INDIAN SUNSET(Rebecca Jane Beaupré) My name is Emerald Dabala, and this is my story.

In the wild mountains of Canada 1885, a time of tribulation and revenge between white men and Indian’s, and one man who brought destruction and division between both; General Custer.

I am riding through these mountains that cover this land to a town I will soon call home, Fort Wawa. My body is feeling weak from the long ride, and my hands are shaking from holding these reins for such a long period of time. The sun is piercing down on my back like a hot rod being thrown like an arrow from the aquamarine sky. This land I now hold a place in is smudged with mirages swiftly spreading over the sand dunes around me, and I can hear echoes of eagles soaring above. At long last I sight Fort Wawa, whilst hearing the bells been chimed, drums being played, and clapping from folk.

‘I wonder what all the commotion is about on such a day?’

A man of proper appearance is wandering up to me with a smile upon his face and his hand out to greet mine.

"Afternoon ma’am, I’m Daniel Lousky."

"Good-afternoon Daniel, I am Emerald Dabala and I am happy to make your acquaintance. May I inquire as to what the town’s commotion is for on such a day?"

"Why of course Miss Dabala, and must I say that the pleasure of your acquaintance is all mine. General Custer and his brigade of men are arriving, have you not heard?"

"No sir, indeed I have not."

Never have I met Mr Custer. I once met a Cheyenne girl whom referred to him as ‘General Goldilocks’. Now, in my understanding, a few weeks ago a Cheyenne village was massacred, many women and children killed by Custer and his troops. Deep within I fear him and his values. His eyes are of bitter emptiness, his skin looks cold, and his hair is like a sheet of wool tucking his drawn in face away.

A loud horn is been blown madly as General Custer parades down this town with his army of proud men known as ‘Bluecoats’ and their guns raised in glory; their pride disgusts me. Continuing to ride on I pass Mr. Custer himself. Turning my head away seems the right thing to do.

"Ma’am"

Hesitation to reply leaves me halted. Now words are drifting out of my mouth with no control.

"Do not address me sir, for I shall not address you. You disgust me walking around with your head held high, taking Indians rights and land away from them. Making them beg like wild dogs, and walk in shame and chains."

Looking around I’m now surrounded by nothing but heads shaking with repulse and curses. This is of no concern to me. Gratified I continue on my way.

Beyond the dunes afar, the sunset beams on the land I gallop so hastily across. Thumping, pursuing the ground which I ride, my horse begins to quiver and kick violently with terror, my heart beating vigorously as Indians surround me. I close my eyes and pray that they see how true my heart is for them and spare my life.

Never have I been embraced in such ways. When I gather courage I open my eyes and I’m startled by the sight in front of me - or more amazed I should say. A warrior, it seems, sitting so proudly on his shining stallion, gazing down at me with such sparkling eyes. My heart is beginning to race whilst thinking to myself, 'This man seems so intense and strong, yet such kindness is portrayed in his eyes'.

Reaching for a fur pouch, tasseled and decorated so finely, and hanging around his neck, he clenches it hard until it breaks free… now passing it to me. Turning around to see the company I have encountered is like looking into a movie, or even a dream, but this one is real, with a touch of magical charm.

Looking back to view the man that I would define as generous, I see he is nodding his head to let me pass and be on my way. Riding away I feel a sense of loss sweeping over me, almost as if I am leaving something behind.

Tonight as I lay on a musty haystack, gazing at the stars twinkling above and reminiscing of today. An unwelcome presence gushes over me, making the hairs all over my body stand on end. Warm breath is tickling the back of my neck, rough hands are clasping my mouth tightly. Tears are streaming down my flushed cheeks, whilst trying to fight the stranger off. His grip too strong, and now holding me down on the ground, with a knife against the buttons on my dress.

‘Help, somebody please help me!’ I am screaming loudly.

I start biting the palm of his hand and kicking him in his right leg. Finally his grasp is broken, sending the knife soaring across the stacks of hay. Running as fast as my shambled legs take me I do not look back, I just keep running.

‘Somebody… please!’

I can run no more, falling to the ground. Now I'm crawling on my hands and knees as quick as I can, but it seems like an endless waste of time and energy. From out of no-where a painful moan hollows across this field, sending shivers spiraling down my spine. Dropping harshly to the dirt, gasping for breath, I see a figure approaching me. This figure I remember. It is the Indian from the carriage halt this morning that amazed me, his hair like silk sweeping in the wind.

"I am Roaming Eagle." He paused.

Replying in gentle whisper to him, and trying to catch my breath, "Emerald, Emerald Dabala".

Leaning down to take my hand, I can feel his pulse racing with mine. So compassionately, Roaming Eagle draws me up into his arms.

"That man was hurting you, he will hurt you no more."

Turning to where Roaming Eagle is pointing there is a body lying in the grass, and there is blood. Peering hard enough I notice that it is the body of my invader, who looks to be Daniel from town early this morning. How am I meant to feel in such a situation… Now all I can see in my mind is what could have been, but Roaming Eagle was here and protected me once again.

"Th Th thank-you" my shaking lips sighed.

At once we are eye to eye with one-another, studying each other in great detail. He is wearing a beaded chest vest patterned with turquoise and fur. His pants are of suede and decorated with braided tassels, fur and eagle feathers. The definition of his muscles so manly, swooning with such detail on each curve. He has eyes like portholes of wondrous beauty and skin like soft crushed velvet. Never in my life have I noticed such beauty, or held such lust by a glance...till now. My eyes are closing and I can feel myself falling to sleep in sweet company. Never have I felt so safe or warm in a compassionate manner. Waking with the sun shining in my eyes and being held by Roaming Eagle. Then it comes back to me. Last night was like a nightmare I could not wake up from and I am reminded instantly, looking behind us, of the body of Daniel. Dried blood has stiffened the grass around his frozen corpse, and his big blue eyes are wide open and hazed.

"Oh my Lord, forgive me" I ask. I whimper in concern and pain.

Roaming Eagle, clenching my shaking hand, whispers into my ear, "Ride with me Emerald, ride with me to my village and my people."

I let my trust prevail with a nod of my head. With a smile he walks me to his horse. Riding openly and free, with the world at our fingertips, the sky our playground. His body feels so warm and lush to hold. I do not want to ever let him go. Looking around, I take in the beautiful hills and mountains covered in snow, and the valley of crystal streams flowing around us. Arriving at his village all I am thinking is, ‘This feels so right’.

I am beginning to understand the meaning of true happiness; Indians are not as they are perceived. A sacred fire is blazing with men of painted colours dancing magic around it. Women and children are clapping, drumming and laughing. Tepees are laid out and all built by hand, each symbolized with something different. Shyness now empowering me, trotting through the crowd; everything stands still with all eyes upon me. Roaming Eagle now seeming content is striding over to the fire beginning to dance along side a chief. A lovely young girl starts explaining the meaning of this dance to me, to welcome my presence here. My eyes enlighten, tears crowding my vision. Peace and love are filled within this place, such passion for life and one another.

"I am Lucita...come, I shall teach you about our village and my people, the Ojibway".

"I am Emerald and I would be most grateful to you Lucita".

For hours Lucita sat teaching me about the earth, their beliefs, language and culture. A tribe filled with such power of their heart. Years white man has taken from the earth in greed and spoke so heinously of Natives, allowing them to be ashamed of whom they are. Indians only take what they need from the land and each other whilst giving full thanks and praise to Manitou' & Mother Earth, the two great creators of the earth and human kind.

Roaming Eagle and I are sitting under the enchanting moon in soft silence, but then he turns to me, clutching my hand on his pounding heart with a confession so pure and true. "When I was a little boy, I gave myself for a vision; this vision showed a woman sitting in a carriage wearing a necklace like that. That woman is you. For years I have awaited this day to come. Share my life, my heart and my dreams. Become my wife and live as an Ojibway here with me, two longing hearts as one."

My mind feeling lost and confused… now jumping up like a frog leaping off a lily pad and fleeing to his horse. Starting to ride briskfully I hear a voice shout,

"I will run you till you drop!"

Gladness pouring within me as I’m dismantling from Roaming Eagle’s horse and flying into his loving arms. Morning is dawning and Lucita begins preparing me in regalia for our marriage and blesses me with smudging. As I am approaching Roaming Eagle past the tribe of smiles and holy honor, the chief is accompanying me in hand like a father. My heart fluttering as I am given to him and taught what is expected as an Ojibway wife.


6 Months later:

This fall the Ojibway village was attacked and destroyed by General Custer and his band of Bluecoats. Many men, women and children killed or injured. Now rebuilding our village, homes, and losses, but made to live under the white man government. Our ways are, I’m afraid to say, dying. But still we live with pride and courage. I feel as though the world is my rainbow and I am the pot of gold, now blessed with my husband, the Ojibway, and our baby growing inside me whom too will grow up a warrior like Roaming Eagle. I found my heart and my calling in this life… with the Ojibway. I am now known as ‘Eyes of Angels’.

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