Chapter Twenty-four
After a quick conversation, Red Bear went with Silver Fox to the area where the horses were kept. He had the three promised by Running Buck moved to the area where Silver Fox’s animals were housed. After turning them out there, the two men went in search of Silver Fox’s wife.

Red Bear explained the situation to her. She agreed with the idea. “I think we should just go get her things and take them to her now,” she said. “Do not ask them, just make it so.”

Red Bear smiled at the slightly older woman. “Your son is right,” he said. “You are a wise woman.”

She blushed at the compliment from one of the village’s most important leaders. “Thank you,” she said. “Really I am just an attentive mother.”

The three made their way to Silver Fox’s home. Once there they gathered Little Fawn’s belongings and took them to where she sat with Buck. When her mother entered the teepee, Little Fawn prepared to defend her actions.

“Do not worry,” her mother said. “We are simply bringing your belongings to you.” She smiled at her daughter. “As far as the village is concerned, you are now Running Buck’s wife.”

Little Fawn stared at her mother. “We do not have to go through the waiting period?”

“It was decided that it would be better to do this quickly. Laughing Crow will not have any course of action but to accept his fate now. Red Bear is going to make the announcement as soon as we leave. No one will bother you for a few days so the two of you may be alone.”

Little Fawn glanced at Buck as he slept. “I do not think it will matter if we are left alone or not,” she said. “He is not in shape to act as husband.”

The older woman settled next to her daughter. “I know,” she said, “but you should still be allowed to be alone.” She leaned in and whispered, “There are things you can do to please him that do not require him to expend too much energy. If you wish, I could…”

“No,” said Little Fawn. “I do not need you to explain more; I know of what you speak.” She smiled at her mother. “I had not thought of that. Perhaps it would be good for us to be alone.”

As Ike and Sky Chaser entered the teepee to find out what was going on, Little Fawn’s face fell. “Where will Silent Wolf stay? If he is here, how will Running Buck and I have any privacy?”

Her mother sat quietly. “I will speak to Red Bear. We will figure something out. Don’t you worry about it; you will have a few days alone with your new husband.”

She stood and made her way to where Red Bear was explaining the events to his daughter and her intended.

*They will need to have time alone,* Sky Chaser said. *Where is Silent Wolf to live?*

*How about with Little Fox and Stands Tall?* asked Silver Fox. *I am sure my son would be honored to be visited by such a fine warrior for a day or two.*

Ike nodded. *That would be fine with me,* he told the older men. He then looked at Sky Chaser. *How long do you think it will be before Running Buck can travel?*

She shrugged. *That will depend on how much he rests,* she said. *If he does not move around too much, he should be able to travel in a couple of days. We would have to take him on a travois and move slowly, but it would be possible.*

Red Bear looked at Ike. *Why do you ask that?*

Ike returned Red Bear’s gaze. *He needs to go home,* Ike replied. *He will never be completely accepted here, and it will cause him pain to have to return to living that way.*

Red Bear started to object, but stopped as he glanced at where Little Fawn sat tending his brother. The bruise on her cheek reminded him of the night’s recent events. He sighed deeply and nodded.

Sky Chaser tried to hide the fear in her eyes as she asked, *And you?*

Ike glanced at where Buck lay. *I will need to go with him to be sure he is safe,* he replied. He pulled Sky Chaser to him and kissed her forehead. He then let her go so he could finish speaking, *I would not stay away any longer than was needed to be sure he was well.* He paused and then glanced at Red Bear. *I would consider it a privilege to have you and Sky Chaser accompany me; that way you both can meet Running Buck’s white family and see how well he is thought of there.*

Red Bear nodded. *Would it be possible for Smiling Dove to come with us?*

Ike nodded. *I am sure everyone there will want to meet her also.* He smiled at the woman before him. *I know they will think of you as family since your child it Running Buck’s wife.*

Smiling Dove nodded her thanks. *I will go talk to my son about making room for you at his home,* she said as she left the crowded dwelling.

Soon Ike was carrying his meager belongings across the village to the home of Little Fox and Stands Tall. He was a bit uneasy about this new arrangement, but was quickly put at ease by the warm welcome he was given. He quickly realized that despite the fact that he was white and a complete outsider, his presence in their home had actually elevated their status in the village. He was the future son-in-law of the war chief, Red Bear, and they were lowly hunters. As he settled in for the night, Ike smiled at the irony of the situation.

Shortly after everyone left, the realization of exactly what had happened hit Little Fawn. She was considered the wife of Running Buck, and as soon as he was well they would be leaving her home forever. She too considered the strangeness of the situation – Running Buck and she would be leaving the village for a life among the whites while Silent Wolf would settle here in the village, a respected warrior despite his whiteness.

Sighing at the confusing workings of the gods, Little Fawn made sure that Running Buck was comfortable. She then quickly undressed and crawled into his bed pulling the covers over them both. She kissed his cheek and whispered, “I hope you are not disappointed when you wake, My Husband. Many decisions about your life have been made while you sleep.”