They were standing a little away from the band of willow trees where two different shelters had been erected—one for the men and one for the women. At present, they were both looking out upon the beauty of the sunrise, where the sun's rays were shooting up their vibrant morning colors, there in the east. In admiration, they both became silent. Although the sun had yet to peek up from behind the horizon of numerous hills, already the sky was afire with the different hues of red and pink, as well asvarious shades of blue and orange, while the steel gray of the sky overhead was surrendering to the light, icy blue of an early morning sky.
"How did this other scout know you were here?" asked Czanna quietly. "Until only a moment ago, we were both concealed within the shelter of the willow trees."
"Your man Henrik, as well as his daughter and my friend, First Rider, are clearly visible. First Rider, with only a few signs, told the scout what is happening here."
"And so, First Rider also saw the scout?"
"Of course. He, too, is a good scout, though he is more well-known as a medicine man amongst my people. Within a few days, three other medicine men will join us here to help us with the further healing of your man's wounds."
"He is not my man."
"I know," was Stands Strong's response as he turned in full toward her. "Perhaps I should call him your father's man? I have not done so because I have not wished to bring sadness back to your mind."
Tears stung Czanna's eyes, reminding her of the thousands of reasons why she was falling so deeply in love with this man. Not only was he more virile than any man she had ever known—being broad in the shoulder, as well as strong and muscular in all the right places—Stands Strong also possessed a kind heart. How could she not love him?
A cry sounded from within their shelter, nestled as it was deeply within the cluster of willows, and Czanna looked back toward the trees. She said, "I believe my sister has awakened, and I must go to her before she cries out too loudly. Are you staying in camp for breakfast this morning? Or are you bound to return to your post?"
"I will be here for our first meal. Our people, pushing onward toward us, will give us the safety we require to build a good fire. We might, I think, have some good, real food, since I am certainthe scout will tell my own and First Rider's families where our present location is. Between them all, they will wish to hunt and bring us fresh game so we might all eat some good, real Pikuni food."
"Oh," she muttered. "What do you mean by 'real Pikuni food'?"
"Fresh game, a deer or elk meat, perhaps. Its ribs roasted over an open fire is the best food I ever tasted. No longer will we be required to eat only the dried meat we have in store. We shall have some real food instead."
"Yes, it will be a pleasant change. And so, you think your mother and father, as well as First Rider's family, might join us?"
"Áa,they will. My almost-mother worries about me when I am not in camp, and so I am certain both she and my almost-father will join us here. My almost-brothers and -sisters will come, too, unless called elsewhere. First Rider's parents will do the same, since they, too, worry about him. From now until we reach the fort, we will be under the protection of my people."
"Oh, this is good, I suppose, although I am not certain I am anxious to meet your family."
He laughed. "You will love them and they, you. Do not worry. My almost-mother will dote on you, since she is white, too. I fear she might ask you many questions, though. Prepare yourself to talk a great deal."
Although Czanna wasn't certain she was happy at the prospect of meeting the members of his family, another cry and loud shouts from within their tiny shelter had her glancing back in the direction of the willow trees.
Returning her regard back to Stands Strong, she said, "Please, before I go and see to my sister's needs, I must bid you to tell me if you think your family will be inclined to believe you and I… I mean to say… Will they think we are…? What I am trying to say, or to ask, is do you think they might believe we are…lovers? Am I in danger?"
He smiled at her. "They will see the truth at once. Fear not, they will know we are not lovers. If it were so, there would be three small lodges pitched within the thicket of willow trees, not two… Although…"
She jerked her head up to stare at him and asked, "What do you mean, 'although'?"
Again, screams from within the little group of willows caught Czanna's attention, and she said, "I must go. Please, I beg you, do not give them any reason for them to think we are… Oh, also, before I go, let me ask you if there is anything I should prepare for your family?"
Reaching up his right hand, Stands Strong drew his fingers through the locks of her hair, causing Czanna to sigh in response and causing him to groan in turn, the sound low and much too masculine; unfortunately for her, it stirred a passionate reaction to him from deep within her heart.
After a while, he said, "You need do nothing. It is they who will bring gifts. Now, I must go and alert George so he may join us here for the first meal of the day."
As though he were reluctant to do so, he dropped his hand. He said, "Go now to your sister and see if you can quiet her."
"Yes, yes, of course I will."
But, Czanna's mind wasn't eased at all when, before she turned away, Stands Strong's index finger came up to tap his nose. And, when his parting words were, "Besides, I will never tell them how you have begged me to make love to you," Czanna's breath caught in her throat.
"But, I never begged…"
It was pointless to continue, especially because there might be other ears in the camp to hear, and since she would be required to raise her voice to be heard by him. Stands Strong was already striding away from her, his gait fast and his laughter on the air.
Oh dear. What if his family comes to discover what I have asked of this man? Will they demand I submit to the ultimate disfigurement?
Please, dear Lord, help me.
