Tags:
Fiction,
Romance,
Historical,
Native Americans,
19th century,
Abduction,
King,
true love,
goddess,
Protection,
Prince,
Indian,
American West,
dove,
savage,
Courted,
Suitors,
Lagonda Tribe,
Rescued,
White People
golden curtain of hair. Raising it to his lips, he closed his eyes. His whole body seemed to be on fire and aching with desire.
Angry with himself, he sat up quickly and looked down at the girl lying beside him. She slept the sleep of the innocent. Her lovely face was cradled on her hand, and her hair was a golden halo.
I am Tajarez, prince of the Lagonda, he reminded himself in desperation. He almost ran from the cave, down the slope to the riverbank. Then he dove into the water.
When Mara joined Tajarez the next morning beside the campfire, she began to help him with the task of drying the meat as she had the day before. He seemed more withdrawn than ever, so she did not speak to him. By late afternoon the task was completed and the thin slices of venison were packed in a leather pouch, and all the campfires but one were extinguished.
Mara followed the Indian down to the river. She bathed her hands and face, then sat down on the bank and watched as he began to remove his leather vest and britches. He soon stood before her clad only in his breechcloth. She was becoming accustomed to the easy way he treated nudity. She supposed it was an accepted fact among his tribe, but her upbringing had been very conventional. She was surprised that the sight of him wearing only a breechcloth no longer embarrassed her. In fact, she found she liked how he looked, all bronzed and muscled. She was having some very unconventional thoughts where he was concerned.
Tajarez removed his knee-length moccasins and waded into the water. He stood motionless, his eyes alert. Mara watched, fascinated, as he reached into the water, and with a quickness that surprised her, he grabbed a big trout and tossed it onto the bank.
Mara clapped her hands and laughed delightedly.
With the same precision, the feat was repeated several more times.
Mara was young and she wanted to join in the spirit of fun. If he would teach her how to catch fish with her bare hands, she could surprise Jeffery with her accomplishment when she reached home.
Quickly removing her boots, she held her gown up to her knees and waded into the cold water.
Tajarez watched her, a smile playing on his lips. She looked into his face eagerly. "Teach me, please."
The current was swift and Mara felt her feet being swept out from under her. She had not been afraid to go into the water because he would be beside her, but now she was frightened as she felt herself being swept downstream. She tried to grab on to his arm, just as the current dragged her under.
Tajarez watched with a look of amusement as the rushing water carried her away. He waited for her to surface. When she did, she was in the deepest part of the river, and it soon became apparent to him that she could not swim and was in danger of drowning. It had not occurred to him that she would be unable to swim. The maidens of his tribe were taught to swim almost before they could even walk.
Diving into the churning water, he swam toward her with powerful strokes. He knew he must reach her before it was too late. Never had he had so little faith in his own ability. With all the strength he possessed, he lunged forward in the water. When he finally reached her, he encircled her waist with his arm, then with his free arm he swam toward the shore. When he reached the bank, he laid her still form down on her stomach. She had already turned blue.
"No!" he cried in agony. "No, beloved."
He began to work frantically with her lifeless body, pressing on the small of her back, then turning her over and blowing into her mouth. In desperation he lifted her upright and began pounding forcefully on her back.
Relief washed over his body as she began coughing and expelling the river water she had swallowed. He laid her gently down on the grass and lay down beside her. He watched as her eyes flickered. His energy was spent emotionally as well as physically. It terrified him how near he had come to losing her. He knew he would move the heavens and
Melody Carlson
Fiona McGier
Lisa G. Brown
S. A. Archer, S. Ravynheart
Jonathan Moeller
Viola Rivard
Joanna Wilson
Dar Tomlinson
Kitty Hunter
Elana Johnson