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 ass 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 again, not for the first time, what Donoma was searching for.

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 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, wife. 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 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 ledge, 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, so 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 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 sister to play with. I only have brothers 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, daughter 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 hard-headed 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.

He 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 her 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 – 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, only 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 sister 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 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.

Part 2

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