Drifter – Part 3

By D

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. However, 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 either, 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 she will never fit in. 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 which 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, and 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 and 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 daughter. 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 – they 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 daughter 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 at 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 who 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.

Part 4

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