Disclaimer: These characters and this narrative are mine so there is nothing to disclaim in this here story.  Besides, if you are still reading my stuff you already know the drill - you will need an open mind to read it.  If you find something you think needs disclaiming, you are more than welcome to let me know.  It won’t change anything, but it may make you feel better.   Ugliness will earn you a smack to the back of your head.

Thanks: To my truly awesome Beta Team – Phil, Mac and Jeanne.  You guys ROCK!

Author’s Notes: For the purposes of this story and to make it easier on both reader and writer of this tale - when the Natives speak perfect English, it is safe to assume that they are speaking in their mother tongue and there is a universal translator at work kindly putting it into a language more comfortable for reading and (in my case) writing.  When the English is broken, they are speaking in the (to them) foreign white man’s speech known as English.

The Storyteller’s Cardinal Rule is in effect.


                                                                                          Drifter
                                                                                                       By D


Prologue

Green eyes gazed across the plains, scanning the emptiness around her intently.  The wind had a definite chill in it and she pulled the thick skin closer around her slim body as she allowed her stare to pierce the darkness.  A vision had brought her out here two days prior and her father, knowing the accuracy of her sight, let her go without protest.  But Donoma Chepi knew that Takoda would be getting worried if she didn’t return soon.

She heard before she saw, and green eyes turned in the direction of the clomping of a horse's hooves.  When her eyes finally found what they sought, Donoma gasped.  Then she mounted her Appaloosa and pushed the animal as fast as it would go.  This wasn't what she had seen, but her vision would have to wait.  From what she could discern in the darkness, this new unknown needed her help.

Donoma reached the rider's side, noting the copious amount of blood visible through the deerskin jacket despite the fact that the rider was slumped over the big black's neck.  A moan broke her out of her contemplation and spurred her to action.  Then the rider shifted and Donoma got her first look at the face.  She blinked in shocked recognition, and after a moment's hesitation she slid from her pony, snatching her bag and patting the beast on the rump to send it towards home. 

Donoma bit her lip and struggled onto the big black's back, positioning herself behind the wounded rider and grabbing the reins.  Then she turned the horse's head and began their journey for home.


Chapter I

Litonya sat at the fire by Takoda, but her focus was far beyond the light cast around the circle.  Instead it was with her daughter, alone in the darkness of the plain.  She knew Donoma’s brothers would have looked out for her had they been allowed to. But Donoma had insisted on privacy for her quest.  Litonya smiled – Donoma Chepi may not have been born of her body, but she was absolutely born of their spirit.  She wondered not for the first time for what Donoma sought.  For some time lately Litonya had been aware of her daughter’s growing discontent.  It was nothing tangible; instead it was a feeling... an innate knowledge that Donoma was no longer satisfied with her life and her place in the tribe.

Litonya sat contemplating when things had started to change for Donoma – had it been when she had turned down Honovi’s proposal to mate?  Litonya had thought they would make strong children together, but Donoma had not even given it a moment’s consideration and no brave had dared approach her since.  Takoda had warned her not to concern herself over it.  If Donoma Chepi was meant to walk a different path, then the spirits would guide her.  They could only help their daughter follow the course that she was given.

A commotion at the outskirts of the camp drew everyone’s attention and they were standing beside the fire watching Donoma’s pony rush towards them... empty.  Immediately the warriors began to rally together, preparing to head out into the stark blackness beyond the camp to find one whose value was highly prized among them.  Even if she scorned them as mates, no one wanted to see harm come to the one who had done so much for them.

Before any of them could move to the horses, Takoda motioned them back to their campfires.  He had promised Donoma Chepi there would be no interference in her quest – but he had only promised because he himself had been gifted with a vision several days prior to hers.  He knew what she was searching for even if she did not yet.  And he knew what she was searching for would come to her.

The warriors looked at him askance as though not believing he was willing to leave his only daughter, a very gifted seer in her own right, out on the prairie alone.  She was not trained in the warrior’s ways and they saw her as vulnerable alone.  Aside from her value as a mate, there were a number of warlike tribes who would consider her a great prize for her shamaness gifts if she was not destroyed by those who hated the Blue Coats and the white men they defended.

Then they heard the heavy, solo hoof beats of the big black and their attention returned to the darkness of the plains.  Whoever was approaching not only knew their way but expected to be treated as a friend.  Then she came into the first circle of firelight and the warriors rushed away from their campfires to help Donoma relieve herself and the very large horse of its burden.

The rider groaned as the shift in position once more caused bolts of agony to shoot all over the broken body.  Mindful of the wounds they could see and especially those they couldn’t, the rider was gently deposited onto the travois two of the men had carried over.  Together they brought the litter to the shaman’s fire and he motioned them into his tent before following them in.

Donoma moved to go in behind them when Litonya stopped her with a shake of her head.  Donoma removed her mother’s grip from her arm and looked her in the eye before speaking.  “Nahko’e, I must.”

Litonya’s dark eyes held her daughter’s bright green ones, seeing so many emotions swirling in their depths.  But in that glance she knew that it was need that drove Donoma to follow the rider and her father into their home.  Litonya released Donoma and sat back down at her place at the fire, putting water on to heat and knowing Takoda would call for her when she was needed.  Until that time she would wait and worry in silence with the rest of her people.

************

Donoma ducked her head only slightly to enter the already crowded space.  Takoda turned to her as though expecting her presence and he motioned the warriors out with a nod of gratitude before turning his attention back to their unexpected guest.  He sat back on his heels and gestured her closer.

“You know who this is, nahtona?”

“Yes, Neho’e.  I know it has been several cycles since she left us, but I recognized Koko Kanti as soon as I saw her,” Donoma stated softly as she pushed the hair away from Koko’s bruised and dirty face before turning her attention to the bleeding form.  She and Takoda worked swiftly together to remove the bloodstained jacket, then she ripped the buttons holding the rough shirt closed, gasping when she saw the damage someone had wrought to the strong, beautiful body before her.

Automatically she reached for a bowl and cloth to clean around the wound before she started to repair the injury, not surprised to find her mother crouched beside her holding them ready but wondering how she knew.  Donoma took them with a grateful nod, instantly turning her attention back to the broken woman lying so still under her ministrations. 

Her parents watched for a long moment, realizing Donoma had retreated into her own world as she tended to Koko.  Takoda jerked his head at Litonya and then followed her out of their home, leaving Donoma to complete her task in private.

Word had already spread about the suspected identity of their unexpected guest.  So the rest of the tribe turned to them when they emerged and the chieftain approached the fire, knowing Takoda would not leave his until they knew how Koko fared.  Takoda motioned him to a seat and Odahingum took the honored place the shaman offered him.

They didn’t speak at first – there was no need.  It was understood that Donoma would give them whatever answers she could when she was able.  Gradually though, they spoke of other things... simply to ease the tension that could be felt throughout the camp at the startling turn of events.  Slowly the others took the hint and quiet conversation returned to each fire though their attention was still partly concentrated on the shaman’s home.

Finally however, when it became clear that Donoma would not be leaving Koko’s side in the near future, Odahingum cleared his throat and began to speak.  “Takoda, why has she returned to us after all this time?  I have heard the stories of her life among the white men – they say she is a cruel and dangerous woman.”

Takoda puffed on his pipe for another minute, formulating his response carefully.  When he did so it was slowly and with deliberation, mindful of the fact that while, Odahingum was his friend, he was also the Chief and it was his responsibility to oversee the welfare of the entire tribe.

“She has not yet spoken, Odahingum, so I can only give you my thoughts on the matter.  But I believe she came home to seek her mate.  This is her home after all and she is well into the age when a warrior looks for companionship if not love.”

Odahingum’s eyebrows flew into his hairline.  “A mate???  Here?  Why?  And why now??” the chief asked, not raising his voice, but managing to put a significant amount of incredulity into his whispered tone.  Takoda looked at him steadily and Odahingum took a deep breath and shook his head.  “I am sorry, my friend.  I know you answered those questions already.  I just....” he paused.  “You’re right; this is her home, but she has been a part of the white man’s world for so long I never thought she would return here.”

“Nor did I until recently.  However, it is my firm belief that she is still true of heart and strong of spirit as she was when she left us.  She should be welcomed among us as the missing warrior she has been.  She has brought no shame to our clan, Odahingum.”

“You are certain, Takoda?  What of the things I have heard?”

“I know Koko Kanti is dangerous – she is a warrior born and bred.  And I am sure she can be cruel and vicious if the need arises.  But not once in the years she spent here did she ever turn that fierceness against us though there was ample opportunity for her to do so.  How many times did she defeat our sons in mock-battles and yet leave their dignity intact?”

Odahingum laughed.  “Too many – but at least she left them their dignity after the first time.”

Takoda snorted.  “At least they learned better than to challenge her after the first time.”  He paused, letting silence fall as he puffed on his pipe once more.  Finally he felt compelled to finish his defense of the child they had taken into their tribe so many cycles before.  “She deserves the opportunity to speak for herself, my friend.  I believe it is in our best interests to listen before we pass judgment.  The spirits have returned her to us at this time for a reason.”

“You have seen?”

“Nothing definitive, but enough.”

Odahingum nodded.  “Very well.  I trust you, Takoda; you have never had anything but the good of the clan in your heart.”  The chief turned when Litonya offered him a cup of tea, accepting it with a gracious nod of his head even though her eyes never met his as was the custom with their people.  She offered the same to her mate and Takoda brushed his fingers over hers in thanks, smiling when Litonya’s deep brown eyes met his with a hint of a smile.

“Anything?” he questioned her softly.

She shook her dark head.  “No... Donoma is still working.  I think she will remain with her even when her task is complete,” holding Takoda’s eyes firmly before stepping back.  “She will be in need of more fresh water.  She will not let me do anything else.”

“As it should be, nâhtse'eme.  This is her quest; this will give her the answers she has long sought.”

“Let us hope it brings her a measure of peace.”

“This is why you cannot see clearly?” Odahingum asked Takoda once Litonya had crossed back into the dwelling where Donoma continued to work on Koko.  “Because it is Donoma Chepi’s quest?”

Takoda nodded. “I know some things... have seen the possibilities of others.  I can offer guidance, but this pursuit is hers alone to take.”  He stopped speaking, unwilling to say anything more and though he still had a number of questions, Odahingum fell silent. He respected Takoda’s place in the tribe and knew if there was more he needed to know, Takoda would tell him.  Until then Donoma was entitled to some privacy on the matter although Odahingum suspected whatever was coming would not stay private for very long.  There was something about the two of them together....  There always had been since the day the half-breed and her white mother had been taken into the tribe.

His mind wandered back to the day fifteen cycles before.  What he himself had seen and what Takoda had shared with him later....

************

It had been blazing hot... one of the hottest summers that even the oldest of their elders could recall.  Heat rose from the parched land in waves, and the People were traveling behind the slowly moving herd, neither unwilling to exert themselves much.  Without warning a scream brought the caravan to a halt.  Takoda, ever patient and recognizing the unusual sound, rode back to Litonya to find their five-year-old blonde fury clutching at his wife’s midriff while tears ran down her face.

He wondered what had happened to bring such intense emotion out into the open.  They had discovered her as a baby abandoned in the remains of a decimated wagon train. Though she had lived with them almost her entire short life, Donoma Chepi had always been a quiet, reserved child with everyone who came into contact with her.  Only by accident had Takoda just recently realized she possessed much the same gift he did for seeing.  Not questioning the Spirit’s wisdom in gifting one so different and so young, he lifted Donoma into the saddle in front of him, sensing she had seen something that frightened her.

Takoda cocked an eyebrow at Litonya, but she shrugged and shook her head, not knowing what had caused their young daughter to wail like a banshee.  Takoda kissed the top of her head and Donoma burrowed deeper into him seeking comfort.  He glanced up when the sound of hoof beats came closer, noting Odahingum making his way back to them with concern etched on his face.

“Takoda?”

He looked at his chieftain and friend with honest confusion.  “I do not know, Odahingum.”  But before he could add anything else Donoma spoke softly.

“Help them.”  Two sets of dark brows rose into equally dark hairlines, wondering what the normally reticent child was talking about.  She sat up straight, allowing her bright green eyes to meet Takoda’s before imperiously pointing north of where the procession was currently stopped.  “Help them, Neho’e.”

“Who, Donoma?  Can you show me where to look?”

She returned his gaze steadily and nodded.  Takoda waited until she tucked her head under his chin again before moving his gaze back to Odahingum.  The chief returned his look for a long moment before nodding and calling for several scouts to accompany them.  Within moments a small troupe was ready to move out.  Odahingum gave them their orders and they set off towards the north while the rest of the People continued east towards water.  Takoda and the scouts would join them as soon as they had investigated whatever it was Donoma clearly expected them to find.

Though it seemed that the sun was unmoving in the sky, almost thirty minutes passed before Donoma spoke again, motioning towards a small outcropping just ahead.  Just before they reached it, a shot rang out and they pulled to an abrupt halt.  Donoma tugged on the reins, trying to encourage the horse to move forward again, but Takoda held them firmly.  Finally, sighing loudly, she turned back to him.  “Neho’e... help them.”

He glanced down at her before giving hand signals to the scouts, waiting for them to spread out before dismounting and catching Donoma when she leaped into his arms with utmost confidence.  Takoda set Donoma on her feet and she took off running towards the outcropping; Takoda sprinted after her, catching her in two long strides and sweeping the child into his arms.  “Neho’e....”

“We will help them, Donoma.  But we must tread carefully.”

“They are afraid, Neho’e.”

“Then we must be extra careful not to scare them anymore.  No more running, Donoma Chepi.”  The blonde head nodded her agreement, knowing her full name meant nothing but trouble if she argued.  Takoda set her down again and held out his hand; Donoma took it and they slowly approached the rock ledg, just able to make out two figures sheltering beneath a scant bit of shade.

“Close enough,” a rough young voice called out. “Who are you?  What do you want?”

“My name is Takoda....” the shaman started to speak, but was cut off by the voice again.

“Who’s the baby?”

Donoma stamped her foot.  “I am not a baby!  I am Donoma Chepi, nahtona of Takoda and Litonya.”

A second voice answered this time – older and with a hint of a smile in it.  “Why are you here, Donoma Chepi, nahtona of Takoda and Litonya?”

“We came to help,” Donoma replied bravely.

There was silence then; a long pause in which Takoda and Donoma stood quietly waiting. The shaman kept his focus on the crags while his daughter closed her eyes and moved her lips silently.  Suddenly the older voice spoke again.  “We thank you for your offer as I am injured; your help would be most gratefully received.”

Takoda frowned slightly.  The older voice – definitely a female – was using a very formal form of speech as though she was not speaking her native tongue.  Even accounting for the differences between his tribe and the others in the area, it was still stilted... almost ceremonial in intonation and cadence.  It made him wonder.  However, his questions did not keep him from signaling the scouts to approach from all angles, knowing he and Donoma made the most inviting target if this was indeed a ruse perpetuated by one of the more warlike clans.  Donoma’s first family had been destroyed by one; he didn’t want her to lose a second, nor did he want to lose her to them.

The scouts reached the plateau and signed the situation – only then did he and Donoma approach.  And what they found was surprising in the least.

************

Odahingum came back to the present when he heard Litonya return to the fire.  He glanced at Takoda, but the shaman merely shook his head.  The chieftain sighed silently.  It was going to be a long night.


Chapter II

Donoma looked down into pale features, gently checking each and every wound that had been inflicted on this stranger she had once called ‘best friend’.  She stripped the warrior of her white man’s clothing and cleaned away the massive amounts of blood that had dried on her skin, glad to note that it had slowed to merely a trickle.  Donoma watched her steady breathing for a long moment and wondered what could have brought Koko back to them after all this time.

She looked up when her mother exchanged dirty water for fresh, nodding her thanks and continuing her cleaning efforts.  Donoma realized she would need to sew a bit of flesh as well as wrap the damage with poultices and she met Litonya’s eyes.  Litonya ran her gaze over Koko’s exposed body, understanding Donoma’s unspoken request and heading back to the fire to fetch more hot water and the kit they kept ready for battle injuries.

Donoma accepted both with a nod of thanks and a small smile, then immediately turned her attention back to the woman who was in need of her care.  Her mind wandered back to the first time they had met – when she had been a child of five and Koko had been an angry twelve-year-old warrior wannabe.

************

Donoma had jumped into Takoda’s arms, knowing with the utmost faith that children possess in their parents that he would catch her.  The minute he’d set her on her feet she’d sprinted towards the outcropping, knowing for certain that someone there needed help.  She’d protested when Takoda had scooped her into his arms and explained the need for caution.  Donoma had been reassured that he understood they needed help and that was enough.

She hadn’t appreciated being called a baby, but the smiling voice had made her nose crinkle up in response.  She watched as the scouts slowly approached the ledge.  After a moment they signaled Takoda and he and Donoma made their way to the outcropping.  He cleared his throat and spoke again.

“May we join you?”

Two sets of bright blue eyes met his and though it took Takoda by surprise his expression did not change.  Donoma, however, was fascinated and immediately walked to the girl.  “Wow!” she exclaimed softly, causing an unexpected blush to crawl up the younger face and a smile to break out on the older one.  “You are very pretty.”  That got an outright laugh from the older woman and a growl from the girl causing Donoma to take a step back. 

The woman wrapped an arm around the small child and glared at her daughter.  “Koko Kanti!  That is enough!  She is just a baby – do you remember what your father taught you?”

“Protect the little ones,” the older girl grumbled.  Koko sighed loudly then stepped closer to Donoma who reflexively curled closer into the woman’s body.  Blue eyes met green; Koko could see the hurt in the child’s eyes and mentally lashed herself for carelessly hurting one so young who had brought help, however unwittingly.  It wasn’t the child’s fault Koko and her mother suddenly found themselves as outcasts.  She knelt.

“I am sorry, ka’eskone.”  She reached out a hand towards Donoma and waited, letting the younger child grasp her much larger one.  “Friends?”

Donoma hesitated a long moment, looking Koko in the eye to gauge her sincerity.  Then she walked out of the older woman’s embrace and right into Koko’s personal space.  She grasped Koko’s face between her two small hands and leaned their foreheads together so their eyes crossed.  “Yes,” Donoma interred softly.  “Friends.”

************

“Friends,” Donoma whispered out loud to the woman who was lying so still now under her ministrations.  “We always were a mismatched pair, weren’t we, Nutta?  I have missed you, Koko.  What brought you back to me again?”

Koko Kanti didn’t answer; her breathing was shallow but steady and Donoma bit her lip as her hands continued to dress the injuries she found while her mind wandered back to the first meeting between them.

************

“Good,” Takoda smiled at the older woman, swallowing his amazement at what had just happened between his reserved daughter and the fierce girl-woman she had just met.  He would share Donoma’s unprecedented behavior with Litonya later, but first, they needed to get back to the tribe.  “Now how can we help?”  He looked around for the first time, noting the bare supplies they had and the woman’s damaged leg.  Takoda’s eyes widened as he realized what must have happened.  But he waited for her to answer.

“If you could render a bit of assistance,” motioning to her leg, “I think we will be fine.”

“No,” Takoda said firmly.  Two sets of blue and one set of green eyes turned to stare at him in astonishment.  Donoma pulled away from Koko and stood in front of him with her hands on her hips.  He briefly wondered where she’d developed the stance before he knelt to be at her level; it wasn’t common to the People.  “You led us here and you asked me to help, ka’eskone.  Well... I am helping.  I am going to take them home with us.  We can help them better if there are many hands and they can help us as well.  They will be part of our family,” he added, seeing the younger female’s eyes glitter at the thought of accepting help.

“No,” Koko growled.  “No family.  Help Nahko’e, then leave us.  I will care for her.”

Donoma turned.  “Koko,” the child said, crossing to take the older girl’s hand in hers.  “Come as friends.  Neho’e will find a place for you.  You can stay with us until you are ready to go home.”

“We have no home,” Koko spat, just stopping herself from jerking her hand away from Donoma’s.

Donoma frowned gravely.  “Why?” trying to understand politics far beyond her five-year-old mind.  Then before anyone could answer her query she shrugged and tugged Koko’s hand.  “If you have no home, then you must come with us.  I need a mêhané to play with.  I only have hestatanemos and they do not let me play with them – they say I am too little for their boy games.”

“You are welcome to come with us to summer camp until your Nahko’e recovers from her injury.  If you want to leave us after that, we will not stop you.  And if you decide you would like to stay, we will welcome you as productive members of our tribe.”

“I am a warrior,” the girl proclaimed proudly.  “I would expect to be treated as such.  I do not do woman’s work, nor will I be wed to a man unless I choose to do so.”

Takoda’s eyebrows went into his hairline.  “I give you my word as the clan’s shaman – if you pass the tests of a warrior, you will be treated as a warrior.  But know this, Koko... there will be many who would see you fail your claim.”

“Then they will need to defeat me in battle.  And I have not yet been defeated by my peers.”  Her eyes were aggressive and her stance was proud.

“Then you would be most welcome among us indeed, young warrior.”  Takoda paused and spread his hands.  “However, all this talk is doing nothing to relieve your mother of her pain.  What do you say to my proposal?” tacitly acknowledging Koko’s defacto status leadership role at the moment.

Koko looked at her mother, but the blue eyes told her nothing, placing the decision squarely on Koko’s shoulders as the head of the household.  Koko turned her gaze back to Takoda, measuring his worth as a real warrior would.  Then she turned to Donoma who had watched the entire proceeding with intent, interested eyes.  Koko walked over to where she stood and knelt down to Donoma’s level, putting them eye-to-eye again.  “What say you, Donoma Chepi, nahtona of Takoda and Litonya?”

“Will you still play with me when you are a warrior?”

Koko looked into guileless green eyes.  “Yes,” she vowed unblinkingly.  “And you can be my advisor. Great warriors always have advisors they trust.  And if you found us, then you must be a great seer.  I would be very fortunate to have you as my advisor.”

Donoma’s smile lit up her whole face and her eyes sparkled with happiness.  “Really?”

“Really,” Koko confirmed.

“Then you have to come live with us.  I do not think my Neho’e will let me leave home yet to go with you no matter how strong a warrior you are.”

“It is settled then,” Koko stated firmly, hiding her smile at Donoma’s whispered confidence and rising to her feet once more to face Takoda.  “We will go to summer camp once Nahko’e’s leg is cared for.”

“And then?”

“And then I will prove myself a warrior to my new clan and my Nahko’e will teach the language of the white man to those who desire to learn.”

Takoda turned to the woman.  “You would do this?”

“Yes, certainly,” she replied without hesitation.  “It is my mother tongue after all, and if it would benefit my new clan....”  She trailed off and grimaced as a wave of pain washed through her body.  Takoda noticed and immediately took charge of the situation, feeling things had worked out satisfactorily enough for the time being for him to do so.  With an economy of motion he soon had the older woman’s leg taken care of and loaded onto a makeshift travois.

The horse that pulled the litter he gave Koko to ride alone and he was pleased to see that she had not boasted of her skill – she had stated plain fact.  The scout who had given up his horse rode double with another and Donoma was once more seated in front of Takoda.  Then he gave a signal and the little band moved out, headed back to where the main tribe would have set up an early camp to await their return. Takoda imagined this would be the talk around the campfires for quite some time to come.

************

Takoda came back from his memories with a start when his eldest son stood beside him, waiting for an invitation to join him and Odahingum at Takoda’s fire.  With a grunt and short, choppy gesture, Takoda bade Honaw to join them in their task.  This son more than any other member of the tribe, had questioned Koko’s right as a warrior, but he had been the first to embrace her when she had proven her worth.  Honaw might be hardheaded and stubborn, but he was not stupid and he was also incredibly fair.  And he and Koko had formed a fast friendship – depending on one another as blood brothers in battle.  Only Donoma had been more upset at Koko’s abrupt departure five cycles previously but for entirely different reasons.  Honaw believed he understood Koko’s motivation; all Donoma knew was that her best friend had simply left one day and never returned.

Honaw lit his pipe and let his mind wander back to the day they had first arrived in camp.  What a stir that had caused.

************

Odahingum met Takoda’s troupe with a welcome party of his own.  His eyebrows rose into his hairline as he realized that Donoma was obviously far more gifted in the ways of the Spirits than they had previously thought.  Then he turned his attention to their guests.

Koko sat straight on the back of her horse, meeting his eyes like a warrior would.  The woman resting in the litter behind her was obviously related and Odahingum wondered what had brought them to his tribe.  He turned to Takoda for answers.

“Odahingum, this is Koko Kanti, warrior-in-training and her mother....”  Takoda broke off as he realized he didn’t know the white woman’s name.  He looked at Koko.

“My mother is called Rae’l.”  Takoda nodded his thanks.

“Odahingum, I believe we should get our new friends settled.  Tomorrow will be soon enough to talk.”

The chieftain nodded his agreement.  “Very well.”  He motioned to those who had ridden out with him to take custody of the travois and move it into the camp and some welcome shade.  Koko let them, knowing her mother needed care beyond what she could provide, but she kept a very close eye on where they went.  She knew what her responsibilities were and she would not fail the promise she had made to her father when he had agreed to teach her the warrior ways.  “Do we have a place to put them?”  Odahingum continued speaking to Takoda.

“Litonya and I will make room for them in our home tonight.  Once Koko Kanti has proven herself the warrior she claims to be, we can begin constructing them a place of their own.”

Honaw, Takoda’s eldest son, had chosen to accompany the chief’s party out of the encampment to greet his father.  He was of an age about the same as Koko, slightly older but just on the cusp of adulthood and ready to prove himself a warrior.  At Takoda’s words he laughed.

“Her... a warrior?  She could not defeat the weakest of us in battle.”

“Then as the weakest, I suppose you are volunteering to be defeated first?” she sneered at him.  The boy’s face turned crimson with rage.

“I am not weak!” he snarled.  Honaw jumped from his horse and drew the bone blade he carried.  “Defend yourself.”

Donoma sat quietly on her father’s knee watching the proceedings with interest.  She had never met anyone like Koko before.  Even though Donoma knew she was a little different than the rest of the children in the tribe because of her green eyes and red-gold hair, she was still treated as a little girl would be.  Koko, however, was different than anything she had ever known.  No one had ever challenged Honaw before – not even the chief’s firstborn son Keezheekoni. Honaw was the acknowledged champion among the warriors his age, having proved himself in every arena.

Koko slid from her horse easily, managing to put a negligent swagger into the action.  She sauntered up to Honaw and looked him over insolently, her disdain of him clear in her expression and her lack of a weapon.  “Well,” she motioned to him lazily.  “Are you going to make me wait all day for you to gather your courage?”

Furious, Honaw swung his blade at her only to discover she was not where he had expected her to be.  He turned to find her behind him, waiting for him to make his move again.  He growled and swiped again to find his blade hitting air a second time.  This time though, she didn’t give him another chance to strike.  Instead she went on the offensive, knocking the bone knife from his hand and bringing her foot up into his midsection, making him double over gasping for breath.

Koko deliberately turned her back and walked away, interested in seeing if her father would continue to be right about the male warriors she would face.  She heard him shift before Donoma screamed out a warning and Koko kicked out again – this time knocking him flat on his back.  Honaw didn’t have time to catch the breath she had again driven from his lungs before Koko had straddled him and was holding a steel-bladed knife at his throat.

“Do you yield?” calling on his honor to end the fight and claim her victory.  He would lose face if he did not yield or if he attacked her from behind again.  She had beaten him fairly in front of witnesses.

“I yield,” Honaw agreed sullenly. Koko looked into his eyes to gauge his sincerity, having learned at a young age how to tell if she was being lied to.  She nodded and rose to stand over him, then extended a hand out to him.  Honaw looked at it and her for a long moment. He knew his next actions would determine a number of things in both of their futures.  Accepting her hand meant he accepted her as a warrior and an equal; rejecting it meant she would do battle with each of the warriors-in-training and even her victories would matter little if he did not welcome her.

Honaw looked at his father then the chieftain, but neither of them showed any indication of which choice he should make.  After a long moment Honaw took Koko’s hand and stood, clapping her on the back in celebration of her victory.  She smiled and he smiled back.  He had no way of knowing that his simple act of accepting Koko as a warrior into their tribe would change the course of several lives including his own.

As soon as it was clear that the fight was over and Koko had won, Donoma squirmed to get down and Takoda released her.  She ran to Koko, standing in front of her defensively and turning to face Honaw.  “Hestatanemo, she is my mêhané now and I am her warrior advisor.  You cannot treat her badly.”

Honaw squatted down to Donoma’s level.  “She defeated me in fair combat, ka’eskone.  We will be blood brothers and will protect one another in battle.  I promise I will not treat her badly.”

Donoma leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck.  “I am glad she did not hurt you, Honaw,” she whispered.  “And I am glad you did not hurt her.  I do not think she has had many friends in her life.”

“Well, she has us now, and soon she will have a whole tribe of friends though we may have to work to convince Keezheekoni that she is a worthy warrior.”

Donoma frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. She knew from listening to her brothers’ talk that Keezheekoni always took more convincing than just someone saying so.  He always wanted proof he could see for himself.  His caution wasn’t a bad thing, but it didn’t necessarily make him a good leader either.  And it did make him difficult to deal with sometimes.

Honaw appreciated her frustration.  Donoma may have only been five years old, but she understood much about the world around her. He and their brothers would not let her play with them to protect her.  It was the only thing their father had charged them with from the day she had been found and brought into their home.  But still she had seen and heard much in her short tenure on Earth so far though it would be a while yet before anyone knew how much.  He tousled her hair, then laughed when she scowled fiercely at him before turning to Koko holding out her hand.

“Let’s go find your Nahko’e, Koko.  My Nahko’e should be with her and I want you to meet her.  She will like you.”

The rest watched them walk away, marveling at the difference that Koko had made in Donoma’s demeanor in less than the span of a day.  No one knew enough about Koko to realize what a significant change Donoma had already wrought in her but they would eventually. Odahingum looked at Honaw then at Takoda.  “You realize this will turn our world upside down... at least for a little while.  Even with her defeat of you, the rest may not accept her so willingly into the clan as a warrior.”

“Then I will guard her back as I promised Donoma I would.  As far as I am concerned, Koko has earned her place.  If I have to tell of my defeat, then I will do so.”  Honaw spoke as a warrior and not a child and held the chief’s eyes.  “I gave my word.”

Odahingum nodded in satisfaction.  It was not often that the youngest of the warriors took such an oath, but it was expected that they honor such a covenant even as the oldest of the elders would.  And for Honaw to do so for someone he had just met *and* been defeated by was extraordinary.  He wondered what Honaw had seen that he had given his pledge to his sister so easily. 

Maybe one day the boy would share.   Until then they had new members to welcome into the tribe.

************

Litonya watched her daughter from the doorway, her memories of another time and place still sharp and clear as they had been when they happened.  Rachel’s and Koko’s coming to their tribe all those years ago had changed so much for all of them, though none of them could have foreseen how much at the time.  Koko’s skin was clean and Donoma had flushed all the dirt and poison she could extract from the wounds. She reached for the smallest bone needle and some gut sinew.  A glance at Koko’s face told her that the woman was still unconscious. Donoma took a deep breath and started to close the ugliest of the injuries, remembering her mother had done the same with Rae’l when they had first joined the camp.

Litonya watched in silence and let her mind take her back to the day they had arrived in camp.


Chapter III

Litonya motioned the litter bearers to her home, knowing Takoda expected her to begin cleaning up and caring for the stranger he and Donoma had found until he arrived to take over.  The young men set the travois down gently and waited for Litonya to dismiss them.  She turned to see what she would need, only just restraining the gasp that wanted to escape when she realized her patient was a woman.

With a few terse words Litonya scattered the scouts, sending them out of her home for clean hot water, bandages and her kit.  She knelt at the woman’s side smoothing back unruly curls that had worked loose from the braid the auburn hair had been fastened in.  Litonya looked her over carefully, then began to remove her clothing so she could see the parts of the woman’s body that were covered.  A hand on her wrist halted her movements and dark brown eyes met bright blue steadily.

“It is all right,” she soothed gently.  “I am not going to hurt you.  I need to see what damage has been done so I can start the healing process.”

The injured woman slowly nodded her agreement and released Litonya’s hand.  Litonya smiled and patted her hand comfortingly before resuming her work.  She eased the dress over the other woman’s head, wincing when she saw the cuts and bruising over her body.  A call from outside the door caused her to pull a light blanket up before bidding the voice to enter.

The scouts came in quickly, placing their burdens beside her and escaping.  Litonya turned her attention back to the woman, looking her in the eye as she squeezed excess water from the cloth she held.  “What are you called?”

“My name is Rachel,” the woman said softly, “but I am called Rae’l by most.  It is easier to say.”  She gave Litonya a ghost of a smile, pleased when it was returned without hesitation. 

“What happened to you, Rae’l?  Who did this to you?”

Rachel sighed.  She supposed these people would need to know the barest essentials of her story – they deserved that much for their kindness to her now even if it meant they threw them back out into the elements.  But somehow she didn’t think that would happen – not if the little girl Donoma was any indication of how they felt.  “My husband’s people,” she answered shortly.  “We were removed from the tribe after his death.”

Litonya’s eyes widened.  She knew of tribes that purged themselves of perceived impurities to their tribe and bloodlines, but she had never had any personal experience with it until now.  Then she realized what Rachel had said.  “Who is we?” carefully cleaning the briars from the scrapes.  She wondered if they had been abused before being cast out or if the damage had been done because of the circumstances they had suffered through.

“My daughter and myself,” Rachel was answering her question.  “It is complicated, and it is my daughter’s story to share as the acting head of the household.”

Litonya blinked, understanding far more than Rachel was willing to say.  Only one circumstance would make a girl child the head of the family. And if that was the case, Litonya would hear the story when the girl shared it with Takoda and Odahingum.

“Very well, Rae’l... I understand.  Can you tell me if these marks came from your expulsion from your village or from your travels here?”

“From our travels – I am not accustomed to such activity and Koko is still growing into her skills.  I am afraid sometimes my clumsiness is faster than her reflexes,” smiling again at this woman whom she felt could be a friend to her if they were allowed to stay.

Litonya smiled back.  She hoped the elders would consent to this woman and her child remaining as part of the tribe.  Despite her obvious ‘white man’ heritage, Rachel had the same heart and courage that the People possessed.  Litonya had the distinct impression they would make a welcome addition to the clan.

“I think it is that way for all of us,” Litonya assured Rachel as she smeared poultice across the myriad of cuts and bruises on her body before wrapping them in clean bandages.  “It is part of growing up and getting older.”

“Well, I cannot comment on the growing up part – it has been a long time since I did that, but I would like to say that getting older is not always much fun.”  She shifted then winced when she twisted her leg the wrong way.  “This would be one of those times actually,” she admitted with a weak laugh.

Litonya nodded slowly.  “I think it is broken, my friend,” laying a comforting hand on Rachel’s shoulder, appearing not to notice the injured woman’s startled gratitude.  “It is going to take more than me to fix it.”  A noise from outside drew their attention and Litonya’s face creased into a huge smile.  “However, if my ears do not deceive me, my daughter has brought your daughter home, and that means someone who can help me with your leg should not be far behind.”

“Nahko’e,” called out a five-year-old voice.  “Can we come in?”

Litonya looked at Rachel who pulled the light blanket up then nodded in her direction.  “Come in, ka’eskone, and bring your new friend.”

Donoma pulled the heavy flap aside only to find it taken out of her hands by her new best friend.  She smiled back at Koko who smiled in return and motioned her forward before following her in.  Donoma nodded to her mother before kneeling at Rachel’s side and patting her hair.

“How are you, Rae’l?”

Rachel blinked, then realized Koko must have told the child her name at some point.  She smiled, watching Donoma’s nose crinkle up when she smiled in return.  “I am better, thank you.”  Donoma turned to look at Koko who still hesitated in the doorway.

“See, Koko?  I told you my Nahko’e would make yours all better.”

Rachel held out a hand and beckoned her daughter forward; Koko stepped away from door and took Rachel’s hand in her larger one as she knelt beside her.  “I will be all right, Koko Kanti. You did a good job taking care of me.”

“But....”

“No buts, Nahtona.  We will be safe here for however long we are allowed to stay.”

“We can make our home with these People, Nahko’e, if you so wish it.  The offer has been made and already I have taken the first steps to prove myself a worthy warrior to the elders.”

“She is my new big mêhané, ,” Donoma explained seriously to a surprised Litonya.  “And I am her warrior advisor.”

“Oh really?” Litonya inquired straight-faced though there was a distinct twinkle in her eye. “How did this happen?”

“Yes... we made an agreement.”

“Well then... we cannot break such a sacred bond.  So what do you say to helping me prepare pallets for your hestatanemos to sleep outside tonight.  That way there will be room for your new mêhané and her Nahko’e to share with us until we can construct them a home of their own.”

“Do we have to?”

Litonya looked at Donoma with a frown.  “You do not want to share lodging with Koko?”

“I do not want them to live somewhere else,” Donoma stated plainly.  “Can we not move the boys out and keep Koko?”

Koko flushed red and Rachel wisely bit her lips to keep from laughing at the child’s uninhibited spirit.  Litonya was not quite so controlling of her own reaction though she managed to temper her astonishment over Donoma’s reaction to the newcomers.  She wondered if it was because they were different as Donoma was or if it was something she felt about them beyond that.

Shaking her head Litonya took Donoma’s hand.  “No, ka’eskone.  If Koko Kanti is to be a warrior in her own right, she needs her own home and fire as the rest of the warriors possess.  The same will happen to your brothers as they become of an age to marry and have homes of their own.   The difference for Koko is that she already has the responsibilities of a household with her mother being a widow.”

Donoma shrugged.  “I guess... but I would still rather keep her.”

“I will come over every day that I can, ka’eskone.  I promised you.”

“And besides,” Litonya added.  “She won’t be leaving for at least a few days, Donoma.  We have to build them a shelter first.”

Footsteps approached the home and then Takoda swept aside the door and stepped into the confined space.  Koko stood and extended a hand to Donoma who accepted it with alacrity.  “Come, ka’eskone.  We will go play and leave the adults to their work.”

Takoda gave her a small nod of thanks, knowing Koko would take Donoma far enough away from their home that she would be unable to hear Rachel’s cries of pain as they dealt with her leg.  Already the older girl was showing signs of strength and leadership that some adults had yet to master.  He turned his attention back to the injured woman, moving the blanket out-of-the-way just enough to study the damage she had wrought to her leg.

Donoma held on tightly to Koko’s hand, unwilling to let the older girl go in case she changed her mind once they reached the outlying fields where most of the children were gathered playing games.  Donoma was not a stupid child and she knew Koko would probably prefer to practice warrior things with the boys her age.  But for just a little while, she hoped Koko would keep her promise.  Maybe for a little while she wouldn’t be so lonely.

***********

Donoma came back from her musings to find her work completed and Koko still unresponsive.  She sat back on her heels and just looked at the woman who for all her growing up years had been her whole world and her very best friend.

She smoothed the dark hair away from the planed features, wondering what had happened and how Koko had managed to let her guard down so far that she could have been hurt so badly.  Donoma clearly recalled the thrashing Koko had applied to Honaw the first time they’d met and it brought a tiny smile to her face.  Though Honaw had always been her favorite brother, he had become less cocky that day and more fun for hee five-year–old self to be around and she appreciated that.

Donoma also remembered what had happened the first time Koko had been introduced to the rest of the warriors in training.  It still made her mad to think about it.

************

They reached the field and Koko kept moving, knowing if she stopped the boys would all want to test her.  It was always the same – you could never just defeat one.  No, all of them had to be humiliated before they would accept you.  And even then if you didn’t make friends with the key players you would still be an outcast. That she felt she had taken care of with Honaw, but one never knew until it came right down to it.

Koko felt how tightly Donoma was holding onto her hand, and she squeezed back gently to assure the child she had no intention of letting go.  Donoma was an anomaly as far as Koko was concerned.  She had never had someone – even her mother and father – who accepted her totally without question or reservation and without expectations.  Koko knew in her heart of hearts that the only reason Donoma was so totally accepting was because she was only five and Koko fully understood that acceptance would change into mere tolerance if she was lucky as Donoma grew older and more worldly wise.  But for now Koko was determined to enjoy the phenomenon that was being accepted for oneself.

The noise got louder as they got closer to where the boys were and Koko was resolved to ignore it.  She had made a promise to her new friend and she had no intention of breaking it. 

“I do not like them,” Donoma suddenly announced as they moved away from the boys.  “They never let me play with them.”

“What about the girls?  Do they not let you play either?”

“Not really.  I am too little.”

“And too different?” Koko asked kindly. Donoma nodded.

“How did you know?”

“Because I am too different as well.  We can just be different together.”  Koko smiled and her eyes twinkled.  Donoma stared at her closely and she frowned in response.  “What?” she growled.

“I like your eyes.  They are like mine, but different.  I think they are pretty.”

Koko couldn’t stop the blush and wondered where the kid got the uncanny ability to do that to her. She shook her head.  “I think yours are pretty too... like the color of spring grass. Now,” changing the subject before Donoma could comment any further, “do you want to play hide and seek?”

Donoma’s brow furrowed.  “Okay... how do you play?”

Koko blinked.  She thought all children knew how to play hide and seek.  Usually the older ones taught the younger just so they would be able to get away from them for hours on end.  She wondered if there was a reason beyond her age and relatively small size that Donoma had been so sheltered. “Um... what do you usually play when you come out here?”

“I am not allowed to be away from camp by myself and Nahko’e cannot come with me very often.  When she does, we look at the flowers or chase butterflies; if we are near water she will sometimes take me swimming or fishing.  We collect berries when we find them.”

“What do you want to do then?”

"I would like to learn how to climb a tree, but since we do not have any nearby... can we chase the butterflies?  I have never been able to catch one and I would like to see one up close.  I think you might be fast enough to catch one.”

Koko grinned and felt her chest swell.  She wondered what she had done to merit such faith from a virtual stranger, then determined not to let her new friend down.

“Well,” she admitted, “I have never caught a butterfly, but I am certainly willing to give it a try.  Come... let’s go see if we can find one.”

Donoma led the way and Koko carefully followed, always keeping the younger girl in her sights.  For a while they simply ran, enjoying the sun and the wind and the tickle of the tall grass.  Then Donoma stopped, realizing they had gone far enough away from the camp that all she heard was the silence.

“We have to go back,” she said sadly.  “I am not supposed to wander too far away by myself.”

“But you are not by yourself, ka’eskone.  You are with me and I am a warrior.  I will protect you and get you home safely to your parents.”

A snort interrupted them and Koko wasn’t surprised to find that some of the older boys had followed them.  She sighed.  She really didn’t want to do this again today... especially not in front of Donoma.  She liked the kid despite their age difference and she could tell Donoma liked her too.  Koko didn’t want to lose that because of a bunch of hormonally challenged adolescent boys.  But she wasn’t going to let them bully her either.

“Who is going to protect you?” the biggest of them asked though Koko noticed he was not as large as Honaw.  “You may think you’re a warrior, but I say you need to prove it.  And I do not think you can.”

Koko groaned.  She had been hoping for a bit of a reprieve here in this new place, but obviously that wasn’t going to happen.  “Are you challenging me, Little Man?” knowing the boy wouldn’t let the jibe pass unnoticed.  Koko figured if she had to establish dominance here, she might as well get it over with at the beginning.  She looked at Donoma.  She had finally found a friend; she didn’t want to lose her.

Keezheekoni was furious.  No one spoke to him that way – not even Honaw and Honaw was their acknowledged champion.  “How dare you!  Prepare to defend yourself!”  But Koko merely shook her head.

“Not here and not now,” she proclaimed with a significant glance in Donoma’s direction.  He nodded, knowing well that neither his father the chieftain nor the shaman Takoda would tolerate such behavior in front of the small child.  She would never understand the many mandates that were in place for her benefit alone.  “If you want to challenge me, you will do so in camp in front of witnesses.”

“Very well; be ready then for I will issue my challenge as soon as you arrive.”

Koko smiled.  “I will be waiting for you, Little Man.”  Then she took Donoma’s hand in hers and together they headed back towards the encampment.  The boys watched them out of sight, then he and Honaw walked away from the others to speak privately.

“You should not have challenged her, Keez.  She will defeat you.”

“Have you no faith in me, my friend?”

Honaw shook his head.  “Not this time, Keezheekoni.  She defeated me with ease and I can defeat you.  What do you think she will do?”  A beat.  “And I must stand with her in this fight; I have given my word to her and to Donoma in front of our fathers.”

Keezheekoni’s eyes blazed hot with rage for a long moment before the fire petered out.  “If she defeats me as easily as you say she will, we will accept her and make her one of us.  Our enemies will never expect such cunning.”  He sighed.  “Come, let me get this humiliation over with quickly.  I do not think I will live this down for many moons.”

Honaw grinned.  “I think it depends on how you behave after the defeat, Keez.  If you do embrace her, the rest of the warrior caste will be forced to reckon with her as well.  I think she could teach us much.”

Keezheekoni stopped walking.  “Honaw, regardless of her ability to defeat me or even you, Odahingum will not put her in charge of training.  She is not yet a warrior and has much to learn herself.”

“Perhaps,” the other boy agreed, “but that does not stop us from asking her to teach us.”  Keezheekoni looked at him skeptically and Honaw patted him on the back.  “Trust me, my he'neho.  You will understand much better shortly.”

Keezheekoni groaned and he led the group of grinning boys back toward the encampment.  They were looking forward to the upcoming altercation.  Keezheekoni simply felt dread.

************

Keezheekoni approached Takoda’s campfire and Odahingum covered his mouth to keep from shouting his laughter though he couldn’t stop his shoulders from shaking.  Honaw and Takoda looked at him in bemusement, wondering what he found funny about the current situation.  Then they realized what had prompted his reaction and they couldn’t help but exchange smiles of their own.  They all remembered well the events of that fateful evening.

Takoda motioned Keezheekoni to take a seat beside Honaw and Keezheekoni shook his head wryly, knowing exactly what had prompted the looks.  He let his mind wander back to the challenge that had given Koko Kanti her status as a warrior in their clan – the youngest to ever accomplish such a feat.


Chapter IV

Koko and Donoma walked sedately back to the camp though Koko was seething beneath her calm exterior.  She knew this would happen but she was hoping there would be a little respite before it did.  She shrugged her mental shoulders – oh well, at least getting it over this quickly she would know what sort of place she and her Nahko’e would have in this community.  Koko looked down at Donoma.

“See, ka’eskone.  I told you that you would be safe with me.  Let us find your Nahko’e, Donoma, then I have a challenge to fight.”

Donoma clutched Koko’s hand tightly.  “I must remain by your side.  It is my right as your warrior advisor.”  Her demeanor was so serious Koko struggled to maintain a stoic expression.  She had no desire to hurt Donoma’s feelings by laughing.

“I do not think your Nahko’e or your Neho’e will allow you to be a witness to the contest, ka’eskone.  I believe they desire to protect you.”  Donoma frowned fiercely and Koko couldn’t keep the grin from her face.  “We will ask.  After all, you are my warrior advisor.”

That got a grin so big from Donoma, Takoda wondered as they approached him what on earth had happened to the quiet, introspective child he had known since she’d become his daughter.  What was it about this new woman-child that Donoma related with so closely?  Then they walked to his fire and he gestured them to join him.

“Rae’l will recover but it will take some time.”

Koko nodded.  “Good... thank you.”  A beat.  “I have been challenged and Donoma has requested to remain by my side.  It is her right as my advisor.”

Takoda shook his head – things were happening so rapidly his head was spinning.  He never would have imagined when Donoma screamed so fitfully this morning that his world would be so completely turned upside down before darkness fell.  “She is a child, Koko Kanti....”

“And we have made a pact... an agreement between the two of us.  Do you mean to say that it has no value?”

“No,” Takoda protested, wondering how he was being bested by an almost warrior female child and his five-year-old daughter.  Life had not been this difficult yesterday.  He rubbed a hand over his brow and sighed.  “Of course it has value.  I just....”

“Koko Kanti!” Keezheekoni bellowed across the encampment.  The warriors all rose from their places around their campfires, smiles firmly in place at the entertainment that was obviously coming.  It hadn’t been so long since the last challenge – Honaw and Keezheekoni for the title of class champion – and they rarely happened for any other reasons in the novice classes so this was an unexpected treat.

Koko sauntered out to the middle area where Keezheekoni could clearly see her but before he could speak again, Donoma stepped up beside her.  He laughed.  “You feel the need to hide behind small children in order to fight a challenge against me?”

Donoma growled and Koko gave her a long, reassuring glance before she turned back to Keez and gifted him with a searing look.  “You bellowed?” she asked with a smirk, causing a ripple of laughter to run around the encampment.

Keezheekoni’s face grew red.  He was already fairly certain from what Honaw had told him that he was going to lose this contest, and he could accept defeat from a better warrior.  But to lose face was another matter altogether.  She was still untried as far as he and most of his equals were concerned and she had no right to humiliate him in front of the warriors.  He started to speak, but she held up a hand and he hesitated.

“Before you get angry, Little Man, perhaps you should be aware that you insulted my warrior advisor.”  Eyes widened around the encampment – only the chieftain rated his own warrior advisor in the form of the shaman.  It was unheard of for a warrior to form a bond like that with a child... and especially *this* child.  Takoda had insisted on protecting her from so much even before he had learned of her abilities.  They could not believe that he would allow such a thing.

When he recovered enough to speak again, Keezheekoni offered Donoma a slight bow.  “My apologies, Donoma Chepi.  I did not understand your position here.”  She nodded her head in acceptance of his apology and he turned back to Koko.  “You claimed the status of a warrior; that is something that must be proven out to those of us here who are earning that title as well as those who have already succeeded.  Do you have anyone to stand with you?”

Honaw spoke up.  “I will stand with Koko Kanti.  She has defeated me in fair combat and I gave my word to protect her back at the cost of my own life.”

Gasps went around the camp.  There was a no more serious vow that one warrior could make to another, and to have the class champion admit defeat at the hands of the one being challenged.... 

“Very well,” Keezheekoni acknowledged.  “Then form the circle and let the challenge begin.”

“Wait,” Takoda called as the circle closed in.  “The object is not to hurt, maim or kill – but the fight will continue until one of you yields victory.  Understood?”  Both opponents nodded their agreement to the terms and Takoda clapped his hands together.  “Very well,” he concurred, stepping back into the ring of warriors and waiting for the two to thrash things out between them.

Koko knelt down to Donoma and looked in her eyes.  Donoma took the larger hands in hers.  “You will succeed, Koko Kanti,” the young seer assured her older friend.  “And then your place here will be secure.”  Koko leaned forward and brushed a kiss over Donoma’s forehead before standing.  She looked at Honaw who was waiting patiently.

“He is weak on his left side, Koko, and he is not above trickery and deceit.  It is one thing that makes him as good as he is; he knows how to use it to his benefit.  Watch that he does not take advantage unfairly; he tried to blind me with sand during our bout.  A fair trick for a warrior in battle; not an action appreciated by any warrior who encounters it.”

Koko nodded then turned to face her new nemesis, crossing her arms and waiting for Keezheekoni to make the first move.  It was then that Honaw recognized her tactic – she waited for the other warrior to attack.  He wondered where she had been schooled in such a method.  It was generally thought best to attack first and defeat your enemy before he was able to do harm to you.  Then he heard her taunt Keezheekoni and realized she was making him careless in his rage just as she had done to Honaw himself earlier.

There were bets going round the circle, and those that had been with Odahingum’s group earlier were betting solidly on Koko Kanti.  The rest were betting heavily on Keezheekoni, certain no mere female could defeat even their second best warrior-in-training.

Keezheekoni screamed in fury and Honaw wondered what insult Koko had used to invite such fury in the moments it had taken him to place his bet on her.  Then Keez rushed towards her and she stepped to one side and extended her arm and the youth dropped to the ground choking and gagging.

Furious at her easy defeat of the chief’s eldest son, an older warrior stepped into the ring eager to show her the place he felt she deserved.  He pulled a bone blade and descended on her; she unsheathed her steel blade and he hesitated long enough for her to swipe it across his chest and draw blood.  He looked at her in astonishment – none of the trainees had ever been able to lay a weapon on him... much less draw blood.  He nodded in approval and stepped back into the circle.

Meanwhile Keezheekoni had recovered enough to stand and jumped on her back, not realizing she would use his own weight against him and simply allow him to pull her over so she landed on top of him.  The air whooshed out of his lungs and she turned to pin him to the ground.  Keez grasped a handful of sand only to find all her bodyweight resting on his wrists where her knees held him tightly in place.

“Yield to me,” she said firmly.  He glared at her defiantly and she raised her blade to his throat. Brown eyes widened in shock when he realized she carried steel and not the typical bone knife of his people.  “Yield,” she growled again.

Keezheekoni released the sand clenched in his fist and nodded his head, lowering his eyes as a sign of respect. Koko nodded and sighed, sliding off his wrists and standing before extending her hand down to him to help him stand.  Keez hesitated, then accepted the gesture with a wry smile.  It had played out just as Honaw had predicted.  He hoped she would be willing to teach them; even the older warriors could learn from her.

Keezheekoni held her gaze and spoke loudly enough to be heard by the gathered crowd.  “Let it be known that Koko Kanti has defeated me in fair combat.  We will be blood brothers and will protect one another in battle.  I welcome her into the tribe as one of our own.”

Despite whatever other misgivings Honaw had about Keezheekoni’s ability to lead, it was the capacity to acknowledge the bigger picture once he had seen it that convinced Honaw that one day, Keezheekoni would make a fine chief.  There weren’t many his age that would and in fact Honaw could hear rumblings from several of his comrades who didn’t understand Keez’s immediate acceptance of Koko.  In time they would, but for now only the older warriors appreciated Keezheekoni’s actions.

Odahingum stepped up beside his son and wrapped an arm around shoulders that were still developing.  “I believe you have made a wise decision, nae'ha.”  He extended his free hand to Koko in warrior greeting, smiling when she accepted it without hesitation.  “Welcome to our family, Koko Kanti, as a friend, warrior and ally.  We are happy to have you and Rae’l as members of our clan.”

“Thank you for welcoming us, Chief Odahingum.  We look forward to becoming contributing members of our new family and our community.”

With her acceptance a cheer rose from the surrounding warriors and Koko smiled her first full smile, prompting many of the young men to give her a second long look full of interest of another kind.  Odahingum sighed; Takoda had told him of Koko’s earlier comments on mating.  Given the skill the girl already had, it shouldn’t be too difficult to make the young warriors understand her position on the subject.  He sighed again – it didn’t mean it was going to be a fun prospect though.

Odahingum dropped Koko’s hand and Donoma jumped into her arms before any of the men could even make a move to congratulate her and welcome her to the tribe.  She threw her slender arms around Koko’s neck and hugged her tightly.  “I told you that you would succeed, Koko.”

Koko hugged the small child back gently, surrounded by the warmth and acceptance Donoma offered her unquestioningly.  “You did indeed, ka’eskone.  You are going to be a very powerful ally for this warrior.  Thank you for your guidance.”

Donoma smiled and the crowd around the two smiled indulgently.  When Donoma smiled things seemed to go better for the tribe as a whole, and with the addition of Koko Kanti to their warriors-in-training things were looking even better.

At Odahingum’s urging everyone headed back to their campfires, eager to talk about all that had happened that day and the things they had just seen and heard.  The chief, his sons, the shaman and his sons followed Donoma who was still being carried in Koko’s arms back to their respective fires next to one another.

The boys were met by their mothers and sent off to clean up while Litonya led Koko and Donoma into the dwelling where Rachel was resting comfortably.  Koko set Donoma on her feet then crossed the small space and knelt at her mother’s side.  She reached for Rachel’s hand and was glad to see bright blue eyes flutter open.

“Hello, Nahko’e.  How are you feeling?”

Rachel smiled weakly.  “I have been better, Koko, but I have certainly been worse.  Litonya has taken very good care of me and I think we will be good friends when I am able to be up and out from underfoot.”  She squeezed the hand holding hers.  “How did you do?” able to recognize the signs of a fight even if Litonya had not shared news of the challenge.

“She won!” Donoma exclaimed excitedly, running from her place by Litonya in the doorway.  “She beat Keezheekoni fair and square just like I said she would.”  Koko wrapped an arm around Donoma’s shoulders.  Rachel smiled at the pair of them.

“We have a place here, Nahko’e.  We have been welcomed as friends and allies.”

“And warriors?” 

Koko smiled.  “And warriors though I still need to speak with the chief about what that will entail.  But for now I have earned us a place here, Nahko’e.  We can settle with this clan and be safe among friends.”

“Good, Koko.  I am so proud of you.  Thank you for taking such good care of both of us.”  Rachel’s eyes slid closed and Litonya crossed to her side.

“She needs to sleep.  Today has been long and difficult and tomorrow will be much the same.  She will heal, but it will be slow; things will be difficult for her for some time to come.  Now come... you both need nourishment before you settle into bed tonight.  It has been a very long day already and I do not think tomorrow will be any better in that regard.”

Litonya led them both back out to the fire and Takoda gestured Koko to the place of honor.  Donoma clutched her hand tightly and was seated next to her for the sake of peace.  Honaw took Takoda’s other side and his three brothers sat next to him in birth order.  Litonya served out the meal, then sat next to Donoma to eat her own as Takoda and Koko talked.

“You have been well-trained already in the ways of a warrior, Koko Kanti,” Takoda offered seriously.  “Yet your skills and thinking are much different than ours.  Who was your teacher?”

Koko let her spoon drop back into the bowl she held in her hand and looked directly at Takoda to gauge the earnestness of his speech.  Satisfied she nodded her head and returned her attention to her food, taking a bite and chewing slowly as she considered the best way to answer his question.  Finally simple honesty won out.  They would need to know most of the story eventually.

“My Neho’e taught me from the time I was old enough to learn.”

“So you’ve been training for three seasons?  Maybe five?

“I have been training for almost nine full cycles.  It will be nine next season.”

“And you will be...?”

“I will be thirteen cycles.”

Takoda was hard pressed to keep a stoic face in place at her announcement, but he managed to do little more than raise an eyebrow.  Koko grinned.  She knew he wasn’t expecting that answer from her.  Honaw chuckled as soon as he was able to stop his jaw from hanging loose.

“Are you serious?” he asked after a moment, a wide grin splitting his face.

“Yes... I am a warrior-in-training; we are not allowed to express humor.”  Her delivery and expression were so deadpan, it took everyone by surprise for a moment and her pronouncement was met with dead silence. 

Then Donoma chirped out, “Koko, you are very funny.”

Koko’s expression became chagrined and she shook her head and gave a wry smile.  Everyone around the circle shared a good laugh, including Donoma though she really had no idea why she was laughing other than everyone else was.  After a moment, they settled down again and Takoda took back control of the conversation.

“I wondered how I had missed your age so badly, but it seems that you have been training since you were a ka’eskone even younger than Donoma Chepi.  Your Neho’e must have been a very great warrior to have taught you so much so young.  Who was he?”

Koko sighed.  “Honiahaka was my Neho’e.  He taught me many things before he died.”

Eyes widened around the circle.  All of them had heard of Honiahaka; he was a legendary fighter against the Blue Coats out here on the Plains.

Takoda smiled gently.  He understood so much more about Koko now than he had this morning – was it only this morning? - he asked himself again before turning his attention back to the young warrior sitting at his fire.  So many more things made sense.  But the new knowledge also brought more questions to his mind.  What had happened to Honiahaka?  And why had his family been dishonored as they had been?  Even for the sake of purity within the tribe, a warrior’s family had certain rights.

But, he decided firmly, all his questions could wait for another day.  Donoma had fallen asleep against Koko’s arm and even his sons were showing signs of fatigue.  He motioned to Litonya who accepted his bowl and removed Koko’s from her hands and then Donoma’s.  With a smile of dismissal Takoda waved her towards the tent, indicating he would settle the boys by the fire and stay with them.  It would not be seemly for him to stay in his tent tonight, especially after he had learned Koko’s true age.

“We will talk more tomorrow, Koko Kanti,” he assured her.  “But now it is time for everyone to get some sleep.  It has been a very exciting day.”  He reached down to remove Donoma’s grip from Koko’s arm but found the child resisted fiercely, a frown marring her otherwise peaceful visage.  He looked at Koko in consternation and she shrugged, then lifted the child into her arms.

“You seemed to have acquired a new charge, Koko Kanti.”

“I seem to have acquired a friend, Takoda.  Good night.”

“Good night, my young warrior friend.  May the Spirits guide your dreams.”

************

Koko Kanti thrashed restlessly on the pallet she was laying on and Donoma Chepi checked her brow in concern.  The warrior’s fever was rising already and to Donoma that meant nothing good.  She stepped to the doorway and motioned to her brother Honaw.  Of all the warriors in the camp, Honaw was the one Koko had trusted the most.  She would not mind as much if he saw her in her weakened state.

Everyone around the fire rose when she motioned, but Donoma shook her head, asking only for Honaw.  The rest watched as he went in and exited almost immediately carrying Koko in his strong arms.  Donoma walked out beside him and they headed towards the small creek the camp was set next to.

Before they could resume their seats, the second of Takoda’s sons walked briskly back into camp loaded down under the possessions he had removed from Koko’s horse.  The saddle was still bloody, but everything else was neatly packed away in her saddlebags.  Even her rifle was still in its sheath and her holstered pistols were draped around it.  He waited for his father to motion and then took them into the dwelling where Koko had so recently been, placing them gently in a stack in the back.  Then he went back out to the fire to join the rest in their vigil.

Odahingum and Takoda exchanged glances and the chieftain shook his head.  “I do not think she came home to mate, my friend.  I think she came home to die.”


Chapter V

Takoda frowned – that didn’t coincide with the brief glimpse he had been given in his vision.  He peered intently at Odahingum.  “Why do you say that, Odahingum?  It makes no sense... especially not according to what I have seen.”

Odahingum gave Takoda a sympathetic look.  “I do not know what you have seen Takoda – only what I can see right now before me with my two eyes.”  He paused.  “Koko Kanti lived with us for many years... long enough to know there would always be a place for her to call home here if she ever decided to return.  She would have returned as the warrior she was in the white man’s world but not bringing so many worldly possessions.  Everything she has need of is already here.”

“And if she was bringing gifts to honor her chosen mate?”

Odahingum shook his head.  “I understand what you are saying, Takoda.  It is just not the feeling I am receiving from her appearance.  Wounded or not, if she was coming home as a warrior to take a mate, she would never have given up her weapons even to her horse.”  He paused again.  “Perhaps Donoma will be able to shed some light on the situation assuming Koko lives through the night.”

Takoda closed his eyes.  Koko wouldn’t be so stupid to break his daughter’s heart a second time would she?  He remembered all too clearly the events of the day she had left them for good a little more than five full cycles ago.  A time after Donoma turned fifteen seasons and the first warrior had approached Takoda with an interest in making Donoma his wife.

************

Ahanu was an older warrior and as far as Takoda was concerned, an unsuitable mate for Donoma.  Takoda had his own ideas of who would make the best mate for his beloved daughter, but it was not his place to make that determination.  He would allow Donoma the choice, but he would not be without influence as well.  Hopefully she was not in any rush to be wed.

Ahanu approached Takoda first, stating his intentions and making his wishes known.  Takoda listened politely, then informed Ahanu that the choice was strictly Donoma’s.  The warrior was unhappy with that answer, thinking the decision should have been made between men... especially since he was one who had much to offer.  Why should the decision be left to one who was neither woman nor child?

Donoma and Koko came back from their afternoon walk and Donoma stayed by the fire at Takoda’s behest.  Koko walked away just far enough that she couldn’t be accused of overtly eavesdropping but where she was still an acknowledged presence.

Ahanu presented his case again, trying to convince Donoma of the benefits of mating with him.  Instead she looked at him in horror and then turned her attention to Takoda.  “No, Neho’e.  I have no desire to be mated to him or any other man right now.  I am happy as I am with you and Nahko’e and Koko and even my hestatanemos.  That is all the family I need in my life.”

Ahanu grew livid – how dare she reject him in favor of Koko.  But he was not a stupid man eithe, and jerked his head in Donoma’s direction before stomping away from their campfire.  Donoma watched him go, then turned and entered the dwelling she shared with Takoda and Litonya.  Koko watched and kept her own council the rest of the day and long into the night before coming to the only decision she could live with.

She was gone before the sun came up and no one knew the reason why.  Koko hadn’t spoken to anyone before she left and she hadn’t left written word with any member of the tribe.  And though Honaw knew she had been restless and unhappy since her Nahko’e died two cycles previously, he suspected what had happened with Ahanu had merely served as the final impetus Koko needed to leave.

But when Donoma discovered Koko’s defection she withdrew back into herself, shunning all but her family.  It was a dark time for the clan and even now Donoma bore the scars from Koko’s desertion.  Takoda wondered if either of them would ever recover from the damage that had been done to their sensitive souls due to their separation.

************

Honaw knelt down carefully beside the creek bank and placed Koko’s burning body into the shallowest part.  He removed the thin blanket Donoma had used to cover her and threw it behind him, submerging all but Koko’s face and waiting for further instruction from Donoma.  Donoma motioned to her mother who stood in the shadows nearby and requested robes and furs for Koko’s body to be placed in once her fever was down.  She busied herself with collecting enough chips to start a brisk fire burning.  Then she moved to the water’s edge to monitor Koko’s symptoms.

She met Honaw’s eyes and he smiled reassuringly at her.  Donoma remained somber and let her mind go back to the earliest days of her friendship with Koko – when the world seemed full of possibilities.

************

Things had settled down after that first hectic day when Koko Kanti and Rachel Stone had become part of their tribe.  Takoda shared with Odahingum who Koko’s father was and how long she had been training.  She became part of the advanced group of warriors-in-training and was assigned the rather daunting task of teaching others her methods of fighting and hand-to-hand combat.  Donoma was so proud of her and even more thrilled to be acknowledged publicly as Koko’s warrior advisor.  Most of the warriors welcomed them both and were eager to learn if only to give them a tactical advantage in that area of battle.  Those who weren’t – many of them being Koko’s age mates – were encouraged by the actions of their elders and soon she was teaching most of the warriors in the camp.

Odahingum was made aware of the promise she had given to Donoma and every afternoon the two were allowed a bit of time for play.  If the other warriors wondered why someone of Koko’s age, skill and natural ability was given time to play as a child instead of working on her training or theirs, they soon understood by looking at the beatific smile that now almost continually graced Donoma’s face.  They simply smiled themselves and went about their business.

It took a little while for Takoda to learn the story of Rachel’s and Koko’s exile from their original tribe, but he was patient and finally got the whole story.  What he heard made him angry and thankful at the same time because if they had been treated right by Honiahaka’s clan, Koko and Rachel would never have come to them and Donoma would never have blossomed into such a happy child.

Koko’s voice was low and even and Donoma had to strain to hear it from inside the tent where her bed was. She was supposed to be sleeping and that made her a little mad.  Why did they think she was not old enough to hear Koko’s story?  Even Rachel, who still suffered great pain and had immense difficulty getting around the winter camp, was sitting by the fire to support her daughter as she told the tale that had brought them into Odahingum’s camp.

    “My father was a great warrior – a fierce warrior – and when he was a young buck, he thought he was invincible... impervious to laws and traditions.  And he was strong enough to back his claim; he had defeated everyone who had challenged him.  When his war party happened upon a wagon train of white settlers crossing the prairie, he did not kill all those who traveled in it.  Instead he took one look into the pretty blue eyes of a young Rachel Stone and claimed her as his own.  The rest of his party thought it great fun, not realizing that he was more smitten than conquering though that understanding would come soon enough.
    When they returned to their camp, silence fell as everyone got a look at Honiahaka’s prize of war.  He took her to his tent and made her his wife – she was unwilling at first but eventually they grew to care for one another very much.  Still it did not make her accepted as part of the tribe.  But for a brief time, their lives settled.
    After several cycles of life together Rae’l became with child and in the autumn season of that cycle, she gave birth to a baby girl – me.  I was not a welcome addition, but Neho’e was happy to have someone of his own blood to instruct and teach, and Nahko’e was glad Neho’e was happy.
    Honiahaka continued to be a successful warrior – feared and respected whenever he went out and defeated the Blue Coats or destroyed the white man’s settlements.  But in the camp there was always a bit of anger directed towards him and his mongrel family, and he soon recognized that he needed to teach his half-breed, impure child how to defend herself and her Nahko’e when the time came.
    So just before I turned four seasons, Neho’e started teaching me to become a warrior, and to his great surprise, I learned quickly.  I was most definitely Honiahaka’s daughter and soon I knew more than all the other warriors-in-training did in the ways of waging war.
    The clan accepted my skills reluctantly – but only because Neho’e refused to teach the rest if I was not allowed to be a part.  And the tribe needed his skills much more than they needed to hate me or Nahko’e.  So for a while life became an almost comfortable and familiar pattern and if we were not liked, we were finally tolerated.”

Koko paused and sighed deeply, accepting the water skin from Litonya with a grateful smile.  She had never spoken so much in her entire life and her tongue felt swollen and her throat scratchy, and she wasn’t even done yet.  But these People deserved to know the whole truth of what had happened.  Koko took another long pull on the skin and drew in deep breath and resumed her story.

    “This past spring Neho’e was sent out to ambush a company of Blue Coats that were intent on building a fort in our territory – once again flaunting the agreement the government had made with our People.  But some of the tribe thought it a perfect opportunity to finally rid themselves of the impure blood that was now part of the clan.”  Koko drew a shuddering breath, but the tears that rested in her eyes were not permitted to fall.
    “So they set him up... and they ambushed him.”

“Koko,” Rachel admonished softly.  “We do not know that for certain.”

“Yes, Nahko’e... We do!” Koko answered angrily.  “*I* do!” poking a finger at her chest.  “Neho’e would not have been killed in the manner in which he died had the warriors of his own tribe not betrayed his trust!  He was better than that.  He would never have been caught unaware by the Blue Coats like that... not like he would have by his own.”

Her words fell into silence and Koko stood.  “Excuse me,” she said in unbroken English to her mother, giving the others a nod as she stood.  How far she might have gotten had she been able to get out of the firelight, it was difficult to say.  But as soon as she had both legs firmly under her, Koko Kanti found her arms full of Donoma Chepi.  And though Litonya rose to gather her wayward daughter and tuck her back into bed with a mild scolding, a look from Takoda stopped her actions.  She resumed her place around the campfire and watched as the two moved over to Koko’s dwelling.

Donoma didn’t speak; she merely ran her small hands over Koko’s wild hair soothingly, feeling the young warrior relax beneath her touch.  Koko kept her head down, relishing the gentle touch and willing away the hatred she had felt for her father’s people since the day they had brought him home dead.  Finally Koko gave Donoma a hug, holding on for what seemed like forever.  Donoma held on, sensing Koko’s need and loving the attention.  When blue eyes met green, they twinkled somberly.

“Thank you, ka’eskone.  I am very glad my warrior advisor gives such good hugs.  I feel much better.”

“Me too,” the younger child quipped instantly.  “I am sorry the bad men were so mean to you and Rae’l, Koko.  They should have been able to see all the good in you that I do.  They would never have treated you so badly.”  She paused, not wanting to upset Koko, but needing Koko to know the truth of her feelings as well. “I am sorry those bad men were so mean to your Neho’e, too.  He sounds like he was a nice Neho’e like mine and a good warrior.”

Koko smiled shakily.  “He was a very nice Neho’e, Donoma.  He played games with me and taught me tricks for hunting and trapping when we were not in warrior training.  He would have liked you very much, I think.”

Donoma beamed.  “Really?  Do you truly think so?”

“Oh yes,” Koko replied seriously.  “You have very pretty eyes and hair the color of wheat in the sunshine.  And you are very smart.  He liked to talk to people that were smart.  It is one reason he and my Nahko’e learned to love one another.”

“Rae’l is smart?” Donoma asked – not disbelievingly as much as matter-of-factly as though she had not considered such a possibility before.

“Oh yes, she is very smart.  She taught me to read and write and understand the white man’s world. If I am ever forced to live there, I could survive.  I do not think I could be happy in that world, but I could survive.”

“Do you think she would teach me?  I would like to know these things.”

Koko shrugged.  “You would need for Takoda or Litonya to approve the lessons, but I know she is willing to teach any who wish to learn.  But ka’eskone, are you sure you want to learn?  It is very difficult.  They have such a harsh and confusing language and their customs and way of life go against so much of what we know.”

“But what if I ever need to survive there, Koko?  Shouldn’t I know how to do so much as you do?”

“Ka’eskone, you will never need such knowledge.  You have your Neho’e and your hestatanemos and me to look out for you.  We would never put you in any sort of danger that might force you to become part of such a bizarre and wasteful culture.  But,” Koko continued, holding up her hand to keep Donoma from interrupting, “if you still want to learn and your Neho’e and Nahko’e are willing, my Nahko’e will teach you.”

Donoma nodded emphatically.  “Good,” she said with surprising firmness.  “I want to be just like you.”

Koko blinked.  No one had ever said that to her before and being placed into the position of a role model was a frightening and novel experience.  She found it slightly unnerving.  She swallowed.  “Come....” standing and lifting Donoma back into her arms.  “I think it is past your bedtime and I need to finish telling Takoda my story.”

Donoma shook her head.  “No,” stated without hesitation.  “You come with me.  It is time for all to sleep.  Tomorrow will be soon enough to finish telling your tale.”  She crossed her arms over her chest, trusting Koko not to drop her and narrowed her eyes into a glare.  It was so impossibly cute Koko could not resist smiling though she did curtail her laughter.  She dropped a kiss on the blonde head and Donoma snuggled back into her arms, knowing she had won her point.

They reached Takoda’s fire and three sets of concerned eyes met her gaze, searching for any sign of her previous upset and relaxing minutely when there was none.  Koko cleared her throat.  “Donoma has informed me that it is time for all of us to sleep now, and that I will stay with her tonight.  However, since we have more room in our home I think she should stay with me instead and we will continue this conversation in the morning.”

Takoda’s eyes were twinkling in delighted mirth long before Koko finished her speech, but he merely nodded his head gravely and said, “If your warrior advisor has said, then it must be true.  Is she agreeable to the change you made?”

Koko and Donoma exchanged serious glances, then Donoma broke out into a wreath of smiles and nodded her head rapidly.

“Then it is settled,” Takoda proclaimed and stood, knocking out his pipe and motioning to the rest of his family and Rachel towards their dwellings.  “We can talk more tomorrow.”  And before much time had past they were all settled down for the night.

***********

Donoma spread the blankets and furs Litonya had brought back before she returned to the encampment to heat some broth for her daughter to feed Koko.  She knew all too well that the body needed to eat to heal itself even if the nourishment had to be forced.  And if anyone was up to that particular task with this particular warrior, Donoma Chepi definitely was.

Donoma kept one eye on Koko’s injured body, wondering again what had put her friend in such horrible condition. “You did survive in the white man’s world, Nutta,” she whispered, “but at what cost?”  The wounds reminded her greatly of the story Koko had told them of her father’s body when it had been brought home to her and Rachel – a story she had shared only once.

************

The following evening, Takoda invited Koko to his fire to finish the story she had begun.  He had an idea that she needed to finish as badly as he needed to hear the rest.  She took her place in the circle - only this time Donoma sat beside her.  They had been inseparable all day and Odahingum had let them be, having heard Koko’s story from Takoda over the morning meal.  Now Takoda allowed them to stay together for the last part of Koko’s tale.

    She took a deep breath, then started speaking in a low, clear voice.  “Neho’e had been shot in the side, giving credence to the fact that he had been ambushed by the Blue Coats.  But marks on his wrists showed they had been bound and he was beaten and bruised over a large portion of his body.  His face was mangled almost beyond recognition.  I knew the way the Blue Coats fought – Neho’e made certain I understood how they fought so I would be able to defeat them with their own tactics.  I knew when I saw him that he was the victim of treachery and deceit. But my complaints were dismissed without consideration as if they were of no importance.
    Neho’e was given a burial befitting a warrior the stature of Honiahaka, his pyre burning so long and high that surely the Great Spirit mourned with us before taking his spirit to the land without the white man.
    Before his ashes were even cold, the chieftain informed Nahko’e that Honiahaka’s mongrels were no longer welcome in his camp.  She tried to argue... to fight back before I could stop her.  The chief hit her hard enough that she fell and damaged her leg.  I pulled my blade on his eldest son and drew blood.  It was the only reason we were allowed to leave though the chieftain did explain what would happen if he ever saw either of us around his tribe again.”

Silence was the only indication they had that Koko was done speaking.  Then Donoma spoke up.  “The Great Spirit will not honor that chief when his time comes to cross over.”  Takoda blinked – even he had not seen such.  Only time would tell how accurate Donoma’s sight actually was.

************

Donoma saw Litonya approaching with a bowl cradled in her hands and she motioned to Honaw to removed Koko from the water.  He scooped her into his arms and stood dripping while Donoma wrapped Koko’s inert body in the blanket she had been covered in.  Then they moved together toward the bed Donoma had created from the furs Litonya had provided.  Donoma sat first, then Honaw deposited Koko into her arms and backed away to a respectable distance – somewhere he could watch over both of them without invading the privacy he suspected they would need.

Litonya crossed to their side, easing the wet hair away from Koko’s bruised face before looking at Donoma.  They didn’t speak – there was no need.  Instead she placed the warm broth in Donoma’s hands, then swept the loose, blonde hair away from her face, pushing the few small braids she wore behind her ear.  She leaned forward and placed a kiss on Donoma’s forehead.  Then she rose and moved to join Honaw in his vigil at the edge of the clearing.

Donoma closed her eyes and brushed a bare kiss over Koko’s temple.  She felt Koko relax against her and she smiled slightly and set about trying to feed Koko the broth she held.  Then she started humming an old lullaby that Koko had sung to her on more than one occasion when sleep had been elusive because of the things she saw in her dreams and let her mind wander back to the first time Koko had shared the song with her. 


Chapter VI

The colder weather made life more difficult and challenging than it was in the warmer months but things in the clan settled and were good for a while.  The winter camp was established and they were mostly left alone by both the Blue Coats and the fiercer tribes that also dotted the Plains.  Their attention was more focused on survival in the harsher conditions, but there was still time devoted to fun as well as English lessons for a number of the tribe.  And Donoma had convinced Takoda and Litonya to allow her the opportunity to learn.

“Sometimes I wish for the shy, quiet child we once had to return to us,” Litonya grumbled good-naturedly when she heard Donoma squeal as Koko gave chase.  Takoda shushed her.

“It is good to hear her laughter, Litonya.  I had despaired of her ever being a child.”

Litonya smiled at him.  “I know, Takoda.  I just sometimes miss the peace I had around camp for a little while every day.  I think Koko Kanti and Rae’l make wonderful additions to our tribe and I am truly glad they are a part of it.”

“As am I, Litonya.  The warriors are very pleased to be learning the white man’s tongue though the younger ones are having a much easier time than the older ones are.  Still it will give us an advantage in battle and they all recognize that.”

Litonya nodded.  “Some of the women have been sitting in on the children’s lessons, but I don’t think they find it nearly as interesting.  A lot of the children don’t understand the point of it either, but Rae’l is very patient with them.  And I think Donoma’s enthusiasm is a balm to her.”

“Our daughter is very bright; she should do well in this endeavor.”

“But to what purpose, Takoda?  She is already so different from her age mates that they do not play together and you will not allow the boys near her.”

“As it should be,” he stated emphatically.

“As it should be,” Litonya agreed.  “But Takoda, is it good that she continues to remain separate from the rest?  How will she ever be a true part of the People when she remains so different?”

Takoda took Litonya’s hand in his and they turned and headed back towards the encampment.  “Litonya, she will always, *always* be different and nothing we do will ever change that.  She is of the white man even though she is truly our daughter and we love her as such.  She has an exceptional gift; I suspect her sight is more powerful than my own.  The best we can do for her is to allow her to grow into the person she is meant to be.  Other than that I will not force her into a moccasin into which she will never fit.  It is not fair to her or to the other children.  It may be that she will never be a true part of the People – I have not seen her future.  But we should give her every advantage we can.  The rest is up to her.”

“And Koko Kanti.”

“Very likely,” Takoda agreed as the arrived back at their dwelling.

As was typical at least once every few days, Donoma wheedled and cajoled until she was allowed to stay the night with Koko and Rachel.  Aside from the time it gave her with Koko that she cherished, Donoma was always excited about the chance to read with Rachel.  She saw other worlds opening up to her and she was never lonely when she went there.  Most of the time Koko was right there beside her.

The story had been funny and Rachel created intriguing different voices for each of the bears and mimicked a little girl who sounded a lot like Donoma.  But the cadence of Rachel’s voice as she read to them was rhythmic.  Donoma fell asleep before the tale was finished; Koko smiled at her mother before tucking their little guest in for the evening.  Then she stepped outside into the cold, clear night and looked up at the stars.

She and her father had shared time like this often – not speaking yet content in one another’s presence.  It was now when Koko missed her Neho’e the most.  Rachel stood in the doorway watching her for a long moment before stepping out to join her.  She didn’t say a word aloud, but her light clasp on Koko’s shoulder spoke volumes.  Koko smiled at her before turning her gaze back to the night sky.

“I miss him, you know,” Rachel said softly, her own voice low and raspy.  “I think I always will.”

Koko was quiet so long Rachel was sure she was not going to comment.  Then surprisingly, she spoke in a clear concise tone.  “Neho’e always told me that the lights in the sky were the souls of honored warriors that watched over those they had left behind.”  She glanced at her mother to find Rachel looking intently at her.  “Do you see the red light?” pointing out the particular one she was talking about.  Rachel followed the line of her arm and nodded.  “Do you see the tiny white light just to the right of it?”  Another nod.  “The night after we sang Neho’e’s spirit to the other side, that light appeared in the sky.  I like to think it is his spirit watching over us.  Sometimes I come out here and look at that light and I feel so close to him... like he is still here with us.”

Rachel remained silent for a long moment after that before turning to look directly into eyes that were mirror images to her own.  “Thank you, Koko Kanti.  Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and personal image with me.”

What Koko might have replied was lost in the sound of a frightened scream, and she was up and back in their home before Rachel even turned in that direction.  She trusted that Koko could calm Donoma’s fears whatever they were, and she still had difficulty moving very quickly.  So she slowly rose and moved to her doorway, standing at it much like she had earlier – only this time she was looking in.

Donoma was cradled in Koko’s arms and Koko was singing softly – the same song Rachel had sung to Koko when she had been a little girl.  The crying had stopped and Rachel watched her daughter tenderly push the damp blonde hair off Donoma’s face and wipe the tears from her cheeks.  Koko looked up when she felt her mother’s presence, but she didn’t stop singing.  Only when Donoma’s breathing deepened did she lay the child back on the bed of furs they generally shared and turn to her mother.  She never realized Donoma was not fully asleep but merely felt safe enough in her presence to fully relax again.

“What happened?” Rachel asked softly.  “Do you know what she dreamed about?”

Koko shook her head.  “She did not share her vision with me.  She simply clutched at me with great strength and held on to me like I was her only link to life.  I thought it best to let her do so.”

Rachel smiled at her, gentle pride in her eyes.  “You would be a wonderful mother, Koko, if that was your destiny,” she added before Koko could protest.  “I am so proud of the way you look after the ka’eskone, my nahtona.  I know it goes against your warrior nature to do so in the way that you do.”

Koko thoughtfully shook her head.  “It doesn’t, Nahko’e... not really.  There is a part of me – part of the warrior - that needs to look after Donoma Chepi so carefully.  Perhaps it is because she is my warrior advisor,” she responded slowly, not really understanding it herself.

Rachel bit her lips, looking like she wanted to comment on that particular arrangement, but she was wary of pushing.  Though Koko was still her daughter and a child in many respects, she was also an acknowledged warrior within the tribe and as such was the head of the household.  She held the responsibility of an adult; therefore she was afforded the courtesies of one as well.

Koko watched the indecision flow across Rachel’s expressive countenance.  She had learned the hard way, during her years in the other tribe, what was and was not acceptable for a female to question or comment on even within the privacy of her own household.  Koko decided to make it easier for her.

“What is it, Nahko’e?”

Rachel looked at her for a long moment as if judging how much she really wanted to ask, then blew out a breath and held out her arm.  Koko took the hint and extended her own, supporting her mother and helping her ease down onto her bed of furs before squatting down beside her.  Then she waited patiently for her mother to speak.

Rachel spent a moment just looking at Koko; she reminded Rachel so much of Honiahaka – strong, thoughtful and caring.  Rachel wondered if her daughter would be as fierce in battle or as full of anger and independent of rules as she grew older.  She had the distinct feeling that she would – her friendship with Donoma was proof enough that she would do what she thought was right. Regardless of what others decided.  She smiled softly and Koko cocked her head.

“Am I supposed to guess what you are thinking, Nahko’e or would you like to share?”  The smile she offered was teasing and Rachel had the good grace to blush. 

“Right at that moment I was thinking how much you reminded me of Honiahaka.  But before that,” a deep breath, “I was wondering why you made Donoma Chepi your warrior advisor.  She is so young, as are you relatively speaking, and yet you forged a lifelong bond to a child... a complete stranger.  Why?  Why would you place such a burden on either of you?  You could have simply been friends.”

“It is no burden, Nahko’e.”  Koko closed her eyes a moment, then opened them again and resumed speaking.  “She was not a complete stranger nor could we have simply been friends.”

“What do you mean, Koko Kanti?”

“I am not entirely sure yet, Nahko’e, but I know these things to be true.  Donoma Chepi and I are two differents. There must be a reason that the Great Spirit brought us together.”

Rachel understood exactly what her daughter meant by ‘differents’, but she had to honestly admit she had never considered either child in that manner – probably because she was the epitome of ‘differents’ in this society.  Donoma had obviously never known any other life and Koko... well, Koko tended to be a law unto herself.

“You do not think you were brought together because of your differences then?”

Koko shook her dark head.  “No, Nahko’e.  There is more to it than that.  I cannot explain it any better than that, but I know it is true.  Just as I know making her my advisor was the right thing for both of us.”

Rachel didn’t look completely convinced, but she nodded her acceptance of Koko’s words.  “Then I will ask no more questions.  But Koko remember you will always have a responsibility to her – to listen to her counsel even when you disagree and to protect her even when she wants to stand up for herself.  That is the reason such a bonding usually remains between a chieftain and his tribal shaman.”

“I know, Nahko’e, but I also believe this was necessary.”

“Very well, my daughter.  We will speak of this no more.”

************

Odahingum looked around the camp, noting the large number of people still awake and waiting for some word from Donoma on Koko Kanti’s condition.  The youngest of the children had been tucked into bed for the night, but it appeared that everyone else – everyone who had known the warrior before her abrupt leave-taking five cycles ago – sat waiting pensively to hear whether the warrior would live or die.

“This is very frustrating,” he commented to Takoda, whose posture exuded peace and confidence.  Only sitting this close could the chief see worry and hints of despair in the dark eyes that faced him.  “What is wrong, Takoda?  Do you not believe Koko Kanti will survive?”

“I am worried Koko Kanti’s return will destroy my daughter regardless of whether she lives or dies.”

“You do not think....”

“I do not know and that is what concerns me.  The longer I sit here doing nothing, the more difficult it is to bear... especially as I am unable to see anything in regards to the two of them clearly.”

Surprisingly Odahingum chuckled lightly and patted Takoda’s knee in comfort.  “Welcome to the normal world of being a parent, my friend.  None of the rest of us can see what Fate has in store for our children either.  Why do you think so much of my hair is no longer dark but silver instead?”

Takoda couldn’t help the reluctant smile that crossed his face.  “Point made, Odahingum, but it doesn’t make me worry any less.”

“Of course it does not; they are both your children in one regard or another and they have already been very badly hurt – Koko on the outside and Donoma in her spirit.  And we do not know what sort of damage Koko’s karma has sustained during her sojourn into the white man’s world or why she made the journey in the first place.  We have far too many unanswered questions as of yet.”

Takoda snorted.  “If she had not come home so critically wounded, I would have taken her over my knee and demanded an explanation for her abrupt departure and subsequent silence.  I still might if she recovers.”

Odahingum howled – the sound out of place with the somber mood that surrounded the rest of the encampment.  But he couldn’t control the laughter once the picture of Takoda attempting to spank Koko presented itself in his mind’s eye.  Not only was Koko almost a head taller, she was just much stronger and faster than Takoda had been even as a much younger man.

All eyes turned towards Odahingum, but he just shook his head and wiped his eyes. “I am sorry, Takoda, but the mental image you gave me just then was more than a little amusing.  Do you remember how strong she was as a warrior-in-training?  It used to make our sons so angry.”

Takoda nodded, a slight smile now gracing his own features.  “They never understood that Koko always had something she believed in to guide her when she fought.  And that Donoma gave her strength because it meant there was always someone that believed in her.”

“We would never be defeated by the Blue Coats or any others if each of our warriors had ties to something like those two did.  I am convinced much of Koko’s spirit and determination came from Donoma’s belief in her and not from her father’s legacy as many believe - which is one reason I never understood her disappearance.”

“I hope she lives to give us an explanation.”

“She will, my friend.  Your nahtona will make sure of that.”

************

Litonya and Honaw sat silently just within hearing range of Donoma’s voice, able to barely pick out the tune she was humming into Koko’s ear.  They had both heard Rachel and Koko sing it a few times over the years, but neither of them had learned it themselves.  It was somewhat haunting, and to hear it now coming from Donoma’s voice sent a chill skittering down both spines.  But they had resolved to stay nearby until and unless Donoma dismissed them and they watched as she tenderly ministered to the warrior that was now a stranger to them all.

For her part Donoma focused all her energy and attention on the patient she held in her arms, concentrating on getting the warm broth into her.  She refused to let herself think or feel beyond the moment she was in, knowing if she did she would lose control.  And she hadn’t yet decided if she was more hurt or angry by Koko for her defection.  All she knew for certain was that for reasons Donoma had never really questioned very deeply, more than five full cycles of seasons had passed and that part of her still ached and bled as though the wound was fresh.

She continued humming the song Rachel and Koko had taught her long ago.  It brought a measure of peace to her heart and she could feel Koko continue to relax under her ministrations.  She wondered in a distant way if Koko recognized where she was and whom she was with or if it simply the familiarity of the tune that made her feel safe.

Donoma silently thanked Takoda for teaching her the art of healing... especially the points that allowed her to force nourishment into Koko’s body while she was unable or unwilling to do so for herself.  Slowly, very slowly, Donoma placed broth into Koko’s mouth then triggered the swallowing reflex.  Koko’s breathing remained slow and steady throughout the process and Donoma breathed a sigh of relief when they were finally done.

She motioned to the two still, waiting bodies just at the periphery of her vision, noting both of them jerk into motion at her gesture.  Honaw helped his mother rise from the ground, then together they approached Donoma.

She reached out the empty bowl to Litonya.  “Thank you, Nahko’e.”

“Do you wish for more, my nahtona?”

Donoma shook her blonde head.  “No, thank you.  I do not think her body will tolerate anything more at the moment.  Perhaps later we can try again.”

“Perhaps later she will be awake to do it herself.”

Donoma nodded but she did not answer verbally.  She had serious doubts about the outcome of this particular situation.  Instead she looked at Honaw.  “I need you to help me recline and then position Koko in my embrace.  We have to get her fever down and I cannot chance her catching a chill.”

“Out here, Donoma?” he questioned.

“It is for the best, Honaw,” her eyes saying more to him than her lips would admit aloud.  He nodded, accepting her words both spoken and unspoken and took Koko Kanti into his arms while Donoma shifted into a laying position. Then he turned Koko on her side and held her until Donoma wrapped her arms around the warrior from behind.

“Thank you, Honaw,” she whispered.  “Now you and Nahko’e go back to the camp and tell them to rest.  It will be a while before we see any change bad or good.”

“I cannot leave you here alone, ka’eskone.  I know you are a grown woman,” holding up a hand to cut off her protest to being referred to by her childhood title.  “But you are still no warrior. And the warrior you hold is unable to protect you as her sworn oath to you demands.  I gave my word to her, ka’eskone, just as she did to you those many cycles ago.  Do not make me break the vow I made.”

Donoma groaned silently and closed her eyes.  She knew he was right on several levels although the knowledge did not make things any easier.  She closed her eyes and reluctantly nodded her head.  “Very well,” she conceded, “but only you and only if you wait at the edge of the clearing where you were before.”  She opened her eyes and looked at Litonya.  “Will you return to the camp, Nahko’e and give them the news?  And instruct them not to come here.”

Litonya nodded.  “How will we know...?” unsure how best to finish her question.

“I will send Honaw with word.”

“All right, Donoma.  I will do as you have asked.”  Litonya leaned forward once more and kissed her daughter’s forehead.  “Rest well... both of you,” knowing Honaw would remain awake to watch over them for as long as it took.  She watched Donoma’s eyes close and then looked at her eldest son.  “Do you require anything?  A water skin perhaps or a blanket?  I do not want you becoming sick from this and I doubt your family does either.”  They started back to the spot where Honaw would be keeping his vigil over his sisters.

“I would appreciate my fur robe, Nahko’e,” he replied honestly.  “And tell Gaagii and our children not to worry.”

“You know she will, but I will tell them anyway,” Litonya said with a slight smile.  “I will be back with your robe in a moment.  You will come get me directly if there is any change.”

“Yes, Nahko’e.”

Litonya was back in a moment as she had promised, and Honaw draped his robe over himself and listened to the sounds of the camp settling down behind him.  Then he turned his attention to the pair wrapped together by the fire and let his mind remember the things he had heard about the warrior Koko Kanti who in the white man’s world was known as Reb Stone.


Chapter VII

When Koko Kanti had disappeared from their lives, Honaw determined to find out where she was and why she had left.  He felt they all deserved an answer, but he knew Donoma *needed* one.  It shouldn’t have been too difficult; after all, Koko Kanti was a feared and respected name on the Plains.  How hard could it be to find a half-breed female warrior with piercing blue eyes?

What Honaw didn’t consider at first was that Koko was indeed a half-breed... a woman with two distinct heritages.  And when she left the tribe she used that to her advantage.  Koko Kanti was left behind as a myth... a legend born on the Plains to explain the defeats warrior bands and Blue Coats suffered alike – their very own boogeyman.  The warrior became Reb Stone, bounty hunter.

She’d chosen the name to honor her mother and her mother’s mother.  Stone for her mother and Rebecca for the grandmother she had never met – only she went by Reb.  People tended to pay less attention to the fact that she was a woman if her name did not bring it immediately to their attention.  That lesson she had learned from her mother before Rachel had crossed the Divide to join Honiahaka.

It hadn’t been too difficult to hide once she’d found some clothing.  And after capturing her first outlaw, not many people felt the need to heckle or make fun anymore.  She was able to afford better fitting clothing and a gun.  Soon Reb Stone was a name known throughout the Territories as a fearsome bounty hunter.  She never turned down an opportunity to catch an outlaw, and her kills and captures were quite... creative... to say the least.

Finally after more than two full cycles of seasons, Honaw started hearing regular reports about this bounty hunter.  More and more often the People would hear about the individual known as “Stone Cold” and Honaw began to pay attention to the rumors as they abounded.  He eventually figured they *had* to be about Koko Kanti given the descriptions he heard about the hunter, but was unable to form a firmer hypothesis, until....

Honaw went to Odahingum, telling him of the rumors he had been hearing and the possible conclusion he had reached.  The chief’s eyes widened as he listened – he had wondered how Koko Kanti had managed to completely disappear.  It had never occurred to him that she might go to live among the white man.  After a brief discussion, Odahingum agreed to Honaw’s idea and sent him to the trading post with orders to find out what was going on.

Honaw left with little explanation to anyone – he took a few furs to trade, but otherwise he went empty-handed.  He made good time to the trading post and when he arrived, he sought out the scouts.  Indian scouts were hated among the tribes for their betrayal to their clans, but they could provide useful information.  Honaw knew they tended to fall into two categories – those willing to help their native brothers to ease the guilt they felt for being a scout and those who would take greatest advantage of them because of the disdain they themselves received from everyone around them.

Honaw found one who was willing to act as an interpreter as well as give him the knowledge he needed.  Hassun translated the shopkeeper’s words and Honaw played his part though he understood both the English and the native tongue Hassun spoke – unknown to the Native scout.  That was how he knew he could trust Hassun – the scout did not try to cheat or take advantage and for that Honaw was grateful.  He had no desire to remain in this white man’s territory any longer than was absolutely necessary.  When they were done negotiating, Hassun gave Honaw his money and led him over to the saloon and into a dark corner where they could talk without interruption.

“What is your real reason for coming here, Honaw?” Hassun asked quietly once the girl had left the bottle on the table and sauntered away.  “No one comes to the trading post with so little unless there is another objective.”

“I am looking for information,” Honaw replied honestly.  Hassun nodded.

“I thought as much.  About...?”

“The one they call Reb Stone... the bounty hunter.”

Hassun’s dark eyes widened in surprise.  “That is unexpected,” he said softly.  “What do you want to know?”

“Tell me about her.”

Hassun looked at Honaw for a long moment then nodded his head.  “She showed up here two... maybe three years, um... cycles ago.  She rode a magnificent black stallion – that horse is still the envy of many in the Territories but no one goes near him but Reb. He won’t let anyone else approach close enough to touch, much less ride.”  A beat.  “She was wearing the oddest ragtag assortment of clothing I had ever seen, but by the end of her second week, she had captured her first outlaw and was able to buy better.  No one knows where she came from or what her background is.  Some say she is a savage come straight from the white man’s hell.  Others say she is a half-breed with a score to settle and still others think she is a white woman with a past of some sort.”  Hassun shrugged.

“Whatever the truth is only she knows.  She is considered somewhat odd – a woman who wears man’s clothing and does man’s work, but she has come to be well-respected in this town and throughout the Territories.  She catches her man; pays her few debts; lives quietly.  When she is in town she usually comes in for a drink and a card game if there is one.”  Hassun chuckled lightly and Honaw arched a questioning brow in his direction.

“When Reb first arrived here she was as green as anyone I had met; some of the men here tried to take advantage of that fact.  It wasn’t long before the girls here took her under their wings and taught her a few things.  Soon she was beating the white men at their own game, and now she looks after the girls here when she is in town.

Honaw blinked.  He wasn’t stupid, nor was he naïve.  He knew what the girls in the saloon did for a living.  Surely Koko hadn’t....  Hassun read the look and shook his head.

“Reb never became a lady here, Honaw, though she could have had men lining up out the door for a chance with her if she had dressed differently.  She is too much like the men for them to want to bed her.  She does keep a room upstairs though; the girls set aside one for her after she called out an outlaw who had been harassing them – beating on them and such.  The Blue Coats did nothing so Stone Cold did.  Man was dead before he had a chance to draw.”

Honaw nodded.  That was much like the Koko Kanti he remembered - Protector and Defender.  She looked out for the girls here much like she had Donoma Chepi for so long.  It was almost second nature to her to do so. 

Hassun watched the different emotions play out in Honaw’s eyes; his face remained impassive.  The scout wondered if this warrior knew more about who Reb Stone really was and knew for a certainty that even if he did, he was likely not going to share the information he had.  This was about something personal Hassun would be willing to bet his horse.

Honaw brought his dark eyes back from whatever distance they had traveled and pinned Hassun to his seat with their sharpness. “Describe her to me,” he demanded.

“Tall,” Hassun answered without hesitation.  “Almost my height and yours.  Broad shoulders, thin waist; long dark hair with a few small braids on the left side of her face; darkish skin - not nearly as brown as ours, but darker than most of the white men here; full lips, high cheekbones, glittering blue eyes that turn hard and cold when she is angry.  It is how she got the name ‘Stone Cold’.”

Honaw nodded.  He was now certain that Koko Kanti was indeed the bounty hunter known as Reb Stone.  The question was - what could he do about it?  Despite everything he could not force her to return home – that would cause more problems than it could solve, and there was every likelihood that Donoma would not appreciate his interference.  He sighed.  It shouldn’t be this difficult, but then if Koko had been a little braver or Donoma a little less innocent they never would have been in this situation to begin with.

“Is she here now?” Honaw finally asked.  Hassun shook his head.

“No. She left several days ago after another wanted man.”

“And when do you anticipate her return?”

“We do not,” Hassun stated bluntly.  “She will return when she returns or she will not.  There is no timetable for catching outlaws.”

Honaw bowed his head.  He had expected as much but he had hoped....

“May I ask...?” Hassun started but stopped at the warring looks of fierceness and despair in Honaw’s expression.  “I am sorry.  Could I perhaps relay a message?”

“No thank you, my friend.  I would be happy for her to have no knowledge of my presence here.”

“It shall be as you wish,” Hassun stated before a clamor outside drew his attention to the window.  “However, it looks as though the Blue Coats are preparing for some sort of action.  Come with me.  You want to be well gone from here before they head out.”

Honaw glanced at Hassun’s face and refrained from asking the question that was just on the tip of his tongue.  If he wanted the scout to respect his need for privacy in some things, he would need to do the same in return no matter how compelling his curiosity.

They reached the small stable where Honaw had housed his pony at Hassun’s directive and Hassun stuck his hand out.  Honaw did not hesitate but offered him a warrior’s salute before climbing on the back of the mustang.

“May the Great Spirit watch over you in your travels, Honaw.”

“And you, Hassun.  Thank you for the information.”

Hassun nodded.  “I hope you find that which you seek.”

“I have all I came for.  The rest is not for me to decide.”  And with that he turned his horse and headed back home to the Plains.  When he arrived at the encampment, Honaw kept his own counsel for the better part the day, spending time with his family and catching up on the things he had missed during his short trip.  It wasn’t until after the evening meal when darkness had settled and the children were in bed that Honaw was summoned to Odahingum’s campfire.

Takoda was also there and Honaw nodded in respect to both before he took his place and told them of what he had learned and what he suspected.  When he was done, he was dismissed and Takoda went back to his own home.  He never knew if it came up for discussion again between the two leaders, but he knew he had done all he could.  What remained was up to them or Koko.

As time passed, he realized there was little they could do either.  Nothing was going to change what had happened and unless Koko decided to return of her own volition, Donoma at least would never truly find peace.  And he suspected the same would be true for Koko Kanti as well.

************

Movement from the fur bundle drew Honaw’s attention from the past back to the present.  Then he figured out what was happening and wavered between embarrassment, concern and chagrin.  He understood why Donoma was struggling out of her clothing – fever of the magnitude Koko was suffering from generally killed and the only way to prevent it was to break the fever quickly while keeping the body temperature from dropping too drastically and allowing a chill to set in.  To tell the truth he had been a bit surprised Donoma had climbed into the furs fully clothed, but had put it down to embarrassment of getting undressed in front of her eldest brother.  The modesty was not unexpected given her age, but it also went hand in hand with the withdrawal she had initiated when Koko had left their lives.

He stood, subtly reminding Donoma he was still nearby if she required assistance, but distant enough that she would reveal nothing to him accidentally.  When the movement halted Honaw crept closer to the fire to check on them.  Donoma heard him approach and opened her eyes, unable to hide the gut-wrenching exhaustion she felt.  Honaw reached a hand down and smoothed the blonde hair from her face.

“What can I do for you, Donoma Chepi?”

She shook her head resignedly.  “There is nothing to be done now but wait, Hestatanemo.  I have done all I know to do for her.  The rest....”  She let her voice trail off and bit her lip, then sucked in a deep breath and continued.  “She started shaking with chills,” explaining why her clothing was now bundled under her head.  “If I can get her warm again, I will need you to take her back to my tent.  Staying out here in the wind is not helping, but I cannot risk the trip until her temperature stabilizes.”

Honaw gave her a small smile, letting Donoma know he understood her concerns.  He wondered what she was really thinking and feeling.  As far as he knew she still did not know the real reason Koko had disappeared from their lives.  Although none of them actually knew for sure, certainly a large number of the tribe, especially the elders, suspected.  Nor was Donoma aware of the motivation behind his brief trip into the white man’s world.

He let his glance run over Koko’s still, pale form, then dropped his thick robe over them to add to their warmth.  He shivered in the cold air but a look from him kept Donoma from scolding.  Instead she smiled weakly at him. 

“Thank you, Honaw.”

“Nahko’e left me a water skin.  Let me heat it here near the fire; that should help some as well.”  She nodded her agreement and closed her eyes, and Honaw headed back to the skin.  Donoma listened to his almost silent passage away from them and then his immediate return.  He placed the skin on one of the warm stones around the fire and held his hand out to the warmth for a moment.

“Stay,” she bade him before he could turn away from the flames.

“Donoma?”

“Things have changed, Honaw.  Whatever else I need to do for Koko Kanti will have to be taken care of in the privacy of my home.”  She paused to wrap her arms tighter around the warrior that was still shaking with cold in her embrace, feeling them lessen slightly.  “I am afraid the wind and dropping temperature will undo all the good I have done if we remain longer than necessary and I will not allow you to catch a chill because of your generosity and caring.”

Honaw nodded.  He would not admit to the relief he felt sitting near the warmth of the fire.  He wasn’t warm through yet, but at least he was no longer in danger of icing over.  “How is she?”

Donoma couldn’t shrug very well, given the position she was in, but the look in her eyes told Honaw quite a bit.  “I do not know, Hestatanemo.  She has to want to heal and I do not know if that will is there.”

“She is a warrior, ka’eskone.  Her will is strong.”

“I hope you are right, Honaw,” not disagreeing with his words though her tone was doubtful.  Another shiver passed from Koko to Donoma and Donoma held her even tighter.  She closed her eyes and let her thoughts turn to the warrior she now held safely in her arms.  She remembered the first time Koko had held her like this – when Donoma had learned firsthand the dangers of freezing chills and skyrocketing fever.

************

That winter had been harsher than in cycles previously and so much time was spent simply trying to get through it.  It snowed and stormed with fierceness and regularity even in the southern camp - keeping the People locked in their homes to stay warm.  On the rare days when the sun shone, the entire tribe was happy to get out and simply breathe fresh air and soak up the weak sunshine.

It was Donoma’s seventh winter, and Koko had just turned fifteen seasons.  Already she was a warrior making a name and reputation for herself carrying on Honiahaka’s legacy with pride.  More and more of her time was spent fighting and training, and though she did try to keep her promise to Donoma to spend time together every day, it was not like it had been in the beginning.  So Donoma found herself more and more on her own, especially on the clear days.

Rachel spent as much time as she could with Donoma, having found her to be an apt and agile pupil, but it was clear Donoma missed her time with Koko.  What Donoma didn’t know was that Koko missed her time with Donoma equally and was doing everything in her power to get that time back.  But her skills as a warrior were called upon more and more and even in the midst of winter, she was consistently called upon to take on various adult responsibilities when the weather was nice enough to be out.

On one such day she was up and gone before daylight, and Donoma – angry that she was being left behind again - struck out on her own without a word to either her parents or her bothers.  It was only when Rachel came by for Donoma’s reading lessons that anyone noticed Donoma was missing.  It didn’t take long before the entire encampment was searching for her.

In the midst of the searching Koko and her scouting party returned and she immediately separated from the others, having a very good idea where Donoma would have gone.  One of the nice things about being in a stationary encampment was that they had found a few places they liked to go when they were out alone.  Koko suspected Donoma had gone to one of them.

Honaw followed her, trusting Koko knew more about Donoma than anyone else and knowing she had sworn to protect her.  The first two places closest to the camp were empty and they were well on their way to the third when Koko heard Donoma’s voice whimpering.

She stopped and called out, “Donoma?  Donoma Chepi – where are you, ka’eskone?”  No answer save the whimpering sound Koko could barely make out. She motioned to Honaw who nodded his head and they moved more slowly, circling in opposite directions towards the sound.  After a moment Koko cried out in relief and Honaw came running to her.  Donoma was curled up into a small ball, shivering and shaking so hard she was unaware of Koko’s presence.  Her jaw was clenched to keep her teeth from chattering, allowing only the smallest sounds to escape.

Koko put a hand on Donoma, alarmed by the paleness of her skin and the heat that ran beneath it.  She scooped Donoma into her arms and Honaw wrapped his fur robe over the child before they started back to the camp as quickly as they could manage.  Koko didn’t even slow down when they reached the camp, but went straight into her tent and placed Donoma on her bedding closest to the fire.  As quickly as she could, she stripped Donoma’s wet clothing from her body and tucked her under the furs.

A word to Honaw brought the fire to almost roaring in the small space and Koko stripped herself and crawled in beside Donoma to share heat.  Honaw placed a couple water skins near the fire to heat at Koko’s directive, then he sat back to wait.  For a while, they were the only ones in the camp, but as others began to return he stepped out to greet them, thrilled he had good news to share.

Takoda immediately walked into Koko’s home, eager to check on them both and pleased to see that Koko was doing everything that could be done.  Then he left them alone even though he kept a vigil just outside in case he was needed.  The night had passed slowly, but as a new day dawned Donoma’s eyelashes fluttered open, still slightly glazed with fever but at least she was awake and in her right mind.

“Koko?”

“Good morning, ka’eskone.  How do you feel?”

“Tired... sweaty.  Why are we naked?”

“We had to warm you up and break your fever.  What were you doing out near the water alone?”

“Looking for you but I got lost.  I wanted to find you so we could play.  I miss playing with you.”  She tried to pout but instead yawned widely and closed her eyes.

“I know, ka’eskone.  I miss it too, but I have to be an adult now at least most of the time,” the last bit whispered.  Donoma didn’t respond, having fallen back to sleep.  Koko tightened her arms and closed her eyes as well.  They would have to work something out to keep this from happening again; try to come up with a solution everyone would be happy with.


Chapter VIII

“Honaw?” Donoma asked quietly as she felt the chills in Koko’s body begin to settle into lesser tremors.  Quite some time had passed and Honaw thought he could just see the sun beginning to edge over the horizon.  Donoma was wearing a distant smile that made Honaw’s brow arch in question.

“She is doing better?”

“Slightly, I think... I hope.”  Donoma watched the confusion wash over his countenance at her expression.  “I was remembering the first time I learned of this technique.”

“You remember that?” Honaw asked with surprise. “You were so young and it was a terribly traumatic experience for you... for all of us.  I was so very glad we found you.”

“I was never worried about being found,” Donoma stated with conviction.  “Koko had promised to protect me; I knew she would find me.  I did not intend to run away or get lost.  I was simply angry that we were never allowed to be together... that the elders wanted her to always be an adult instead of being my friend and playmate.  They kept her so busy it was hard for her to keep the promise she made to me – a promise they were well aware of.”

Honaw smiled.  “I remember.  Odahingum was less than happy when she laid out her demands after finding you that day.”

Donoma couldn’t stop the small chuckle that rippled across her belly in remembrance.  “I know; he glared at me for a full moon after that.  But I did not much mind.  I had Koko again and they could not take her from me.  Besides, he is very fortunate that I was too young to make demands of my own.”

An awkward silence fell as Honaw pondered her words and debated on the best way to proceed.  “Why?” he finally blurted out.  She looked up at him and frowned, her brow furrowing deeply.  He sighed and moved to sit closer so that the fire no longer separated them, but where the warmth of the flames still reached him.  He clasped his hands together and sighed.  “I am not criticizing, ka’eskone.  I am trying to understand.”  He looked down at his hands and sighed again before looking back at her, finding it oddly endearing to see her wrapped around Koko Kanti so possessively.  Always there had been something between them; it was plain for everyone to see if they but looked.  But even now Honaw freely confessed that it was beyond his knowledge and understanding and felt that probably most of the tribe felt the same.  Now he had to explain to Donoma when he wasn’t certain he could explain it to himself.  He cleared his throat softly.

“You found them; you brought them home; you became her warrior advisor.  Donoma... you were a five-year-old child then.  How... why?”

Donoma closed her eyes again and tightened her hold on Koko’s still warming body.  It was a question no one had ever dared voice before and one that she really didn’t have a reason for except....   “I knew, Honaw.  I just knew.  She came to me in a dream the night before we found them – searching for something... asking for help.  I knew she would be important to me; I knew she would be my friend.”

“And you needed that.”  A statement. 

“So much,” Donoma said quietly.  “I was always alone, Honaw... always different.  Koko and Rae’l changed that for me.”

Honaw smiled.  “I think Odahingum realized that once he resolved his anger with you after that little episode.  You always had time to be together when Koko was not away fighting.”

“And despite everything we had been, when all was said and done, she left me alone anyway,” Donoma added sadly and the pain on her face made the conversation die.  Honaw was no nearer to understanding how Donoma knew about Koko Kanti or why she became her warrior advisor to say nothing of the deeper questions that still plagued him.  But one look at her expression kept his mouth shut; some things would always be too personal to share.

Honaw felt the presence before he heard it and turned to see Takoda and Litonya waiting at the edge of the clearing where he had waited for part of the night.  With a look in Donoma’s direction, he rose from the fire and walked back to them, shivering in the cold morning air.  Litonya looked at him disapprovingly until she realized where his robe had gone and nodded her head in acceptance.

“How are they?” Litonya asked when he drew near them.  Honaw shrugged. 

“Donoma thinks Koko might be slightly better.  Her chills seem to have dissipated to almost nil.  Her main concern now seems to be stabilizing Koko’s temperature so we can move her back indoors.  After that....”  He shrugged again.

“And how is Donoma?”

“Closed off. Right now she is focused on getting Koko healed, but eventually they are going to have to talk  if only to one another.  I am not sure what this is going to do to her.”

“You go back to camp, Honaw,” Takoda instructed.  “I will wait with Donoma Chepi.”

“No, Neho’e.  I promised Donoma that only I would remain.  Koko Kanti would not wish to be seen as weak by so many that she counted as allies and friends among her People.  Whatever we perceive to be her transgressions against Donoma, Donoma is the one now trying to protect her.  We can do no less than honor her wishes.”

Takoda nodded reluctantly.  What Honaw said was true, but that did not make him any happier.  “We will prepare Donoma Chepi’s dwelling to receive them as soon as they are ready to return. Do you require anything?”

“Only to return to the fire.  If Nahko’e wishes to remain, she can notify you when we are ready to return.”

Takoda acknowledged his agreement with a slight bow and turned back towards the village.  He more than anyone else worried about the effect this unforeseen incident would have on his only daughter.  And it occurred to him to wonder why this had gone unforeseen.  Surely if they had needed warning about anything, Koko Kanti’s arrival should have been at the top of the list.

He wandered back into the camp and every eye focused its gaze in his direction, looking for some word.  Takoda shook his head.  “There has been very little change overnight,” he reported aloud.  “I am going to prepare Donoma’s dwelling to receive them when they are ready to return.”  His sons’ wives moved unhesitatingly to help him and the rest of the camp returned to its normal morning routine.  The only difference was the sense of expectation in the air.

When Honaw returned to the fire, Donoma blinked her eyes open slowly.  “I need to dress, Honaw, but I need your help.  I do not want to bring my cold clothing into the warm nest I have created here. Can you hold them to the fire to warm them for me?”

Honaw nodded and eased the bundle from beneath her head.  As quickly as was humanly possible, he warmed them and passed them to Donoma who struggled to don them beneath the heavy furs without disturbing Koko too much in the process.  Honaw dutifully kept his back turned until he heard Donoma clear her throat.

“It is safe to turn around now, Hestatanemo.  I think we can take her back to the camp now.  Anything else that can be done for her I can do there.”

Honaw nodded and signaled the intent to Litonya who disappeared without a sound.  Honaw crushed out the remains of the fire while Donoma prepared her patient, tucking the blankets and furs around her as much as possible and removing Honaw’s heavy robe.  She maintained a light touch on Koko until Honaw knelt to pick her up.  Then Donoma broke contact and stepped back to allow Honaw to stand and a cry was wrenched from the warrior’s pale lips.  Honaw froze, afraid to move for fear of doing Koko further injury.  Donoma moved to Koko’s side, gently sandwiching her between them and brushing the sweat-darkened hair back off her forehead.

“Koko, it is all right.  Honaw is going to take you to my home, but I cannot stay beside you.  Listen to the sound of my voice, Nutta.  Listen and it will keep you safe.  It will guide you back to me,” Donoma continued, heedless of Honaw’s listening ears and dropped jaw.  She kept up a litany of conversation for the duration of the short trip.  All eyes and ears followed them until they disappeared into Donoma’s tent and watched as Honaw emerged almost immediately.

He headed back to the water to retrieve the robes and furs that were left behind, then stopped when he saw his wife and mother walking back from that direction with their arms full.  He wondered how he could have missed passing them, then realized after what Donoma had just unconsciously revealed in front of him, he probably would not have noticed a battalion of Blue Coats.

When had things become so between them? he wondered.  And if Donoma spoke the truth, why indeed had Koko Kanti left Donoma behind to become part of the white man’s world?  He knew Koko felt for Donoma; he had seen it in her words and deeds, but most importantly, he had seen it in her eyes.  The real question was what had he seen and was it real or imagined?

Honaw relieved the two of their burdens and turned back to enter Donoma’s abode.  Litonya immediately went to her fire to stir the cornmeal she had cooking for their morning meal and added a small pot of broth, knowing Koko would need the nourishment it provided.  Honaw stepped into the tent and what he saw broke his heart.

Donoma sat curled up beside Koko, hands gently combing through her dark hair, continuing the conversation she had started by the waters’ edge.  In an effort to give them as much privacy as he could, Honaw turned his back deliberately and placed the furs neatly on the other side of the small space.  Then he walked out without a word, knowing Donoma would call him if she needed him again. 

He walked directly to Takoda’s fire, not waiting for his father to invite him before he wearily took a seat.  The shaman didn’t speak; merely handed him a bowl of meal and waited for Honaw to devour half the contents before offering him a skin to wash it down.  Then he waited patiently for Honaw to finish before clearing his throat and addressing him.

“You look burdened, nae'ha.  Has something more happened?”

Honaw chewed his last bite slowly, giving himself time to consider his answer carefully.  What he knew or strongly suspected now, was not his knowledge to share.  And yet he highly doubted Donoma would confide the truth to anyone... possibly not even Koko herself.  Honaw wondered when and how things had become so difficult and entangled.  And for a moment he wished for a time when Donoma was still a child and misunderstandings between them simply were not.  Eventually he faced Takoda and shrugged.  “I do not know, Neho’e.  I do not know.”

Takoda wisely refrained from asking more questions, knowing Honaw would reveal no confidences.  It was one of his most endearing and frustrating traits.  “Well, perhaps the Great Spirit will allow us a resolution to this matter sooner rather than later.  Koko Kanti’s arrival here has upset a great many things.” He shook his head.  “There are times when I find myself wishing for the days when she and Rae’l first arrived here.  Life was much simpler then.”

Honaw smiled wryly.  “I was thinking the same thing.”

Litonya nodded her agreement but didn’t speak aloud, choosing instead to lift the pot of broth from the heat and take it to Donoma’s tent.  She crossed to the doorway and entered without announcing herself, and in doing so saw something that brought a tear to her eye.

Donoma had fallen asleep with her head on Koko’s shoulder – not unexpected considering she had been tending to the warrior all night after a spirit quest that had lasted three days.  What was unexpected and precious was the fact that even in her unconscious state, Koko held tightly to Donoma as she had always done.  Litonya sighed and placed the small pot near the heat to keep warm.  Then she exited the way she had come and headed back to tend her own fire.  Things had been so much easier before Koko had left, she thought with a silent, mental sigh and loosened the lock on her memories.

************

Things settled into a slightly different routine after Donoma’s experience.  Koko volunteered to mind her more during the day so they would always have time to spend together.  It wasn’t always in play – sometimes they sat and talked together; others they took walks on the wide-open plain.  Still other times Koko would teach Donoma new skills... such as swimming and hiding and tracking.

In return Donoma spoke to Koko about the things she could see that were beyond the pale of mere human sight.  She taught her to make a simple bead bracelet and braid flowers and chase butterflies.  It was a good balance for the two of them and all in all in was a good arrangement for the entire tribe.

As she relaxed and became a happier child, Donoma’s gift became stronger and more focused.  She was able to advise Koko in her efforts to protect the clan and as a result the tribe knew a measure of peace and contentment for a while.

Donoma kept up her lessons with Rachel, far surpassing those around her with her knowledge of the white man’s history and culture.  There wasn’t any real need for it that Takoda could see, but the child enjoyed it and it gave Koko the time she needed to take care of her warrior responsibilities.  And Litonya enjoyed the time as well – many times she would sit with Rachel and Donoma and listen, but sometimes she took the time to work on special projects away from the lessons.

On the occasions that Koko had to be away for a few days, Litonya took pains to spend extra time with her daughter even if all they did was sit silently together and work on beadwork.  At first they had been simple projects – single line bracelets and necklaces, much as Donoma taught Koko.  But as time passed they became more complex in their design.  Sometime after her tenth spring, Donoma had chosen to make a bracelet for Koko, intricate enough to showcase Koko’s crest of a screaming eagle flying over the moon.  Before her twelfth spring, Donoma created a chest plate for Koko to wear for protection on the battlefield of the same theme and worked painstakingly on it every spare minute.

Then came Donoma’s first bleeding and she was reluctant to give Koko her gift, her newly discovered hormones making her unsure of her place in Koko’s life.  As a child she had never questioned that place or her right to be there, but now Donoma felt like a mass of confusion.  Her visions became more erratic and her frustration grew exponentially.  Finally Koko took matters into her own hands.

“Where are you going this time?” Donoma demanded petulantly, watching as Koko patiently packed a small bag of trail rations before retrieving her blanket, glad that it was summer and warm enough that they would not require furs or a fire.

“WE,” motioning between them, “are going out onto the prairie away from the noise and excitement of the camp.  It is time you were able to know the peace that time alone can bring, and I think you need it.  Something troubles you, ka’eskone, and I think this will help clear your mind.”

“Don’t call me that,” Donoma snapped.  “I am no longer a little child.”

Koko’s expression saddened.  “I am aware of that, Donoma,” she pronounced carefully.  “I did not mean anything untoward by it.  It is what I have always called you... a sign of affection for my very best friend.  But I will refrain if it offends you.”

“Am I still?” Donoma asked quietly.

Koko frowned.  “Are you still what?”

“Am I still your very best friend?”

“Always,” Koko replied without hesitation.  “You will always be my very best friend, Donoma, as well as my warrior advisor.  Nothing will ever change that.”

“Even when I am acting like a little child?”

Koko smiled.  “Even then, ka’eskone.  One day, sooner than you expect, but much farther away than you desire, you will be a woman with the responsibilities and expectations of an adult contributing to the good of the tribe.  You will have to look for time to have to yourself and there will not be much to spend with me.  And you will still be my very best friend and advisor.  But even when we are both gray and bent with old age, I will still think of you as ka’eskone.”

Donoma huffed.  “I am never going to catch up to you, am I?”

“No, but in a few more cycles, it will not matter.  And for me... it does not matter now.  You need to understand that, Donoma Chepi.  Your age has never been a factor for me in our friendship.”  She shrugged.  “The Great Spirit brought you into my life for a reason.  It is not for me to question.”

“Me either,” Donoma agreed.  “I just wish it was not so confusing.”

“It is that way for all as they move from childhood to adult.  It is easier for some than others, but it is still a very difficult time to live through.  You must take comfort from the fact that all those before you survived and flourished.”

“Like you?”

“Like me,” Koko said with a smile.

“Good.  I want to flourish now.”

Koko laughed.  “You have been flourishing for a number of years, ka’eskone.  This is just a rough patch.  Now go gather your things and come back here when you are ready to leave.  Bring enough for a few days but only what you are willing to carry.”

Unexpectedly Donoma threw her arms around Koko’s neck, hugging her tightly before scampering out of her tent.  Rachel came in once Donoma left.

“She was certainly excited.”

Koko smiled.  “Yes, Nahko’e, she was.”

“Be careful, my nahtona.  She is at a tender and vulnerable age.  Do not take advantage of that.”

Koko’s eyes burned blue fire.  “I resent that, Nahko’e.  I have *never* taken advantage of my friendship with Donoma Chepi.  I have done nothing but be her friend and accepted her friendship in return.”

“And loved her and protected her for most of her life.  This is a very confusing time for her.”

“I remember, Nahko’e.  It was not easy for me, either.”

Rachel smiled gently and brushed Koko’s braids back into her loose hair.  “I know, Koko.  But your best friend was not an adult warrior who meant the world to you.”

“No,” Koko agreed wryly.  “My best friend was a five-year-old child that meant the world to me with a gift she still has not realized the complete potential of.”  She sighed.  “Nahko’e... I do understand your concern.  But I swore an oath to Donoma to protect her; I would do nothing to betray that.”

“I know, Koko.  I just worry for both of you.  It is in my nature to do so and as your Nahko’e it is my prerogative.”

Donoma chose that moment to run back in, a small pack on her back and her arms full.  “I am ready, Koko.  Can we leave now?”

Koko lifted her own pack and kissed her mother’s cheek.  “We can leave now,” she assured Donoma and extended her hand.  “Come... I have a special place chosen for our adventure.”  They exchanged smiles, heading out without a backwards glance; Rachel watched until they were out of sight.  Then she turned back to her home, picking up the leather she had been sewing for Koko and resumed her work.


Chapter IX

The air was hot and smelled of sweetness and earth and manure. It was an odd combination of smells and made Donoma wrinkle up her nose in surprise.  Koko caught her expression out of the corner of her eye and grinned.  “Not what you expected?”

Donoma thought about it a moment.  “I am not sure what I expected.  I never noticed it quite as much in camp.  There are always so many scents there... so many sounds.  I have never really taken the time to notice them or try to separate them out individually.  It is simply part of the tapestry of life.”

“It is indeed, and when it changes, you take notice.  This trip is about giving you the opportunity to notice.  Far enough away where it is only you and me and the sky and the earth.  No other sounds to distract us; no one else asking for our attention,” Koko stated as she led them down a slight embankment to a tiny creek burbling with life.  “Except maybe for the fish,” she added with a smile, “but I am happy to give them attention as they will provide us with nourishment.”

Donoma crossed her arms and glared at Koko.  “You brought me out here so you could go fishing,” she accused flatly.  Koko’s head swung around quickly just catching a hint of a twinkle in the green eyes before Donoma endeavored to frown fiercely.

“Yes,” Koko agreed with a serious countenance.  “I did.  I figured I could use you for bait,” watching as Donoma’s jaw dropped in shock before she realized Koko was teasing. She launched herself at the warrior, expecting to be caught and looking at Koko in shock when they ended up flat on the ground.

“You were supposed to catch me!”

“I probably should have stopped laughing first,” Koko wheezed.  Donoma stood and put her hands on her hips. 

“I know where you live, Koko Kanti.  You cannot hide from me when I decide how to get even with you.”

This time Koko burst into gales of laughter.  *This* was the precocious child she had watched grow up into the awkward woman child Donoma was now.  Koko only hoped that this outing would help Donoma find her balance again; she wanted Donoma to know the beauty of growing up and becoming an adult without the pain and awkwardness she herself had felt.  Admittedly their circumstances were completely different and yet many of the growing pains were identical.  And Koko wished to spare Donoma as much of the ugliness of that as she could.  Hence this trip.

“I will look forward to it, ka’eskone.  Now find a spot to place your blanket and we will set up camp.  Then we can do whatever you would like, or I will go fishing and you can have a bit of time to simply be if you would like.”

Donoma blinked.  She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting – more lessons perhaps.  Most of her time with Koko now was spent learning in one capacity or another though Koko always managed to make it less work and more fun than anything.  Still she had never expected the luxury of having time to do what she wanted.  Donoma knew what the bleeding meant; it meant she was on the cusp of adulthood and there was very little time left for the games of childhood.  Perhaps that would explain her mood swings and her lack of vision lately.

She stood contemplating these thoughts so long her stillness caught Koko’s attention.  She crossed the short distance between them, laying a hand on Donoma’s shoulder and squeezing gently when she jumped in surprise.

“Are you all right, ka’eskone?”

Donoma smiled.  “I am fine, Koko.  Just thinking.  Anymore I try to stand still so I do not disturb anything while I am processing for fear of jarring something loose,” she added wryly.  Koko chuckled.

“All part of growing up, Donoma.  It will get better, I promise and things will return to normal.”

“But they will not be what they were before,” Donoma said sagely.

“No, but you may find that you like the new even better.  You have many new experiences still to look forward to, my friend.  You should relish each and every opportunity you are given.”

“And if I liked things the way they were?” Donoma asked softly, walking away from Koko and picking up her blanket to lay it on one side of the small fire pit Koko had built for their preparation.

Koko sighed.  “Life is about change, ka’eskone.  Nothing can stop that.  It is how we react to those changes that will determine our satisfaction... our happiness.  You do not want to remain a child forever, do you?”

“Sometimes,” Donoma answered honestly.  “But sometimes not,” she continued.  Donoma looked at the water, then back at Koko who watched her with knowing, understanding eyes.  “Do you mind if I walk for a while.  I will not go too far but....”  Her voice trailed off and Koko nodded.

“Go ahead, ka’eskone.  You need but call out for me if you need something.  Otherwise your time is your own.”

Donoma turned and wrapped her arms around Koko’s waist, hugging her fiercely for a long moment before releasing her grip.  “Thank you, Koko.  Nayeli,” before she turned and headed away from the tiny campsite without looking back.

Koko watched her go for long moments before she turned back to the water.  “I love you too, ka’eskone,” she whispered.

************

Donoma blinked her eyes open, disoriented to find herself in her tent – the noise level around her indicating it was full daylight.  She lay perfectly still, trying to figure out why she was still in bed – her dream had been so real and she could still feel the way it had felt to hug Koko so tightly.  Then her other senses came into play and she recognized the scent surrounding her.  She recognized the deep even breathing and steady heartbeat of Koko Kanti beneath her ear and the memory of the previous night and early morning came back to her.  She started to sit up only to have Koko’s arm tighten around her.

Donoma sighed.  She didn’t need this right now.  She was still violently angry with Koko on so many levels – not the least of which was her nerve to return to them to die without so much as a by your leave.  But Donoma couldn’t deny the comfort she felt in her very core being at being held so protectively in the unconscious embrace.

Sighing she eased from Koko’s arms, pushing her unruly hair away from her face and stepping to the doorway of her home and looking around the subdued campsite.  She breathed in deeply, noting the different scents and sounds that made up her home, glad they were still in the winter camp.  Whatever ill feeling and anger she harbored towards Koko Kanti, she did not want the warrior to die... especially if there was something she could do to prevent it.

She watched as the men and women of the clan went about their business even though many of them turned questioning gazes in her direction.  She looked for Honaw, then realized he must have gone home to get some rest after spending the night watching over her and Koko.  Donoma caught Takoda’s eye and he excused himself from the chief, rising and walking towards her with slow, deliberate steps.

Takoda reached her side and stepped into the doorway, easing the loose hair from her face cupping her face in his large hand.  “You looked tired, nahtona.  You need rest.”

“I will rest, Neho’e when there is nothing more I can do.  However, nature is screaming rather loudly at the moment.  Will you stand here and watch her for me, Neho’e?  I do not want to leave her alone.”

“How is she, ka’eskone?”

Donoma sighed – a question she was really not ready to answer yet.  “I think she is over the worst of it, Neho’e.  I hope she is.  I think it will depend on what happened; how long she was without care; and how well she was before it happened.  I have done what I know to do for her.  Now it is time for me to watch and wait.”

Takoda smiled gently.  “The hard part,” he commented wisely.

Donoma nodded.  “Indeed.  I will return in a moment.”

Takoda nodded, then turned his attention to their erstwhile patient.  Why are you here, Koko Kanti?  What made you return to us?  He let his mind wander back to the outing she had taken Donoma on after Donoma’s first bleeding.  That trip had been a godsend for his daughter and all she had talked about for months afterwards.  He smiled at the memory.

************

When Donoma had arrived back at camp, the sun was just touching the horizon and Koko sat cross-legged on her blanket with her eyes closed.  They fluttered open as Donoma approached and Donoma sighed. 

“You heard me, didn’t you?  Even as quiet as I was being.”

Koko nodded.  “Yes, but I have been listening for a long time, ka’eskone.  I could recognize your footsteps in a crowd.”

Donoma’s eyes widened.  “Could you really?” she asked wonderingly.  Koko nodded.  “How?”

“You have a distinctive rhythm when you walk – a smooth, rolling gait that is different from the rest of the females in the clan.”

“Of course it is,” Donoma griped.  “Everything else about me is different... why not the way I walk?”

Koko cupped Donoma’s chin in her fingers and lifted until their eyes met.  “Donoma... ka’eskone – you walk like *I* do... strong and sure like a warrior.  The rest of the females walk comfortably, but with a different swagger – one that speaks of softness and nurturing.”

Donoma’s eyebrows rose to her head.  “You can hear nurturing in a walk??”

“Of course,” Koko replied with a shrug.  “Every trait has a walk... a sound and weight that accompany it.  You merely have to listen to learn them.”

“Will you teach me?”

Koko smiled.  “If you would like to learn; you are a very apt pupil, ka’eskone.  You know many things that could make you a formidable enemy or a useful ally if you ever decided to become a warrior.”

Donoma grimaced.  “I do not think I would be a very good warrior.  I am not even a very good seer these days.”

“That is because there are so many things happening to you that have never happened before.  It is hard to tell the difference in what is real and what is perceived.  But that is all right; it is why we are here.  We will find your center again, and when your life is in balance once more the visions will return and you will be able to interpret them.  You will see.”

“Do you really think so, Koko Kanti?”

“I know, Donoma Chepi.  When I had my first bleeding, I could no longer fight as the warrior I had been trained to be.  My balance was off – my focus... gone.  My father took me out onto the plains – just the two of us – and he taught me to listen.  First to listen outwardly and then to listen within.  And I found the part of me that had changed did not make me different from the person I was before; it simply meant I was becoming an adult.”

“Were you glad?”

“That I was becoming an adult – yes and no.  That things had changed for me... no, not at first.  But there was no way to go back so I had to learn to adjust to the way life was for me after that.”

“Was it harder then?”  Donoma paused and Koko waited.  “It has made things more difficult for me to see... to understand.  Sometimes it is as though I cannot see at all.”

“It made me fiercer... more ferocious in battle.  I took the confusion and the anger and the hurt and channeled it into something I could use.  Ask Honaw... he knows when I am bleeding; he and the rest have learned to steer clear because the blood lust runs strongest in me then.  I fight as though I am invincible and no one is safe if we are in the midst of battle then.  I react solely on instinct and men die painfully if they try to defeat me.”

“Well, I do not want to kill anyone.  I just want to be me again.”

“I am glad you do not want to kill anyone, ka’eskone.  I would be more worried if you did as it goes against your nature.  But do not fret over such things.  We will find that focus again and things will settle for you, I promise.  Even if we have to do this over and over until listening becomes a natural part of you, we will find your balance.  But I do not think we will need to – you are exceedingly bright, Donoma.  And your gift will not stay buried for long.”

“I hope not, Koko.  I never realized how much a part of me it was until everything became so complicated.  I miss it.”  She crawled into Koko’s open arms and held on tightly, relishing the sense of peace and strength she felt emanating from the warrior.  Donoma never realized when Koko tucked her into her blanket and kissed her forehead as Litonya did every night before wishing her goodnight.  And when morning came they started working.

It took longer than Koko expected though much less time than Donoma thought it would, but slowly she was able to focus outside herself and learned to listen to the sounds around her. Then Koko taught her how to separate the sounds... to hear each one individually.  Once she could do that it was easy to tune them all out and listen to her inner voice.  Now if only her inner voice would talk to her.

Koko cautioned her that it might take a little while for her vision to return and insisted that Donoma work on her focus instead of trying so hard to force something that had always come naturally and in its own time.  So she decided to teach Donoma the different gaits of the people within the tribe.  Koko had no idea how comical that experiment would be.  But she would once they were back in camp and Donoma could see how accurate Koko’s impersonations had been.

When she walked as herself she was able to sneak up on Donoma and laughed when she jumped. Donoma glared at her before shrugging sheepishly, and Koko moved on to other members.  After a while Donoma realized that Koko had been completely correct.  Every single movement was slightly different... weight, roll, length of step... something to identify the owner.

“What about those you do not recognize?  How do you tell friend from foe?”

“Mostly it is safe to assume that if I do not recognize the walk, the person is an enemy... or at least an unknown.  If there is stealth to their movement, definitely an enemy.  If there is hesitation, simply an unknown.  But either circumstance calls for caution until I can determine who they are and what they want.”  She shrugged.  “It keeps me amused and helps keep my skills sharp.”  She paused.  “So do you feel better, ka’eskone?  I know your sight has not yet returned, but it will when it is time.”

“I know, Koko, but thank you.  I needed this.  I will never listen the same way again.”

Koko smiled.  “No, you will not.  And if you ever need silence to listen in, you have but to ask and we will do this again.”

“Promise?” Donoma asked wistfully.

“Promise,” Koko affirmed.  “I need this sometimes too.”

************

“You broke your word to me, Nutta,” Donoma said as she finished her morning ablutions, reliving the memories the dream had awakened.  She rebraided the small braids that hung down the left side of her face and pushed the remaining loose hair back over her shoulders.  “I needed the silence and you were not there to help me find it.”  She picked up her comb and headed back towards her home.  Regardless of her mixed feelings for the situation she currently found herself in, Donoma had a duty to her patient, and Koko’s bandages would need changing soon and she needed to be fed again.

Takoda still stood inside just inside her home watching for her; he saw Donoma straighten her shoulders before she was within sight of the main camp.  He wondered again what effect Koko’s sudden reappearance would have on her life, remembering all too well the devastation that had been done to Donoma’s soul at Koko’s abrupt departure.  He was fairly certain neither of them would survive a second rending because if Koko caused his daughter that sort of pain again, he and his sons would seek her out and demand vengeance.  Donoma’s wishes would no longer be considered.

A hand on his arm brought him out of the red haze of anger he had fallen into.  “Neho’e?”

He swallowed his fury and looked at her, patting her arm in reassurance.  “What can I do to help you, nahtona?” he asked softly.

“Relax, Neho’e.  She will not hurt me again; I will not allow it.  She is merely a charge in my care, and when she is well she will move on as all the others have done.”  He looked at her skeptically, wondering how many times she had rehearsed it since she had recognized Koko as the rider the night before.

“And if she does not wish to leave, ka’eskone?” he asked gently.  “This is her home as well despite the fact that she has been away from us for five cycles of the earth.” 

“She will not live with me – she will have her own home.  And I will adapt.”

“Like you did before, nahtona?” not unkindly.  “Donoma, the loss of her in your life was a very dark time for all of us but for you especially.  I do not wish to see you hurt so again.”

“Do not worry, Neho’e.  That part of me no longer exists,” knowing Honaw would never reveal her slip from the early morning.  He would simply set himself to keep a closer eye on her, hoping he would be able to prevent anything else from hurting Donoma as she had been hurt before.  “I will be fine,” she added almost convincingly.  “Now have my hestatanemos set up her tent.  When she regains her senses I will have her moved to her own home.  Then the rest can worry about what happens to her; I will have done what I could for her.”

“Very well, Donoma,” Takoda agreed, knowing nothing would change her mind once it had determined the course of action she felt was right.  “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No Neho’e,” she said with a small smile.  “I am going to feed her again, and then I will clean her up and change her bandages.  There is nothing else we can do but wait for her to awaken.”

“And you believe she will?”

“I believe she will if that is her desire.  Honaw thinks her will to live is strong.  We shall see.”

Takoda nodded.  “Let me help you,” easing Koko into a sitting position so Donoma could slip behind her and placing the small pot of warm broth beside her.  Then he stepped out of her dwelling, heading first for his sons to give them instructions and then looking for Litonya to give her the news.  This day was shaping up to be as long as the night that had preceded it.


Chapter X

Donoma slowly fed the warm broth to Koko, triggering her swallowing response regularly while struggling to keep her mind blank.  Despite the happy memories she had of the growing up years she had spent as Koko’s best friend, Donoma’s most vivid memory remained the pain and desolation she had felt upon discovering Koko’s desertion.

In the midst of her efforts her second eldest brother Aucaman stepped into her tent to retrieve Koko’s belongings he had placed there the night before.  Donoma looked up to see who was disturbing her and Aucaman motioned his intentions.  Donoma nodded her acceptance and turned her attention back to feeding Koko, knowing the broth would help her heal.

A ruckus by the door drew her attention, favoring her brother with an exasperated glare.  He shrugged his apology and gathered the bags again, then muttered under his breath when one bag slipped.  It opened when it fell to the ground, scattering several items onto the ground.  Aucaman groaned and knelt to pick up the things that had tumbled out.

“Leave them,” Donoma ground out hoarsely.  Aucaman met her eyes, her tone alerting him to something amiss.  Her face was void of color and she held herself stiffly as though in some sort of pain.

“Donoma?”

“Just take the things you have now and go, Aucaman.  You can return for the remainder later.”  Aucaman nodded, thinking something was wrong with Koko.  He backed out of her home without another word. 

Donoma watched him go before she turned her attention to the first object that had cascaded from the saddlebag.  She closed her eyes and collected herself, then resumed feeding Koko as though nothing had happened.  But she couldn’t stop her mind from wandering and without her active permission her memories opened and flowed as though it had happened just yesterday.

************

The night before Donoma and Koko had returned from their camping experience, they sat together on opposite sides of the fire gazing at the stars and listening to the sounds of the prairie around them.  Without warning Donoma sat up and moved to her bag, biting her lip before straightening her shoulders and turning back to Koko.

Koko remained reclined, knowing when Donoma was ready to share, she would.  Then Donoma was standing beside her and Koko sat up far enough to lean on her elbows.  “Ka’eskone?” she asked when Donoma stood silently, hesitation apparent in her very posture.  Koko pushed to sit up completely, crossing her legs and letting her arms rest on her knees.  Donoma abruptly thrust something into Koko’s hand and went back to her own bedroll, plopping down gracelessly and keeping her eyes fastened on the stars.

Koko looked at the bundle in her hands then back at Donoma.  Without a word she shook it out and her jaw dropped.  In her hands she held a chest protector, the beads woven so tightly there was almost no space for air between them.  The design on it was familiar – her crest prominent across the front and in one tiny corner there was a fairy with wings the color of Donoma’s eyes.

Koko studied the craftsmanship with wonder – she had never seen such delicate and precise beadwork in her life.  Surely Donoma had been given help to do such detailed art.  Then Koko shook her head – regardless of how it had been accomplished, the fact remained that the work she now held in her hands was exceptional.  She stood and crossed to the other side of the fire.

“May I sit?”

Donoma looked at Koko for a long moment, then sat up... gesturing to the end of her blanket and wrapping her arms around her knees.  She dropped her eyes to the blanket, admiring the woven design until strong fingers pried her chin from her knees and nervous green eyes met sympathetic blue.

“This is amazing, ka’eskone.  Did you create this by yourself?”  The blonde head nodded slowly. 

“You need something to protect you in battle, Koko.  Blood lust and rage will not always safeguard you; this was my answer to that need.”

“It is beautiful, Donoma, and expertly crafted.  Such incredible detail and workmanship. Thank you for taking the time to make something so special for me.”  She paused then continued.  “Ka’eskone, did you see something that prompted this?  Is something going to happen?”

Donoma took a deep breath.  “On this, I have not seen clearly, Koko.  But I have seen the possibilities of many things to come – so much blood... so much death.”  She took a shuddering breath but did not drop her eyes from Koko’s and the warrior reached across the small distance that separated them and clasped Donoma’s hand gently.  “One day something will happen, and if you do not have something to keep you safe I fear you will be taken from me.”

Koko accepted the gift and the warning in the serious manner in which it was delivered.  “I will wear it every time I go into battle, ka’eskone, for as long as I am your protector.”

Donoma nodded her head with a satisfied expression.  “Then you will be safe forever,” she pronounced seriously.

”I will be safe forever,” Koko vowed, pulling Donoma into a powerful hug.

************

Donoma came back from her memories just as she fed the last of the soup to Koko.  Satisfied she slid out from under the heavier body and gently deposited Koko back onto the furs.  She checked the warrior for fever, surprised and a little concerned when she couldn’t find one but pleased at her deep, even breathing and slight color.  It appeared that Honaw was correct about Koko’s will to live and a part of Donoma was very glad for that fact.  Another part of her tried to put aside the complications this would add to her life... especially if Koko decided to remain here.

A glance outside showed Litonya had water already heating for her and testing it, Donoma found it to be more than warm enough to suit her needs.  Litonya caught sight of her and offered to help, but Donoma refused with a shake of her head.  She grabbed the water skin and ducked back inside her home, her eyes wandering to Koko’s belongings once more before she crossed to the warrior’s side.

Koko remained unmoving as Donoma removed her bandages; Donoma grimaced at the slight redness surrounding the deepest wound.  Tenderly, she pressed against it, forcing out a small amount of infection and pus.  The touch caused Koko to start struggling and Donoma called out frantically, “Honaw!” even as she straddled Koko’s long legs to keep her from kicking and twisting.

As though he had been waiting for her summons, Honaw rushed into Donoma’s tent a mere moment later.  Immediately understanding the situation, he grasped Koko’s shoulders and pinned her gently but firmly to the furs beneath her.  He tried not to stare at her naked body, but Honaw couldn’t help but notice both the beauty and the damage on the form he now held still.

Donoma stayed focused on the injury, watching as the liquid that ran out of it turned from yellow to red.  When she was certain all the yellow had run out, she gently flushed the wound with warm water, unknowingly anointing Koko with her tears as well.  When the water stopped flowing Koko resettled and relaxed, much to Donoma’s relief.

Donoma looked at Honaw who was kind enough not to call attention to her wet cheeks and red-rimmed eyes which were all that remained as reminders of her unbidden tears.  “Thank you, Honaw.  She has been so still I did not expect such a violent reaction.  Will you ask Nahko’e to heat more water?”

“Of course, ka’eskone.  Would you like me to return to help you?”

Donoma bit her lip; she didn’t want an audience for this, but she admittedly needed assistance if Koko was going to be physical.  Finally she nodded, knowing she needed to remove the fur still beneath Koko that was now soaked with water and blood.  “Please,” she whispered.

Honaw bowed his acceptance.  “I will return shortly, Donoma,” rising from his kneeling position and exiting without another word.  Donoma turned her attention back to Koko.  Her color was pale again and the dark hair sweaty from her unconscious exertion and what Donoma feared was a new fever.

Honaw returned almost immediately, glancing at the things still laying on the ground, but moving past them quickly to stand beside Donoma and wait for her bidding.

“Can you lift her up for me, Honaw?  I need to remove the wet fur.”

He didn’t answer – just simply knelt and cradled Koko in his arms.  Donoma pulled the dirty fur from its place and motioned Honaw to ease Koko into a sitting position.  She quickly cleaned the bodily fluids from her back and then Honaw reclined Koko until she was laying flat once more.  Donoma covered Koko quickly, not wanting her to catch another chill.  Honaw headed back out, but he hesitated by Koko’s things.

“Leave them,” Donoma commanded once more.  Honaw looked at her then, her eyes holding a mixture of pride and pain.  He nodded and continued out, knowing Litonya would have the water skin warmed soon.

Donoma moved the bloody bandages to one side with the wet fur and tried to clear her mind – listening as Koko had taught her so long ago.  Before she was able to block the outside noises completely, Honaw was entering her home once again, this time carrying another full water skin and accompanied by Litonya.

Donoma’s tent was now full to the point of overcrowding and Honaw motioned that he would wait outside the door until he was called for.  Litonya knelt on one side of Koko and Donoma on the other and they swiftly cleaned the warrior of the bodily fluids that covered her torso and legs.  They pulled the blanket up to cover her once more, though Donoma arranged it to leave the wound open to the air and allow her to monitor it a little more closely.  Litonya raised horrified eyes to meet Donoma’s. 

“I did not realize the damage done to her was so severe.  The Great Spirit has blessed you, Donoma – she should not have survived.”

Donoma smiled sadly.  “Honaw believes it to be her strength of will; I am inclined to agree with him.”

“Perhaps,” Litonya conceded.  “However, you need to rest, nahtona.  I will watch....” breaking off at Donoma’s emphatic headshake.

“No, Nahko’e.  I will watch for now.  When she is well enough to be in her own tent, then it will be time for you and the others to watch.  Until then she is under my care.”

“Donoma....”

“Nahko’e... please.  Do not argue with me about this.  I will do what needs to be done to care for Koko; it is my responsibility.  I do not need to be coddled over this,” the last added roughly as though wrenched from her soul.

Litonya didn’t react except to pat Donoma’s forearm.  “If you think it is for the best, ka’eskone.  If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“Thank you, Nahko’e.  This is something I need to do... I have to do.  I believe it is necessary.”

“I understand,” Litonya assured Donoma though in truth, she didn’t.  But she had promised Takoda not to push and to only give help when it was asked for.  Taking Honaw’s place this time had been at Honaw’s request to spare him the grief of a jealous wife.  “I will take the fur and bandages and soak them.  It will take them some time to dry in this weather, but at least they will be clean should the need arise to use them again.”

“Thank you, Nahko’e,” Donoma repeated softly.  “It should be a little while before I need to do this again, and if we removed the infection, it will begin to close naturally.  I will put something over it soon.”

“As you see fit, nahtona – your sight has saved many of our warriors.  It is one reason there are so many who wish to take you to wife.”

Donoma sighed.  This certainly wasn’t something she wanted to discuss here and now.  “Nahko’e,” she sighed, “I have no desire to mate with anyone.  Now please....” she started only to have her stomach grumble loudly.

Litonya shook her head.  “When was the last time you ate, nahtona?  Nevermind,” she continued before Donoma drew breath to answer.  “I will return with some food.  I expect you to eat and rest.  You will know if Koko Kanti needs tending.  Promise me, Donoma.”

“Very well, Nahko’e.  I will eat and rest.  But I do not want to be disturbed.”

Litonya nodded her agreement.  “I will be right back.”

Donoma did not move and true to her word, Litonya returned after a very brief absence.  She handed Donoma a full bowl of warm stew and some flatbread and with a final glance at the two of them, Litonya went back to her own home.  Honaw moved back to his tent as well though like many others he sat quietly outside to await developments and in case he was needed again.

Donoma ate because she had promised her mother she would, but she did so quickly and without tasting the food she consumed.  Then finally having absolved herself of the constraints that had bound her before, Donoma crawled over to the items that still lay scattered at one side of her home and looked at them for a long moment. 

There was the bone comb Koko had carved for herself after killing her first buffalo; the knife she had been carrying when she and Donoma had first met; a small book that Donoma remembered as Koko’s favorite among the few that Rachel had owned; and of course the chest protector she had created so long ago.

This she took a bit of time to study.  It was well cared for and still bore the marks of use – several scratches, a dent or two and what would have been a bullet hole had the beads not been woven so tightly together.  As it was, a bit of the bullet remained behind, filling in the gap nicely.

Donoma held it for a long while, her mind recalling each and every single mark, including the bullet hole.  That had been made just prior to Rachel’s death.  She frowned.  If she was remembering correctly, then there were no new marks on the armor since Koko had fled.  Had she not worn it for protection once she left the tribe?  That would explain the mutilation that had been inflicted on her, but it still did not explain the whys – why she was not protected; why someone had done this to her in the first place; and why she had chosen to come back here.

After spending another long moment in thought over questions she could not answer, Donoma shook her head and piled up the belongings together, making a mental note to have Honaw remove them later.  They did nothing but bring up memories best left buried and more uncertainty with no obvious resolution.  She sighed and checked on Koko once more, relieved when the injury was still dry and her skin was not flushed.  Then she moved over to the other side of the tent and promptly fell asleep.

************

Odahingum made his way to Takoda’s fire when he saw Litonya return from Donoma’s.  The shaman bade the chief to sit and Litonya took her place beside him as well.  It was unusual but not unexpected given the unusual circumstances they found themselves operating under.  Litonya shivered slightly in the cool breeze.  Spring was making a slow arrival this year and even though there had been no rain for the past several days, it was still quite cool... especially having come from Donoma’s dwelling that was currently overheated by most standards.  Takoda offered Litonya his robe and she accepted it gratefully. 

“So tell us,” Odahingum demanded after the silence went on for a moment.

Litonya gave him a sardonic look, knowing conversation between them with her present was rare; having it directed at her was astounding.  She turned her attention to her mate.  “She has great strength to have survived.  The injury done to her was very severe.  But I believe she will endure now.”

“And Donoma?” Takoda asked, recalling the private darkness she had worn as a shroud since Koko’s disappearance.  He was not sure her soul could stand much more.

“She will do what needs to be done and no more,” Litonya stated.

“As it should be,” Odahingum said unexpectedly.  Takoda blinked at his friend’s pronouncement.  He knew how he felt, but Donoma was his daughter and the chief had favored Koko’s warrior prowess since she had first become part of the clan.  Odahingum looked at him sheepishly and shrugged.  “Donoma is like a daughter to me as well, Takoda, and she has served the tribe long and faithfully.  Despite what Koko did for us when she was younger, the fact remains that she left of her own choice and with little regard for the welfare of the tribe.  I will not forbid her from remaining with us if that is her desire; she has earned her place and will always be one of us.  But Donoma gets first consideration and I will not allow her to be harmed again.”

“Thank you, my friend,” Takoda said sincerely. “It is good to know Donoma Chepi is so highly regarded here.”

“Never doubt her place, Takoda.”

“And neither of you should forget that Donoma will determine what sort of interaction she will have with Koko whether or not the warrior remains here briefly or has come home to live again,” Litonya instructed.  “We may not any of us agree with what she decides, but it will be her choice.  It has to be.  Otherwise we risk losing her permanently,” bringing to all their minds how close they had come to losing Donoma before because of their desire to dictate her happiness.

“We will cross that creek when we come to it,” Takoda said.  “I simply wish that my vision would clear where the two of them were concerned.  If I could have only seen this....”

“If only we all could,” Odahingum agreed.  “However, we cannot look back – we must look forward and try to be prepared for any eventuality this time.” 

Takoda nodded slowly. “Our only solace is that what I believe precipitated Koko’s last slide into withdrawal should not occur again.”

Odahingum frowned.  “What do you mean, Takoda?  I thought she left us because of her unresolved feelings for Donoma.  How the two of them could have been so blind to what was between them, the Great Spirit only knows,” he muttered.  “Although there seemed to be any number of young warriors that would have been happy to overlook that connection.”

“And he is certainly not telling,” Takoda agreed wryly.  “But it is easy for us to see from the outside and in hindsight.  But no... I believe Koko left because of something to do with Donoma though I have yet to figure out if it is because of something that did happen or something that did not.  However, I consider the event to have precipitated everything to have been the death of her Nahko’e, Rae’l.  Koko lost a stability in her life when that happened.”

Odahingum sat quietly in thought and the other two remained respectfully silent.  After a few moments, Litonya patted Takoda’s knee and rose, passing his robe back to him and moving to put water on the fire to heat for tea.  Finally....  “I think you are right, Takoda.  Many things changed for us that day.  And so much more changed for both Donoma and Koko.”  Silence fell again and both men were lost in thought, not even noticing when the water began to boil churning memories in its wake.

Part 2