Free Wind Warrior (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page B

things I would say to you.”
    While the other maidens watched in amazement, Marianna accompanied him. She took a misstep andwould have stumbled had Wind Warrior’s hand not shot out to steady her.
    Marianna was sure he must think she was not only tongue-tied, but clumsy as well. As soon as she was steady on her feet, she pulled away from him.
    Wind Warrior guided them down the riverbank and eventually around the bend, and out of sight of the gawking females. Little Bird yawned, and Marianna reached down and took the child in her arms, glad the little girl was with her so she wouldn’t have to be alone with Wind Warrior.
    Smiling, Little Bird snuggled into Marianna’s arms.
    “She seems sleepy,” Marianna said. “Perhaps I should return her to her mother.”
    “In a while. As I said, I have things to say to you.”
    Suddenly it occurred to Marianna why Wind Warrior had asked to see her. Was he not the brother of Dull Knife? Had she not heard that Dull Knife was claiming she would one day be his woman?
    Fear and anger battled in her mind, and anger won, giving her courage to speak her mind. “If you have come to speak to me about your brother, I know he expects me to be his woman. That I will never agree to. I will not listen to anything you have to say. I despise him.”
    Wind Warrior’s eyes widened and he seemed startled by her words. He halted beneath the branches of a spreading pine tree, giving Marianna his full attention. “I do not come on behalf of my brother. Rather I asked to speak to you for your sake.”
    Marianna dropped down on the grass becauseshe feared her legs would buckle beneath her. “For my sake?”
    Wind Warrior settled a little way from her, bracing his back against a tree trunk, his arms folded over his broad chest. He was silent for a long moment, seeming to listen to sounds she could not hear. “Why do you refuse to accept our ways?” he asked at last.
    Marianna looked up to find his gaze lingering on her face. “I am not always clear about what is expected of me. I am not a Blackfoot, and this is not my home.”
    “Will you not accept us as you find us?”
    “If you want an answer, I will say this to you: I have learned your language, I have worked beside Tall Woman, doing all she asks of me. I tan hides to make clothing for Broken Lance, and I give him my respect—beyond that, I do not know what more I can do.”
    “Tell me about your parents.”
    She was startled by his request. “They died when I was a baby, so my aunt and uncle took me in and I became like a daughter to them. Should I accept a third set of parents just because your people demand it? I never shall!”
    Glancing up at the overhead branches, Wind Warrior spoke softly. “Life does not always take us down the path we would choose for ourselves. When there are circumstances beyond our control, should we not accept them?” He turned his gaze back to her. “Should you not?”
    Marianna turned his question back to him. “Would you?”
    His chest rose as he took a deep breath. “Probablynot. But let us speak of the way you are treated by the other maidens. I have seen how they torment you. This cannot be pleasant for you, and it cannot be allowed to continue.”
    Suddenly Marianna lost her temper. “They treat me the way I expect to be treated by your people. I was kidnapped, beaten, almost starved, and forced to stand by while my friend was brutally killed. I did not choose to come here, and I will never forget who I am. The only kindness I have received since I was forced to live among you is from Tall Woman, and at times Broken Lance.” She glanced down at the child, who had closed her eyes. “And Little Bird is my friend.”
    He was frustrated. “Then do something about the ones like White Wing who torment you. It is the only way you will make them stop.”
    Marianna looked at him, trying to understand what he meant. “You want me to stop them by being cruel in return?”
    “No. Not cruel. By being strong