Disclaimer
: I have tried to make sure my historical information is correct and I'd like to think I haven't offended any Native Americans peoples with the telling of this tale. I am 1/8th Cherokee and am proud of that heritage. I'm not trying to show any Native Americans in a bad light... that is not my intention.
Author's Note
: The English-Cheyenne word translations come from the Cheyenne Language Web Site, one that I've found extremely helpful for the telling of this tale.
*
Ione rolled over onto her side, covering her ears as she tried to block out the sound of slapping flesh, of Black Sun's grunts and her sister's whimpers. Her heart went out to Samantha. She didn't deserve to be treated so cruelly by Black Sun... if only Samantha had escaped when she and Tessa had; if only she'd been caught by someone as wonderful as Night Wolf. A muted cry followed the sound of a sharp slap. Ione turned back, watching like a hawk as her sister shrugged beneath the larger warrior. Black Sun ran his hands down Samantha's sides then lifted her legs around his waist. He thrust harder, deeper into her, unleashing a harsh growl from his throat as she thrashed about in pain.
Black Sun glared angrily. "You get yours when I done, bitch." He slammed against Samantha forcefully, pushing her legs over his shoulders. Samantha cried out again, pounding her small fists against his broad chest. He knocked her hands aside, pinning them to the ground, asserting his weight above her then continued his thrusting. Soon, he howled his release, hammering his flesh into hers until he sated himself on her nubile body. Black Sun pulled away from her, washed himself then disappeared into the darkness of the cavern.
As soon as Ione knew he was gone, she scrambled out of her bedroll, racing over to Samantha. "Sweetie," she cradled her crying sister. "You'll have to let me see how much damage he's done to you."
Samantha curled into a tight ball. "I can't. I'm... too... ashamed," the younger one blubbered as she shielded her face from view.
"You're my sister. We are blood. What he has done to you is not your fault. You are not shamed in my eyes. Let me help you. We will get away from him if we work
together
. Can you do that?"
"No, I can't. You mustn't... touch me. He's... ruined... me," she cried brokenly. "No d-decent man... will ever w-want me now."
"Ah sweetie, don't think that way. This isn't your fault. You don't know that. Once we escape, no one ever has to know what happened here." Ione stroked her hair. "Now let me see."
"But I will know. I can't live this way," Samantha hissed then her eyes widened as she looked up.
"What? What's wrong?"
A sharp pain erupted within Ione's head as something blunt hit her. Darkness embraced her. Samantha squeaked, gazing upon Black Sun, who had silently returned, "It wise not to run. I kill you both." He gathered Ione's prone body, throwing her back to her bedroll before bedding back down on his own. He gathered Samantha within his arms. "Sleep," he muttered.
****
Ione groaned, gingerly rubbing the knot on her head, when she awoke the next morning. She wondered what she had been hit with. She shivered against the chill, groping for the fur robe that had been part of her bedroll. It took her a moment to clear the cobwebs to remember where she was and what had happened to her. She glanced over at her sister. Her brow furrowed at the sight of Samantha curled up in Black Sun's arms.
If Samantha weren't so snug, Ione could grab her and they could run away. She hated the thought of trying to run away without her sister. She didn't want Samantha to suffer for anything she had done. Ione crept away from her sleeping spot, making her way to the entrance of the cave. She poked her head out, breathing in fresh air. She watched as rain poured down in sheets. She knew if she attempted a run for it, she'd be drenched in no time at all and would likely end up with some kind of lung fever. Perhaps it was better to take her chances with Black Sun. With a sigh, she returned to her bedroll then added a few sticks of wood to the smoldering fire.
Digging into his parfleche, she searched for ingredients to prepare an adequate breakfast for them all. With some meat left over from the night before, she added it to the pot along with more of his herbs and vegetables. She wondered if he'd let them gather more food soon. If not, they'd run out. In another parfleche, she found their last few corn cakes. As soon as the meal was ready, she'd wake Black Sun and Samantha if the aroma of the cooking meat didn't do that for her.
The silence of the cavern around her broken only by the sound of the sizzle of the fire, the whipping of the wind, the drenching rain and the soft snores of sleeping duo nearby gave her troubled mind the chance to roam. Where was Night Wolf at this moment? Ione longed to see his handsome face again. She ached to behold his splendor and feel the warmth of his touch. She knew he had to be worried about her. He would come for her. She had faith that he would find them. She swallowed the lump of fear growing in her throat as Black Sun stirred. He gave Samantha's bruise blackened bottom a healthy smack, eliciting a startled sleepy cry, before climbing to his feet. Ione blushed, looking away from the sight of his naked form. She glanced back, noticing he had covered his private area with his breechclout before drawing his elkskin leggings up his legs, tying them with thongs to his clout.
He sat down before the fire, motioning to the cook fire. "When food ready?" he questioned, eyeing her suspiciously.
Ione peaked into the pot, judging it as it shimmered, "Very soon." She handed him a few of the corn cakes to tide him over before sitting quietly before the fire.
"What white bitch thinking? I know your mind. You cook for Black Sun. Obey Black Sun. Plan to escape behind hands. You both mine to keep. No escape. I keep." He gave Ione a fierce look before turning his head to look over at Samantha, who had stumbled to her feet. Her once pale skin, now darkened with dirt and bruises, was a clear testament to what she had suffered at Black Sun's hands. She grabbed her filthy dress, pulling it over her head. Straightening her back, she marched over to the fire pit then between Black Sun and Ione.
"The stew smells delicious, sister," she inhaled a deep breath, trying to make the best of their situation. She knew that Ione was right. If they were to escape, they had to work together. She knew it, but to her dismay, Black Sun knew it as well.
****
By mid-afternoon the rain had passed, bringing the bright orb of the sun into the sky. Black Sun gathered his weapons, motioning for Ione and Samantha. He tied them together at the ankle before leading them out of the dark cave, down the steep bluff to the forest below. He planned on allowing his captives forage for the food they would need while he hunted. He had already warned them both that we would not hesitate to kill either of them if they attempted to escape.
Being out in the open with the sun on her face felt like a dream come true to Ione, she never thought Black Sun would allow them out of the cave like this. She drew in a deep breath, inhaling its fragrant scent. "It's pretty out here," she murmured to Samantha.
Her whisper drew a glare from Black Sun. "Forage for berries, roots, and nuts like good woman would. I may not kill you yet."
Samantha shuddered then lowered her eyes. She clutched the empty parfleche he had given them then looked around, spying a bush bearing ripe red raspberries. She beamed a smile then hobbled over to it with Ione in tow. "I bet these will taste wonderful," she cooed with delight, momentarily forgetting Black Sun's looming presence.
The stern look on his face softened for a brief moment as he watched her. Something so simple had brought her joy. He shook his head. Gathering food was a daily chore for the women of his tribe. He had never seen any of them react as the pale haired one just did. When food was bountiful, his village flourished. When food was scarce, everyone shared what little they had and many cried from having empty bellies. Black Sun doubted the pale one or her fiery sister knew what it was like to go hungry. Slaves were always the last to be fed after the warriors had taken their fill and the women, children and elderly had eaten. They were both in for a rude awakening.