Chapter 48

Chris awoke to the smell of cooking meat. He sat up on his pallet and wiped the sleep from his eyes. When they finally focused, he saw Nathan and Vin sitting around the fire, a rabbit slowing roasting on a spit.

“Well, looks like sleepy head’s awake,” said Vin smiling over to Chris.

“Can’t sleep the day away,” started Chris. “It’s my wedding day.”

“Why don’t ya get over here and fill ya belly. Ya gon’na need it.”

Chris smiled and was happy that the tracker was no longer apprehensive about the wedding. He wanted him and Buck to stand by his side when he took his vows. He needed them for support, although we would never say.

“Have to go wash up first,” he said softly as he started to stand up. Unfortunately, his legs were not working as well as he thought. He swayed slightly as they tried to hold his weight.

Vin and Nathan had seen the weakness in the blond, but they both decided that they would ignore it. They knew he would want to stand on his own on this day of days. Stubborn he was, and they knew they would not win the argument if they tried to broach the subject.

When Chris was finally on his feet, he walked to the tipi flap and ducked outside. He did not see Vin as he nodded to Nathan and then swiftly followed him outside.

As Chris walked slowly over to the creek bed, he felt a presence near him. He stopped in his tracks and turned to face the presence. He smiled when he saw that it was his best friend and brother.

“You followin’ me?”

“Nope. Thought I get some of that great creek water for breakfast,” answered Vin smirking at him.

Chris looked him up and down and then shook his head in disbelief as he continued to the creek. Vin followed, whistling silently to himself.

When they got to the creek, Chris removed his leggings and moccasins, only keeping his loincloth on as he stepped into the creek to bathe. He felt Vin’s eyes behind him, not sure what the young tracker was thinking.

He splashed the water with fervor, washing his chest, arms and legs. When that was done he scooped up some water and started washing his face and hair.

Once he was done, he stepped out of the creek, shaky the water from his blond sun-bleached hair, trying to dry himself off.

Vin stared at the blond Cheyenne. Although he knew Chris was skinny, he could still see that he had lost weight during his sickness. His upper body had tanned darkly from being out in the sun all the time and his stance was that of a Cheyenne. But had he fully turned Cheyenne or was it just habit now. Vin did not know the answer, but he knew Larabee would have to make a decision soon and he dreaded the answer.

Chris started putting his leggings and moccasins back on. He noticed that Vin was silent and although they usually did not have to talk, they both could understand what each other was thinking. This time was one of those rare times when they were both in the dark.

Once he was done, he said, “Is there somethin’ bothering you, Pard?”

“Just thinkin’.”

“’Bout?”

“’Bout this and that,” said Vin starting to walk away. Chris quickly followed, knowing that his friend was avoiding answering him.

“Vin. If there’s anything…”

Vin swiftly turned to face him. His blue eyes were bright, dancing like the water in sunlight. “Chris, I cain’t say how happy I am to see ya so happy. But ya know ya haven’t said what ya gon’na do after the weddin’.”

Chris looked at him confused. “After the weddin’? You talkin’ that night,” replied Chris jokingly, trying to keep things away from the obvious.

“Chris. Ya know what I mean!” said Vin irritated.

“Tell ya the truth, Vin. I haven’t thought ‘bout it. I guess I was just tryin’ to get through the ceremonies and all,” admitted Chris.

“Well, when ya do, ya need to think what kind of life ya want for Mapiya and for ya children,” stated Vin determinedly.

“Children? What children?” asked Chris, quirking an eyebrow in his direction.

“Ya do know that Mapiya is gon’na wan’na have some kids, don’t cha?”

“I never really thought ‘bout it. I guess I haven’t thought ‘bout any of this, to tell ya the truth.”

“Didn’t think ya did, Cowboy,” said Vin grinning at Chris’ predicament.

“I’ll tell ya what. Let’s get me and Mapiya married first. Then I’ll talk to her about our future, okay?”

“That’s sounds like a right idea, Pard,” said Vin laughingly. He knew that Larabee was in for it once he and Mapiya were married.

“Come on. We got to get ready for a weddin’. I still got to find gifts for my in-laws, Mapiya and my friends,” he said walking away.

“What?”

“I guess someone wasn’t listenin’ to Young Man,” said Chris laughing as he continued walking towards the tipi.

“Larabee! Come back here!” yelled Vin, running after him. “Damn no good smart-ass!” he grumbled under his breath as he watched the blond duck into the tipi. It was turning out to be a good day.

* * * * *

Mapiya had bathed in the creek this morning in order to be blessed by the spirit of the Earth and now was in the temporary woman’s tipi busily putting the final touches to her wedding outfit.

She had also been busy making the gifts for her new brother-in-laws and her husband. It was traditional to give gifts to the people most important in the new life of the newly married couple. This was the responsibility of the bride and groom. The people she knew from her future husband’s side of the family was his brothers, all seven and his friend since being here, Kovaahe, Young Man. 
 
She knew that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e would have this as one of his tasks also. But she remembered that he had not time to get all the gifts that he would need during his illness, so she had made some for him, especially for his friends. She would have Otseemeoo'e, Standing Brave Woman who was her handmaiden for the wedding, bring them to her beloved before the ceremony.
 
Her father supplied other gifts for the rest of the people attending the wedding. He knew that Mapiya and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e did not have enough time to make or get gifts for so many people, so he had gifts made for everyone else. It would not be good to shame the newly married couple in front of the people.
 
She had finished Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s clothing yesterday and had sent to her father’s tipi. She hoped it would please him. It had taken her most of the day to finish it. Clothing for White Eagle was made by Otseemeoo'e and was delivered along with Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s clothing yesterday. Unfortunately, the big hairy-faced man, the one called Buck, had refused to wear the traditional clothing and had told them in no uncertain terms that he would wear his own clothing. 
 
Cheyenne brides, grooms and kin were to dress in traditional clothing, usually made by hand. Vin, on the other hand, understood their traditions and he was more willing. But since Buck was not of the people, it was accepted. It was his choice.
 
Mapiya mind then started to drift and memories of being with Emo'ôhtavo vo'e entered her thoughts. She could almost feel his touch upon her skin and his lips upon hers. She remembered their very first kiss and how her heart beat so within her heart at its fire and passion. There had been no other man that could produce such feelings in her heart and soul and she knew there was no other man for her.
 
Just then, someone entered the tipi and Mapiya turned to find it was Otseemeoo'e. Otseemeoo'e was a young Cheyenne woman. Her long brown hair flowed freely down her back and her big brown eyes reminded Mapiya sometimes of a puppy, always in wonder and curiosity.
 
“Mapiya, it is almost time. You must hurry and dress,” she said in Cheyenne.
 
“Sorry. My mind was wandering,” replied Mapiya.
 
“You were dreaming about your warrior husband!” laughed Otseemeoo'e, as she patted Mapiya on the shoulder. “You will have much time with him once you are married.”
 
Mapiya looked at her smiling. Otseemeoo'e was always laughing and joking. She was Mapiya’s best friend and in the beginning was the only one who stood with her when she announced that she wanted to marry Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.
 
“Very well, sister. I will get dressed quickly. But I need you to take these to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.”
 
Otseemeoo'e nodded and took the package that Mapiya had handed her. She then walked quickly out of the tipi.
 
Once she was gone, Mapiya quickly started to get dress into her wedding dress. It was turning out to be a good day.
 

* * * * *

Chris had dressed in his wedding leggings, moccasins, shirt and loincloth. They were clothing was handmade by Mapiya from soft deerskin and dyed white.

Chris touched the fabric with his fingertips. Its smoothness seemed to bring calm to his dark nature. These people were adept at not only creating beauty, but also to put the feelings of their culture into that beauty. There was beaded work intricately placed among the clothing that symbolized the beginning of life and of family.

Vin and the others stared at Chris, dressed in his Cheyenne wedding clothes. He was the picturesque example of a Cheyenne warrior. His hair was platted into two braids behind his back and held in place by a beaded white headband, decorated in color beads that signified the spirit of the four winds. The feather of a hawk was stuck in his hair, straight as an arrow it stood to crest his head.

Buck whistled gently. “Damn! Ya sure look like an Indian, Pard. Well, except for the hair,” said Buck smiling widely.

Vin agreed with Buck. It was not only his clothes that were Cheyenne, but the man himself. Although Chris’ memories were returning, he was surely becoming more Cheyenne each day. Vin’s earlier fear was starting to raise its head again. Would the change become so complete that he would loose his friend? Would his friend stay among the Cheyenne, giving up the life before? His mind was in turmoil, but he knew his friend needed him now and he would do nothing to ruin his happiness.

“Ya sure do look real purty there, Cowboy,” Vin said teasingly.

“You’re the one to talk,” answered Chris, eyeing Vin’s own wardrobe.

Vin was dressed as Chris, although he did not wear the headband or feather. His curly brown haired flowed loosely onto his shoulders wildly. The lanky Texan seemed to be comfortable in the Cheyenne garb as if he was born to it.

“Yeah, Vin. You look a mite injun there,” came Buck’s statement.

“I am in accordance with Mr. Wilmington’s opinion, Mr. Tanner. You do seem to wear that attire as if you were born to it,” said Ezra grinning.

“Well, Ezra, I say comin’ from ya I’ll take that as a compliment,” retorted Vin.

Suddenly, Chief Aenohe appeared at the tipi flap. “We are ready when you are, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e,” he said to Chris in Cheyenne.

“I am ready,” answered Chris and watched as the elderly chief closed the flap. Chris then turned to his friends and sighed deeply. “Well, I guess it’s time.”

“Ya not getting’ cold feet, are ya Pard?” asked Buck. He knew this was a big step for his oldest friend. He was going to start a new life, putting the past behind him and maybe once his life, he would find happiness. He thought his friend deserved some type of happiness considering the hell he had been in when he lost his wife and son. Now he would have a new wife and maybe even a new family.

“Nah, Buck. Just thinking on how things have changed so much for me in the past few months. If I hadn’t gone searching for…for…”

“I know, Chris, I know,” said Buck putting his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “But now ya got somethin’ to live for. Somethin’ ya may never get again.”

Chris nodded, holding back the tears that were trying to form in his eyes. “Let’s get going before this becomes sappy,” he said.

The men nodded and proceeded to go through the flap. Chris and Vin were the last through. Before they went, Chris turned to Vin and said, “Whatever happens, Pard, I’ll always watch your back.”

Vin looked into his eyes and saw that Chris would always be there for him, no matter what. “Me too, Cowboy.”

They both grabbed each other arms in their familiar hold and knowing that they would face whatever tomorrow would bring together, they walked out to meet Chris’ new life. It was turning out to be a good day.
 

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Chapter 49

Chris, Vin and Buck stood in front of the tipi that would be Chris and Mapiya’s home. Vin and Buck, with the assistance of Josiah and JD had put up the tipi the day before, as they were instructed by Young Man. Chris alone stood on a multi-color blanket, waiting for his bride to join him, by his side during the ceremony.
 
There were gifts from the people of the tribe lying around the tipi entrance. Everyone had donated something for the new couple’s start in life. 
 
Chris stood straight and tall as he watched his bride bringing brought to him by her father, while the drums beat in time to their steps. They were followed by Ma'emestahke, the medicine man, who carried a pipe with him decorated with many feathers hanging on it. Ma'emestahke was the Sacred Pipe Carrier of his tribe and would be the officiator of the wedding ceremony.
 
Chris eyes watched as Mapiya came to him, smiling, dressed in her white doeskin wedding dress, decorated with the same colored beading as his own. Her white deerskin moccasins softly took each step that brought her closer to him. Her hair was laced with beads and braided into two brown ropes that hung in front of her. She held an Eagle feather in her right hand. 
 
Once they had reached the men, Chief Aenohe motioned for Mapiya to take her place on the blanket next to Chris.
 
Mapiya shyly walked over to stand next to her beloved, raising her eyes to meet his. This was the day that she had been waiting for so long.
 
Chief Aenohe then placed Mapiya’s hands into Chris’. Chris felt the warmth of those soft hands and it made his heart beat faster. Mapiya blushed knowingly at what Chris was feeling, for she felt it too.
 
Vin and the others looked on unabashed and smiling. They saw that the couple was happy and enjoying every minute of the prospect of being together.
 
Chris was not listening as Ma'emestahke droned on about Chris’ husbandly duties and responsibilities. He was so enthralled by Mapiya’s beauty that everything else did not exist for him at this moment. He looked into her brown eyes and he felt himself drowning in a sea of calmness and serene. He held her hands in his, lighting rubbing them within his own. The touch of her soft brown skin next to his sent his mind awhirl with thoughts of passion. She was to be his and he hers. He could think of nothing more exciting than waking up in her soft arms.
 
Mapiya was also not listening as Ma'emestahke explained about what was expected of a Cheyenne wife. She was gazing into the eyes of a Cheyenne warrior, a warrior who would be bonded to her forever. This man, who had came into her life and turned everything around, was now going to be her husband. She felt his green eyes upon her and looked up into them. They held so much love and adoration in them that she caught her breath in surprise. She realized that this man truly loved her and he was with her now, not his past.
 
“Do you understand?” came Ma'emestahke’s question, bringing both Chris and Mapiya out of their reverie.
 
“Heehe'e,” answered Chris, still looking at Mapiya.
 
“Heehe'e,” replied Mapiya also not taking her eyes off of Chris.
 
Buck rolled his eyes in exasperation. He turned to Vin and said, “If they keep that up, we’ll never get this weddin’ finished.” Their looks had not gone unnoticed by the ladies man.
 
Vin smiled gently and nudged the big man gently with his elbow. “Ya keep talkin’ and I’m gon’na shoot ya.”
 
They watched as Chris and Mapiya were told by the Medicine Man to move off the blanket. Chris and Mapiya did so, waiting for the next step in the ceremony.
 
Chief Aenohe eyed Buck and Vin annoyed. He had been trying to get their attention for the past second.
 
Vin noticed the look on Chief Aenohe’s face and turned to Buck. “Buck, we’re up,” said Vin, moving to one side of the blanket. Buck then stumbled out of his thoughts and moved to the other side. Together, as instructed by Young Man, they picked up the blanket from the ground and wrapped it around the couple.
 

Chris and Mapiya moved into each other arms, as the blanket enfolded them into each other’s body. Chris could the smell the sweet scent of flowers that radiated from her hair. He placed a kiss upon it and then without preamble, placed a deeper kiss upon her lips as they were wrapped in the blanket.

Ma'emestahke then held out the Sacred Pipe and watched as Chris and Mapiya both took puffs, blowing the smoke towards the four ways of the wind. They then handed back the pipe to the Medicine Man, who then himself performed the same.

The Cheyenne people had no words that would express the end of a wedding ceremony. Each person makes a declaration that they choose to be known as husband and wife. It was a simple agreement between two people that held the bond of marriage. Their commitment was to themselves and to the Creator, to God. There was no breaking of that commitment, and no divorce. If the couple separated and went their separate ways, in the eyes of the Creator, they are still husband and wife. Only death ends a marriage for the Cheyenne people.

 
Once the smoking of the pipe was completed, the people who had come to the wedding and the other six men hooped, yelled and shouted approval at this. They knew without words that the ceremony was at its end.
 
Chief Aenohe then said, “Come. Time for the wedding feast and then the gift giving to your loved ones.” He smiled at the couple. His heart was very happy and he hoped reverently that nothing interfered with that happiness.
 
The wedding party and the people walked towards the center of camp where they wedding feast would take place.
 

* * * * *

 
Vin sat next to Chief Aenohe and Young Man, as he watched Chris and Mapiya still wrapped in the blanket, dancing in the middle of circle that surrounded the huge campfire that was blazing. The other five men sat on Vin’s other side, enjoying the food that was brought to them by the women of the tribe. ó'kôhóme was nowhere in sight. He had made it perfectly clear about how he felt about the marriage of his sister to a white man and Vin knew that his deviltry was not at its end. He just hoped that his friend would have some happiness before all hell broke loose.
 
Vin sidled a glance at his friends, who he could see were laughing and pointing at Chris and his new bride as they danced the Cheyenne-wedding dance. 
 
“Hey,” Vin heard from JD. “When did Chris get so good at dancin’? I ain’t ever seen him dance before.”
 
Then he heard Buck reply laughingly, “There’s a lot of things ya ain’t see Chris do, boy.”
 
“I do believe that Mr. Larabee seems to have an artiste inclination when it comes to native dancing, Mr. Wilmington.” That was Ezra.
 
“Well, at least he looks happy.” Vin heard Nathan interject.
 
“I do believe our brother has found what the Lord deems as heaven on Earth, boys,” came Josiah’s statement to Vin’s ears.
 
At that the music had stopped and the newly married couple came to walk over to their wedding entourage.
 
Still holding Mapiya within his arms in the blanket, Chris said, “It’s time for gifts.”
 
“Yes,” added Mapiya. “We would like…like to show…our…” She looked up at Chris and Chris finished her sentence.
 
“Appreciation.”
 
“Yes, a..praci…sheashone.”
 
“Close ‘nough, Shining Eyes,” he said chuckling and kissing her on the top of her head.
 
Chris and Mapiya then started to distribute the gifts that they had to their closest of friends, while Chief Aenohe walked away to give gifts to the people of the tribe.
 
The six men were the last to get their gifts. Chris and Mapiya had planned it that way, as they thought that the giving of gifts to these men was especially important.
 
Chris and Mapiya both stood in front of the six men. Mapiya handed something that was bundled in animal skin over to Chris and went over to Vin first.
 
“Vin, this is for you. It was one of mine, but I think now it belongs to a hand that can really use it likes it’s suppose to be used,” said Chris handing the bundle over to Vin.
 
Vin opened the gift and stared at it as his eyes began to mist a little. It was a knife. It was at least 9 inches long from the handle to the tip. The metal, Vin knew was European made, probably traded with traders by the Cheyenne. The handle was bone and was engraved with the image of an Eagle in white.
 
“I made engraving and Mapiya did the drawin’. Hope ya like it.”
 
“Chris…Chris, this is perfect,” was all Vin could say. But Chris read more into those words. He knew that the tracker was bursting with joy and pride at the gift. Chris only nodded that he understood.
 
Chris then next moved on to Buck. He said, “Buck.”
 
Buck Wilmington stepped to stand in front of Chris. His broad smile infectious to the others and his eyes lit up at the happiness he saw in the face of his oldest friend.
 
“Chris, we’ve been together a lot years. We’ve roamed around ‘bout every place a man could a gone. But I think ya have finally found where ya heart’s really at.”
 
“Buck, are you gettin’ sentimental on me?” asked Chris, his eyes rising in surprise.
 
“Are you kiddin’? Never! We’re too old for that shit!”
 
“Yeah,” replied Chris bowing his head to hide his grin. “I guess ya right.” He then motioned for Mapiya to bring him the next gift.
 
Chris handed the small gift to Buck and watched with delighted eyes as he opened it.
 
Buck brought what was in the wrapped skin out for everyone to see. It was a necklace made from colored stones. The stones had etching too small for the eye to see clearly. He looked at Chris questioning.
 
Chris stepped closer to Buck until he was next to his ear and whispered, “Me and Mapiya thought ya might need a little edge with the ladies.  She had this necklace made by the Medicine Man. It’s suppose to bring ya luck.”
 
Buck laughed hard at that comment. “Hell, Chris. What makes ya think I need any luck when it comes to women?”
 
“Now, Buck. Every little bit helps,” retorted Chris jokingly. Buck only laughed even more.
 
Chris then walked in front of Nathan. He said, “Nathan, if it weren’t for you, I woulda been dead and this day would not of been.”
 
“That’s not true, Chris. Mapiya’s the one that found the cure for ya. I just happened to be there.”
 
“But that wasn’t the first time ya saved my life, Nate,” said Chris turning to Mapiya. He took the wrapped item from her hands and handed it to Nathan.
 
Nathan opened the item and found in it a bag full of herbs. “I told Mapiya ‘bout how ya use herbs to help and cure the sick and wounded. This medicine has been used by the Cheyenne for as long as they can remember. It helps with sicknesses in the chest and head. She said it’s also good for fever and such. She hoped it come in handy for ya.”
 
Nathan nodded his thanks. “Thank you both. I sure ‘nough can use as much help as I can with the way you boys…” He stopped mid-sentence, realizing just what he was about to say.
 
“I know, Nate,” said Chris placing his hand on friend’s shoulder. “The others still gon’na need ya.” He knew the man was saddened by the fact that this might be the last time that they would ride together.
 
Chris then moved to Josiah. Mapiya handed him the gift for Josiah and Chris moved to stand in front of the holy man.
 
“Josiah, this is not much, but I guess me and Mapiya figured it would be suited for someone like you.” Chris handed over the gift, he and Mapiya had chosen for him.
 
Josiah opened the gift to find a medicine bag and the etchings of a bird, flying through a storm of some sort.
 
“This is a medicine bag that will protect ya. It carries the protection of the Thunderbird, my spirit guide, the way Mapiya has explained it to me. Anytime ya need me, ya just send this bag to me and I’ll come a runnin’.”
 
Josiah looked at Chris askance. He knew what Chris was saying, but it still hurt to hear it. The blond gunslinger was giving up his life in Four Corners and was choosing to stay with his wife’s people. He wondered if Vin heard this and when he turned to look over to the young sharpshooter, he knew he had as he saw his crestfallen face.
 
“Thanks, Chris. I will,” was all that Josiah could answer.
 
It was not lost on Chris that Vin had heard his words. He was planning on talking to Vin tomorrow about his decision. He did not want to spoil their enjoyment with the discussion on parting each other’s company. But it was too late. The words were already out of his mouth before he could stop them from leaving. He looked at Vin, saddened and determined to talk to the young man before he left for his bed and home with his new wife. But he needed to finish the gift giving first.
 
Chris then slowly walked to stand in front of JD. He said, “JD, I know we tease ya ‘bout bein’ one of us and I have to say, Kid, you are. So don’t let these smart-asses tell ya different, ya hear?”
 
“I sure do, Chris,” said JD, as sadness filled his throat with a lump. He knew he was really saying good-bye to his idol and friend, and although JD knew in a way sort of that Chris would probably be leaving their company soon, he had not believed that it would be this soon.
 
“Here, JD. I thought this would suit you,” said Chris, handing a large wrapped item to JD.
 
JD opened the item and found in it a bow and some arrows in a leather pouch. JD eyes grew at the sight of them and a huge smile formed on his face.
 
“Wow! This is great, Chris. But I cain’t use…”
 
“You’ll learn, JD. Just how you learned to be one of us,” said Chris, putting his hands on the young man shoulders. The easterner smiled his appreciation to Chris for such a gift.
 
“Look, Buck!” exclaimed JD running over to his friend. “Look, what I got!”
 
Chris chuckled softly at the young man’s enthusiasm. But then his faced turned serious and stepped over to where Ezra was.
 
Ezra stood waiting nervously, his feet not being able to stand still. “Mr. Larabee, I believe it is unnecessary for you to bestow any type of gratuitous…”
 
“Ezra, shut up,” said Chris glaring at him. Mapiya then hit Chris on the arm. “Ow! What ya do that for?”
 
Mapiya glared at him hard. Damn! The woman had got his glare down pat. “You are being rude,” replied Mapiya in Cheyenne to him.
 
Ezra looked at the two bewildered, but he knew that some disagreement had just occurred between the couple. He just did not know what. Well, it seemed that married life was already starting for Mr. Larabee. Ezra grinned wickedly at the two.
 
“Sorry, Ez,” said Chris growling. “Here.” And begrudgingly handed over to Ezra a small brown leather pouch.
 
Ezra immediately opened and sighed. “Why thank you, ah…Mr. and Mrs. Larabee. This is really an auspicious gift.”
 
Mapiya looked at Chris. She did not understand the strange white man’s language.  “He’s thankin’ us for the gift, Mapiya.” Mapiya nodded in understanding. 
 
Ezra then poured the contents of the bag out into his hands. It was the colored marbles that he had admired earlier when he saw the Cheyenne children playing with them.
 
“Ez, they ain’t valuable, ya know,” said Chris eyeing him suspiciously.
 
“But certain marks won’t know that, Mr. Larabee,” answered Ezra grinning at him as if he was the cat that swallowed the canary.
 
“Ya never change, do ya, Ezra?” said Chris smiling too.
 
Chris then stood back with Mapiya and smiled at all his friends. Friends he called brothers. He then looked at Vin and walked over to the man who was closest to him as much as Buck Wilmington.
 
“Vin, I meant…”
 
Vin held up his hand to halt whatever Chris was about to say. “Chris, there ain’t no need. Ya made up ya mind and I’m happy for ya, Cowboy.”
 
“Are ya truly happy for me, Pard?”
 
“Chris, we been friends for awhile now and I think I got to know ya pretty good. If this is what ya want, then this is what I want too.”
 
Chris beamed at him gently. Vin would always be a part of his heart and so would the others. He had fought by this men side and he would die for them. They would never be forgotten by him.
 
“Can we still talk about it tomorrow?” asked Chris tentatively.
 
“Well, I don’t think tomorrow ya gon’na be in any mood to talk to me,” said Vin jokingly, glancing at Mapiya.
 
Chris coughed loudly, trying to suppress a laugh that tried to rise out of him.
 
Mapiya looked at him worried. She thought something was wrong.
 
“Is there something wrong, husband?” she asked thoughtfully in Cheyenne.
 
“No. He just can’t wait to get you alone,” answered Vin in Cheyenne.
 
Mapiya giggled at this comment and hugged her husband.
 
“Vin!” threatened Chris, his green eyes glaring hard at him.
 
“Oh, come on, Chris. Don’t tell me I gotta teach ya ‘bout ya husbandly duties too now.”
 
“Vin! One more word and I’m definitely gon’na shoot ya!”
 
Vin only smiled widely.
 
They did not notice that Chief Aenohe and the rest of the wedding party were walking towards them.
 
“My brothers, guests, it is time to see the husband and wife to their new home safely,” announced Chief Aenohe amused.
 
Chris and Mapiya then turned to walk towards their new home on the other side of the camp, while the wedding party and their friends followed. All the way there, they were teased with words and sounds concerning the actions of their upcoming wedding night.
 
By the time they reached the entrance of their tipi, Chris and Mapiya’s ears had turned a dark shade of red and embarrassment showed on their faces. Before entering the tipi, the couple turned to the crowd. Chris said, “We thank you all for making this a good day.”
 
Everyone in the crowd cheered and laughed, as they watched the couple turn and entered their new home and the start of their new life together.
 
Once they were gone, everyone including the six brothers, walked away to find their own beds, except for Chief Aenohe. He had stayed a little while longer to scare off some troublemaking boys who tried to peep under the tipi and annoy the newly married couple.
 
“Tâhéovešêstse! Tâhéovešêstse!” he yelled at the young boys. 
 
The young boys got up from their hiding places and ran away from the tipi, laughing and giggling all the way.
 
As soon as he saw that the couple would no longer be bothered by the childish antics of the children, he smiled and turned to walk towards his own bed. “Yes,” he thought as he walked. “This has been a good day.”
 
 
Translations:
 
Heehe'e – Yes.
Tâhéovešêstse! – Go to bed!
 

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Chapter 50

Chris awoke during the night, his heart hammering in his chest. He sat up abruptly, fear tearing at his heart and then remembered that he was safe, safe in his new home with his new wife. He looked down and saw his naked wife sleeping peacefully next to him. He sighed in relief, but the dream still stood on the edges of his mind.

He thought about the dream. It was a strange one, but no stranger than the ones he had for the past few months. But this one was different. There was something there that was not a memory, but something that hasn’t happened yet and Chris desperately wanted to remember it.

He could see part of it in his mind, but part of it stood behind a shadow of darkness that he could not penetrate. His mind wandered over what he had seen in the dream. It was about him, Mapiya and Vin. In the dream for some reason he was crying and a body lay at his feet, but he could not see the face of the body. He could feel the warmth leaving the body as he held it in his arms and he could feel the tears running down his face, but he could see the image of the person he held. He could hear Mapiya and Vin’s voices, but they were far away, as if they were leaving him alone. He then remembered he cried in anguish at the life that was disappearing into the darkness and then he woke up.

He felt Mapiya stir next to him and he looked down at the lovely naked body of his new wife. She was asleep turned the other way, her head resting on her arm. Chris smiled lovingly at her. He could not believe that this was happening. He thought his life was ending the day he was found by Mapiya and her people. But it seemed it was just the beginning.

He leaned over her and kissed her gently on the forehead. Mapiya sighed and opened her eyes. She found herself looking into a pair of bright green eyes, lit up by the fire in their home.

“My husband,” said she softly in Cheyenne. She loved saying that to this man. It seemed to fill her heart with joy at the sound of it.

“My wife,” replied Chris back in Cheyenne, touching her face tenderly, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face.

“You are awake? Is there something wrong?” she asked worried.

“No, no. Nothing is wrong. Everything is so right. More right than it’s ever been for me.”

Mapiya could only eye him perplexed. Chris so that she did not understand and said, “It’s just that after the death of my first wife and son, I did not think I could be happy again, ever.”

“But you are now?”

“Oh, yes. So very much as long as I am with you.”

“And I feel the same, husband. It is like that I have found what I have been searching for so long.”

“Yes! That is it! It’s like when I am with my fr…”

“With your friends?” asked Mapiya finishing his sentence for him.

“Yes,” said Chris sadly. “Like when I am with my friends.”

“They are sad and so are you. You will part?”

“We must. I am with you now and I would not want to take you away from your people.”

“True. They are my people, but just like your friends they are your people too now.”

“I know, Mapiya. I feel so serene and calm when I am here. But I felt that also among these men, my brothers.”

“I see how they care about you, husband. It brings so much joy to my heart.”

“Yes, they do. But now I am afraid I will be losing them.”

“But you do not have to,” came Mapiya’s statement. Chris stared at her bewildered.

“I do not?”

“No. You do not. I am your wife, husband. I go where you go, always.”

“But, Mapiya…”

She put her finger to his lips. “I go where my husband go, whether it be to the desert or the spirit world itself. You do not have to choose.”

“But Mapiya you don’t understand. Your people are so different from mine. They would not wholly accept our marriage,” Chris explained.

Mapiya only looked at him more confused. “Do not men and women marry among your people?”

Chris laughed lightly at her innocent statement. “Yes, they do. But it is not the marriage that they would not accept. It our the difference of our color.”

“Why?” Mapiya still could not grasp the thought of what Emo'ôhtavo vo'e was describing. It did not exist among her people. Neither Cheyenne nor any tribe that she knew of considered whether a person was a human being by the color of their skin or the race that they had been born to. There were many men and women among the Cheyenne that were wedded to the Cheyenne that were not born of the people. She could not understand what Chris was getting at.

Chris sighed as he saw the look on her face and knew that she could not, would not understand. It was not in their nature to understand prejudice or bigotry. He touched her face gently and said, “In my world, people are not born to hate because of color. It is something that they are taught.”

“Your people are taught to hate? Why?”

“Because their heart and mind are closed to anything new.”

“Am I new?”

“New to them, yes. But your soul is an old one. One that is old and wise.”

Mapiya smiled at him and then pulled him down to lie next to her. She then wrapped her arms around her naked husband, her hands gently rubbing his back in a soothing motion. “I am wise to have found such a good man. We will find a way and we will make a home, with you, me and our children.”

Chris looked at her surprised. “Children? I did not think I would ever hear that word again,” he said to her, kissing her on the lips.

“You shall hear it many times, husband,” said Mapiya cheerily and then she kissed him back, hard and long.

They wrapped themselves in their lovemaking and for now the world and its problems would be held at bay.

* * * * *

The Cheyenne warrior walked cautiously over to where the outsiders had their horses tied, carrying his precious bundle. Ka'evêsehe was very nervous and kept his eyes alert to anyone who might see him.

He then walked over to the horse that belonged to the one called White Eagle, and placed the bundle inside the white man’s saddlebags, closing the bag and replacing the blanket roll on top.

He smiled as he saw that he had completed his task. ó'kôhóme’s plan was well thought out. Or so he thought. He then turned to walk back the way he had come, but he did not see the puppy brown eyes that watched him. The eyes saw what the Cheyenne warrior had did and was confused as to why he would be going into the saddlebags of the white men. Confused, the eyes pulled back into the tipi that was situated near the horses.

* * * * *

Morning came quickly and Chris awoke feeling almost refreshed and just a little bit exhausted. He forgot that he was no longer a young man and that Mapiya, being much younger than him by ten years had more stamina than he did. He smiled as he reminisced on their lovemaking.

Although he and Mapiya had talked about their future, there was still no decision on where they would live. He knew that the Cheyenne did not call any one specific place home since they were wanderers and usually lived wherever the time of year dictated. Right now, he needed Vin Tanner since he was a man who had lived in both worlds and we could get a better insight into what his choices would be.

He silently and cautiously put on his leggings, moccasins and his newly acquired vest, given to him as present by Standing Brave Woman. He then leaned gently over his new bride and kissed her on the cheek. Mapiya moaned, but did not wake and Chris preferred it that way. He knew that Mapiya was tired and not just from last night. Taking care of him when he was ill and dealing with her brother’s hatred had sapped the young woman’s soul. It was good see the peacefulness on her face as she slept and Chris did not want to spoil it not knowing what the day ahead would bring.

After he had his knife sheathed securely into his right boot, he crawled towards the exit flap of the tipi. He took one last longing look at his love and then scooted through to the day outside.

The sun had barely come up over the encampment, but the women were busy at the creek, gathering water for this morning’s breakfasts and cleaning.

He had not walked far when he spied who was looking for, sitting on an outcrop rock that overlooked the creek bed.

Chris walked over to the slouched figure, which seem to be staring at nothing particular in the water below.

“Hey, Vin. You up early.”

Vin Tanner turned to face the voice of his best friend and sent a sad smile his way. “I didn’t think ya be up at all, Chris.”

Chris moved to sit next to the lanky Texan on the rock. He also looked down into the murky water of the creek bed, not knowing how to allay the young tracker’s fears.

“Vin, I didn’t mean for you to find out…”

“Chris, I understand, really. Ya got a wife now and that’s all ya need to be concerned with.”

“No. It isn’t. I have a wife, but I also have brothers and together they make my family,” responded Chris. “You are all my family, Vin. I was a lost soul when I came to Four Corners. The only thing I was lookin’ for was death and I probably would of found it, if not for you six.”

“Chris…”

“No, listen. Me and Mapiya got to talkin’ last night. We still haven’t made a decision as to where we gon’na live.”

Vin’s head snapped up and stared at him at this information. “Ya haven’t?”

“Nope.”

“Do ya know when ya gon’na make up ya mind?” asked Vin, hope still fluttering in his chest.

“How long can ya stick around?”

“Well, we should get back to Four Corners soon. We’ve been gone a long time and I’m sure Judge Travis and Mary…”

At the name of Mary Travis, Chris glanced to Vin quickly and then turned back to gaze at the water below.

“Ya do remember, Mary, don’t cha?” asked Vin suspiciously.

“Yeah. I remember. Mary and Billy Travis. I don’t…I don’t know…”

“Ya know she cares about ya, Chris,” said Vin stating the obvious.

“Yeah, I know,” said Chris bringing his eyes back to the young man’s face. “But Vin, that was before I found Mapiya. I love Mapiya with all my heart. I would die for her, Vin.”

“And Mary?”

“And Mary was…is a good friend.”

“No more than that?”

“No more. Not now. Maybe if this all hadn’t happened, maybe there would have been somethin’. But right now, it ain’t and right now the only thing that my heart is tellin’ me is that I love Mapiya very much.”

Vin sat there silently, taking in all that Chris had said. He understood the man did not want to hurt Mary or her son in any way, but he had fallen deeply and madly in love with a shy Cheyenne maiden and now that maiden was his wife, his life. He would not give that up for anything in the world, including the feelings of Mary Travis and her son.

“Vin, I still care about Mary and Billy. I love that boy as if he was my own. But I also know that he ain’t my own and that if Mary and I had never got together, he would never be my own. I can’t live on maybes or what ifs. Mapiya is here and now.”

Vin understood that. He also knew about the hopes of having a family and then waiting years and years for one. Once a man had it in his hands, he should never let go, no matter what.

“So what ya gon’na do, Pard?”

“Tell the truth, once I get back to town.”

Vin glared at him in confusion. “Back to town? Does that mean what I think that means?”

Chris did not answer him. He smiled, as he got from the rock and started walking away back to the encampment.

Vin jumped up and ran after him. “Chris! Chris!” But Chris ignored him as he continued his walk towards breakfast and home.

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

Chapter 51

Chris wandered the encampment, his friend and brother walked besides him, quiet and in thought. Chris had hinted to Vin that he might come back to Four Corners, but he still had not said what the decision was.

They were about to reach the tipi that held the rest of five men, when they saw Smoke Appears running towards the Chief’s tipi.

Chris grabbed him by the arm and stopped his forward run into the tipi. He saw the frantic look on the boy’s face and wondered if anything had happened to the old chief.

He asked, “Tósa'e nétao'sêtsêhe'öhtse, Se'tovaotse ?”

The boy shook his head as he detached his arm from Chris’ grasp and continued to run towards Chief Aenohe’s tipi.

Chris looked at Vin perplexed. Something was not right and Chris knew considering the way Smoke Appears was acting, it was not good.

“Come on, Vin. Let’s get over to Chief Aenohe and find out what’s going on,” he said taking the same path as Smoke Appears.

Vin nodded and followed his friend’s direction.

When they got to Chief Aenohe’s tipi, they found the Chief Aenohe, Smoke Appears and their other five friends standing outside of the tipi.

Chief Aenohe was speaking to Smoke Appears. The boy seemed to be in a panic. The Chief spoke to the boy, calming him down and listened intently to what the boy was saying. The Chief replied something to him in low tones, which Chris nor the others could make out.

When they finally finished and Chief Aenohe dismissed the young boy, he turned to Chris and Vin, his eyes were ones of distraught and concern.

“Father, what is it?” asked Chris of the old chief.

The Chief replied in Cheyenne, “Very bad thing has happened, my son. The Sacred Arrow is missing.”

“Missing? Gone?”

“Stolen,” came Chief Aenohe’s reply.

“Stolen? By whom?”

“We do not know. But Smoke Appears has told me that my son’s tongue has been used wickedly against you and White Eagle. He says that you and White Eagle had took the Sacred Arrow to destroy the people’s tradition. To turn them against their own.”

“What?” exclaimed Vin who besides Chris who were the only ones who understood what Chief Aenohe was saying.

“Móéšêto'sêhestsevévêšêhéhe!” shouted Chris, his hand slicing through the air to emphasize his point.

Chief Aenohe could only look upon his adopted son in grief and pain. He knew what Chris had said was true, but it did not mean that he liked it.

“There has been a council called. I must go. Go home, my son. Go home and be with your wife. I will come to you when it is done.”

Chris quickly moved to halt the Chief from walking away. He said, “But father, let me go with you. I can speak for myself and my friends.”

“No, my son. For now it is only between the elders of the council. There will be another in which you will have the chance to speak.” The old chief nodded to Chris, placing his hand on his shoulder trying to show him the support he had from him. He then walked away towards the other side of the encampment.

Chris turned to Vin and his friends and said, “Damn! I should have known!”

“Chris there ain’t no way ya coulda known what ó'kôhóme was gon’na do,” said Vin trying to soothe his friend’s guilt.

“No? I knew he was up to something, Vin. I should of told you all to leave when the getting was good. Don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Chris, what’s going on here?” asked Nathan.

“Yeah, Chris. What was that all about?” asked Buck.

“Chief Aenohe has just said that the Sacred Arrow of the tribe is missin’ and that his son has accused me and Chris of the deed,” explained Vin.

“What? Is he nuts?” exclaimed JD. “Why would ya take it? And what the hell is a Sacred Arrow?”

“The Sacred Arrow has been in the tribe for many years, JD. It is stands for their traditions and beliefs. It’s passed down from one chief to another. The person who holds it, holds the loyal and the trust of the people,” said Chris as he ran a hand through his blond hair in disgust. “Whoever took it knows that it could cause a war within the tribe. Someone who would benefit from it.”

“ó'kôhóme,” stated Josiah knowingly.

“Yeah,” answered Vin.

“So our friend is trying to start a upheaval between the natives and you and Mr. Tanner are the scapegoats,” interjected Ezra.

“You got it,” replied Chris. “Right now, the there’s been a tribal council called. Chief Aenohe says he’ll come and talk to us once it’s over.”

“Chris, how many of the tribe would you say side with the Chief’s son?” asked Josiah.

“I say, probably a little under half. But mostly from the young warriors of the clans. The Dog Clan will stay loyal to the Chief. Buffalo Clan, well I think about half would side with all of the Wolf Clan.”

“Which is ó'kôhóme’s Clan,” said Vin.

“Right.”

“That’s still a lot of people we would have to go up against,” said Nathan.

“I’m hoping we don’t have to go up against none of them,” responded Chris. They knew the way that Chris looked at them that if he had to go against any of the people it would most likely tear the man’s heart out.

“I say we ride out,” said Buck emphatically.

Chris turned to meet his eyes with determination. “No, Buck. We can’t. I…I can’t.”

“Chris is right, Buck,” interjected Josiah. “If we run, it’ll just say to these people that we’re guilty.”

“But we ain’t!” exclaimed Buck.

“That’s right, Bucklin. We ain’t,” said Vin. “We have to come up with somethin’ else.” Vin turned to look to Chris for agreement, but found the blond Cheyenne looking towards his own tipi. Vin knew what was on his mind.

“Mapiya?” Vin softly asked.

Chris returned his attention back to his friends. “Yeah. I don’t want her to go through this, Vin.”

“I know, Cowboy. Why don’t we just wait to see what the Chief has to say first.”

Chris nodded, but his mind was still filled with turmoil and worry over Mapiya.

“Chris, why don’t cha go and have ya breakfast. We can sort this out later,” said Vin, knowing that his friend would be of no good unless he spoke to Mapiya first.

Chris smiled slightly and said, “Thanks, Vin. ‘Preciate it.”

“No problem, Pard.” They all watched as Chris walked quickly towards his own tipi among the Cheyenne camp.

Chris entered the tipi that he and Mapiya had called home and found the fire out and darkened inside.

“Mapiya?” he queried the darkness inside.

“I am here, husband,” came her quiet reply.

Chris crawled over to where he heard her voice and knew when he had finally touched her.

“Mapiya, why is the fire out?”

“I am sorry, my husband. I…I forgot,” she answered. He then heard her move away from him and heard flint being struck against something.

Suddenly their was a spark and then the fire slowly came to light has Mapiya blew on it. Chris could finally see her and her face showed a trail of dried tears. She was fully dressed now and it looked like there was food that was cold on the spit.

He quickly went to her and pulled her into his arms. “My love, what is wrong?”

“I…I was cooking your breakfast and I went down to the creek to get water. I met Crow Woman there and…and she said…she said evil things about you.”

Chris kissed her gently on the head and then raised her face from his shoulder so that he could see her. Her brown eyes spoke of much sadness and anger. He knew she had probably heard what had happened.

“I saw your father today. He told me the Sacred Arrow has been stolen and that ó'kôhóme has accused Vin and myself of the deed.”

Mapiya stared at him angrily. “My brother!” she exclaimed and spat to the ground. “His hate has twisted everything I love and now he tries to destroy my happiness. How could he, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e? He’s my brother but yet I still do not know him.” She started crying and Chris pulled her into his body, holding her while grieved over her brother’s actions.

“Don’t worry, Mapiya. I promise. Nothing will destroy your happiness. Nothing,” swore Chris.

Just then there was a whistle that came outside of the tipi. Chris knew it was Vin’s signal that he was coming in.

“Come on in, Vin,” shouted Chris.

Vin ducked into the tipi, seeing Chris on the ground, holding Mapiya in his arms. “Am I interruptin’ somethin’?

Mapiya removed herself from Chris’ arms and shook her head as she went back to the breakfast and fire.

“No, Vin,” replied Chris, still watching Mapiya as she wiped the tears away from her face with the sleeve of her dress.

Vin moved to squat cross-legged down where Chris was kneeling on the ground. It did not go by unnoticed by him that Mapiya was crying and that Chris seemed uneasy. He quirked an eye at his friend, but his friend only shook his head.

“Chief Aenohe’s back,” said Vin without preamble.

“And?”

“And he says that we gotta go to the council this afternoon.”

They had not seen the look that came over Mapiya’s face as she overheard their words.

“And what do the boys say?”

“Well, ya know, Buck. More nervous than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs,” said Vin smiling softly.

“Yeah. Figured as much. What about the others?”

“Mostly just concerned about what ya plannin’ on doin’.”

“Ezra too?”

“Well, that’s a horse of different color. Ez is probably plottin’ a way to make a profit on it,” laughed Vin.

Chris laughed also, knowing that although they joked a lot about Ezra and his ways, they knew the man would stick by them no matter what, in his own way.

“Husband?” came Mapiya’s soft voice.

Chris and Vin turned to see the young woman sitting quietly by the fire, stirring a pot. It seemed she had recomposed herself, but Chris could see the fires still burning in her eyes.

“Yes, wife,” replied Chris, moving closer to where Mapiya sat.

“Will White Eagle stay for breakfast?”

Chris glanced over to Vin and saw him shyly look at him. “I guess that’s up to Chris…I mean Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.”

“You guess? When did ya ever guess when it came to ya stomach?” asked Chris smirking.

“And what’s that suppose to mean, Cowboy?”

“Yes, Mapiya. Vin will be staying for breakfast,” said Chris determinedly to Mapiya.

Vin glared at him annoyed.

“Ya ain’t got the knack to pull that one off, Vin. Come on over here and get somethin’ in that bell of yours,” said Chris.

Vin smiled wickedly then and scooted over to where Mapiya held out a bowl of stew. “Ya know what Pard, if ya keep it up I’m gon’na forget ya my friend.”

Chris laughed loudly this time and Vin felt good inside hearing his friend so happy even among all the trouble they were about to be in.

Josiah moved among the Cheyenne amidst stares of anger and hatred. He knew they were deep in trouble. If Chris and Vin were found guilty by the council, then he and the others were guilty just by association. It was enough that the Cheyenne already had so much conflict and distrust of the white man. They did not need any more reasons.

Josiah knew there was someone among the Cheyenne who would have information concerning this treachery. The problem was would they talk to a white man. He could implore them based on his belief as a man of religion. But he would rather that they were more amiable based on who he was and not what he represented.

He was about almost to the edge of the encampment, when he heard a noise coming from the side of a tipi. He walked around the tipi and found a young woman with puppy brown eyes kneeling next to the tipi. She looked as if she had been crying.

“Hello, there and who are you?” he asked.

The woman looked at him confused since she did not speak English.

“Oh, I forgot. Forgive me, ma’am,” he said bowing to the young Cheyenne maiden. He then said in Cheyenne, “My name is Josiah.”

“I am Standing Brave Woman,” said Otseemeoo'e, tentatively.

“You are Mapiya’s friend.”

“Yes. I am. You are the medicine man of the whites?”

“Ah, yes. That would be me.”

“What are doing here?”

“I do not know. I..,” and she started to cry.

Josiah knelt slowly down beside her and touched her shoulder gently. The young woman threw herself into his arms and he automatically hugged her as she cried into his chest.

“There, there, now. I am sure that what is wrong is not all bad,” he said trying to calm the young woman.

The woman pulled herself away from Josiah and wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her dress. She then turned her tear-filled eyes up to him and said, “You are friend to Black Storm?”

“Yes, I am. A very good friend. I guess, you can call us brothers.”

“Then as a brother you would protect him and those that he loves?”

Josiah was surprised and concerned at this question.

‘Yes. I would.”

“So would your kinsmen?”

“Yes. Why do you ask this question, Standing Brave Woman? Why were you crying?”

“I am afraid, holy one. There is much bad medicine going on,” she explained.

“What kind of bad medicine?”

Standing Brave Woman looked around the area to see if there was anyone near that could hear their conversation. What she had to tell the man, if the wrong person found, very likely would cost her and it was a very high price that she was not willing to pay.

“I…I…saw a man. He was near White Eagle’s horse.”

“You know White Eagle?”

“Yes. I made his clothes for the wedding ceremony. He is a good man.”

“Yes, he is. Do you know what this man was doing? Was he white or Cheyenne?”

“He was placing something into a bag on White Eagle’s horse. He was of the people.”

Josiah knew she meant Cheyenne.

“Do you know him?”

Standing Brave Woman only nodded her head slowly. Josiah could see that woman was frightened of something, but he did not know what.

“Will you tell me?”

She shook her head. “I cannot. If I do, then I am dead woman,” she whimpered softly.

Josiah put his hands around her shoulder, trying to calm the young woman’s fears. A thought came to him just then. “We can protect you.”

Standing Brave Woman looked at the big man with eyes of hope, but then she said, “I…I cannot. I cannot.” She then stood up abruptly and ran towards the other side of the encampment.

“Damn!” exclaimed Josiah, standing up from behind the tipi. He knew he had lost whatever salvation there was to clear Chris and Vin’s names. All he could do is talk to Chris and the others and tell them what he had discovered. Maybe the woman would open up to one of them.

He walked away from the tipi, following the steps he had took towards Chris and Mapiya’s home.

Tósa'e nétao'sêtsêhe'öhtse, Se'tovaotse ? Where are you going, Smoke Appears?

Móéšêto'sêhestsevévêšêhéhe! He’s crazy! (He is about to grow horns!)

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

Chapter 52

Chris and Vin had just finished their breakfast. It was then they heard voices coming from outside the tipi.

“Stop pushin’, Buck!”

“I ain’t pushin’ ya, JD. It’s just ya imagination.”

“Gentlemen, may I suggest…”

“NO!” came a reply that sounded like both Buck and JD.

“Chris! Vin! Can we come in?” asked the voice that sounded like Nathan.

While Chris put his pipe down on the ground, Vin scooted over to the flap and pulled it opened. “Come on in, fellas. We just had breakfast.”

The four men came through one at a time, Nathan, Ezra, Buck and then JD. Once inside they took seats next to the two men.

“See!” complained Buck. “They get fed.”

“Buck, we got fed too,” interjected JD.

“Yeah, but not like these two. They got meat. All we had was some mush.”

“It was not mush, Buck,” replied Nathan smirking. “It was cornmeal.”

“Mush. Just like I said,” retorted Buck smiling.

Mapiya stared at the men and knew they were arguing about something, but she could not completely understand what was going on. They seemed angry, but the smiles on their faces said otherwise.

“Are you hungry?” she asked Buck. “I have plenty.”

He turned to face the young Cheyenne wife of his best friend and said, “Thanks, darling, but we’re fine,” answered Buck delicately. He definitely did not want to get off on the wrong foot with Chris’ new wife by insulting her people. He did not think they could understand that what he said was all in fun. But he did not know that Chris would intercede.

Chris said to Mapiya in Cheyenne, “He is joking, wife. All talk.”

Mapiya now understood and smiled. Then she said to Buck in English, “He needs a wife.”

At that comment, both Buck and Chris looked at her shocked. But then Chris saw the little smile that started to grace his wife’s face and laughed out loud.

“She got ya there, Buck,” he said to his oldest friend.

“Umm, I…” Buck was tongue-tied. He did not know how to answer her. Instead, he turned to Chris and said, “Very funny. Ha, ha.”

Chris chuckled at Buck’s embarrassment, but kept his hand over his mouth so that the tall-mustached man could not hear the laughter that was at his expense.

“Have you heard anything from the Chief?” asked Nathan.

Chris’ smile slowly faded at the thought of what was to come. “Only that Vin and I have to attend the council this afternoon. He’ll probably come and get us.”

They all could tell that Chris was getting anxious about the situation and they knew the blond was not the kind of man who was patient.

“Chris, we know who’s behind this,” said Buck under his breath, hoping that Mapiya did not hear.

“Buck, she knows,” was all that Chris said and then turned to look at Mapiya.

They saw her appraising them, trying to decide if she should speak or stay quiet. She knew what they thought about her brother, but lately, their fears and concern about him, mirrored her own. Although she was angry with her brother, she still loved him. It was not something that could be easily set aside and forgotten. She was being torn between the life of her brother and the life of her husband. It frightened her to think that she might have to choose.

“Husband?” she said standing up and walking over to the water skins and taking them off the hooks. “I will…get water. We are empty.”

Chris nodded, knowing that Mapiya was removing herself from their conversation. She did not want to interfere in his friends speaking freely to him.

She walked over to Chris and knelt down and kissed him passionately. When she drew away, Chris was reluctant to let her go. She said giggling in Cheyenne, “There will be more later and I will make sure that you are too tired to do anything else after.”

She looked around at the other men, who by now had either averted their eyes or bowed their heads in embarrassment. Since Vin was the only one who understood Cheyenne, she saw him turn a beat red when her brown eyes found him. She held her head high, proudly and smiled as she crawled out of the tipi.

“That’s some woman ya got there, Chris,” commented Buck with a wide wicked looking grin. “I don’t understand a word she said, but from the look on ya face I can tell it was somethin’ good.”

Chris looked at the others and saw them smirking and smiling also. Vin seemed to be trying not to look into his eyes and Chris wished he were someplace else at the moment. He glared at them irritated, but it did nothing to dissuade them from their fun.

“Aw, come on, Chris, ya got to admit she is a beauty,” continued Buck ignoring the man’s looks.

“Buck, that’s my wife ya talking about,” replied Chris, a thin smile crossing his face.

“Don’t I know it! Ya think she can get me one too?”

“Buck! Shut up!” exclaimed Nathan.

“Now Nate…”

“Buck, we have other things to discuss with Mr. Larabee rather than his nocturnal activities,” interrupted Ezra.

“Thank you, Ez, I think.”

Ezra bowed to him in gentlemanly manner.

“Chris, we have to do somethin’ about Mapiya’s brother,” piped in JD.

“I know, JD. But right now my hands are tied. I can’t do anything until he shows his hand.”

“His hand, Mr. Larabee. I think now we are talking about my area of expertise,” interjected Ezra.

Chris was just about to reply to that, when Josiah poked his head through the flap. “Can I come in?”

“Come on in, Josiah. Join the party,” said Chris.

Josiah came into the tipi and saw that his friends were in some type of deep discussion. He did not need to know the nature of that discussion since he had some idea of what it was. He sat down next to Chris and said, “Chris, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Chris eyed Josiah uncertainly and waited for the man to speak again.

“I was going down towards the creek this morning to try and see if any of the Cheyenne people will talk to me.”

“Why would they?” asked Ezra confused.

“Because I had hoped that they would see the holy man and not the color of my skin,” answered Josiah emphatically.

“And?” questioned Chris, anxious to hear the rest.

“And, I came upon a young Cheyenne woman, crying behind a tipi by the creek. When I asked her what she was crying about she said that there was bad medicine happening among her people. She also said she seen someone near Vin’s horse.”

“Near Peso? Why? Who?” queried Vin. He did not like the sound of that.

“She wouldn’t say and she was afraid that if she did she would not live long to testify to it.”

JD like the others was also confused by this information. “I don’t understand it. Why would someone be near Vin’s horse?”

“That is what we have to find out, JD,” replied Chris thoughtfully.

Suddenly, there was shouting coming from outside. Chris watched as Mapiya came inside almost out of breath.

“Husband! Husband!” Mapiya shouted.

Chris got up and moved near her, grabbing her by the arms and pulling her down to the ground. “Mapiya, what is it?” He could see the tears rolling heavily down her cheeks.

“Many warriors come. Father brings them. They are saying…they are saying bad things about you and White Eagle.”

It was then that Chris heard his father-in-law’s voice outside the tipi. “Emo'ôhtavo vo'e! Come out! And bring Netse Ôhvo'komaestse with you.”

Chris knew it was an order, not a request. He looked to Vin and Vin nodded that he had understood. Chris kissed Mapiya on the lips and said, “Stay here, wife. Do not come out. Understood?”

“But I go with you, husband.”

“No. Do as I say!” exclaimed Chris.

Although their conversation was in Cheyenne, the others knew just from Mapiya and Chris’ tones that things were wrong.

“Chris, what’s goin’ on?” asked Buck alarm in his voice.

Chris did not answer, but instead crawled over to the flap and exited the tipi with Vin following closely behind him. Buck and the others could see from the look on Chris’ face that whatever it was, it was not good. They also vacated the tipi, leaving Mapiya behind tearfully crying.

Once outside, they found Chief Aenohe and several warriors including ó'kôhóme and his men standing defensively around the tipi.

“What is it, Father?” asked Chris glaring at the Cheyenne warriors.

“You…and White Eagle…You must come with me,” answered Chief Aenohe hesitantly.

“What has happened, Father?” implored Chris. He knew this was difficult for the old chief, but he needed to know what he and Vin were up against.

“We have found the Sacred Arrow.”

“That’s great, is it not?” he asked staring at the Chief’s face trying to garnish his reaction to his statement.

“It was found among White Eagle’s possessions.”

“What?” exclaimed Vin. He did not know how it had got there, but he had a feeling that Coyote had something to do with it.

Chris also had come to the same conclusion. He knew Vin would never do anything to hurt these people. However, he did know that ó'kôhóme would do anything to get rid of him and his friends.

“But Father, White Eagle would not do that. You know this!”

“I know White Eagle’s heart, but the people do not and nor do the council. They only know what they have found.”

“We can talk to them! Explain to them! Make them understand!”

“We will have that chance, my son. But for now, White Eagle is to be put under guard.”

Chris knew he was fighting a losing battle, but he refused to give in. “No! You cannot do this!”

Chris suddenly started to pull Vin behind him to protect him from the other warriors.

His other friends had not understood any of the conversation. Josiah only understood some of the words, but Chris and Chief Aenohe were speaking so fast so it was difficult to translate it correctly. But he did know it had to do with Vin and Chris being in trouble with the tribe.

The other five men, not knowing what was going on, but trusting their leader’s actions, surrounded the two men protectively. They would let no one hurt their friends without a fight.

Just then, Vin who was silent all this time said, “Chris, don’t.” He grabbed Chris’ arm to stop him from damaging an already fragile relationship with his people and moved from behind him. He saw that if things continued the way they were going, not only they would be either hurt or dead, but also Chris would lose his heart. His heart was Mapiya.

“But Vin. Do ya understand what is happening?”

“I do, Cowboy. I also understand that ya cain’t make enemies out of ya people. What about Mapiya? What about Chief Aenohe?”

This stopped Chris dead in his tracks. He had not thought through what would happen to Mapiya and to his adopted father if he started a war among the people.

“But Vin…”

“Listen, Cowboy. We will get our say. The best thing ya can do for me is to stay free and find the evidence we need to show our innocence. It’ll probably be easier than tryin’ to find evidence to clear my name in Tascosa.”

“And how’s that?”

“The one who did this is still alive and kickin’,” Vin replied a soft smile coming to his face.

Chris thought about Eli Joe and knew what Vin was telling him. He was telling him to ó'kôhóme held the evidence to clear them.

Chris calmer now turned to Chief Aenohe and said in Cheyenne, “What will happen to him now?”

“He will be put in a tipi, guarded until the tribal council is called. At that time, you and he will be able to speak.”

“So that is this afternoon?”

“No. This will be a different. The one that was to take place this afternoon was to confront ó'kôhóme about his words. That would have been before the warriors of the clans. This council that you must speak to will be among the elders of the tribe. They will be your judges.”

“When?”

“At sun rise tomorrow in the Sun Dance Ceremonial tipi. It must be held before Ma'heo'o and Ma'heónemâhta'sóoma. Take him.”

As the warriors approached to take Vin into their custody, Chris jumped in front of him. “Please, Father! Don’t let them do this! Let him stay in my home. You can guard him there. At least he would be among friends,” pleaded Chris.

The warriors continued and started to physically pushed Chris and the others out of the way in order to get to Vin.

“What’s the hell goin’ on here, Chris!” shouted Buck.

“Chris, we can’t let them take, Vin,” yelled Josiah, taking a stance in front of Vin.

“They goin’ to take him over my dead body!” exclaimed JD, trying to push one of the Cheyenne warriors away.

Although the others tried to fight the warriors, they were outnumbered and the warriors finally obtained the upper hand. They forcibly tied his hands behind his back with rawhide and as they were about to lead him when they heard the Chief exclaim, “Stop!” The warriors turned to face their leader, confused as to what they should do.

“Release him,” commanded Chief Aenohe. The warriors hesitated for a moment, but then they released the white man from his bondage. “He will be put into Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s home under guard.”

Chris breathed a sigh of relief. At least Vin would stay among them until they could find the answers they needed.

“No!” came a cry from the crowd. Chris saw it was ó'kôhóme and he sent a look of death to the Cheyenne man.

ó'kôhóme saw the deathly glare in the half-breed’s eyes and a slight shiver ran down his spine. He knew this man was dangerous and he had to tread very softly until his goal could be accomplished. He wormed his way to the side of his warriors and decided complacency was needed at this point.

“It will be done as I have said,” was Chief Aenohe’s reply. “And if he should try to escape, it will prove his guilt and there can only be the death of a coward and a thief. And you, being my son or not, shall join him in this disgrace.”

Chris knew that Chief Aenohe, no matter how much he loved his adopted son, would definitely make sure the punishment was carried out. “He will not, Father. We will prove our innocence.”

The Chief did not answer, but motioned with his head for his warriors to place the young white man inside.

Once it was done and the guards came back outside to take positions around the tipi, the crowd started to disperse. Chief Aenohe held back and walked over to his adopted son. He placed a hand on his shoulder and said, “I believe in you and White Eagle, my son. But I am a leader of my people. I cannot show favor when it comes to the law.”

Chris knew this was the Chief’s way of apologizing before hand for what he might have to do. But Chris also knew that it was his way of showing his support and love for his second son and it made Chris heart’s a little less burdened with sadness.

Chris then watched the old Chief walk away, seeing how much the events had weighed on his frail shoulders and hoped that he and his friends would find the answers soon. It was now a matter of all their lives and Chris could not fail. He then went into his tipi, followed by his men, the guilt of having six other lives wearing heavily on his heart.

Translations:

Ma'heo'o - God

Ma'heónemâhta'sóoma – Holy Spirit

ó'kôhóme – Coyote

Author’s Note: The coyote was considered a trickster in Native American Mythology and Legends. He was always thinking of ways to lead the righteous and good people away from doing what is right.

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Chapter 53

ó'kôhóme sat in his tipi, with his wife, Nemene'hehe, sitting quietly at his side. He had found out that his so-called devoted wife had given away the secret that gave him the power over Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s life. He was angry with her, but he knew she was a weak woman when he had married her and accepted this fault in her.

But he had another plan to be rid of the half-breed and his friends. His friend, Ka'evêsehe had performed his appointed task and now Netse Ôhvo'komaestse and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e were both under the scrutiny of the people.

He knew his father had no other choice but to obey the law. His only problem was the woman that Ka'evêsehe thought he saw.

It was dark and Ka'evêsehe did not get a good look at the woman. They needed to find her fast and find out what she saw to decide what they would need to do.

He had no qualms about removing the woman as a witness to free Netse Ôhvo'komaestse and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e from what he thought as their destiny, which was to die in order to reunite the tribe. He believed that if they died and the white men were driven out, then the people would reunite under one cause. At least this was his reasoning behind what he was about to do. It gave him an absolution of guilt since he believed he was doing the Creator’s work.

Nemene'hehe interrupted his thoughts saying, “What now, Husband?”

ó'kôhóme turned to face his wife with a darkening look. “You do nothing, wife!” He then calmed and said, “I am the one the Creator has chosen to do his work and I will accomplish it or die trying.”

He then stood up and went out of the tipi to seek his friend, Ka'evêsehe to see what he remembered about the woman that he saw that night and to devise a plan to keep her from talking.

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

Otseemeoo'e, Standing Brave Woman was in her tipi that she shared with her mother, Esevona'keso, Buffalo Calf Woman and her father, Tovôhkeso, Swift Fox. Otseemeoo'e, being the youngest of the three children, still lived with her parents until she was married. Her older two brothers were long gone from the tipi and married to two Northern Cheyenne sisters. They lived among the Southern Cheyenne and set up tipis not far from their father’s.

She kept glancing over to her parents, wondering if they may have wise words for her on her predicament. She did not know what to do. Yes, she was afraid, but she was also afraid for her friend and her husband. She was ecstatic at the fact that Mapiya had found a husband, such a good man and warrior as Emo'ôhtavo vo'e and was happy. She did not want to be the cause for bad medicine for Mapiya and her knew family, but she knew the warrior she saw who put the package into Netse Ôhvo'komaestse’s horse was a dangerous man and she also knew that the person that this warrior was friend to was even more dangerous.

Yes, Otseemeoo'e, was frightened, but not for herself. She was frightened for her mother and father, as she knew these men would stop at nothing to get what they wanted.

She had to think before she could decide on what to do. Yes. She would think and then maybe she would talk to the White Holy Man. She had felt that he would help her and maybe in turn help her friends.

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

Chris watched as Mapiya started preparing lunch. Soon it would be time for Vin and himself to face the tribal council.

Josiah had spoken to them about the young woman. When Mapiya found out it was her own friend, Standing Brave Woman, she wanted to leave immediately to confront her. Chris had forbid her to do so. He knew it would only frighten the young woman even more to be badgered by them. He wanted her to come on her, to make sure it was her reasoning and not hers by force.

Vin watched Chris and Josiah sat talking in low tones. He knew it was about Standing Brave Woman and how they should handle the situation. The other men seemed somber in their own thoughts, wondering what the rest of the day would bring. Buck had been very vocal about finding the woman and making her talk, but Chris had told him no. They would be considered no better than the men who threatened her life.

Suddenly, Vin’s reverie was scattered when he noticed that Chris and Josiah had stopped talking. Chris then came to crawl over to where Vin sat quietly contemplating his fate.

“How ya doin’ there, Pard?” asked Chris.

“Kay, I guess. Chris? What were Josiah and ya talkin’ about?”

“Tryin’ to figure out how we gon’na make Standing Brave Woman speak for us,” replied Chris, brushing back a long lock of blond hair out of his eyes. Although Vin had plenty of time to get use to Chris’ long hair, it still surprised him ever so often. “She’s scared, Vin. Really scared and I can’t blame her. ó'kôhóme and his men are very dangerous and she has every right to be frightened.”

“I can understand that, Chris. He’s a rightful mean man,” said Vin thoughtfully.

“I consider him the Devil’s Own,” put in Josiah as he moved closer to the two men. “But I think I can convince her to do the right thing. She seemed partial to doing that if she knew she was safe.”

“Then we just gon’na have to show her,” answered Chris, seeming lost in thought.

“Watcha got in mind, Cowboy?” questioned Vin.

Chris smiled devilishly at the two men. He then said, “I have friends too among the Cheyenne.”

Vin and Josiah did not know whom he spoke about, but right now, Chris was the expert when it came to the Cheyenne.

Chris then stood up and started for the tipi flap. Before he went through he turned to them all and said, “I’ll be right back.” And with that he was gone, leaving Mapiya and the other men confused and bewildered.

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

As soon as Chris was outside the tipi, the Cheyenne part of him suddenly became apparent. He walked with his head held high among the encampment, heading straight for his friend’s Young Man’s tipi.

Once there, he called, “Kovaahe!”

Young Man questioned from inside the tipi. “Emo'ôhtavo vo'e?”

Chris replied, “Heehe'e.”

Young Man then said, “Estsehnêstse!”

Chris ducked under the flap and crawled inside the tipi.

The tipi was smoky and Chris knew that Young Man had been smoking his pipe for a while now inside the confines of the animal hide house. His fire burned brightly and Chris knew that he must have just added wood to the fire, probably because of the guest he had in Chris.

Young Man motioned for Chris to sit on the other side of the fire ring. Chris nodded that he understood and sat down. Young Man then offered his pipe for Chris to smoke. Chris took the pipe, first blowing smoke to the four directions and then puffing generously on it. He then handed the pipe back to Young Man.

“How are you, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e? Are you happy?” asked Young Man, he then puffed on his pipe again.

Chris smiled shyly at him and said, “It is a good life, Kovaahe, a very good life. Mapiya makes my heart beat faster every time I am near her.”

“Then that is good, brother. I am glad that you are happy. Too bad there are things that may hurt that happiness.”

Chris knew that Young Man spoke about the discovery of the Sacred Arrow. Chris lowered his head in thought and then when he raised it, his eyes look to Young Man with concern.

“Do you believe that White Eagle or I could have done such harm to the people?”

“Not I, brother. Not I. But I am one against many. The warriors of the Dog Clan do not believe so, but against the Wolf and Buffalo clans, we are few.”

“I believe that ó'kôhóme is behind this,” said Chris waving his hand.

“And I believe that you are correct, Brother. There is much here that stinks of his smell in it,” replied Kovaahe, spitting on the ground. “He will destroy our people and what we believe in.”

Chris nodded, his eyes gazing into the slowly dying fire. He had found peace and happiness among the Cheyenne with their simple way of life.

Mapiya showed him over the past months that there was more than anger and hate and revenge to life.

Chief Aenohe showed him that family was not always blood.

Young Man showed that a man could be called brother through deeds and not words.

And his men showed him that friends did not desert friends no matter what. Sometimes even until death.

Chris had learned a lot from all of these people and his obsession with hate and vengeance was slowly leaving him. The hole that he had once his wife and child died had found something to fill it.

Although it could never replace them, and he knew he had another life waiting with a new wife, his friends and maybe, just maybe a child. It had been a long time since Chris felt free of his burden of guilt for not dying with his wife and child. He wanted to live now. He had people in his life to live for.

But ó'kôhóme was going to destroy all that. His wife would not survive what he knew was coming, and neither would his friends or the old chief.

His eyes returned to Young Man and he said, “We have found someone who could prove that White Eagle did not do it,” said Chris hesitantly.

Kovaahe eyes narrowed in discernment. He did not understand why he had not heard of this before.

Chris knew what his friend was thinking and said, “She is afraid for herself and her family.”

Kovaahe nodded in understanding, but he saw the twinkle in his friend’s Emo'ôhtavo vo'e eyes and knew he had a plan.

“Speak!” was all the Kovaahe exclaimed.

“How many of the Dog Clan warriors will stand with us?”

“All. They have loyalty only to their own and our Chief.”

“Good. Good. Listen, this is what I need…” And Chris began to explain to Young Man his plan. He just hoped that it worked or he and the others would definitely not see the next sunrise.

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Chapter 54

Chris had stayed with Young Man for about an hour. He noticed that the sun was almost showing noon and that they would soon be requested to face the tribal council.

He walked among the Cheyenne encampment, busy since dawn with the daily activities of life. Young Man had invited him on a hunt with the other Dog Clan warriors, but Chris did not feel it was appropriate until Vin was freed to join them.

Young Man understood and said that there will be other invites to come. That was the most positive thing that Young Man had said since he had entered his home.

Chris decided to go see about his horses. Vin had taken five out of the best ten horses to give to Chief Aenohe has a gift of marriage to his daughter. Vin knew horseflesh, Chris was sure of that and he knew him well enough not to take Pony or Thunder, his white horse given to him as a gift from the Chief away.

Pony because he was Chris’ horse for too long. The black knew his mind and Chris would never trade him for anything in the world.

As for Thunder, it would be an insult to return to Chief Aenohe is gift to him. But that was not the only reason Chris favored the white horse. It was because he saw the spirit it had and knew that it could definitely compete with Pony in a race.

He finally approached the area where the horses were standing. Cheyenne horses were trained not to move once their masters left their backs. They would rarely run off. The horses were placed near the creek. It gave them plenty of water and grass to fill their bellies.

Chris approached Pony first, walking cautiously over to the big black, afraid that after so long a time, he would not recognize his old master. Chris held his hand out, getting closer at each step to Pony.

Pony whinnied as he saw the man come closer and pawed the ground, making his nervousness known.

“Whoa, boy, whoa,” said Chris softly. “It’s just me, old friend.”

The black horse continued to paw the ground and now his head and mane flew back and forth. Chris knew that Pony was unsure about him. He was not wearing the clothes that smelled of the old Chris Larabee. He was now wearing the clothes of a Cheyenne warrior, which stunk of smoke and sweat.

Chris touched the Pony’s back, slowly and carefully, stroking it like he would a long lost lover. Pony seemed to ease into a somewhat milder disposition.

“That’s it, boy. That’s it. We’re old friends you and I.”

As soon as Chris was sure that Pony would not try to fight him, he then reached up for the crest and ran his hand smoothly down to the forehead, back and forth, back and forth. Pony stood still under his old master’s hands, almost at times nudging them as if missing his touch.

“Yeah, I missed you too,” said Chris, smiling widely.

Chris was so deeply engrossed in the horse, that he did not see the figure that was slowly approaching him from behind.

He was about to move to the other side of the horse when all of sudden he felt the hairs on his neck stand up and knew it as a sign of danger. Turning swiftly around to face the unknown, he found himself staring into a buffalo masked face.

“Who the hell are you?” spat Chris, as he saw the glint of metal in the man’s right hand.

The man did not answer. In one swift motion he swung his arm with the knife in arc at Chris. It came close, but luckily for Chris it only sliced through the air, as Chris jumped back.

“Nétónêšéve?” snarled Chris, taking a stance and removing his own knife from his boot sheath, preparing to defend himself.

Again the man only gave him silence and came after Chris brandishing the wicked looking blade.

“Okay. I guess we do this the hard way,” stated Chris, holding his own knife outward towards the buffalo masked man.

The man and Chris went back and forth, hands that grasped the knives, slicing through the air, from each man, trying to score on the opponent.

The man kept advancing while Chris kept backing away, trying to give himself enough room to maneuver. But unfortunately, Chris was not as good with knives as the masked man was. Each time the man got close, Chris felt pain and notice that his adversary had placed him mark on him. Chris was also not in the best shape in the world. With his scars still fresh from his ordeal during the Sun Dance Ceremony and his illness from before, keeping up with his attacker was becoming strenuous.

Ultimately realizing his only option to put an end to this fight, Chris punched the man with a good left-handed jab, staggering his enemy. He then sent another and another, not letting up, relentlessly pursuing the man.

It dawned on the man what Chris was trying to do and in a last ditch effort to gain the advantage, the masked man charged Chris. Chris caught by surprise, try to dodge the charge, but found he was falling backwards to the ground with the masked man landing on top of him.

Once on the ground, they wrestled back and forth, each trying to place his knife into the other’s body.

Suddenly, Chris thought he finally had the upper hand, but unfortunately, fate had other ideas.

As Chris grabbed him by the hair and tried to flip the man off him so that he would be on top, he felt a severe sharp pain in the left side of his body.

“Arggh!” he screamed. His hold loosened on the man as Chris looked down and made a grab towards where the pain radiated. He saw the man’s knife sticking partway into his body. “Damn!”

The masked man quickly scrambled out from underneath Chris and without preamble, took off running towards the busy camp. Chris shocked did not move, but could only kneel on the ground, watching his blood and the man run.

Once the stranger was gone, Chris began to comprehend how much trouble he was in. His breaths came in quick gasps as his body realized there was a foreign object in his body. Chris knew he had only one choice and placed a sweat slick hand around the knife, as blood dripped on to his hands. He took one deep breath and held it, as he methodically pulled out the knife in one quick motion.

“Ahhh!” he yelled and fell on his back to the ground, the knife still in his hand. Breathing rapidly and swallowing hard, hoping the nausea that was making itself known would go away he tried to get to his knees. He did, but once there, he started heaving and vomited his breakfast all over the grassy ground in a spasmodically. The pain of the wound beat with the rhythm of his heart and he felt shivers run up and down his body. He curled himself into a ball, keeping one hand over the wound and the other holding the knife.

Once he was sure that nothing else would be coming up and that the pain had subsided enough for him to move, he stood up on unsteady legs and looked down at the wound that his blood was pooling out of. “Damn! Damn!” he swore silently to himself and dropped the knife that he still held out of his hand. He knew he had to get back to the others or he would bleed to death before he was found.

He rose to his full height, still holding onto the bleeding wound with his hand and started to slowly limp towards the camp. Each step brought his pain to an unbearable agony, but he moved anyway. He was determined to reach his friends. He knew that it was more than his life that mattered now. Without him, his plan to save himself and the others from the ultimate death that awaited them would not be carried out.

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

Vin sat in the tipi with the others sitting silently where Chris had left him. Mapiya was busy serving the men lunch and the others were preparing themselves to eat it.

Vin had refused anything and Nathan was worried. All he had taken in was water and Nathan knew that would not help the young man heal properly from his previous injuries. He needed nourishment and he felt that Vin and Chris had both lost a lot of weight. While Chris was starting to gain some of his back, Vin looked as if he was losing more.

Nathan knew that the events that lead up to him being a captive of the Cheyenne were eating at him. He had been accused of a terrible deed and now not only his life, but the others as well were in jeopardy until he could prove otherwise. Vin was worried, not about himself, but about his friends and that was costing his health severely.

Chris had left a while ago and still had not returned. The Chief would soon be coming to collect Vin and Chris for their meeting with the tribal council. Nathan was hoping he would return soon. He thought maybe the blond gunslinger would be able to get the young tracker to eat. It bothered him that he was not yet back. Nathan turned his head towards the other side of the tipi over to Josiah and motioned for him to come over.

Josiah crawled over to squat down next to the healer and said, “What’s wrong?”

“Chris ain’t back yet. I’m worried.”

“Chris is probably safer than any of us here.”

“That might be so, but I’m still worried,” answered Nathan sighing. “It’s not like Chris to be gone this long when he knows the Chief will be coming for something important like this.”

Unbeknownst to them, Vin had heard their words. “Ya think somethin’ happened to ‘im, Nathan?”

Nathan and Josiah turned to face the tracker who sat quietly on the other side of the tipi.

“What do you think, Vin?” asked Nathan.

“I think ya right. Chris been gone too long,” replied Vin. He had been itching to leave the tipi in search of his friend, but he knew for him to do that would not only put himself in danger, but his friends as well. “Josiah, ya got to go find ‘im. I’m havin’ this bad feelin’ about all this.”

Josiah glanced at Nathan and then he looked at Vin. “Alright. I’ll go find him,” replied the big preacher.

“Thanks, Josiah,” replied Vin relieved that someone would go look for the overdue blond Cheyenne.

Nathan then added jokingly, “Take Ezra with ya. He needs to keep busy.”

Josiah walked over to Ezra and tapped him on the shoulder. The green-eyed gambler looked up at him from his meal and smiled. “What can I do for you, Mr. Sanchez? I am currently eviscerating my current daily consumption of mystery meat that this dear lady has provided us.”

Josiah bent down low so that only Ezra could