion and selfishness. How could he reach her?
    “Would Rides-Like-Thunder be the best choice if he were of our tribe? Or is he the best because he will take me away from your camp and tepee? Am I so repulsive that my own brother wishes to be rid of me?” shechallenged him, her emotions in turmoil. “Why are you blind to the truth, Lone Wolf? Grandfather must guide my steps.”
    Lone Wolf reasoned, “Good changes will be made in Wild Wind in another camp. If you remain here, you will not try to become a good wife. Your defiance will vanish in the Cheyenne camp, for you will learn that such ways and words are wrong. You will learn to be Indian again. You will find love and desire. If you wish to choose another warrior, do so before the buffalo hunt ends. If you do not, I will accept my friend’s offer after our tribes hunt together. I will allow him to take you as his mate after the joint Sun Dance. If Rides-Like-Thunder were of this camp, my choice would be the same,” he added honestly. “If you desire Black Hawk or Prairie Dog and promise to