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He felt his new scar and smiled. He was confident of his victory. He would have her as his wife and as Shaman for his tribe.
The elders of his tribe gathered to consider his choice, that evening. Ten old men sat in a circle around a fire and spoke of his decision. He'd known them all his life and there was much trust between them.
"You have not found one of our own people?" One of the younger elders asked.
"No," He stood up and walked around the circle of elders. "I have tried, but there is nothing in me to give to them. Perhaps I know them all too well!" Black Wolf smiled.
The older tribesmen grunted with laughter.
"This maiden is not married?"
"No, she is promised to another. But I have asked to challenge him in a fight." Black Wolf informed them.
"What is it that makes you want her as your wife?" One of the oldest asked.
Black Wolf studied the elders' question. "For one, she is a healer, for another, she would be of value to our tribe. Especially since our Shaman was killed by the Sioux. Being a healer, means she thinks, she is strong and challenges me. And, she is beautiful beyond compare." Black Wolf smiled. "She doesn't know me yet, and she would challenge me, as a chief needs to be challenged."
"You wish your wife to be a challenge?" The old man's brow rose in question.
"I do!" Black Wolf stared into the old man's eyes, knowing his answer was important. "If I married anyone here, they would not speak up but submit willingly to my commands. Because I am chief, they would always do my bidding, but never speak up for what they really thought. I do not want that. I do not want a slave, but a wife who thinks for herself. A chief has many duties to his people. But alone, with no one to challenge his decisions he can make mistakes. A woman with a mind can stimulate and help me seek the right answers for our people."
The elder nodded, "You are wise b
eyond your years, Black Wolf, but you must also realize that challenging you might cause more strife for you. You might even be killed."
"I know, but I accept that strife. She does not love me, but she will learn to. She will question everything, and I like that. A woman who submits easily is no help to a chief. She must be as strong as I, in her thinking at least."
"And if you die, who would take your place as Chief as you have no children yet?" the younger elder asked.
Black Wolf thought of all the warriors and their bravery, but he answered swiftly. "There is one that stands out to take my place, if I should die. It is Bear Paw."
The elders considered his words. "Have you spoke with him about this?"
"No, but I speak to you about it, in case something does go wrong in the challenge."
"You feel this strongly about the woman?"
"I do!"
The elder nodded. "Then I approve this marriage."
The others spoke one at a time and all but one approved. The one who didn't was the youngest, and not quite as wise as the others. Black Wolf nodded. "I thank you for your trust. And I honor you for your wisdom."
"You have not yet won the fight, though." The youngest elder informed him.
"No, but I will." Black Wolf smiled. "For the Creator is with me."
"And how do you know this, have you met this man?"
"I have never laid eyes upon him. But the Creator knows my heart, and I will win the challenge."
Black Wolf went to the sweat lodge then to relieve him of the impurities in his body. He set his mind to victory and was sure he was on the right path, but still he prayed to the Creator that he had chosen well. "I pray her heart softens on me."
The next day at dawn he went to the Arapaho camp. He did not think of the battle, as he was well used to those. He thought of the challenge he would have with Sasha if he won her hand in marriage.
There was much excitement in the air, as everyone had heard of his challenge.
Bear Paw came to sit with him that evening. "You are still going to do this?"
