Passion's Series by Mary Adair Read Free Book Online Page B

amazement as the village, which had only moments before been the picture of calm and contentment, buzzed with keen activity.
    Lack of sleep was no hindrance to James as he, too, was caught up in the spirit of excitement. He had his own reasons for being anxious for the challengers to arrive. No doubt DuPrey would come with them.
    James had done his homework. He'd read every scrap of available information on DuPrey. There was little known about DuPrey's physical appearance, only that he was a small man. It was also known that what DuPrey lacked in size he made up for in intelligence and sheer daring.
    James yanked the bone vest from his stinging chest and handed it to Buffalo. "Take this to our lodge and then come and be by my side."
    Buffalo grinned from ear to ear. In that simple command James told him he would personally oversee his training.
    "I will, Uncle."
    James watched the boy sprint away. The rules of the game became more complicated. He'd known from the start that it would be a test of cunning between himself and DuPrey. Being called uncle by a village boy and overseeing the boy's training would add to the illusion that he belonged here. It could also place Buffalo in some degree of danger. He would just have to see to it that the boy didn't get hurt.
    Dancing Cloud slapped James on the shoulder. "Come, you must join us. There is much to do in preparation for the game."
    Though James had not yet actually been invited to join in on the game, as visitors were not often included, with luck he would be. For the time being just being present for the hours it would take to prepare would tempt one of the warriors into challenging him.
    The Chief had spoken the truth. There was much to be done. There was beadwork to be done to their special breechclouts, which were only worn on such occasions. Also each of the baskets of their ball sticks needed to be repaired and decorated with feathers and other items of special importance to its owner.
    Last, but not least, a great deal of male grooming must be performed. Heads had to be shaved and chests plucked. Although James would not allow half of his head to be shaved he did agree to the plucking that he found to be tiresome, not to mention painful to the point of torture.
    He was convinced the sparsely haired warriors found perverse pleasure in his discomfort. Their sniggers gave them away.
    As evening approached Dancing Cloud's wife served her husband's visitors while they sat and worked beneath the heavy, sprawling branches of on old oak. The massive tree had been there for more summers than the oldest person in their village could remember.
    Each warrior sat deep in his own thoughts when finally Silent Deer addressed James. "You will join us in the ball play."
    James' gaze, as was meant to, was drawn to Silent Deer's large pectoral muscles that he flexed for James' benefit.
    Silent Deer was a large warrior with exceptional strength. He was also the village's Most Beloved Warrior. He made a habit of strutting about camp, his black hair blowing in the mountain breeze, his chest and arms well greased to show off his muscular form and his legs bare so all could see his graceful power.
    Children followed behind this big warrior whenever he would allow it. Young women scurried about trying to outdo each other to attract his attention. It seemed only appropriate. In a culture where it was a necessity for a man to be strong and fierce to protect his family, this man symbolized the ideal warrior.
    James nodded once. This was the invitation for which he waited. It was not uncommon for a warrior to lose his life in this game called The Little War. No blood cry was allowed for such a death. It would be a demonstration of a lack of honor and considered a sign of weakness in the person seeking revenge. He prayed that DuPrey would enter the game. Silent Deer puffed his chest higher and fixed his gaze over James' left shoulder in the typical show of challenge. "Prove your manhood, white man.