Dark Journey [Ariel's Desire 2] by Candace Smith Page B

was actually rewarded for some task to have achieved this.”
    Constance explained the captives go through several stages to become a man and join the tribe.   Each stage stripped them of bad habits and thoughts they brought with them from the flatlands, and taught them strength and pride.   She told her how her brother ended up with a pretty Indian wife and something they couldn’t have, children.   He’d been happy.   She assured her Wind Seeker was guiding Mike so he could fit in.   “He has a goal and a purpose. The Indians reward and punish just as our Clansmen do.   It’s only their methods that are different.   Within a few years you’ll see he’s a proud Indian with a family to care for.   I promise you, Ariel.”
    Mike had noticed Ariel when he glanced sideways.   She stopped a distance away with the woman, Constance.   Mike smiled as much as he could manage knowing Ariel could see his proud bearing.   He was sure Constance would let her know what she’d lost when she threw herself at Lucien.   He hoped Lucien would pass by and notice how he’d screwed up when he let the Indians take him.   He couldn’t wait until they saw him next year as a man, with Gentle Wave standing by his side.   You fucked up, Lucien, the stallion chuckled.   The ghost was gone.
    Gentle Wave moved through the village and the settlement campsites.   She’d heard through gossip about Ariel.   She wanted to get a look at her and see how she compared to the stallion’s former choice.   She hid behind a tree when she saw Patrick and Lucien following Constance and another smaller woman.
    As they approached, Gentle Wave’s eyes filled with tears. Ariel was beautiful.   She was petite as compared to Gentle Wave’s taller, fuller figure. She had reddish hair with a blonde stripe around her face that fell to her waist in waves, instead of the stupid straight black shroud hanging down her own back.   As they got closer, she groaned at the gray-blue eyes.   All Gentle Wave had were the Indian’s black marbles.
    She hid behind buildings and watched them walk through the village. Shining Star’s baby wrapped his fist in Ariel’s hair and laughed.   Even the baby adored her.   Gentle Wave was getting more depressed by the minute. When the women neared the stables, she prayed Mike wouldn’t look over and be reminded of his former love.
    She saw Mike straighten.   He’d seen Ariel and was showing her what a proud stallion he’d become.   Gentle Wave swiped at the tear that had spilled. Ariel was so shocked by his proud transformation, she was staring at him with her mouth hanging open. Please, please don’t want him back. Gentle Wave watched the two women walking away, conspiring to steal her stallion.
    Gentle Wave couldn’t take it.   She would beg the stallion to choose her even if she had to remind him how his other love had disgraced him by choosing the Protector for awhile.   He might forgive Ariel for that just to get her back.
    Gentle Wave snuck in through the back of the stable and approached the stallion, standing where she could quickly hide behind the wall if he sent her away.   She’d be too humiliated to join the celebration if that happened.   Now that she was near him, her courage faltered.   All she could think of was him choosing Ariel.
    “Stallion,” Mike heard a whisper from behind the stall wall.   He couldn’t tell who it was, and couldn’t move to see.   “I’m not supposed to talk to you until you’re a man,” the voice continued.
    Gentle Wave slowly came around the corner.   Mike could see she was upset and had been crying.   Had someone hurt her?   He gripped his hands into fists behind his back at the thought.
    The Indian looked down.   “I’ve seen Ariel.   I know you have too.   I saw how proud you stood for her.”
    Mike thought he heard her sniffle.   “She’s beautiful, with all her colors.” She cleared her throat.   “I know I only have the colors of