Howdy!
First I’d like to thank you all for coming to the blog yesterday! And yes, we have a winner for the e-book of SOARING EAGLE’S EMBRACE. And, the winner is:
Kim Hampton
Congratulations, Kim! Sure hope you’ll enjoy the read!
Karen Kay
The Legend of the Star Bride
Howdy! And a Happy Tuesday to you!
Well, as if I didn’t have enough to do, I’ve taken some time to re-edit the story of The Legend of the Star Bride. It is the legend that inspired the book, SOARING EAGLE’S EMBRACE. There were several versions of this legend that I read and, though many were very similar from tribe to tribe, I picked the legend that I thought suited a more romantic heart and added a bit of my own story to the legend. So the book is freshly edited and it has a new cover and…Dah…ta…Dah…(that’s supposed to be trumpets playing) soon it will be out in paperback and it will be the first time it will be released in paperback since it was first published, years and years ago, I think it was around 2003 or 2004, over twenty years now.
I’ll share the cover for you and I’ll share that legend I used as a backdrop/inspiration to the story.
Now, just so you know, I’ve always called this book “my musical.” As a child, I watched the movie, Naughty Marietta, and I was particularly taken by Jeaanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. So the two of them inspired the two main characters in my story, SOARING EAGLE’S EMBRACE.
I love this cover. And here’s a link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074LWHB7W?tag=pettpist-20
So let’s start off with the new blurb for the book:
AI-FREE! 100% organic author-created content. No artificial intelligence was used in the writing of this book.
The Legendary Warriors, Book 3
Written in the stars…
Kally Wallace has no room in her busy life for marriage. Instead, she is following her father into a photography career, striving to capture the beauty of the Wild West and its vanishing Indian cultures before they both disappear forever. Montana’s Blackfeet country is everything she could have dreamed—and more. At night a handsome man gently invades her sleep. Their nightly encounters become more and more real until one bright morning, she is startled to find everything has changed.
Lawyer by profession, Blackfeet by blood, Clay Soaring Eagle is determined to do everything in his power—legally and spiritually—to save his people’s way of life. He trusts no one of the white race, and hopes that once Kally’s task is done, she will leave and take temptation with her.
The spirits have their own plan. As their passion burns with a brightness that rivals the stars, Clay and Kally are aware that it can never last…unless they find a way to make their two worlds come together as one.
Perfect for those who love::
** Sensuous Romance
** Soul-stirring dreams and passionate unions
** A mountain-top quest
** Happy ever after.
And now for an excerpt:
Soaring Eagle’s Embrace
By
Karen Kay
“This is the legend of…Star Bride. It is said that it happened in dog days, those days before horse was known to my people,” narrated Gilda. “Ah, but it was a glorious time. It was a peaceful time, too; a time when my people lived close to the land, when stars were gods and goddesses who listened to the pleas of my people.
“Now, it happened that at this time there was a young Blackfeet man…him handsome and pure in spirit. His name was Strong Arrow, and he was looking for a wife. But his would not be easy task.
“It true that there were many young women who would have gladly taken Strong Arrow as husband, for it was well known that him wise, generous and skilled in hunt. But Strong Arrow have big flaw: him believe himself to be perfect, no faults. Worse, him convinced him could give heart to no one except she who also be perfect…”
“My son,” said Strong Arrow’s mother. “I fear that you will be disappointed as you go through life, if you cannot find it in your heart to understand the imperfection of those around you.”
“I understand them well enough, my mother,” said Strong Arrow.
But Strong Arrow’s mother was wise and she said, “Heed my words, my son, for in order to be happy, you must learn that in all the world, there is not one single, faultless human being.”
“Ah, my mother,” responded Strong Arrow. “I know you speak with concern in your heart. But surely you can see that your words are not true. Look at me. Do I not obey the commands of my tribe? Do I not bring home much food? Do I not give freely to others all I have? Do I not live an exemplary life? My mother, can you honestly tell me that I am not and have not been a perfect son?”
Strong Arrow’s mother, Shining Woman, did not know what to say to this, knowing that to dispute with her son would only make his resolve all the stronger. Yet she feared that if Strong Arrow could not allow for weaknesses in others, he would never come to appreciate the intrinsic beauty which was held in another’s soul.
And so it was that Strong Arrow became more and more steadfast in his belief of his own perfection, and he resolved he would only marry one as unblemished as he.
Now, it is said that he was true to his cause. He searched for such a being. He attended every dance, every social gathering given by his tribe.
However, as might be expected, he failed in his quest time and again. In truth, as time passed, he became quite despondent.
Now, Shining Woman, seeing her son’s unhappiness, at last begged Strong Arrow to beseech the Evening Star. After all, said she, was it not the Evening Star who was honored for her compassion, her understanding, her love? Perhaps the star might share some of her wisdom with Strong Arrow.
And so it was that upon one lazy summer evening, Strong Arrow climbed to the top of Nina Istukwi, Chief Mountain, and, sitting down, took out his sacred pipe. He smoked, letting the fragrance carry up into the sky so that she who was the Evening Star could sniff it and know he meant to speak with her. He looked up at her, she who shone so brightly in the silvery glow of a half-dark, half-bright sky.
It was then when it happened. Suddenly Strong Arrow’s heart began to beat so fast and so furiously, he felt as though he might have been chasing a foe. Yet he had not moved.
As he gazed up at the beautiful star, he realized he had, at last, found perfection. Truly, he had fallen in love. But alas, what a love. For he had picked as a soul mate no less than she who was the Evening Star.
Now as time marched on, many in the tribe, hearing of Strong Arrow’s unusual adoration, laughed at him. But Strong Arrow remained true to himself. And each night thereafter, he would return to sit alone upon the plain, there to give his devotion to his star.
Many times he would return to Chief Mountain, and when he did, feeling closer to her, he would talk to her, saying, “Oh, Evening Star, how I wish you were made of flesh and blood that I might take you in my arms and show you all the love I have for you here in my heart. I implore you, Evening Star, do you return my devotion?”
Often one could hear him singing:
“Ooooo, ooooo, how my heart beats for you.
Ooooo, ooooo.
Ooooo, ooooo, how my lips hunger for your touch.
Ooooo, ooooo.
For I love you. You, the Evening Star.”
But he waited in vain for an answer.
Now, it so happened that one day Strong Arrow came again to Chief Mountain. As he climbed up a slope, he heard a strange sound, an unusual music. Where was it coming from?
Gaining the crest of the mountain, he scoured the countryside around and below him, his sharp eyes assessing all he could see. But try as he might, he could not locate the source of it. Still, his spirits took flight. Had it been a song? And if it were a song, could it be she who was the Evening Star?
But as quickly as the music had begun, it stopped and he heard it no more. He waited all day, and the next and the next, climbing up to the mountain’s summit each evening, hoping to hear again the strange melody. But alas, it came no more.
Now, Strong Arrow was not a stupid man, and it took little effort on his part to devise a plan. The next day came and Strong Arrow hid himself behind some boulders. And there he waited, and he waited. In truth, so long did he pause there that he began to wonder if his tribesmen were right about him. Was he chasing a mere phantom?
However, this day his patience was rewarded, for soon—before the sun had reached its zenith—it happened again. On the wind came an alien yet beautiful refrain.
Where was the voice coming from? All across the wide mountain range, there was nothing but the winds which whispered across barren rock. Nothing to his right, to his left, behind him, in front of him.
Still, the music was becoming louder. Puzzled, he looked up, and there he espied the most uncommon sight he had ever seen. A bird, looking much like a large eagle, coasted down from the heavens. And upon its back was a very beautiful woman.
At the sight, Strong Arrow’s heart began to pound, faster and faster. It was then when he knew that it was she, the one who was his true love.
Soon, the maiden began to sing the unusual, eerie song, at first in words he didn’t understand, and then in the language of his people.
“Come out, come out, oh warrior mine.
For I know that you wait for me.
Come out, come out, take me for wife.
For I have heard your plea.
Come out, come out, my truest love,
come out and play with me.
Show yourself, my warrior true.
For I am the Evening Star.”
With these words, Strong Arrow stood up from his hiding place. The maiden turned to look at him, and they gazed upon one another. And so long did they stare that Strong Arrow feared she might run away.
At last, however, she smiled at him, saying, “Because you are a great hunter, my father, the Sun, has taken pity on you. He has heard your appeal. I, too, desire to marry you, for I have seen you here, night after night, alone upon the face of the earth. And as you fell in love with me, so too did I fall in love with you. Consequently, my father gives me to you in marriage freely, asking only that you take no other for a wife for the rest of your life.”
Strong Arrow said nothing to this, though he yearned to speak of much.
She continued, “My father, the Sun, knows this thing he asks of you transgresses upon the custom of your people, for within your tribe a man of standing might take more than one wife. But you must refrain from doing this. Do you promise?”
Still, so great was Evening Star’s beauty that Strong Arrow could not speak. In faith, it was all he could do to simply nod.
“You must understand further,” Evening Star said, “that my father does not give me to you easily. Know that if you ever betray this trust he places in you—if you should ever take another to your sleeping robes, my father would ensure a penalty.”
“I understand,” voiced Strong Arrow at last. “And what would this punishment be?”
“You would cease to exist upon this, the face of the earth. So it is said by my father, the Sun,” she said. “Know, too, that my father, the Sun, is a jealous man, and he might test the strength of your resolve. Do you still agree?”
Strong Arrow took a step toward her, his heart in his throat as he said, “Long have I admired and loved you, Evening Star. I will take you as my own. I will honor you. Aa, yes, I agree to your father’s demand.”
Evening Star smiled and extended her arms toward him. “Then come, my love,” she said. “Take my hand and lead me to your people.”
He did as she bid him, and they were married that night. Indeed, in the years that followed, it is said that they embodied the best which is known of love and marriage.
Many years passed. Because Evening Star was a goddess, the regular chores of a wife did not fall to her. Skins were dressed, food was made, wood was gathered without her expending any labor, so great was her magic. Evening Star was also a generous woman and gave freely to the people all they desired, and she became the most well-respected woman of the tribe.
However, all was well for so long that the people began to forget they, too, needed to work, hunt and repair clothing in order to survive. Alas, so easy was it to obtain the goods they needed from Evening Star, the men in the village lost interest in hunting, while the women depended upon the crafts of Evening Star to repair their moccasins and homes. Even the little boys in the village no longer played hunting games, while young girls mimicked the charms of Evening Star.
Truth be told, the people became lazy.
Now, perhaps all this might have had little consequence were it not for the fact that Old Man, the Sun, had yet to play out his full hand. Here is what happened.
Strong Arrow was out on the hunt. But on this day, Strong Arrow saw a most unusual sight. Into his path walked a beautiful maiden, one who openly flirted with him; one who begged him to take her home. But she pleaded in vain. After all, Strong Arrow believed himself to be perfect; he had given his word to his wife and to her father that he would take no other into their home. He would stand by his word.
And so he passed by the maiden. Looking back, Strong Arrow saw the girl vanished, and it was then when he knew the time had come for Old Man to test him.
The next day, again while Strong Arrow was out on the hunt, Old Man sent an even more beautiful woman into his path, this maiden also begging Strong Arrow to take her home. But Strong Arrow was as wise as he was virtuous. He passed this one by, too.
Then Old Man smiled. Indeed, his son-in-law was a faithful husband. Still, there would be one more trial.
The next day, Old Man sent again a beautiful maiden into Strong Arrow’s path. But this time there was a difference. This woman looked so much like Evening Star that Strong Arrow hesitated, confused.
Seeing this, the woman spoke, saying, “Take pity on me. For you are my own brother-in-law. My name is Bright Shadow. I, too, am a star, and like my sister, I desire a good husband.”
“I cannot take you as a wife,” Strong Arrow responded.
“And yet it is your right to have me.”
“No,” said Strong Arrow. “It is not. I gave up that right when I married your sister.”
“Yet,” said Bright Shadow, “I need your help. Do not ask how, but my own future depends on you. If you take me with you, I could aid you in becoming glorious in war.”
Strong Arrow sneered. “You waste your breath, woman,” he said. “For if it is my home which you seek, I cannot help you.”
“Could you not?” she asked. “Think well, my brother-in-law. If you do me this small favor, I could give you much. I could assist you to become the best hunter in your village.”
“I already am the best.” And so saying, Strong Arrow began to walk away from the woman.
“Please,” came again the maiden’s plea.
Strong Arrow glanced over his shoulder. “I do not need or desire glory, or another wife,” he called to her. “I love the one I have.”
Bright Shadow stared at Strong Arrow, and her eyes narrowed before she commented, “Then you make a mistake, my brother-in-law, for you will surely bring pain to my sister if you do not take me with you.”
This statement gave Strong Arrow reason to pause. Coming to a halt, he looked back at the maiden. “What falsehoods are these you now tell me?”
Bright Shadow took a step toward him. “I do not utter untruths. I am in trouble,” she said, her gaze at Strong Arrow full of appeal. “I am with child, and my father, the Sun, says that there is no room in the sky for another star, my baby. Alas, my father has sent me here upon this earth to bear this child alone. But I am frightened. All I wish to do is to see my sister, that she might care for me.”
Strong Arrow hesitated, and turning so he now faced the maiden, he looked deeply into Bright Shadow’s eyes. “If this is all you desire, why did you try to seduce me?”
Bright Shadow cast her eyes down. “Because I am afraid to be alone, and I thought this might be the only way to beseech you.”
Strong Arrow frowned, and it is said that he puzzled over what to do. Duty to a woman in Bright Shadow’s condition would not allow him to walk away from her; however, he also could not bow down to her pleas, for he knew well the consequences of his actions. What was he to do?
He hesitated but a moment before making his decision, and then, lifting his face up to the skies, he shouted, “Do you understand this, Old Man? Do you see that I am taking pity on your other daughter, who is with child? Know this: I do not take her to my home as a wife. I take her only to be with her sister.” And with this said, Strong Arrow grabbed hold of Bright Shadow.
Yes, his intentions were honorable, yet in doing what he did, Strong Arrow sealed his fate. For though he could not have made any other choice—not and remain perfect—with this decision came disaster. He never arrived home.
A thunderstorm came suddenly upon Strong Arrow and Bright Shadow, causing Strong Arrow to seek shelter. And though his intentions were decent toward his wife’s sister, a man is, after all, but a man…
Meanwhile, it took little enough time for Evening Star to discover her husband’s betrayal.
A tribe of visiting Crees, seeing the wealth and laziness of Strong Arrow’s people, defeated them in battle, taking Evening Star as their own. And doing so, the Crees fled.
Perhaps it was not Old Man’s doing what happened next. Some kind folks say that it was not. Others, however, tell a different story.
By some trick of fate, the victorious Crees, en route to their own home and bringing Evening Star with them, came upon Strong Arrow and his ward where the two of them had sought shelter. Strong Arrow had no choice but to fight the enemy, and fight he did, well and hard, for unlike the others in his village, Strong Arrow had never failed to take to the hunt each day, and his body was lean and fit. But the outcome was inevitable. There was only one of him against ten Cree warriors.
Seeing this, Evening Star was overcome with grief, as well as with conflict. On one hand, she cried out. For she realized, as she watched the combat, that her husband would die this night.
However, even as her heart broke, Evening Star knew jealousy. For there by Strong Arrow’s side lay her sister, plus the evidence of his treachery…
Still, as Evening Star beheld the enemy’s knife come down to stab into Strong Arrow’s heart, she knew she could not watch. She waved her hand, causing the mortals to freeze.
“What am I to do?” she pleaded toward the midnight sky, opening her arms wide. “Oh, Father, my husband and I were so happy. Why did you do this to us? For I know this is your work.”
But it was night.
“Your father is not here to hear your pleas, my daughter. He is on the other side of the world.” It was Old Woman who spoke, she who is Night Light, the Moon.
“Yes, Mother,” answered Evening Star. “In my grief, I forgot that he is gone. But please, what am I to do?”
Old Woman paused. “It is, indeed, bad that this has come to pass,” she said. “I fear your father forgets that men are but mortals. My daughter, what is it you would like me to do?”
“I…I am uncertain.”
“Do you love your husband?”
“I…yes, I did…once…”
“Perhaps you should understand how your father tested Strong Arrow to the utmost, for he tempted him greatly. Your sister looked exactly as you do, and your husband was bringing her back to camp, not to take her in marriage, but to bear her to you for help. She told him she is with child.”
“With child? Oh, Mother, if she is with child, she should have come to me directly instead of—”
“As I said, this was your father’s work. It was also your husband’s plan to bring her to you, not to bed her.”
Evening Star sighed. “That may be so. However, it is now clear he failed in this, too.”
“Yes, he did,” said Old Woman. “Perhaps your husband is not as perfect as he would like us to believe.”
“You are right, my mother. I was wrong to think he could be as pure as a star. Only we who are gods and goddesses are without flaw.”
“Are we?”
“Yes, of course we are. But Mother, this talk gets us nowhere. Though I might abhor what my husband has done, I do not wish to see this, the end of his existence. Alas, perhaps I have loved him too well. Is there nothing I can do? You can do?”
“There is nothing,” said Old Woman. “Only your father can change what is to take place.”
Evening Star sighed. “Then I will lose Strong Arrow forever.”
“Yes, although…”
“Although?”
“There is one enchantment which is within my power. It would save his life, but it is not without risk.”
“Risk means nothing to me.”
“Very well, my daughter, but first let me explain. While the charm would save him, it might doom you.”
“Me? I think not, Mother. Nothing can harm me. I am a star, and unlike these mortals, I am proof against anything.”
“As you say, my daughter. Still, the spell might yet come to be a test.”
“A test?” asked Evening Star. Now as we all know, a god or goddess can little resist a challenge, and so she uttered, “Tell me more, my mother.”
“The only way I can keep your father’s curse from taking its natural course is to have your husband trade places with you.”
“With me? I would become mortal?”
“I am afraid so, my daughter.”
But Evening Star was barely listening. She had paced toward Strong Arrow, reaching out a hand to touch the powerful line of his jaw. Bending, she whispered to him, “Why—why did you do it? How could you betray me when I have loved you so greatly?”
“My daughter, our time grows short.”
Evening Star stepped around the inert and silent figure of her husband and, casting him one last look, lifted her sight to the midnight sky. She asked, “Is it because of my belief in my own perfection that you are able to do this?”
“Yes, my child.”
“Then say no more, my mother. I will become mortal, if for no other reason than to prove I can do it. But how long must I remain this way?”
Old Woman cried, “There is but one place in the sky for the evening star, my daughter, and if I am to save him, your husband must take your place until…”
A long pause followed. “Yes?”
“…until a future time when you will both return to this same spot on Chief Mountain—the place where you first met.”
“This seems simple enough.”
“Have a care, my daughter, for it is required that you remain chaste in order to return. However, if you can do it, if you can remain innocent, you and your husband will be given another chance: you to understand him, he to beg forgiveness. If you both can do this, all will be well. If you cannot…” There came a drop of rain upon the earth. “Oh, that I could do more than this for you, my daughter.”
But Evening Star was unafraid. “Do not fret,” she said to her mother. “I will prove how easy this is. Go on, my mother. Go on and do it.”
Tears began to fall in earnest from the sky. And in Old Woman’s voice was nothing but grief as she said, “Understand, my child, that you will have no memory of this, nor will he.”
Evening Star thought for some moments, her mind turning over images of the warmth of her beautiful home; remembering again the love of her mother, her father, her sisters. To never see them again…
But upon this thought came another. Did she have so little faith in herself that she could not submit to a dare?
At last she said, “Do it, my mother. Bring him into the sky, but do it quickly.”
“Let me give you this last advice, my daughter, before I do as you request. Look to the land and to the mountains, for your heart’s desire. For it is in the mountains where the spirits reside. They will help you.”
“I will,” said Evening Star.
“Remember, too, your lover’s song; for you will know him by it, and he you.”
“I understand.”
And so it came to pass that Strong Arrow was taken into the evening sky, there to shine brightly upon the earth, while his own true love became doomed to an earthly life.
There are some who say that on a night such as this, when the moon shines so brightly in the sky, one can see Old Woman searching the mountains, looking for she who is her true daughter, listening for her song. But alas, it is also said that the true Evening Star must have failed the test of chastity, for in all this time, she has not returned.
Still, there are those who hope…
Soaring Eagle’s Embrace on sale now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074LWHB7W?tag=pettpist-20
On sale now for $.99, but only for today and tomorrow. Then it goes back to its regular price of $5.99.
I’ll be giving away a free e-book of this book today to one of our wonderful bloggers. So come on in and leave a post.
Karen Kay’s Winner
Howdy!
Many thanks to those who came to the blog yesterday and who left a message. I loved them all. We do have a winner of the free e-book and the winner is:
Patricia B.
New Young Adult Story — Free E-book Giveaway
Howdy! Hope y’all are doin’ well on this beautiful Thursday! Well I hope you’ll forgive me, but I just noticed (believe it or not) that this is more or less a repeat of my last post two weeks ago. I must admit to being thoroughly swamped at the moment and so I hope you will excuse me.
I am filling in for the beautiful and amazingly talented Cathy. I know. Touch shoes to try to walk in, but I’ll try.
I have a new release out and it’s the third book in the Young Adult Series I’m doing entitled OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE. This is a sweet teen romance, set in around the 1840’s between a Blackfeet Young Man and a young teenager, Miss Starling) who came to live with her Uncle Jed when her parents died in a boating accident. Jed just happened to be a trader in the far reaches of Blackfeet country. The first story started when Starling (the heroine) was only 16 and on a steamboat set to take her into the dreaded Blackfeet Country. Because her Uncle Jed was unable to meet her at the boat’s landing at Fort Union, he sent his almost-nephew — Good Eagle — to meet Miss Starling and protect her on the steamboat as it was to go even further west…straight into Blackfeet Country. Well needless to say, the two of them DID NOT hit it off. However, he was told to guard Starling on the boat and he did.
Well, it’s now two years later and Starling is 18 and Good Eagle is 20. But Starling is now considered an adult and, oh my, she’s now found herself in love with Good Eagle. But, unfortunately for Starling, Good Eagle does not return her love (he is still in love with another)…though he and Starling have become the best of friends.
And so begins book #3, OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE. I write this romance under the pen name of Genny Cothern.
So let me tell you a bit more about this 3rd book with a blurb and an excerpt:
Our Enemy Brings Change
A spellbinding and sweet Native American historical romance for Young Adults featuring two people who are friends, but who must not fall in love with each other.
What Will Happen When We Give Our Enemy His Life?
When Starling Nelson begs Good Eagle—her best friend and partner— to spare the life of an enemy, little does she know how this one single action might affect her life. For a year now, Starling has realized her friendship with Good Eagle has blossomed into love. But, because Good Eagle’s heart belongs to another, she has learned to ignore the rapid beating of her own heart whenever Good Eagle is near.
Good Eagle finishes the fight the young Nez Perce warrior started and grants the warrior his life, but only because his partner, Starling, insists upon it. But when the Nez Perce warrior offers a piece of advice to Good Eagle, it has the effect of changing not only Good Eagle’s mind-set about love, it might very well change his life forever.
But, there are doubts about a happy ever after for Good Eagle and Starling, because, though Good Eagle’s past love is no longer alive, in spirit she still haunts him.
Can Good Eagle and Starling win against the supernatural? Or will this one chance at love fail, separating them forever?
Perfect for Readers who love
** A haunted hero and a beautiful “off limits” friend
** Sweet Native American Historical Romance
** Adventure and sweet love in the Old West
** Friends who believe love might destroy their honor
I hope you like this cover as much as I do. It’s a bit of a change from my usual covers. But I love the detail in this cover as well as the bright colors. If you’ve ever been to Montana, then you probably know that the environment is not brown and drab, but it vibrant with color.
And so, here is an excerpt — a different one from my last blog two weeks ago. In this scene Starling and Good Eagle are on the trail to discover a war lodge built somewhere in the Two Medicine area. They have gone there to scout out the war lodge and to discover what (if anything) the enemy left behind.
EXCERPT
Our Enemy Brings Change
At last, by mid-day, we beheld the butte Deer Leggings had pointed out to us several days ago; it was known to the Pikuni as Móskizipahpi-istaki or Heart Butte. Rugged Mountains in the shape of a heart at its peaks jutted up toward the sky, while at its base, a large pine and hardwood forest butted up to it. We were only a few steps away from the pine forest now, and, entering into the cooler temperature of it, we traveled within its dense and dark depths, both of us keeping a look out for the war lodge or any other surprise.
The scent of pine was strong here and pleasant, despite the gloomy-like interior of the forest, where light so rarely found its way to the ground.
Good Eagle led the way, and, turning slightly in his seat, he motioned me forward. As I guided my pony up to Good Eagle on his right, he looked over his shoulder at me and said, “I believe I know where this lodge is. And, if I am correct, we will find it farther back from here and closer to the mountains. It is there where the pines are the most dense. I have been here before and I believe we will discover the lodge to be well hidden amongst the trees in this forest. Now, take heart and find your courage. Though I know the feel in these woods is gloomy, making it seem as if an enemy watches your every step, it is usually not so. I do not sense the presence of an enemy here. Still, keep your pony close to mine as we go through the pines.”
“Yes,” I said. “I will follow you. Indeed, with you here with me, I feel secure.”
Glancing at me quickly, Good Eagle smiled. “Okí, come on, let’s go!”
We then found the lodge with ease. I had never seen an actual war lodge and I was stunned to witness its cleverness in design.
Said Good Eagle, “I remember this war lodge from when I had once come here with my father. It is rather ancient and is not much used by my people anymore. It was many years ago when he brought me here. You see, it is the duty of my father, who is often the leader of war parties, to know where these war lodges are located all over Pikuni territory. They are usually found to be close to a trail, and they are used over and over by many a Pikuni war party.
“But, my father has told me the enemy, too, knows of their locations, and so it is not unusual for the Nez Perce to have used this lodge. But, even knowing the enemy might also be aware of the location of these lodges, many of my people still use them. However, although these kinds of war lodges can be convenient when one has a need of them, my father feels it best to construct a new war lodge when he is at the head of a war party; he would make his own, one as yet unknown to the enemy.”
I nodded, but I did not speak.
We both dismounted, leaving our animals hobbled in a large area of grass so they might feast upon it and recover their strength. Good Eagle and I came up close to the structure and I asked, “How are these built? I can see they are constructed to remain here for use, but how is it done?”
Quite good-naturedly, Good Eagle took my arm and stepped toward the war lodge while he explained, “The leader of the war party selects a spot to build the structure, usually close to a war path and within reach of water for bathing and for drinking. All the men begin to build the shelter as a place where they can rest and smoke meat and prepare for the dangers of war. Windfalls, as you can see, are plentiful in these wooded areas and the cottonwood and willow tree branches are used mostly because they are in abundance here along the river bottom.
“Now, three, maybe four or five, large and sturdy cottonwood limbs are found and put together like a tepee. These form the structure of the lodge. And then, other, smaller limbs are placed here alongside the main structure, while smaller limbs, bushes and small branches are put here and there over the entire structure. Large stones are found and are used to hold the lodge in place. Then, slabs of tree bark are put onto and around the lodge in order to keep the weather out of the structure. Bushes, leaves and more pine boughs are placed around it, also, to keep everything in place and any holes are quickly found from within the lodge and are closed up so that no rain or snow will fall inside, nor will smoke escape through the holes to announce to the enemy where the lodge is built.
“Now,” said Good Eagle, pointing, “as you can see, there is a long tunnel leading into the structure so that it can only be accessed by bending low and crawling through the tunnel into the lodge inside.”
“Yes,” I replied. “I think I would say it looks like an inverted V shape.”
“Quickly,” said Good Eagle, “let us gather up some dry wood so we can build a fire within the lodge.”
We did so easily enough, there being many dry branches and logs on the ground. Within moments it was done, and, carrying the wood to the war lodge, Good Eagle bent and crawled into the opening, pushing the stack of wood before him. I followed.
It was dark in this tunnel-like structure and I was glad when we, at last, reached the interior of the lodge. But, because all the cracks in its walls were covered over with bush or tree bark from the outside, there was no light in the structure’s interior except for what came through the lodge poles from above. Also, because of the darkness of the forest, I could see almost nothing within, even once I came to stand up to my feet and my eyes had adjusted to the dark.
Said Good Eagle, “Let me start a fire in the center of the lodge so we might more easily locate the headdress we have come here to find.”
I didn’t help Good Eagle to build the fire because, using little more than flint and punk, it generally took me much longer than he to stoke up a fire. However, Good Eagle was a master at it, having learned how to do it long, long ago. And so, very quickly the interior of the lodge was thrown into a flickering, yellow light which seemed to me to be about as bright as moonlight, and perhaps, just as flattering.
At last, I could see what was inside the lodge, and, without looking at Good Eagle, I murmured, “Well, I can now understand why there is such a strong odor of pine here in this lodge. The men who had used this war lodge, slept on many pine boughs and have left them here. I had thought, when we first entered, that the odor inside here would be rotten, perhaps from the remains of animals. But, this is not so. It is the sweet smell of balsam, as well as prairie sage, which permeates the inside of this structure.”
Good Eagle didn’t reply to me. Instead, when I looked up toward him as he stood on the other side of the glowing firelight, I saw he was gazing at me in an uncommonly strange manner. He said nothing; he did nothing. He simply stood there looking at me as though he were seeing me for the first time.
Although I took note of how handsome he appeared in the flickering firelight, I thought little of it, for I had often admired his looks beneath the beams of a moonlit evening. And so, shrugging off my attraction to him, I said again, “I have noticed how sweet-smelling the inside of this lodge is.” I grinned at him.
Yet, he murmured not a single word in reply to me. He simply stared at me. A long minute ticked by in my mind, and, as I looked at him, I wondered what was wrong with him. Why didn’t he say something to me? Yet, he uttered not a single word.
“Well,” I said at length, “it might be wise for us to look for the headdress and return at once to the fort where we can present it to Deer Leggings.”
“Tsa, what?” At last Good Eagle seemed to come more fully into the moment. “I did not hear what it was you said.”
“Oh?” I asked, wondering what was affecting him in such a strange way. “Well, I will say it again, then. Perhaps we should look for the headdress and then make our way back to the fort.”
“Áa, áa,” was all Good Eagle replied. And then, as though he had been momentarily held in a trance, he shook his head slightly and shut his eyes. Opening his eyes and again looking at me, he said, “Of course. Let us do as you say.”
And, so began our hunt for the Nez Perce headdress. We each one inspected several different sleeping areas. But, it was Good Eagle, who, at last, found the tube which held the regalia. Not only was there a headdress neatly packed within it, there was another cylinder located close to it, and inside this other was an entire outfit of men’s dress regalia, complete with a tanned buckskin shirt, leggings, breechcloth and moccasins.
As Good Eagle was rolling the clothing up and stuffing it all back inside the tube, I said, “We should bring these back to Deer Leggings. I know he will be happy to see them.”
As I reached out to take one of the cylinders from Good Eagle, I accidentally touched the palm of his hand, and I almost jumped back because of the sensation of energy which fled over me. What had happened to me?
I looked up at Good Eagle’s face and saw a look of surprise upon his countenance, also; one probably mirroring my own reaction. I hardly knew what to do. Perhaps I should have taken a step back away from him. But, I didn’t. It was as though I had become glued to the floor.
Again, it was a long minute within my mind before Good Eagle at last said to me, “I think we should return to the fort, yet my people are not camped far from here, the Two Medicine area being a common camping spot for us during the Yiipo, the moon when the leaves grow. Would you like to come to my people’s encampment with me before we return to the fort? Perhaps it is well for you to meet the rest of your family, my father, my mother, my sister and brother.”
Taken a little by surprise, I replied, “I would be honored to go there with you.”
When he grinned at me, I thought my heart might likely have jumped up from my chest and into my throat, so quickly did it beat. I didn’t know quite what had happened to me…or to Good Eagle.
But, whatever it was, it left me with a warm sensation which was spreading all over me. Something, though I knew not what, was different between Good Eagle and me. And, whatever this was, it was so pleasant, I longed for more of the same.
But, of course, I didn’t say any of this to Good Eagle. He is, after all, my best friend, my almost-brother and my partner.
When Good Eagle seemed to become more of his usual good-humored, though teasing self, we left the lodge, as well as the pine forest and headed toward the camp of his people.
To say I was honored by his suggestion to take me to meet his family would have been an understatement, and I found I was so nervous at the prospect of meeting his parents, as well as his sister and brother, I barely spoke at all to Good Eagle along the trail.
But, in truth, this was as it usually was; one didn’t overly converse when on the trail.
Inwardly, I started rehearsing what I might say to his father and his mother, but alas, I could think of nothing which seemed to me to be quite worthy of the honor I felt. However, sighing deeply, I kept trying to practice what I might say….
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HG88KVRV?tag=pettpist-20
And now for some more news: She Steals My Breath , book #1 in The Medicine Man Series is on sale for $,99 and If She Were Mine is on sale also for $.99. But If She Were Mine is going to be on sale only until the end of this month. So do hurry and get your copy today!
If She Were Mine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GWY3P5KS?tag=pettpist-20 
She Steals My Breath: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TNDS67H?tag=pettpist-20
Well, that’s all for today! Hope your Thursday is both beautiful and romantic! Don’t forget to post a comment. I’ll be giving away a free e-book of this story to one of today’s bloggers.
We Have a Winner for Karen Kay’s Free Give-away
Howdy!
Yes, indeed. A drawing was done and the winner of the free book, OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE, is :
ALICE
Congratulations Alice! Many thank you’s go out to all of you who came to the blog yesterday and who left a comment. I loved them all!
New Young Adult Novella, OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE and Giveaway
Howdy!
Welcome to a new and beautiful Tuesday! I hope you and yours are doing wonderfully on this bright day in September (it’s supposed to be sunny here where I live).
My goodness, but there is lots going on these last few months with three new books (two of them novellas) and four of my backlist books being reissued by my new Publisher, OHB.
This newly released book is book #3 in The Untamed Frontier Series and is entitled, OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE. It is a Young Adult Book. Also, on the 15th of September, the last book in The Lost Clan Series, book #4 in the series, THE LAST WARRIOR releases.
And so, let me begin with the newest release, OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE and tell you a little about the book. Now, I write these Young Adult books under the pen name of Genny Cothern. Below and off to the left is the new cover for the book.
There’s a lot I like about this new cover for the book. First, I think it is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever had. Second, I love that the Montana landscape, as well as the Blackfeet encampment are so beautifully depicted. The cliffs, the mountains in the background are what you might see if you were to go to Montana today. And then there’s the way he’s dressed…his clothing looks quite authentic.
So let me post a blurb of the book and then an excerpt:
Our Enemy Brings Change
A spellbinding and sweet Native American historical romance for Young Adults featuring two people who are friends, but who must not fall in love with each other.
What Will Happen When We Give Our Enemy His Life?
When Starling Nelson begs Good Eagle—her best friend and partner— to spare the life of an enemy, little does she know how this one single action might affect her life. For a year now, Starling has realized her friendship with Good Eagle has blossomed into love. But, because Good Eagle’s heart belongs to another, she has learned to ignore the rapid beating of her own heart whenever Good Eagle is near.
Good Eagle finishes the fight the young Nez Perce warrior started and grants the warrior his life, but only because his partner, Starling, insists upon it. But when the Nez Perce warrior offers a piece of advice to Good Eagle, it has the effect of changing not only Good Eagle’s mind-set about love, it might very well change his life forever.
But, there are doubts about a happy ever after for Good Eagle and Starling, because, though Good Eagle’s past love is no longer alive, in spirit she still haunts him.
Can Good Eagle and Starling win against the supernatural? Or will this one chance at love fail, separating them forever?
Perfect for Readers who love
** A haunted hero and a beautiful “off limits” friend
** Sweet Native American Historical Romance
** Adventure and sweet love in the Old West
** Friends who believe love might destroy their honor
And now for an excerpt of the book:
OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE
By
Karen Kay writing as Genny Cothern
CHAPTER ONE
Indian Territory
The Moon of Flowers, Summer
1849
“Saa, no, please do not kill him!” cried out my partner, Kills-the-bear-woman, I’nit kiááyo aakíí, or for short, Kiayo’aki, Bear Woman. She reached out toward me where I was sitting on my horse and placed her hand upon my shooting arm, but I didn’t look at her or at her hand. I dared not take my attention off of my enemy.
At a distance only a horse trot away, the man had, just a moment before, stepped out from a forest of pines. He hadn’t yet seen us. But, I knew at once he was an enemy warrior, but from what tribe was he? I did not recognize the manner in which he wore his hair, nor the pattern of the bead work upon his clothing and leggings.
I prepared myself for battle, and, as I did so, I felt the blood rush through my body, giving me strength.
“Do you know what tribe he is?” Kiayo’aki asked me.
“No.” Quickly I made the sign for the word, but I did not look at her. I had eyes only for my enemy.
In less time than it takes to observe it, I saw the sun was still rising up toward its zenith, and thoughts flashed through my mind in rapid succession. Kiayo’aki and I had left Fort Benton in the darkness of the early hours, I being her partner, but I was also responsible for her safety, she being my almost-sister and younger than I. On the previous evening, we had decided to journey to the Upper Two Medicine Lake this day in search of a better hunting ground.
Niitá’p, the game close to the fort was gone for now, hunted out. And, this being so, we had decided to travel farther away, toward one of my tribe’s favorite camping spots, the Two Medicine. We had last night decided we would even journey into the Backbone-of-the-world Mountains (the Rockies). But, only if we had to.
Luckily, it was unnecessary. Our decision to come closer to the Two Medicine area had been a good one, and we had been in the act following the trail of several buffalo when out from the forest, stepped this man, who was only now discovering the two of us. I watched as he quickly drew his bow and an arrow from his quiver and placed the arrow in a position to shoot. I raised my gun and sighted him.
“Almost-brother, I beg you, do not kill him.”
“Are you mad?” I practically shouted the words at her in reaction. “If I do not kill him, he will surely murder us both. While I do not care if he kills me, I care about what he might do to you!”
“Please! Do not kill him!” she begged me again. “Have mercy! Why, he looks to be the same age as we are. Truly, he is too young to die.”
She was right of course. But, her words faded into nothing when the chance to give the youth quarter faded. The young man was afoot, while both Kiayo’aki and I were mounted upon our ponies. Because the youth was clearly at a disadvantage—and perhaps it was because of this—the young man shot off a deadly arrow directly at me.
The shot missed me, and, seeing this, my enemy began to sing the strange melody of a song, perhaps his death song, as he quickly drew out another arrow in preparation.
However, my response to the coming fight was not my concern over the fight ahead of me, but rather, it was one of worry for my partner, and I shouted at Kiayo’aki, “You are to go back to camp at once and tell your uncle what has happened here.”
She didn’t answer.
“Did you hear me?”
“I heard you,” she answered back, her voice loud to my ears. “But I will not go there. It would take me too long to get there even at a run. And, by the time I would be able to return here, either you or the young enemy would be dead. No, I think I will stay here with you.”
I didn’t respond to her nor to the enemy…at least not right away. I pushed my rifle into position to get the best shot at the young man, and slowly I walked my pony forward. The youth, however, didn’t wait. Quickly, he set another arrow into position and was about to shoot when I pulled the trigger of my musket, my aim being to wound the young warrior in his shooting arm. In this way, I would not kill the youth, but he would also not be able to take another shot at me or my partner.
Looking forward, I could see the ball sail straight into my enemy’s right arm, and, at the same time, I beheld the enemy youth fall down to his knees.
While observing all this, I listened as my partner muttered, “Thank you, Good Eagle, for not killing him.”
I didn’t answer her.
I watched as the enemy’s arm fell useless at his side and his bow, along with its arrow, dropped to the ground. But, this youth was not a coward, and, with his other arm, he pulled his knife out from the belt around his waist. Then, though he was still on bended knees, he waited for what he probably thought would be the death blow from me.
Immediately, because a musket can only fire one shot, I grabbed hold of my own bow from its case upon my back and, just as swiftly, fitted an arrowto it. I didn’t let the arrow fly. It was there, instead, as a threat as I continued to slowly walk my pony toward this foe.
“Please, do not kill him!” Kiayo’aki cried out again.
“He started it!” I shouted back at her. Still, I knew I would not kill this warrior if I could avoid it. And, this was because I respected my partner’s wishes probably more than my own life. “Besides,” I added, “he has drawn his knife and intends to kill me.”
“But we are two and he is only one. Perhaps we have only frightened him, and this has caused him to draw his knife.”
I didn’t answer. My attention was on the coming fight.
Still, by my actions, I hoped to give the youth the impression that I would show him mercy. Niitá’p, though my actions were not swift as I jumped down from my seat upon my pony, the youth suddenly fell forward and lay there upon the ground as though he were dead.
Meanwhile, I stepped toward the young man, pointing my arrow straight at this enemy while I paced toward him. Coming down onto my knees beside the man, I turned him over and examined first the enemy’s chest to ensure he was still alive and breathing, and then I looked at his wound.
Kiayo’aki had followed me and was the first to speak, and she said, “He is still alive. But, he is hurt. I believe he has only fainted. And, I think his arm is broken. Come, help me to wash his wound and dress it and then assist me to take him back to camp. Please have pity upon him and let him live, I beg you.”
“As you ask, so will I do and he shall live,” said I.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************
Well I hope you enjoyed the excerpt.
Here is the link to the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HG88KVRV?tag=pettpist-20
And now for even more news:
The last book in The Lost Clan Series will be releasing soon, next Tuesday. Below is the cover of this fourth and last book in this series, THE LAST WARRIOR. This book is on a Presale and you can pick up your copy of it here: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Warrior-Lost-Clan-Book-ebook/dp/B0H7TD5VR7/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&sr=1-1&tag=pettpist-20
Also, I am looking for reviewers. if you would like to review either of these books, please let me know in the comments.
Well that’s all for today. Hope you have a beautiful and wonderful day today and for the rest of the week, also. Don’t forget to leave a comment. I’ll be giving away a free e-book of OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE to one of the bloggers here today.
Karen Kay has Two Winners
Howdy!
Winners, as usual, are picked at random. Actually I draw the names I put on slips of paper — so it truly is at random.
Before I announce the winners for the new book, RED HAWK’S WOMAN, I wanted to thank all of you who came to the blog yesterday and who left a message. I love each and every one of them.
The winners are:
Pam Hamlin and Colleen
Many congratulations go out to you both. The book will come directly from Amazon so tomorrow, please look for it.
RED HAWK’S WOMAN Releases Today
Howdy! And a hardy welcome to y’all!
How you enjoyed the Patriot Wrap-up Party! It was lots of fun with games galore, give-aways and more! Yes, our eight book Patriot series is done now…all books have been released. But, in my heart, the Patriot Series will go on and on.
But, moving along, we come to the book, RED HAWK’S WOMAN, which is being released today, Tuesday 11 August 2026. The book has been newly edited and proofed. It has a new and beautiful cover. Now, I originally wrote the book in 2007 for Berkley Publishing, a subdivison of Penguin/Putnam. It’s part of The Lost Clan series, a series of four books, where the future lives of different bands of a tribe rest on the heroes of these stories being able to break a curse. I should say here that it was written during a time when my editor and the publishing world in general asked for love scenes and so the book is a sensuous love story.
But the new cover is sensational and I’d like to draw attention to the hero on the cover. He is dressed in his best regalia, complete with quill work and bead work, a looping necklace, beaded moccasins and a quiver case holding his bow and arrows. And, pay attention to his hair. This is historically accurate. The Blackfeet men (and many other men of the northern tribes) wore their hair as shown with a braid at each side of their head and their hair straight up in a pompadour style. The Blackfeet, unlike other northern tribes, also wore a braid in back. Also, all Indian men wore earrings. I keep files of historical photographs of both men and women … and children at this time period. And I can say that it is rare (very rare) to see a picture of an Indian man during this time period who did not wear earrings.
Note that In the heroine’s hand is a feather the hero of the story, Red Hawk, has given her.
Then there is the environment. From the snow-topped mountains in the background to the dry prairie, the pines butting up to the foothills, the shallow stream and the horse in the background, it is a beautiful depiction of Montana.
So, I’m going to post the blurb for the book here and follow it up with an excerpt from the book. Hope you’ll enjoy!
RED HAWK’S WOMAN
A spellbinding and sensual Native American historical paranormal romance featuring a centuries-old curse, a passion strong enough to wake a god’s wrath, and two hearts bound by a single morning neither time nor distance could erase.
Their passion is thunder and lightning.
Their fate could be a flood of sorrow.
When Red Hawk’s visions leads him back to the girl he never forgot, he is surprised to to find no flicker of recognition in her eyes…
Effie Rutledge is twenty-five, unmarried, and in no hurry to fix either—she would rather finish her father’s quest than keep house for any man. That quest is four lost artifacts with the power to free a clan trapped between worlds, and she means to see it through, even after every guide in the territory writes her expedition off as cursed. Every guide but one.
He draws her the way water finds the sea, and the pull only deepens as buried memories rise between them. But trust comes hard for them both, and a love this consuming is exactly the kind the Thunder god punishes—with the fate of an entire lost clan hanging on what they choose.
Perfect for readers who love:
– Fated lovers and a centuries-old curse
– A spirited archaeologist and her enigmatic guide
– Sensual Native American historical paranormal romance
RED HAWK’S WOMAN
An Excerpt:
The weather on this fine day in Niipiaato’s, or June, the summer month, was pleasant, warm and sunny. It was a condition he had expected, since it had been foretold by the red sun at sunset on the previous day.
“The sun will not lie to you,” he could almost hear his grandfather say, “and if it is red at sunset, the next day will be fair.”
At present, Red Hawk was riding his mustang, a mare, a little distance ahead of the others. His senses were alert for signs of enemies, but not blind to the splendor all around him. The countryside was as fine an example of Mother Earth at her best as he could remember.
Here was a meadow of newly growing green grass. To his right was another sea of green, which was littered with a profusion of flowering dogwood, pink twin flowers and a-sat-chiot-ake or purple locoweed. He took careful note of the latter, for it had a medicinal purpose.
After swinging his left leg over his pony’s neck, he jumped down and walked the short distance to the other meadow, where he proceeded to gather up parts of the plant. They might prove useful later, for their medicine was often good for sore throats or swellings.
The scent, as the wind blew its fragrance around him, was clean, balmy and full of the perfume of the grasses and flowers, and he relished it as he drew in a deep breath. Even the smell of balsam wafted through the air, for this part of the prairie was flanked by stands of pine trees.
In the distance from these meadows, and due north, were snow-capped mountains, majestic looking, steep and rugged, though from this angle, they appeared deceptively serene. These would be the mountains that Effie’s party would either skirt or cross, depending on the safety of the various trails. It was his hope to escape the dangerous mountain passes and bypass them entirely.
“It’s like a fairyland, isn’t it?” He recognized Effie’s voice at once. On foot, she stood above him, since he was still hunched over the ground.
“Fairyland?” he queried, gazing up at her.
“A place of mystical beauty. That’s what a fairyland is. I think that when I was younger I fell in love with this country.”
This he could understand. “I, too, love this land…almost as much as I love and respect my…people, my grandfather.”
“Yes. What is it you are collecting?”
“A plant. We call it a-sat-chiot-ake or purple locoweed. It is used as a medicine for sore throats. We may have need of it later.”
She nodded. “How many days’ journey are left before us, do you suppose?”
“It will depend on the weather and the trails, and if we are bothered by the Crow tribes or not.”
“Bothered?”
“We are in Crow country, and though they are friendly to whites, they are my traditional enemy. Many of their warriors would covet my scalp, if they see I am here. This would not be good, since we are vulnerable to attack.”
“We are?”
“Aa, we are. Though there are four other men with us, I have not observed that any of them are good shots. Perhaps they fight better in hand-to-hand combat. I do not know. I can only hope that the fear of the whites and fear of their retaliation will keep the Crow from attacking us.”
“But we never had trouble when I was here with my father, many years ago.”
“As you have already told me.”
“I guess we were lucky back then.”
“Perhaps you were,” he said. “And I pray that luck is with you as much today as it was in the past.”
“As do I.” She dropped to her knees beside him. “May I help you pick these flowers?”
“I would welcome it. You must grab hold of the flower, stem and all. Do not bother with the roots, for it is the flower and stem I require.”
“All right.” She fell into silence as she worked, but after a moment, she said, “Mr. Hawk, I wish to speak of a delicate matter between us.”
“You may say whatever you please to me.”
Her look was guarded at first, but then she shook her head. “Very well. I have many questions I might ask about you, your life and the Lost Clan, as you might well understand. But first there is another matter that sits heavily on my mind.”
He raised an eyebrow at her.
“Truth be told,” she continued, “I never did answer your question as to marriage, and you have never inquired after it. Have you changed your mind?”
Her question, as well as the subject itself, was indeed delicate. It also had the effect of knocking the breath from him, but he kept the reaction to himself.
“I do not change my mind,” he said, dismayed to hear that his voice was unsteady. “I simply try to give you space to consider it, as well as some time away from me so as to decide the matter for yourself.” He paused. “Did you think I might have changed? That I would take back my offer?”
“Yes.” Her glance skimmed off of his. “You have been…distant from me since we started this journey.”
“I have much on my mind—it is my duty to lead and to protect us.” Again, he hesitated, then, “Did you have an answer for me?” He didn’t look at her. He dared not.
“Yes.” She reached out to touch his hand. “I…I am afraid…that I cannot marry you.”
He nodded without looking at her. It was as he had expected.
But then she added, “Now…”
“Now?”
“I need to find out more about you, about what you said about the Lost Clan, before I can… I was so startled by what you said,” she continued hurriedly, “and you left so quickly after, that I haven’t known what to think. So as you see, I have many questions.”
“Aa, I have had much to consider. But I am here now. If you have other concerns that trouble your thoughts, feel free to question me.”
She didn’t respond right away. In truth, she seemed to be carefully choosing her words, as now and again she sent him a tentative look.
Gazing at her now, with her fiery hair as well as her dress blowing softly about her, she presented such a beautiful picture, it was almost more than he could do to keep himself from staring at her like a lovesick buffalo calf. Though she was on her knees picking several flowers, she now and again frowned at him, and he felt urged to smooth out those two wrinkles between her brows.
“Very well,” she acknowledged, sitting back. “My first question is about the Lost Clan.”
He nodded. “I thought you might have questions for me about this.”
“Yes. Well, what I’ve been trying to understand, and what I can’t quite comprehend is this: You said that you are of the Lost Clan?”
“Aa.”
“But how can this be so? They are a clan of legend, are they not?”
“’Tis so.”
Her frown grew deeper. “I still don’t understand. I am here to dig for evidence that they did at one time exist…but in the past. To say you are of that tribe would infer they are in the present, and not in the past…” Her voice trailed away.
He hesitated and considered her question solemnly. “I understand your confusion, and you are correct, the Lost Clan is a clan of legend. But it is also a clan the Creator blessed with a chance to end the curse.”
“Yes. That’s right. I had almost forgotten that part of the legend. Once a generation, a boy is chosen—”
“To take on real form,” he continued for her, “and to go out into the world in an attempt to end the curse for the Clan.”
“Real form? Then what you’re saying is that you were once entrapped in the mist?”
“Aa.”
“Excuse me, but I find what you are saying a bit hard to believe.”
He shrugged, looking away from her, and glanced back toward the ground. It was as he had thought. The truth was too bizarre to be accepted.
She continued to speak, however. “So what you are saying is that you are one of those boys who was chosen to try to end the curse?”
He grimaced. “Aa, it is so.”
“Hmmm…”
“And yet, no, I am not truly a chosen one.”
She shook her head. “Now I’m really confused.”
“Let me explain. The elders did not wish to choose me. It is as uncomplicated as that.”
“But if they didn’t want to—”
“They had no one else from whom to pick. The rest of the boys from my tribal band were injured.”
“Oh.”
“The day when we met, I was coming from the council where I had been named as champion for my band of the tribe.”
“Were you? How exciting. You must have been delighted.”
“No,” he said flatly. “Though I had long wished to be champion, knowing I was picked only because there was no one else was not the way in which I had dreamed of becoming our tribe’s defender.”
He noted that whether she believed him or not, she at least bestowed upon him a sympathetic look, and said, “I’m sorry.”
“You do not need to be. Regardless of how it was done, I am still the one who must break the curse for my people or live with the knowledge of my failure. You must realize I take this obligation seriously, if for no other reason than to make my grandfather proud.”
“And so you should. It is very commendable. I notice you speak of your grandfather often. You must love him dearly.”
“Aa, it is so. He adopted me when I was so young I do not remember it.”
“Adopted?”
“Aa, though I am of Blackfoot descent, the Lost Clan is not my tribe of birth. My parents, who were visiting the Clan at the time when the trouble began, were killed by the Thunderer. I would have been left homeless, were it not for Grandfather.”
“Your parents were killed by the Thunderer?”
“Aa, aa. In my youth, I often dreamed of revenging myself on the Thunder Being or the Thunderbird, as he is sometimes known, because I blamed him for all my troubles. But I have since grown up, and I have put those desires of vengeance away from me…or at least I have tried to. Now I only seek to free my people, my grandfather.”
“I see.” She drew her hand over the ground, as though trying to decide which flower to pick next. “But tell me, if all you say is so, why are you here with me
now? Why aren’t you out somewhere trying to break the curse?”
“Because,” he said without even hesitating, “I am out somewhere trying to break the curse.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You are somehow connected with the Clan.”
“Oh, am I?” She brightened suddenly. “I think I’m beginning to understand what this is all about. It’s the artifacts, isn’t it? Somehow, these artifacts I carry, and those I search for, are important to you. Am I right?” She looked to him hopefully.
He didn’t respond. He couldn’t and remain true to his vision, for a vision, if told to anyone other than a medicine man, was to render the prophecy powerless.
She gazed away from him, and all the while the reddish strands of hair that framed her face fluttered prettily in the wind. He wished he could take her in his arms, if only to make her believe him. But he knew if he wanted her to trust him, to really trust him, he dared not do it.
At last, she said, “I don’t know what to think, Mr. Hawk. Your story is fantastic. Nevertheless, my father certainly believes in the legend, which is the only reason why I am here. However, I have to admit that not only you, but this entire trip, is incredible, more like fantasy than real life. Perhaps if we lived in a more mystical place and time, I might be more inclined to believe these stories. At present it is difficult.”
“Mystical? What do you mean by this word?”
She arched a brow at him. “Mystical means something to do with people or places or things that are not necessarily of the flesh—those instances of mystery, of magic perhaps.”
“Haiya, but there is mystery all around us.”
“Is there, now?”
“’Tis so.” Sitting back on his haunches, he motioned to the environment surrounding them. “Have you never wished for something, and it came true? Never seen the birth of a colt? Never witnessed the Creator’s hand in every blade of grass that grows? Is it so unusual that the Clan is cursed? After all, there is a price to pay for all one’s ill deeds. Grandfather told me this before I left the Clan: he said that no one can escape the consequences of his own acts, for life is an endless circle, and what one forces another to experience, one will, himself, be made to endure. The Clan killed the children of the Thunder god, and now they pay the price for having done so.”
She exhaled. “I think that whether I believe you or not, your grandfather was a wise man.”
“Aa, he was, he is. I have tried to remember those words, for the urge for revenge still festers within my heart.”
“Truly?”
“Aa. I am a warrior. I would risk a warrior’s death to avenge my parents. But I cannot. I must not. I am on a quest—I can never lose sight of this. Grandfather, my entire Clan, depends on me.”
“It is indeed a hefty responsibility that you carry.” She paused, then sat forward, so she might look behind her. “Mr. Hawk, listen. Do you hear them? The wagons? They are not far behind me, and I would like more time to speak with you earnestly about one or two other concerns…”
“Other concerns?”
“Yes. More about the Lost Clan—I still have questions—also, I feel I should tell you that I think someone could be following us. I’m not certain, for I have seen only shadows, but I fear we might indeed have a straggler in our midst.”
“Humph!” Red Hawk considered her words somberly. “I have not been scouting to our rear. Perhaps this has been an error.”
“Perhaps. I will leave it to you to determine. But again, I would like a moment more of your time—away from the others.”
“Aa,” he said, then suggested, “we could talk again while the others take their noonday nap.”
“We could, or maybe we might have our conversation tonight? Once the others are asleep?”
“It could be arranged.”
“Very well, then. I look forward to seeing you tonight. Thank you for your time.”
They both stood then. She turned toward him and dazzled him with a radiant smile. He took hold of her hand, and, as awareness of her swept through him, he wished to never let her go, to never let this moment slip away.
But time has a way of plodding forward, and no man can hold it back. Eventually, she pulled her hand away. Before she left, she brought forward from a hand she’d been hiding behind her back the bouquet of flowers she had picked. “My gift to you.”
It was a simple overture. Still, he hardly knew how to react. As he watched the sun dance off the unusual color of her hair, it came to him how utterly beautiful she was. The freckles on her face had become more pronounced under the steady influence of the sun, and, after raising his fingers toward her, he touched each golden fleck on her face, one by one.
It was almost as an afterthought that he accepted her gift, though as he grasped hold of the flowers, his fingers caressed her palm, stroking her sensitive skin.
Tentatively, she raised her gaze to his. Her lips parted, their wetness engaging, inviting. Unable to help himself, he accepted what he hoped was an invitation, and he bent to press his lips to hers, gently, adoringly.
Desire shot through him. Raising his head only slightly, he brought up a hand to smooth over her cheek, moving down to her neck, her shoulders, pulling her in closer to him.
He said, “Kitsikakomimmo,” then he kissed her again.
“What do those words that mean?” she whispered, her breath coming in short gasps.
“I will tell you tonight.”
“Do you promise?”
“Aa,” he murmured. “I promise.”
Her eyes were closed, and bending, he smoothed his cheek against hers, confiding in her ear, “I have something for you too.”
“Oh?”
“Keep your eyes closed, and give me your hand.”
She complied.
Reaching up to the back of his head, he unfastened the eagle feather suspended from his hair, drew it off and urged it into her hand.
“Open your eyes.”
She did so, and seeing the gift, she smiled up at him.
“’Tis from a golden eagle,” he said. “For you are like this very bird to me. Proud, protective, majestic. Kitsikakomimmo.”
“Kitsikakomimmo,” she repeated after him, and listening to her speak the words, even though he knew she did not grasp their meaning, had his insides tied in knots.
He swallowed hard. “I, too, hear the sounds of the wagons, and they are close. Soon they will be in view, as we will be to them. We will finish our talk tonight.”
“Yes. Tonight.” She stepped back, out of his arms, and he immediately felt bereft. “Thank you for the feather.”
He nodded, then watched as she turned and walked away. Soon, as she stepped toward the wagons, she faded from sight. Though he knew he shouldn’t, he couldn’t help but think, Oh, that she had said yes.
RED HAWK’S WOMAN
Available at Amazon: $4.99 e-book or get it free on Kindle Unlimited
I’ll be giving away this book to one of the bloggers today, so please come on in and leave a post.
Where’s Felicia? Winners From July 30th post.
Forgive me for being late with posting the results from Where’s Felicia from July 30th! Golly y’all got the right Filly,which is Karen Kay (me), but only one guessed where I live correctly. My husband and I live in the New York, Connecticut, New Jersey tri-state area and that gorgeous tree in the background of the last picture is, indeed, in our yard. Every year we are in awe of it. In my recent book, Freeing Miss Abagail, I make mention of the gorgeous red leaves of the maple trees here in autumn. Indeed, the hero and heroine hide in one of these maple trees.
But, I can see how easy it is to get the area wrong because my husband is from Montana and we go there a lot and two of those pictures were taken in Montana and the picture with the tepee was taken on the Blackfeet Reservation.
Yes, we have a winner for the $10.00 gift certificate at Amazon. And the winner is:
Alicia Haney
Alicia, I’ll contact you separately.
And then there’s the fact that I’m late. So I drew two other names and those winners will receive one of my e-books for free. Those two winners are:
Joanne Sico & Cherie J.
Joanne & Cherie I’ll be contacting you separately, also.
Many Congratulations to you all!
Karen Kay’s Winner from Tuesday’s blog
Howdy!
Many Thanks go out to those who came to the blog yesterday and who left a comment. The prize gift was for the winner’s pick of any of the books that were listed on the blog yesterday. And we have a winner, and the winner is:
Paula Shreckhise
Congratulations to out to Paula! Hope you’ll enjoy your new e-book.