CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Czanna watched as the two families formed into several lines spread out upon the prairie to ride or to walk toward the established rendezvous point with the rest of the tribe. Remembering again how each member of the family—even the children—had touched her shoulder as they had left, and had each said to her, "Ákáá," which she had later discovered meant, "perfect, complete," had so greatly affected her, she had been struck again by the incongruity of what she had been led to believe about these people.
Ill-mannered? Ungodly? Nothing is further from the truth.
Yet, she worried, not knowing what her place would be amongst these people. What would be expected of her? And, what would happen to her if she were to fail to meet their expectations?
Would she become the object of gossip? Would they shun her?
Oh, where was Stands Strong?
Though she knew Stands Strong had been rushed a little earlier when he had left her, as well as her little sister and Liliann, alone, she wished she had asked him more about what was expected of her today. He had said only, "Stay here until I return."
But, he had taken off so quickly that she hadn't thought to inquire about when he planned to return nor what she should do in his absence.
Stay here until I return…
Standing here so close to Sacagawea Springs and watching the families move away from her, Czanna studied each person closely, hoping to catch a glimpse of Stands Strong. But, when she could not pick out his image in the long line of people, she worried even more.
Where was he?
Surely, he had not already joined the Pikuni scouts from the main column of the Pikuni people without telling her, had he? Recalling that earlier, after they had returned to camp, Stands Strong had told her about his chiefs calling upon him to scout for the tribe, she now wondered if he had been given a moment to find his almost-mother and ask for her help.
Were his duties as a scout so great that he might have forgotten?
Still, he had told her he would return, and, so far, she had never known him to say he would do a thing and then not do it. Also, in all this time she had known him, though short, he had made it a point to stay close to her.
Her thoughts were weighing more and more heavily upon her, when, in the distance, she saw him coming toward her; he was leading two ponies by their reins, while his almost-mother, whom she had already met, rode astride one of those mounts. Czanna's brother, George, also accompanied him.
All of her apprehensions faded as soon as Stands Strong came within hearing distance, and she had greeted him with a warm smile. He returned the gesture, then turned to help his almost-mother—who was carrying the baby on her back—from her horse. Only then did he step toward Czanna.
Drawing in close to her, he reached out to take her hand in his own and he whispered, "Amongst my people, it is not done to show too much affection where all can see. But, I fear I have left you waiting too long."
"It is true what you say," Czanna had answered. "I admit I was a little nervous of your return, but now you are back, it is forgotten."
He nodded, then said, "As I told you earlier, George and I will help the others to scout—"
"You will? You are taking George? But, I thought it is I who is always to be the one to help you scout. Why do you not let George stay here with the others, while I come with you?"
When he frowned at her, she explained, "How else am I to learn if you do not take me with you?"
Reaching out to her, he took hold of a lock of her hair and twirled it around his fingers before he replied, "There will be much time to teach you to scout once we return to our people and camp next to the fort. For now, you are needed here, and I hope you will honor me by remaining with my almost-mother, who is anxious to know you better. George and I have come here, also, to help First Rider carry your father's man to the wagon. My almost-cousin, Howling Wolf, has returned from his successful pony raid and has agreed to drive the wagon. This will help to give you the time to be able to talk to my almost-mother, whose heart is joyous at the prospect of speaking to you."
"Oh, I see. I thank you, and of course I will stay here with your almost-mother. I am as anxious to talk with her, and perhaps as you say she is wishing to speak to me. But, if I had a choice in the matter, I would be with you, my husband."
"And I, you. However, the time to do this is not now." Letting go of the lock of her hair, he reached out for her hand and brought it up to his lips, where he proceeded to kiss first her fingers, then her palm. "We must be on our way. The others are already well ahead of us. Once we settle your father's man into the wagon, we will move out quickly; the three of us will stay with you until you reach the other members of my family, and then all three of us—George, First Rider and I—will join the other scouts. You are now with my family. They will ensure your safety."
What could she say? She didn't know, and so she simply smiled. But, deep within her was still a worry. The losses of her brother and her parents were too great to easily sustain losing another one so very beloved; and she experienced again the desire to not let this man out of her sight.
If it meant she would have to learn how to scout, then she would do it. If only he would let her do it, and now, which he didn't seem inclined to allow her to do.
If only…
The distant laughing of several children, who were passing by her, caused Czanna to remember where she was and that this man had never failed her. Besides, she was not the only person this man loved. His love for his family, his tribe and his close friends, which included her brother, George, was heart-felt and was an undeniable strength of his nature.
She realized she would do well to add the power of her own spirit to his.
With her hand held firmly within Stands Strong's, and, with him positioned so closely to her, she was aware her worries were dissipating. And then, realizing how much George would benefit from Stands Strong's guidance, she felt her objections evaporate as water does to the warmth of the sun.
