For some occasions, an intoxicating beverage was made from the mescal. The roasted root was macerated and allowed to stand several days in water, where it fermented rapidly. The liquid was then boiled down until it produced a liquor.
But today no intoxicating drink was needed to make everyone heady and happy. All eyes were focused in the direction where Shoshana was expected to appear. The waterfall would make a lovely backdrop behind her.
Storm awaited her arrival as he stood with his sister on one side of him and his shaman on his other.
Fawn was too weak to stand any longer. Instead, she sat on plush pelts with others who were too old or weak to stand. She was at the front, so that she would have the best view of her daughter.
Shoshana was taking a husband today, and not just any husband. Storm was the ultimate prize for any woman.
As for Storm, he would find new responsibilities in marriage. He would take up the task of beginning a family. No longer would he while away the hours with the other bachelors in the warriors’ lodge.
He would now have a wife to look after, and he would take the responsibility very seriously. His hunting would no longer be just for himself, but for his wife, and soon children, as well.
Suddenly the drums and rattles ceased playing and all eyes watched as Shoshana came into view, riding a fine gray horse, a gift from Storm to his bride.
When her shawl dropped from her shoulders, and rested around her waist, her tawny form was seen through the transparent silky gauze of the dress she so loved.
Her back straight, her braids falling far down her back, her face radiant with a smile, she gazed at Storm, who awaited her arrival.
Suddenly the shadow of a huge bird fell across her path, making her gasp and gaze up to find a golden eagle in the sky.
It was, it seemed, the same eagle that she had seen that day just prior to discovering her mother. Its golden eyes gazed down at her now as it continued to soar above her.
Her eyes met the eagle’s momentarily. It seemed to her that the eagle was speaking to her through its eyes, and telling her that its deed was done. It had led her to her mother, and now it gave its blessing on her marriage.
“Thank you,” she whispered up at the huge bird, then watched it soar away from her, soon disappearing high above in the clouds.
Feeling blessed now in so many ways, and realizing that this day had been her destiny, even when she was a tiny egg in her mother’s womb, Shoshana gazed again at Storm and smiled, then rode onward to him.
When she reached him, she drew tight rein. He came to her and reached his arms up for her.
Overwhelmed by her passionate love for this man, Shoshana gave him a smile that sent a silent message of forever into his heart. She leaned into his arms and let him take her from the steed.
“Come, my woman,” Storm said thickly as he placed her gently on her bare feet. “This is the moment we were born for, you and I.”
“Yes, I know,” she murmured, clasping his hand, and following him up to the shaman.
She glanced momentarily at Dancing Willow. She saw nothing threatening in her eyes, yet neither was there the friendship she would like to see.
Then she gazed over her shoulder at her mother and gave her a smile. The tears in her mother’s old eyes were understandable. It seemed that her mother had made herself live until she knew that her daughter’s future was mapped out for her . . . a future that included a man such as Chief Storm.
She gave her mother a nod to say that everything her mother had wanted for her was coming true, that she could relax now and enjoy these special moments that would stay within Shoshana’s heart like a sweet melody for the rest of her life.
She then turned and gazed into White Moon’s eyes as he took one of Storm’s hands and then one of her own. Her heart pounded inside her chest as the shaman spoke the words that would make her and Storm husband and wife.
“Maheo has brought you two together, to know the love you feel for each other, and to give you a future together which will include many children,” White Moon said, slowly nodding as his eyes moved back and forth between them. “Maheo blesses you today. So does this shaman bless you. Live in peace and happiness for the rest of your days in the knowledge that your marriage was written in the stars . . . was meant to be. From here on, you are husband and wife.” He smiled at Storm. “Now do you have something to say to your bride?”
Storm smiled broadly, nodded, then took both of Shoshana’s hands in his as he turned and faced her. “My wife, my lovely Shoshana, I promise that nevermore will you suffer any injustice or sadness,” he vowed. “I am here to see that your life does not lack for happiness and blessings from above. As your husband, I promise you these things, Shoshana. I love you. I shall always love you.”
Tears filled Shoshana’s eyes . . . tears of happiness. She smiled at Storm. “My darling husband, I promise never to disappoint you, to keep your home filled with happiness and joy . . . and . . .” She paused, blushed, then finished what she had wanted to say. “And I also promise you many children, especially a son who will be born in your image. I will be at your side, Storm, to love you and to share my happiness with you. If you ever need more from me than these things, ask, and they, too, will be yours.”
She slid her hands free of his and flung herself into his arms. “My Storm, my husband,” she whispered against his lips before he gave her a tender kiss.
Then they parted and smiled at White Moon, and at the people who stood so quiet, watching and listening.
“Your chief now has a wife!” Storm shouted, taking one of Shoshana’s hands and lifting it for everyone to see.
There were loud cheers, words of congratulations, and then the women