The wise ones called council. We cannot remain passive. The whites must be driven out. Now is the right time, while they are at war amongst themselves. Their soldiers are away. They're defenseless. The People must strike."
Red Buffalo's sobbing quieted. "But Hunter, that is exactly what you feared might happen. What about survival through peace?"
"It's too late for that." A heavy ache centered itself in Hunter's chest. "I am a dreamer, Red Buffalo. The land is like a single bone between a pair of starving dogs. There is enough for only one. Peace will never come, never. You were right all along, and I was too blind to see it."
"But your woman! She's a You speak of driving them out. What of her?"
Hunter started to speak, couldn't. He took another deep breath and tried again, his voice strained. "I will protect her as best I can. The others have agreed not to attack her wooden walls. A messenger has already left to tell some other bands of today's attack and our decision to make war. He will also pass the word about my woman."
"You aren't going to get her? She's your wife. Her place is beside you."
"A man cannot own a woman, cousin. He can only…" Hunter's words trailed off. A picture of Loretta's face flashed in his mind. "He can only love her. The blood of the will flow bridle high. To force her to stay with us while we slaughter her people would be torture. Before this is over, my name will be a curse upon her lips.
Red Buffalo's sobbing quieted. "But Hunter, that is exactly what you feared might happen. What about survival through peace?"
"It's too late for that." A heavy ache centered itself in Hunter's chest. "I am a dreamer, Red Buffalo. The land is like a single bone between a pair of starving dogs. There is enough for only one. Peace will never come, never. You were right all along, and I was too blind to see it."
"But your woman! She's a You speak of driving them out. What of her?"
Hunter started to speak, couldn't. He took another deep breath and tried again, his voice strained. "I will protect her as best I can. The others have agreed not to attack her wooden walls. A messenger has already left to tell some other bands of today's attack and our decision to make war. He will also pass the word about my woman."
"You aren't going to get her? She's your wife. Her place is beside you."
"A man cannot own a woman, cousin. He can only…" Hunter's words trailed off. A picture of Loretta's face flashed in his mind. "He can only love her. The blood of the will flow bridle high. To force her to stay with us while we slaughter her people would be torture. Before this is over, my name will be a curse upon her lips.
( Catherine Anderson )
[ Comanche Moon ]
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