Chapter 1

What was that rustle? Kiyani spun around without a sound. A sparkle caught her eye. She squatted down, waiting for someone or something to appear.

Kiyani stayed that way for quite awhile, and all she heard was the harmonious flute of her lover calling to her from the distance. She decided to look at the covert object that sparkled. Cautiously she stood up and walked forward.

About three hand lengths from the bush, she heard the rustle again. Kiyani spun around and started to run, not knowing where she was going, just away from the sparkle and toward her secret lover, Okalane.

Suddenly, for no known reason, she stopped and turned back, as if she were being pulled with strings. What she saw made her freeze in her tracks. The Sacred Thunderbird flew out of the bush. The full moon glinted off its eyes. Then it spoke,

"Little Bird, you are a chosen one."

And with that the Thunderbird vanished into the misty night.

Kiyani turned her head, still in complete shock, and the moon's light caught the shine of something on the bush where the Thunderbird had been just recently perched. She walked over, totally forgetting about her meeting with Okalane. On the branch hung the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen!

It was a thunderbird made out of perfect turquoise framed with something that was hard, though looked as if the moon itself had been stretched around it. Kiyani looped the necklace around her neck with a black, leather thong. It fit around her neck just as if it had been made just for her.

She, again, heard something. Sweet, flowing music from a flute. It was then that Kiyani remembered her waiting lover, mate-to-be, hiding from the burning eyes of her father in the village.

Kiyani skirted along the edge of the forest to her love. The music grew louder and more wanting. She went faster and finally flew into the arms of her man.

Kiyani looked into Okalane's eyes and saw painful relief. He pulled Kiyani to him and gave her a kiss like none other.

When they released each other, Kiyani backed away and looked at Okalane's lean, muscular build in the silvery moonlight; his black hair shining with the bear grease that is so important in courting.

Kiyani was taking everything in. His smell, his manliness... his beauty! She opened her eyes, not realizing she had closed them, and noticed him looking at her with a puzzled expression masking his face.

"Where did you get the Sacred Thunderbird? It was taken from Gray Bones early this morning. Chief Little Elk has vowed to count the coup of the one who took it!" His eyes showed the grief that Kiyani felt rise up in herself. Okalane would rather die than have Little Elk count coup on Kiyani and kill her. Then his posture took on one of joking. "Plus, you're braids would not look good hanging from the belt of Little Elk. Just think, I could no longer run my fingers through it, and you know how I love to feel your hair. . ."

With that he did just what he said he loved to do.

Kiyani's mouth still hung open in surprise, though now the corners were showing the hint of a smile. Her eyes mirrored her confusion. Slowly she explained the circumstances of her newly acquired necklace.

"On my way here, I heard a slight noise; a night noise, yet different. I waited to see if I had been followed but I saw, instead, the Sacred Thunderbird. It spoke and said, Little Bird, you are a chosen one.' Then he just disappeared. Where he had been perched, this necklace was hanging on the branch."

Kiyani was surprised at the doubtful look that showed on Okalane's face.

"Please believe me!" Kiyani pleaded. She sank to her knees and bowed her head in sorrow.

What have I done! thought Okalane. He knelt down and lifted her chin.

"Don't worry. I believe you. You've never lied before. Little Bird, you are a chosen one. We must tell the village."

"But... what will Little Elk say and... and do to me? You said yourself he would count coup." Her voice was shaky and frightened. She could not understand how the night had turned around so! She was so happy just moments before and now she was thinking of how she was to die.

Okalane's voice scattered her depressing thoughts

"He will not kill a chosen one, and even then he would have to face me." Kiyani felt hope flooding back into her veins.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you that Little Elk also had a vision. He dreamt of the Thunderbird finding his people and helping them. You are that person, the person meant to help us in times of great need."

Kiyani let him lift her to her feet.

Then, unexpectedly:

"Kiyani... I want you to be my mate." And Okalane slipped the wedding band around her arm. She looked at the band. It was braided black leather with glass beads entwined within, creating the wedding symbol. Hanging by a single, black, beaded, leather strip was a little bluebird feather. Kiyani looked at Okalane adoringly and they started their walk to the village clearing together.

Chapter 2

Once they reached the clearing that the village was setting in, they departed and went their own ways.

Kiyani stepped into their hut and noticed a small shadowed figure watching the dying embers. When Kiyani stepped into the soft glow of light, the young girl looked up.

Morning Sun, what are you doing up? I hope not waiting for me, you little rabbit."

This made Morning Sun smile, which warmed Kiyani up more than any fire.

"I wanted to know where you went, so... I waited for you!" She smiled and her whole face shone!

Morning Sun's eyes lighted up as she noticed the intricately designed wedding band that only Okalane had the skill to make.

"Ohhh," Morning Sun sighed, You are so beautiful! You deserve each other. Now you have a mate . . . and a handsome one at that!

"Wise words for one so young and inexperienced!" Kiyani said teasingly.

By now Morning Sun was examining Kiyani more closely, and Kiyani knew when she had found the Thunderbird because her eyes opened wide in disbelief and awe. Morning Sun began to speak then stopped as if not knowing what to say, then started again,

"You know that...that..."

But she got no farther than that. Kiyani had raised her hand and since Morning Sun was younger, she stopped out of respect.

"I know that it was stolen from Gray Bones, but I did not steal it! You have to believe me, since you and Okalane are the only ones who will! When I was going to meet Okalane, I saw and heard something strange. When I went closer, the Sacred Thunderbird was perched on a branch and spoke to me. He said 'Little Bird, you are a chosen one.' Then he just became Father Wind and disappeared. But where he had been perched, there was this. Isn't it beautiful?" Morning Sun was finally starting to look as if she believed.

"I believe you Little Bird, or should I start calling my sister Sacred Bird?"

Morning Sun said this with such pride Kiyani felt herself blush!

"Go to bed and dream of Young Eagle!" Now it was Morning Sun's turn to blush. Young Eagle was the strongest of all young braves and Morning Sun was always flirting.

"Good night, Lit... Sacred Bird!" She ran squeezed Kiyani tight.

"Good luck with Little Elk!" she whispered and plopped down on her soft, springy bed of willow branches. Her eyes closed and she fell asleep almost immediately.

Kiyani sat by the coals till the moon set, then went to bed. The slight smile on her face showed she dreamed many lovely dreams that night.

Chapter 3

That morning Kiyani woke up and got ready to go down and take a bath in the chilly morning river water. She heard the pitter-patter of feet and turned to wait. Morning Sun came into view.

"Ho, Morning Sun! Come and clean with me."

She looked startled, but spoke like you would to a chief.

"It would not be proper to bathe with a chosen one."

Kiyani spoke but now there was a harshness in her voice that wasn't there before.

"I may be chosen one but I am not like a dog with a disturbed spirit. You will not die or be killed while bathing with me. There's no need to shun me!"

Salty tears stung the corners of Kiyani's eyes, but she fought hard for control

A faint smile showed on Morning Sun's face, but... in her eyes there was a calm relief.

They walked down to the water and bathed. As they were drying off, the village women were just coming down to clean and fill their water bags, not to mention to talk

Morning Sun and Kiyani got their tunics on and started walking back to camp.

There was a heavy silence between them. Finally, Morning Sun spoke.

"How are you and Okalane going to deal with Little Elk... and Gray Bones?"

"Well, Okalane's just going to walk with me to the chief's hut. I made him promise me he wouldn't interfere." This was the only place Kiyani's voice faltered.

"If Little Elk wants to count coup, then he can deal with me alone."

Again they walked in silence. As they walked into the village clearing, they heard the early morning sounds: young boys and girls laughing; squaws cooking, cleaning and talking; and braves and old men playing games or planning future hunts.

Morning Sun went off to do her chores while Kiyani went to find Okalane so they could go to the council.

She found him with the Hunting Chief, just getting out of the sweat lodge.

"Come, we must hurry!" But Kiyani did not get the gentle response she was expecting. Instead, he looked very annoyed at her for interrupting them.

"Go! You are the chosen one, not me."

Kiyani was crushed. The one main person she thought she could lean on and now this... She turned and ran, hot tears falling unnoticed down her face. The gruff bellows of laughter followed behind, she didn't notice.

Kiyani was to meet with Little Elk when the sun is high. She slowed down and headed for the center of the village.

* * * * * * * * After Kiyani ran away, Okalane finished the talk with Spotted Deer and went after her, realizing his mistake too late. He knew the meeting was scheduled for when the sun was highest. He saw a tiny woman-like figure ahead and quickened his pace.

* * * * * * * *

How could he! Kiyani was thinking about how much courage Okalane could have given her just by standing at her side. She was almost there when a strong hand took a firm hold on her arm and turned her around.

Kiyani pulled back in surprise then ran into the welcome arms of her lover.

"Do you still want a partner?" he asked tentatively, but his eyes said differently. Somehow, by looking into Okalane's eyes, Kiyani could sense that he was really trying to ask if she forgave him. She put one hand on the thunderbird and hugged Okalane tighter.

"Please... I'm sorry I disturbed your talk. I'll never do it again!"

"Kiyani. . . please don't!! Now come and let's face Little Elk!"

They walked hand-in-hand and waited outside Little Elk's lodgings, knowing that he knew they had arrived.

Finally, a commanding yet soft voice called them in. Kiyani and Okalane removed their moccasins, as was polite to do in the presence of a chief or shaman.

They stepped into the lodge and the smell of sage drifted up in small clouds from the pipe Little Elk was smoking. He nodded his head once so Okalane and Kiyani sat down, also with a slight nod of their heads.

Chapter 4

Kiyani sat with her head bowed, waiting for Little Elk to speak.

"Little Bird. . . . . and Okalane."

There was a catch in his voice at the sight of Okalane, and there was a slight rustle in the shadows at the back of the lodge. Kiyani knew that Gray Bones was sitting back there and listening to every single word very carefully.

"I, Little Elk, vowed to count coup on the person who took the Sacred Thunderbird from the keeper of the necklace, Gray Bones. But, Little Bird, because of your position in the village I will hear your story, then decide what I will do to you!"

There was another shuffle in the shadows and Kiyani could see the cold whites of Gray Bones eyes glinting off the calm flames of the fire. Kiyani started to bow her head again but Little Elk caught her eyes and held them, his deep black eyes boring into hers. He nodded, signifying that she may start.

Again Kiyani bowed her head, but as she told her story of that night that seemed so long ago, she lifted her head and held her gaze even with Little Elk's.

As she got further along with her recollection of that night, the low rustle in the shadows got closer.

When Kiyani finished, she bowed her head, not stopping herself from sneaking one last glance into the shadows.

Kiyani stopped the gasp that came to her lips. Gray Bones wasn't even trying to hide herself any longer. She was in clear view of everyone except Little Elk.

Little Elk followed her gaze and looked ashamed.

"I am sorry, Little Bird, and ashamed that my mate would sneak in." He closed his eyes, and fought for control over his voice. "Well," he was no longer speaking to the couple but to his scowling mate, "since you are in here and have heard, you might as well sit in the circle, though let me remind you that you were not welcome!"

Gray Bones slowly slinked up to her spot beside Little Elk, knowing the talk would not continue until she was seated.

Kiyani looked up and saw the confident-giving and trusting eyes of Little Elk, Gray Bones almost forgotten.

"You have spread good feelings about yourself around the village and are well trusted and believed. I, myself, believe you but I'm afraid that I have promised to execute the person found with the necklace."

Kiyani blanched and switched her gaze to Gray Bones, who had her bitter stare on the intricately made wedding band tied loosely on her dark arm.

Lonely Cat, Gray Bones' daughter, was un-wed and hauntingly beautiful. She had her sight set on Okalane, thinking that because of her position, she could have any man she wanted. Yet he had no desire to wed a little fox who could not share only one man's bedding. Plus, not even the Water Goddess herself could steal his heart from Kiyani's hand. Now Gray Bones had even more reason to hate Kiyani.

Little Elk cleared his throat and began once more.

"I have decided to let the Thunderbird choose our Keeper!"

He motioned for the two women to stand. Little Elk lit the pipe, which had just recently gone out, and the smell of sage also puffed again. He prayed over Gray Bones and blew the cherished sage smoke over her. Little Elk did the same to Kiyani, but with a smile.

"Little Bird, please remove the necklace."

She carefully pulled the leather thong back over her head. Kiyani handed it to Little Elk with just the slightest hesitation. The taking of the necklace felt as if a part of her spirit was leaving with it, and in that moment she knew she could not leave without the necklace laying between her breasts, where it belonged.

Little Elk laid it between but in front of the two women. Little Elk sat in his spot by the fire and closed his eyes. Gray Bones' mouth fell open!

Chapter 5

The smoke from the fire had turned pure white, and before Kiyani's eyes the smoke formed the Sacred Thunderbird, wings spread, his eyes glittering with secrets.

Kiyani's gaze followed the apparition up five hands from the flames. She broke her stare and looked around the room.

She heard a cat-like sound and traced it to Gray Bones, whose mouth was still agape. Little Elk sat with his head hanging loosely on his neck, his body shaking with concentration. The whole lodge was filled with a warm, yellow light, chasing away all the secretive shadows.

Kiyani brought her gaze up to the Thunderbird, whose wise eyes were going back and forth between Kiyani and Gray Bones. The Thunderbird looked at Gray Bones one more time then locked his eyes with Kiyani's. Then it turned again and looked at Little Elk, who was now looking up at the Thunderbird, too.

The white smoke drifted up even further, so it could see all three gawking figures without turning. All of the faces were calm and searching, waiting for something to happen.

"Little Bird, I have given you a vision and now you must live up to it! I have found you worthy of the Great Thunderbird, not this stinking weasel!"

Gray Bones' face turned crimson red with humiliation and anger. Kiyani tried to talk but found that she had been holding her breath and let it out in a long, soft sigh. The Thunderbird spoke again, but this time to Little Elk.

"I have told you what I wish. Now it is up to you, Little Elk, to decide what you will do!"

The Thunderbird spread his great wings and became the rich color of turquoise. He turned his head and opened his beak, as he was pictured on sacred cloths in the medicine lodge. He slowly faded till he was just another puff of smoke leaving the fire, into the bright sun of the afternoon.

Through all of this Okalane had been forgotten. He had sat quietly, an amazed spectator, watching the sacred bird that few had seen, speak to his mate-to-be. Once the Thunderbird had vanished, Kiyani turned to him and sat as close as she possibly could without breaking any taboos.

Little Elk sat, eyes closed, deciding what to do. Finally he got up and motioned for both women to come forward. He walked over and picked up the necklace.

"The Great Thunderbird has made his choice. . . and so have I. Little Bird. . . take care of this necklace and fulfill all of the duties that this necklace bestows on you once you slip it over you head. You are the chosen one and deserve it."

And with that, Little Elk slipped the thong over her head.

Gray Bones attacked from behind Kiyani and knocked her down, clawing at Kiyani's face and neck.

Little Elk, assisted by Okalane, pulled Gray Bones off of Kiyani, still screaming and trying to scratch her. Little Elk was enraged and cuffed Gray Bones. She stopped immediately, her eyes wide and hurt.

"Calm down, you female coyote!" Little Elk's voice boomed and already a dark, red mark was appearing on Gray Bones' cheek, like a sun slowly pushing through the clouds.

"First you steal my position," Gray Bones whispered, finally surrendered to her fate," then you steal my daughter's future mate."

Gray Bones crumpled to the floor and started to sob.

Kiyani felt tears well up, feeling sorrow for the old women who had just lost everything she thought she had.

Chapter 6

Little Elk's face lit up as he finally saw the wedding band that Kiyani was fingering absentmindedly.

"I am sorry I have not noticed. Congratulations to both of you! Now go, Sacred Bird and Okalane, we are finished."

The couple walked out of the lodge arm-in-arm, just as if they were already joined.

The next morning, Kiyani's father woke to the hoof stamping of impatient horses. He went outside and found twelve painted horses hobbled by the door with four magnificently woven baskets with Okalane's mother's mark on the bottom. It was then that he realized that Kiyani and Okalane had been seeing each other and that it was Okalane's flute he had heard nights ago. Spotted Eagle heard soft steps and turned. Behind him stood Kiyani, her midnight hair setting loose over her shoulders. He noticed how beautiful she had become and was no longer mad.

"Father, please do not be angry with me. I will join with Okalane only if you wish it."

"Do not worry, I am not mad; just disappointed that it took me this long to open my eyes. I congratulate you and Okalane and will that the wedding be set for the feast I will plan tomorrow evening."

Spotted Eagle clutched his oldest daughter to him, the one so much like her mother. Then he went out to gather the dowry and prepare the wedding of his daughter, Sacred Bird.

Take this back to the main story page.

ã 1995 Janelle K. Vargas