Savage Abandon

“I will now apply an herbal poultice to your legs to relieve your discomfort,” Talking Bird said, not hesitating to smooth the liquid over her rash. Mia gasped that he showed no fear of getting the terrible poison ivy himself.

“You can’t,” she suddenly said, scooting away from him. “You don’t want this on your body. Please…”

“I do not fear such things,” Talking Bird said, spreading the medicine across her legs. “I am protected by the spirits.” He gazed over his shoulder at Wolf Hawk. “As is my grandson.”

Mia glanced quickly past Talking Bird, at Wolf Hawk. Talking Bird’s statement reminded her about seeing Wolf Hawk step from that mysterious mist, appearing from nowhere.

She could not help thinking that there were mysterious things happening that she might never understand. But no matter what she might suspect, it did not alter her feelings for Wolf Hawk.

In fact, as each moment passed, she cared more and more for him. It was not just gratitude. She was in love with him.

She had been so lost in thought, she hadn’t realized that Talking Bird had finished putting the medicine on her legs, and had left her side for a moment. He returned carrying a wooden bowl.

She gazed questioningly at the bowl.

“I have brought you a bowl of Saskatoon berry broth to drink,” he said. He held it aloft in the smoke over the fire, then offered it to her. “Drink. This, too, will make your body heal.”

Unsure of drinking something that she had never heard of before, Mia didn’t accept it.

Seeing her hesitance, Wolf Hawk went and leaned over to help Mia up to a sitting position.

“You must drink what is being offered you,” Wolf Hawk softly encouraged. He took the bowl from his grandfather and placed it up close to Mia’s lips. “Open your mouth. I shall help you.”

“I…don’t…know,” Mia said, still hesitating.

Having unfamiliar medicine put on the outside of her body was one thing. But drinking it was something else. She was afraid of what she did not understand.

“You have put your trust in both myself and my grandfather. Why do you hesitate to drink something that will help your healing?” Wolf Hawk asked.

He gazed directly into her eyes.

He was glad when he saw trust returning to them, and was even happier when she smiled.

She turned to look into Talking Bird’s eyes. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I did not mean to look as though I don’t trust you. Of course, I will drink your medicine.”

She took the bowl from Wolf Hawk, and even though she was still afraid of it, she drank it, glad at least that it had a sweet, pleasant taste.

When she was finished, she handed the bowl back to Talking Bird. “Thank you,” she murmured. “Thank you for everything.”

“It is good of you to trust again,” Talking Bird said, then placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and urged her again to a prone position. “Now you must sleep. Sleep brings with it cures, too. Rest and sleep are all important to those who are ill.”

“I do feel so sleepy,” Mia said, wondering now if the drink had something in it that would make her sleep. She glanced quickly up at Wolf Hawk. “I…trust…you both.”

“I know,” he said, wanting to take her into his arms and hold her. “And your trust is good. It will be rewarded. You will be healed. Sleep now, my woman. Sleep. I do assure you that you will be well again and very soon. My grandfather has made it so.”

Unable to stay awake any longer, Mia fell into a restful sleep, no longer bothered by the hurtful itching, or fever.

Wolf Hawk and Talking Bird exchanged easy smiles.

“Take her to your own lodge now,” Talking Bird said softly. “I have done all that is required for her. The rest is up to you.”

“I understand,” Wolf Hawk said, nodding.

He gazed at Mia with much love, then slowly lifted her into his arms.

He and his grandfather smiled at each other again; then Wolf Hawk carried Mia outside the tepee.

Knowing that Mia would not awaken anytime soon, Wolf Hawk changed into a mighty hawk, then gently grasped Mia in his powerful talons, and took flight.