Free Forever Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor

before he be chief. He hunger to drive whites from land and slay all Crow. He hunger to earn many coups and much honor. He not want to think and talk. He want to use wits and skills to defend hunting grounds, sacred lands, and people. When winter quiet, he grow restless. He not trust whites. He thirty winters, years, old. Father fifty-four years. More trouble comes. It not Night Stalker’s time to be chief. Father must teach more. Morning Star praybrother listens. Knife-Slayer whispers words into ear Morning Star not think good. Morning Star pray Great Spirit opens all Oglala hearts and ears to Joe’s words for peace.”
    “So do I, Morning Star. If a strong truce isn’t made soon and your people attack the whites, the Army will retaliate.” Joe fretted over the interference and resistance he suspected he would get from Knife-Slayer, Hawk Eyes, and Night Stalker. He would have to do some fast and clever talking to convince Sun Cloud, Red Hearts, and other Oglalas to cooperate with him and his cohorts, Stede Gaston and Tom Fitzpatrick. “If I only had some evidence against Snake-Man to show your people to prove I’m… That’s it! In the morning, you ride home and I’ll track Zeke to spy on his meeting with the Crow. Maybe I can get some proof. I’ll come to your camp as soon as—”
    “Hiya! Go with you. It too dangerous alone and wounded. Men bad.”
    Joe gazed into her defiant face. He knew it was bravery speaking, not impulsiveness. “No, Morning Star. They could capture you again. Then the Oglalas would attack the Crow, and war would surely follow.”
    She was touched by his concern for her safety and his desire to help Lakotas. Yet it was more her problem than Joe’s, so she must assist him. “We be careful. Morning Star know land and tracks. Go with you, help.”
    Joe saw how determined and confident she was. He knew arguing was a waste of time and energy, and she was right. “You can come, but we won’t get too close. We’re not taking any risks.”
    “Good. Simple,” she added and grinned, her eyes sparkling. Morning Star was glad he yielded. Riding together against foes sounded exciting. Her body quivered with anticipation. The chief, tribal council, and warrior societies controlled everything in Indian camps. It was thrilling to be half in charge for a change. Until they reached her village, she could use her skills and wits on something besides female chores. It was delightful not be refused and scolded because she was “only a woman.” She could not help but be impressed by Joe’s generosity where her help was involved.
    They had talked in their hideout for hours. Dusk approached and dimmed the cave’s interior. Both decided their foes must be gone by now.
    Morning Star got to her feet. She was hungry, and needed privacy. “Joe stay. Morning Star hunt, track and kill with knife. It silent. Gun loud. You make fire to cook. Morning Star return soon.”
    Joe reasoned that any threat to them had ended, but still he protested her plan. “What if they’re still looking for us? I can’t let you go alone.”
    “Morning Star know hills, and one hunter best. Morning Star be alert, not be foolish. Be safe.”
    Once more, Joseph Lawrence realized he couldn’t change her mind. After seeing her in action he believed she could take care of herself. She was on guard now; it was dusk; and she was familiar with the area. “Don’t stay long. I’ll worry until I see your face again.”
    After the Indian maiden left, Joe used a safety match to light a fire. As he worried over her safety, he drifted into serious thought. He knew this mission was going to be difficult. He would have foes, resisters, and dangers on both sides. Yet his tasks seemed challenging and stimulating ones. He tried to keep the loss of Tanner Gaston off his mind, as it could distract him. At a time when he was surrounded by perils, distractions could cost him his life and success. If everything worked out, he would avenge the death