Destiny Mine (18 page)

The Keeper of the Arrows began the ritual, and she strained to catch his words, spoken as loudly and clearly as possible so everyone could hear him.

“Great Spirit, our Creator and Provider, we call to you to give us victory this season. Our People have need of many buffalo hides and much meat for the coming winter. Protect our hunters and return them to camp and their families unharmed. Guide us to the provider
of life You placed on Mother Earth for us to use. Give our arrows true flights. Grant us our needs. We will honor You in dance and song and with many offerings when this season passes. Hear us, Great Spirit, we send this prayer to You.”

Kionee watched him slide the bundle of Sacred Arrows into a leather and beaded quiver and kneel to wrap the holder in a buffalo skin with decorative paintings. She was glad she was in the front row and no one leaned forward to block her view. She observed as Medicine Eyes held skyward a weather-bleached buffalo skull whose white surface was painted with a variety of colorful marks, but she was too far away to see what the pictures were. She saw sage, sweet grass, and herbs protruding from its eye sockets and mouth cavity; and knew those were symbols of the plains, feeder of the buffalo. She listened as the shaman prayed.

“Great Spirit—Creator, Provider, and Protector of the Strong Hearts—we come to honor You for all things You give to us. Guard our hunters and give them success in their deeds. Give them eyes like the eagle’s, strength like the bear’s, cunning like the wolfs, swiftness of the deer. Make them fearless as the badger, sure of foot like the horned ones who travel the rocks of the mountains. Let their horses ride as one with them with those same skills. Great Spirit, we send this prayer to You.”

Medicine Eyes placed the ceremonial skull on a piece of buffalo hide, handling it as the sacred object it was to him and his tribe. He lifted a ritual arrow which was a longer and thicker shaft than normal. Hoofprints of buffalo and bighorn sheep were painted on its smooth surface. A length of deerskin was secured around its middle. Eagle feathers, grizzly and badger claws, and wolf tails dangled from the skin’s edges where a thong was tied for hanging it in the shaman’s lodge. As several
men beat a large drum with sticks, he danced and chanted as he raised and lowered the arrow many times. When he and the drumming halted, he pointed it toward the north and said, “It will guide you to many buffalo. Go, Strong Hearts, and return with many hides and much meat.”

At that signal, the large band whooped and yelled and galloped off across the grasslands.

Bear’s Head gave the sign for the Hanuevas to do the same. The moment the words left his mouth, Night Walker and Little Weasel dashed off toward the departing Cheyenne as if they intended to overtake and beat those braves to the herd which was chosen for their attack.

They approached the last hill between them and their goal. At the assigned leader’s signal, everyone drew in their mounts to prevent startling the herd before everyone was ready. They stretched out in two rows—long with the number of men and
tivas
present—with Cheyenne to the right and Hanueva to the left. Sharp arrows were nocked on strong bows. Horses pranced in eagerness and excitement, knowing what was about to occur from many seasons of training and participation. The two parties were filled with suspense and exhilaration. The signal was given, and the great event commenced as they raced over the last hill and charged the peaceful herd.

Hunters selected their first prey and focused on them, never singling out another until the previous one was defeated. The closest beasts stopped grazing and looked toward the riders. A rain of arrows was released. Slain animals thudded to the ground. Wounded ones bellowed in rage. Merciful hunters quickly sought to end the creatures’ suffering, as they were creations of and gifts from their Great Spirit. The Indians would not slay more than needed for food and clothing and other
necessities, as waste and sport were against their beliefs. Only males and motherless females were selected, as the herd must be able to reproduce in—and for—future seasons.

The hunters of both tribes were skilled horsemen and marksmen. They knew where the vital sites were located and aimed for them. The early hunts were important because the animals had not shed their winter coats; the thick mantles around their enormous shoulders would provide warm robes and long hairs for other needs. As they plunged into the herd, the beasts began to scatter and attempt escape. Riders took extra caution to avoid sharp horns and head battings which could injure horse and man.

Buffalo lying in wallows got to their feet with amazing swiftness and agility for such large and sluggish-looking creatures. Their massive dark heads swung in the direction of the noise. Bulls, young and old, seemed to surround cows and calves, unaware the females and young were not in jeopardy. The more aggressive males appeared to take stances of attack and intimidation. Many were brought down fast by the hunters’ prowess.

Clouds of dust were kicked up as the herd dispersed in three directions, and determined riders pursued them. Bulls snorted in anger and tossed their heads in warning. Mothers guarded their calves as they urged their offspring forward. The beasts moved with surprising speed. They seemed to know the intruders presented danger and death. Their pounding hooves sounded like ceaseless roaring thunder; the loud noise seemed to reverberate in the warm air and in the ground.

Kionee was pleased by the number of buffalo, as the herd dotted the grassland for as far as she could see to both sides and beyond her. The beasts’ hides were in splendid condition this season; they would make fine
robes, tipis, shields, quivers, drums, parfleches, and other possessions. The thick hair of winter mantles was sturdy and long for braiding ropes and soft for padding cradleboards. Shiny horns would become good drinking holders or be made into scoops for eating and cooking. Strong bones would be carved into knives and tools; their marrow, would be used in cooking. Sinews would hold tipis, garments, moccasins, and other things together. Galls would be collected for making yellow dyes. Part of their meat would be eaten now and the rest would be made into winter supplies. She already knew which greens and herbs her mother used for flavoring certain cuts and for tenderizing tough ones.

Kionee clutched Recu’s belly with her knees and feet for balance and security and drew back the bowstring for her first strike. She watched the arrow enter the selected point. She fired another, and the beast stumbled and fell. She glanced up to mentally mark its location before taking off after a second target. A large bull was nearby, and she focused her skills and attention on him, bringing down the powerful creature. Again, she made a mental note where it had fallen. Though the symbols on her shafts proclaimed the beast to be hers, she wanted to be able to guide her mother and sisters to the sites.

Groups of antelope and solitary coyotes fled in panic. Prairie dogs barked warnings and disappeared into their burrows. Other small critters scampered into their holes. Birds were flushed from their nests in tall grasses. Butterflies took flight to avoid being trampled.

Frantic buffalo stampeded over a prairie dog village where many broke legs and were trapped. Alert riders used caution in picking their paths into the hazardous area. With skilled shots, they made certain the creatures suffered no more.

Kionee withdrew an arrow with Taysinga’s markings.
She had decided to help the other
tiva
who had promised to hunt for Sumba’s and Tall Eagle’s families. She also reasoned a successful hunt would make Taysinga look good in Night Walker’s—and in others’s—eyes, make her appear more worthy of the chiefs second son. Kionee brought down five buffalo with the arrows she had painted with Taysinga’s symbols.

The huntress halted in the shade of several trees on a creek bank to rest, drink, and eat from the pemmican pouch suspended from her belt. Recu drank and grazed, at the same time. Kionee was grateful the summer sun did not blaze down on the plains without mercy this early in the season, but their exertions caused both woman and horse to perspire. Kionee’s disguise—the face paints, breast band, buckskin shirt, and leggings—increased her discomfort. It was also a dirty chore, as dust, animal hair, broken grass, and other debris clung to her and Recu. She was glad creeks snaked across the plains to provide water for man and beast, and that a few trees and bushes to grew along their edges for shade. She knew, as the hot season progressed, many of those water sources would either slow to tiny trickles or dry up until rains nourished them back to life. Then it would be necessary to bring along water bags to wet and soothe their dry and scratchy throats. Also, hunts would be done early or late in the day to avoid laboring in scorching and dangerous heat.

When their break ended, Kionee returned to hunting for her family. Many hides were needed to make Blue Bird’s tipi for the time when she would join to Runs Fast; any excess meat would be given to elder
tivas
and to others. The thought of herself being unable to mate to her secret lover saddened her, so she pushed it aside to prevent distraction. She returned to the noisy action and shot several animals from a small group that came
her way as countless other hunters darted in and out amongst the large herd.

A wounded bull made a charge toward her, which Recu avoided with nimble footing. A Cheyenne warrior chased it, took it down, then returned to Kionee to make certain she was all right. “He did not injure us. Recu is quick and alert,” she said as she stroked the chestnut’s neck in gratitude.

“Another ran against my target, so my arrow was not true. I am Five Stars, adopted son of Big Hump, our chief, and my grandfather long ago,” he identified himself. “Strong Hearts welcome Hanuevas to camp and hunt with us.”

She studied the handsome man. She was pleased by his kindness and concern. “I am Kionee, son of Strong Rock and Martay.” She saw his brows lift in recognition of her name and watched his intrigued gaze roam her colorful mask and small frame. When he smiled, it was a genial gesture; and his expression was one of respect and surprise.

“You are the friend and companion of my brother, Stalking Wolf. He says your skills and prowess are great. He spoke of your coups in our council meeting. It is an honor to look upon you. It is good you rode with him to find our enemies, the Crow. It is good your people join mine for safety.”

Kionee hoped her astonishment in hearing that news and the sheer delight in the name of her secret lover did not show. “We thank the Strong Hearts for their protection. The name and deeds of Five Stars are known to the Hanueva. You are a great warrior, as are your brother and father. Our protectors and guardians can learn many things about battling Bird Warriors from your people. We desire peace with all tribes but the Crow will not allow it. They hunger to take us captive, to steal our lands and possessions.”

“The Strong Hearts will not let them do so. The Great Spirit sent us a sacred vision and commanded us to protect the Hanueva. My brother told us of the cunning tricks you played on Crow raiders. My father, our shaman, and our people want to chant your many coups. You must come to our tipi where we can speak more after the hunt,” he said, nodded, and rode away.

Kionee watched him race beside a bull and fire several arrows as he made another successful kill. She saw him glance back at her, smile, wave his bow, and gallop off in search of his next goal. She longed to see Stalking Wolf but doubted he would seek her out amidst the commotion, and both knew he should not do so. Most of the Cheyenne were hunting to the right, far away. The only reason Five Stars had neared her position on the left was to pursue the buffalo he had wounded and end its suffering.

She was glad she had met Stalking Wolfs brother. She had taken an instant liking to the man who would become chief of the Strong Hearts after Big Hump’s death. From stories told about his prowess and many coups, she reasoned that Five Stars was more than worthy of his destiny. Now she knew she was on her lover’s mind, as he was on hers. He was praising her to his people and family; that made her happy. But how could she refuse his brother’s invitation without offending Five Stars, Big Hump, and their tribe? They wanted the chance to thank her, to honor her. She must speak with her parents, chief, and council to receive an acceptable and harmless reason; for they were the ones who made the
tiva
law and should deal with the repercussions.

With the herd racing away from the south where the joint camp was situated, it was safe for the women to arrive with the travois to begin their tasks. When Kionee sighted them, she ceased hunting to find her mother and sisters to guide them to her first kill. They first gave
thanks to
Atah
for His gifts and Kionee’s success. She stood guard against a sudden turn of the enormous herd as the women collected any undamaged arrows and handed them to her to be sharpened and used again. Broken shafts, mangled feathers, and ruined points were discarded; but good tips were knifed out and saved. She watched for perils and stole brief observations of tasks she hoped to do one day as they skinned the beast, carved out the meat, removed the horns, and cut out the sinews and other parts for which they had uses. Everything collected was loaded onto the travois and wrapped in the hide, which was spread out on the wooden frame.

That process was repeated many times as they moved from carcass to carcass. When the three travois were full, Kionee removed the arrows from her remaining kills to let others know they could claim them. Hunters who had been less fortunate than she was today, or those who had larger families to feed and clothe, thanked her and placed their marks upon the beasts.

Kionee knew she would hunt several more times this season, but the amount they were hauling back to camp on this trip was as much as could be preserved, eaten, and cured before spoilage would occur. After this supply was handled, the task would be repeated until enough hides and food for winter were gathered. Martay, Blue Bird, and Moon Child mounted the horses, and the travois were dragged to their tipi, with Kionee guarding them. The weary group arrived with just enough daylight left to remove their loads, tend the horses, wash off the blood and sweat, and cook.