CHAPTER FOUR
Since all within the camp were still sleeping during the day and were awake at night, it was during the twilight hours of the next evening when Sharon saw Strikes Fast begin his climb up toward the high cliff which she knew led to an overlook of the prairie. With Eagle Heart and Gray Falcon still gone from their camp, Sharon decided this might be the right time to speak to him.
Because he was the only man in camp at this moment, it was obvious to her what he was doing: he was situating himself in a high enough position so he might stand a diligent watch. Clearly he would be alone there at the apex of the cliff, and, watching him, Sharon decided to cloak herself in courage, or at least enough nerve, so she might "speak" to the man. After all, there would be no one else there where he was, so she wouldn't have to worry about the others in the camp witnessing their conversation.
Was she doing right in attempting to "talk" with him alone? Or perhaps a better question might have been: was it proper for her to follow him up there?
As though in answer to her unspoken question, she recalled back to a few days ago, before they had set up camp here on this wide ledge so high above the prairie floor:
It had been during the first night of traveling that Sharon had taken to glancing at Strikes Fast from time to time when they were all reclined around a small fire in preparation for spending the rest of the night traveling.
Sharon hadn't understood why they were journeying only at night. Soon, however, Amelia had enlightened her as to the reason for it: if they were to move about during the day, enemies could too easily spot them on the open range of the prairie. Therefore, the only safe time to travel within this part of the country was at night.
Because their pace tended to be slow, the darkness of the night had caused Sharon to remember her capture, and she recalled the terror she had felt at the hands of her abductor. And, the more she thought about it, the more her neglect of acknowledging Strikes Fast's heroism weighed on her, for she had not yet discovered a way to express her gratitude to this man who had come to her aid and who had freed her.
Indeed, she rarely even attempted to speak to him. This was partly because he was Indian and she had, up until recently, been frightened of Indian men. But, it wasn't right to remain silent, especially since this man had risked his own life to literally save hers.
But within the last few hours, she had been rehearsing a thank-you speech, memorizing the proper signs. At least, she now felt empowered enough to at least tell this man "thank you."
She looked toward the foot path Strikes Fast had taken to ascend to the apex of the cliff. Surely, she could climb it, too. And, once she found him there, she would do her duty and thank him.
Lifting her skirt with one hand, she decided to give the climb her best attempt. It turned out to be not too difficult because there was a pathway of sorts to the top, and because the going was not straight up, it was easier to climb than she had at first thought it might be. Indeed, only once did she stumble, but she regained her footing rather quickly. As she lifted herself up onto the outcrop where sat her hero, she heard him speak to her, though he didn't turn his head.
Oh, how she wished she knew what he was saying. But, she didn't.
She trod toward him, and as she reached his side, except for a brief glance at her, he didn't acknowledge her, not even to repeat whatever it was he'd said. Instead, his gaze was outward, his eyes seeming to scan the horizon all around them.
Though he was sitting, Sharon remained standing beside him, facing him. Gazing at his profile, she was again overwhelmed by his masculine bearing; so strong was it, she felt small and girlish in comparison. Never would she have thought she would find an Indian warrior to exude a presence that communicated strength and beauty at the same time. And yet, he was beautiful.
His wasn't an airy or light beauty, either. Though she knew him to be slim and tall, he was yet solid, manly, handsome…and dear. How could he not be dear? Hadn't he risked all on her behalf?
She studied him further. Though it was late in the day, the air was still quite hot and he wore no shirt, though a white-beaded hoop necklace dropped down the front of his chest. He was clothed only in serviceable breechcloth, leggings and unadorned moccasins, and two long braids—one on each side of his face—fell down his chest. A single eagle's feather was attached to his hair in back. And, although he wore both the hoop necklace and earrings made of silver, there was nothing in his demeanor to suggest there might be even the tiniest hint of a feminine bone in his body.
After a moment, Sharon touched him on the shoulder, noticing his skin was soft there even though it covered his hard muscles. She gulped and said with gestures, "Hello."
He nodded.
Sharon let out a breath, feeling encouraged. He had understood her. He didn't even look at her when he began to make signs toward her, however, and she watched his hands as he signed, "What brings you here?"
"You," she signed.
"Me?" He glanced at her.
"Yes," she signed. "I have come here to talk to you, if I can. After all, you are now my hero."
He shook his head, the gesture used to speak a negative. All he signed, however, was, "I am no hero."
"I beg to differ," she said, then used signs as best she could to convey the words. She continued, "And, I care not what you say. You are my hero."
He didn't answer.
She sat down beside him and they fell into silence for a moment, both of them looking outward toward the horizon as the sun completed its descent in the distant western sky. The red, pink, blue and orange clouds and hues in the sky painted the dry brown prairie the colors of the heavens overhead, seeming to set it afire.
After a while, Sharon signed, "It is beautiful here."
Strikes Fast nodded, but said nothing. Instead, he gazed out before him, and within his regard there appeared to be so much admiration of this land, he might have been looking at the beauty of heaven.
She said, then signed, "I wish to thank you for coming to my defense…twice now."
