Chapter Five

Buck took the two mares to Silver Fox. He stood nervously before the man's home and waited while the others of the village gathered round and watched. It was too late to withdraw now, but he could have done without the audience. When Silver Fox stepped out, Buck handed him the lead ropes and said, “I would like to offer you these fine mares and their foals for your daughter's hand. I...”

Silver Fox stopped him from saying more. “I accept this generous offer. Would you like for her to come fix your evening meal?”

Buck looked at the young girl who was standing behind her father looking shyly at him. He couldn't help but notice the look of worry and fear that she was trying desperately to keep hidden. He realized he had been too busy worrying about himself to consider how she must feel about all this. He smiled weakly at her before answering. “I would be honored.”

Silver Fox nodded. He handed the ropes to Summer Sky. “Take these to the boys who watch the horses. Tell them they are to be added to mine.”

She took the horses and quietly disappeared. Buck watched her leave and wondered when she had learned of this arrangement and how she felt about it. She wasn't unattractive; there must be another warrior who was interested in her. He wondered what had prompted Red Bear to take this course.

Buck put these thoughts out of his head and followed Silver Fox to the area where they would meet their students. “I am glad you agreed to Red Bear's suggestion,” Silver Fox said. “Summer Sky will make you a good wife. She is obedient and tends a good home. I will miss her when she goes to live with you.”

Buck simply nodded. How did you tell a man you admired and respected that you had only agreed because you knew there really was no choice? How did you explain to him that you didn't want a wife who thought it was her place in life to be your servant?

The day passed quickly. Buck spent much of it watching Silver Fox. He realized, as they were heading back to the older man's home, that the injury that had caused him to accept help was also the reason Summer Sky was available for this type of marriage. While Silver Fox was still useful, he no longer had such status as to make a marriage into his family desirable. The injury prevented him from participating in the hunts or the war-party, making him useless as a warrior. It was one of the things about life in the village that no one could escape – status was everything. It determined where you lived, how many horses you were allowed to keep, how much food you were given, who you were allowed to marry. Red Bear’s status as a war chief would grant his half-brother enough status for the older man to accept him, knowing no other young man would be content with teaching the children. Buck didn’t mind the task, but even so it hurt to know that even if he proved himself, he would not e highly regarded in the village. Maybe the marriage would at least improve his status some, he pondered morosely.

That evening, as Summer Sky walked with him back to his home, Buck tried to engage her in conversation. He stopped after a few attempts because he realized they had nothing to talk about. She had never read a book, seen a play, or been out of the village. She had been raised to become a good wife, learning the skills necessary for wife; tanning, cooking and not to question the decisions of men.

At his home he sat quietly outside while she prepared a meal for him. When it was ready, she brought it to him and sat quietly by while he ate. She ate noting until he was finished. While he went to clean up, she put away the cooking supplies and prepared herself for his return.

When he entered his home, Buck found her sitting quietly next to his sleeping area. He sat down as far away from her as he could. “If you don't want to be here,” he said, “I understand. I don't want to be here and it's my home.” He had tried to make it sound like a joke, but as the words left his mouth he realized she would probably not understand it.

She looked at him for a few seconds before dropping her gaze to the ground and speaking. She spoke so softly that at first Buck wasn't sure she was talking. “I am sorry. I did not mean to offend you. I thought...” she stopped. “I mean you brought the horses...”

Buck nodded tiredly. “I know. It wasn't my idea...” He stopped speaking when he noticed the pained look on Summer Sky's face. “I mean...”he sighed in exasperation, realizing everything was going in the wrong direction. He had not meant for her to feel uncomfortable, only to make her understand. He wanted to know how she felt about the idea of being married of to a man she hardly knew; who used to be considered inferior to her. He interrupted his line of thought. “I think it would be a good idea if I go ahead and take you home,” he concluded. “You've been here long enough to satisfy the requirements. I'll talk to your father and we'll set a date.” He looked carefully at her. “Unless you'd rather I told your father that it isn't going to work out. I'm sure...”

Summer Sky spoke loudly for the first time since he'd known her. “No, please. I must do as my father wishes. He has no sons to help him, and he thinks highly of you. I must...”

Buck smiled weakly at her. “You weren't given a choice either,” he stated. “Alright. We'll make this work. We'll get married so Red Bear will leave me alone and your father will have his 'son' to carry on his work.” He felt himself shudder as he stated the words. Married. He was going to be married. He looked at the girl on the opposite side, hoping to feel something, but there was nothing. He didn’t dislike her, but he couldn’t find himself caring either. Had Red Bear been there he would have told him love was something you acquired after the marriage, not necessarily before, but Buck worried that it wouldn’t happen for him. He was still getting used to the fact that he could talk to Summer Sky without getting in trouble.

Summer Sky glanced up at him. “Thank you,” she said. “I will make you a good wife.”

Buck simply nodded. He stood and held the door flap back for her and then exited behind her. They walked back to her father's home in much in the same fashion as they had walked to Buck's house. There was a slight difference in Summer Sky's demeanor – she wasn't quiet as afraid as she had been. There was even a slight smile on her lips as she bid Buck good night. However, Buck couldn’t feel the same way about the prospect of their marriage.