Grey Eagle: Savage Ecstasy Part 17

Alisha knew there was no way she could reason with the vindictive woman. Would the others think the same way? Probably so, for this was the same type of hatred she had confronted with her own group at the fortress.

She turned her back to them and slowly sank down to the bed, her mind flooded with anguish and disbelief. Not here, too ...

Not al over again ... The mere sight or mention of an Indian brought insanity to the minds of people like Mrs. Philsey. How could she deal with insanity in so many people? How could a woman who had cared for her for so many days turn on her so brutaly just because she had been nice to a man who was only halfIndian? The look in the woman's eyes, the tone of her voice, and Indian? The look in the woman's eyes, the tone of her voice, and the words she used reminded Alisha of the same reaction from the settlers the day she first met Wanmdi Hota.

Powchutu had witnessed the entire exchange. He saw what the woman's words did to Alisha. Her stricken expression knifed his heart. For a moment he had been tempted to pul his knife from its sheath and cut the old b.i.t.c.h's tongue out. Perhaps he would one day ... For now, the best thing for Alisha would be for him to quietly slip from the room. He did.

Finding no other insults she could hurl at the quiet girl, Mrs. Philsey whirled and left the room, slamming th door with a loud bang. She was seething in anger. She restlessly paced the floor of her room. The girl must surely be insane! Insane or not, she would have to leave her quarters immediately. She wouldn't alow an Injun lover in her home. Why, that would be the same as housing one of those savages, she thought in her fury. I took care of her like she was my own child and this is how she repays me! It's bad enough she's an Injun harlot, but she's taking my hold on Jeffery away. He'l no doubt blame me for not teling him this sooner. d.a.m.n her!

I'l fix her good before I'm through with her. She'l be sorry she ever befriended that savage Gray Eagle!

Darkness gradualy filed the room where Alisha sat immobile on the bed. For one so young, tender and blameless to be so hated and unwanted, was a tragic, crushing blow. How had everything gone so wrong? Her parents and uncle were dead. Every possession and penny she had ever had was gone. She was hurt and weak. She was hated and held in contempt by the strangers at Fort Pierre. There was not, and never could be, anything between her and the man she loved. She had nothing and no one. Her only hope for survival and a new future lay hundreds of miles of untamed hope for survival and a new future lay hundreds of miles of untamed wilderness and an ocean away. Hope. there wasn't any. If only there was one person to help her, to tel her what to do, where to go. If only someone could care for her, protect her, love her. Was there no one to save her from this life of terrible suffering and emptiness?

Doc came in later. He slowly walked over to the bed and sat down beside Alisha. He studied the lonely, dejected expression on the lovely face. Mrs. Philsey had filed him in on al the details of this afternoon's events. He had never seen his wife so hostile. He asked Alisha to tel him in her words what took place here this afternoon. She related the tragic scene almost word for word. He wondered how he could explain hatred, contempt, and prejudice to this girl who had not learned to feel any of them? The Doc tried to calm her. "Alisha, you don't seem to understand or recognize the bitter enmity there is between the white man and the Indian. I know how you feel and what you're thinking. This wil be very hard for you, but you cannot, you must not, befriend any of them, not even one who befriends you. You cannot acknowledge any other Indian. You also cannot speak of your feelings openly. There is too much bitterness and hatred for these people to accept or tolerate your friendship with them. You cannot have any contact with the Indians. If you refuse to take this advice, you are in for a very rough and unhappy time."

Alisha lifted pathetic eyes to him and spoke despondently, "Doc, I've only been in this new land for about two years. I do not know of this hatred and bitterness between the people out here, nor do I understand why they wish to torture and murder each other. I have no part in this conflict. Why do you al insist I take sides? Why must I hate someone who has done me no wrong or injury simply must I hate someone who has done me no wrong or injury simply because he is half Indian? It is not right to forcefuly impress your beliefs on others. I have never seen such violence. I would never have come to this land if I had known or suspected I would be forced to endure the things I have. I am perhaps too naive or foolish, for I truly believe we could have peace and friendship if we tried, if we realy tried. One thing you must believe, Doc, I did not help Gray Eagle escape, but I did try to prevent his brutal beating."

She walked to the window and gazed upward to the starry heavens. "My father taught me to respect a person for himself, not for his skin or his status. He always accepted a man for who and what he was, not what others said or thought about him. Perhaps you are right when you say I do not understand the gravity of this situation. I did not go to Gray Eagle wilingly. We were and are enemies, but only because both he and you say we must be. The things he did to me..."

She did not continue. Later, she went on, "Your wife's hostility hurt me very deeply. If she reacts this way after knowing me for many days, what wil Fort Pierre's people think? Why does your wife hate Powchutu so much, Doc? He had nothing to do with my captivity. In fact, he was very polite and kind to me this afternoon. If you al hate him as she does, then why is he alowed to live and work here at the fort?"

"To most people, Alisha, he is Indian. Your father's teachings are fine for London or back East, but not for living out here. I am sorry to tel you this, but the others wil also think and feel as Martha does. Before you leave this room, you must realize they wil react the same, if not more violently, than she did this afternoon."

Doc talked on and on for a long time, trying to help her see the white man's point of view. He talked until there was no more he white man's point of view. He talked until there was no more he could say to her. A tear came to his eye as he painfuly realized he would be unable to help her. She was a white rose growing in a garden of weeds. They would surround her and cut off her sunlight, for they would never alow such a precious flower to bloom among them. A rose wil always be a rose, he reflected. She could never become a weed and for that she wil suffer. How he wished he could pluck her and take her to safety far away.

"The best thing for me is to get wel and leave here as soon as possible," Alisha decided. "You must help me, Doc! Please! I must find some way to get back East and catch a ship back to England. My father has many friends. I know I can find someone there to help me."

Doc shook his head and replied, "It wil be a long time before you wil be able to travel, or before anyone wil be safe to leave. The Indians are making raids in al the surrounding areas. It won't be feasible for anyone to head anywhere for a long time. Get some sleep. Things wil look brighter in the morning." It sounded right, but he only half believed his own words. Doc stood up and left, closing the door quietly behind him.

It was a long time before Alisha finaly relaxed and went to sleep. For the time being, there was nothing she could do. While leaning against the wal outside her window, Powchutu listened to everything which she and Doc had said. Hearing her even breathing now, he knew she had finaly dropped off to sleep. He pondered al that had happened. It was easy to understand why the notorious Gray Eagle had captured this girl for his very own. Surely he wil want her back, Powchutu thought. I am surprised he has not come for her already. He grinned as he mused, he has the power and courage to dare anything, even to attack this fort. I await power and courage to dare anything, even to attack this fort. I await the day to see Lieutenant Gordon's face when he knocks on the door and demands his woman's return. I wonder if Wanmdi Hota knows who is responsible for the raid on his camp and the kidnapping of Alisha. He must wait for her to heal and regain her strength, or perhaps he does not know she is here. It would be good if the two of them would kil each other. If he comes for her, do I alow him to take her again? Could I lose her when I have just found her? She wishes to leave as "I do. Perhaps we could depart together. But like Wanmdi Hota, once she is mine I wil not give her up.

I must learn of the feelings in her heart for him. She did try to help and.protect him, but why? I do not understand his harsh abuse of her. There are things I must know. There is more between them than warrior and captive. She wil find many enemies here, as I have. I must watch over her and protect her. I wil not alow anyone to harm her anymore, not even the great Wanmdi Hota!

An intense, overwhelming desire to protect her from everyone and everything surged within him. I wil guard over you, my love, he swore. I wil let no one... no one... harm you from this day on. For four more long, grueling days, Alisha secluded herself in her room alone. A few times, she saw a sulen Mrs. Philsey when she brought her meals to her. But Alisha did manage to see one person-Powchutu. He would sneak up to her window after dark and they would talk for hours.

She was getting stronger, better and more restless every day. Her back was mending rapidly and hurt less and less. The terrible pain had vanished, replaced by a dul soreness. The time had come for her to do something about her plight. She had given it a great for her to do something about her plight. She had given it a great deal of thought for the past few days. There was only one possible path for her to take.

She had decided to go to the post commander and solicit his help. He was the one with the authority to help her get away from Fort Pierre. Perhaps she could make some arrangement to borrow enough money from the cavalry to return to the East and on to England. Some friend there would give her the money to return it to the commander.

Her decision made, she went to find Mrs. Philsey to ask her for a bath. She related her plans to her. Nothing would suit that woman more than for me to not only leave her home, but the fort as wel. She had surmised correctly. Mrs. Philsey beamed at her news and decisions.

She causticaly said, "I'l send that Injun in with the tub and water since you don't seem to mind having him around you."

Alisha ignored the cutting remark and answered, "Thank you, Mrs. Philsey. I'm sorry I have been such a bother to you. I know you do not wish me to stay here any longer. I am truly sorry you harbor such hatred in your heart for me. I cannot help what I believe and think. I can be no different from what I am. I only wish you wil someday come to understand my feelings and forgive any wrong you think I have done to you. I wil try to be gone very soon."

When Powchutu came with the water, Alisha smiled and nodded to him, knowing Mrs. Philsey was eavesdropping outside her door. He grinned and nodded back to her. She closed the window and barred the door.

She eased down into the warm water. She bathed and shampooed. She carefuly dressed, trying to look her best to go out shampooed. She carefuly dressed, trying to look her best to go out for the first time since coming to Fort Pierre. She put on the green chambray. The color of the dress enhanced the jade green depths of her eyes. She looked as radiant and fresh as a newly opened flower in the morning. She brushed her auburn hair and let it hang loose and free down her back. It shone like the coat of a chestnut mare running in the sunlight.

Pleased with her appearance, she asked Mrs. Philsey for the directions to the commander's quarters. Mrs. Philsey harshly answered her, and silently envied Alisha's youth, beauty and freshness. She had no right to look so pure and proud... No right...

Alisha walked to the front door. She stood there for a few moments bracing herself to face the fort's people for the first time. She inhaled several deep breaths, opened the door, and stepped outside into the warm sunlight.

She remained motionless for a minute to alow her eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight and unfamiliar surroundings. As her eyes became accustomed to the glare, she looked al around her, taking note of the fort's construction and size. It was indeed very large and strong. Through the open gate, she could see it was a vast, enclosed area surrounded mostly by gra.s.sland and prairie. Here and there, she could see a few tal trees and many clumps of smaler trees and bushes. The fort seemed to rise like some giant, wooden boulder out of the semi-barren wasteland.

The fence which surrounded the fort was about ten feet tal. It had been constructed of smal trees which had been trimmed to sharp points at the top, delimbed, and lashed together by ropes and supporting poles. Wooden ramparts with lookout openings ran the lengths of the wals.

lengths of the wals.

Her eyes traveled to the back wal. There she noted a row of two-story soldiers quarters, and from the appearance of the closeness of the doors and windows, the rooms were very smal. Her eyes moved on to the two diagonaly situated blockhouses. From the markings on the doors, those were the officers' quarters. There were two short rows of structures at either end of the fort. From the looks and smel of one of them, it was the cooking house and mess hal. The other structure, where she was now standing, was the doctor's quarters and infirmary.

In the front right corner, she viewed a smal brig. It was a wooden, block-styled room with bars across the only window. There was a huge bar propped against the doorway to secure it when a prisoner was inside.

The fort was apparently very strong and protective. Now she could understand why Mrs. Philsey had spoken so confidently about their safety. It was a pity her own fortress had not been this st.u.r.dy. She recaled how she thought no fence or fortess was needed. How very naive and foolish she had been!

Her eyes were drawn to the center of the yard where a tal flagpole was standing. The two flags waved gently back and forth in the light breeze. She stared at one of the flags, the one whose colors were so dear and familiar to her heart.

She finished her intense scrutiny of the fort in the back left corner. There was where the stables were situated. She could see the racks for saddles and tack gear. She could tel where hay and feed were stored in the loft of the stables.

She leaned against the hitching post in front of her. The ground was dry and dusty. She watched it swirl in the gentle wind. As far as she could tel, there were not any trees or shrubs inside the fort. as she could tel, there were not any trees or shrubs inside the fort. It was even too hot for flowers to grow in this barren earth. It was apparent there were other females at the fort by the flower boxes on many of the windows. But of course, Mrs. Philsey had told her this when she borrowed the things for her. Suddenly the question came to mind as to why none of them had tried to visit with her. She saw men miling around, doing ch.o.r.es. She gazed up at the balcony-like platform which was used for a lookout tower and guard post. She noted the young man who was studying the horizon with his field gla.s.ses. How very far she had come from the streets of London!

A deeply masculine voice spoke up from behind her and puled her from her observations. "Miss Wiliams?" She turned to stare up into the handsome, darkly tanned face of a young officer. He had the clearest crystal blue eyes she had ever seen. They were the color of aquamarine. Those eyes had a vitality al their own. She could see blond hair beneath the dark blue hat with yelow braid. He was the very picture of the elegant, dashing officer. His uniform was clean and neat. The dark blue color with the shiny bra.s.s b.u.t.tons and yelow braid trim accented his good looks and charm. His eyes engulfed her entire being with one quick sweep. She was even more beautiful than he had realized. In the briliant sunlight, she could not see his look of animal l.u.s.t. With a great effort, he glanced away.

He nodded politely and said, "Lieutenant Jeffery Gordon at your service, Ma'am." He gave a low, sweeping bow. She returned the friendly smile with feminine modesty and thanked him for his kindness and help.

"You've been a naughty girl to refuse to receive me. I've been very concerned about you." He spoke in a slightly mocking tone. very concerned about you." He spoke in a slightly mocking tone. His blue eyes glittered devilishly. He flashed her a broad grin which revealed even white teeth.

Mrs. Philsey had certainly described him and his charms correctly. He was a most beguiling, disarming man, but his expression sent warnings to her mind. She averted her eyes and paled slightly. His tone implied more than his words said. She wondered what Mrs. Philsey had told him about her and their argument. What was he thinking about her right now? She was unsure of how to respond to his light-hearted banter.

"I could not bring myself to face anyone until today. As a gentleman, I am sure you understand and accept my hesitation. I do wish to thank you for the volume of poetry. It is a favorite of mine. You have been most kind and thoughtful, Sir. I was just on my way to see the commanding officer."

He instantly sensed her timidity. He jested, "I was only teasing you, I knew you needed time to recover from your unfortunate experience. It was a most terrifying and brutal thing for a lady to endure. I am sorry I did not have the chance to prevent it."

He noted the far-away, tormented look which came into her eyes and the sad expression which crossed her features. Almost inaudibly she whispered, "I do not wish to discuss it or even remember it ever happened. I only want to get as far away from here as I can, and as soon as possible."

She turned to go but he caught her elbow. She tried to pul free but he would not release his hold-a hold which was gentle, but firm. She lifted her emerald eyes to his. "Please..."

"Don't go just yet," he pleaded. "I feel I have offended you in some way, perhaps even hurt you. I apologize for my breach of etiquette."

etiquette."

She relaxed the stiffness in her arm and gazed up into deep pools of blue. His tone bespoke sincerity. She nodded. He asked about her home and family, and learned she had neither. She did believe she could find friends back in London, but there was no way she could get from here to there. Lovely dreamer...

"A trip to England would be very expensive," he advised her.

"Also you have to consider food, lodgings and necessities between here and there. Just how do you plan to pay for al of that? The colonies are a long way from here, England even further. It wil be a dangerous trip for anyone. But for a beautiful young woman al alone, it wil be impossible."

"You pose questions for which I have no answers, Lieutenant Gordon," Alisha replied. "As for the trip back East, I've made it before. I know the hardships involved. I do not know how, but I must find some way to leave here. I cannot remain in such a violent, uncivilized land with such bitter, cruel people. I not only refer to the Indians but the whites here as wel. This is not where I belong." She a.s.sumed it was best to hint of her feelings now. If he did not already know what she thought, then let him begin to suspect now. Unaware of the troubles with Mrs.. Philsey and doubting Kathy's words, her statements went right past him. Mrs. Philsey had only told the lieutenant that Alisha had relapsed and must rest for a few more days.

"But," he said, "there is no one to take responsibility for you and your wel-being?" He deeply emphasized noone.

She sadly met his gaze and replied, "No. No one ..." Then defiance sparkled in those gra.s.sy eyes and she added, "But I shal stil find some way to leave this horrible place!" Suddenly angry for letting such personal feelings show to a total stranger, she yanked letting such personal feelings show to a total stranger, she yanked her arm free. She felt resentment at his prying and probing into her life and mind, and perturbed at herself for alowing it.

"I fuly appreciate your help and concern, Lieutenant Gordon, but I can take care of myself and my problems! I do not have to excuse myself, nor my feelings to any of you people!" She whirled and rapidly walked away from him. She headed toward the commander's quarters, not daring to look back.

He grinned and stared after her until she was out of sight. Can you now? he chalenged. We'l just wait and see about that. What a nice little diversion you'd make on some cold, lonely night! He laughed, and added, or hot, lonely night. Such a little spitfire; but I wil tame her, soon-very soon.

He wondered how any woman could radiate such purity when she was not pure. Such childlike innocence and openness, he mused. Being guiltless does not make one innocent again. d.a.m.n, how beautiful and fiery she was. It's been too long since I've had a woman like that! My hooks are in you, Little Spitfire. I won't settle for anything less than your total surrender to me. You wil provide a very nice affaire d'amour and I surely do need one about now. Being accustomed to the finer things of life and coming from a refined upbringing, Jeffery a.s.sumed Alisha would fit nicely into his spa.r.s.e existence at Fort Pierre. She was from the same cla.s.s of society he was from. When he was ready to leave the fort or when he was finished with her, he would be grateful enough to furnish her with the pa.s.sage back to England. When he knew her a little better and she was alowed time to realize her stranded, poverty-stricken state, then he would approach her with this suggestion and make al the arrangements. It would undoubtedly be to both their advantages. She would be wel worth the trouble.

advantages. She would be wel worth the trouble.

Jeffery Clayton Gordon was the eldest son of a rich, powerful, colonial family. His father had hoped this commission he had purchased for his son would instil some maturity in the youth. He had been educated in the finest schools back East and abroad. His father hoped he would sow his wild seeds and return ready to settle down to business, marriage and raising children.

Jeffery was thinking of the many holidays he had spent in England and on the continent. Perhaps he would return with Alisha when his tour of duty was over. They could share the long voyage, the holiday and some pleasure before he had to return to his father's plantation. He dreamed of how he could conquer the girl...

As Alisha hurried toward General Galt's office, her path was noted by another man. Powchutu had watched the meeting between Alisha and Jeffery. He studied Jeffery's expressions. He knew what the lieutenant was planning for this unsuspecting girl. He had overheard many accounts of Jeffery's prowess and charm with the females. Powchutu resolved, I must find some way to warn her about the lieutenant and his intentions, or she wil surely be snared in his golden trap.

Alisha reached the door of General Galt's office and tapped lightly. A young private opened the door and stared dumbfoundedly at the girl. He flushed red as a beet when he realized he was gaping open-mouthed at her. He stepped aside and asked her to come in. She smiled sweetly and thanked him politely.

General Galt looked up at the lovely young lady standing before his ma.s.sive oak desk. He blinked in confusion, arose and came around his desk to speak with her.

He smiled lazily and inquired, "What can I do for you, Miss...

?" He faltered, not recaling what they said her name was. This ?" He faltered, not recaling what they said her name was. This could only be the girl Doc was taking care of in his quarters.

"Miss Alisha Katrina Wiliams, Sir," she said courteously. "I have come to request your help in returning to the Colonies, hopefuly to the coast where I can find a ship to return me to England. I have no other family here, but I do have friends in London who wil repay your kindness promptly. I pray you can a.s.sist me in this matter."

General Gait had previously discussed the girl with Doc. He sighed heavily and shook his head. "I'm afraid that just isn't possible right now, Miss, and won't be for quite some time. At present, we're cut off from the other settlements and forts. I couldn't spare the men or funds to escort you anywhere." He watched the look of dismay cloud her face.

"Surely there is some way to leave here in the near future?'

"No, I'm afraid not. The Indians are kicking up quite a ruckus al around us. We're sitting on a loaded powder keg right here and it could blow up at any time. I only hope we can hold out until our new supplies and recruits arrive. We might al be in the same boat as you are if help doesn't come soon." He wanted to impress the danger of the fort's position upon her, in order to forestal al the begging and tears he was sure would soon be forthcoming from this la.s.s.

But Alisha seized upon his information. "But couldn't I return with their escort when they arrive?"

He chewed on the cigar stub between his teeth and nodded again. "I'm sorry, La.s.s. But al those who wil be coming wil be staying. That is, if any of them can make it through... You'l just have to remain here with us until this mess is cleared up one way or another. Things wil settle down soon and we'l bring this crisis another. Things wil settle down soon and we'l bring this crisis under our control."

She looked disheartened. "But when wil that be, Sir? You must have some idea of how long it wil take."

"Maybe a couple of months if we're lucky. Longer, if we're not..."

"Months?" She had perhaps expected him to say a few weeks, but months! "You mean I'm stranded here for that long?

What wil I do here? There must be some other way. At least, send me to another fort or settlement. I cannot remain with the Philseys indefinitely. If not, then find me some work to do to earn my board and keep."

"I'm sorry, La.s.s, but there isn't any work for a young lady here. I'm sure Doc and Martha won't mind your staying with them for a while longer. It isn't safe to try to send you anywhere else. Besides, you would only find the same problems there which you're finding here. Perhaps you can work in the infirmary with Doe."

He made it al sound so hopeless. He did not understand and did not care to. It angered her to see the man in power had no power to help her, and didn't give a care.

Alisha mumbled her thanks to the general and left. She leaned against the building for a short while, overcome with despair. Somehow, she didn't believe General Galt's excuses denying her help. The men seemed too at ease to be worried about an attack. The front gates were wide open. There were no extra guards on the rampart. If trouble was brewing, why weren't preparations being made to defend the fort? What Alisha didn't realize was that there was trouble of another sort in store for her at Fort Pierre...

A voice startled her from her melancholy state. "I see the General has given you sad news." She opened her eyes and looked General has given you sad news." She opened her eyes and looked up at Powchutu. He saw the tears which threatened to spil. She only nodded, afraid to speak lest she burst into tears.

"Come, I wil walk you back to your quarters." He knew he was doing wrong. He knew he dared too much, but he could not stand there watching Alisha suffer al alone. He shouldn't even approach her, much less talk and walk with her. But he did, and Alisha accepted his company.

She was unaware of the aghast stares and malicious frowns cast their way as they walked along. She was only aware of her many problems and the friendship and comfort offered by this one man. She realized he was speaking to her. She turned to listen.

"... not trust him, Alisha."

She questioned in confusion, "Who are you referring to, Powchutu? I did not hear who you were talking about. My mind was stil in the general's office."

He stopped and faced her. He repeated his warnings.

"Lieutenant Gordon is known as a man who entraps women with his looks and charms. He wil try to capture your heart. Do not trust him. He has made it known he is after you and wil not rest until you are his."

The knowledge that the people at the fort were discussing her personal life was appaling. She recaled the looks the lieutenant had. given her-the ones she had unconsciously dismissed which had made her feel so uneasy.

"Lieutenant Gordon is nothing to me, Powchutu. I wil not alow him, or any man, to take advantage of me... ever again..."

"I only warn you to be careful of him, Alisha. You are stil weak and hurt. I wil give you protection from him and the others,"

he promised.

he promised.

She smiled up at him and was about to thank him for his n.o.ble gesture. Abruptly, he was shoved backwards and fel into the dirt. A dark blue blur was at her side immediately. She whirled to face the flashing blue eyes and the furious mood of Jeffery. He glared at Powchutu with intense hatred and contempt. Alisha could see the livid rage beneath his tanned skin. His lips were curled into a snarl, revealing clenched teeth.

"How dare, you speak to her, you filthy savage! If you so much as glance at her again, I'l skin you alive." His fists were baled into weapons, ready to kil. "You savvy, Injun?"

Alisha grabbed Jeffery's arm. "No! Stop this! He was not bothering me. We were only talking. Your rude behavior is uncaled for, Lieutenant Gordon."

He glared at her in stunned surprise. "Stay out of this, Alisha!

This is between that scout and me. It's none of your affair. I'l handle the red ..."

"Lieutenant Gordon!" She screamed to silence his next few words. The familiar use of her given name and his presumptuous tone angered and alarmed her after what Powchutu had just told her. "Yes, this is my affair. It appears I started it by talking to him. I shal settle it. Both of you wil..."

Powchutu had instantly leaped back to his feet like a cat. He took a defensive position-feet apart, shoulders hunched, fists clenched, eyes and ears alert, muscles taut and agile. He was ready to spring for an attack on Jeffery the moment he moved.

"You can't defend that savage!" Gordon fired at her.

"There aren't any sides in this argument! He did nothing improper. Also, Mr. Gordon, he is not a savage, no human being is!

He is a soldier just like you. He has offered his friendship and I have He is a soldier just like you. He has offered his friendship and I have accepted it, just as I accepted the friendship you offered minutes ago." She had hoped this last statement would cool his fiery temper. Powchutu stepped forward. "I wil fight my own battles, Alisha. He is right. This is between the two of us."

A smal crowd was gathering around the three of them. As the heated words flew back and forth, some of the men began to shout encouragement to Jeffery and ridicule to Powchutu. The two men studied each other's eyes to watch for the first hint of attack. Neither of them would back down or apologize.

Alisha's head whirled with the feeling of dejvu. She was suddenly back at her fortress, reliving that same nightmarish event which changed her entire life and brought her so much suffering. Mesmerized by the mob and its actions, she gazed around in fear of what they could entice Jeffery into doing. Her panicked eyes rested on the scout. The truth she had failed to acknowledge dawned on her: the icy eyes, the facial expression, the malevolent mood, his physical features and voice-he was the shadow, the counterpart of Gray Eagle! Alisha warned herself she must be very careful to remember he was Powchutu, her friend ... Nothing more ...