"You, me, sisters," Redbird said.
Yellow Hair put her arms around Redbird, pressing Floating Lily between them. She bent and kissed Redbird on the cheek, her tears wetting Redbird's face.
Redbird glanced up at the long knife who had spoken to Yellow Hair. His mouth under his yellow mustache twisted in scorn.
Yellow Hair began to sob again, and her arms tightened around Redbird. Redbird felt White Bear's aunt and uncle gently trying to pull Yellow Hair away from her.
The mounted long knife shouted angrily. Would they shoot Yellow Hair if she didn't leave?
Frightened for Yellow Hair, Redbird twisted her arms and shoulders and broke free from her.
The fat woman and the sandy-haired man drew Yellow Hair away. But her sobs became louder, turned to screams.
"My baby!"
Redbird knew those pale eyes' words. And it was true, she thought. Had not Yellow Hair been in the birthing wickiup with Redbird? Had she not been present for every instant of Floating Lily's early life? Was she not also White Bear's wife?
She feels the same pain I do.