Chapter 16

Buck and the others had been riding for two hours when they found Vin’s trail. J.D. had learned well from Vin and had found Peso’s tracks that seemed to be following a group of other tracks. Buck guessed it was the Cheyenne group that Chris was riding with.

As J.D. tracked Vin’s progress, he mentioned to the others that it led up the hillside. Josiah, being well acquainted with people of the plains, explained that they should go slow. They did not know what lay on the other side of the hill and they did not want to jeopardize Vin’s or Chris’ lives by barreling down into the camp.

Josiah sat on his horse, pensively thinking about their situation. He knew Vin was captured by the Cheyenne, that there was no doubt. He would have come back to them otherwise. Chris was still in the throes of memory loss and probably believed that all white men were his enemy, so that meant that Vin had no chance in hell of getting Chris to help him escape. They needed a plan and fast. Time was running out for both their friends.

Josiah knew that sometimes diplomacy could win a war instead of force. Maybe they could talk to the Cheyenne Chief and bargain for Vin’s and Chris’ lives. But he knew it would be a long shot. There was nothing that a People of the Plains would want from white men, except that they leave their land and that had been a large obstacle for them for so long.

Buck turned to see that Josiah was deep in thought. He did not know if it was about their friends or something else. Whatever it was, Josiah’s mind did not seem to be among them. Nathan also noticed the same thing. Unlike Buck, he knew his friend was deep in thought about their missing friends. He was curious to know what he thought they should do.

“Josiah, what cha thinkin’?”

“Well, Nathan. I’m thinking about how we gonna get them back without havin’ to start a war.”

“Do you have a plan?” asked Buck, interested now.

“Sort of. The way I’m thinking, brother, is that if we go in there shooting, the Cheyenne might try to take their revenge out on Vin and Chris.”

“So, what else can we do?” asked J.D., concerned for both his friends and their own lives.

“Well, by my experience, the Cheyenne are very proud and honorable people. Much more than the average white man, who has come to plunder his land. As the Lord says the meek shall inherit the Earth. And so they have, even against the belief of all of civilized man. And by this reasoning, I believe we can parley with them. As long as it’s on their own terms.”

“And what pray tell made you come up with that summation, Mr. Sanchez?”

“Well, Ezra. For one thing, we have no other options left. The one person who might’ve had a chance is held prisoner among them. The other one has become one of them. Do ya have any other suggestions, brother?”

Ezra glanced at the Preacher in exasperation. No. He did not have any suggestions. He just did not think that reasoning with these natives would help their comrades.

Josiah saw that he did not and said, “I didn’t think so. So, as I was saying, brother, maybe we can bargain with them for Vin and Chris.”

“Well, Mr. Sanchez, you may be able to bargain for Mr. Tanner’s emancipation but did you disregard the fact that Mr. Larabee is now a native of the plains and might not be in an agreeable mood to abscond from his current situation?”

“I did think of that, Ezra. But you must remember, Chris doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s unaware of his past. I think if we just go and talk to the chief and explain to him what we know about how Chris became the way he is and how much he means to us, I have a feeling that he won’t object to us talking to Chris.”

“And what of Mr. Tanner?”

“Well, I figured they not going to do anything to him until a tribal hearing. It’s their law. They are not savages, contrary to what you believe. I’ve had dealings in this type of situation. I could stand in and represent him.”

“Josiah, ya think ya cin talk ta them?”

“Yeah, Nathan. I think it’s worth a try. Better than Buck’s idea.”

Buck turned to look at Josiah in shock and hurt. “What’s wrong with my idea?”

“Nothing, Buck, unless you call riding into that camp, guns ablaze’ a good plan.”

“At least we git Chris and Vin outta there.”

“Yeah and the rest of us killed,” replied Nathan from under his breath.

Buck turned to look at him, disappointment mirrored in his blue eyes.

“What was that, Nathan?”

“Nothin’, Buck,” said Nathan quickly.

“He’s right, Buck,” said J.D. in agreement.

“What the hell would you know about it, kid!” exclaimed Buck angry now.

“Now, now, Mr. Wilmington. The boy is only stating an actual truth.”

“Shut up, Ezra!” yelled both J.D. and Buck simultaneously.

Ezra looked at both of them, shrugging his shoulders. Ezra knew he was right and they both also knew Ezra was right. It was why it bothered them so much.

“So, Josiah. What do we do?” asked Nathan, now concerned that they were going to walk into something they could not handle.

Josiah looked at them. He then bowed his head. When he lifted his head again, he eased his horse towards the Cheyenne camp and started reciting. “Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.”

The others looked at him strangely, not knowing what Josiah had in mind, but they would follow where Josiah would lead them, for they knew his purpose was clear and they had no other options left.

Cheyenne Camp, Dusk

Vin awoke with a start. His head pained him and the rest of him did not feel much better. He could not remember where he was. The last thing he remembered was the Cheyenne had captured him. But then a flash of memory came to him and he saw Chris with a knife, holding it threateningly towards him.

“Chris!” he almost cried out, sitting up quickly. He searched the area with his blue eyes and came to rest on a form lying on the other side, curled into a ball as if he was in pain. He realized it was not a dream. He did find Chris and now his friend was asleep across from him. He was surprised that his movements had not awoken him. Usually, the slightest sound would awake the lean gunfighter and he would be alert. But he remembered that earlier, Chris was not well, and he attributed this to the fact that he slept so soundly.

He also remembered that Chris still did not remember who he was and that it had become a struggle to prove to Chris that he was not here to harm him. He watched as Larabee’s chest moved up and down with the motions of deep sleep. He had caused pain for his friend earlier, although he did not mean to. Chris was his closest friend, and it gripped Vin’s heart like a vise to think that Chris would think he would harm him in anyway. He wished Nathan were here among them. He could probably find out what was wrong with Chris and how to fix it.

Then he thought about his conversation with Ezra. He ran his fingers through his sweat bound brown hair. “What if he could not convince Chris to listen to him or remember who he was?” He would then be forced to admit defeat and do as Ezra suggested. It angered Vin. Life was not fair. Not for Larabee, and not for him. Chris had suffered so much pain in his life, losing his wife and child, Ella Gaines, Jericho, and so many other incidents. It seemed he had found happiness in forgetfulness. “But how could he forget about them and the other friends he had in Four Corners. What would make a man bury what he was and who his friends were?”

Suddenly, a thought came to him. “What if Chris had forgotten because he had given up on his old life? What if all the pain he had suffered over the past few years became finally too much?” He knew how hard it would be to deal with the lost of so many loved ones. He realized that fate, or life or whatever you want to call it, had not dealt Chris Larabee a very good hand. He thought he had found peace in Four Corners and people who he cared about and cared about him. But maybe it came too late. Too late to really help him see how good his life really was.

From the direction of the sleeping Chris Larabee, Vin heard a moan. He turned his attention to the lying form and noticed that he was tossing in his sleep. Vin slowly and cautiously rose from his own bed, ignoring the pain as he did, and crept over to his friend. He noticed that Chris face was pale and beads of sweat were streaming down his face. It looked as if he was in the midst of acquiring a fever, but he did not know why. From what he noticed, most of Chris’ wounds were healed or healing. None of them looked to have any infection. The only thing that bothered him about Chris’ condition was the fact that he had headaches. He knew it was probably a symptom of his head wound, but he was no Nathan. As he stared at the restless form, wondering what he was going to do, he saw that Chris’ eyes were open and he was lucid green eyes staring back at him.

“Hey, Pard. Glad ta see ya awake.”

Chris did not answer him. He only kept looking at the stranger as he laid on the pallet curled into a ball.

“Ya feelin’ better now?”

Chris nodded, but still did not speak. He was tired of talking. He wanted the dreams to stop. He wanted this man to go away. He wanted to be left in peace. He wanted to marry Mapiya and have many children. He wanted much. He wanted more. But he also knew that these things might not be possible. That fate, in the guise of young brown-haired, blue eyed man, would not let him be happy.

“Do ya feel like talkin’?” asked Vin, tentatively. He was afraid of their earlier performance and did not want to cause any more pain to his friend.

Chris nodded slowly. He sluggishly rose from his lying position into a cross-legged sitting position. Vin then did the same to face him directly. Blue eyes looking into green, trying to find some inkling of what Chris was feeling.

“Do ya remember who I am?”

“You are Vin Tanner.”

“Ya remembered!” burst out Vin. He was ecstatic that Chris remembered his name.

“You told me before,” replied Chris, looking at Vin bewildered.

Vin was downhearted. He had mistakenly thought Chris’ memory was returning.

“So ya still don’t remember anythin’ about me or your past?”

“No,” was all Chris simply replied.

“What do you remember, cowboy?”

“I ain’t no cowboy.”

Vin smiled at that comment. It was like the old Chris was coming back.

“What’s so funny?”

“Ya always hate being called a cowboy.”

“I do?”

“Yep. That word always pisses ya off somethin’ fierce.”

Chris smiled at his statement and lowered his head in thought. He liked this man. He was different from the way the people explained how white men were. If there were more like him, the Cheyenne would not have the trouble they did now. But of course, he knew this man was unique and there were probably not many like him around.

“I met Mapiya.”

Chris head came up at the name. He gazed at the man in astonishment.

“She seems like a nice girl.”

“She is. She is Chief Aenohe’s daughter. A wise woman. She saved my life and took care of me.”

“She did, huh? How did she find ya?”

Chris face scrunched up in concentration. He then gradually started to tell Vin what Mapiya had told him about how they found him. Once his tale was done, Vin whistled in amazement. Damn! Chris had been shot with an arrow in the back, fell off his horse pushing it through his chest and then kicked in the head by Pony. No wonder he could not remember anything.

“Ya been through a lot, Chris.”

“I told my name is Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.” said Chris defiantly.

“I know. But yaur name is Chris Larabee too.”

“Chris Larabee?”

“Yeah. That’s yaur name, Pard. You are a peacekeeper for a town called Four Corners.”

“Four. . . Corners,” said Chris, testing the name on his tongue.

“Yep. You and me and five other men. We are the law there.”

“That sounds like a good occupation,” said Chris, matter-of-factly. “It sounds like I was doing something good.”

“Ya are Chr. . . I mean Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.”

“Mapiya. . . she would. . . be proud of me,” said Chris haltingly.

“Sure she would be, Pard.” Vin saw the look Chris had whenever he spoke the woman’s name.

“Ya two are close, huh?”

“She is to be my wife,” was Chris’ response.

Vin was in utter shock. They had arrived too late. Chris was infatuated with the woman and now he planned to marry her. This was not good. Not good at all.

“Uh, when is the wedding?”

“As soon as I can convince her father that I am the one for her. I will be planning on asking him tonight.”

It took all the control Vin had not to start yelling at Chris that he was crazy as a rabid dog. But he knew Chris was not in his right mind and if he objected he would probably loose Chris for sure.

“I see. Let me ask ya question.”

Chris glared at him suspiciously. He had a bad feeling about the man’s question.

“And what is that?”

“Cin ya help me get out of here? My friends are probably worried about me.”

“That is not up to me. That will be up to Chief Aenohe and tribal leaders. They are the only ones who can make that decision.”

“I thought so. Dang!”

“What’s wrong?”

“My head hurts. Feels like someone had hit it with a hammer. Several times, as a matter of fact.”

Chris stood up and walked over to the other side of the tipi. He grabbed a cup and a water skin. He poured the liquid into the cup and handed it to Vin.

“Drink.”

“What is it?” asked Vin, eyeing the cup doubtfully.

“It is something that will make your head feel better.”

“Like it did yaurs?”

“Humph,” answered Chris nodding.

Vin took the proffered cup and sipped at the liquid. It tasted a little like Nathan’s horse piss teas.

“I know,” said Chris as he watched Vin’s mouth screw up in disgust. “It may taste bad, but it works.”

Vin finished the liquid and handed Chris back the cup. Chris placed the items from where he took them. He then walked back over to where Vin sat and took his place again directly across from him.

“Tell me more, . . . about Chris. . . Larabee.”

Vin smiled. He had finally got to him. He felt this was a good sign. Maybe after he had told Chris about who he was and where he was from his memory might come back.

“Well, . . .” and Vin started to relate to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e who he really was.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Magnificent Seven or the characters. I do not use this forum for profit. I do own the story and it’s premises.

Rating: FRT-13

Warnings: H/C of my favorites Chris and Vin with some romance intertwined.

Notes: While watching the Magnificent 7 tapes over and over and over, I noticed that they lacked interaction with some Native Americans. I have done a lot of research on this aspect of the show and during the 1870s Four Corners was the cornucopia of Native American historical and geographical richness.

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Chapter 17

Vin and the man once known as Chris Larabee, now known as Emo'ôhtavo vo'e sat and talked the day away. Vin explained to Chris who he was and what he knew of his past. When Emo'ôhtavo vo'e heard that he had had a wife and child and how they were killed, a flash of memory of a beautiful young woman and a little boy, waving to him as he rode away, jumped into his mind. Then he saw a fire and the woman and child screaming for help and the house a burnt rubble, the bodies unrecognizable.

Rage and hatred for the people who had done this to his family started to fight for control of his soul. He could feel his heart beating wildly. Why would someone do that to two innocent people? What did they do that would earn them such a death sentence? Then a thought occurred to him. Maybe it was not something they did, but something he did. Was he responsible for his family’s death?

All at once, he found that he could not breathe. He fought desperately to pull air into his lungs. Pain exploded into his head as if lightening had struck him. He grabbed his head and fell back onto his mat in agony, still breathing harshly.

Vin jumped up and seized Chris by the shoulders, as Chris tried to roll back in forth, still clutching his head. He knew his friend was suffering, but he did not know why. “Chris, what’s wrong?” Chris heard Vin’s urgent question, but had not the strength to answer. He was in the throes of the pain that was trying to burst out of his head. He was becoming nauseous. His chest felt as if someone had dropped boulders on to it, preventing air from reaching his lungs. He desperately tried to bring air into chest, only to cause his head to ache more. Movement only brought more suffering.

Vin was trying to calm his friend so that he could find out what was bringing him so much agony. “Chris, answer me!” said Vin, as he tried to roll Chris over so that he could look at him. It took time before he could grab Chris as he jerked in spasms, but once he had that accomplished, he could not see what was wrong. He only saw distress in his friend’s soft green eyes, pleading for him to make it stop. He could also see that Chris was struggling to breathe and that he was starting to shiver all over. He knew the man was going into some type of shock and he quickly grabbed a blanket from the side of the tipi and wrapped it gently around him. He then again tried to remove Chris’ hands from his head, but it was a battle, even in Chris’ weakened condition. “Chris, come on now. Ya gotta calm down. Take in some deep breaths, Chris. Ya cin do it,” said Vin, speaking softly, trying to soothe Chris, hoping he could get through to him. He watched as Chris strove to comply with his friend’s wishes, but the pain was winning and all he could hear was his the thumping in his head and heart. Chris just wanted to die at that moment. The pain was worst than the first day he awoke to find Mapiya standing over him. His eyes teamed with rivets of salty water ran down his cheeks. He could no longer keep his eyes open. All he wanted was release from the agony in his head. Vin watched as his green eyes seem to close, but he knew Chris was still conscious and suffering, and he could do nothing about it.

Suddenly, the flap to the tipi opened wide and Mapiya stepped in, carrying wood for the fire. She quickly dropped her bundle at her feet once she saw what was happening, and ran over to where Vin was wrestling with Chris. She knelt down beside them, her eyes wide with concern. “What happened?” she asked frantically, afraid that the stranger had done something to her love, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. Vin glanced at her quickly, but kept his eyes mainly on Chris. “Don’t rightly know, ma’am.”

Mapiya quickly took charge. She had seen Emo'ôhtavo vo'e like this before. She knew what had to be done. First she motioned for Vin to help her get Chris into a seated position. It was not very hard. Vin noticed that Chris was lighter than he usually was and he attributed this to his being sick, but it made it easier for them to move him. Once Mapiya had helped Vin to pull Chris into a seated position, she then bundling him in the blanket, leaning Emo'ôhtavo vo'e towards her, with his back lying gently nestled against her. While Vin held Chris’ hands away from his head, Mapiya took his head delicately into her hands and started kneading his temples, ever so lightly. She continued to do this, while Chris eyes were closed firm against the pain and Vin held his hands down by his side.

“Tell me what happened.” Mapiya wanted to know exactly what made the pain return in the way it had. She wanted to know everything.

“I don’t know,” said Vin, looking at her momentarily, as he continued to try and calm Chris down by rubbing his hands softly in his. “We were talkin’, getting’ along fine. I was tellin’ ‘im about his past and all of sudden; he doubled over in pain. I think he’s going into shock.”

Mapiya glared at him, with anger and concern, believing that this man had caused pain for her love. “What is sh..ac..k?” she asked. She had never heard of such a thing.

Vin could her the disdain in her voice and knew she was angered, but his reply was tactful. “Shock. It’s when a person is sick or hurt, as Nathan tells it and the body cain’t deal with it,” Vin explained quickly, still trying to keep hold of Chris’ hands as Chris continued to fight against him. “They usually get real cold and sometimes they could die from it.”

Mapiya knew nothing of this thing called shock. She did know though that she had seen Emo'ôhtavo vo'e have these fits from time to time. But she thought they were getting better. Now this stranger had come and they started all over again. She did not like where this was leading.

After a while, Chris shivers started to subside a little and his face started to relax some. He started breathing in deep, slow breaths and Mapiya watched him anxiously, waiting for what she knew was coming next, but not stopping her ministrations.

A few minutes more and Chris finally completely relaxed in the warmth and loving arms of Mapiya, his eyes closed and Mapiya knew the pain was fading and he was falling asleep. She cautiously arose from her position behind Chris and moved Vin smoothly aside. With his help, they then situated Chris upon his sleeping pallet, wrapping the blanket taut around him. She then walked over to the wall of the tipi and came back with a cup with some liquid in it. She then placed some dried leaves and ground them into the liquid with her fingers. Once that was finished, she bade Vin to hold Emo'ôhtavo vo'e up and placed the cup to his lips. Chris felt the cold cup against his lips, not knowing how great his thirst truly was. Keeping his eyes closed he drank the bitter tasting drink down in several large gulps. He then turned his head away, signaling to Vin and Mapiya that he had had enough. Mapiya then motioned for Vin to ease him back on the pallet. She placed her hand on his head, checking for fever, but it was cool and wet. Now satisfied that everything had be done that could be done and she knew that was deeply asleep, she knelt over and kissed him gently on the forehead wishing her love pleasant dreams. She then turned to face the stranger and to deal with other things.

Vin sighed with relief once he saw his friend sleeping peacefully. “Does this happen often?” He spun around to face Mapiya and saw her scrutinizing him with deep seeing brown eyes.

“It was better before, . . .” replied Mapiya, without thought, glancing back at her love, her eyes in concern for no one else.

“Before what?” asked Vin, concerned now that he had caused Chris’ pain.

Mapiya turned back to him and she found herself looking into a pair of worried blue eyes. She saw that this man really did care about her love. Perhaps she had judged him too quickly. “I did not mean, . . . I meant that . . . I am sorry. It was not you.”

“Then what?” Vin did not want to believe that he was the cause of Larabee’s pain. Chris was his friend and friends did not hurt friends. He stood anxiously awaiting her reply. He was not prepared for what came next.

Mapiya held her hand up for silence. Mapiya was a wise woman and she knew he blamed himself for his friend’s pain. “I do not believe you are the cause. I believe he remembers. I think that causes pain for him. I tried to get him to talk with our holy man or what you whites call a medicine man. I wished to make him well.”

In his mind, Vin knew that Mapiya was right, but his heart would not let it go so readily. In the end, though, he decided it would be best to let it be for now. They had Chris to worry about and he needed to find a way to help his friend. “Did he go?”

“No. You came and then other things happened. We had no time.”

Suddenly, a thought came to him. “I have a friend that I think cin help ‘im. He’s a medicine man and he knows about things like this.”

Mapiya thought on his statement. She did not like seeing her love in pain. If there were someone who could help her love, she would be willing to do anything to bring him here. “Where is he now?” she asked excitedly.

“I left them to scout ahead. We did not want yaur people ta think that we are here ta harm them. We were just lookin’ for our friend.”

“Can he help? Is this what you believe?” Mapiya’s questions came fast.

“I think he can. He is good a making people better.”

Mapiya nodded in understanding. She wanted her love better, but would it mean losing him. They were to be married. They were to have a life together and they both wished it. Would he wish it so if he knew of his past? This is what troubled Mapiya the most. But then she remembered what her father had said. If she did not help, she would loose him anyway. She would rather loose him to his past, than loose him to her betrayal. It was the not way of her people. Deceit only achieved bad medicine. It was part of the commandments of the Cheyenne. “Be truthful and honest at all times. Especially be truthful and honest with your self.” It was written in the wind, the earth and the sky. She would follow no other path as a Cheyenne.

“I will talk to my father,” announced Mapiya determinedly. She then gazed at the sleeping blonde. “I love him too much to hurt him. If he remembers or not, then it is the will of Ma'heo'o. I will live with what he decides.”

She then turned back to Vin. “You must rest. You are not well. I will bring some water and food after I talk to my father and make you some hohpe. . . I think you call it soup?”

Vin nodded. He could see that Chris was a lucky man. Mapiya was a strong woman and it would take only that type of woman to earn the love of one Chris Larabee. Vin went back to his own bed and laid down, feeling the aches and pain returning. He watched as Mapiya walked out of the tipi into the settling sun of evening.

Outside the Cheyenne Camp

Josiah and the others had arrived just outside of the camp at dusk. The little village seemed to be getting ready for the evening repast. Josiah and others, lying on their bellies in the high grass, watched the camp, trying to be inconspicuous and trying to see if they could sign any signs of where their friends were being held. He then motioned for them to move slowly and quietly back down the hill. They all followed his lead and once down the hill, he motioned them to lead their mounts further to the West, away from the hill so as not to attract any of the Cheyenne sentries’ attention.

As soon as he deemed them far enough that sound would not carry, he knelt down and bade the others to do the same in a circle. “Well, their getting ready to settle down for the night,” stared Josiah.

“So, what cha thinkin’, Josiah?” asked J.D. He wanted to know what the big preacher had in mind. Josiah had been very quiet on their way to the camp and had not mentioned his thoughts to any of them. J.D. had tried to question him several times on the ride, by Josiah just kept saying there was a time for everything and now was not the time. Well, he hoped now was the time.

“Well, J.D., what I’m thinking is that we all should not go down there right away. We should wait until daylight so that they don’t think we’re trying some sort of attack.” The others nodded that they agreed with this plan. “The other thing I’m thinking is that me and Nathan should be the ones to address their tribal council about Vin and Chris.”

At this statement, Buck jumped up and yelled, “No way, Josiah! How do we know if they gonna listen? They might decide ta kill all of ya and then where will Chris and Vin be. They’re my friends too!”

“Buck! Buck! Settle down. They all of our friends. You ain’t the only one concern about ‘em,” said Nathan, trying to get the man to lower his voice.

“Yes, Mr. Wilmington. Please do be quiet. I have a feeling that you probably have woken every native from here to Four Corners and just now told them where we are,” Ezra replied, looking cautiously around the area they were now situated.

“Listen you fancy pants!” Buck exclaimed his voice volume lowered, but not his intent behind it. His blue eyes glared deathly at Ezra. “You ain’t got no right tellin’ me what to do! And if I had a mind to, I’d shoot ya right where ya are. So don’t tempt me.”

Ezra rolled his eyes up to the heavens. He did not know why he put up with these heathens. His mother had told him many times that he was destined for greatness and this town he served to protect was not a place to achieve his goals. But the men he had come to feel close to, closer than anyone he had ever known except his mother, were there. And that was where he would be found. Right by their side. He understood Buck’s feeling of inadequacy, but what Buck did not understand was that one Chris Larabee and one Vin Tanner had changed his life forever. There were several occasions when he had a chance to flee to a more civilized climate, but there was something that always kept him in this godforsaken town called Four Corners. It went by the guise of a grungy looking tracker and an ominous man in black. Here he would stay until those two men were safely back home or at least to some semblance of a home, which resided in Four Corners. “Mr. Wilmington. What I suggest we do is concentrate on relieving our two comrades from their native incarceration. If you feel you must result to violence at some time in the near future, then so be it. But for now we have only one goal. That is to alleviate our companions from their involuntary imprisonment.”

“And that is where my plan comes in,” answered Josiah. “The best way to do that is for me and Nathan alone to go into the village and bargain for their release. This is one time that being a good shot ain’t going to help. I am known as a holy man among the Cheyenne and I can introduce Nathan as a healer, a medicine man. They’re looking out for marauding white men. As such we are not a threat to them.”

“I don’t know, Josiah. It’s really chancy. I just hope ya right. If not, we might loose you and them both,” piped in J.D.

“The boy is right, Josiah,” said Buck, a little calmer. He knew that Ezra was right and he knew that J.D. was right, but it did not dissuade the turbulence that his stomach was taking.

J.D., on the other hand, was apprehensive at the compliment. For Buck to say he was right meant that Buck was really hurting about Chris and Vin. He knew Buck would never agree as long as he knew there was an outside chance of getting Chris and Vin back in one piece. He saw the doubt in the lady’s man body language and it gave J.D. chills.

Buck knew that if they did one thing wrong, then not only Chris and Vin would die, but Josiah and Nathan as well. He would rather die first, as would they all, loose more of their companions. They were family, and maybe not by the blood that flowed within their veins, but by the deeds and actions that they displayed for each other together through the harshness of life.

“First of all, Buck, I know I’m right and I ain’t no boy!” exclaimed J.D. He was trying to goad the tall man into an argument, making him concentrate less on what might be. But Buck was not biting. He still stood, with his arms wrapped around his chest, looking all the more lost.

“Of course you’re not, son,” intervened Josiah. “Buck ain’t saying anything against you, J.D. It’s just that we’re all just on edge. But we gotta pull ourselves together or it may cost us more than we can afford.”

Nathan and Ezra nodded in agreement. So did Buck, but reluctantly so. “Well, Josiah, if we gotta do this, then let’s get to it,” replied J.D., hoping with all his might that things could not get any worst than they already were.

“In a while, J.D. In a while. Patience is a virtue sayeth the Lord.”

“Josiah, I don’t think the Lord said that,” replied Nathan smiling.

“But he would have sooner or later,” replied Josiah, smiling back. Nathan’s smile was infectious. One by one they all smiled and soon they were laughing. Maybe things were not going to be so bad after all.

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Chapter 18

In the Cheyenne Camp

Mapiya had left and Vin had hoped that she was going to talk her father into listening. Vin had been dozing off and on throughout the evening. He was very tired and hurting from his run in with the Buffalo Clan warriors, but he considered himself very lucky. If they really had wanted to kill him, they would have, there was no doubt in his mind. Yes, he was very lucky on all accounts.

He had just closed his blue eyes again and started to drift off to sleep, when the sound of the tipi flap opening awoke him. He sat up, bringing pain to his side, trying to see the person who had entered. He assumed it was Mapiya and holding onto his already painful ribs, he said, “Mapiya? Is that you?” Vin looked carefully, focusing his eyes on the shadow that stood outside the fire. He noticed the outline of a male form. So, it was not Mapiya.

“Who are you?” asked Vin in Cheyenne. The figure moved closer to the tipi fire. When Vin could finally see the male’s features clearer, he took a quick intake of breath. “You! What are you doing here?”

“These are my people,” ó'kôhóme simply replied. He then moved to the side of the tipi where Chris slept restlessly. ó'kôhóme stood over him, glaring with animosity at the yellow-haired man who had cost him his place within his father’s heart. His mind and soul wanted this man dead. Dead with no chance of returning. He had lost his father’s admiration, his sister’s ear and the tribes’ trust. This man had cost him much, but it would end soon.

To Vin, this was the warrior who had talked to him several days ago. This was the warrior who had found Chris’ horse; who had told him to search among the Cheyenne for his friend. How did he get here and why? Vin watched the changes on the man’s face. He had seen the look before. It was the same look that the men who wanted him for the bounty he would bring had worn. Now this warrior, who Vin had believed was gave him assistance when he needed it, stood over his friend with the eyes of hatred and rage, seeming to want to act out his emotions on his friend.

“You did not answer. You said these are your people. Then you knew he was here all along,” stated Vin, nodding towards the sleeping form on the other side of the tipi.

ó'kôhóme awoke from his reverie. He then turned a glare at the white man who had the ways of a Comanche. “Yes, strange one. I knew he was here. I was there when my father and sister found him and brought him back here among our people. I was also the loudest voice in the camp to disagree with their decision. But the people follow my father and my sister. The day I met you in the valley and you asked about the white man who horse I had, I knew you would be the way for me to be rid of him! But you came too late!” said ó'kôhóme, pulling his knife from his sheath and leaning over the sleeping Chris Larabee.

Vin was startled by the action, but he knew if he was to keep his friend safe, he dare not move. He knew the warrior would be very good with the knife he held and could quickly slit Chris’ throat in an instance. Vin knew Chris’ life was currently in this warrior’s hands. He scrutinized the Cheyenne warrior as he slowly knelt down next to Chris. As ó'kôhóme got closer to where he could see the pulsing vein in the neck of Chris Larabee, displaying the life that beat within his body, Chris stirred, turning over to his side to face Vin and ó'kôhóme. ó'kôhóme immediately stood up straight and took a defensive stance, but soon relaxed when he noticed that Chris still had not awoken. ó'kôhóme then turned to glance at Vin and saw the look of concern and fear in his eyes. ó'kôhóme could see that this man cared dearly for the one who slept and this made him even more confident that he had chosen wisely in the strange one to be the deliver of the yellow-haired one’s doom.

“So, you fear for his life?”

“Yes. He is my friend and my brother.”

“He may be your friend, but he is no longer your family. He belongs to my father and my sister. He has become Cheyenne. When I had told you what I knew, I believed you would come quickly before it was too late. Before he became part of the Cheyenne, before he became Cheyenne. But you did not. I waited patiently but you did not come.”

“It was hard for me to get here any sooner,” was all the Vin replied.

“But because you did not come soon enough, the yellow-haired as worked his way into my family, into my people, into my life. But now, I will wait no more,” and he moved ever so swiftly and placed the knife against Chris’ throat.

Chris shifted ever so little, but it was just enough to place his neck harder against the knife. Vin gasped at the sight, afraid for his friend’s life. He tried to get up from his pallet and ó'kôhóme saw this and motioned for him to lay back down.

“Do not move! His life is in my hands and yours,” said ó'kôhóme in a low voice as not to awaken the sleeping man.

He then heard Vin’s plea. “Don’t do this. There will be no good from it.”

“You know nothing of it, vé'ho'e! He tries to take the place of my brother, but my brother was an honorable Cheyenne. He pretends he loves my sister, but I know better. He plays a trick and then he will hurt my people. I cannot allow this to happen.”

“Listen, … What are you called?”

“My name is ó'kôhóme,” replied ó'kôhóme, lifting the knife ever so gently closer to Chris’ neck.

“Listen, ó'kôhóme, I believe you are wrong. He loves your sister, Mapiya and he believes he is Cheyenne.”

“But that will change with you. I have planned it so.”

Vin saw that he was losing his battle in getting this Cheyenne to listen to reason. “ó'kôhóme, you know this is not right. It is not the Cheyenne way, and I know your brother being an honorable Cheyenne, would not believe this is good.”

ó'kôhóme halted his progress with the knife and came to stare at the strange white man. In his heart, he knew what the white man said was true, but in his head, it only screamed for vengeance. He was about to take the knife closer to Chris’ throat, when the door flap of the tipi opened and Mapiya and her father walked in.

Mapiya and Chief Aenohe were startled by what they saw. ó'kôhóme was kneeling next to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, brandishing a knife at his throat. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e still slept without any knowledge of the danger that was so close to him. Vin was half lying, half kneeling, inching closer every minute to ó'kôhóme and knife that gleamed in the firelight.

Mapiya did not hesitate and she did not create any noise. She walked quickly to ó'kôhóme and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, grabbing her brother’s arm firmly so that the knife could not be brought any closer to the man that she loved. ó'kôhóme raised his eyes to Mapiya, anger contorted in his face, hatred so deep that it scared Mapiya. Mapiya glanced down at the sleeping Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. When she had first met him, she had promised him that she would keep him safe. That no one and nothing would harm him. Now, her brother, whom she had raised and loved, was threatening that promise. She could not, would not let that happen.

ó'kôhóme saw the determination and hurt in his sister’s face. He also saw the love she had for this white man, and he could see how she was torn between the love her brother and the love for this man. He could not hurt the only other person besides his father and his wife that his heart belonged to. He wanted the yellow-haired gone, but he did not know if the price was worth it. He felt the tension of her hand on his arm and he knew immediately that before she would let him kill this man, she would put the knife into her body first.

Slowly, ó'kôhóme’s hand which held the knife dropped towards the ground. Abruptly he grabbed Mapiya’s hand with his other hand and stared into her soft brown eyes. “You care too much for this white Indian! He will be the death of you, my sister. Let him go with his friend, his brother and forget about him. You can find another,” he pleaded.

Mapiya pulled her hand away and stepped silently back from her younger brother. “You still do not know me, little pup.” It was her childhood name that she called him. “You talk of what I feel for him. But yet you do not listen to your own heart. Can you not see how he cares for me? Can you not understand that what we feel for each other is the same as you and Nemene'hehe? We wish to be man and woman forever. For us to live in happiness and peace. Would you refuse us that? What you and your wife have? What every Cheyenne man and woman has?”

Chief Aenohe looked on in silence. He knew that Mapiya and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e were becoming close. Now he saw how close. Although he had his reservation about the union, his heart was still glad. He had been proud when they warred against the Pawnee and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e had showed where his loyalties were. He had been proud when Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, with his great skill of the white man’s rifle, had brought deer meat for the people. He was well respected among the people and he was destined to be a great warrior. This was noticed by the Dog Clan, his own clan, and they had decided on this very day that he would be brought as a warrior among them. There was much to this man and he was glad that his daughter had not listened to his first objections. He was also glad that he had not listened to his own council.

But now, he saw his son, his other pride and joy, holding a knife to his other son. He knew this was not good and the anger inside of him quickly built to the point of no return. But he quickly reasoned that he must hold his composure. He was a chief and he needed to stand above his anger. He needed to understand why his blood-son would threaten the life of his adopted son. He needed to know the reasons behind such an awful act. No Cheyenne must spill the blood of another Cheyenne, and this held true even for his own son.

“ó'kôhóme! Why?’ asked Chief Aenohe.

ó'kôhóme said nothing, but turned to look at his father. His eyes said everything to Chief Aenohe. He what he had hoped not to see in one of his own blood. He saw the jealousy, the anger, the hatred, feelings of a spoiled child.

“Leave,” was all Chief Aenohe commanded.

ó'kôhóme looked at him, then Mapiya and then to the strange white man. He then sheathed his knife and turned towards the flap entrance, the anger had not dissipated. Before he left, he said something in Cheyenne to them and pushed his way out of the tipi.

After he had left Mapiya knelt down next to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, lovingly touching his face. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e did not stir and Mapiya knew it was because of the sleeping herbs she had given him earlier to stop his pain. She then started leaning towards his face. Once her face was close enough for touch, she rubbed her cheek against his. At this Emo'ôhtavo vo'e stirred slightly, but still did not wake.

Once she was done, she went over the strange white Comanche and touched his head. “You are feverish,” she stated in Cheyenne.

“No. I’m fine.”

“You are both the same,” said Mapiya smiling.

“The same?”

“Yes. You are both always fine.”

Vin smiled and knew what she meant. At least that part of Chris had not changed.

“What did he say? Somethin’ about a blood-oath?”

Mapiya ignored him, changing the subject, “You need rest. You have had a hard day.”

“Ya did not answer my question.”

“Talk later. Rest now.”

Vin could see that Mapiya was not the type of woman to let something go. He knew he could not win with this one, so he decided to change the subject too. “Did you talk to your father?”

“Yes. But it will wait until later. Rest first, then eat, then talk,” she Mapiya, now in charge.

“But, . . .” Vin needed to get out of here. He needed Nathan to help with Chris.

“No, buts, Vin…Tanner. Sleep…rest…eat. Then talk.” She then pushed him back onto the pallet with gentle hands.

“Damn!” Vin thought. “She’s worst than Nathan.” Then he smiled to himself. “But not as ugly.” He laid back on his pallet in the knowledge that he and Chris were safe for now, in the loving, caring hands of Mapiya. He just hoped that his talk with Mapiya’s father would not be a disappointing one.

Cheyenne camp, later in the evening

Chris awoke to a pounding headache and a dry throat. He was confused and did not remember where he was. But slowly, with the thrumming in his head quieting down to bearable, he opened his eyes and realized that he was in his home at the Cheyenne camp. He had a vague remembrance of the time before he went to sleep and the pain that had attacked him so terribly. He also remembered hearing the strange one call Vin Tanner talking to him, holding him in his pain and his love Mapiya, soothing him with her soft touches and caresses. He smiled at his thoughts. She would make him a fine wife and they would have many children to keep the people alive.

Suddenly a thought occurred to him. But what about the one called Vin Tanner and what he had told him. He had another life out there, a life as a white man, a keeper of peace. Although in that life he held a great responsibility, it was not with Mapiya. It was not among the people he had come to love. But Vin Tanner had told him there were others out there who cared about him. Others that he could not remember. What was he to do? What should he do? He did not know. It was all so confusing.

Mapiya noticed that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e was awake, although he did not move or speak. She wondered if he was still in pain and walked over to where he lay. She knelt by his side and she noticed that his green eyes looked somewhat glazed over. She touched his cheek cautiously, afraid to startle him. He grabbed her hand and held it tightly against his face. Mapiya smiled and she saw the smile returned. “You are awake, my love,” she said in Cheyenne.

“Yes, my love. I have awoken to a beautiful vision. A vision of my future,” he said, taking the hand against his face and kissing it. Mapiya giggled at the sensation of his lips upon her hand. She was happy. More happy than she had been in a long time. Her love was here with her and they were about to embark on the most exciting journey, the journey of man and wife.

“Humph.”

Emo'ôhtavo vo'e and Mapiya turned to see Chief Aenohe, sitting by the fire, watching with eyes of disapproval. Mapiya knew she had broken tradition and lowered her head in shame. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e knew he had sacrificed their future by being too impulsive. He looked at Chief Aenohe, pleading forgiveness.

But Chief Aenohe was an old man, not a stupid man. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e saw the twinkle of glee in his brown eyes and knew the man had forgiven them long before his plea. “You young ones are too eager. You will have plenty of time after the ceremony,” said Chief Aenohe sternly, but playfully.

Mapiya raised her eyes at her father’s tone of voice. She knew he was not angry with her. He was just reminding her of tradition. She jumped up and hugged her father happily. “Now, now, my daughter. We have a lot to do before the wedding,” he said, hugging her to him. He carefully moved Mapiya out of the way and motioned for Emo'ôhtavo vo'e to join them.

Chris raised himself off of his pallet gingerly, afraid of the pain becoming intense again. But it stayed at a level that he could bear easily. Scooting quickly, he sat cross-legged next to Mapiya and across from Chief Aenohe.

All three did notice that the other man who slept over to the other side of tipi was not asleep. Vin lay where he was on his pallet, awake and listening to the Cheyenne conversation. So Chris was going through with it. He had thought that he had got through to him, but he now knew that he failed. He still had not spoken to the Chief as Mapiya had told him he would. But now it was going to be impossible. He knew this woman loved Chris, but would she really let him bring in someone who might change their wedding plans forever. He did not think so, but of course, he only knew her for a short time. Although he liked her character, he knew love was blind and sometimes people did things that they would not normally do because of it. He did not like the way things were going and he wished his other friends were there to help. Intent on hearing their plans, he continued to feign sleep.

“First Emo'ôhtavo vo'e must be brought into the Dog Clan. This must be done soon. I have talked to the other warriors and it is decided that it will be tomorrow.”

“So soon, father?” asked Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, concerned. Chief Aenohe knew that his adopted son was worried about not succeeding. If he failed, he would be shamed and he might loose Mapiya forever.

“Yes, my son. The sooner you become a warrior, the better. You cannot marry until you have a place among the warriors. This is our tradition to prove that you are a man of the Cheyenne and strong enough to provide for a wife and children. Once you have fasted and achieve your spirit vision, then you will be brought into the Dog Clan as one of our own. You will be one of the protectors of the Cheyenne nation. It is a great honor that we bestow on you.”

“It is one that I receive very humbly and gratefully, father.”

“Good. Mapiya, you must fast and prepare yourself whilst your future husband is fasting. Once he has been brought into the Dog Clan and the ceremony completed, he will bring his gifts to our lodge and leave them there. If I accept, the gifts will be gone in the morning.”

Emo'ôhtavo vo'e and Mapiya both nodded, smiles adorning both their faces.

“It is then that you will know that I have accepted and the wedding can be the next day.”

Mapiya turned to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e and grabbed his hand into hers. She squeezed and he squeezed back. The action was not lost on Chief Aenohe. He was old, but he still had a heart.

“You must not speak to each other and until after these things have taken place,” he said looking deeply into both of their faces. “Do you understand?”

“Yes,” they both replied together. Then looked at each and started laughing at what they had just done.

“Good. Now, daughter. Prepare the meal. It is time you feed your men.”

Mapiya nodded and got up from where she sat to prepare their evening meal, while Chief Aenohe and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e talked of what was to come tomorrow.

Vin closed his eyes, trying not to bring attention to him. So, the day after tomorrow was to be the wedding. That meant he had only one day left to try and convince the Chief to let his friends come. But how, he did not know. It seemed that everything was working against him. For every one step forward, he took one step back. Now everything was moving fast. Too fast and Vin did not know how to stop it.

Instantly, Vin felt he was not alone. He felt someone near him and he opened his eyes. He found a pair of brown eyes looking down at him in concern. It was held in the round brown face of Mapiya.

Vin sat up quickly and Mapiya grabbed his arms to help him. He felt a twinge of pain in his side and new it was his healing ribs. He winced at the pain and grabbed at it. Mapiya took his hand away. “Let me see. Lie back.”

Vin did as he was bid too as Mapiya started opening his buckskin shirt. She looked at the tenderly healing wound to his side, poking at it tenderly. Vin noticed that she was very gently in her ministrations. No wonder Chris fell in love with her. If he had awoken from nightmare to find an angel tending to his hurt, he would have fallen in love with her also.

Mapiya cleaned the wound and when she saw that it was not infected, she placed a new clean cloth about it. Vin watched her reserved as she carefully wrapped the cloth around his body. She then looked up at him and smiled. He returned the smile, shyly, quietly thanking her for her care. She nodded and when she was done, she got up and walked back over to the food cooking over the fire.

Neither saw the eyes that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e gave them both as Mapiya tended Vin. He felt a tinge of jealousy, watching them together. But he knew it was a stupid and foolish. He trusted Mapiya, even though he still had some doubts about the stranger. But the stranger had not done anything to hurt Emo'ôhtavo vo'e or his people. He was only looking for his friend, his brother. What he did not know is that man no longer exists. The man whom Vin Tanner had called Chris Larabee was no more. Only Emo'ôhtavo vo'e was left from that shell. And he, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e had made his decision to not live with the pain again. He could not if he was to survive. He knew the next time the pain came, it would mean his death for he would not be able to live with it or the memories that it would bring. He could not live if he thought he would remember being the cause of the death of his wife and son from before. He had decided that he would forget.

Unbeknownst to Vin of Chris’ decision, Vin asked Chief Aenohe and Mapiya to speak to them alone. Chief Aenohe sent Emo'ôhtavo vo'e off on an errand to the medicine man to get the things that they would need to prepare for tomorrow’s ceremony. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e had his suspicions about the request, but stayed silent in respect for the old chief. He only nodded and went to see the medicine man.

Once he was gone, Vin got up from his pallet painfully and sat cross-legged in front of Chief Aenohe and Mapiya. He looked into their faces and saw concern, fear and mistrust. He wanted to assure them that he had all the best intentions for Chris and that he would do nothing to harm him in anyway.

“I wanted to speak with ya, Great Chief Aenohe. I know that ya do not trust me fully and whether ya believe it or not, I have always had the best intentions for Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. He is my friend and we have shared many lifetimes together and have always protected one another. I do no differently now. I wish to bring my friends to him. One of them is a healer who knows of the sickness that he suffers from. This healer is a very honored man by my people. He can help Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. Please let him try.”

Chief Aenohe listened to the strange white man. But he knew it was not his place to say anything. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e was Mapiya’s future husband and the one who would share his life. He turned to face her and asked, “Is this what you wish, my daughter?”

A frightened look passed on Mapiya’s face. Her father was asking her if this was the right thing to do. If he had asked her that question before their talk of weddings, she would have said yes. But now, she did not know what to do. Her heart raged to say no, that it was not right, that she did not wish it. But her soul told her that it was wrong to prevent Emo'ôhtavo vo'e from knowing who he really was and condemn him to a life of ignorance. She knew that if he ever found out that he would come to despise her and fault her for his missed chance at finding out his past. She could not do that. If he loved her, really loved her, then nothing, even his past would stop them from living their dream.

Her eyes searched Vin Tanner for some type of deception, but she saw none. She then nodded slowly. “Yes. It is what I wish.”

Her father saw how hard it was to make that decision. But he was proud of her and knew her mother would be proud of her if she was alive. “Very well, Vin . . . Tanner. If Emo'ôhtavo vo'e agrees, then I will send some men from the Dog Clan to bring these men here. You will go with them and show them where to find these men. You must return within one sun. If the Dog men return alone or do not return at all, then you shall be known as a sworn enemy of the Cheyenne and I do not think that even Emo'ôhtavo vo'e would hesitate to kill you and your friends. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” responded Vin, knowing that he had to succeed or Chris was completely lost to them.

“Good. When Emo'ôhtavo vo'e returns, we shall speak to him of what you wish to do.” And that was the end of the conversation. Nothing else would be said until Emo'ôhtavo vo'e returned from the medicine man’s tipi.

Vin prayed that Nathan could help Chris to remember and that Chris would agree to bring the others here. If either did not, then they would loose Chris forever. If he ever needed Josiah’s counsel, now was the time.

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Chapter 19

Chris was walking through the village on his way back to his tipi. It was quiet now that most of the people were in their homes, either talking, sleeping, eating or making love. This was the natural order of things and Chris felt a sort of peace in the silent night. He had just came from the medicine man that had given him the things he would need to become part of the Dog Men Society. The medicine man, Ma'emestahke had explained to him the history of the Dog Men Society or Hotamitaneo as they were known among the Cheyenne. The society, Dog Soldiers, as the white man called them were created like the other societies, to hold order in the tribe. He also explained that they were also the ones who usually helped young men in martial training, socialization and the preservation of the Cheyenne traditions.

He had then went on to explain to him about what was expected of a Dog Men Society warrior. He told him that as a Dog Man it was his responsibility for the safety of his people and his fellow brothers. He must accept the fact that he may even die to protect the people and that if he so died in this manner, than it was an honorable death. In all the societies, selfishness was not acceptable. One did not hunt alone or for the sake of finding food for only one’s family. It was the good of the people that all actions and decisions were made. Any violation of the rules of the society and the man was given a sound beating as a reminder. The societies, the Dog Soldiers especially, were a great influence in the military and political life of the Cheyenne nation and he should be proud that he was chosen. Dog Men were considered the most the bravest and strongest among the Cheyenne warriors.

Ma'emestahke explained to him that it was great honor and that he must never bring shame to that honor. He explained to him that although the Dog Soldiers were Cheyenne, they were considered independent from the rest of the tribe. Their chief, Aenohe, was the first Dog Soldier Cheyenne to become a chief. Usually Dog Soldiers, since they were the advocates for war against the white men, did not lead the tribe, but only exercised their rights during military and policing actions. Chief Aenohe was the first of his kind and was highly regarded by all the Cheyenne chiefs. Although he was always the voice of reason, he was also the voice of strength when need arose.

Chris smiled to himself as he thought about how Ma'emestahke had looked upon him in pride. The medicine man had not seen a white man. He had seen a young and proud Cheyenne member. He saw one that wanted to integrate himself among the people, the goal of becoming a human being. To Chris, this was the ultimate sign that he was accepted among the people and had found his true home.

As he continued walking through the village camp, Chris or Emo'ôhtavo vo'e thought about how life would be once he and Mapiya were married. They would have children, he hoped a boy first, but even if the baby were a girl instead, he would be happy. His thoughts roamed and he started creating an image in his mind on what his children would look like.

An image suddenly flashed in Chris’ mind. It was of young boy with blonde hair about five or six years old. The child was smiling at him. A smile that showed all the emotions of a child who had never suffered a bad memory in his life. As the image continued, Chris saw himself picking the child up into his arms, twirling him around, playfully. The child laughed hard, enjoying the fun ride this man was giving him. Chris laughed heartily and when the ride was finished, he hugged the boy to his chest and whispered into his ear softly, “I love you, Adam, my son.”

At the utterance of his son’s name in his mind, Chris felt excruciating pain come quickly into his head and he screamed loudly. Doubling over to the ground in pain, grabbing the sides of his head, he fell hard to the ground. He felt as his heart was trying to burst from his chest. He tried to crunch up smaller into a ball on the ground, trying to will the pain away. “Adam? Adam was his son’s name? He was the one who was killed. Was it because of him?” He kept coming back to that question and haunted him. He needed to find help. He needed to find the answers. He needed help to stop the pain. He needed Mapiya and the man called Vin Tanner.

With the pain bringing nausea and lightheadedness, he could not think straight and his eyes watered from the pain that was beating hard against his head as he tried to see how much further it was to his tipi. He tried to get up and stand, but fell down immediately, crashing into the cold dirt-packed ground again. Breathing fast, keeping his eyes closed tightly, he decided to call for help. But when he tried to open up his mouth to yell, all he could do was create a loud gasp in pain.

He was at the point that he wanted to die. To die and end the pain which resided in his head and his heart. If he died, then the pain would stop. If he died, then the need to know anything else about his past would stop. He would be free. Free of the burden and of the guilt that was gnawing at his head and heart. As pain increased with intensity, Chris slowly closed his eyes and willed death to come and take him. As his consciousness slowly started slipping away, he felt hands gently grabbing him and lifting him from the ground. He tried to open his eyes to see who it was, but the pain would not let him. He felt himself swaying in motion, as he was being carried somewhere. Where? He could not tell, but at this moment he did not care. He just wanted to curl up and die, to disappear and leave all the pain behind. He did not notice or care when he was laid down somewhere he could not tell. He did not notice or care, as hands tried to sooth him and something cold and wet was placed upon his brow. He did not notice or care as someone placed something furry and warm over his body to stop the chills that were affecting him. All he wanted was to be left alone in peace, away from the dreams, the nightmares, the pain and the lost. He was finally granted some peace, as he now completely lost consciousness.

Vin, Mapiya and Chief Aenohe had heard a scream from outside in the quiet camp. Vin knew that the voice was that of one Chris Larabee and had quickly jumped up from his pallet bed to get the tipi flap exit. Mapiya jumped up also from her seated position next to the campfire, as did Chief Aenohe. But they did not beat Vin out of the tipi.

Once outside, Vin could see someone lying on the hard ground, squirming like a snake on the ground. Vin then noticed that the some one on the ground had long blonde hair. “Chris!” he yelled as he limped quickly to kneel by his friend’s side. Chris did not hear them. The only thing he could hear was the pounding in his head and the raging pain that grew in his heart.

“Chris, can ya hear me?” asked Vin, taking Chris’ hand gently into his. Unfortunately Chris could not hear him. Vin then looked up from his fallen friend into the face of the woman his friend loved. “He needs my friend now. The one I told you about.” Mapiya looked into his face and could see the deep concern he had for the man she loved. She nodded, silently hoping in her heart that this person that Vin spoke of could help her love and stop his pain. But there was much more about Chris that Mapiya did not understand or know.

She said in Cheyenne, “Help me and my father. We need to take him inside. I will send for your friend. We will not wait for Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s decision. I do not know if he will live much longer.” Mapiya’s words had frightened Vin. If she thought Chris was going to die, then he was worst off than he had first thought. Vin looked down at Chris and saw that his struggling had stopped completely. His eyes were closed as if he was asleep, but Vin knew he wasn’t. He quickly let his hand rest on his chest. His fear was put to rest as he felt Chris’ chest move up and down. He was still alive. Probably unconscious from the pain, Vin assumed. He wished desperately that Nathan and the others were here.

Mapiya then started to take hold of one of Chris’ arm. Vin quickly followed and Aenohe took his head, helping them to lift him off the ground. Vin then took Chris’ from Mapiya and Aenohe and threw him across his shoulder. As he did, he grunted in pain, but said nothing of it to the others. Of course, he had felt the pain from his own wounds, but he ignored them, knowing his friend was in more need. There was no pain he would not endure; no place he would go to, a task he would not take for Chris. This man was his brother, if not by blood, then by their souls.

Mapiya stared at the man who carried the one she so loved. She knew in her heart that there was nothing this man would not do for Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. How could she be any different? They would bring the others back to the camp and she would do all that she could to help Emo'ôhtavo vo'e get well. It did not matter that he might not want to stay with her once he remembered. But if it cured his pains, she would gladly loose him, just to know that wherever he was, he still lived. As long as he lived she still had hope, hope that he would someday return. And if he did not, then they had this time together and it would have to be enough to last her a lifetime for she knew there would never be any other man but him for her.

Mapiya ran so that she would be able to open the flap door for the man and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. Once at the entrance, Vin gently laid his friend down upon the ground in front of the tipi. While Mapiya held the flap door open, Vin crawled inside first and once there, reached out through the opening, grabbing a hold of Chris’ shoulders and pulled him inside. Chief Aenohe then followed with Mapiya last to closet the flap door.

Once inside, Mapiya and Vin had settled Chris upon his pallet bed. As Vin checked Chris over for any wounds, Mapiya started the almost dead fire up again. Her father, Chief Aenohe looked down at his fallen son and then looked into the face of the strange white man. He said in Cheyenne, “Can you ride?” Vin was puzzled by his question, but he nodded his answer anyway. “Then I will go and bring my warriors to go with you to find your friends. I will not allow my son to die.” The old man then turned and walked out of the tipi. Vin returned to his ministrations of Chris, taking a cloth he dipped in a bowl of cold water and wiped his now sweaty forehead. Chris was feverish and Vin deemed this was not a good sign.

He did not notice that Mapiya had softly crept up to kneel beside him and Chris. She searched Vin’s face for some hope that he had the answers to Chris’ pain, but she found she could not read this man’s face as she could so easily her love’s. Startling Vin into acknowledging her presence, she pressed her hand against her love’s forehead. He was very hot and Mapiya knew something was not right. She said, “He. . . is fevered. He . . . was not like this . . . before.” She was close to tears at the gravity of her discovery. Vin saw her eyes glisten in the night fire and watched as trails of tears slowly traversed her cheeks.

Vin grabbed her to him. Hugging her and letting her head rest against his shoulder. He knew this woman was in pain herself. The pain of the possibility of losing someone she cared and loved. “Mapiya, Chris is strong. Stronger than most I’d say,” he said trying to console her. “And I am not the kind of person ta let Chris leave without a good damn reason!” Mapiya raised her head to look into Vin’s face and smiled. He sounded so much like her love. “Thank… you, Vin . . . Tanner. I see why… Emo'ôhtavo vo'e would have chosen…you as his friend,” she said, removing herself from his embrace and wiping her tears from her face.

“And I think Chris’ a pretty lucky fella ta have found ya.”

Abruptly, the tipi flap opened and Chief Aenohe came half way inside. “Come. My warriors await you. It is time that you leave.” Vin turned to look at Chris’ unconscious form and he leaned over until his mouth was next to Chris’ ear. “I’ll be back, Chris. Don’t ya give up, ya hear. I’m bringing help.” He did not know if Chris heard or not. He only hoped that Chris would hold on until he returned with the others.

Vin slowly got up and as he did, Mapiya too stood up. She took both of Vin’s hands into hers and said, “Come back quickly and safely, friend to the Cheyenne.” Vin knew that she had just bestowed a great honor on him. “nómonêhe'še!” exclaimed Chief Aenohe. “There is very little time to save your friend and my son.” Vin nodded and Chief Aenohe then moved back through the flap to the outside. Vin grabbed his gear hurriedly, making sure that he had everything he needed. Before he went through the flap to follow Chief Aenohe, he spun around to face Mapiya one more time. “Don’t cha worry, Mapiya. I will be back. Ya cin count on it where Chris Larabee is concerned,” and he scrambled quickly through the opening.

nómonêhe'še! – Let’s go!

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Chapter 20

It was stifling hot and he felt nothing but pain. There was no place that he did not hurt and he tried to turn on to his side to get more comfortable, but soft, gentle hands came from out of nowhere and rolled him on to his back. “Be still, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, my love. You are sick and very hot,” said a lithe voice. That voice seemed familiar but he could not remember from where. All he knew was that it was too hot and the pain would not stop. He tried to fight against those hands, but he did not have enough strength. The hands kept him in place.

“Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, my love. You are sick. Please, please, lie still. Your friends will be here soon and they will make you better.”

Chris finally realized whom the voice belonged to. “Mapiya?” he croaked, his voice raw from the fever.

“Yes, my one and only. It is I,” she replied. He tried desperately to open his eyes, just to see her face once more. But he found it difficult when the light from the fire hit his eyes.

He quickly closed them as a burning sensation assaulted them. He raised his hands to shield them and felt Mapiya place them in her small ones. She gently started rubbing them within her own. He was becoming more and more restless as the fever rose higher. She and the medicine man had done everything they could think of but nothing seemed to be working. Mapiya was becoming very afraid. She was afraid that he was dying and that as quickly as he had come into her life, he was going to leave. Her brother had came to the tipi many times during the day. What were his intentions towards herself and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, she did not know. All she knew was she could no longer trust her own brother.

When he came to visit, he only talked of one thing. That she should forget about Emo'ôhtavo vo'e and find another. “Let him die,” were the words her brother uttered. She could not believe that one she had loved so dearly would now be considered an enemy. It was so unheard by someone who was part of their family. Why could he not understand that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e was as much one of them, as he was. Why could he not accept him and let them both live in peace.

“Mapiya?” whispered Chris.

“Yes, yes, my love. I am here,” she said wiping his sweaty brow with a cloth. The fever was not abating. In fact since the time they had found him it was getting worst. Mapiya grabbed a cup that lay on the floor beside her. She then lifted Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s head up so that he could sip from the cup. “Slowly, my love. Drink slowly.”

Chris sipped the water, but as the cold life-giving liquid went down his throat, he choked on the small amount. Mapiya helped him to sit up so that he could spit out what he had not swallowed and then lowered him back upon the pallet. He had not eaten for over a day and a half and whenever she tried to feed him, it would not stay down. He told her that the pain made him too nauseous to eat anything, but she kept trying to at least help him to drink water. She knew if he did not that the fever would win and he would die.

Once she was sure that he had fallen back asleep, she decided she would go see if Vin and the others had returned. She hoped they would hurry. She did not know if Emo'ôhtavo vo'e would survive the night. She kissed him gently on his feverish brow and then quickly moved through the flap to the camp outside.

Vin rode silently with the four Cheyenne Dog Men that Chief Aenohe had sent with him to retrieve the others. They had not spoken to each other since they had left the camp. The only things that were said were only to confirm that they were heading on the right trail. They had not accepted him so easily as did Mapiya and her father. They were wary of him and he could tell from the way their eyes would slide at him ever so often as they rode together on the trail that they did not trust him. He knew that the only reason they had agreed to do this was because of Chief Aenohe and Chris. Their eyes were always glancing at him when they thought he was not looking, and when he was they would immediately return their eyes forward. Vin knew they were suspicious of him. He just hoped they weren’t thinking of doing anything that would cause a rift in the already tenuous friendship with the Cheyennes that he had already established.

Vin could see tracks that led from the top of the hill to the other side. The horses were shoed so he knew they were not Cheyenne, or Comanche or Arapaho. One of the horses had left a broken shoe mark and he knew it to be Chris’ horse Pony. He definitely knew they were on the right track. He told the Dog Men this and their leader called Ho'neeho'esta, or Fire Wolf, nodded that he understood. He motioned for the other warriors to follow him and Vin in the direction of the tracks.

Vin and the Cheyenne Dog Men had seen the smoke as they got closer to the end of the tracks from their position on the other side of the hill. “Dang!” thought Vin to himself. “Damn idiots! I told ‘em not ta light a fire if they wanted ta keep their skins.” Vin said to Fire Wolf in Cheyenne, “I will go down first. I will signal you when to come in. Then you will follow.”

Fire Wolf nodded that he understood and Vin started to ride down towards the camp. But before Vin could go too far, Fire Wolf rode up next to him and said in Cheyenne, “Remember, no trickery, strange one. If you do not come back, or we do not come back in time to our people, Chief Aenohe will come looking for you and yours. And it will not matter where you hide. They will find you.”

Vin heard Fire Wolf’s warning loud and clear. He understood the gravity of the situation and knew that any wrong move on their part or the Cheyenne would end Chris’ life and start a war neither of them would see finished. Vin nodded and nudged Peso to gallop down towards the camp, keeping his eyes all the while forward as not to spook the Cheyenne warriors who waited for his signal.

Buck was on guard, standing next to a tree, when he heard the sound of someone riding towards the camp. He grabbed his rifle from the side of the tree and aimed at where the sound was emanating from. As soon as he saw that it was Vin, he lowered his rifle and turned to the camp yelling, “Vin coming in!” He had noticed that Vin did not look well. His clothes were in tatters and he had bandages showing in different places through the tears in his clothes. As Vin dismounted, he had the urge to run over to him and ask a million questions, first one on his mind was what happened to him, but he knew once Vin had everyone around him, he would get his answers.

The others had quickly walked over to Vin and Buck, leaving their small campfire behind. The look of shock and concern mirrored on all their faces at Vin’s sudden appearance and Vin’s haggard look. They could see that Vin was hurt, but they also knew that he would not want attention from them until after he had his say.

Nathan, being the healer that he was, was the first to run over to Vin and tried to view the homemade bandages that were laced around parts of his body and showing through Vin’s clothing.

But Vin held his hand up, keeping him at bay, saying, “Nathan, ya gotta wait. I ain’t hurt that bad. It’s Chris that needs us.” Nathan frowned at the comment, but knew when it came to Vin and pain; he would have to wait until he was ready to accede.

Unfortunately, Nathan knew that all the boys were the same way when it came to their physical or mental anguishes and even sometimes he had to treat them like children. But he silently swore to himself that as soon as Vin finished speaking of what was on his mind, he would hog-tie the man to a pallet and begin his work to heal him.

“You found, Chris?” asked J.D. excitedly.

“How is he, brother?” was Josiah’s question.

“Did he know you, Mr. Tanner?” inquired Ezra thoughtfully.

“Well, where the hell is he?” asked Buck, angrily, looking around the area.

“Hold on a minute! Yes, J.D., I found him! He’s not well, Josiah! He kinda knows who I am, Ezra! And he’s still back at the Cheyenne camp, Buck! Now, what is it ya were sayin’, Nathan?”

“What, me?” said Nathan, his face showing mock surprise.

“Now that I answered all ya questions, listen up. There’s a group of Cheyenne Dog Men waitin’ fer me ta come back with all of ya. If, I don’t, then we are all dead men, including Chris,” he replied, holding his side and breathing hard as he felt a stab of pain.

“What’s wrong with ya side, Vin?”

“Nathan. I said it has ta wait. Chris needs us and ya lucky it was me and these warriors that found ya. If ya made ya fire any bigger, the whole Cheyenne Nation woulda been down here! Didn’t cha learn nothin’ from me?”

“Sorry, brother. Please forgive our lapse of attention, but we were a little concerned about you and Chris being missing.”

“Not an excuse, Josiah! Ya all coulda been killed! Losing Larabee is enough for any man ta handle,” said Vin, his voice rising more due to his not being well and the long ride, rather than because of his anger.

Nathan knew Vin was being irrational, but he also knew Vin had good reason. The man looked like he was beaten a hundred times and had scars, wounds and bruises in about as many places. That would take a toll on any one of them.

“Vin, calm down, now. We’re here and you’re back safe. Just tell us what we need ta do,” said Nathan trying to calm the hurt tracker.

“I need ya all ta come with me ta the Cheyenne camp. Chris needs our help. Nathan, he’s hurtin’ bad and there was nothin’ that I could do except come get ya. When I left he had a fever and it was gettin’ worst. Nathan, it ain’t too good.”

Nathan face turned to one of worry and fear. “Tell me everything.”

Vin then proceeded to explain to Nathan and the others about how he was captured and how he found Chris. He also told Nathan about the spells and the pain. What he left out though was the fact that Chris was about to be married to the Chief’s daughter and was being initiated into the tribe as a Dog Man. He figured they have plenty of time to find out once they got to the camp. His main concern was bringing Chris help.

“All right, so you convinced the Chief to let Nathan and us come to the camp to try and help, Chris,” reasoned Buck. “What I don’t understand is why would he do that?”

“Because, Buck, he sees Chris as his adopted son.”

“But ya told us that Chris was getting his memory back.”

“What I said, Buck, was that Chris was startin’ ta remember. He still has his doubts about who he is.”

“So, let’s say Chris still does not remember who he is,” started Josiah. “Then how are we going to convince him that what we’re doing is only helping him? He did agree to this, didn’t he, Vin?”

“Not exactly,” responded Vin, lowering his eyes to the ground and shuffling his foot in the dirt.

“What do you mean, not exactly, Vin?” inquired Nathan suspiciously.

“I mean, Chris was out cold and Mapiya, the wise woman made the decision.”

“And just who is this caring lady, my dear young tracker?”

“She’s the wise woman and daughter to the Chief,” said Vin quickly, trying not to show his nervousness.

“You say a Chief’s daughter?” smiled Buck devilishly.

“Yeah. And get ya mind from below ya waist, Buck!” he said eyeing Buck with disgust.

“And?” asked J.D. curious.

“And, nothin’. Listen, we gotta go now!”

“Okay, Vin. Just take it easy, Pard. We’ll get ready,” replied Buck, walking away towards the camp to start breaking it down. The others followed, hesitantly. They wanted more from Vin, but knew they were not going to get much else until they got to Chris.

By the time the camp was broken down and everyone had their horses packed and ready to saddle, they heard horses riding their way. They all turned to see a band of four Cheyenne warriors, all dressed in Native Dog Men clothing, coming towards them at full gallop. Vin mounted Peso and left the others to meet them half way. He did not want any misunderstandings to come between them.

He held up his hand in the sign for greetings and said in Cheyenne, “We are ready when you are.”

The leader, Fire Wolf, replied, “White men talk too much. Nothing gets done. Cheyenne always ready. Cheyenne do not waste time. We came to you. Come.” He then quickly motioned to his warriors to start out and he abruptly left Vin and the others to follow.

Vin turned and yelled to the others. “Let’s ride, boys. These guys are very impatient and don’t plan ta wait on us.” Vin then turned to follow the warriors back to the Cheyenne camp.

He heard their replies of, “Right behind ya, Vin,” and “We’re coming.” The others then promptly mounted and rode fast to catch up with Vin and the Cheyenne, hoping they had not made a tragic mistake.

**************************************************************************************************************

Chapter 21

The sun was slowly rising over the small Cheyenne encampment. Mapiya had found out that the escort party and Vin Tanner had returned as of yet. She sat in their tipi, trying to keep Emo'ôhtavo vo'e cool down and continued to feed him water, when he could keep it down. As each passing hour, she grew more and more afraid that the next breath would be his last. This was suppose to be the beginning of her wedding ceremony and now she was faced with losing the one person whom was an essential part of that ceremony.

She leaned close to the feverish Emo'ôhtavo vo'e and said softly into his ear, “My love. Please do not leave me. I do not know what I will do if you do. Please hang on. Your friend Vin will be here and he promised to bring help. You must hold on, my love. You must.”

Chris had heard the voice from a far away place. Where he was, there was no pain, no memory, only peace. Now this voice was becoming an instance to his consciousness and he was slowly leaving that place to enter the world of pain and hurt. As his eyes finally opened and his vision came into focus, he saw that Mapiya was leaning over him, tears flowing freely from her eyes to drop upon his face.

“Map..iya?” he whispered. It took all the strength he had to accomplish that feat. But Mapiya had heard and was hoping for some sign of life from the still body.

“Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, it is I. I thought I lost you to . . .” she then switched to English. “to . . . die.”

Chris tried to console her, but he was too weak. He said in Cheyenne, “Nákâhaneotse.”

“Néháeanahe?” asked Mapiya.

“No. I don’t think I could eat anything right now.”

“Why do you not rest. Your friend will return with help soon.”

“Friend?”

“Vin Tanner.”

“Ah, . . .yes. I remember. I. . .trust him, Mapiya. I don’t . . . know. . . why, but I do. I just. . . . just. . . don’t understand what help he has that can stop all this.” Chris did trust Vin Tanner. He seemed to know his mind and his heart like no other. He also understood his fears. He had hoped

“He brings with him a. . . healer. A medicine man. Very powerful.”

“Really? He . . . did not seem to me to be the type that would . . . have such powerful friends.”

“Wait, my love. You will see. This Vin Tanner is very strong. I can feel it as I feel it in you.”

Chris turned his eyes away. He did not want to disappoint Mapiya, but he did not feel very strong at this moment.

Mapiya saw the look in Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s eyes. She did not like it. It was almost as if he had given up. “Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, what is wrong?”

“I. . . I was. . . It hurts so much, Mapiya,” said Chris, his voice showing Mapiya the pain he was in. It was then that she understood. He did not want to live with the pain that he felt. Not even for her.

“Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, you know that I love you. You must know that my heart is fill with so much joy at the coming of our wedding and our future. Do you not feel the same way?”

“Mapiya, Mapiya. Oh, my dear one. No, no,” said Chris, trying to speak louder than he was capable of at this moment. He did not wish to hurt Mapiya and he did love her. “I love you, dear one. I wish to spend the rest of my life with you, memory or no. It’s . . .it’s . . .just that it hurts so much to remember such pain. When I remembered what had happened to my family, I just want to die, to end all the pain. But you have made me realize that I would be missing much more if I did. You and Vin Tanner have done this. How could I leave you? I will fight tooth and nail, before I let that happen. I will try to be strong for you, for Vin, for father. I will try,” he said feeling tiredness come upon him again. He had spent much of his dwindling strength in trying to communicate this to her.

“It is just that I am tired. I think I’ll . . .” and he did not finish his sentence. He had lost consciousness again. Mapiya sighed sadly. She touched his brow and found it hot. She touched his chest and saw that he still breathed. She was beside herself in fear. She did not know what she was going to do if Vin Tanner did not return.

Just then she heard people shouting outside the tipi. The flap door came open and Chief Aenohe poked his head into the tipi. “They have returned,” was all he said, and motioned her to follow him outside. Before she did as she was bade, Mapiya looked over at Emo'ôhtavo vo'e and hoped that this was answer to their prayers.

When she got outside, she saw the people were gathered around six white men and four of the Dog Men warriors. The people were yelling at the white men. Some of them wanted to kill them, to take revenge on all the things the white man have done that is an atrocity to the Cheyenne. Some of them wanted them to leave, to forget all the pain that the white men had brought to the Cheyenne. But there were others who saw them as only men, of a different culture who did not understand the Cheyenne and would try to reason with them. In any case, the Cheyenne did not welcome these men with open arms.

Chief Aenohe and Mapiya walked over to the men. Especially towards one, Vin Tanner. Vin dismounted from Peso and quickly motioned for the others to do the same. He then walked over to Chief Aenohe and Mapiya. He could the concern and worry on their faces. Mapiya grabbed both his hands and said in Cheyenne, “You have come back, Vin Tanner.”

“Did you doubt?” asked Vin.

“No. No, doubt. Just if in time,” replied Mapiya, smiling a little. She was glad that he had returned and had kept his promise to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.

“How is he?”

“Not well, Vin Tanner. His fever is high and he has not eaten. He is in much pain.”

“Nathan!”

Nathan came over to where Mapiya and Vin stood talking.

“Nathan, there here is Mapiya. Mapiya, this is Nathan, the healer I told ya about.”

Mapiya bowed her head in acceptance of Vin’s introduction.

“Howdy, ma’am,’ replied Nathan appraising Mapiya. He then turned to Vin. “Where is he, Vin?”

“In…there,” answered Mapiya, pointing toward their tipi. “Come. I will show…you.”

Nathan nodded and he followed Vin and Mapiya towards the tipi. The others started to follow and were stopped by Chief Aenohe. “We have another place for you,” he explained to the others. “It is for our guests.” He nodded towards the tipi next to the one that Vin, Nathan and Mapiya were now walking into.

“But why can’t we go with ‘em, Buck?”

“J.D. Let’s just do as our good Cheyenne friends ask us, okay?” said Josiah forcing a cautious smile at the stern looking Cheyenne.

“Well, I just thought . . .”

“J.D.! Listen, up boy! Just do as they say, okay?” exclaimed Buck, grimacing at the Cheyenne.

“Yes, my dear Mr. Dunne. I would like to keep my scalp attached, if you don’t mind.” Ezra was looking at the Cheyenne as their looks turned to one of suspicion.

“Come,” said Chief Aenohe, leading them towards the other tipi. “You will be safe. No harm will come to you.”

“Thank you, Chief. . .” said Josiah.

“I am Chief Aenohe. My daughter, you have met, Mapiya.”

“Yes, yes, a lovely woman. My name is Josiah. This is J.D., Ezra and Buck. The one that went with Vin and your daughter is Nathan.”

“He is the healer. Are you a healer also?”

“No,” replied Ezra. “Josiah here is a pious man.”

“Pi…ous?”

“A medicine man,” answered Josiah.

“Ah, that is good. Talk with our medicine man. Find common ground.”

“Yes, brother. Hopefully I will.”

They had reached the tipi and Chief Aenohe had a warrior hold the flap open. “Go in. Rest. I will have food sent to you.”

“When can we see our friend, Chris?” asked Buck, eyeing the tipi door.

“Chris?”

“Ah, yes. Vin says he goes by the name of Emo'ôhtavo vo'e,” replied Josiah.

“Yes. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. When it is the right time.”

“Now, what the hell does that mean?” cried out Buck exasperated by the Chief’s nonchalant comment.

“Buck, calm down. I am sure that our native friend here is just saying that as soon as Chris is well enough for visitors we can see him.”

“Ezra’s right, Buck,” intervened, Josiah. He then turned back to Chief Aenohe and said, “Thank you for your hospitality, Chief Aenohe. We will wait here until you call for us.”

Chief Aenohe nodded and watched as one by one they entered the tipi. Once they were all inside, he turned to the Cheyenne Dog Man warrior who stood next to the tipi and gave him instructions that no one but himself or Mapiya would be allowed to enter or leave until he ordered differently. The warrior nodded that he understood and took his position in front of the tipi flap. Chief Aenohe satisfied that everything was in order then slowly started his walk to his tipi.

As he walked, he shook his head in confusion and thought, “White men are very strange people.”

Nákâhaneotse – I’m tired.

Néháeanahe – Are you hungry?

TBC

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