Chapter 56

Chris had stumble around the edge of the encampment. Although he was in pain and weak, he could not trust that there were no more assailants in the camp that wanted to take a stab at him. He knew in his current condition, there would not be much that he could do.

Unfortunately, his home stood on the other side of the camp and Chris did not know if he was going to make it before he bled to death and he wanted to make it. He had to for Mapiya, for Vin, for his friends, for his future. He had to make it or they would all have no future.

He knew he was closer to home when he passed Ma'emestahke, the medicine man’s tipi. But he knew the holy man was not there. He was with the elders in the tribal tipi discussing his and his friends’ futures.

He groaned as he felt the pain increase. He thought it had subsided, but he figured that was the shock creating a numbing effect on his body and tricking his mind into thinking the pain had lessened. Now that his mind was awake, it felt the excruciating sensation of the wound, pulsing with each step he took. His breath came in shorter gasps now and his head felt as if it was going to float away. The ground tilted suddenly and Chris fell, face first, his breath slammed out of him.

He laid there for what seemed like hours, but was really only a couple of minutes, when he heard footsteps approaching him fast.

He tried to turn on to his back, but found there was no strength left in him to do so. He lay on the warm grass, letting it cool his heated face and body. He was tired and knew that he had failed.

The coldness of it grew in his heart, taking up the little space of hope that he had secured there. He was going to die and so would his friends. He would never be with Mapiya again and the future that they talked about would be gone. He closed his eyes, shutting out the pain and the anguish that was tearing at him. It was a welcome to go into the darkness.

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

Josiah, Ezra and Young Man had tracked the blood around the edge of the village. It seem that whoever was leaving the trail did not wish to be seen, but they could not fathom why.

As they seemed to be closing on their prey, the blood trail seem to expand. Whoever it was, they were losing a lot of their life giving essence.

They had just about come to the tipi of the medicine man, when they spied someone lying down near beginning of the back of the tipi.

The men ran quickly, but they knew from the blond hair it was their lost friend.

“Oh, my God! Chris!” exclaimed Josiah, kneeling next to the unconscious blond. He lay on his stomach, blood running from underneath him.

He placed his hands gently around him and turned him on to his back. They all gasped at what was before them.

Chris side and buckskin pants was caked in blood, dirt and grass. He had a few scratches on his face and body, but as far as Josiah was concerned they were not dangerous. The one that he considered most life threatening was the wound in his side.

While it was not long, it was deep and the blood was pouring out of it at an enormous rate. He touched the man’s chest and could feel the slight thumping of his heart. He was still alive, thank the Lord.

“Here, Josiah. Use this,” said Ezra handing him a white silk handkerchief.

Josiah quickly took the cloth and held it steadfast over the wound. He knew it was important to put pressure on it, as Nathan had shown him many times. He expected Chris to move or wake as he did so, but the man lay as still as death.

“Ezra, go get Nathan!”

“Immediately, Mr. Sanchez,” said Ezra running back towards the tipi that contained the healer.

“Who would do this?” came Young Man’s question in Cheyenne.

Josiah did not take the time to acknowledge the man’s question. He was too busy trying to keep the blood of his friend within his body and not on the ground.

Young Man then stood silent. He knew who had done this, but until Emo'ôhtavo vo'e could talk to them, he had no proof. He knew the only thing he could do now was to help save his friend.

“I will get some warriors to help us carry him to his home,” said Young Man running towards the middle of the camp.

Josiah again did not acknowledge the man, so engrossed in his task of keeping his friend alive and he prayed that he would stay alive. He pushed back the blond hair that was obscuring the man’s face.

“Chris? Chris, can you hear me?” he asked hoping to see some type of life or movement in his friend. But none came.

“Just hold on. Help’s comin’,” he said, continuing to put pressure on the wound. “You’ll be okay. Just hold on.”

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

Po'êxao'o, Grey Skunk, sat in his tipi and pulled off the ceremonial buffalo mask. He started to wash the blood and dirt from his skin and leggings, making sure there was no evidence left of his deed.

He loved ó'kôhóme like a brother. He saw how the white Cheyenne created such a rift between him and his family and Grey Skunk hated it. He remembered when ó'kôhóme was a happy, how he would love to hunt and fish and live life like it should be lived.

But now, he was angry all the time, hatred was his only companion and the cause had married ó'kôhóme’s sister. Grey Skunk wanted things back the way they were and if it meant taking a more direct action against the white Cheyenne, he would.

He knew they would be searching the tipis for Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s attacker. He would have to destroy the buffalo skin mask quickly.

After he figured he was clean enough and had changed his buckskins, he put the mask into a bag and left the tipi to get rid of it.

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

Mapiya was still sitting next to Vin, talking about their common interest, when Ezra came bursting into the tipi.

“Nathan! You…have to…come quickly,” said Ezra, out of breath from running. Ezra then walked back outside of the tipi.

Nathan, Buck, and JD followed him to the outside.

Mapiya looked at Vin and knew he wanted to follow the others, but if he did, it would break his and Chris’ promise to her father.

“Go on, Mapiya. I’ll wait here until ya get back,” said Vin who knew he did not have a choice in the matter.

“I will be back. I…promise.” She then took the same path as the others did and exited the tipi.

When she got outside, she found all the men looking grim and starting to walk quickly away.

“Wait! What is wrong?” she asked, grabbing Nathan’s arm before he could go with the others.

Nathan turned to face Mapiya and knew they had forgotten that she was there. “Oh! I am so sorry, Mapiya. Something bad has happened and we gotta go.”

“My husband?” questioned Mapiya with fear shining in her eyes.

Nathan hesitated. He did not want to frighten the young woman, as he still did not know how bad Chris’ injury was. But he would not lie to her either. “Yes, Mapiya. I’m going there now.”

“Then I will come with you,” stated Mapiya starting to walk in the direction the others had taken.

“Mapiya, you should stay here with Vin,” said Nathan, catching her gently by the arm to stop her.

“No. I go to my husband!”

“Mapiya, listen. I promise to bring him back here. Please stay with Vin. He’s goin’ to be real upset since he can’t leave the tipi and go to him. I am askin’ ya this as a favor to help me. Please,” begged Nathan.

Mapiya looked at him and knew he was right. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e would never forgive her if she left his brother alone and in fear.

She nodded and started back for the tipi as she watched the healer run to catch up with the others.

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Chapter 57

Nathan had just reached the others as they surrounded the body on the ground that Josiah was holding in his arms.

He saw the pool of blood that covered the grassy ground and held a breath anticipating the worst. His instincts to save lives kicked in and he quickly pushed the others out of the way and knelt next to the Josiah.

“Is he…?” asked Nathan hesitantly, staring at the white cloth that had now turned deep red with seeping blood.

“He’s still alive.” He heard Josiah say, but did not look at the man, only the one who lay in his arms. He reached over and removed the cloth to see what lay underneath. The jagged cut ran down just underneath the rib cage to his hip. It was still bleeding and Nathan placed the cloth back on it, applying pressure.

“You did good, Josiah,” stated Nathan.

“Here,” said Young Man handing him more cloth to put over the wound.

Nathan had not heard him come up behind them and saw that he had three Cheyenne warriors with him and a travois.

“Help…to carry him,” said Young Man, looking at Nathan with pleading eyes.

Nathan knew he was asking him if Chris was going to live. Nathan could only lower his eyes since he did not know the answer. Instead, he said, “Thank you.” And took the cloth from the young Cheyenne’s hand to place it over the wound.

“Who could of done this, Nathan?” questioned JD, sick by what he saw of the wound and the blood.

“I know! That thievin’ no good…” started Buck angrily.

“Buck. Calm down, brother,” said Josiah raising his head from his sitting position and then his eyes glanced over to the four Cheyenne men who stood around them.

Buck understood Josiah’s silent message and took a deep breath, exhaling it to let his rage go. They were unsure of the other Cheyennes’ loyalty to Chris and did not wish to start something that they could not finish at that moment.

“Okay. So what do we do now?” Buck asked, looking at Nathan for input.

“Let’s get him on the travois. I can’t do anything here,” said Nathan, trying to keep his head. He was worried about the amount of blood that Chris had lost.

Young Man motioned for the three Cheyenne men to help them put the injured man on to the travois.

While they were busy doing that, Nathan turned to JD and said, “Run back to the tipi and tell Mapiya that we’re going to need a lot of boiling water.”

JD did not move at first, still shocked by what had happened to the man he admired so much. But then he realized that Chris depended on him and he ran back towards Chris’ home.

As the men were moving Chris, Nathan noticed that he said not a word. It did not bode well. He should have made some kind of sound and Nathan feared the worst.

He followed the travois and the others back to Chris’ home and he just prayed that they were not too late.

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

JD ran as fast as he could to the tipi that held his friend Vin and Mapiya.

As he crawled quickly in, he found Mapiya sitting by the fire, her hands folded in front of her and waiting for word of our husband’s fate. Vin was sitting still where they had left him, his eyes showing the worry still there since the others had vacated the tipi.

“Mapiya! Nathan needs you to have water boiling fast!” JD exclaimed hurriedly.

Vin and Mapiya both looked at him in fear.

“My…husband?”

“They’re bringin’ ‘im here now. We have to hurry,” he said, grabbing her by the hand and leading her out of the tipi.

Vin could only watch them go, his heart beating a mile a minute. His thoughts were on Chris and the uneasiness he felt eating his soul. He wanted to go with them. To run to his friend and be with him, but he could not. He would have to wait until they brought him. It was the only choice he had.

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

It was only a few minutes later when three young Cheyenne and Josiah came in carrying Chris. Vin started to stand immediately to walk over to him. He needed to see him.

From where he half-stood, he could Chris’ body. Chris looked like he had bathed in his own blood. It covered his leggings on the right side and both of his moccasins. His face and hair was speckled with grass and dirt and there was a bruise starting to form on his face on the left side. Vin knew he was definitely in a fight. With whom was the question on Vin’s mind and probably the others as well.

Vin fought his way closer through the men towards Chris as the Cheyenne warriors placed the blond upon his pallet within the tipi. Young Man then nodded to the other three Cheyenne warriors and they exited the tipi quickly.

“Nathan, what happened?” asked Vin softly, his hand touching the unconscious face of his friend.

“He’s been stabbed. We don’t know who did it, though,” Nathan replied as he knelt down next to the blond and started to administer to his wound.

Vin watched intently, his blue eyes scanning the body of his unmoving friend. “Nathan, that’s a lot of blood.”

“I know,” was all that Nathan said as he continued to try to stem the bleeding.

Just then Buck, Josiah and Ezra came into the tipi.

Buck took one look at his friend and dropped to his knees next to him. It terrified him to see how much blood his long time friend had lost. It was not enough that he had lost Sarah and Adam, but now it looked like he was going to loose Chris as well.

“Nathan, how is he?” asked Buck.

Nathan could hear the fear that was seeping into Buck’s voice. “I don’t know yet. He’s lost a lot of blood and I’m worried about shock. Hand me my bag over there.”

Buck crawled to where the bag lay by the fire grabbing it and handing it over to the healer.

“What ya gon’na do?” asked Vin worriedly.

“I’m gon’na have to stitch up that wound so I can stop the bleedin’.”

At that moment, Mapiya and JD came bursting into the tipi, carrying several water skins. When Mapiya saw the condition of her husband, she almost fell to her knees, but she found the strength of Vin’s eyes and knew that she had to be strong to save him. With her heart beating fiercely in her chest, she hurriedly started to prepare the hot water she knew that the brown skinned healer would need to help her husband.

As Nathan, Mapiya and JD scurried around the tipi, trying to save the blond Cheyenne’s life, the others stood around, worry and frustration their only companion.

Of them all, Vin sat next to his friend, stoically still, not moving or saying anything. He kept his hand on his friend’s shoulder trying to show him that they were there with him. Vin felt it was the best way to keep Chris from giving up his life.

The water had finished boiling and Mapiya motioned to Nathan that it was ready. Nathan took what he needed over to the boiling pot.

“Take these, ” explained Nathan, handing her some bandages. “Put these in the pot of boiling water.”

“Why you do?” asked Mapiya curious.

“I need to make sure they’re sterile.”

Mapiya looked at him confused.

“Clean, so that he don’t get infection, sick,” he continued to explain. “I have some bandages that are clean, but I might need more.”

Mapiya nodded, her mind still set in the worry and fear for her husband, but determined to follow through with what needed to be done to save him.

Nathan was about to give instructions to the others, when the flap of the tipi flew open and Chief Aenohe came in.

“I…I heard what has happened. How is he?” he asked tentatively, afraid of hearing bad news.

“Not good right now,” answered Nathan. “He’s lost a lot of blood and the wound was pretty deep. I’m hopin’ it ain’t hit anythin’ important.” Nathan then returned to the task of trying to save his friends’ life.

Chief Aenohe could only nod in understanding. He then looked over to where Mapiya sat near the fire. She glanced up at him and in that moment, Chief Aenohe saw the anguish in his daughter’s eyes. His heart went out to her and in that one brief look, he saw that she knew it did.

He then looked to White Eagle, anger and rage in his eyes and said, “I will speak with the tribal council about this. The Dog Men are searching the tipis as we speak. They will find the snake that has done this! He will be punished.”

Vin nodded, understanding that Chief Aenohe felt the attack was a betrayal to his family and tribe. “And will the tribal council hold off on their decision until Chris is better?” Vin questioned.

“Not for long. It must be made, with Emo'ôhtavo vo'e or not. If he is not well enough to stand in front of them, then you must do it alone,” said Chief Aenohe with finality.

Vin knew that without Chris it was going to hard to convince them of his innocence. It felt like Texas and Eli Jo all over again. “When will ya know?”

“Before the falling of the sun. I will come, once it is done,” replied Chief Aenohe. He then turned to look at Nathan and said, “Keep my son safe. His visions are strong and I believe he is the one.”

The others stared at him, not understanding what he was talking about. Chief Aenohe did not elaborate. Instead he turned and walked out of the tipi.

“That was weird,” commented Buck, glancing sideways at Vin.

“Yeah,” inputted JD. “I don’t understand a thing he said.”

But Vin kept silent, his eyes were firmly kept on the unconscious blond lying in front of him. He had some idea what Chief Aenohe was talking about, but if he wanted to know more, he had to wait until Chris was conscious.

“Listen, I need you boys to help me hold him down while I stitich ‘im up. Don’t want ‘im movin’ any,” explained Nathan, reaching into his bag for a needle and medical thread.

Buck, Josiah and Ezra all moved in closer to help the healer with the blond.

“Buck, you take his shoulders, Josiah the feet and Ezra his arms. And whatever ya do you hold ‘im still, understand? I can’t have ‘im movin’ all around while I’m stitchin’ this close.”

The three nodded that they understood and took their places around Nathan and the blond.

“Vin, I need ya to move out of the way,” commanded Nathan.

Vin almost protested at the comment, but knew Nathan needed the space to save his friend’s life. He moved back to his spot near the tipi wall, but his eyes never left the blond’s face.

“Please, Chris, don’t give up,” was his silent plea.

As Nathan and the others went to work, Chris lay still, not feeling any pain or the bite of the needle as it went through his skin. Nathan felt some relief at this, but he also had his concerns. The man had not moved since they found him and that worried the brown-skinned healer.

JD watched with trepidation and horror at the sight that was before him. He winced each time the needle broke Chris’ skin and could almost feel the pain himself.

Once the stitching was done, Nathan then grabbed the clean bandage from his bag. “Buck, you and Josiah hold ‘im up while I wrap this around ‘im.”

Buck and Josiah gently raised the blond Cheyenne to a sitting position as Nathan carefully wrapped the bandages around the wound.

Buck could feel the heat that was coming off his long time friend as he held him and fear took its grasp on his heart. “Nathan, he’s awfully hot,” said Buck anxiety cloying to his tone.

“I know, Buck! But until this is done, there ain’t nothin’ I can do,” retorted Nathan. He then turned sorrowful eyes to the tall lawman. “I’m sorry, Buck. It’s just that…”

“I know, Nathan. I know,” replied Buck accepting his apology. He knew the healer was under pressure at trying to save their friend’s life.

“Ezra, you and Mapiya go down to the creek and bring some cool water, then soak some of the bandages in them. We’ll use them to cool him down once I’m finished and we have ‘im settled.”

“Expediently, Mr. Jackson,” answered Ezra and he motioned Mapiya to follow him outside of the tipi.

Mapiya walked to the flap, passing by Chris limp form in the arms of his friends. She knelt down near him, her mouth close to his ear and whispered in Cheyenne, “I will return, my love.” She then kissed him on the forehead and ran out of the tipi.

“That filly sure does love ‘im,” came Buck’s comment once she was gone.

“Yeah,” said Vin from his corner. “And I’m glad cause Chris is surely gon’na need it.”

The others turned to look at him bewildered, but in their heart they knew he had said the right thing.

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Chapter 57

Josiah decided he needed some air. He felt frustrated at the fact of what had happened. If he had got the girl to talk, then maybe none of this would not happened. The guilt ate at him, telling him that he had failed his friends. He had taken several breaths, breathing deeply in the afternoon air, trying to calm his anger.

As he stepped further out into the encampment, he felt someone standing by his side. He turned to find Nathan, standing silently next to him, scruntizing him.

“Nate.”

“Josiah. Ya ran out of there pretty fast,” said Nathan without accusation.

“Ya know I ain’t particular when it comes to blood,” replied Josiah matter-of-factly.

“But I don’t think that’s it, is it?”

Josiah did not answer. He kept his eyes out towards the busy village.

“Well, Josiah, all I gotta say is that Chris knows we’ve done the best that we can and blame ain’t gon’na help no one.”

Josiah turned to face his friend and saw the brown eyes stare at him in sympathy. Nathan knew was he was feeling and he knew he was right in saying that blame would avail them anything.

Josiah nodded that he understood the message and walked slowly through the throngs of Cheyenne traversing the encampment going about their daily lifes feeling like a pebble in the sands of time.

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

ó'kôhóme sat in his tipi contemplating what had happened. Someone had usurped this authority and went behind his back to commit such a crime.

They had ruined his plans to be rid of the white Cheyenne in the best way he could think of. Now, his father was in an uproar and the people moved about suspiciously each in his own mind wondering who might the attacker be.

ó'kôhóme’s plan was one of cunning and discretion. His plan was now forfeited by the inept actions of the person, who tried to kill Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. ó'kôhóme, liked everyone else, wondered who had taken the responsibility to remove the white Cheyenne. He hoped that the victim would not survive, but he knew that it was chancy at best. Emo'ôhtavo vo'e seemed to survive everytime. It was very hard to be rid of this tsêhésevé'ho'e.

A big smile came across his face. But his plan to be rid of the others was still alive. And ó'kôhóme was going to make sure it would not fail.

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

Chris slowly came to consciousness amid heat and pain. He did not know where he was, but was contented to lay quietly until the pain could subside somewhat. But time, however, did nothing to abate the heat that he felt in his body. It was almost as if he was on fire and burning up from inside.

He tried to turn slowly onto his side, when he felt two pairs of restraining hands on his upper shoulders.

“Keep still, Chris. Ya gonna hurt yourself.” Chris knew that to be the voice of Vin Tanner.

“I am here, my love,” said a woman’s voice in Cheyenne.

It came to Chris that had to be Mapiya.

Chris decided after feeling the pain that it was best that he kept still as they requested. His vision was currently obscured by someone’s shoulder, which was covered and buckskin and Chris tried to remove it from his field of sight.

“Now, stop that, Chris! We only tryin’ to help ya,” admonished Vin.

“V…in?”

“Yeah, it’s me, Cowboy. Just hold on a sec. Nate wants to take a look at ya, okay?”

Chris nodded slightly. His throat was parched as the desert and he felt the fire that blazed there.

Suddenly, Vin moved and Nathan came into view. Chris saw his brown eyes crinkle up in concentration.

“Chris, I’m gon’na take a look at ya bandages. I need ya to keep still, okay?”

Chris did not answer, but Nathan could see by his eyes that he understood. Chris felt a hand in his and turned to see Mapiya next to him. She smiled ever so softly, but he could see that her eyes were red from crying. Crying about what? What could have happened that would make his wife so sad?

Then it came to him. He had been fighting off a demon in disguise and it seemed that the demon had won. It was all in a fog in his head, but he knew that the pain was real and so was the sorrow in his wife’s face.

He tried to speak to her, but instead a cough erupted from his mouth that he could not contain. While trying to catch his breath, he watched as Vin, Mapiya and Nathan eyes came to bear on him. He raised a hand weakly and waved them off, trying to convey that he was fine.

Of course, it did not work and they immediately started to converge on the blond.

Vin took a cloth and wiped the sweat from his forehead, while Mapiya put a cup of cold water to his lips, holding up his head so that he could quench his great thirst and Nathan carefully examined his bandages to determine the seepage of blood from the wound. In all this, Chris only lay there, taking in the tired and worn look of the faces of his friends and wife.

“You…all…don’t look good,” said Chris with much difficulty and broke out into another coughing fit.

Mapiya put the cup to his mouth again, while she held his head up to take a drink. Chris tasted the cool life giving liquid as it put out the fire that was in his throat.

“Neither do you, Chris,” said Nathan. “But I think you’re gonna get better.”

Vin saw the sureness of it in Nathan’s eyes and smiled. At least that was some good news.

Chris then grabbed Mapiya’s hand gently and said, “And…and how have…?”

“I am well my husband. Your brothers take good care of me.”

“They…d…did? That…that’s good,” said Chris trying to ignore the pain that was slowly making itself known in his side.

Nathan saw the pain that was in Chris face and eyes and quickly brought over a cup that was off to the side and placed it to Chris’ lips.

“What…?”

“It’ll help with the pain, Chris. Drink it,” said Nathan.

“Horse…piss?”

Vin snickered at this comment and Mapiya only looked on confused.

“Yeah, guess ya might call that. Drink it anyway.”

Chris was too tired to argue and too weak to fight about it. He sipped the lukewarm liquid and once he swallowed it, grimaced at the taste. “Horse piss,” was all he said softly.

“I don’t care what ya call it. Drink it all,” demanded Nathan.

Chris obliged although his stomach was saying otherwise. He drank it down until at least half the cup was empty and when he could drink no more, he tried weakly to swat the cup away.

Nathan figured the man had as much as he was going to take in, so he pulled the cup back and set it back down next to him.

“V…V…in?”

Vin moved closer to the blond, his head full of brown curly hair, almost falling over his friend’s face.

“Yeah, Chris?”

“The council? What…happ…happened?”

Vin lifted his head from the position and looked into Mapiya’s eyes. She had heard the conversation and did not know what to advise Vin to do. She knew he did not want to tell Chris that the council will still have the trial, whether he is well or not, nor did he want to tell Chris that he would have to do this alone. He knew his friend would not let it happen and Vin was afraid for his life. He could not lie to Chris, but he could leave certain things out.

“The Chief is going to talk to ‘em. He’ll be back later.”

Chris eyed Vin doubtfully. He could see there was something he was not telling him. “Vin? What ain’t ya tellin’ me?”

Vin sighed and said as gently as he could, “Listen, Cowboy. Ya need to get well if’n ya gonna help me out of this pardicament.”

Chris eyes widened in amazement. It was the first time he ever heard Vin use big words. He figured he was hanging Ezra for too long. Chris was going to try again, but his eyes felt heavy and he knew he would be sleep again soon.

“Vin, ya…cough…ya been hanging around, Ezra…cough…too much,” replied Chris, a slight smirk coming to his face.

“Ya know ya don’t need to insult me.”

Chris started to laugh heartily now and felt his chest constrict as he did. The coughing became worst and Chris felt as if he could not breath.

“Nathan?” exclaimed Vin, easing his friend slightly up into his arms trying to help his friend breath.

Nathan examined Chris quickly to try and find the cause so that he could administer comfort to ease his pain. “He’s too cold. Mapiya, bring over another buffalo hide.”

“Nathan, what is it?” asked Vin as he helped Chris get through another bout of coughing.

“Blood loss. He’s lost too much,” answered Nathan as he started to bundle a blanket into a pillow and place it under his friend’s feet.

Mapiya came over to them carrying another buffalo hide which Nathan took from her and wrapped the blond Cheyenne in it over the other hide. He then took another blanket and rolled it into a pillow of sorts. “Vin, place this under his head. We need to get the blood flowing in the right places,” instructed Nathan.

Vin did as he was requested and layed his friend’s head onto the makeshift pillow.

As the coughing settled, Chris felt exhausted. He thought he would never be able to breath again. He slowly took in each sweet breath of air and his body calmed, although the pain still remained. He looked up at Vin and Mapiya with half-closed lids. “ What…you hiding from me…Tanner?”

“Uh, oh,” thought Vin. “He’s usin’ my last name.” But instead he said, “Ya need ya rest, Pard. We can talk about it later when ya got ya strength back.”

Chris knew this was a decoy to get him off the subject, but he was too tired to argue about it. He decided the next time he woke up, he and the young Texan was going to have a long talk. “For now,” was all Chris said to Vin. He then closed his eyes completely and fell into a deep sleep.

The sudden ending of the conversation frightened Vin and he thought something was wrong with his friend. He looked to Nathan for guidance.

The young brown-skinned healer face held a gentle smile and said, “He’s alright, Vin. He just needs some rest. We just got to keep ‘im warm. Mapiya, next time he wakes up, make sure he gets plenty of water to drink.”

“I will, Nathan,” answered Mapiya walking back to the food she had prepared for their meal.

Vin sat a while longer, still staring at the face of the blond, watching him sleep. He would not let anyone or anything hurt Chris Larabee. It would be over his dead body first.

***********

Josiah walked steadily through the crowd of Cheyenne, his eyes taking in the daily sights and sound of the Native American way of life.

At first his roaming had no purpose. It was just to relief some of the anger he was feeling at what was done to Chris Larabee and his own self-inflicted guilt of failure that he believed he deserved.

As he moved slowly around one of the tipis, a body slammed into his shoulder, almost making him spinned. When he looked to his right, he found a young Cheyenne woman lying haphazardly on the ground. He assumed that this was the person he had bumped into.

Josiah bent down to try to help the woman up, but once the woman pushed back the flowing black hair that had obscured her face, he heard her sharp intake of breath, mirrored in his own.

“Standing Brave Woman?” came Josiah’s soft exclamation.

Standing Brave Woman accepted his help, but did not reply. She kept her head down in embarrassment. She had not meant to seek out or speak to the white holy man, but it seemed that the Great Spirit had different plans for her.

Josiah then said in Cheyenne, “I need to talk with you.”

Standing Brave Woman shuffled her feet nervously in the grassy ground as if there was something there.

This did not dissuade Josiah. “Please,” he begged. “I need your help.”

At this comment, the young Cheyenne woman raised her head to look into his face. She grimaced nervously at him, but then reluctantly nodded.

“Is there someplace we can talk?”

She nodded again and motioned him to follow her as she walked towards a more deserted area of the encampment.

Josiah did not let his hopes rise at this. He knew that getting her to talk to him and getting her to talk to the council was not the same thing. He quickly followed her lithe path, keeping only a few steps behind her.

tsêhésevé'ho'e – half-breed (half Cheyenne, half white man)

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Chapter 58

Buck and JD had left as soon as Nathan had stitched up Chris and had him settled in his pallet to go take care of the horses. Mostly, it had been Buck’s idea. He had saw how JD had paled at the sight of the wound that Chris had received from his attacker and decided the young Easterner needed to get out for awhile.

As they walked towards where the horses were kept, JD kept wondering about their current situation. It wasn’t enough that Chris had lost his memory, but now most of it seemed returned, but he had married a Cheyenne woman, been poisoned and now stabbed. On top that, it seems Vin was being framed for some vile act and Chris was guilty based on association. And if Chris was guilty by association, what did that mean for them. What was supposed to be a rescued effort of a friend was now turning into a fight for their lives.

JD looked at Buck. At this moment though, Buck seemed to be taking it all in stride. But JD knew that the fire was hiding somewhere under the rough exterior, ready to burst forth at the slightest hint of rage.

“Buck?”

“Yeah?”

“Ya think Chris gon’na make it?”

“Of course, he is, JD. Ya know Chris. He’s too mean to die.”

“Yeah, but Buck, things don’t look good right now.”

Buck stopped walking and turned to face the young man. “I know they don’t right now, JD. But ya know with us we always come out alive,” answered Buck with a huge smile.

“Yeah. Like that time in the Seminole village.”

“Right. And the time we went up against those polecats sent by Guy Royal.”

“Yeah. I see what ya mean, Buck,” replied JD his heart lightened a little bit. “And Vin?”

Buck looked at him silently. Yeah, Vin, that was their other worry. “Vin knows more about these people than anyone, besides Chris. I ain’t worry about him being able to hold his own.”

JD nodded at that, but still had his doubts. He did not want to loose Vin anymore than Chris. They were the Magnificos as Raphael Martinez had called them. But if they lost even one of their companions, JD had no doubt that they would not be the same.

They both continued their journey towards the horses. They had only reach the outer perimeter when they smelled something like smoke coming from somewhere near.

“Buck, ya smell that?”

“Yeah. Smells like a fire.”

They both turned in all directions, scanning the area to see where the smell might be coming from.

Suddenly, JD tapped Buck’s arm and pointed across the creek to the other side. “Over there!”

Buck looked to where JD was pointing and saw a small bellow of smoke rising into the sky. There were a fire, but whom it belonged to, they did not know.

“Come on, JD. Let’s take a look,” said Buck, walking the edge of the creek to where the fire was.

JD grabbed Buck’s arm to stop him from going and further and said, “Buck, maybe we should just go get the others. Just don’t seem right.” It was more of a gut feeling than fear that motivated JD.

Buck turned to eye the young Easterner and replied, “Listen, JD. I’m goin’ over there and find out what the hell that is. If ya want, you can go back and get the others.” And with that, Buck continued his long strides towards the smoky trail that led up to the sky.

JD looked at him, looked at back from where they had come, but eventually his loyalty for Buck pushed him to follow. “Buck! Wait up!” he yelled, running after the man.

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

Standing Brave Woman led Josiah to the creek where she had left her laundry. It was here, that she was going to when she bumped into the white Holy Man.

When they had come to the spot where she was working, Standing Brave Woman knelt down and started to wash the clothes in the basket, pounding them hard on the rock by the creek. Josiah could only stand there and watch in trepidation, his words bursting at the seams in his mind. He had many questions to ask her, but he was afraid that he might frighten her even more and that would the end of the meeting.

Josiah knelt down silently next to the young Cheyenne woman and touched her hand gently.

Standing Brave Woman stopped her movements immediately after feeling the light touch on her hand. She looked at that hand as if it was lifeline. It was a strong hand and it showed it was not an idle hand. She thought a strong hand like that could be very protective and yet be very gentle. Taking her other hand, she placed it on top of his, but she did not turn to look at him. She kept her eyes to the hand and said in Cheyenne, “This is a very strong hand.”

Josiah confused and befuddled could only reply in the same language, “God give us strong hands to protect and nourish and care for people we love.”

Josiah did not know this, but this response was something that Standing Brave Woman needed to hear. She needed to know if these hands were good hands that would protect her friend and her friend’s husband. She was not as much as afraid for her own life, as she was for what would happen to the others.

“And what of other people?”

Josiah quirked his eyebrows at her in surprise. He heard her words, but he felt there was something else underlying them.

“I believe that God creates these hand to protect, nourish and care for all of those in need,” he said pulling his hand from her and holding them up to her. “Whether they be of my family or not. His love is meant for all, not just for a some.”

Standing Brave Woman nodded at this. It was her belief also. This white Holy Man talked like people and she could see the good that was in his heart. It was all that she needed. She said, “I saw a man, a Cheyenne, near the horses of your friends.”

Josiah was ecstatic at the fact that Standing Brave Woman had put so much faith in him, but he kept quiet, not wanting to distract the woman from telling what she saw. It was too important for them all.

“He was near your friend’s horse, the one we call Netse Ôhvo'komaestse.”

“Vin Tanner?”

“I think that is what you call him. I only know him as Netse Ôhvo'komaestse. I made his wedding clothes.”

“They were beautiful.”

“Thank you,” said Standing Brave Woman, smiling shyly. Then her face turned to one of anger and she said, “I saw him place something on to White Eagle’s horse.”

“Did you see what it was?”

“No. I was not very close, but I could see the man. The moon was out and it shined brightly that night.”

“Do you know him? Can you tell me his name?”

Standing Brave Woman nodded reluctantly. She did know the man. She was a strong warrior among her people and many braves followed him in awe. But in her own opinion, she thought the man had no heart. She believed he would not flinch at killing someone like her for knowledge she was about to give to this white man. But she could not live with herself if her sister-by-heart Mapiya was hurt in anyway.

“Jo…s…ia?”

“Yes?”

“Would you protect Mapiya and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e?”

“We all would,” responded Josiah emphatically.

“And Netse Ôhvo'komaestse?”

“Yes.”

“And my mother and father?”

When she had asked this question, it brought Josiah shock. He now understood what was the underlying of the conversation. It was not her fear for her own life, but fear for someone she loved. She felt that her family was in danger of the repercussions from her being a witness.

“Yes, we all would.”

“And me?” asked Standing Brave Woman, her eyes lowering at her embarrassment.

Josiah put his hand under her chin and raised her brown eyes to look into his. He then said, “Yes, oh yes, little one. Even to death.”

Standing Brave Woman breathed a sigh of relief. She was glad that she had chosen this man and now it seemed she had chosen wisely.

“The one who I saw was Ka'evêsehe.”

“Ka'evêsehe?”

“Yes. He is of Chief Aenohe’s clan.”

“But I thought all the Dog Clan were loyal to the chief?”

“There is always a wolf among the pack of dogs,” replied Standing Brave Woman.

“I want to thank you, Standing Brave Woman.”

She only looked at him confused. She did not understand what he was thanking her for.

Josiah saw the confusion in her eyes and said, “Thank you for showing me the true nature of your name.”

Standing Brave Woman smiled at that. She was glad that she had shown the white man that her parents were not wrong in naming her so.

Josiah sat down and stretched his legs out in front of him. Standing Brave Woman eyed him suspiciously. Josiah saw her look and said, “You finish your washing. I wait and walk you back home.”

Standing Brave Woman smiled at this. She was glad that she had found a friend in the white holy man.

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

Chief Aenohe strolled quickly towards his daughter’s home. He had just finished with the council and still did not like the outcome. Although they were willing to listen, they would not waver on their decision. The only good that came out of it was that the trial was not going to be held until the second sun. This gave Emo'ôhtavo vo'e two days to get well or his friend would stand alone.

He wished that he could stand with the young man, but as Chief of the tribe, it was his duty to stay neutral during this conflict. If he took a position either way, it would cost his people’s belief in him. He hoped that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e would be well enough to stand with his friend. He was going to need all the support that he could get.

Chief Aenohe announced himself when he reached his daughter’s home. He heard her say, “Estsehnêstse.”

He entered through the flap and found it musty with smoke and the smell of meat. He knew she was probably cooking the evening meal for her husband and his friends. Once his task was done here, he would make sure to send some of the women over from the tribe with more food. With her husband not well, there was probably no one bringing in meat enough for all.

He saw that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e was asleep on his pallet, pale and sweating. A white bandage was wrapped heavily around his middle and when he turned in his sleep, Chief Aenohe could see the blood that seeped and colored the cloth red. He shook his head in disgust and anger at what one of his people had done.

He saw his daughter busily at the fire, stirring in a pot. Another pot boiled next to it.

Mapiya looked up from her task and said simply, “Neho'eehe.”

“Nâhtona,” replied Chief Aenohe and he walked to her side.

He did not miss the eyes of the brown-skinned healer and White Eagle as they followed him to where his daughter knelt preparing their meal.

Chief Aenohe knelt down beside her, his eyes taking in the slump of his daughter’s shoulders and the redness of her eyes. He knew she was exhausted and her heart was broken by the attack on her husband. He could not believe that a day ago, this was a happy home, so full of life that he had hopes of many grandchildren running under foot. Now it seemed that all that was just a dream.

He knelt next to her and grabbed her gently into a hug.

At first Mapiya was surprised. It had been a long time since her father had shown her any affection directly. But she found herself wanting the warmth that came with the hug and she returned it. They sat there like that for several minutes before Mapiya pulled away.

“Father,” said Mapiya in hushed tones. “I am afraid. I try to be brave, but I am afraid I will lose him.”

Chief Aenohe brushed back the fallen lock of black hair from her head and said, “He will survive, my daughter. He is strong and the Spirits have guided him in this path. He will live.”

Mapiya looked into her father’s knowing eyes and a slight smile came over her face. “He must, father. He will have a family to take care of soon,” she said placing his hand over her stomach.

At first Chief Aenohe only looked at her confused. Then a big smile graced his face. “You are…”

“With child,” said Mapiya finishing his sentence.

Chief Aenohe laughed loudly, to excited to contain his happiness. “When? How?”

“Father!” admonished Mapiya. “That is a silly question. You know how.” Mapiya blushed brightly.

“But so soon?”

Mapiya glared at her father.

“Yes, yes. Nature is funny. Does he know, my child?”

“No. I have not had the chance to tell him. There has been no time.”

“Then make time. You must. He must know this. It will give him strength.”

Mapiya knew her father spoke true. She must tell her husband, but she was afraid it would impair his judgment. His first most important task as far as she saw it was protecting his friend. If she told him of the child, then she was afraid that he would turn from the task and would change his focus. She would tell him, when the time was right.

She turned back to her responsibility of keeping the food from burning. “I will think on it, father.” And that was the end of the conversation. Chief Aenohe knew he would not be able to broach the subject now. But later, that was a different story.

He stood up from his position next to her and went to sit in front of White Eagle, who sat diligently next to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, almost in a guarding position. Nathan sat to the other side, bathing the blond Cheyenne with wet cloths.

“How is he?” asked Chief Aenohe.

“He has a fever,” replied Nathan. “I’m tryin’ to bring it down.”

He then turned his eyes to White Eagle and said, “We have two days before the council will meet again. They will wait no longer than that. With or without Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.”

Vin silently nodded at that comment. He had not believed they would wait as long as they had. Now they had two more days before the trial would begin. He did not know if Chris was going to be well enough to stand with him. But he was prepared to stand alone, if necessary.

“Do not loose hope, White Eagle. We still have time,” said Chief Aenohe trying to elate the young man’s fears.

Vin still did not say anything. He only nodded that he understood. He was hesitant to speak since he was still concerned about Chris. Right now, that was Vin’s most important worry. Not the trial and he knew Chief Aenohe understood this.

The Chief nodded. He knew that White Eagle was concerned with well being of Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, but he also knew that he was not looking after his own health. He saw the way the brown eyes seemed to stray ever so often from the blond on their own. He was exhausted as much as his daughter and from where Chief Aenohe was sitting, he had not eaten much either.

“White Eagle, you must also be strong for him. If you are sick, then you cannot help him.”

Vin turned glaring eyes to the Chief. But they softened when he realized the Chief cared about him just as much as he cared about Chris.

Mapiya came over at the moment carrying a bowl of stew and placed it into Vin’s lap.

“Eat!” was all she said and walked back to her pots.

Nathan smiled silently at the woman’s word.

“Stop snickerin’, Nate. This ain’t funny.”

“Ain’t meant to be, Vin. Ya better do what she says. I have feelin’ she’s worst than Chris when it comes to people doin’ what she says,” laughed Nathan.

Vin could not help it. He felt a smile come to his face and started to delicately pick up the hot stew with his fingers, blowing on it to cool it down before putting it in his mouth.

Chief Aenohe stood up then and said, “I must leave. But I will return later to see how my son is doing.” He then turned his eyes to Mapiya, who noticed them, but pretended to ignore them. She knew what message he was conveying to her.

The Chief then left the men to their meals and their own solace, hoping that things would look better tomorrow.

Translations:

Mapiya – Sky

Emo'ôhtavo vo'e – Black Storm

Netse Ôhvo'komaestse – White Eagle

Ka'evêsehe – Stump Horn

Estsehnêstse – Come in

Neho'eehe – My father

Nâhtona – My daughter

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Chapter 59

Chris slowly awoke to something wet on his forehead. He opened his glazed eyes and let them roam around. He saw that he was in his home, his tipi. He saw Vin lying asleep on one side of him and his wife, Mapiya on the other side. The only other person in the tipi that he could see was Nathan, wide awake and reading one of his books, probably a medical one, knowing Nathan.

Chris reached up to his forehead and removed the wet cloth, tossing it to the side of him. He then silently lifted up the buffalo and blanket that covered him, inched his thin frame closer to Mapiya, drawing her under the covers with him.

Mapiya stirred, but did not wake. Instead she moved closer to him to nestle her head under his arm. Chris hugged her to him and gently kissed her on the lips.

Mapiya felt something hot and wet on her lips. She opened her sleepy brown eyes to stare at glazed green ones. “My husband. You are awake.”

Chris did not speak. He only nodded and put his finger to his lips, signaling her to be quiet. He did not want to wake up the others or alert Nathan to that fact that he was awake. He only wanted some time alone with his wife since lately it had seemed that he had none.

“Do you remember?”

Chris nodded that he did. He remembered the masked man who attacked him at the creek. He also remembered the man’s knife in his side. After that everything was hazy at best.

“And how are you, my wife?” he asked, finally finding his voice.

“I am good, husband. It is you that I was worried about. You have been very sick and your friends were very scared,” she replied, her eyes sliding over to the man who sleep besides him.

He should have known that Vin would worry the most, almost to the point that he would neglect his own health. Chris loved him like a brother, but it bothered him that the young Texan should worry so much over him.

“He worries too much,” said Chris to Mapiya, the fever causing him to shiver slightly.

Mapiya moved closer, feeling her husband tremble. “And you do not?” asked Mapiya trying to make him confront his feelings for the young man.

“About him?”

“Yes.”

“Sometimes I think not enough.”

“Sometimes I think more than you believe. You both do not speak with words, but a blind person can see.”

“Are you calling me blind?”

“No. But you keep your eyes closed,” said Mapiya matter-of-factly. She then closed her eyes, nestling closer to her husband and feigned sleep.

Chris smiled inwardly. “How did you become so smart?” he asked her.

“Women are always smarter when it comes to the heart,” she mumbled from under his arm.

Chris chuckled gently at that and closed his eyes, trying to ignore the heat that premadited his body. His breathing slowed and he felt sleep pull him into its waiting arms.

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

Nathan had heard the whispering that was coming from the sick man’s pallet. He knew based on the voices that it was Chris and Mapiya. He did not know what they were talking about, but their tones said it was serious. He was glad when he noticed Mapiya had moved closer to Chris and Chris finally went back to sleep. He knew the man needed as much rest as possible.

As for the one lying sleeping next to him, it was good that Mapiya had slipped the herbs into the man’s stew. Nathan knew without the young woman’s intervention, Vin would not have slept until he knew his friend was over the worst. Vin had claimed that he was fine, but Nathan knew differently. The man had not slept or ate properly since finding his friend alive and that not bode well for the young man’s deterioting condition.

He just hopes things would look better in the next couple days. He would dread to think of what might happen to the scroungy looking Texan if he had to face the council and without Chris.

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

JD and Buck had finally got to the spot where the smoke was coming from. Whoever had started the small blaze was long gone.

“What’s that burnin’, Buck?” asked JD as he stepped closer to the fire.

Buck moved over to where he was looking and bent over the fizzling fire. “Don’t know, JD.” He then spied a large branch of a tree on the ground. He picked it up and poked at the dying fire.

As he pushed and stirred the contents around, part of a face with two bone horns came out the side. Buck picked it up with the end of the branch and pulled it towards him to get a better look. It looked like a mask, a mask made from fur and the horns of a buffalo. The fur was mostly burnt, but Buck could see that it was definitely part of some type of headdress or mask.

“What is it?”

“I think this is the mask of Chris’ attacker,” said Buck holding it high on the stick.

“Ya really think it is?”

“I’d bet my bottom dollar on it. I think whoever attacked Chris was tryin’ to get rid of the evidence.”

“Yeah, but he’s long gone now,” said JD, eyeing the mask as it was the actual offender.

“I don’t think so, JD. I think he’s still around. In fact, I think he’s in the camp.”

“Ya think ya know who it is, Buck.”

“I got my notions, JD. Let’s take this back to Chris and the boys,” said Buck as he wrapped the fragmented mask up in a kerchief.

They started walking back towards Chris’ home with their found, hoping that the others could find something in it to help Vin.

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

Chief Aenohe walked towards his son’s tipi. He had not been there since the day they had taken Emo'ôhtavo vo'e into their own home. He did not know why his son did not settle down into a family after taking Nemene'hehe as his wife. He had hoped that they would give him grandchildren before he would go to join the Great Spirits. Now it seemed his sister, who had only been wed for a few days would be the first to give him his dream.

He was afraid of what ó'kôhóme would do. He did not think that he would hurt his sister or the child. But if ó'kôhóme were to hurt Emo'ôhtavo vo'e it would definitely tear Mapiya’s heart and the peace of his family. He needed to make his son see that the path he had chosen was one that would lead to destruction.

As he approached the tipi, he saw Nemene'hehe coming out it. She looked as if she had been crying and she held her head down when she saw the Chief moving towards her.

“Nemene'hehe, what is wrong? Are you not well?”

“I am fine, my husband’s father,” she said shyly.

Chief Aenohe was very concerned. Nemene'hehe was never one to not to say what was on her mind. That is why her name meant Singing Woman. She was sing to anyone who would listen about her life, about her husband, about whatever came to her mind. Quiet, she was not.

“Is my son home?” asked Chief Aenohe, changing the subject as he saw that his daughter-in-law seemed uncomfortable with the subject of her wellbeing.

“He…he is not here. He left to hunt for food,” she lied.

Chief Aenohe knew Nemene'hehe was lying. But he would not confront her directly. It was not good manners to accuse someone of lying unless he had proof. At this moment he had to take her by her words.

“Hmm. If you see him, tell him I wish to talk with him.”

“I will, my husband’s father,” she answered and walked away towards the creek.

Chief Aenohe sighed. He knew there was something wrong between them, but it was not his place to interfere, at least not yet. He continued his walk that would take him to his friend the medicine man. He had to decide what if Emo'ôhtavo vo'e or Netse Ôhvo'komaestse were determined to be guilty by the council.

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Chapter 60

ó'kôhóme stood by the tree outside of the Cheyenne Village. He was waiting for Ka'evêsehe to show up. He knew the old man was slow, but he did not think he was this slow. He had been waiting for the past hour and knew that the man did not want to be seen by any of the men from the Dog Clan. He was happy that they both had the same beliefs about the white Cheyenne. They both knew it was changing their people and they did not belief it was for the best.

He was about to give up, when he noticed someone slowly approaching him. The way the person walked, ó'kôhóme knew it to be a person of statue. He knew it had to be Ka'evêsehe, much later than he should be.

“Tósa'e nénêxhé'óhtse?” asked ó'kôhóme.

“I have been with your father, pup!” answered Ka'evêsehe annoyed. “He and Ma'emestahke were talking and wanted me to join them.”

“Talking? About what?”

“About what they should do next at the council to protect your tsêhésevé'ho'e brother and his vé'ho'e friend.”

“He is not my brother!” spat ó'kôhóme. “”He is a šé'šenovôtse who has wormed his way into my family. He does not belong there.”

Ka'evêsehe could feel the hatred dripping from ó'kôhóme’s words. He knew he had chosen well in making this warrior his friend. He was the perfect hand for his tomahawk that would fall on the neck of Chief Aenohe severing his power with the tribe.

“You must not let your hatred ruin all our plans,” said Ka'evêsehe, trying to manipulate the young warrior. “You have shown them too much already.”

ó'kôhóme eyed him perplexed. “What do you speak, old man?”

“You have shown them what is in your heart by attacking him outright,” accused Ka'evêsehe.

“It was not I!”

“Then who?”

“I do not know. But once I find out, I will kill the person who has tried to interfere.”

“Then I believe there is someone else who shares your hatred of these men,” said Ka'evêsehe thoughtfully. “Do nothing to bring attention to yourself. Let things take their course.” Ka'evêsehe knew that if someone else would rid them of the white Cheyenne, then so be it, all the better.

ó'kôhóme looked at him hesitantly. He did not like the idea of someone else interfering in his plans of revenge.

“Listen to me, ó'kôhóme. I see many things. The Spirits have shown me that whoever did this is our way of getting what we want without taking the blame.”

ó'kôhóme nodded in thought at this, but his desire for having the right to take coup on the white Cheyenne still burned. “I will listen to your words, Ka'evêsehe. But if it fails, I will still take what is mine,” he answered determinedly.

Ka'evêsehe just stood looking at him. He knew that if his plan failed, ó'kôhóme would not only take revenge against the white Cheyenne, but him too. “I must go or people will be suspicious of us.” With that said, Ka'evêsehe turned and started to walk slowly back the way he had come.

ó'kôhóme watched him go, the fire of hatred not stilled in eyes and his mind turning and turning on what his next actions would be. The day would come when even Ka'evêsehe would not be a threat to him anymore. He would have back his old life, his family and the power and no one would be able to stop him. Not even an old man.

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

Vin awoke to sounds coming from besides him. He sat up and looked over towards where the sound was emanating from. He saw that Chris was tossing and turning in his sleep. He leaned over and gently touched the man’s shoulder. The blond did not wake and Vin felt the heat that was coming from his body. It worried him deeply. He thought his friend had enough pain and had not been able to enjoy his life with Mapiya. It broke Vin’s soul to see this happening to his friend. He was determined to make things right.

He got up and walked to the water skin. Taking it off the string that held it, he opened it and poured a generous amount of cold water on to a cloth that found near his pallet. He then quickly went over to the blond, trying not to wake Nathan or Mapiya, as he worked feverishly to cool the blond man down.

Chris awoke to something cool on his chest. It made the heat he was feeling abate and he opened an eye to see where it was coming from. He found himself looking into a deep pair of blue eyes. “Vin?”

“Shhh. It’s me, Cowboy,” said Vin continuing his work.

“Where…Where Mapiya…Nathan…and…and the others,” said Chris as he tried to sit up. He felt Vin’s hand gently push him back down.

“Ya need to lie still, Pard. That wife of yaurs and Nate ain’t had no sleep in awhile.”

Chris turned to look over next to him and found Mapiya lying under the blankets with him. He remembered that she had said that he was blind when it came to his worries about Vin Tanner. She was right, of course. He did worry about the scruffy looking, Texan and he was worried about him now.

“Vin…what about the council?” exclaimed Chris grabbing his friends arm and sitting up too quickly. He felt the stitches stretch as his rapid movement pulled them taut and a moan slipped out.

“Ya alright, Chris?”

“Fine, fine,” he said pushing the young man’s hand away as he tried to touch his forehead. “Hear anything from my father-in-law?”

“Now, don’t ya go frettin’ about that right now, Chris. Everythin’ I’ll be fine. I promise ya,” replied Vin, trying to keep him calm. “If ya keep movin’ around like that ya gon’na bust open them stitches and I ain’t ‘bout to take the blame for it from Nathan.”

Chris sighed heavily and lay back against his pallet, moving closer to Mapiya. He suddenly felt a chill in the air that encompassed his whole body. One minute he was burning in fire and the next felt as if he was lying in ice. He started to shiver and it did not go unnoticed.

Vin grabbed his own blanket and put it over the blond, making sure that Mapiya was not covered since she seemed to be sweating from being over wrapped. “Ya got chills, Chris?”

“Jjjust…a…little,” answered Chris, boring under the blankets deeper.

“I think maybe I should wake up Nathan,” said Vin pensively.

“No!” cried out Chris. Then he said in a much lower tone, “No, I…jjust nneed to rest awhile, okay?”

Vin eyed him suspiciously, but gave in. “Alright, Pard. But if ya ain’t no better in a little while, I’m wakin’ Nathan,” he scolded. Then his eyes lit up and he smiled at Chris saying, “Besides, ya wan’an be well for ya little wife, don’t cha?”

Chris smiled back at this and his mind started to wander at the thought of his last dream. It was the same one that he had for the past few nights. Someone was dying, but he could not see who it was. It troubled him greatly. He had heard the voices of Vin and Mapiya in the dream, but it seemed as if they were far away. He remembered feeling anguish at being unable to stop it from happening and he had cried. The problem was he could not see for whom he cried for.

Vin noticed the troubled look on Chris’ face. He did not know what was bothering his friend, but he knew it was not good.

“Chris? Somethin’ wrong?”

Chris startled, looked at the young tracker, and saw the concern in his eyes. He had forgotten he was there. He said, “I…I was just thinkin’ about a dream I had.”

“A dream, Cowboy? Was it good?” asked Vin, teasingly.

Chris glared at him briefly and then a smile graced his face too. “I wish it was. It left a bad taste in my mouth. It…It was confusing.”

Vin could see that the dream was upsetting the blond and he wondered what it was about. He wanted to ask, but Chris did not seem in the mood to tell him about and he did not want to push it. He figured Chris would tell him when he was ready.

“Well, it was just a dream. Ya should try and get some sleep. Tomorrow’ll be here before ya know it,” said Vin trying to liven up his friend’s mood.

Chris nodded silently. He did feel very tired and sleep was slowly encroaching on his consciousness. “Yeah. Probably right,” answered Chris as his eyes slowly closed.

Vin touched his forehead and found it was a little cooler than before. It took a breath in relief and layed down next to him on his own pallet.

He then closed his eyes and started to drift towards sleep, while thoughts of what was to come turned around his in head.

***********

JD and Buck met up with Josiah on their way back to Chris’ tipi. They were glad to see the preacher, but they saw there was a look of unease on his face.

“Josiah!” shouted JD as he ran up to meet him at the tipi. “Where ya been?”

“I went to find a witness, JD, to help Vin.”

“Well, Buck and I think we found somethin’.”

Josiah eyes quirked in their direction at JD’s statement.

“I think we should take this conversation inside, boys,” said Buck, scanning the area round them.

“Very good idea, brother. I think we also need to get everyone together. We need a plan and fast,” replied Josiah.

Buck and JD agreed. “I’ll go get Ezra. He’s asleep in the other tent,” responded JD and bounded off towards the location of the young gambler.

“Asleep?” questioned Josiah.

“Yeah. Our little con artist actually helped last night with Chris. Nathan was amazed,” said Buck, grinning as he waited for Josiah’s reaction.

Josiah just nodded, not showing any signs of surprise or amazement. Buck was confused. He had thought the preacher would be shocked by this revelation.

“Ya ain’t surprised, Josiah.”

“And why should I be, Buck?” asked Josiah.

“Ah…Well, I just thought…”

“Ezra is just as concerned as us about Chris and I am not surprised at his willingness to help,” responded Josiah as he went into the tipi, leaving Buck with his mouth hanging open.

***********

Josiah walked into the tipi to find Chris, Mapiya, Vin and Nathan sleeping peacefully in their respective places.. Even though it was just becoming evening, he knew each had needed the rest. Their ordeal was not over and Josiah prayed that with the news he and Buck had found, things would get better.

He walked over to Nathan, hating to awake the healer from a rest the man needed, but he knew he had no choice in the matter.

He knelt besides his sleeping friend and gently shook his shoulder. Nathan did not wake at first and Josiah had to shake him again, this time more forcefully. “Nate, wake up.”

At the second shake, Nathan jumped up from his sleeping pallet by the fire on the other side of the tipi, wide eyed and looking around. “What?” Nathan exclaimed. “What happened?”

“Nothin’, Nate,” answered Josiah, trying to allay the still half-asleep man’s fears.

“Is Chris…?”

“He’s fine. Sleepin’ over there by Vin and Mapiya,” replied the preacher, his head motioning towards the three sleeping forms.

Nathan sighed heavily and rubbed his face. “Thank God for that. I’m surprised that man is still alive, Josiah.”

Josiah heard the fear and anxiety in his friend’s voice. “Don’t worry, Nathan. You did good. Chris will be fine. So will we all.”

“I wish I had your faith, Josiah. I just don’t know right now. The man was already in bad shape when we found him. Then that ceremony and now this. I don’t know how much more he can take or how many more times I can help save ‘im.”

Josiah saw the doubt in the healer’s eyes. Josiah’s faith was strong in his God, but it was just as strong in his friend’s abilities. “I do. We are bound together in this ‘til the end, brother. That is what makes us strong.”

Nathan nodded, feeling a little lighter in his burden, but the fear that things were not going to go well still lie quietly underneath it all.

“Also, I think Buck and I have some news that might cheer everyone up,” said Josiah smiling lightly.

Nathan looked quizzical brown eyes at the big preacher, wondering what he had meant.

“But first, we got to wake up Vin and Chris,” he said solemnly silencing Nathan’s unvoiced question.

“Josiah, those men need their rest. Things have been too rough on them as it is,” said Nathan apprehensively.

“I know, brother. I know. But I think this is important enough to do so.”

Nathan trusted Josiah totally and he knew if Josiah said it was important, then it was. He knew his friend would not take the health of his other two friends likely.

Just then Buck, JD came into the tipi leading a sleepy-eyed Ezra.

“Well, it seems the other boys are here. Let’s get to it,” directed Josiah.

He and Nathan then proceeded to go over towards the sleeping men, while Buck, JD and Ezra took seats near the fire.

Translation:

tsêhésevé'ho'e – half white man, half Cheyenne

vé'ho'e – white man

šé'šenovôtse - snake

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

Chapter 61

Mapiya awoke to the feeling of being watched. She looked up and found her husband’s men standing and kneeling by them. Vin was already awake, looking at them confused. But Chris was still asleep, restless in his movements.

“Vin? What’s wrong?” asked Mapiya tentatively. She felt that things were not right.

“I don’t rightly know, Mapiya. I just woke up myself. Josiah? Nathan? Ya want to let us in on whatever has your cages rattle?”

Josiah looked to Nathan who then in turned looked back to him. They hated having to wake the two ill men from their much needed rest, but what they had was important.

“We need to talk to you and Chris. Now,” said Josiah putting everything out in the open.

“Chris? Why? What’s wrong? I don’t think Chris is well enough to…”

“Vin. We know we wouldn’a ask if it was not important.”

“I just don’t think we should get Chris involved right now, Nathan. He ain’t…”

“Neither are you, Netse Ôhvo'komaestse,” interrupted Mapiya. “I believe…my husband, he will make his own choice.”

Vin gazed at Mapiya thoughtfully. He knew she was right. Chris would want to make his own decisions concerning his life and he as a friend, would not prevent him from doing so. He finally nodded in agreement and watched as Mapiya leaned down over the sleeping blond, gently shaking his shoulder.

Chris at first did not respond. It took him some time before he became aware that he was lying down and that his eyes were closed. He finally opened his eyes and found himself looking into the face of his dreams.

Mapiya knelt next to him, her eyes looking deeply into his and smiled graced her face that made his soul sigh in happiness.

“Mapiya,” was all Chris simply said.

Mapiya smiled wider at the fact that he had recognized her and seemed to be fully awake now.

“Are you good, husband?” she asked with sincere concern.

“I’m…fine, wife” answered Chris, trying to sit up. He felt a slight pain as he tried and a groan escaped his lips as he did.

“You are big liar, husband,” said Mapiya annoyed.

“She got ya there, Pard,” said Vin.

He turned his eyes to the side of him and found that Vin was awake, sitting up next to him. He then noticed that the others were standing or kneeling near him, as waiting for something.

“Somethin’ wrong, boys?” asked Chris, glaring at them.

“I don’t know if you call it wrong, Chris, but I think we found somethings out that may help you and Vin,” replied Josiah, kneeling down next to him.

“What did ya find, Josiah?” asked Vin, his curiosity now peeked.

“Buck, tell ‘em what you and JD found,” said Josiah looking up at the tall lawman who stood to the side.

Buck walked closer and knelt down next to Josiah, Chris, and Vin and pulled the kerchief from his pocket. He handed the closed kerchief to Chris to open.

Chris took the object and looked down at it confused. He felt something inside of it, but did not know what. He unwrapped whatever was in the kerchief and a shock expression donned his face. He then looked up at Buck, wonderment and pain filling his eyes.

“Where did ya find this, Buck?” he asked when he finally found his voice.

“Over on the other side of the creek. Someone was trying to burn it. I guess they was tryin’ to get rid of the evidence,” answered Buck.

“It does seem…that way, Mr. Wilmington,” said Ezra as a yawn caught him in mid-sentence.

“What is it, Chris?” asked Vin.

“Part of the mask that my attacker used,” answered Chris thoughtfully.

“Which means he’s still in the camp,” said Josiah. “Chris, there is something else you should know. I spoke with Standing Brave Woman. She knows who put the Sacred Arrow into Vin’s belongings.”

They all looked at Josiah in surprise. This was good news indeed. Vin’s eyes showed gratitude at the fact that Josiah had risked everything to help him. But he still had not said who it was.

“Did she tell ya who it was, Josiah?” Vin asked with trepidation.

“She said it was Ka'evêsehe.”

“Ka'evêsehe?” came Mapiya shocked response.

“Ka'evêsehe?” echoed Chris. “But he is one of Chief Aenohe’s men. He is considered the Chief’s right hand.”

“Well, it seems the Chief’s right hand has been up to no good,” added Ezra.

“So do we tell the Chief?” questioned JD.

All heads turned towards him. JD stood determined. He wanted an answer. His friends lives counted on them proving to the Cheyenne that Vin did not do what they said he did.

“No, JD,” replied Vin with the answer he had read in Chris’ eyes.

“Why?” exclaimed JD. “I don’t understand, Vin. Chris?”

“I also do not understand what is occurring here, Mr. Larabee,” interjected Ezra.

“Because we need more proof. If it is Ka'evêsehe he’s not in this alone. There are others and we need to find out who. Standing Brave Woman is not safe once everyone knows,” explained Chris. He looked to Mapiya and saw that she had agreed with him.

“We need more. Like who was the attacker on Chris and who else was involved with Ka'evêsehe,” said Nathan.

“Yeah. And I know Ka'evêsehe could not have done all this alone. He had to help and help that had the men to do this,” stated Chris.

“My brother,” came Mapiya soft reply.

Chris looked at Mapiya with saddened eyes. He knew how much this was hurting her. He knew to hear of betrayal by someone you love, such as he had been betrayed by Ella Gaines was a deep cut that never left the soul.

“I’m…I’m…sorry, Mapiya,” he stuttered, unable to have the right words come out that would console his wife’s heart, as he watched tears start to form in her brown eyes.

Mapiya could not speak. It was too difficult to put into words how she felt right now. Instead, she nodded hard and rose from her kneeling position to walk pass the convergence of men and out of the tipi.

“Mapiya!” shouted Chris, as he watched his wife leave their home. He tried to rise, but was pushed back onto the pallet by a pair of strong hands.

“Chris, ya can’t leave yet. Ya ain’t well enough to go runnin’ after her,” said Nathan, helping Josiah to keep the man in place.

Chris gritted his teeth against the pain in his side as he tried to fight to get to his wife. He had to go after her. He knew he was hurting, but Mapiya was hurting more.

Nathan knew if Chris went running after his wife, he would pull out all the stitches he had put into his side. The bandage was also starting to seep blood again and Nathan was concerned about infection. They could not let Chris leave. He looked to Josiah for help and confirmation of what they were doing. He saw the big preacher nod slightly, as if he reading his mind.

“Chris! Stop fightin’ ‘em!” yelled Vin, now jumping into the fray. He had grabbed Larabee by the arms to help the others in restraining the distraught man.

“Vin. Help me! Don’t…Don’t let her go out there alone. Please,” pleaded Chris.

Vin leaned down close, brushing a strand of stray blond hair out of the older man’s eyes and said, “Listen. Ya settle down now, ya hear. The others will go after her. I promise.” Chris calmed down at Vin’s word. He trusted him with his life. He would trust him with the safety of his wife. Vin then turned eyes to Buck, Ezra and JD.

Buck knew his old friend was hurting. He had watched Chris broken with the lost of Sarah and Adam. He was not letting that happen again.

“We’ll bring her back, Chris. Don’t you worry,” said Buck turning quickly to walk out of the tipi to go after the young Cheyenne woman.

“I will assist Mr. Wilmington in his task, Mr. Larabee and we will presently be returning your paramour forthwith,” added Ezra walking out of the tipi after Buck.

“I’m goin’ too!” said JD, and proceeded to follow Ezra.

“See,” said Vin. “Ya got three men goin’ after her. Although I think with Mapiya that might not be ‘nough.” Vin smiled gently at Chris.

Chris knew Vin was trying to lighten the darken mood that was now in the tipi. Chris smiled back and was glad to have a friend like Vin at his side.

“Chris, I got somethin’ I need you drink,” interrupted Nathan pushing a wooden cup towards his face. Josiah and Vin helped the blond get into a sitting position.

“Don’t want it,” answered Chris stubbornly and turned his face away from the cup.

Nathan looked at Vin for support. Vin eyed him knowingly.

“Chris, listen, ya know ya need ya strength iffen ya goin’ to stand we me at the council tomorrow. Nathan’s brew might not be good tastin’, but it’ll help,” said Vin convincingly.

Chris glared at Vin, then Nathan, then at the cup that Nathan still held out in front of him. He opened his mouth grudgingly as Nathan put it to his lips. Chris drank about half of it before he pushed it away and laid back down upon his pallet. He was tired and fighting his friends had taken every once of energy he had left. His eyes were feeling heavy as he felt his body giving into his needs and the herbal mixture starting to take affect.

“Ya rest now, Cowboy. When ya wake up, Mapiya’ll be back here right by ya side.” He heard Vin say, as his eyes closed.

Once Vin and the rest knew Chris was asleep, they all breathed a sigh in relief. The current events were taking a toll on their friend and they all knew that if things did not turn around soon they did not think Chris would survive the outcome.

Nathan, now seeing that one patient was taken care of, turned to his other patient. Vin felt eyes upon him and found him looking into the deep seeing eyes of their friend and healer.

“Now, Vin, don’t make me do this the hard way,” said Nathan determinedly.

“I’m fine, Nathan. Just…Just a little tired,” responded Vin defensively.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’ve heard it all before. Ya listen. What you did for Chris was good. But now it’s time to take care of Vin Tanner.”

Vin eyed him doubtfully. Vin thought he was good at taking care of Vin Tanner already.

Nathan watched as the young Texan sat stubbornly glaring at him. “That ain’t gon’na work. Ya either lie down there and let me take a look at those wounds and change those bandages hidin’ up under that ragged shirt of yaurs or I’ll enlist Josiah and the others to tie ya down and we’ll do it the hard way,” said Nathan annoyed.

Vin sighed dejectedly knowing he had lost the argument once Nathan started threatening to bring in the others. “Okay, Nate. But I’m tellin’ ya I’m fine.”

“Just lie down and pull up that shirt,” said Nathan ignoring his comment. Nathan then turned to Josiah and said, “Do me a favor, Josiah and bring me some clean bandages and some water. Also get my bag, I need to make sure I clean them good.”

“Right, Nathan,” said Josiah moving away to the other side of the tipi to get the items he had requested.

Vin then laid down upon his own pallet and pulled up his shirt to let Nathan do his work.

Nathan looked at his stomach and chest and found that the bandages were wet with fresh blood and sticking to his skin. “Damn! I knew I shouldn’a known. You both got hard heads,” said Nathan angrily. He did not understand why these men were so determined to kill themselves.

Josiah came over at the moment with the water and the bandages. Nathan took the water from and one of the bandages and applied the water to it. He also poured some of the water on to the bandages, hoping to loosen the dried and caked blood from sticking to the man’s skin.

As Nathan worked feverishly to remove the ugly bandages and clean the young man’s wounds, Vin lay there relaxed, his blue eyes closing in exhaustion. He only opened them once or twice when he felt a twinge of pain as Nathan removed each of the soiled bandages from his body. But as soon as that was done, his eyes drifted close once more.

Josiah watched as Nathan worked quickly over Vin. He smiled gently to himself as he watched the dark-skinned healer expertly do his job and almost laughed out loud as he heard the man use curse words that he had never heard coming out of the man’s mouth. He knew Nathan was angry, but he knew it was not at anyone in particular. He was only venting his frustration at the fact that these men were hurt and there was only so much he could do. He cared deeply for these two men. Just as much as they all did.

When Nathan had finished, he brushed away the sweat from his brow and looked up at his reverend friend. “He’ll be fine. He needs a lot of rest and thank goodness those wounds ain’t infected yet, but we gotta watch ‘em.”

Josiah nodded and held his hand out to help his friend up off his knees. They both looked down at the sleeping tracker and sighed in relief. They had a long rode ahead of them, keeping both these men well and safe.

“Come on, Nate. Let’s go get some of that stew Mapiya left in the pot and then I want you to take a rest yourself.”

Nathan too tired and weary to argue about it, nodded and followed his friend over to the burning fire. He just hoped that the others had more success with the stubborn woman, than he had with these two stubborn men.

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

Chapter 62

Buck, Ezra and JD had walked all through the camp looking for Chris’ runaway wife. Since they did not speak the language, it was difficult for them to communicate to the Cheyenne who they were looking for.

They had found one person, a young boy who understood English and told them that he had seen Mapiya go down to the creek. They had thanked the boy and proceeded to the area he indicated, but when they got there, they found that Mapiya was nowhere to be found.

They were about to give up, when they came upon Chief Aenohe, walking with Ma'emestahke, the medicine man.

“Chief Aenohe, we are looking for Mapiya,” said Buck, walking up to the elderly man.

“She is with Otseemeoo'e. I saw her crying.”

“Otseemeoo'e?” questioned Ezra.

“Standing Brave Woman,” answered Chief Aenohe. “Is there wrong with Emo'ôhtavo vo'e?”

“He’s fine, Chief. But he was worried about Mapiya,” answered Buck.

“She and Otseemeoo'e went to talk to Nemene'hehe.”

“And she is?”

“Nemene'hehe, Singing Woman, she is my son’s wife.”

Buck, Ezra and JD all turned eyes to each other in concern.

“Ah, Chief, did she say what they were going to do?” asked Buck trying to keep his voice leveled. He was worried about what Mapiya might try to do.

“No. If you wish to ask her, Nemene'hehe’s tipi is over there,” said Chief Aenohe pointing towards the tipi that was situated on the right side of the camp away from the others.

“Thank ya, sir. We’ll do that,” said Buck as he motioned Ezra and JD to follow him.

Chief Aenohe watched them walk towards the tipi. Worry shone in his brown eyes. He had a feeling that something was admist. He needed to speak to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e quickly.

Chief Aenohe turned to Ma'emestahke and said, “I must speak with Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. Will you please deliver my request to Kovaahe?”

“Yes. You go now?”

“I must. I have a feeling that our children are up to something,” said Chief Aenohe has he walked away, leaving the medicine man to take his request to Kovaahe. He had faith that the old man would deliver it. He just had to have faith that Kovaahe would carry it out.

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

Po'êxao'o, Grey Skunk walked the encampment, making sure to avoid all contact with the vé'hó'e. He had burned the mask that would link him to the attack and the knife he cleaned thoroughly in the creek, making sure no blood was visible on it. He decided his next step was to talk to ó'kôhóme to find out how his white Cheyenne brother-in-law fared. He smiled in glee at the thought of the blond Cheyenne bleeding and slowly dying. Everything would be the same as it was before he arrived, including his friendship with ó'kôhóme.

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

ó'kôhóme had finished his conversation with Ka'evêsehe a while ago, but he decided to take his time getting back to camp. He did not want anyone to suspect that he and Ka'evêsehe were working together.

He strolled leisurely to his home with two rabbits he had killed while waiting for time to pass before returning. He would take them to his wife and they would have a great dinner. In this way, he could make it up to her for his cruel treatment of her earlier. Although he thought Nemene'hehe’s mouth wagged too much, he still loved her. She had stuck by him and even tried to help him through everything. He only thought she needed to hardened her heart more towards his sister and her husband. Then she would never question what he asked of her.

He quickened his pace, excited with the fact that maybe tonight, he and his wife would have a good time.

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

Mapiya, Otseemeoo'e and Nemene'hehe sat around the fire of Nemene'hehe’s home. None of the woman spoke, but sat working together on the new quilted blanket that was suppose to be for one of the women of the tribe that was to be marry with the next full moon.

Nemene'hehe sat between the two women, not looking up from her work, trying to keep her attention to what she was currently doing and not that fact that there were two women who her husband hated more than anything else in her home. But she knew there was no way around it. She and the other two had agreed months ago to work on the wedding quilt for Eše'hemeona'e. It would disgrace her not to do so.

As they deftly worked stitching the fabric together which would create the design of the Morning Star, which is an eight-pointed star design that would be a special gift for the new bride on her wedding day, the silent stayed unbroken. It was the privilege of the three, being close to Eše'hemeona'e as sisters, to create this gift and present it to the couple the day of their wedding. Otseemeoo'e had presented Mapiya with such a gift on the day of her own wedding. And, of course, Mapiya would do the same the day of Otseemeoo'e’s.

Otseemeoo'e saw Mapiya, although she did not speak, constantly questioning Nemene'hehe with her all knowing eyes. They had found the young woman troubled and knew there was something wrong between she and her husband. But good Cheyennes did not pry into other’s marital affairs. It was up to the couple to bring it to the medicine man and the Chief of the tribe to discuss if there were problems. Mapiya, being the wise woman of the tribe, would be consulted on the woman’s behalf, but not until it was brought before the Chief. Since it currently was not, Mapiya knew she was forbidden to intrude.

Suddenly, completed with one of her tasks on the quilt, Mapiya decided that some action needed to be taken before the return of her brother. She lifted her head and said, “ó'kôhóme spends too much time away from home.”

Nemene'hehe looked up with eyes of sadness, but did not answer. So Mapiya continued. “He should be home taking care of his own.”

At this, Nemene'hehe smiled a little. “He is too busy with the men to tend to his responsibility at home!” spat Nemene'hehe.

“Poor Nemene'hehe,” said Otseemeoo'e full of genuine concern.

It was all Nemene'hehe needed to hear from the other two women. Hearing how they felt about her mistreatment and forgetfulness of her husband, it gave the three a common cause as women to talk.

“Thank you, dear sister,” said Nemene'hehe to Otseemeoo'e. “It is hard being the wife to the son of a chief, but I do try my best.”

“We know you do, Nemene'hehe,” added Mapiya. “I know it was not you who attempted to poison my husband.”

Nemene'hehe was shocked at this statement. But then it dawned on her that this was her last chance to save face in front of the Chief’s family and be back in with Mapiya. “Thank you, Mapiya, thank you,” she said heartily. “I have tried to give him children, but he is never around and when he is, all he thinks about is his duty.”

Mapiya winked at Otseemeoo'e over the head of Nemene'hehe bent down to continue her work.

“Have you prayed as I told you to do last time?” asked Mapiya, now showing her serious wise woman face.

“I have done all that you have told me and still our tipi stays empty. I do not know for how long I will be able to keep him. I am afraid he has been looking at Me'eohtseva'e with eyes of roaming,” explained Nemene'hehe in shushed tones.
 
“Tsk, tsk. That is very bad. I have a way in which you can regain your husband. Come closer and I will tell you what you must do,” suggested Mapiya.
 
Nemene'hehe leaned closer to Mapiya and Mapiya whispered the details of what she should do.
 

When they were done, Nemene'hehe giggled and they both turned to look at Otseemeoo'e who felt left out of the conversation. When Mapiya saw how disappointed Otseemeoo'e looked, she leaned over and whispered the same thing she had to Nemene'hehe. Otseemeoo'e giggled also, once Mapiya had finished relaying what she had told Nemene'hehe.

“You are wicked, Mapiya!” exclaimed Otseemeoo'e laughing loudly now.

“Not wicked. Wise,” replied Mapiya, also smiling now.

“I want to thank you, Mapiya for all you have done for me. If there is anything that I can do for you…”

Now Mapiya had her opportunity. She said, “There is something you can do for me, Nemene'hehe.”

“Anything.”

“You have heard about the lies that has been brought against my husband and Netse Ôhvo'komaestse?”

“Y…yes,” answered Nemene'hehe cautiously.

“You are wise in your own way, Nemene'hehe. I have seen it and I am sure in time my brother will see it also. But to continue on that path and to have the blessings of the Great Spirit, one must also be truthful and honest at all times. Especially be truthful and honest with your self, as it is in the commandments of our people.”

Nemene'hehe lowered her head in thought at this. She wanted to be a good person, although sometimes the way was paved with things that sometimes tripped her on her way.

“I have heard that there is a Cheyenne, someone who our Chief trusts that is behind the treachery that has come upon your home.”

“And what is this Cheyenne’s name?”

“His name is…his name is…No! I cannot betray…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Mapiya knew what she was about to say. “You are not betraying my brother, Nemene'hehe. It my brother who is betraying our people and I know you love him, but he cannot continue. You do not have to speak against my brother. I would not expect you to. But you must tell me the name of the other.”

Nemene'hehe was confused and frightened. She did not know what to do. If she told Mapiya the name of the Cheyenne, would she betraying her husband. She could not do that. Not for all the children she could bear.

“Nemene'hehe, this cannot go on. If it continues it will bring more than the death of the ones I love. It will also bring the death of the one you love. This will bring war among the Cheyenne and I cannot let that happen.”

Nemene'hehe understood this and stared at Mapiya as if she had sprouted two heads. “You believe that this will bring death to ó'kôhóme?”

“There is no other way. It will only end with more blood being spilled upon the land.”

“You are wise, Mapiya. You see what I could not. I cannot loose him to another and I will not loose him through death. The person who you seek is called Ka'evêsehe. He is the one who puts the evil in my husband’s heart.”

“Thank you, Nemene'hehe. Thank you,” said Mapiya grabbing her hands into hers. “We will make things good, you and I. I promise.” She then kissed her on the cheek as one did to one sister. Nemene'hehe smiled at this. “Now, let us get back to work.”

The three women started to return to the quilt, when they heard footsteps approaching the tipi. They all looked at each with concern and fear.

“Who is there?” called Nemene'hehe. But there came no answer. She then turned to Mapiya.

“Do you think it is ó'kôhóme?” asked Otseemeoo'e fearfully.

“I will find out,” replied Mapiya, standing from her kneeling position and walking over to the entrance.

“Wait!” whispered Nemene'hehe. “What if he heard us?”

Mapiya could only shrug. She then grabbed the flap and put her head outside. “What are you doing here?” she yelled, and ran outside of the tipi, leaving Nemene'hehe and Otseemeoo'e sitting silently in dread.

Translation:

vé'hó'e – white men

Eše'hemeona'e – Sun Road Woman

Me'eohtseva'e – Appearing Woman

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

Chapter 63

Chief Aenohe had arrived at his daughter’s home to find Netse Ôhvo’komaestse, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e and the black healer fast asleep. The medicine man called Josiah was the only one awake and he was sitting near the fire, seemingly in contemplation that he knew all medicine men did.

“Good day, Josiah,” said Chief Aenohe.

Josiah shook himself out of his reverie to find Chief Aenohe standing next to him. He had did not hear the man when he entered the tipi.

“Chief Aenohe. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“I am glad. If you did, then I am getting too old,” joked Chief Aenohe smiling.

Josiah smiled at that also. “I don’t think you are old, Chief Aenohe. I just think we’re all just tired.”

The Chief nodded in agreement. They all had a hard time this past moon. “How are they?” asked the Chief, motioning over to the blond Cheyenne and the brown-haired Texan.

“They are doing as well as can be expected, I guess considerin’ all they been through. What brings you here? I know the council is not until tomorrow”

“Yes. I have seen your friends. They look for my daughter. I thought there was wrong here.”

“Well, don’t know if you call it something wrong. I know that Chris was upset about Mapiya leaving here. She seemed in pain.”

“Pain is part of living, my friend. You are a medicine man. You should know this.”

“I do, but Chris don’t see it that way. He don’t like it when the people that he loves and cares for are hurting.”

“Emo'ôhtavo vo'e has a good heart. And I know that he loves my daughter and he makes her happy. But he still has much to learn. He cannot keep pain away from her. That is an impossible task for a human being.”

“I know, Chief, I know. It’s just that Chris kinda takes the blame even when it’s not his fault. Always has and always will. It is the way he is.”

“Hmmm,” replied Chief Aenohe in thought. “Then my daughter has much work. She will teach him how to live as a human being. My daughter is very good.”

Josiah smiled knowingly at the proud look the Chief had on his face as he spoke about his daughter.

Suddenly, they both heard a sigh come from the place where the blond slept. Four eyes turned towards that direction and they saw Chris trying to rise from his pallet. “Mapiya?” came the soft question from the blond Cheyenne.

Josiah and Chief Aenohe both moved over towards the man struggling to sit up and two pairs of hands grabbed the man gently. “Chris, take it easy,” said Josiah soothingly. “Mapiya will be back soon.”

Chris eyes finally focused and saw the two men who held him. “Father?”

“Yes, my son,” said Chief Aenohe moving closer. “I am here.”

“Mapiya…she left…she was crying.”

“I know, son. She is fine. She is with the other women getting Eše'hemeona'e’s wedding gift ready. She will be back soon.”

“But father…she looked so sad. I am worried about her,” replied Chris, now getting frantic.

“She is fine, son. I do not lie,” answered Chief Aenohe, placing a hand over Chris’. “You must get well so that you will teach your child…” Chief Aenohe stopped suddenly and clamped his mouth tightly. He realized that he had said too much.

Chris eyes locked with Chief Aenohe’s and confusion marred his face deeply. “Child?”

Chief Aenohe glanced briefly at Josiah and then back to Chris. He decided the damage was done and he could nothing but tell his son-in-law the truth.

“Mapiya is with child, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.”

“Mapiya’s going to have a baby?” asked Chris shocked.

“Yes. She did not want to burden you with knowing. She was afraid that you would worry too much and not get well,” explained the Chief consolingly.

“I’m to be a father again?” questioned Chris.

“Yes.”

Chris eyes lit up and a smile graced his face at the prospect. He and Mapiya would have a child soon. They would be a family. He felt the joy building in his heart, but suddenly a thought entered his mind. But what if he and Vin did not survive the outcome of the council tomorrow? What would happen to his wife and child? He had lost his first wife and child. He could not bear not being there for Mapiya and their new baby. He knew it would be a cold day in hell before he was forced to leave them.

Chief Aenohe and Josiah watched as Chris’ face showed the emotional turmoil he was going through. They understood the brief happiness they saw on his face and then the torment that immediately took its place.

“Josiah, where are the others now?”

Although the question was put to Josiah, it was Chief Aenohe who answered his question. “Your friends are looking for my daughter as we speak.”

At that information, Chris started to rise from his pallet. Josiah and Chief Aenohe quickly grabbed the blond by the arms, trying to prevent the action.

“Josiah, let me go!” yelled Chris.

At this commotion, Vin and Nathan awoke from their peaceful sleep. They both looked over to where the blond lay and found him fighting with Josiah and Chief Aenohe. Both men swiftly moved over towards the ruckus that was taken place to find out what was going on.

“Josiah? What’s going on here? Chris?” interrogated Nathan.

“Chris? What’s wrong, Cowboy?” asked Vin, placing his hand on Chris’ shoulder. Chris immediately calmed down once he noticed Vin there and turned an angry glare at his friend.

“They won’t let me go, Vin. Tell them to get off of me!”

“Why? What’s happened, Pard?”

“He wants to go after Mapiya,” explained Josiah.

“But I thought we’d agreed that the boys would find her and bring her back?”

“No! I will bring her back!” replied Chris starting to struggle again.

“Chris! Chris! Listen ta me. Tell me what’s goin’ on.”

“Mapiya is carrying his child, Vin. It’s the reason why he wants to go after her,” answered Josiah.

Vin sat there in shock at this news. Mapiya was pregnant. He could see why Chris was fighting so hard to get to her. Chris was afraid. Afraid because he had lost his family once and he did not want to lose his family again. Vin looked at him in sympathy. He could understand what the gunslinger was going through. He had also lost someone he loved to tragedy and his heart was just starting to heal among these six men. For Chris was the same, but now Chris had more to loose besides his friends. Vin swore that he would never let the man go through that again.

“Chris, listen ta me. Do ya trust me?”

“Ya know I do, Vin. But Mapiya…”

“Do ya trust the boys?

“Ya know I do.”

“Then have faith that they will bring Mapiya back here safe and sound.”

Chris knew Vin was right. He trusted his men emphatically, as much as he trusted Vin, with his life and his family. They would bring Mapiya back safe and they would die keeping her safe if need be. Chris relaxed back on the pallet at the knowledge of this and sighed. “Okay, Vin.”

All of a sudden, Chris turned to find Nathan kneeling over him with a cup in his hand. He had not even noticed that the young black healer had even moved away to retrieve the item he knew held the man’s famous tea.

“Here Chris, I need ya to drink this and no argument.”

“Is it gon’na make me sleep? I tell ya Nathan, I ain’t tired and I am gettin’ pissed at lying here all the time.”

“Now, Chris, ya may be feelin’ better now, but if don’t take care of yourself and do as I say ya could have a relapse. Ya understand me?”

Chris glared at him doubtfully, but opened his mouth to drink the tepid liquid in the cup. He grimaced at the taste of the liquid going down, but once he had drunk about half, he pushed the cup away and re-settled himself on the pallet. Nathan smiled gently at the man’s stubbornness and wondered why he ever put up with the nonsense he always received when these men were sick. But then he remembered why. These men had saved his life more times than he could count. There was no way he was going to let these men die of something that he could prevent.

“Ya just rest, Chris,” came Nathan’s command.

“Just be sure ya wake me when Mapiya comes back. We got a lot to talk about.”

Vin, Nathan, Josiah and Chief Aenohe stifled the chuckles and laughter that were trying to get out at this comment. They knew Mapiya was going to get the surprise of her life.

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

Mapiya stood outside of her brother’s tipi, with her hands on her hips, staring down the three men that were in front of her. Her husband’s friends had created quite a stir by looking for her and now everyone in the camp knew about it.

“Buck! Eezra! JaDee! Why you here?”

Buck looked at Mapiya embarrassed and his face reddened. “Ah…well…ah….ya see…”

JD and Ezra stared at Buck surprised at his lost for words when it came to talking to a woman. But then they realized that this was not just any woman. This was Chris Larabee’s wife.

“My dear Mrs. Larabee,” interrupted Ezra. “Your husband has sent us to escort you to him. He has been very perturbed by your disappearance as it was unexpected.”

Mapiya looked to Buck and JD in confusion. “He says that Chris was worried about ya when he upped and ran out,” translated JD.

“Is he good?” asked Mapiya, worry for husband now taking over her anger.

“He’s fine, Mapiya,” injected Buck. “He just needs to see that you’re okay.”

“I am good,” stated Mapiya determinedly. “Wait here. I must tell my sisters where I go.” And she disappeared into the tipi leaving the three men to stand outside uncomfortably.

“I swear, Chris is got a hellfire of a woman there,” announced Buck.

“I think she is a formable adversary for Mr. Larabee,” added Ezra.

“Yeah. Chris is in trouble,” opted JD. Buck and Ezra eyed JD laughingly. Out of the mouths of babes they both thought.

In that instant, Mapiya came out of the tipi, huffing at the men who stood there and without a word started marching towards her home. Buck, JD and Ezra followed, all the while thanking their absence of the burden of wife with a temper like hers.

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

Po'êxao'o had caught ó'kôhóme before he had reached his home. He wanted to talk to the Cheyenne warrior away from his nosy wife. What he had to discuss with him was too important to fall upon the ears of a woman whose tongue wagged too much.

“Ho, ó'kôhóme!”

ó'kôhóme turned to find himself facing his long time friend. He had not spoke to the man since the day after the white Cheyenne had entered their camp.

“Ho, Po'êxao'o. How is hunting?”

“It has been good, ó'kôhóme. I have caught many rabbits and deer. I will have plenty of food and pelts for the winter. And how is hunting for you?”

“Good also. I have not made talk with you in long time. How are your sister and your mother?”

“They are good. Me'eohtseva'e always asks why you no come around anymore.”

Me'eohtseva'e was Po'êxao'o’s sister and ó'kôhóme knew she had a fascination with him. She was a young girl of fifteen summers and ready to be taken as a wife. She had tried to persuade him to leave his current wife and become her husband. She told him that she was ripe and would bear him many children, unlike his current wife. But ó'kôhóme still loved Nemene'hehe. Although it was not unheard of for a Cheyenne warrior to have many wives depending on his station and his wealth, he knew Nemene'hehe would be too jealous to share and even though Me'eohtseva'e’s proposal was tempting, it was something his heart told him would not be a happy decision. So, he kept far away from Me'eohtseva'e and her tongue wagging.

“Tell Me'eohtseva'e that as son of a chief, I am too busy to be playing with children,” answered ó'kôhóme matter-of-factly.

Po'êxao'o was hurt by this remark. He considered it an insult to his sister and his family. “You did not think so before the white Cheyenne entered our lives!” he spat.

“The white Cheyenne has nothing to do with how I feel about your sister and her plans.”

“It does not seem that way to me.”

“Well, it is not the truth. Listen Po'êxao'o. We are friends since we were children. Don’t say anything about it if we are still to be friends.”

“After all I have done for you, you treat me so?”

“After all you have done…” ó'kôhóme stared at him concerned. He did not like what his gut was telling him about what his friend was about to disclose. “What have you done?”

“I…I…”

“Speak!” exclaimed ó'kôhóme, grabbing the man by the throat.

“I did it for you, ó'kôhóme, I swear.”

“Did what?”

“I tried to get rid of the white Cheyenne for you.”

“It was you! You tried to kill Emo'ôhtavo vo'e!”

“But I did it for you, my friend. I thought you would be happy.”

“Do you not understand what you have done? You have ruined my plans.”

“I’m…I’m sorry, brother. I…”

“We will not talk on this again. You will keep quiet and you will do nothing. Understand?”

“Yes, ó'kôhóme,” answered Po'êxao'o. He then watched as ó'kôhóme stomped off towards his home.

Po'êxao'o did not like the outcome of the conversation. It had not gone as he had planned and he still felt that ó'kôhóme did not understand what he had tried to do. He knew if the white Cheyenne had died, then ó'kôhóme would have treated him differently. Po'êxao'o wanted his friend back and he knew that ó'kôhóme did not understand how far he would go to insure that. The young Cheyenne warrior walked away back towards his own home and smiled wickedly. Maybe if the white Cheyenne did die then things would change again. “Yes,” he thought as he hurried towards the direction of his home. “A dead white Cheyenne would make things good again.”

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

Chapter 64

Mapiya ducked into the tipi, followed by her husband’s three friends. She found it in quiet and calm. The medicine man Josiah, the healer Nathan and her father were talking over to the side of the tipi, quietly as not to wake the other two sleeping men.

She ignored them and knelt down by her husband, taking his hand into hers. When he did not wake, she then leaned over him and kissed him gently upon the cheek.

Chris eyes fluttered open and when they fully focused on the face over him, they went wide. “Mapiya!” he exclaimed, sitting up quickly from his pallet. The action brought a stab of pain in his side and he felt dizzy. A groan tried to escape his lips, but he clamped down on it.

Mapiya could see that the sudden motion was not a good thing. She saw the grimace on her husband’s face and the groaned that he had tried to stop. “You foolish man!” she said slightly slapping him on the arm and then pushing him back onto the pallet. “What do you do?”

Chris let Mapiya force him back down, his eyes staring up at her sheepishly. “Mapiya. Where have you been? Why did you leave like that? Don’t you know you almost scared me half to death?”

Mapiya huffed at his statements. “I am well. You have been bad! You have made your friends worry.”

Chris feeling chastised said, “I’m sorry, my wife. But I was worry about ya. Ya left out of here so fast I thought…”

“You think too much, husband. I am here now and everything will be well.”

“No, it won’t,” came Chris’ soft reply.

“I do not understand.”

“Your father told me that we are going to have a baby,” admitted Chris glaring at her.

Mapiya shocked by this revelation turned angry brown eyes towards her father who sat on the other side trying to be invisible.

“Father? You told?” said Mapiya in Cheyenne.

Chief Aenohe nodded and said, “He would not rest until you came back. It was not something I had planned to do daughter. I am sorry,” replied Chief Aenohe in Cheyenne.

Mapiya then turned back to her husband. “You have behaved badly, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e!” admonished Mapiya.

“And what about you?” asked Chris, his glare not losing any of its power.

Mapiya looked around at the others who were in the tipi. She then saw that White Eagle was still asleep. It seems that he could sleep through anything when he was tired enough and Mapiya assumed the man was exhausted.

The others saw that Chris and Mapiya were about to have their first serious discussion since their marriage. Buck, Ezra and JD sauntered out of the tipi with excuses of having something to do. Josiah, Nathan and Chief Aenohe returned to their own whispered conversation, giving the two some privacy.

Chris gently grabbed Mapiya by the arm and brought her down close to him on the pallet. “Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Chris in Cheyenne.

Mapiya saw the saddened look on his face.

“Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, I did not want to burden you. You are ill. I was afraid that I would loose you,” answered Mapiya in Cheyenne.

“Mapiya, don’t you understand that I love you and I want to protect you,” said Chris frantically trying to make her understand.

“Shhh,” said Mapiya trying to calm him. She leaned down closer and said, “My love, I know you do. What you do not understand is that I also want to protect you. Just like your friends. Should I feel any different than them?”

Chris stared at her astonished by his. He had forgotten that there were people here that not only loved him, but also wanted to protect him just as much as he wanted to do for them. “I would die for you, Mapiya,” said Chris hugging her to him.

“And I you, my love,” replied Mapiya kissing him gently upon the lips and lying her head upon his chest. “We will be together forever, my love. Nothing, not even death will part us.”

“A father. I can’t believe it,” said Chris into her hair, smiling.

“Yes. You will be a great father. You will teach our child. He shall be a strong warrior who will be able to live in both worlds.”

“He?” asked Chris surprised. “How do you know it will be a he?”

“It will be a boy. I know it, here,” said Mapiya pointing to her heart.

Chris smiled even wider. A boy. A new thought occurred to him. “But what if it is a girl?”

Mapiya laughed gently. “Then she shall also be a strong warrior who will travel between two worlds.” responded Mapiya proudly.

Chris laughed heartily at this. Mapiya was right. His children would be from the love of a good and wise woman.