The Arrow-Maker Part 7

But if a Chisera choose to confer them? (_With sudden feeling._) What question is there between us of Chief's daughter and Chisera? We are two women, and young.

BRIGHT WATER

(_Uncertainly._) The Chisera is the friend of the G.o.ds.

THE CHISERA

And therefore not the friend of any tribeswoman? (_Pa.s.sionately._) Oh, I am weary of the friends.h.i.+p of the G.o.ds! If I have walked in the midnight and heard what the great ones have said, is that any reason I should not know what a man says to a maid in the dusk--or do a kindness to my own kind--or love, and be beloved?

BRIGHT WATER

(_Moved._) Therefore take it (_offering bracelet again_) as one woman from another--and you shall make a charm for me for love.

THE CHISERA

(_Taking the gift._) I shall make it as though I loved him myself.

BRIGHT WATER

(_Startled._) Oh, I did not say I loved him.

THE CHISERA

(_Smiling._) No?

BRIGHT WATER

(_Studying the pattern of her moccasin._) Is it true, Chisera, that you have been called to the Council that decides upon the war leader who is to be chosen in my father's place?

THE CHISERA

I am to inquire of the G.o.ds concerning it.

BRIGHT WATER

(_Diffidently._) Chisera, I have heard--my father thinks--Simwa, the Arrow-Maker, is well spoken of.

(_The first note of the love call is heard far up the cliffs.

The_ CHISERA _starts and controls herself._)

THE CHISERA

(_Coldly, in dismissal._) Simwa needs the good word of no man. It shall be as the G.o.ds determine.

(_Goes over to hut. The love call sounds nearer._)

BRIGHT WATER

(_After a moment's hesitation._) Farewell, Chisera. (_She goes._)

THE CHISERA

(_Looking up the trail._) Ah, Simwa, Simwa, what bond there is between us, when, if I but p.r.o.nounce thy name in my heart, thy voice answers.

(_The love call is repeated far up the cliffs above her hut, and she answers it, singing:_)

Over-long are thy feet on the trails, O Much Desired!!

Dost thou not hear afar what my blood whispers, Betraying my heart as the whir Of the night-moth's wings betray the lilies?

(_As she sings_, SIMWA, _in full war dress, comes dropping down, hand over hand, from the rocks, until he stands beside her._)

SIMWA

Did you not hear me when first I called?

THE CHISERA

I heard you, Most Desired. When do I not? Even when I sleep, my heart wakes to hear you. The women have been with me.

SIMWA

You know, then?

THE CHISERA

That this very night a war party of ours must go out to meet the Castacs.

SIMWA

And before that there will be a Council to choose a war leader? Has the Chief told you?

THE CHISERA

Not since this latest word, but yesterday he bid me prepare a strong medicine, for he thought the election would be made by lot. But I did not tell him, O Much Desired, that I had already made medicine a night and a day to let the choice fall on you. A day and a night by Deer Leap on Toorape, where never foot but mine had been, I made medicine, and the answer is sure.

SIMWA

That I shall get the leaders.h.i.+p?

THE CHISERA

When have the G.o.ds denied me anything that I asked for your sake, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite?

SIMWA

The Padahoon hunts on a cold trail, and there is nothing for me to do?

(_He sits on the bank and the_ CHISERA _sits below him._)