Read Online Savage Winter by Constance O'Banyon - Free Book Online Page B

with six of his warriors. The chief had sent word he wanted to see him on a matter concerning the Assiniboin tribe, who were getting bolder in their raids into Blackfoot Territory.
    He walked solemnly toward the big lodge in the center of the village and was greeted warmly by the new chief, Yellow Wing, who clasped his arm in Indian fashion.
    “Come into my lodge, Windhawk, and we will talk,” Yellow Wing said, holding the flap aside for Windhawk to enter.
    Inside, Windhawk and Yellow Wing sat down, and the women served them food.
    “I was glad to hear that you had become chief, Yellow Wing,” Windhawk said, taking a bite of the buffalo meat.
    “I do not think anyone misses Running Elk. He was a cruel man, and my people are happy that he is dead.”
    Windhawk nodded, remembering the day he had come to the Piegan village to rescue Tag from Running Elk. Tag had been badly mistreated, and Windhawk still became angry when he remembered the red welts on the boy’s back where Running Elk had beat him.
    “I am glad to hear that my brothers have a brave and noble chief.”
    After they had eaten, Yellow Wing handed Windhawk a pipe and Windhawk took a draw. “I have heard that you are concerned about the Assiniboin, Yellow Wing,” Windhawk said, handing the pipe back to him.
    “Yes, they have raided our horses and, two moons ago, killed six of my warriors.”
    “They are brave to raid so deep into our territory. I think they believe we will not retaliate,” Windhawk said, watching as one of the women sat down beside him and stared boldly into his eyes. He looked quickly at Yellow Wing to see if this woman was his wife and if he would take offense at the woman’s strange actions.
    “This is my daughter, Red Bird,” Yellow Wing explained. He, too, wondered why his daughter was acting so strangely.
    Windhawk nodded to the woman, then dismissed her from his mind. He turned back to Yellow Wing and the problem of the Assiniboin. “So far, they have not come near my village. I will post extra guards to make sure we are not taken unaware,” Windhawk said.
    He could feel Red Bird staring at him, and he turned once more to look at her. She gave him a smile and then looked at her father with a pleased expression on her face. Windhawk was irritated because the woman was present while he and Yellow Wing were discussing their common enemy. He knew the women of his Bloods would never be so bold as to place themselves near him when he was having a council meeting.
    “I have sent for you to warn you to be wary lest you be taken by surprise,” Yellow Wing told Windhawk.
    Windhawk stood. “I am indebted to you for this information. If you find yourself in trouble, you have but to call on your brothers, and we will come to your aid.”
    Yellow Wing stood also and nodded his head. “I think that time will not come. The Piegans can easily handle the Assiniboin. I think the time will come when we shall have to make war on them.”
    “I will say good-bye to you now,” Windhawk said. “I have a long ride back to the buffalo camp.”
    “Do not go until morning, Windhawk. I would be honored if you would stay the night in my lodge,” Yellow Wing offered.
    “The sun has already set; perhaps I will leave in the morning,” Windhawk said, moving to the flap and pushing it aside.
    Joanna awoke from a deep sleep and sat up. She saw the fleeting shadows on the wall of the lodge that were caused by the flickering cook-fire, and she shivered. It was as if a cold hand had just closed over her heart. Lying back down, she tried to empty her mind so she could go back to sleep, but she found she was unable to rid herself of the uneasy feeling. She closed her eyes and wished that Windhawk would soon come home.
    Windhawk was only half awake when he felt something soft brush against his body. For a moment, in his sleep-drugged state, he thought it was Joanna, and he reached out and pulled her to him. He clasped his hand about her waist, then slid it