Page 63 of Red Hawk's Woman

“The Blackfeet have named it Big Fire Star.”

“How appropriate.” She sighed. “It’s quite beautiful, here on the plains at night, isn’t it? It’s one of the things I remember most from my childhood. When we were here before, we often slept out under the stars. I think it’s one of the main reasons why I have continued the career that my father loves so much. I, too, share the adoration of antiquity, plus I love the open spaces.”

“As do I,” he said. “As do I.”

After a time, she asked, “Have you seen any signs of an enemy?”

“Saa,” he answered. “And it is good I have not. I think our journey tomorrow will be safe enough, unless a war party comes upon us unexpected and stops us.”

“How likely is that to happen?”

“It could occur.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right. In truth, we’ll face the same possibility most every day of this journey, won’t we?”

“Aa, we will. But I will do all I can to keep us safe. And now, tell me, what else weighs on your mind?”

“I do have one question. Is the only reason you want to marry me because you feel I will lead you to the other artifacts? I am assuming these treasures are in some way tied to your hope of ending the curse for your people.”

When he remained silent, she went on, “Is this why you are eager for marriage?”

His first answer was a smile as he slowly shook his head. Then he said, “Have you never seen yourself in one of the white man’s mirrors?”

“Of course I have, but⁠—”

“Haiya, then you should understand why I want to marry you. ’Tis the only honorable path I might take, for I mean to have you.”

“Have me?”

He picked up her hand. “I want to make love to you.”

No sooner had the words been spoken than excitement shot through her. She caught her breath.

“But you have said,” he added, “that you do not want to marry me, and so I must not⁠—”

“It’s not a matter of want or not wanting,” she asserted, interrupting him. “It’s a concern of…of…” Of what? she wondered. “Of trust,” she added, groping. “How do I know you’re not proposing marriage in order to get at the artifacts I carry? Marriage would certainly make it easier, and I know you want them.”

“I do want them, as do you.”

“You see? There. You said it.” She folded her arms over her chest.

At last he sat up, and turning to face her, he took her hand in his again, his fingers entwining with hers. “Long is the time I have thought of you. Long is the time I have wondered about you. Long is the time I have awaited your return to this country. That you carry something which could help me and my people, is important, but it is not important to how I feel. I would love you despite this.”

She stared straight into his eyes, wishing she could read his mind. But it was a pointless activity, and after a while, she said, “How do I know you are telling me the truth? That you’re not just repeating words you know will get you what you want?”

“You make a good point and I can see you don’t really know this. Not yet…”

Something splashed in the stream next to them. She jumped.

“Do not fret,” he soothed, taking her in his arms. “’Tis probably a fish or a beaver. Stay here while I investigate.”

As quickly as that, he was gone.

Not more than a few minutes passed before he was back at her side. “Poohsapoot, come. I wish to show you something.”

“What? What is it?”

“Come.” Taking her hand, he urged her to follow him. Belly crawling, they scooted toward the water. “There. Look.”