Drifter – Part 6

By D

Chapter XI

Koko had been away with the rest of the other young warriors, defending the tribe against the Blue Coats that had been harassing them while the tribe moved out of sight again. Thanks to Donoma’s sight, they had been able to dispatch them with a minimum of injury and no casualties. They were headed back to the tribe when Honaw noted a dust cloud headed their way; they scattered, intent on eliminating the new threat with as little damage as could be managed.

Koko was the first to realize it was Donoma coming toward them and she called the warriors back together, even as she rode to meet her. Honaw caught up with them, just as they drew even with one another, and he frowned in Donoma’s direction.

“What do you think you are doing, ka’eskone? It is not safe for you to be out here alone. Does Neho’e know where you are?”

Donoma glared at him for a long moment before she turned to Koko. “You must come back with me now, Koko. Something is wrong with Rae’l.”

Koko turned to Honaw. “Stay with the rest and ensure that the Blue Coats do not return again. Donoma and I will go ahead.” Honaw nodded and turned back to wait for the remainder of the warriors to catch up while Donoma and Koko raced for the clan’s encampment. Any other questions would have to wait until later.

They arrived back in the camp in a cloud of dust and Koko jumped from her horse before he could skid to a complete stop. Takoda didn’t get in her way, just accepted the reins from her and pointed to his home. Koko adjusted her direction though her cadence didn’t even pause. Takoda moved to help Donoma from her pony, holding the reins and extending his hand to her. Donoma slid to the ground and started after Koko, only to find herself held back by Takoda.

“Neho’e...let me go.”

“Donoma, there is not much time. Koko needs that time with Rae’l... alone.”

“No, Neho’e. I must.”

Takoda gazed into her eyes, seeing a depth of pain and understanding that always took him by surprise. He released her shoulder and nodded and Donoma ran across the compound in Koko’s footsteps. Litonya watched her go, knowing Rachel was struggling to hold onto life in order to say goodbye to both of the young women who meant so much to her.

Donoma stopped at the doorway - wanting to support Koko during what had to be one of the most difficult moments in her life and wanting to allow her the opportunity to grieve in private. Even at her rather tender age of thirteen springs, Donoma recognized so much beyond her years. Her sight had given her a wisdom that was rare in the old; it was unheard of in the young.

She crossed the threshold and waited, knowing Rachel was telling Koko goodbye by their actions. Koko did not cry, but her shoulders slumped and her head bowed. Donoma wanted to go to her and as if sensing her need, Rachel looked up and beckoned her closer. Slowly, Donoma took the few steps that were required to bring her to Koko’s side and she knelt to be closer to both her friends.

Rachel smiled at her and drew a labored breath before speaking. “Donoma Chepi, my friend and most favored student, I have to go now. It is time for me to rejoin Honiahaka in the land of his fathers. But before I leave, I have a favor to beg of you. I ask that you look after my daughter. I know that you have always been her friend and her warrior advisor, but I am asking you to allow her to be more.”

Donoma cocked her head curiously. “How so, Rae’l?” taking the older woman’s hand in her own as though offering her the strength of her youth. Koko sat as still as stone.

“She will mourn me as a warrior would, ka’eskone. When the time comes, let her mourn me as a woman and as a daughter would. She will not lose face in front of the tribe. But she will need to release her grief. Do not let her be reckless.” Rachel fell back to the furs, wheezing and pale from exertion. “Promise me, Donoma. I know I ask much of you, but I need to know Koko Kanti will be cared for when I am no longer here.”

“I promise you, Rae’l. She will not be alone.”

Rachel closed her blue eyes and nodded, satisfied that of all the People, Donoma Chepi would be the most capable of keeping such a promise. Her only regret was that she would not live to see their story play out to fruition, but she was looking forward to talking to Honiahaka about the woman and warrior their daughter had become – and the woman-child who would some day be her chosen mate.

When she had recovered slightly, Rachel blinked her eyes open once more, her chest still heaving with each effort to draw in breath. Rachel reached out both hands, gratified when both young women accepted her clasp. Then she put them together and held them with her own, clearing her throat raspily and whispering in English. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” She swallowed. “I love you, my daughters... never forget that.” Then Rachel closed her eyes and died, the silence settling over them as her breathing stilled.

Koko removed their hands from beneath Rachel’s and she reverently placed them across her chest. Then she stood and moved away from the body though her eyes never left it. Donoma moved with her and took Koko’s much larger hand in her own.

“I will go bring Nahko’e,” she said softly, squeezing the hand she held before exiting the tent. Litonya was waiting for her just outside and the rest of the tribe was waiting a respectable distance from them. Donoma didn’t need to say a word; Litonya understood and rose to follow.

By the time the sun was ready to set, Rachel’s body had been prepared and a pyre had been built. The young warriors had returned in time to help dig the pit and collect stones for the fire. They placed the body in the earth and stacked the stones on top. Then they gathered around and waited for Koko to come light the pyre that would speed Rachel’s soul to meet Honiahaka in the afterlife.

Koko stepped from her tent in full regalia and everyone straightened unconsciously at the presence she exuded. Donoma followed behind her, unable by right to walk beside her and unwilling by choice to let Koko do this alone. Koko took two steps before frowning, realizing Donoma was no longer with her. She turned and held out a hand, offering Donoma a sad smile.

“You were her daughter too, ka’eskone... as much as your Nahko’e would allow it. You walk with me.”

Donoma searched the blue eyes for a long moment, then took Koko’s hand without a word and together they approached the fire. Koko picked up the long stick that had been retrieved for just this purpose and waited until Donoma’s hand covered hers before touching the fire to the pyre. They stuck it in several strategic places, ensuring that the fire was well caught before offering the torch to Takoda.

It was silent for a while as the tribe watched the smoke curled toward the heavens. Once it streamed in a steady column, Koko opened her mouth and began to sing.

It wasn’t a typical burial song... not for the People. Instead it was the song sung in the white man’s tongue that Rachel had spent so many hours singing to her and Donoma to help them fall asleep. Donoma recognized it immediately and curled her fingers back around Koko’s, offering her a small smile and an approving nod.

When the song was finished, Koko and Donoma knelt at Rachel’s side, intent on watching over her remains for the night. The fire would naturally die out and in the morning, the tribe would move on, following the herd to fresh pastures.

Morning arrived and Takoda found Koko unmoving from her vigil. Donoma leaned against Koko’s shoulder, her exhaustion apparent in her face. He leaned down to pick her up, but a shake of Koko’s head stopped him from removing Donoma. He arched an eyebrow in question.

“I would like to go off on my own for a little while and I want to take Donoma with me if she would like to accompany me.”

Takoda nodded slowly. “That is acceptable, Koko. I have never been afraid for Donoma when she is with you.”

“Thank you, Takoda. We will head out when she awakens then.”

“I will inform Litonya. I am certain she will want to pack some things for you to take with you.”

Koko gave a sad smile of agreement. “Of that I am certain,” she replied. “It seems to be the way of mothers.”

“I believe you are right, Koko Kanti. And much as Rae’l did, Litonya looks on both you and Donoma Chepi as her daughters. If there is anything....”

“No, Takoda, thank you. I am not the first to lose a mother, nor will I be the last.”

“No, you are not,” Takoda concurred. “But your situation is a little different from most as well.”

“Perhaps,” Koko allowed. “But not all are as fortunate as I have been in making a new family,” meaning the tribe, but letting her gaze drift down to Donoma who still rested peacefully against her.

Takoda opened his mouth to say something, then hesitated. It wasn’t his place... yet, anyway, and when the time came, he expected that Koko would do the honorable thing. He wondered if they were even aware yet. He suspected Koko was – she was a fully grown warrior after all. Donoma though... he knew that the Great Spirit did not lend insight to matters of the heart. He doubted that she understood what was between them, even if she was able to see it.

Instead he simply said, “We are glad you are part of that family, Koko Kanti. I have long blessed the day Donoma insisted we help you and Rae’l.”

“As have I,” Koko stated as Donoma stirred against her.

“You have what?” she asked sleepily, rubbing her eyes and trying to stretch without moving too much. Koko looked down at her with a smile.

“I have been thankful for the day we became family.”

Donoma’s smile was big and bright. “Me too,” hugging Koko tightly.

“So, would you like to go out and listen with me? I think I need a little quiet.”

“I would like that. It has been a long time since I have done that.” Koko nodded... it had been more than a full cycle since she had taken Donoma out the first time and taught her how to listen.

“Gather your things, ka’eskone. We will leave when you are ready.”

“I will return in a moment.” And true to her word, Donoma reappeared almost instantly. Even without Takoda’s notification, Litonya had anticipated such an action and had everything ready for both of them. Koko rose from her knees, briefly touching the still warm stones before extending her hand to Donoma who accepted it without hesitation.

“We will try not to be too long. The Blue Coats are out in force to protect the white travelers and several of the other tribes are out hunting for the same settlers. Advise Odahingum to stay near the riverbed. The herd will not wander far from it, and it should keep the People away from accidental discovery. They will have to deliberately come looking for you that way – they seem to be intent on cutting their way across the heartland.”

“That does not seem to be a very intelligent way to travel.”

“Neither does angering the People – warlike and not alike – by breaking the treaties and promises they have made, and yet they continue to do that as well,” Koko spat in disgust. “However, Donoma Chepi and I will be fine. And we will return soon. I just....”

“Koko... I meant what I said. I have always trusted Donoma in your care and you have never done anything to betray that trust. Take the time you need. You know how to find us; we will leave the signs for you to follow when you are ready to come home.”

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

Donoma knew she was dreaming, but it was the dream of a memory of what had really happened. She shifted in her sleep, remembering that trip out onto the plains as if it had happened only yesterday.

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

They had headed south, away from the People and the Blue Coats and the settlers. Koko’s knowledge of the area was extensive and she was looking for a specific terrain. It took a full day’s travel and part of a second on horseback, but when they stopped, Donoma looked around in awe at landscape she had never dreamed was possible. Gone was the flatness and waving grasses of the prairie; in its place were towers of colored rock, bushy trees and scrub brush and sand unlike anything Donoma had ever imagined. She just stood and stared; Koko laughed.

“It is beautiful, Koko... absolutely amazing. How did you find it?”

“We stumbled across it some time back. I decided I wanted to come back here one day and listen.” Her shoulders slumped. “I only wish....”

Donoma stepped closer without touching. “I am sorry, Koko. If I had seen, I would have told you.”

Koko turned – tears in her eyes not being allowed to spill down her face. “I know, ka’eskone. But death is a natural part of life and I believe she was ready to rejoin my Neho’e. Despite their unorthodox beginning, they were well-matched mates. It was her time if the Great Spirit did not gift you with knowledge of her death beforehand.”

“But you are still going to miss her presence, and so I am,” Donoma stated with conviction.

Koko smiled at her. “Of course I will. But I think she is at peace where she is and in a few days, there will be another light in the sky that will mark her spirit watching over us.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I do, ka’eskone. It is what happened when Honiahaka died.”

Several days passed for the two of them, mostly in silence. They talked some, but mostly they listened. Koko ran... never far – up the rock sides, around the perimeter – always within hearing of their tiny campsite. Donoma took many walks around, investigating the territory and collecting bits of the colorful rock, figuring she would be able to create distinctive beads from them if nothing else.

That night they sat around the fire looking at the stars and Koko smiled. Donoma caught the expression and cocked her head in puzzlement. Koko arched and eyebrow at her in question.

“Why have you not cried, Koko? Is that not how a woman and a daughter mourn the loss of her Nahko’e?” thinking of Rachel’s last words to her. “Yet you seem... happy – at peace.”

“I am, ka’eskone... I cried for Nahko’e in my heart while I was out among the hills. Those tears were for me, not for her. She would not want me to dishonor my status as a warrior to cry for her openly... even in front of you. You have fulfilled your promise to her, ka’eskone; you simply allowed me to mourn in my own time and my own way.”

“Tell me what you were smiling at then. I want to know what puts the sparkle back in your eyes.”

Koko offer Donoma her hand, then tugged her down gently to sit in front of her. Koko extended her arm upwards and Donoma followed the line of sight. “Do you see the red light?” pointing out the particular star she was talking about. Donoma nodded. “Do you see the tiny white light just to the right of it?” Another nod. “That is the light that appeared in the sky just after Neho’e died. Now,” shifting her arm over just slightly, “do you see the tiny blue light beside that?”

Donoma squinted a moment before nodding again. Blue was a little more difficult to see against the blackness of the night sky. “That light appeared for the first time last night. I believe that Rachel’s spirit has finally found Honiahaka’s in the afterlife and they are together once more.”

Donoma turned slightly to look at Koko and made an indescribable face; Koko couldn’t contain the laughter that bubbled up from her chest when she saw it. Donoma turned around completely and glared, causing even louder laughter to erupt. Finally, Koko got ahold of herself and cleared her throat. “Thank you, ka’eskone. I needed that,” evoking a reluctant smile from Donoma. “Now what was that face for?”

“I am sure it is very nice that Rae’l found Honiahaka again – they have been separated and alone for a long time. It just sounds so very....” Donoma hesitated and waved her hands, unsure how to convey her thoughts on the romanticism involved. Koko’s countenance softened.

“Do not worry, Donoma Chepi. One day there will be someone in your life that you will feel so about and it will all seem different then. It will not sound so very....” Koko finished, waving her hand in much the same motion that Donoma had. “I promise.”

“Are you sure, Koko? Do you know this for a fact?”

“I do indeed, ka’eskone. I have seen it over and over many, many times,” she continued before Donoma could ask any probing questions. “It happened to your Neho’e and Nahko’e; it has happened to Honaw and Keez and even Aucaman. And how many of the older girls in the tribe that used to run from the boys now wait for them so that they might walk together instead?” Koko smiled. “It is the way of things, ka’eskone. It is how nature works.”

“What about you, Koko?” Donoma asked, ignoring the uneasiness she felt flowing from Koko’s body as she stiffened. “How can you know what will change and what will happen if you do not have someone like that in your life?” Koko blew out a breath, having wanted to avoid this discussion; then she decided to answer as honestly as she could without revealing anything.

“I know because I have watched and learned from those around me and though it is not quite the same thing as mating, I have had it happen, ka’eskone. My life changed when you came into it and brought my new family with you. I feel very strongly about the family that adopted me.” She paused. “For some, there will never be one single person that will hold their heart and soul, Donoma. But it is only that way for a few. You will have many who will wish to mate with you when you are considered of an age that Takoda would allow it. Just remember to choose the one who makes you happy. Promise me, ka’eskone,” Koko urged.

“I promise, Koko, though I prefer not to think about it right now. I do not want to grow up that much yet. I am very happy with the way things are now. I like my family just the way it is, though I will miss Rae’l and her lessons.”

“You cannot tell me you did not have those books memorized,” Koko said with a smile, relieved she had skirted the danger of the previous topic. “Maybe we should see if we could find some new books.”

“I would like that,” Donoma admitted honestly. “But I have no desire to go into the white man’s world to find them and we have nothing they would take for them. Perhaps I should make my own.”

The silence grew thoughtful after that and neither of them realized when they fell asleep.

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

It was dark when Donoma awakened, her thoughts a mass of confusion and her body sore from having remained in the same position for so long. She sat up slowly, pushing her hair back from her face and blinking the sleep from her eyes as Litonya stuck her head in. She didn’t say a word – simply backed out and returned again a moment later with some hearty stew and bread. Donoma didn’t have the strength to argue. She just accepted the bowl and ate, trying to sort out the thoughts and images left by her dream. She finally put it aside for later contemplation, knowing there were things that needed to be taken care of in the present – that the past and the future could wait for another time and place.

When she was done eating, she checked on Koko, satisfied that she was no worse, and Litonya remained with the warrior while Donoma took some time to clean up. She returned to her home and her mother departed, with the instruction that Donoma was to call her for help if it was needed. And so began the next part of Donoma’s vigil.

Chapter XII

For three more days Donoma’s supervision of her patient continued in much the same vein. She kept Koko under careful observation – watching her temperature, changing her bandages, feeding her broth and forcing her to consume it. There was no more sign of infection and Koko’s breathing remained deep and even and for that the entire tribe was thankful.

Still, there was a tension throughout the encampment that had everyone on edge. Takoda convinced Odahingum to hold a free-for-all challenge among the warriors a little away from the camp to draw everyone outside and away from the pall that hung over them.

Donoma appreciated it as much as any of the rest of the tribe since their leaving meant she had peace for just a little while. Without meaning to, the clan had placed an expectation on her and the longer Koko remained unreachable, the more difficult Donoma found her position. She had done all she knew to do; it was now up to Koko. But truth be told, Donoma had mixed feelings about that as well.

Although she truly wished no harm or ill-will to Koko, the fact was she still ached from Koko’s desertion. And despite everything, there was a part of her that wished Koko had never returned home – that she, Donoma, had never been put into such an untenable position that required her to care for someone she had never stopped caring for.

Donoma followed her usual routine, removing Koko’s bandages and cleaning her up carefully before deciding to leave the wrappings off for a while. The wounds seemed to be healing well on their own and Donoma hoped that a bit of exposure might speed the process along. Then she moved to the fire to retrieve the pot of broth Litonya had left there specifically for Koko earlier that morning. She smiled at her mother’s thoughtfulness, then froze when her name was whispered by a voice she had not heard in five very long years.

“Donoma....” Not a question – more of a plea, though what for Donoma herself had no clue. She turned to face Koko and realized that Koko was still in a state of deep sleep. However, the fact that she spoke indicated to Donoma that the warrior was well on the road to recovery, and she determined to have her moved to her own home as soon as the others returned from the games.

She left the broth near the fire, deciding to leave that chore to whoever was assigned to Koko’s care once she left Donoma’s. Then she went to the entrance of her dwelling and pushed the doorway aside, so she could stand just outside it and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air that permeated the earth. It was rejuvenating and Donoma absorbed it like a sponge, allowing the first smile she’d worn since Koko’s arrival to rest on her face.

Then it faded as the memories of waking up to Koko’s disappearance descended on Donoma and her heart broke all over again as the desertion she had felt that morning wash over her again.

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

Donoma woke up happy, despite the odd proposal she had received from Ahanu the previous day. She didn’t see the appeal herself – she had all she could possible want in the family the Great Spirit had blessed her with. She could not imagine anything or anyone could make her any happier than those who were already in her life, and she certainly did not relish becoming the property of some man, no matter how kind he might be to her.

Several of the boys that had grown up with her brothers had shown some interest, but they also seemed to know better than to mention it. Donoma had always been off-limits to them and there was no reason for them to think that would change without consent from Donoma herself. The older generation felt the decision lay with Takoda and assumed he would be glad to have her wed with a home of her own, despite her commitment to Koko Kanti. They did not know that Takoda and Donoma had discussed it at length while developing her abilities, and he was quite willing to let her make her own decision concerning her future. Unusual to say the least, but Takoda knew, more than the rest, that Donoma would one day be able to see the mate the Great Spirit had sent to her. He just wished her chosen would step forward and be recognized. But until that time, Takoda was happy to allow Donoma to refuse any and all unwanted proposals.

So Donoma rose from her bed that morning full of optimism – Takoda had kept his word and she had been able to refuse her first suitor without repercussion. Perhaps the rest would take a lesson and there wouldn’t have to be more refusals in the future. Donoma didn’t want to embarrass anyone or hurt feelings. But the fact was she didn’t feel the need to add more to her life.

She rose and washed her face and combed through her hair with the bone comb that matched the one Koko had carved for herself. Then Donoma stepped from Takoda’s tent into the early morning sun, wondering at the somber mood that had settled over the encampment. She sat beside her father at her mother’s bidding and accepted the breakfast porridge Litonya offered her.

“What is wrong, Neho’e?”

“I do not know, ka’eskone. Koko Kanti is gone. She left sometime under the cover of darkness and provided no word on her whereabouts or her plans to return. Donoma... she took everything with her.”

A frown crossed Donoma’s face. Though it was not unusual for Koko to go out scouting in the middle of the night, she had always left word what direction she was heading and when to look for her return. At times, she had even given reasons for her disappearance. But never before had she vanished without leaving some sort of explanation, and she had *never* taken more than the basic necessities for her trip. Her personal possessions remained with the tribe and Donoma took special pains to ensure that they were moved carefully as the People followed the herd.

“What are you saying, Neho’e?”

Takoda sighed. This was not the kind of news he wanted to share, but he wouldn’t allow anyone else to assume the responsibility for it either.

“I believe she has left us, Donoma Chepi. For whatever reason, Koko Kanti is gone from us for good.”

“No,” Donoma declared fiercely. “No, Neho’e. You are wrong. Koko would not leave without telling me. I am her warrior advisor. She would not leave without talking to me first,” clutching her bowl so tightly Takoda could hear the wood cracking. He reached over and unclenched her hands from either side, sliding it from her grasp and placing it on the ground before covering her hands with his.

“I hope you are right, ka’eskone. I hope I am wrong and you are right about this, Donoma.”

“I cannot be wrong, Neho’e. Koko would not leave without telling me – I am certain of that. We have an agreement and she would never dishonor that. Besides, I would have seen. She will return soon. You will see.”

Takoda nodded his agreement, though he shut his eyes so Donoma could not see his doubts. “I hope you are right, ka’eskone,” he repeated. “I truly hope you are right.”

But the days passed and Koko Kanti did not return. After the first few days, Odahingum sent out several small scouting parties to see if he could find her or any trace of what had happened to her. But there was nothing – no trail, no remains... no sign that there had ever been a warrior named Koko Kanti to pass through their lives.

The days passed into weeks and weeks into one season and then two. By the time a complete cycle rolled around, Donoma had pulled completely into herself and when she passed into her sixteenth spring without Koko’s return, she realized that Takoda had in fact been correct and she had been so very wrong.

The despair she felt settled over the entire tribe and though Donoma continued to live among them and serve them to the best of her ability, it was clear to all that she no longer found real joy in living and her gift had become as much a burden as it was a blessing.

Several of the warriors – young and old - tried to catch her eye, figuring without Koko’s protective presence they stood a better chance than before. But Donoma didn’t even give them a second glance. The thought of investing into someone else the same effort that she had given to Koko was exhausting and Donoma refused to settle for less than everything.

Eventually, she had put Koko Kanti and her desertion behind her, returning the tribe to a semblance of normality. Still there was always a part of Donoma that she held back from everyone, unwilling to put herself out there completely and allow herself to be hurt again. She didn’t understand it really, and when anyone tried to question her, she simply brushed them off as irrelevant. She couldn’t explain it to herself, much less anyone else. She simply knew that she would never, ever allow herself to trust anyone like that again. Nothing was worth the kind of pain this betrayal had cost her.

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

She brought her attention back to the present and glanced behind her at the sleeping figure of the warrior who had once been her friend. No, she decided firmly, she would never, ever allow herself to trust anyone like that again... especially not Koko Kanti.

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

As midday arrived, the tribe returned to their homes and fires to partake in a meal before heading back out to the prairie to continue their games. Donoma still stood just outside her tent with her eyes closed facing the sun, and though she heard them approach, she didn’t open her eyes or acknowledge them until Honaw placed a strong hand on her slender shoulder.

“Donoma Chepi... is everything all right?”

She blinked her eyes open and slammed them shut at the glare, squinting the second time to see Honaw’s worried expression. She smiled gently at him and he could see the residual sadness in her eyes. “Everything is fine, Hestatanemo. I believe the time has come to move Koko Kanti to her home. She is well enough that others can care for her now until she is able to care for herself.”

Honaw gazed at her, his unease etched into his face. “Are you sure, ka’eskone? Surely she would prefer if you....”

“Her preferences are not my concern, Honaw. I have done that which I said I would; now it is time for another to take up the burden and bear it. She is no longer my responsibility.”

Honaw stared into her eyes and read the truth there. She had hardened herself to deal with Koko’s unexpected appearance and now part of the sister he knew was locked away behind walls he had never wanted to see in her. He nodded his understanding.

“I will move her myself and alert Nahko’e to her change in status. She enlisted volunteers to give you a break.”

Donoma shook her head. “I will speak to Nahko’e myself. I am not taking a break – I am discharging her from my care. Neho’e can check on her once she awakens. It is time for me to finish the spirit quest that was interrupted by her return.” Honaw had expected as much, but it still broke his heart to hear it.

“Very well... should I move her now?”

“Yes,” Donoma replied decisively. “At least the village will be able to relax a little now, knowing that not only will she survive, but she will soon be awake and alert enough to become a productive member of the community again.”

“And what of you, ka’eskone? Will you still be a productive member of the community?”

“I never stopped, Hestatanemo. Surely that should count for something.” Anger sparked in her green eyes and Honaw understood immediately he had hit a sore point with her. He held up his hands in surrender, well aware that everyone was watching their interaction.

“You are right, Donoma. I am sorry. I just worry.”

“I know you do, Honaw, but there is no need. Now, please move Koko Kanti from my home so I can air it out a bit before I leave,” her voice firm and final in its instruction.

Honaw crossed the threshold into her home and scooped Koko into his strong arms.

“Donoma?” she whispered again and he frowned.

“No, Koko,” he responded softly. “It is Honaw and you are safe. Rest now. Everything will all make sense to you later.”

This time Koko frowned, though her eyes never opened and she whispered once more, “Donoma....” Honaw sighed. This had all the earmarks of a disaster waiting to happen, but he had been given his instruction. So he stepped from Donoma’s tent into the instant hush that fell in the camp as the tribe realized the implications of his actions. They watched in continued silence until Honaw exited Koko’s home after gently depositing her on the furs that had been prepared for her. Only when he went back to his own fire did the conversations resume and the tension in the air relax.

Litonya waited for Donoma to follow Honaw out, certain she would want to see Koko settled, but when that didn’t immediately happen, she went to check on her. She was a little surprised to find Donoma tamping out the fire and sweeping out the ashes to cool them before they were disposed of.

“Donoma?” The younger woman turned at the sound of Litonya’s voice, then smiled at her. She set the broom aside and picked up the still warm pot of broth.

“Koko Kanti still needs to eat; I believe she will be waking up soon and will want to feed herself.”

Litonya nodded and accepted the pot with ease. She motioned to the dwelling. “Do you need help with the cleansing?” knowing it was standard procedure for Donoma to scrub her home intensely to rid it of residual sickness after she completed her care of a clansman. Donoma shook her head.

“No, thank you, Nahko’e. I am going to sweep out the fire and open the bottom to allow it to air out while I am gone. I will finish whatever scrubbing is necessary when I return.”

Litonya frowned. “Return? Where are you going, Donoma Chepi?”

“I am going to finish my spirit quest, Nahko’e. Koko Kanti’s arrival only delayed it; it did not change the fact that I was in the middle of my search.”

“Have you spoken to Takoda?”

“Neho’e knows I need to do this, Nahko’e. He will not object. But I will notify him of my intentions before I leave.”

“Thank you, Donoma. That is all I can ask. I think what you did here was a very brave thing, nahtona. I want you to know how proud I am of you.” Before Donoma could retort, Litonya continued, “I need to get this to Koko Kanti and set up the watch in her tent to care for her until she is well enough to care for herself. Then I will return with some things for your journey.”

“I will wait, Nahko’e. I will not leave without saying goodbye.” Unlike Koko did, went unspoken, but it hung between them regardless.

“Thank you, Donoma. I will be swift.” Then Litonya left Donoma to her cleaning and scurried off to Koko Kanti’s dwelling, motioning several of the women to join her so she could issue instructions. Honaw’s wife Gaagii volunteered to watch first and Litonya nodded her thanks before returning to her own fire to prepare a few items for Donoma to take with her.

Takoda followed her into their dwelling and watched her for a long moment, then caught her by the arm, halting her progress. Litonya stopped short and met his eyes and he easily read her discomfort. “She is going back out again then.”

“Yes... she promised not to leave without saying goodbye, but she feels the need to finish the quest that Koko Kanti’s advent postponed. Donoma has not even considered that Koko’s arrival was the beginning of the quest she is to take.”

“You know something?” Takoda asked sharply. Litonya was no seer, but the Great Spirit had gifted her with insight into his visions and Donoma’s when they were quick to dismiss the obvious in search of the obscure. “Has she shared her vision with you?”

“No, Takoda. You know she rarely does that anymore. But if her quest was not to lead her to Koko and Koko back to us, I am not sure what the point of her being out there alone was. She is searching for what is missing... we all know the only thing that will satisfy her is the warrior that she brought back to us.”

“I do not think that will be an easy thing for Donoma to accept, Litonya. She still carries much anger for the way Koko Kanti left without a word to her. There is a sense of deep betrayal there as far as Donoma is concerned. We must give her the time and space to work this out.”

“And if she cannot?”

Takoda shook his head. “We will cross that creek when we come to it. However, I will have her brothers look out for her. She will not be alone this time.”

“Thank you, Takoda. Now I must get some things together for her to take with her on her journey. I told her I would return very soon.”

“I will go with you, Litonya. I need to inform her that she will not be alone in her quest this time. I know,” he continued, responding to the look on her face, “but I promised Donoma I would never lie to her. She would consider sneaking them in behind her back the same sort of deceit. I think she will expect as much given what happened the last time I allowed her to overrule my better judgment.”

They would have continued their conversation had Aucaman not interrupted them with urgency. “Come,” he bade them without preamble. “Koko Kanti is....” He shook his head as though to clear it. “Come,” he insisted again. “You must see this.”

They followed him outside and stopped short. Koko stood outside her home wrapped in the fur robe that had been used to cover her looking completely disoriented. She didn’t say a word... didn’t move from the spot where she had taken root as soon as she emerged from her tent. She looked around with confusion apparent in her eyes – as though she did not recognize where she was or those around her. She didn’t respond when Gaagii tried to guide her back inside, nor when Honaw spoke to her.

Then Donoma stepped from her home and time stopped.

“Donoma?” Koko whispered before turning her gaze heavenward. “I can’t be here!” she screamed in the white man’s tongue, forgetting that Donoma understood her. “Why are you doing this to me??” She looked around frantically, her eyes wild in an effort to make her escape. Honaw wrapped his arms around her from behind and she struggled, but her weakened, injured body could not overcome him and she slid to the ground in defeat.

Donoma watched Honaw lift Koko into his arms and move her back into her home. Then she went on to Takoda’s fire accepting the supplies from Litonya’s hands but not allowing either of them to speak first. “I will not go far,” she assured them, “but I must go. I will return when the quest is finished.”

“And if what you seek is here?” Litonya asked as Honaw emerged from Koko’s dwelling.

“It is not,” Donoma assured her. “Nothing here has changed for me,” she stated firmly.

“Your hestatanemos will guard you until your return,” Takoda said in a voice that brooked no room for argument. “Do not wander far.”

“I will not, Neho’e. Thank you for understanding.”

“I do not,” Takoda confessed. “I only know I want you to find happiness, ka’eskone.”

Donoma kissed first her father, then her mother, and without another word, she was gone. Takoda and Litonya exchanged glances.

“Remind me again why we had children?” Litonya just shook her head and they headed out to talk to Odahingum. Things were liable to get a lot uglier before anything good happened and they needed to have a back-up plan... just in case.

Part 7

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