Chapter 22  

 

In Chief Aenohe’s tipi, Nathan, Vin and Mapiya were frantically trying to bring Chris’ fever down.  Chris was struggling with them and did not seem to know who they were.  Vin had explained to Nathan that Chris still had his memory missing, but pieces were coming back a little at a time.  Vin also explained to Nathan that when he did remember something he had become ill. 

 

Nathan thought about the symptoms that Vin had detailed and they seemed strange to him.  It was true that most amnesic victims had some pain upon the return of their memory, but he had never seen or heard of symptoms like this. Usually they would get slight headaches and once their memory had returned fully, the headaches disappeared.  He did not like the symptoms and it was not something he knew a lot about from his days during the war.  He started to suspect that it was more than just a head injury that was making Chris ill.

 

As Nathan examined Chris, he found that his fever was very high.  Almost like an infection.  But from the wounds he could see, they were clean and healing nicely.  Even the scar on his forehead was healing and Nathan deemed that there would be only a slight trace of the scar once it was fully healed. He frowned at his patient with worry. He knew he needed to help Chris, but he was starting to wonder if he would have the ability to do so.  It might be way beyond anything he had experienced before. He then crawled over to where Vin sat cross-legged on the floor, looking on silently.

 

“Vin, how long has this been goin’ on? The symptoms, I mean.”

 

“I don’t rightly know, Nathan,” replied Vin.  He then turned to Mapiya and spoke to her in Cheyenne.

 

“Since day… he woke up.  The fever…two days,” replied Mapiya, in English.

 

“How long on the headaches?” asked Nathan, changing the question so that Mapiya could understand.

 

Vin translated what Nathan had asked and Mapiya said something to Vin in Cheyenne that Nathan could not understand.

 

Vin then turned back to Nathan and said, “Almost over one month ago.”

 

“Damn!” exclaimed Nathan at Vin’s statement.

 

“Nathan, what’s wrong?” asked Vin, fearing for the worst.  He knew Chris was sick, but he had hoped it was something that Nathan could easily fix, as he always did when one of them was sick or injured.  Nathan always seemed to pull them through. Keeping their ragtag family together and in one piece. They had come to rely on Nathan to fix everything and anything that was wrong with one of them.  Now, he hoped that this would not be the one time that Nathan’s skills could not help them.  If he didn’t, then that would mean they would end up losing Chris and Vin did not think he could handle that.  He and Chris had created a bond; something that only death could break.  Vin was not about to let that happen if there was anything he could do about it.

 

“Too long, Vin.  Things can be tricky with head injuries and I ain’t too sure about these symptoms.  There seems to be somethin’ more goin’ on here, Vin.”

 

“Whatcha gettin’ at, Nathan?”

 

“I just don’t like what’s happenin’ to him, Vin.  It ain’t the normal symptoms for someone who is an amnesiac.”

 

Vin blue eyes held Nathan’s brown ones.  He was confused, but he was also concerned.  It Chris’ symptoms were not normal for his injury, then what the hell was going on.

 

“So, what do we do? As you can see, he ain’t gettin’ no better,” said Vin voice rising, nodding over at the restless blonde on the pallet.  He did not mean to put it all on Nathan, but there was no one else he thought could help Chris.

 

Mapiya continued to wash Chris’ body down with the cold water from the creek.  She also was realizing that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e was getting worst.  She was watching her future die right in front of her and she did not know what to do.  She had hoped that this man who be able to save her love, but based on what she could understand from his conversation with Vin, he also did not know what to do.  Her heart faltered at the thought that she would have to deal with someone else she had loved dying.

 

“Well, the first thing we gotta do is bring that fever down.  Vin, I need ya to go down to the creek and get as much cold water as ya can.  Tell Chief Aenohe we need men to bring plenty from the creek.  If he don’t have the men available, tell him to let our friends do it.  It’ll give them somethin’ ta do in the meanwhile.  They’re probably pacing that tipi right now.”

 

“Sure, Nate,” he said standing up quickly.  “I’ll be back right quick.”  He was about to go through the flap, when he heard Nathan say, “And, Vin.  See if the Chief will allow Josiah to talk to their medicine man.  They may have somethin’ that can help.”

 

Vin nodded and went through the flap.  Nathan returned to kneel next to Chris and Mapiya.  He said, “Mapiya, you understand some English?”

 

“I can . . . speak some.  My father . . . he taught me.  I am good.”

 

“Okay, then, I need ya to help me get him undressed and under a blanket.  I also need ya to find me as many pieces of cloth as ya can.”

 

Mapiya stared at him bewildered.  She did not understand the purpose of the cloths.  Nathan saw that she was confused and said, “I need them so that we can wet them in the cold creek water and wrap them around his body. It will help with the fever.”

 

“Ah!” exclaimed Mapiya, now understanding what Nathan wanted.  “I will…go to the women… of my people.  It would be quicker…with more of us.”

 

“Good.  Good.  Also, do ya happen to have any healing teas that I can use for his pain?”

 

“Tees?  I do not know this word?”

 

“Ah...herbs, plants?” and he pulled the small amount of herbs that he had in his pouch to show her.  It was not much due to the fact that he had used most of what he brought on Vin.

 

“Like that. Yes, for pain.  Yes.”  Mapiya walked over to the side of the tipi and picked up a brown deerskin bag that hung on the wall.  She then walked over to kneel down to Nathan, opening the pouch and pulling out wades of different cloths.  She opened up one of the cloths and showed what was inside to Nathan.  It was the same herb as Nathan had in his pouch.

 

“Yes.  That’s it.  I need more though.  Can you get some?”

 

Mapiya nodded.  “I will be back…with what you…ask for.”  She then rose and went outside through the tipi flap. Nathan watched her go; hoping fervently that they could find what he needed to help Chris. 

 

Mapiya had left the tipi, but did not see the shadow outline that stood off to side of the tipi.  Once she was completely gone from the area, the shadow became solid, as the form of a Cheyenne warrior walked from behind the side of the tipi. 

 

ó'kôhóme had watched as his sister went to find helpers for the white Cheyenne.  She would not listen to his pleas of forgetting this man, so he had to resort to something indirect to make sure that the thorn in his side was gone.  Mapiya did not see him when he had put the poisonous herbs into the water that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e had drunk when no one was looking.  He then waited for his plan to go to work and slowly he saw his results come to fruition.  The only problem was that Mapiya still would not listen to him and now they had brought his white friends to save him.  He had tried to reason with her, to make her see that she was wasting her time on this white dog, but her heart was closed to him and his words.  He had gone to his father’s tipi on several occasions.  But he was mostly there to watch the white dog die.

 

He was told by the Comanche medicine man that he had traded with for the poison that it would not kill a person too quickly.  It would make it look like an illness and by the time anyone would have discovered it, the person would be dead by then.  If this black-white man found the cure, then ó'kôhóme would resort to his standby plan of action. It was his original plan, but now it would need some coaxing since the coming of the strange white brother of Emo'ôhtavo vo'e had not resulted in what he wanted.  He would have to find a way to insure that it did.

 

He glared at the tipi flap, wanting to go inside, to tell Emo'ôhtavo vo'e that he was the hand that was crushing the life out of him.  But he knew to do so would only reveal his plan too soon.  “Soon, he thought. Soon, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.  You will be gone from here and then I will be back into my father’s and sister’s heart again!” He then crept back the way he came, towards his own home and his loving wife.

 

 

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Chapter 23

 

After Vin had spoken to Chief Aenohe, it was decided that Vin could retrieve his friends from their guest quarters to help haul the cold water to Nathan and the feverish Chris.  It seemed that most of the other warriors were out hunting and would not return until later.  He and Aenohe walked over the tipi.  The Cheyenne warrior was still diligently on guard and knew something was happening when he had seen his Chief walk over to him.

 

He asked in Cheyenne, “No one has left or entered.”

 

“You have done well, Wind-in-his-Hair.  Laughing One needs your help.”

 

The Cheyenne warrior nodded and walked away, but not without eyeing Vin cautiously.

 

Vin held the flap to the tipi open.  Chief Aenohe ducked inside, with Vin bringing up the rear. When they got inside they found Buck and Josiah sitting around the dying fire and J.D. and Ezra asleep on fur bedding on the ground to the far side of the tipi.

 

“Vin!” exclaimed Buck jumping up from his seated position.  At Buck’s yell, Ezra and J.D. awoke instantly.  They had not been deeply asleep since they had arrived at the Cheyenne camp.

 

“It’s good to see you’re well, brother,” said Josiah concerned, looking up at Vin. He could see by the way that the tracker was standing it would take very little to blow him over. Vin looked worn out and some of his wounds were leaking through the cloths that surrounded his body. Yes, what Josiah had spoken was a lie, but he knew that Vin would not listen to his counseling as long as he thought Chris needed him.  Vin would not be thinking about his pain, but they would. He had to talk to Nathan about a way to make the tracker rest and let Nathan take a look at him.  Josiah knew that unless they took some kind of action, they would not only loose Chris, but Vin as well.

 

Vin saw the way Josiah looked at him when he came into the tipi and heard the worry in his words.  But he could not think about that at the moment.  He hurt, hell, yes, did he hurt.  But he also knew that nothing would stop him from making sure that Chris Larabee did not die.  He was not about to let Josiah and Nathan get the upper hand again.  He still owed them one and he was not likely to forget it.  But for now, Chris was his main concern and his only concern.

 

“It’s Chris.  Nathan needs us now.”

 

At Vin’s words, they all stood up quickly.

 

“What happened, Vin?”

 

“He ain’t gettin’ any better, Josiah.  Nathan wants us ta bring as much cold water from the creek as possible.”

 

“What’s wrong with him, Vin?” asked J.D., his face mirroring the worry in his voice.

 

“Don’t rightly know, J.D.  He’s burnin’ up with fever, but Nathan don’t think it has anythin’ ta do with his amnesia.”

 

“What do he think it is?” Buck did not like what he was hearing.  He meant to bring Chris Larabee back to Four Corners and the people who loved him.  He did not mean to bring him back dead on the back of horse.

 

“Right now, he wants ta try and bring Chris’ fever down.  It’s why I came ta get ya’ll.  Most of the braves are out on a hunt right now and we need ta get Nathan the water he needs.”

 

“Your wish is my command, my friend,” answered Ezra, bowing gentleman-like to Vin.

 

“Ezra, I thought menial labor was not part of your repertoire?” asked Josiah, settling a curious glance Ezra’s way.

 

“For our afflicted disreputable commander, I would do anything that’s within my sometimes limited inclinations.”

 

“What?” exclaimed J.D.

 

“He says for Chris he’ll do anything that’s within his abilities,” explained Josiah.

 

“Oh,” said J.D.  “Well, what don’t he just come out say that?”

 

“Never mind, J.D.” retorted Buck, trying to dissuade the young easterner from getting into a lengthy argument with Ezra.  He knew they were running short on time and helping Chris was now the only important thing on his mind.

 

“Thanks, Ezra,” said Vin, also making an end to the conversation. “Josiah, Nathan asked me ta tell ya he needs ya ta talk to their medicine man.  He think he might have somethin’ that cin help.”

 

“I’ll see what I can do, brother.”  Josiah then stood up and turned to Chief Aenohe.  He said, “Lead on, Chief.  Let’s go children.  A friend needs our help.”  Chief Aenohe crawled through the flap and the others followed directly behind him.

 

As Chief Aenohe led Josiah over to the medicine man’s tipi, Vin and the others watched as Mapiya and the other women of the camp walked briskly towards them.  The women of the camp were carrying bowls and pots of all shapes and sizes.  Mapiya was leading them, talking to them in Cheyenne as they approached the men.

 

Vin was amazed at how many of the women of the tribe came to help.  “Mapiya, how did you . . .”

 

“It was easy, Vin Tanner.  The people wanted to help. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e is of the people,” replied Mapiya in Cheyenne.

 

Vin then turned to the others and said, “Boys, grab some of those bowls and pots and let’s get to the creek.”  He watched as Ezra, J.D. and Buck took the bowls and pots from some of the women.  Vin was about to lead them to the creek when he felt a soft hand grab his arm.  

 

“I will take them to the creek, Netse Ôhvo'komaestse.  You should go back to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.  He needs you now, most of all.” said Mapiya in Cheyenne, grabbing both his hands and holding them close to her heart.

 

“Netse Ôhvo'komaestse?  White Eagle?”

 

“Yes.  You are the White Eagle.  The spirit of the White Eagle soars high above the Black Storm,” she said in Cheyenne pointing to the sky.  “The White Eagle does not fear the Black Storm.  He gathers his strength from the Black Storm’s winds.  His will, making each of them stronger.  Although the Black Storm rages, the White Eagle never flies away from it.”

 

“I don’t understand…” started Vin, but Mapiya placed a finger over his lips.

 

“Listen.  Do not speak.  The White Eagle needs the Black Storm. It’s winds helping him to fly higher.  The Black Storm needs the White Eagle.  It gives it a purpose of being. They keep each other from never being.  Each without the other cannot survive.  Each forever together and yet apart, a bond that can only be broken through death.  Go into the Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, Netse Ôhvo'komaestse.”

 

Vin stared at her in awe.  “Go into the Black Storm, White Eagle” she had said.  Her words echoing in his ears, he realized that she had just given him something that every Cheyenne ever wanted from a wise one.  She had given him a vision of powerful Cheyenne medicine.  A vision of his and Chris’ relationship, something that not many did not see, let alone understand. She understood that relationship and knew that one without the other could not survive.  She had seen in them what only a few had.  That special bond, which he and Chris shared, and surprisingly, this woman had seen it all in only a few days.  They called her the “wise woman”.  Now, he knew why. 

 

Vin smiled gently at her and saw such wisdom in those deep brown eyes that it almost broke his heart.  He could definitely see why Chris would fall for someone like her.  It was too difficult not to.  “Thank you, Mapiya. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e is a lucky man.”  Mapiya smiled widely, her face showing only the joy she felt that this man was someone her love called friend.  She then turned to lead the others towards the creek.  Vin watched her leave with pride in his heart.  Chris had chosen well with Mapiya.  He hoped Chris would live long enough to see his choice bring him that happiness he knew Chris deserved.

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Vin had returned to Chief Aenohe’s tipi to hear screaming in Cheyenne coming from inside. He instantly knew that it was the voice was of one, Chris Larabee.  His heart leaped into his throat as he pulled the flap back roughly and crawled swiftly inside.  He stood inside, overwhelmed at the sight in front of him. A feverish Chris was fighting and struggling to break loose from the caring hold of one Nathan Jackson.  He was yelling in Cheyenne, as a losing Nathan was trying to keep a tight hold on his patient, trying to prevent him from hurting himself. 

 

Nathan had heard as someone entered the dwelling.  He turned to see Vin standing behind him, still and in shock.  “Vin, I need ya ta help me!”

 

Vin immediately awoke from his daze and hurriedly complied with Nathan’s request by grabbing his friend by the shoulders, pushing him gently back onto the fur pallet.

 

“Nathan, what happened?” he asked, his heart still beating fiercely with the fear he felt at seeing his friend rage in a feverish nightmare.  He looked down and saw that Chris was sweating profusely, his eyes were open, but Vin knew he was not seeing them, but something else.  He was screaming in Cheyenne at the top of his lungs, but it seemed to Vin since he had arrived that his energy was being spent.  Slowly, he was drifting off, mumbling incoherently as his green eyes were closing.  Vin had barely made out what he was saying and frowned in thought as his mind translated the words.  Suddenly, Chris struggles seemed to cease, at which point, Vin and Nathan let out a sigh of relief, not knowing how long or brief it would be until the next incident.

 

“He just started getting’ real restless, and then he just starting fightin’ me and yellin’. I didn’t know what he was sayin’, but I tried ta calm him.  It seemed ta make him even angrier and more restless.  Until you came, I was fightin’ a losing battle.  I still may be if I don’t find the answer,” answered Nathan, taking a wet cloth from a bowl next to Chris and wiping his forehead.

 

Vin grabbed a cloth from the side and started to do the same to Chris’ chest and arms. “The others are comin’ with the water.  Mapiya got the women of the camp ta help,” replied Vin, his mind still trying to decipher what Chris’ words meant.

 

Nathan glanced up from his ministrations and looked at Vin.  He had not noticed it before because of all that was going on at the time, but Vin did not look too well either.  He could see that Vin’s wounds were bleeding again, splotches of blood here and there peered through the cloth.  He also did not know the last time Vin had slept or had anything to eat. The man was skinny enough, but it seemed that he had lost some weight since the last time they had seen him. The man was killing himself and Nathan did not like it one bit.  As soon as Mapiya returned, there was going to be one young tracker that would get looked after or else. 

 

Although Vin was busily helping Nathan trying to cool Chris down, he kept going back to the words he heard.  Whatever nightmare had a grip on Chris Larabee, it was not one of his white world. It seemed that in spite of the fact that Chris seemed to be getting his memory back, his soul still existed within the world of the people, the Cheyenne.  Nathan had not understood the words, but Vin did.

 

Abruptly, the tipi flap flew open and the head of one Ezra Standish came poking inside.  “We have arrived, my dear compatriots,” he said, as the rest of his body squirmed through the flap.  As soon as he was on the other side, strong hands passed him bowls and pots which Vin and Nathan knew held the cold life-giving liquid that Chris sorely needed.

 

Vin and Nathan helped Ezra to place the containers over to the side of the tipi.  Once they were done, the others, including Chief Aenohe entered the tipi.  The first thing that caught their eyes was the form of Chris Larabee, lying under a thin blanket covering.  His hair flowed freely, partly covering his tanned-skin.  Sweat glistened off the top of his chest that was exposed to them, and they knew it was not a good sign.

 

“Wow, if I hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’a believe it!” exclaimed J.D. “Does he know who we are?”

 

“Calm down, J.D.  Ya like a puppy without a bone,” replied Buck, kneeling down next to Chris’ sleeping form.  He gently brushed the blonde hair away from Chris’ face and noticed that it was not a face of peaceful sleep.  “Do ya have any idea how we gonna fix this, Nathan?”  He looked up at Nathan, his eyes imploring him to have the answer.  But Nathan did not.

 

“I’m sorry, Buck.  I just don’t know what’s goin’ on with him.  It don’t seem like the symptoms of a head injury.  It’s more like some type of infection, ‘cept I can’t find out from where it’s coming from.  I just don’t know where to start.”

 

“Well, we have the water, Mr. Jackson.  May I suggest we start there?”

 

“Right, Ezra.  Okay, everyone.  Grab a piece of cloth and soak it in the water.  As soon as it’s soaked, start wrappin’ ‘em around his body.  We can at least try and get his fever down.”

 

They all nodded and went to work quickly, each taking a cloth and starting wrapping it around Chris’ body.  As they wrapped the cool cloths around Chris, the tension of pain that showed in his face seemed to calm some and so did his restlessness. 

 

“I think it’s workin’ boys.  Keep it comin’,” said Nathan.

 

They worked all through the day until the setting of the evening sun. Chris’ fever lessened, but still did not abate completely.  The rest of the Cheyenne warriors had returned from their hunting party and now distributed deer meat among the camp people. 

 

At that time, Mapiya returned to them.  Vin was surprised at how long she was gone. She came in bringing some stew which some of the families of the camp had donated.  They knew with the work that they were doing that no one had time to cook so each family had given something of what they had cooked.  While there was plenty of deer stew, there was also pemmican, patties made from beef jerky, dried chokeberries and chopped tallow (beef fat) and the traditional frybread.

 

Nathan smelled the food and his stomach growled with want.  But he did not want to leave his patient unattended.  Although it looked promising now that the fever was less than before, he knew he had to be ever diligent in watching.  He saw that the others needed to eat or otherwise he would have other patients that would contend for his time.  “Why don’t ya’ll get somethin’ ta eat?”  Nathan eyes specifically landed on one Vin Tanner.  Vin saw the look, but preferred to ignore it.  He continued to wipe Chris down with the cold cloth.

 

“I’m especially talkin’ ta you, Vin Tanner.”

 

“Uh, oh,” thought Vin.  Nathan was using his full name and Vin knew that meant trouble.

 

“Nate, I’m fine.  Chris is the one needin’ lookin’ after.”

 

“Don’t argue with me, Vin Tanner.  Get over and get somethin’ in that belly of yours before I have Buck and Ezra tie ya down and spoon feed ya.”

 

Vin blue eyes glared at him angrily.  “And don’t try no Chris Larabee glare with me.  It ain’t gonna work.  Now get!  I don’t need any other patients than the one I got here and right now he needs all my attention.”

 

Although Vin thought Nathan had no right to try to tell him what he should do, he knew he did not want to be the one that would keep the healer’s skills away from Chris.  He finally submitted to Nathan’s demand and crawled closer to the fire next to Mapiya. 

 

“Oh, and by the way, Mapiya,” said Nathan.

 

“Yes, Nathan?”

 

“Take a look at them wounds of his and see if you can clean them up, once he’s eaten.  I don’t want them gettin’ infected.”

 

Vin turned to object, but Nathan held up his hand for silence, which kept him from going any further.

 

“Yes, Nathan.  I will…do,” replied Mapiya softly, smiling at Vin Tanner.  She also knew how stubborn this man could be.  He was so much like her love.

 

“Hey, what about Josiah?” asked J.D. curious. He had not seen the older man since he was led away by Chief Aenohe and he was worried that something had happened to him.

 

“I am sure our dear spiritual brother is well taken care of by our native friends here,” stated Ezra, tiredly.

 

“He will join us later,” replied Chief Aenohe.  “He is talking to our medicine man.”  He then turned Mapiya. “Mapiya, I believe Josiah has only a little knowing of our tongue.  I think it good you go speak for him.  Bring food and drink with you after.”

 

“Yes, father.  I will do as you ask.”

 

“Good, girl,” said Chief Aenohe, nodding in satisfaction as he grabbed a piece of the frybread. “Now, eat!” he exclaimed, looking directly at the other men.

 

Mapiya then started serving all the men, including her father the meal she had brought in.  She also put a plate on the side for Nathan.  She would relieve him after she had taken care of the men and the one stubborn Vin Tanner.  She then would go over and speak for the white medicine man. Later when she got back, she would then make soup for Chris’ meal from the leftover deer meat.  She did not think his stomach could handle anything heavier until he was well. 

 

Mapiya knew some people would say that she was a wise woman and could not understand why there were not others to do most of the work her father tasked her to do.  But she knew that everyone had a job to do and that slackness, whether you were a Chief, or no, was not approved of.  Respect was earned by hard work and she knew would definitely work hard to make Emo'ôhtavo vo'e well again. She froze precariously upon those words.  Would he be well again? He must. She could not see no other outcome, she would not see not any other outcome.  She would fight him tooth and nail before she would let him go to the other side, leaving all the ones that loved him behind.

 

TBC

 

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Chapter 24

 

Josiah sat in the tipi of the medicine man, Ma'emestahke, waiting until they had concluded the sacred ceremony of smoking the pipe.  Mapiya was to join them as a translator, but as yet she had not come and Josiah’s Cheyenne was not as good as his other languages, so they waited. 

 

He was about to squirm again, and Ma'emestahke was about to eye him oddly again, when Mapiya poked her head through the flap door.  Josiah was relieved to see she had finally arrived, lessening the tension in the air of the tipi.

 

She said to Ma'emestahke in Cheyenne “Permission to enter?” Ma'emestahke nodded silently, also thankful for Mapiya presence.  He also had felt strange being left with this white man.

 

Mapiya sat next to the Cheyenne medicine man, while she noticed that Josiah was sitting across from them in the seated position of honor in the tipi.

 

“I am Mapiya,” she said to Josiah.

 

“I know.  We were told who you were by your father.”

 

“And, you are Jo…siah, the h..oly man?”

 

“Some might think so.  I just like to say that I follow the Lord’s way,” answered Josiah smiling.

 

“Lord?” questioned Mapiya.

 

“Yes, God.  The power that resides in everything we do, in everything we see, breathe, feel.”

 

“Ah, he is known to us as Ma'heo'o.”

 

 “Ma'heo'o,” repeated Josiah.  “That sounds like a really nice name for the Lord.”

 

The word stirred Ma'emestahke to life.  He said something to Mapiya in Cheyenne that Josiah did not understand.  Mapiya quickly said something back to him and then they both turned back to look at Josiah.

 

“What did he say?”

 

“He says that Ma'heo'o lives in everything.  Even in the white man’s world.”

 

“Yes, he does, my brother.”

 

Mapiya stared at the man curiously.  “You call him brother.  He is not your brother.”

 

“We are all brothers and sisters, Mapiya, under the eyes of God.”

 

Mapiya then translated what Josiah had said to Ma'emestahke.  The old wise man smiled and nodded his head thoughtfully and then said something to Mapiya.

 

“Ma'emestahke says this the way of the Great Spirit.  The Great Spirit has told us the Rainbow Warriors will stop the people of Elohi from feelings of bad things and only feel good things. To not be angry with others not of the people that do not understand the ways of the Great Spirit.  This is our way,” explained Mapiya.

 

“That sounds like a real good way, Mapiya.  A real good way,” replied Josiah thoughtfully.

 

Mapiya told the elder what Josiah had said and he nodded.

 

“There is one thing that we need to talk about now, Mapiya.  Nathan has asked me to see if Ma'emestahke knows of the sickness that taken a hold of our dear brother.”

 

Mapiya turned to Ma'emestahke and spoke quickly in Cheyenne.  Their conversation continued for several minutes, back and forth.  She finally turned to Josiah and said, “He will come.  He needs to see for himself the sickness you speak of.”

 

“Tell him that I thank him and that as soon as all this over I’d like to discuss with him on the beliefs of his people more.”

 

Mapiya nodded and interpreted exactly what Josiah had said to the elder in Cheyenne. 

 

Ma'emestahke nodded and said, “Héehe'e.”  He then motioned for Mapiya and she grabbed the elderly man by his elbow, helping him to stand.  Josiah crept over and helped Mapiya with the holy man by grabbing his other elbow.

 

“I must go to the home of my brother.  I am asked to bring more food and drink for our guests.”

 

“I’ll help ya, Mapiya.”

 

Mapiya bowed her head to him and said, “I thank you, Josiah.”

 

 They then walked together escorting the man out of the tipi towards Mapiya’s brother’s home.

 

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Vin sat next to his best friend, bathing him with the wet cloth that Mapiya had gave him before she left to help Josiah.  It was far into the middle of the night and Mapiya had cleaned his wounds and redressed them, smiling at him as she did. She had also called him some names in Cheyenne when he tried to refuse her help, that would have made Chris’ glare timid in comparison.  

 

The Cheyenne camp had basically settled for the night.  Vin could hear the dogs barking, probably chasing some night rodents.  Ezra and J.D. were sleeping fitfully in a corner of the tipi.  Buck sat by the fire, staring at nothing, but Vin knew the big lawman was hurting at the fact that his long time friend was in pain and there was nothing he could do.  Nathan was busy making some tea that would help with Chris’ pain and fight the fever.  Chief Aenohe was sitting next to Buck, smoking on his pipe, watching Vin as he diligently tried to keep Chris cool.

 

But at the time, Vin’s mind was somewhere else.  He was back to the time where he heard Chris screaming when he first entered the tipi.  The words were playing in his mind and it troubled him deeply.  Nathan had not understood the words since he did not speak Cheyenne, but he had questioned Vin on their meaning and Vin had found himself doing something he never thought he would ever do.  He had lied to a friend.  He told Nathan that they meant nothing and probably that Chris was delirious and did not know what he was saying.  Although Nathan had accepted the explanation, Vin did see there was some doubt on his mind.  But Nathan did not push it.  He knew that Vin would do nothing to hurt Chris Larabee, so he would not try to pull the information out of him.  At least, not at this moment.

 

As Vin continued bathing the blonde gunslinger, he mind wandered to the words.

 

Chris had screamed “Nátsêhéstahe! Nátsêhéstahe! Né'áahtove! Né'áahtove!” 

 

Vin knew that the words meant “I am Cheyenne! Listen to me!”   Those words uttered by Chris were the words of a Cheyenne. He knew this was not good.  He had thought that Chris was recovering his memory, but now it seemed he was desperately holding on to his Cheyenne identity.  What if they did manage to get Chris well?  Would he choose his Cheyenne life and decide not to come back with them?  It was something that bothered Vin intensely. It would mean that they would loose Chris.  It was just what Ezra was trying to warn him about and he would have to keep the promise he made to Ezra and let Chris Larabee go.  He shivered at the thought. 

 

When Vin woke from his reverie, he found the deep brown seeing eyes of Chief Aenohe staring at him.  Those eyes seem to dig deeply into Vin’s soul.  He looked at the Chief, waiting to see if he would say something, but he did not.  He only nodded in compassion and understanding and continued to puff on his pipe, blowing the smoke towards each of the four winds. He also did not see the other brown eyes watching him so closely.

 

Nathan, although absorbed in creating a mixture for Chris’ pain and fever, he was not blind.  He saw the way Vin froze at the tipi flap when Chris was delirious.  He knew Vin had understood what Larabee was screaming.  He just did not know what it was.  But Nathan knew whatever it was it had turned Vin a shade almost as pale as Chris.

 

As Vin looked at his friend, willing for him to wake.  Longingly, wishing Chris to recognize who he was and what they meant to each other.  What they all meant to each other.  Chris tossed and turned as Vin worked frantically to bring his fever down.  Vin saw how pale Chris looked and fever blisters could be seen forming on most of his body.

 

At that moment, Nathan came over to them, carrying a small bowl.  Vin had assumed it was the concoction that Nathan was making to help Chris with his pain and fever. 

 

“Help me lift him up.  I want to try and get some of this in ‘im.”

 

Vin nodded and lifted his friend up so that he sat against Vin’s chest.  Nathan then raised the cup to his lips, hoping that Chris’ thirst would entice him to drink and swallow. 

 

Chris even in his delirium felt the warm liquid at his lips.  He was thirsty and did not know where he was.  His throat felt like sand paper and his body felt like it had went through a wringer.  Through his haze, his tongue lapped at the liquid.  The taste was bitter but his dehydrated pores within his throat welcomed its lubrication. 

 

Once his lips and tongue was quenched, he started drinking deeply.  Nathan and Vin watched, satisfied that Chris was taking in the liquid.  They watched as drank greedily of the needed liquid.  When he was satiated enough, he pulled back from the flow and Vin slowly laid him back onto the fur pallet.

 

Vin turned to Nathan with a question in his eyes that Nathan had known all too well.  “I don’t know, Vin.  I’m hopeful this will help.  But I just don’t know.  It’s not acting like anything I seen before.”

 

“What’s going ta happen if we can’t bring his fever down, Nathan?” Vin asked, his heart pounding from fear of what Nathan was about to say.

 

“He…he could die, Vin.”  Nathan’s words struck Vin’s soul as if someone has stabbed a dagger into his heart.

 

“He ain’t gonna die, Nathan.  I won’t let him.”  Nathan saw the determination in Vin’s eyes.  He saw the will of the bond that had been established between these two men. “I won’t let him die, Nathan.  If I haf’ta drag his skinny ass back, he ain’t going.”

 

Nathan nodded that he understood.  He would do the same for anyone of the others.  They were brothers, if not by blood, than by a bond that he knew no one else could understand.

 

“My daughter will return soon.”  Vin and Nathan turned to the voice of Chief Aenohe.  “It is my belief that she will bring the answers you need.”

 

Nathan did not understand what the old chieftain was trying to say.  Buck who had been listening to the conversation was also lost.  But Vin understood.  He knew that Chief Aenohe wanted Chris to live also.  Even it was just for his daughter’s sake.  He held the hope that Mapiya would bring what was needed for Chris’ survival.

 

Suddenly, a moan came from Chris. Vin, Nathan and Buck knelt closer to their friend.

 

“I think he’s coming around, Nathan,” stated Buck, brushing the matted blonde hair to the side.  “Chris.  Chris.  Can ya hear me, pard?” implored Buck.  He was hoping that Chris would wake and recognize them.  It had been so long since he had seen that Larabee glare and the quirk of his mouth when he was angry with the big man.  They all kneeled over the blonde gunslinger, patiently waiting for him to wake.

 

Chris was slowly coming to consciousness. At first he felt nothing but a numbness, but the pain slowly started to intrude upon his body.  “Where am I?” he thought hazily. The last thing he remembered was getting ready for his wedding to Mapiya.  But something did not feel right.  He did not know why he felt so hot and how come he could not open his eyes.  There was a pain that encompassed his whole being and it throbbed at a steady beat.  He heard a sound, distinctly far off in the distance.  As he became less lethargic, the sound became louder until he was able to hear a familiar voice among the droning.

 

“Come on, Cowboy. We ain’t got all day ya know.”

 

Chris pursed his lips to open his mouth.  But all that came out was a cough. His throat was dry and it hurt to try to talk.

 

“Come on, Chris.  Let me see those green eyes of yaurs.”

 

“Vin. . .?” It had came out just a croak, but the others heard it anyway.

 

“Yeah, Cowboy.  Thought ya was gonna sleep forever,” said Vin, glad that his friend was awake and recognized who he was.

 

Chris finally opened his eyes, although they felt like lead.  He watched as the fuzzy images cleared and he saw three faces staring at him intently.  He tried to rise from his pallet bed, frightened and unsure of whom the other two strange faces belonged to that sat next to the one he knew as Vin Tanner.

 

“Take it easy, Chris.  We’re friends,” said Buck, disappointed at Chris’ reaction to them.

 

“I…I don’t know you…do I?” asked Chris, still unsure of his tenuous hold on his sanity.  He wondered if he still dreamed.

 

The others saw the apprehension and puzzlement in his eyes and it extremely disturbed them.  This man was their friend, their companion in good times and bad.  They could not believe that they were so easily misplaced within his mind.

 

Vin, who had known that Chris still was caught between the two worlds, said, “Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, these are my friends.  They are here to help.”

 

Chris looked at the men carefully.  Although he could not remember them, he felt something about them.  There was something at the back of his mind that said he should know these men.  The tall one with the mustache looked very familiar, but he just could not think of from where.  The only thing he did know was that he trusted Vin Tanner and if Vin Tanner said these men were friends, then he believed him.

 

Chris settled gently back onto the pallet.  His eyes, never moving from the three faces.

 

Vin saw that Chris had calmed down and hoped that it stayed that way.  “Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, this is Nathan Jackson, my healer friend.”

 

Chris nodded at Nathan curiously.  “Mapiya…says that he…great power,” said Chris matter-of-factly.

 

Nathan smiled broadly and Buck laughed gently at this remark.  “Well, that may be a little much.  But I am a healer.”

 

“And, this Emo'ôhtavo vo'e is Buck Wilmington.  You and he go way back.  Even before we met,” said Vin, pointing to Buck.

 

Chris scrutinized the tall man with the mustache.  He was also familiar, but his mind could not grasp from where he had seen this man.  It confused him and puzzled him.  The only one he trusted at this point was Vin Tanner.  He would have to take his word concerning his friendship with this man.

 

“They’re here ta help ya, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e,” said Vin seeing that Chris still did not wholly trust them as of yet.  “Nathan’s gonna fix ya right up, right Nate?”

 

“Sure we are, Vin.  That’s what we’re here for.”

 

Chris eyes seem to glaze over.  His fever was starting to get the best of him and he felt so weak.  Nathan could see from Chris’ green eyes, that he was about to lose consciousness.  Nathan reached to touch Chris’ forehead to check his fever, but Chris shied back from him.

 

“Ain’t gonna hurt ya none, Chris.  Just want ta check ya fever,” replied Nathan, caught off guard by his action.

 

“Emo'ôhtavo vo'e,” said Chris calmly.

 

“What?” asked Buck. 

 

“Emo'ôhtavo vo'e,” said Chris again, this time more firmly.

 

“Emo'ôhtavo vo'e is his name.  It means Black Storm,” explained Vin.  “It is the name he goes by among the Cheyenne.”

 

“It…is…my name,” said Chris glaring at them. He was getting tired and these strange men seemed determined to make themselves a nuisance to him.

 

“Seems ta fit ya just right, Pard,” said Buck laughingly.

 

Chris smiled weakly.  He liked this strange tall white man.  For some reason, he felt some type of comradeship to him, but he could not understand why.  He felt relaxed around him and although his mind told him he was the enemy, his heart told him something else.  He started to shiver slightly and he watched as Vin Tanner pulled the multi-color blanket closer to his body.

 

Nathan, who was watching Chris intently, saw the motion and noted that the fever must be rising again. “Chris…I mean, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, how are ya feeling? Can ya tell me what’s hurting right now?”

 

Emo'ôhtavo vo'e eyed the man suspiciously, but he remembered Vin Tanner telling him that he could trust this man.  He hitched himself higher onto the pallet and sighed softly.  “My head.  It hurts.  Feels like someone took a hammer to it.  My stomach feels all knotted inside.  My body aches all over and it is hot.  Very hot in here.”

 

“Okay, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.  You just take it easy.  I got somethin’ I want ya ta drink.  It will help with the pain and the fever.”

 

“Horse piss?” asked Chris drowsily, his eyes half way closed.

 

Nathan, Vin and Buck all turned to each other and started laughing.  Chris looked at them as if they had gone crazy.  He did not know what was so funny.  White men were strange people.

 

“Yes.  Horse piss,” replied Nathan.  He then put the bowl to Chris’ mouth and watched as Vin helped level Chris upward so that he could swallow the liquid comfortably.  Chris drank the herb tea Nathan had made down in several gulps.  Once done, Vin helped Chris lower himself back onto the pallet. The fever and the pain already making him exhausted.

 

Chris’ eyes were gradually lowering to a close.  He felt so tired and he welcomed the darkness.  The others watched as he settled into a deep sleep.  Once they were sure he would not awake, they moved off to another corner of the tipi to talk without disturbing their companion.

 

“Well, Nathan, what cha think?” asked Buck.  Although he did not show it, he was desperately afraid for his friend.

 

“Don’t know just yet, Buck.  Maybe Josiah and Mapiya will have something that can’t help when they get here.”

 

“Did ya here ‘im, Nathan?  He said ‘horse piss’,” chimed in Vin.  He was elated at the fact that Chris had remembered what they called Nathan’s medicines horse piss.  To him this was another breakthrough in Chris’ recovering his memory.

 

“Yeah, I heard ‘im, Vin.  But doesn’t mean that all of his memory is gonna return.  It seems it’s in bits and pieces only,” stated Nathan, knowing that Vin might be getting his hopes up over nothing.

 

“But he is remembering maybe it’s just gonna take some time.”

 

“I hope ya right, Vin,” interjected Buck.  “I want him back just as much as you do, but I don’t reckon on foolin’ myself.”

 

Vin did not get angry at Buck’s statement.  He knew Buck loved Chris like he did and he would never just give up on Chris that easily.  But he also knew that sometimes Buck needed a push in the right direction.

 

Nathan saw where the conversation was heading and decided to put an end to it. “Listen, both of ya.  We ain’t gonna jump ta any conclusion until we know what exactly is going on with ‘im.  So settled down.  Right now he needs his rest and so do you two.  We need ta see what Josiah and Mapiya have ta say first.  At least I think his fever’s down some.  That’s a good sign.”

 

“I hope ya right, Nathan,” said Vin, looking over at the sleeping man.   There was no way he was going to let Chris go.  He had at least wanted to give Chris a chance to choose and he would not have the chance if he could not remember.

 

“Vin, I want ya ta lie down there next to Chris and get some sleep.  It’s gonna be a long night.  And Buck, you get your butt to bed.  I don’t want any more patients than I got right now.”

 

“Aw, Nathan.  I ain’t tired,” Vin said, yawning so wide, Nathan could put his fist in his mouth.

 

“Now!” exclaimed Nathan, pointing to the pallet next to Chris.  “Buck!  Over there!”

 

“Boy, he sure do get mighty cute when his face scrunches up like that don’t he?” asked the tall lawman, winking at the tracker.

 

“Yep.  Sure do,” said Vin, concealing a slight smile.

 

Nathan said nothing and just eyed them angrily.

 

“I’m going.  I’m going,” said Buck moving over to the pallet that was next to Ezra and J.D.

 

“Me too,” replied Vin, snickering as he crept towards the pallet near Chris.

 

Once they were settled, Nathan smiled gently.  These boys would be the death of him yet.  He then went back over to the pot over the fire and started making more of the tea that Chris might need later.

 

As Vin lowered his head to the pallet, he stared at his friend’s chest, rising and falling easy in the firelight.

 

“Don’t worry, Chris,” he thought to himself.  “I ain’t givin’ up on ya and I ain’t lettin’ the others either.”  He then closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

 

 

Nátsêhéstahe! – I am Cheyenne!

Né'áahtove! – Listen to me!

Elohi - Earth

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Chapter 25

 

It was late into the night that Mapiya had returned with Josiah, Ma'emestahke and the extra food.  ó'kôhóme was not at his home when they had arrived.  But his wife, Nemene'hehe was and gave her what she had prepared for the visitors.  She also gave a specific pouch containing some herbs and spices that she had made specifically for Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s illness that she thought might work.

 

Mapiya had thought it strange that ó'kôhóme was not at home so late in the night, but then her brother was never a normal person.

 

As they entered the tipi, they found that the most of the visitors including Emo'ôhtavo vo'e were soundly asleep.  Nathan and Chief Aenohe were the only ones still awake and they sat around the dwindling fire.

 

“Father, I have returned with Ma'emestahke.”

 

Chief Aenohe greeted the medicine man and Josiah.  He then said in Cheyenne to the medicine man, “Do you think you can help?”

 

“We will see, we will see,” was all that the old man replied.  He then walked over to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e who was sleeping restlessly.

 

While Ma'emestahke was busily examining Chris, Mapiya motioned for Josiah to sit down next to Nathan and then she took a seat next to her father.

 

“Do you think he can help?” asked Josiah concerned.

 

“We will see.  Please eat, rest.  It will be a long time before he speaks again,” replied Chief Aenohe.  He then turned to his daughter and said in Cheyenne, “Did you see your brother?”

 

Mapiya shook her head no.  “He was not there.  Only Nemene'hehe.  Oh,…” she then grabbed the deerskin pouch that Nemene'hehe had given her and held it up for her father. “Nemene'hehe gave me this.  She said she made it to try and help Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.”

 

“Give to Ma'emestahke,” commanded Chief Aenohe.

 

“Yes, father.”  Mapiya then stood up and moved over to medicine man.  She spoke a few words in Cheyenne and then handed him the pouch.  The medicine man took the pouch and nodded. He then placed it on the ground next to Chris and went back to his ministrations.

 

Mapiya stayed by Chris side, holding his hand tightly, hoping for all that was sacred that this man would not leave to go to the other place.  She craned her neck slightly then, to also look upon the sleeping Vin Tanner on the other side of him.  He noticed that he held Chris’ other hand, tightly in his grasp.  “Good!  They would both make sure that he would not go.  It is good!” she thought to herself and went back to watching over her loved one.

 

Chris was slowly pulled from his dark sleep by a sound, hovering near the edge of his mind.  The sound continued to become louder, pushing his way into his consciousness.  Chris tried to ignore the sound, but it seemed to want to intrude on his peace.  The sound increased and became more than just sound.  It was someone singing.  They were singing in Cheyenne.  The words only flitted through his mind as he tried to grasp them, but he was too tired to try to understand them.  He caught a couple of words, like “peace” and “light”, but he did not understand the context that they were said in.  He tried to open his eyes to see who was singing, but his eyes felt as if they were nailed shut.  Trying harder, he managed to open them slightly, peering through slits of opening that were made by his effort.  He saw the old medicine man, Ma'emestahke, shaking a rattle and a feather over him, singing softly in Cheyenne.  He did not know how long he was asleep.  The last thing he remembered was Vin Tanner and his friends.

 

Mapiya had noticed that Chris was awake, although he his eyes looked glassy.  She leaned closer so that he could see her and so that she could see if he really was awake.  As she did, Chris eyes opened a little more.  Mapiya saw the love in his eyes, but she also saw a fear there.  A fear that gripped her heart tightly.  She knew he was afraid that he would not survive.  That he would leave her and all that he loved behind.

 

“Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, you are awake,” she said in Cheyenne.

 

“Ma…piya.  I…was dreaming…of you.”

 

“And, I of you, my love,” she said, brushing his sweat-matted hair away from his eyes.

“What…what happened?  I’m s.s.s…so tired.”

 

“You have been ill.  But Ma'emestahke is here to help now.  He will make you better.  I am sure.”  She smiled slightly, trying to convey her faith in the old medicine man.  She had seen him do miraculous things for others. 

 

“Hey, pard.  Glad ta see ya awake,” came a soft raspy voice from his side. 

 

Chris turned to see the one named Vin Tanner laying close by.  His right hand held Chris’ left hand tightly in his grasp.  Chris had not even felt it until just now.

 

“Vin…Tanner.  It…it is good to see you, also.”

 

Vin blue eyes held those green eyes, staring into Chris’ soul.  His gut feeling was telling him that Chris was giving up on life, on living, on everything that made Chris who he was.  He could not, would not let Chris give up.  They needed him.  More than that he needed him.  He could not and would not survive without one Chris Larabee.  If Chris did not survive, he would probably join him, at the end of a Texas noose.

 

“Hey, cowboy.  You gonna get better, ya hear.  Between the medicine man and Nathan, we’re gonna help ya ta get better, understand me.”  Vin accentuated his meaning by squeezing Chris’ hand.  Chris squeezed back, but it was not much of an effort as he was so weak. 

 

“I have…dreamed, Vin Tanner.  I have dreamed of you also.”

 

“I hope it was a good one,” said Vin grinning at him.  Chris smiled weakly back at him.

 

“Yes, Vin Tanner.  It…was…good.”  He then grimaced as a sharp pain hit his chest, making him feel nauseous.  He hand gripped Vin’s more tightly.

 

Vin and Mapiya saw the pain etched on his face and Vin had felt the pressure on his hand.  Vin moved closer, leaning over him.  “Chris!  Come on, Chris.  Talk ta me.”

 

Chris tried to breathe, but air seemed gone from his lungs.  The pain was suffocating him and he did not know how to make it stop.  Mapiya moved in and started rubbing her hand on Chris’ stomach gently in circles.  Chris felt the pressure and tried to stifle a moan that still managed to slip through somewhat. 

 

“My love, are you in pain?”

 

Chris could only nod feebly.  He was too tired to do anything else and he was afraid that if he spoke, the pain would increase.  He felt two pair of hands lifting him up into a sitting position and then felt his back leaned to rest against something soft and warm.  He then felt a hand rubbing his back, trying to release the pressure and pain in his lungs.

 

“Is that better?” asked Vin Tanner, as Chris sensed the worry in his tone. 

 

He knew this man cared for him, but until now, he did not know how much.  Chris thought himself lucky to have a friend like Vin Tanner.

 

As the pain eased, Chris sighed in relief. Their ministrations had help him to focus elsewhere while the pain dissipated from his body. He could finally breathe again and he could answer their question.  “Yes.  Mu...ch better.”  As his body became more relaxed,  Chris felt his eyes closing again on their own accord.  He could no longer keep them open. 

 

Gradually, the darkness crept over his vision and it claimed him with a such a swiftness that it startled Vin and Mapiya. Vin looked over at Mapiya. Vin then felt his neck for a pulse and found a weak one beating there.  He eyed Mapiya, signaling her that he was only unconsciousness and motioned for her to help him lower Chris back onto the pallet.

 

Once that was done, Vin eyes roved up and down Mapiya’s face and body.  He knew she was suffering as much as Chris. He could see the smudges on her face from her tireless effort of keeping the fire going and the dark circles that were forming around her beautiful brown eyes from lack of sleep. He knew how much she loved Chris Larabee, but he also knew that she would make herself ill also if she kept up the pace she was going.  They both wanted the same thing, if only for different reasons.  But in the end, it came down to a common goal.  Chris Larabee had to live, but Mapiya needed to live also.  Vin did not think Chris would be able to survive long if he knew that Mapiya had taken ill or died trying to save him.  Chris carried enough guilt for the whole world.  He did not need anymore.

 

Mapiya knew Vin Tanner was looking at her.  She had felt his eyes upon her and had seen the unvoiced concern he had in his heart for her.  But she could not answer that concern right now.  Her only concern right now was to get Emo'ôhtavo vo'e well again.  “You need to rest, Vin Tanner,” she said to him in English, trying to deflect his worry. 

 

“When will you rest, Mapiya?  I have seen how you are always taken care of him.  I know you are tired.  You need rest to build up your strength.  He’s gonna need it later.”

 

“I am well, Vin Tanner,” Mapiya replied in Cheyenne, smiling gently at him. “I will rest when all is done.”

 

Vin glared at her.  “Damn!  She was as stubborn as Larabee.  No wonder they made such a good match,” he thought to himself.  She would not rest until she knew she had done everything that she could to help Chris.  More and more he was becoming to admire and like this woman that Chris had found.  He considered Chris a lucky man.  He just hoped she would take care of herself so that Chris would have something to come back for. Instead of voicing his concerns again, he said, “You are a good woman, Mapiya. I think ya good for him.  Let’s just hope he realizes that.”

 

“Oh, he does, Vin Tanner.  He does.”

 

Vin nodded at her statement.  He would be glad to see Chris happy.  Happiness was the one thing that had alluded Chris for the past few years.  Vin wanted him to have that. Chris, should have that kind of happiness in his life again.  Chris had such happiness long ago with his wife Sarah and son, Adam.  But it was taken away from him and Buck had told him what it did to him inside after that fire.  But now he that chance again, if he lived.  Vin shook his head trying to release that thought.  He would live.  There could be no doubt in his mind.

 

Mapiya saw the action of Vin’s head and thought he was disagreeing with her statement.

 

“You do not believe so, Vin Tanner?” she asked tentatively.

 

“Oh, no, Mapiya.  I do believe so.  I was thinkin’ of somethin’ else.”

 

“Maybe you need more sleep.  Rest.  I will be…,” she patted the ground with her hand. “…here.”

 

A small smile crept across Vin’s face.  He then nodded and laid down upon his own pallet, closing his blue eyes against the light from the fire.  She would watch over Chris.  Of that he was sure.  He knew Chris was in good hands.

 

Mapiya went back to watching over Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.  She thought as she softly brushed her hand over Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s head, “You are a good man, too, Vin Tanner.  Just like my Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. ”

 

Suddenly, Ma'emestahke had stopped singing.  Mapiya looked at him and saw that he was staring at Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.  He started to examine Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s head and hands.  He then looked into his eyes and put his ear to his chest.  Once he was done, he moved to sit in front of Chief Aenohe.  Mapiya knew that the old medicine man had determined what was making Emo'ôhtavo vo'e sick.  She gently let go of Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s hand and then moved closer to the two men in order to hear their conversation.

 

“You have found true, Ma'emestahke?” asked Chief Aenohe, dread creasing his brow.

 

Ma'emestahke sighed softly.  He then took Chief Aenohe’s hands into his and said, “I have found true.  There is a sickness placed upon him.  A sickness that does come from the here,” he said placing the Chief’s hands upon his chest. “Not from the spirit.” He then released Chief Aenohe’s hands, staring at him, letting what he had said sink into the Chief’s thoughts.

 

Chief Aenohe was overwhelmed by this answer and so was Mapiya.  A sickness that did not come from inside meant only one thing.  It had to come from outside.  A sickness that was not the will of Ma'heo'o, but of someone else’s will.  This was unheard of among the Cheyenne.  Who would do such a thing?

 

“How? Who would do this? Do you know what the sickness is?” asked Mapiya concerned.

 

“I do not know how or who. I do know that the sickness that I am thinking comes from the eating of a certain plant that does not grow in this land. One must put into someone’s food or drink.  The spirits have been good to us.  It is not too late. There will be a lot of work.  I will need to go back to my home. I need to pray and I will prepare him medicine to help.  I have also made this medicine pouch to protect him,” he said, handing the pouch to Mapiya.  “Place it around his neck.  He must always wear it, understand?”

 

“Yes.  I understand,” replied Mapiya.  She then turned to her father.  “Should we tell his friends of what we know?”

 

Chief Aenohe face turned to one of anger, an anger that Mapiya had only seen once in her life.  It was at the senseless death of her brother. He said, “When the sun rises we shall tell them.  When the sun rises we will find out who has done this to one of our people.  When the sun rises I will go to the tribal council and request to speak. By the end of the next sun rise, I will punish the one who has put this sickness on my son and they will be punished.”

 

Mapiya had heard her father’s words.  She knew that he had lost one son, taken from them, not in battle, not in protecting the people, not in the will of Ma'heo'o , but through the actions of someone who had no soul and had done it without honor.  Now, someone was trying to take his other son in the same way and to him that was a crime no father could ignore.  Mapiya knew that he had silently taken an oath to see justice done.  He would severely punish the person who would try to hurt his son.

 

As they continued talking in Cheyenne of what must be done for Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s illness, they did not see that there was one that had heard them and listened to their words.  He had laid there quietly, taking in everything, thinking about what he had just heard.  Vin’s mind raged in silence.  Someone had tried to kill Chris.  They had tried to poison him and would have succeeded had not the old Cheyenne medicine man was not brought in.  But who would do that?

 

As Vin’s mind raced through every possibility, there was only one person that he remembered showed such vehemence and hatred towards Chris Larabee while he was in the Cheyenne camp.  That was Chief Aenohe’s son, ó'kôhóme.  But did he do it and how?   He would need to have proof.  He knew there was no way that Chief Aenohe would accept that one of his sons would try to kill the other.  It was unthinkable in any Cheyenne. Honor was held in high esteem among the Cheyenne.  For someone to take the life of another Cheyenne through dishonor broke Cheyenne tradition and law.

 

Vin did not know what he was going to do, but he knew he had to talk to the others in the morning.  Maybe together they could find the proof.  He closed his eyes, knowing that tomorrow they would have a hell of fight and that all their lives would be on the line.  To him, there was no other way.  It was a fight for Chris’ life and he would gladly give his own to save him.  He knew the others felt the same way and that Chris, if he could remember, felt the same about them.  Tomorrow was another day and he did not know what it would bring.  He hoped answers to his fears.

 

TBC

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Chapter 26

 

Vin was awoken by the sounds of morning.  The dogs barked loudly, making their hunger known to their masters.  He looked around the dim lit tipi and found his friends sleeping restfully.  He then turned to look at Chris and discovered a pair of brown eyes. 

 

“Pévevóona'o, Vin Tanner,” said Mapiya. She looked exhausted.  Vin realized that she must have been up all night taking care of Chris.  He felt guilty that he had not kept a similar vigil over Chris.  Chris was his best friend and he felt that he had failed him.

 

“Pévevóona'o, Mapiya.” Vin answered dejectedly.

 

Mapiya had heard the pain in his tone and knew by the way that Vin had kept his eyes upon Emo'ôhtavo vo'e that it had something to do with her love and his illness.  Mapiya insights have always served her well and this time it was no different. 

 

“Do not feel bad, Vin Tanner.  You tired and sick.  The heart…” she said pointing to her own chest. “… it is willing, but the body is tired.  You will be strong again.  You will again be by your friend’s side.”

 

Vin raised his downcast eyes and searched into Mapiya’s brown ones.  She was right.  He would be by Chris’ side again, ever watching, ever waiting for the one person who he felt some kinship too.

 

“How is he?”

 

Mapiya eyes lowered at his question.  She did not know what to tell him because she did not know herself. Ma'emestahke had left earlier in the night and returned shortly thereafter with what he said would cure Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s sickness.  He did not say how long it would take.  He did say that even if it helped to stop the poison, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e still had a long fight ahead and that Ma'emestahke did not know if his spirit was strong enough to survive.  But Mapiya did not say that to Vin.  She knew it would break his spirit and she could see the bond between these two.  The spirits had shown them to her in her dreams.  You could not destroy that with bad thinking.

 

“Ma'emestahke gave medicine.  Now we wait,” was all she replied.

 

Vin only nodded and then sat up more on the pallet.  He felt his wounds that we healing pull as the new scabs were stretched.  He groaned inwardly, trying not to show the pain that he was feeling. 

 

Mapiya knew he was in pain, but said nothing.  She knew he would not listen to her counsel as long as his friend was hurting.  Instead, she passed him the deerskin pouch with water.

 

Vin drank greedily.  Once his thirst was quenched, he determined it was time to wake his friends and discuss with them what he knew. They had work to do and he knew it would be a long day for him and his companions.

 

He got up slowly, trying to stretch the kinks out of his back and legs.  He had been laying around for too long.  He had a mission to accomplish and he knew it would not be easy considering that his suspicions pointed to the Chief’s son.

 

Nathan, J.D., Buck and Ezra were all asleep, lying closely to the other side of the tipi.  Josiah was nowhere to be found, but Vin had some inkling that he probably went to continue his talk with the medicine man.  Josiah seemed very excited last night about talking in length to the man and Vin knew when it came to talking about life, God and the world, Josiah would never pass up that kind of opportunity.

 

Vin leaned over Nathan and nudged his shoulder gently, trying to keep from startling him out of his sleep.  Nathan turned, but did not wake immediately.  Vin nudged him again, this time a little harder.  He knew out of all of them, Nathan was up the longest along with Mapiya.  He knew the man was dog-tired after his fight with death over the body of Chris Larabee. 

The healer’s eyes came quickly open.  He started rubbing the sleep from his eyes and looking around to see blue eyes inside a head of curly brown hair, leaning over him.  He also saw something in those eyes that he thought he would never see again in this man.  It was the look of fear and concern. He knew that fear and concern could be for only person.  The person was Chris Larabee.

 

“What happened?” asked Nathan, sitting up so fast that he got dizzy for a moment.

 

“Whoa, Nate!” said Vin softly.  “Take it easy.  Chris is alright for the moment.”

 

Vin watched as Nathan’s eyes turned to one of guilt.  Vin knew he felt guilty because he had fallen asleep when he should have been keeping a vigil over his patient.  “Nathan, we all need ta sleep sometime.  Chris is fine.  Mapiya and the medicine man figured out somethin’ ta help Chris.”

 

Nathan’s expression turned from one of guilt to one of relief.  “Thank God,” he sighed.  “I thought we wuz gonna loose ‘im for sure that time.”

 

“Thanks to you, Mapiya and Ma'emestahke, he’ll pull through. I just know it.”

 

Nathan heart seemed as if a great weight was lifted.  But then glanced at the young tracker’s face and still so the fear and concern that he had saw when he first awoke.

 

“Vin, what’s wrong?  I thought you said Chris was okay.”

 

“He is Nathan.  But there’s somethin’ we need ta talk about.  All of us.”

 

Nathan knew whatever Vin wanted to talk about it had to do with Chris Larabee and his current situation.  If Nathan read correctly, he knew it was not going to be good news.

 

“Okay.  I’ll wake up the others.  Where you wanna meet?”

 

“Back at the tipi that Chief Aenohe set up for us.  It’s private enough.  I’ll go get Josiah.  I know where he went.”

 

“Fine,” said Nathan rising from his sleeping pallet.  He started immediately waking up Buck, Ezra and J.D.

 

Vin then went back to Mapiya.  “Mapiya, my people and I have somethin’ ta talk over.  We will be in the tipi that your father had prepared for us.  If anythin’ changes with Chris, please come and get us.”

 

Mapiya bowed her head in acknowledgement.  “I will do…as you ask, Vin Tanner.  Can you tell me…is there wrong?” 

 

Vin knew he would be lying if he said no and he knew he could not lie to her.

 

“I am not real sure right now, Mapiya.” (Truth).  “My friends and I just need to talk about somethin’.” (Truth).

 

“I will wait for you, Vin Tanner,” was all the Mapiya replied and returned to watch over her lover.

 

Vin nodded and walked out of the tipi in search of Josiah.

 

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Chief Aenohe sat in contemplation among the tribal council, listening to their individual discussion and arguments.  They had completed smoking the pipe earlier and he had just finished telling him what he, Mapiya and Ma'emestahke, the medicine man had discovered concerning the strange illness that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s suffered.  Of course the tribal council was upset by this information.  There was much yelling and shouting by the members around the tribal fireside.  Most of them were upset about the laws that governed the Cheyenne way of life being broken by one of their own.  It seemed too impossible.  There had been individual discussions and arguments going on now for the past two hours.

 

Suddenly, a voice could be heard among the members.  A voice that cut clear into the mayhem of shouting, yelling and arguments that came from the others.  The voice spoke brutally of white treachery and how no Cheyenne would disobey the laws.  That it had to be the white stranger that was brought into the camp days ago.  It was he who was the cause.  He had came seeking and the one who had a purpose.

Some of the others started to murmur their own agreement in this.  A Cheyenne knew the penalty for taking the life of another Cheyenne. It was one of their sacred instructions to honor all life and to support that honor.  They would not risk dishonor to themselves, or their family or their people.

But a white man had no such honor.  They had no regard for life or land.  The white men killed their own brothers over dirt and traded their honor for yellow rocks that came out of the Black Hills, something that every Cheyenne knew no true person of the people would do.

 

As the man spoke on more about what the white man has done and will, Chief Aenohe listened quietly.  He knew the voice and it tore at his heart to hear such hatred.  It was the voice of ó'kôhóme, his own son and it dripped with venom for the white man.  Chief Aenohe knew that his son was inciting the people to take action.  The problem was that he knew the action would also hurt his other son.  He could see how much the white stranger cared for his son and although he son will not admit it, Chief Aenohe saw the look between them and how quickly he had trusted this man.  He knew Emo'ôhtavo vo'e was not one to trust a stranger so easily, considering his current memory lost.  No.  He could not let that happen.

 

Chief Aenohe stood up abruptly, holding up his hands to command silence of the rowdy crowd.  Silence came slowly, but none of the less, it came.  When everyone’s eyes were turned to their chief and he knew he had their attention, he said, “I do not believe the white stranger has done this.  He has lived among my family and he has nothing but goodness towards my son, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.”  He heard disbelief in the words of some of the members.  He said more forcefully, “We are human beings!  Not animals to kill without just cause!  We must have proof.”

 

Just then, one of the older tribal members started nodding emphatically.  Chief Aenohe watched as everyone’s eyes then turned to the older man.  His name was Ka'evêsehe which meant Stump Horn.  He was one of the oldest members of the tribe.  He remembered the Cheyenne of the past and how when they lived near the Black Hills, how mighty they were and multiple.  Now forced to move from their traditional lands to other places, he kept alive the bravery and honor that was Cheyenne.

 

Ka'evêsehe said in a voice did not waver, “Our chief is right.  We are not animals.  Our people have always followed the sacred ways and that should not change.” Ka'evêsehe paused at this, taking a deep breath to continue.  “We will not judge until we have proof.  Our chief has spoken.  I stand by him.” Ka'evêsehe then went quiet and looked at the other members of the council.  Chief Aenohe nodded. Ka'evêsehe had put them all to shame.  There was nothing that they could say to that and no one would defy their chief.  He was considered a great man, not just among his tribe, but by all Cheyenne.

 

“I will find the proof and when I do, we will punish the one that has done this terrible thing,” said Chief Aenohe.  The other members looked at him and could see the anger that blazed within his brown eyes.

 

Everyone voiced his agreement at the decision.  Chief Aenohe stood up and nodded to the members. “Épéva'e,” he said and with that walked out of the tribal lodge.  Chief Aenohe walked quickly through the camp.  He knew he had to find the proof and fast.  Time was running out for the white stranger and for his son. He knew unless he found the proof, he would be powerless to stop two deaths, for which he would deeply regret.  But he could not do it alone.  He needed help.  He hoped to find it within his own home.

 

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Chapter 27

 

Vin and Josiah stepped into the smoke-colored interior.  The others were there, sitting and lying in different position around the small fire.  They spun around to look up at Vin and Josiah who had just entered.  Nathan was busily cooking something over the fire in a small kettle.  Vin assumed it was some of his herbal teas for Chris. Buck was lying on the floor; eyes closed in annoyance as J.D. chattered away about what he thought was happening.  Ezra was looking bored, playing a game of Solitaire, flipping cards on to each other, but not really paying attention to what they were.

 

“Hey, Vin, what’s going on?” questioned J.D., jumping up from his seated position.

 

“Sit down, J.D.  Ya making my head spin,” replied Buck, reaching up and grabbing the young man’s arm to pull him back down.

 

“I’m sorry, Buck.  But we ain’t heard nothin’ since yesterday.”

 

“They boy’s right, Buck,” said Ezra, flipping another card on to the pile on the floor.  “We’ve been kept in the dark by our enigma of a tracker about our current situation. And this situation is starting to eviscerate my delicate stomach with the proficiency of a butcher.”

 

They all just stared at Ezra as if he had gone quite mad.  Ezra looked at them slyly and gave them a faint smile.

 

“Vin, I checked on Chris a little while ago.  He’s still unconscious, but Mapiya watching over ‘im.  Whatever that medicine man used, it seems its workin’.  Cut his fever down a lot, but he still has a way to go,” said Nathan, still stirring the kettle.  “I’m making ‘im some of my herb tea, to help with the rest of the fever.  From what Mapiya tells, though, that medicine man may have somethin’ stronger.  I was plannin’ on checking with ‘im to find out about it.”

 

Vin did not answer him readily and Nathan could tell something was bothering him.  Josiah also knew that there was something wrong with Vin’s mood.   Since their walk back to the tipi, Vin had been very quiet. And although that was his usual nature, it seemed to Josiah that the man was more so.  When he tried to question him about it, Vin seemed to be evasive and said he wanted to wait until they were all together.  Josiah wondered if it had anything to do with one Chris Larabee.

 

Vin knelt down by the fire tiredly.  His wounds were hurting since he awoke this morning and it appeared to be getting worst. He could have asked Nathan or Mapiya to give him something for the pain, but he had too much on his mind to think about it at the time.  All Vin knew at this moment that there was bigger concerns that needed to be worked on than his wounds at the moment.  He also knew Nathan and Mapiya would probably confine him to his pallet if he voiced his pain and right now he had no time.  In fact, he did not think there was much time left for any of them, including Chris.

 

Buck could see the way Vin was fidgeting that something was up and he knew it was not good.  Although the tall lawman was lying down relaxed, his face showed the concern he had for what Vin was about to tell them.

 

“Listen up.  There’s somethin’ ya’ll need ta know and I ain’t gonna have time ta explain it later.”

 

At that comment, they all turned the eyes towards him, listening to him intently.

 

“We’ve got trouble, boys.  Last night I heard a conversation between the medicine man, the chief and his daughter.   They were talkin’ about Chris’ illness…,”

 

“And?” asked Nathan seriously worried.

 

“And, from what I gathered, Chris was poisoned.”

 

“Poison?  By who?” asked J.D. loudly.

 

“When was this?” Vin heard Nathan ask.

 

“Damn, Pard!  I knew something was up with this whole situation!” exclaimed Buck, angrily and sitting up from his position on the floor.

 

“I had a feeling that we were not welcomed here,” Ezra commented.

 

“All right,” started Josiah, as he took a seat down next to Nathan on the floor.  “Why don’t ya’ll just shut up and listen to what Vin’s got to say!”

 

“Thanks, Josiah.  Now listen up.  I have some idea as ta whose responsible.”

 

They all waited with anticipation for Vin to make his declaration.

 

“I think it was ó'kôhóme.”

 

“Oka…who?” asked Buck, still angry that someone would try to kill his best friend.

 

“ó'kôhóme.  He’s the chief’s son.”

 

“But why Vin?  What has Chris done ta ‘im?”

 

“I don’t rightly know, Nathan.  I can only guess that maybe he’s angry at Chris being a part of his family and that he’s a white man.”

 

“Well, why should he be angry, Vin.  Chris ain’t done nothin’ ta ‘im.  We knowed that!”

 

“Listen, J.D.  The white man has done a lot of wrongs to the Cheyenne and the other nations.  T’wouldn’t surprise me none that that hatred would be strong among the young warriors.  They have been wronged the most.”

 

“So what you are basically saying brother is that Chris ain’t safe here.”

 

“So it seems, Josiah.  So it seems. And neither are we. I know Chief Aenohe and Mapiya would do nothin’ ta hurt Chris.  I’ve seen it by the way they have taken ‘im into their home.   What I am worried about is ó'kôhóme.  He’s a dangerous one, that one.  Before you boys arrived, he happened to manage to sneak into the tipi where Chris and I were stayin’ and was about ta cut his throat as he slept.  It was Chief Aenohe and Mapiya that saved ‘im.  And it wouldn’a put it past ‘im ta frame us for it.”

 

“Do you think we can trust our native friends with our illustrious leader’s well-being?  I mean, sir, I hope you’re not naïve to believe that this Chief and his daughter would turn against his own son over us.”

 

“I believe in Chief Aenohe.  He really cares for Chris as he would his own.  I think he would listen to reason.  And as for Mapiya, well…” Vin had hesitated telling them the truth about Chris’ and Mapiya’s relationship.  He did not know how they would take it.

 

“What are you not trying to say, my dear colleague?” asked Ezra.  Ezra had a feeling he was not going to like this one bit.  Why in the hell did he ever listening to these others?  His mother had warned him that having friends would be the death of him and it looked like her words were becoming true.

 

Then Ezra thought on the day that he had met these men and watched how they looked after each other, like brothers.  He had never had a brother and as he thought about it, he knew that these men were the finest brothers any man could call his own.  No, his mother was not necessarily right.  And if she were, well, then, at least he would die among friends who cared for each other.  If he had to die, there would be no better way than that.

 

“The reason why I know Mapiya can be trusted is because she and Chris are ta be married.”  Vin sighed silently in relief. There it was out in the open.

 

Buck started coughing, loudly.  It sounded like he was choking on his own spit.  Ezra rolled his eyes up to the sky, his face held a look of exasperation that would challenge the devil himself.  J.D. just sat there with his mouth hanging wide open, in shock.  Nathan only shook his head in disbelief and amazement.  Josiah just sat there quietly in contemplation.

 

“J.D.,” weased Buck, still trying to catch his breath.  “Close ya mouth or you’ll catch some flies.”

 

J.D. did as he was told, but his large brown eyes never left Vin’s face.

 

“And you say that I’m always thinking below my waist.  I think Chris has me beat this time,” said Buck, smiling leeringly at the others and jabbing J.D. in the arm.

 

“Buck!  This ain’t no time for jokin’,” replied J.D. quickly.  “Chris is in trouble.”

 

Buck smile quickly faded and his face turned serious.  He looked at the others and said,  “I know it ain’t no joke, J.D.  Especially when it comes to anything about Chris.  But I also know how hard it’s been for that man to find happiness and how hard it’s gonna be for him to let it go.”  Buck knew that whether Chris had his memory or not, if he was in love there would be no getting him back.

 

Vin knew Buck was right.  It was what he was afraid of from the first time he had found out that Chris had lost his memory and was living happily among the Cheyenne.

 

Then something occurred to Nathan.  He asked, “How long have you known about this, Vin?”

 

Vin did not answer at first.  He knew what was coming.

 

“Yeah, Vin.  How long did you know?” asked Buck, glaring angrily at the young tracker.

 

“Since the day I found him.  Mapiya told me,” came Vin’s soft reply.

 

“And you just decided to inform us of your little secret just now? Why?” asked Ezra, concerned about Vin’s honesty of the situation.

 

“Well I thought you might try ta talk me out of tryin’ ta get Chris back.”

 

Josiah was confused and so were the others.  “And why would you think that, Vin?”

 

“Because…Because of a promise I made…to Ezra.”

 

Ezra green eyes came to stare at Vin’s blue ones. “What?!”

 

“A promise to Ezra?  What the hell does Ezra have ta do with this?!” exclaimed Buck.

 

“Don’t cha remember, Ezra?  I made a promise ta ya that if Chris didn’t want ta come back that I would leave it alone.”

 

“And, since when do you listen to my counsel?” asked Ezra confused also.

 

“Ya mean ya didn’t mean what cha said about rememberin’ my promise?”

 

“Mr. Tanner, I would have said anything to keep you from killing yourself and us.  If that meant manipulating the truth, I would have done it to save us all.”

 

“Shoulda known!” said Vin disgustedly.  “I shoulda known.  Stupid!  I’m so stupid!”

 

“Vin, Vin.  Calm down now.  This ain’t gonna help Chris or us,” voiced Nathan, trying to calm the young man down.

 

“No, Nate!  This mangy dog lied ta me! How could ya?”

 

“I did not lie, Mr. Tanner.”

 

Vin broke off his ranting. Vin’s anger at Ezra’s ploy nestled closely to the surface, but he kept it bay.  He wanted to hear what the gambler had to say before he shot him.

 

“What I told you was the truth.  Nothing has changed.  You still must decide if Mr. Larabee does not wish to return with us whether or not you will let him go,” said Ezra simply.  “You still must face that decision.”

 

Vin glared at him with his best Larabee imitation.  But then the words slowly seeped into his soul.  Could he let Chris go?  Would he?  He did not want to think about it right now.  He just wanted to get Chris well and safe.   He would worry about his decision later.

 

“So, what do you suggest we do, friend?” asked Josiah.  He had been quietly considering the situation.  He knew how much these men cared for their friend and how much they would loathe to loose Chris.  But he also knew that Chris’ safety was the most important thing in their minds right now and they would want him alive with or without his memory of the past.

 

Josiah’s statement made him come back to the problem at hand. “Well, I’ll tell ya, Josiah.  I’ve been thinkin’ about this all night.  The Cheyenne are noble and honest people.  More honest than most white men I have met.  If we could find evidence to prove that ó'kôhóme is the one tryin’ ta kill Chris, then they will do whatever is in their power to punish the guilty one.”

 

“But how do we prove this, my esteem colleague?  We have only suspicions and theories.  I am sure we would need something more concrete in that it will alleviate any doubts that our fine host would have about the guilty party.”

 

“I wuz thinkin’ about that, Ezra.  We know Chris was poisoned. I just have to put the poison and ó'kôhóme t’gether and then I’ll have my proof,” answered Vin determinedly.

 

“Don’t cha think ya just jumping the gun a little, Vin?” asked Nathan, now concerned that maybe Vin was letting his feelings for ó'kôhóme get in the way of reason.  “I don’t think it gonna be that easy.”

 

“Nathan, ya should of seen ‘im standin’ over Chris!  There was so much hatred in ‘is eyes that they burned like fire.  Nathan, I’m tellin’ ya. ó'kôhóme coulda killed Chris just by lookin’ at ‘im.”

 

The others stared at Vin.  They had always trusted the tracker’s instincts and it would be no different this time.

 

“Okay, Vin.  I’m gonna go check on Chris and see how’s he doing.  I’ll also see if I can get Mapiya to take me over to that medicine man.  Maybe I can find out in a roundabout way what kind of poison he thinks it was,” said Nathan, winking at Vin.  Vin smiled and knew that Nathan would do everything in his power to save Chris’ life.  He, like Vin, still owed Chris for the times he had saved his.

 

“Josiah, you go with ‘im.  I figure that ole medicine man has taken a liken ta ya.”

 

“Right, Vin,” answered Josiah, nodding in agreement.

 

“J.D., Buck, Ezra, I need you three ta watch over Chris.  Ain’t no tellin’ once ó'kôhóme

finds out that Chris ain’t dead yet what he might do.  He has many of the Buffalo warriors on his side.  We’re just lucky the Dog Men ain’t.”

 

“How’s that?” asked Nathan.

 

“The Dog Men or Dog Soldiers are part of the warrior group that was goin’ ta make Chris one of them.  They have loyalty to Chief Aenohe.  Not to ó'kôhóme.  This is what’s keepin’ us alive.  If it was up to the Buffalo warriors, we’d all would been dead before we got into the village.”

 

“So what will you be doing, Vin?” asked J.D., curious.  He knew Vin was not the type of sit around while everyone else had something to do.

 

“I’m goin’ ta be doin’ some nosing around the camp.  Somebody, somewhere in this camp knows somethin’ and I aim ta find out what it is.  Now, go.  We ain’t got a lot of time.”

 

“You got it, Pard,” replied Buck, standing up.  He then turned to J.D. and said,  “J.D. boy, iffen you goin’ ta be stuck around me ya need ta keep that trap of yaurs shut.  Understand?”

 

“Aw, Buck.  I talk a lot when I’m nervous.  Ya know that.  And don’t call me boy!”  He then stood up to follow Buck out of the tipi.

 

“J.D., settle down, son. Buck means no offense by it,” said Josiah, now also standing up.

 

“I don’t rightly know about that, Josiah.  I think he does.”  J.D. quickly glanced over at Buck Wilmington.

 

“J.D., I don’t mean nothin’ by it.  I just know how ya get when ya get all excited and we can’t afford any more trouble than we got.”

 

J.D. was hurt by Buck’s comment.  He would never do anything to jeopardize his friends’ safety.   He had come a long way since the day that he had forced his way into the fold of the group.  They should understand that he was smarter than that.

 

Buck saw the look on J.D.’s face and felt guilty.  He knew he had hurt the boy.  He did not mean to. It was just that things were going crazy since they had found Chris and he did not want anything happening to the young boy.  He constantly feared that one day the kid’s mouth would get him into a trouble that would be hard put to get out of.

 

He said gently, “Listen, J.D.  We gotta watch each other’s backs and ya can’t do that jawin’.  Ya gotta be watchful.  Okay?” He winked at the young man.

 

J.D.’s face lit up once he saw that Buck was not really angry at all and that their friendship was as strong as it ever was.  “Okay, Buck.  Ya can depend on me!”

 

“Thanks, J.D.  Knew I could,” he said, patting the young man on the back. Buck then turned to face Vin.  “Don’t worry, Vin.  Chris is as safe as a babe in his mother’s arms.”

 

“Yes, Mr. Tanner.  Although you may not think that I care not for Mr. Larabee’s safety, you can be assured that I do and that no harm shall come to him as long as I am around.”  Ezra then turned and walked out of the tipi.

 

“Wow!  I can’t believe that Ezra just confessed to having concerns over Chris,” exclaimed Josiah.

 

Vin stared at the closed flap. “Me neither, Josiah.  I guess I was wrong about Ezra.”

 

“I guess we all were, brother.  Come on, Nathan.  We got a lot to do.”  Josiah then walked through the tipi flap.

 

“Right with you, Josiah,” replied Nathan, following quickly behind.

 

“That leaves us, kid,” said Buck, walking passed Vin to the flap door.  Before he went through, he reached Vin’s shoulder and quickly squeezed it.  “Don’t worry, Vin.  Everythin’ will work out fine.”  He then exited the tipi, with J.D. behind him.

 

Vin was alone in the tipi.  He knew what he had to do.  The others did not know how much danger they were really in, but Vin knew.  He also knew that his part was the dangerous of them all.  If ó'kôhóme discovered his plans or even suspected what he was up to it could get them all killed, including Chris.  Time was wasting.  He then walked over the tipi flap and opened it.  The bright morning sun hit his eyes, causing him to wince.  “Well, at least it was a good day to die.  At least things looked better in the daylight,” he thought, and walked out into the camp.

 

TBC

 

 

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