Chapter 65

Dawn came and Chris awoke to find his wife gone. He looked around the tipi to find that also Ezra and Josiah were both gone and that surprised him. Vin was sleeping, as well as the rest of the others.

Chris sat up and noticed that his original assessment was incorrect. There was one person who was not asleep. He found himself looking into a pair of concerned brown eyes. “Nathan? I thought you was asleep?”

“Not hardly,” answered Nathan, sitting up fully in his pallet. “Not two ill patients.”

“I’m fine now, Nathan. You should get some sleep,” admonished Chris.

“Look who’s talkin’. You should listen to ya own words,” retorted Nathan.

Chris smiled gently at the healer. He knew he was worried about them. It felt strange to Chris to have someone care that much about him since the death of his wife and son. But he should know better when it concerned these men. They were his friends. No, they were more than that. They were his brothers and blood did not matter.

“Yeah. I guess ya right,” said Chris, his hand pushing back a long blond strand that fell into his face. “Do you know where Mapiya, Ezra and Josiah have gone?”

“Josiah’s takin’ his turn at guard duty outside. Mapiya and Ezra, well, Ezra went to show Mapiya the man he saw creepin’ around here last night.”

Chris nodded, his thoughts still in turmoil about his decision concerning his wife. Although he had voiced his agreement with her, he still had his doubts about her safety. He knew his men would do their best to keep her safe, but he also knew the treachery of his brother-in-law and he did not think it would be beneath him to try to hurt his own sister.

Nathan knew by the look on Chris’ face that he was thinking of his wife and the position she was now in. He knew it grated against everything Chris believed in to agree to let her do this, but Nathan knew that if he had not, he might have lost her to his own arrogance. Nathan also believed it was dangerous but he knew that Mapiya was the kind of woman that would not take no for an answer.

“Chris, I’m sure she’s safe with Ezra. Ya know he wouldn’t let any harm come to her.”

Chris eyes looked at Nathan in response. “Yeah, I know, Nate. It’s just that…”

“Ya love her and ya want to protect her. That’s natural, Chris. But ya can’t hide her from everythin’ and ya can’t always protect her. We’re just human.”

“I know, Nate, I know,” he said thinking on his words.

As Nathan was about to lie back down, Chris said, “Nathan?”

“Yeah, Chris?”

“Thanks.”

“Ya welcomed. Anytime.”

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

Mapiya and Ezra had walked through the early camp trying to see if Ezra could point out the man he saw at the tipi last night.

As they were about to turn in another direction, Ezra saw the man he was looking for come out of a tipi, followed by a young Cheyenne girl.

Ezra quickly and quietly pulled Mapiya behind one of the tipis. Mapiya although confused by his actions, followed willingly. Once there, Ezra explained to her that the man they sought was the one standing in front of the tipi across from him with a young woman.

“That is Po'êxao'o and his sister, Me'eohtseva'e,” whispered Mapiya, afraid that they might hear them.

“And they are?” questioned Ezra.

“He is my brother’s friend. They are like brothers since they were children. His sister has eyes for my brother. She tries to make my brother leave his wife for her.”

“So we can assume he is very close to your brother and would seek to do your spouse harm?

“I do not know what you say, Eezra,” answered Mapiya perplexed.

“Do you think he would do harm to your husband?”

“I do not know. He may.”

“Then we need to find out or at least you do. Do you think it would be in your ability to observe him discreetly?

Mapiya only looked at him with utter confusion in her eyes.

Ezra sighed heavily and said, “Can you watch him without being seen?”

“Eezra, what you think! I am Cheyenne,” answered Mapiya defiantly at his statement.

“That you are, madam. That you are,” he said leading her back towards her home and her husband.

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

Chris could not go back to sleep, not for wanting. He mind kept him awake thinking of what Mapiya might be doing out in the encampment. He sighed and stood on shaky legs, feeling a slight twinge of pain from his stitched wound. He stretched his arms and back, trying to get the kinks out that he had for the past two days laying on the pallet. He looked around and saw that everyone was still asleep and he decided it was the best time to clean up. The stench of sweat and smoke permeated his skin. He thought a good wash in the creek would make him more acceptable for the upcoming tribal meeting.

He was about to leave when Vin said, “Goin’ somewhere, Cowboy?”

Chris turned back to face him, startled by awareness.

“Ah…I was…Wait a minute. I thought you were asleep!”

Vin smiled wickedly at him. “And why would ya think that?”

Chris thought about it and sighed. His memory still had blank spaces in it, but he did recall that the man had the tendency to sneak up on a person.

“Yeah, I shoulda known. Well, if ya must know I was goin’ down to the creek to clean up a bit. Can’t stand in front of the elders smelling like this.”

“Well, I wasn’t goin’ to say anythin’, but ya do stink, Larabee,” said Vin teasingly.

“Go to hell, Tanner,” said the blond Cheyenne trying to look annoyed. But of course, he could not. It was good to have the banter back between him and the young lanky Texan. It had been too long.

“I think ya should let one of the others go there with ya,” stated Vin.

Chris was about to object when Vin held his hand up to stay his objection. “Now hold ya horses, Pard. I know ya can take of yourself, but I think ya need to be smart about this, Chris,” argued Vin. “ó'kôhóme ain’t doin’ this alone. Ya know that, don’t cha?”

Chris had to agree with Vin’s reasoning. The man who attacked him, he did not know who he was, but he knew it was not ó'kôhóme. The man was too short and based on what Mapiya’s friend had told them, they knew the man who planted the evidence against Vin was another one. Yes, he was not alone in this.

“Vin, I ain’t a coward!”

“No one said ya were, Chris. But ya got to be sensible about this. Remember what happened with Eli Joe?”

“Yeah. I guess ya right, Vin. But I just feel so damn helpless,” complained Chris.

“But ya not, Pard. Ya got me and the others to watch ya back. And if that ain’t enough ya got Mapiya and her father. I call that a pretty strong contingent.”

“Ya been hangin’ around Ezra too much,” said Chris smiling. “Okay, I’ll get JD to walk me down there, how’s that?”

Vin nodded that it was acceptable. He knew although JD was young, he was still trusted by the others to protect their backs. He was one of the seven and Vin knew he could not ask for anyone better.

“Just watch ya back, Pard.”

“I will, Vin,” replied Chris as he walked out of the tipi.

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

Mapiya followed Po'êxao'o as he made his rounds through the camp. It was easy enough for Mapiya to do so since most of her daily chores took her near the same vicinity. Ezra had left immediately after their conversation to let the others know what they had discovered so far. At this moment, all they had was a name, but no proof as to Po'êxao'o’s intentions.

She watched as Po'êxao'o and his sister, Me'eohtseva'e were walking together and seemed to be arguing. About what, Mapiya could not hear. She then watched as Me'eohtseva'e stomped away in the other direction. Mapiya knew whatever she and her brother spoke about Me'eohtseva'e did not like it.

She decided to follow Po'êxao'o instead. He was the one that Ezra had said was lurking outside her home and she considered him the one that would be trouble.

Po'êxao'o walked towards her brother’s home and Mapiya knew that he was going to see his friend. She ducked behind another tipi right next to her brother’s home before Po'êxao'o arrived and watched carefully as Po'êxao'o stop in front of her brother’s home and then called out to him.

Her brother emerged from the tipi. He seemed angry that Po'êxao'o had come to his home. She saw her brother pull Po'êxao'o forcefully to him. He was saying something to him that Mapiya could not hear, so she crept closer.

When she got close enough, she heard her brother say, “You are a fool! I told you to leave the white Cheyenne to me! Why can you not understand this?”

“But I did it all for you, ó'kôhóme. Do you not understand?”

ó'kôhóme sighed tiredly at this statement. He loved Po'êxao'o like a brother, but he had interfered too many times in his business.

“You must stop Me'eohtseva'e! Do you hear me?”

“It is too late. She will kill the white Cheyenne for us,” smiled Po'êxao'o. “It will be just as you wanted it.”

ó'kôhóme saw the hatred and the insanity in the man’s eyes and realized that this was his making. He had turned his best friend into this crazed killer. It scared him. Was this how people saw him? As evil and insane? He only wanted things the way they were before the arrival of the white Cheyenne.

“Do not do this, brother. Do not do this evil thing. It will only bring shame and harm to you and your family.”

“Why?” exclaimed Po'êxao'o angrily. “I did this all for you and this is how you betray me?”

“No, no, Po'êxao'o. I would never betray my best friend,” answered ó'kôhóme trying to calm the young man down.

“Then why? The white Cheyenne will never be the brother that I am to you. He does not care for you. Your sister and even your father have turned their backs to you. Is this what you want?”

“No, it is not. But the way you have chosen is dark and there will be no life after it.”

“And the way you choose is?” questioned Po'êxao'o haughtly.

ó'kôhóme thought on what he had said, but he still believed that his way was the best way.

“Please, brother. I ask you not to do this,” pleaded ó'kôhóme.

Po'êxao'o stood there studying him, trying to decide if he was lying to him. Then reluctantly he nodded. “I will stop my sister from her task.”

“Thank you, brother. I will not forget this.”

Po'êxao'o felt better at hearing this statement. He watched as ó'kôhóme ducked back into his tipi. He was about to leave to go intercept his sister, when he heard a sound coming from behind the tipi next to ó'kôhóme’s.

Someone was spying! But who? He decided to pretend that he was leaving, but when he got to the end of ó'kôhóme’s tipi, he slipped quietly around the back.

As he inched closer to the back of the other tipi, he noticed a young female Cheyenne kneeling behind it, her head turned towards the front from which he had come. He crept silently and cautiously until he was behind the woman. As soon as he was close enough, he grabbed her hard and pulled her against him, his hand quickly finding it’s way over her mouth.

Mapiya tried to fight her attacker, to scream, but with his hand over her mouth, all that came out was muffled choke. She used her hands to batter the assailant, but soon they were captured and pulled closed to her sides. The man, from what she could see, had wrapped his arm around her tightly, preventing her moving. With a sudden motion she was turned to face her attacker and her eyes grew wide in fear.

It was Po'êxao'o! But where did he come from? Mapiya’s heart started beating fast within her breasts as she stared into his cold brown eyes.

“Ah, Mapiya! It is you who spy upon us. You think to warn your husband, but you have failed.” He smiled at the terror shown in her face as he mentioned her husband.

“Yes, little one. I have plans for your husband. Your brother does not know what is good for him. He is becoming weak. I am strong and the spirits have shown me the way. But what shall I do with you? I cannot let you go back. That would be foolish.” Suddenly a wicked smile plastered his face.

“Don’t worry. I have a plan,” he said, as he dragged her away towards the outside of the encampment.

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

Chris and Josiah returned from the creek and found Ezra had also returned. He was talking to the others in hush tones. Vin was making faces that worried Chris as Ezra spoke to them.

“What’s goin’ on?” asked Chris, his eyes focusing hard on his friends.

Josiah also wanted to know what was going on since he had been with Chris at the creek.

“Mr. Larabee, you’re back,” exclaimed Ezra looking up from his place next to Vin.

“Yeah. I’m back. But ya didn’t answer my question,” stated Chris becoming irritated at Ezra’s try at changing the subject.

“I was…I was just expounding to Mr. Tanner and the others here that my mission with your wife was successful.”

“Successful in what way, Ezra?”

“We found the man that I spoke of. It seems that the gentleman in question is a good friend of your brother-in-law. I discussed it with Mrs. Larabee and she agrees with me that this man is someone we should keep a careful watch on.”

At the mention of his wife, Chris eyes looked at Ezra with anticipation. “Where is she now, Ezra?”

“She’s doing her assigned task, as we agreed,” answered Ezra easily.

“Where is she, Ezra?” asked Chris, stepping closer to the man.

Vin noticed that Ezra did not see the look in Chris’ eyes and Vin knew it for what it is. The man was scared to death.

“Ah, Ez, I think ya need to tell ‘im where she is,” said Vin hesitantly.

Ezra glanced up at the shadow that now stood in the way of his light and saw Chris Larabee standing over him, looking angry.

“Where…is…she?” asked Chris punctuated each word.

“I left her to follow the man. She said it would best if she did it alone since he might become suspicious at a white man following him. I had to leave her, Chris.”

Chris calmed his mind and his fears. He knew Ezra was right. But he had felt that something was wrong when he was outside by the creek. It was as if he heard Mapiya call for him, but when he turned to look, she was not there. Since then, it was gnawing at him, making his hair rise in anxiety.

Vin knew something was wrong. He saw the pained look Chris had on his face and the worry that etched his green eyes. Vin did not like and he did not like to see his friend in so much anguish.

“Chris, I’m sure she’s…”

“Don’t, Vin,” said Chris cutting him off. “Don’t say she’ll be alright. I don’t want to hear those words. I heard them before. I heard them…I heard them before…”

Buck knew what he was trying to say. He had heard them before his wife Sarah and son Adam had died. It was the day that they were heading back from Mexico. He and Chris had been riding at full speed to return home. He had told Chris that they would be fine, but when they arrived and found the house blackened and the bodies of his wife and child burnt beyond recognition. It turned Buck’s stomach at memory of the day, remembering that the only way Chris could identify his family is through the jewelry that they wore. He knew Chris could not go through this again.

“Chris, listen, we’ll find her for you, won’t we Ezra?” said Buck looking annoyingly at the young gambler.

“Why yes, Mr. Wilmington. Of course,” answered Ezra seeing the way Chris was moving within the small confines of the tipi. He looked like a caged tiger that Ezra had seen in a small carnival back in New Orleans. The animal paced back and forth, ready to run, preparing to escape and attack. This was the way Chris Larabee was currently acting. He was acting like that tiger, feeling his mate in danger, being threatened.

“Chris, why don’t cha calm down,” interjected Nathan. He knew the man was not well enough to be getting excited as he was. He noticed the way Chris held a hand to his side. He did not want him to do something that would ruin all his hard work he had put into keeping the man alive.

“I need to find Mapiya and now,” said Chris starting for the tipi flap.

“Chris, wait, I thought we agreed that Mapiya be the best person to do this,” said Josiah, grabbing the blond by his arm and halting his exit.

“I know I did. But that was before.”

“Before what, Chris?” asked Vin.

“Before I felt my hair standin’ on end. I just got this gut feelin’, Vin that she’s met up with somethin’ she can’t handle.”

“Then I think ya should let Josiah, Buck and Ezra go with ya. There’s safety in numbers,” replied Vin.

“Okay. Josiah, Buck, Ezra, you with me. Nathan and JD stay here with Vin. If Chief Aenohe comes before I get back, stall him.”

“Stall him?” questioned JD.

“Yeah. Just what I said,” and then he exited the tipi, with Josiah, Buck and Ezra not far behind.

When they were gone, JD turned to Vin and Nathan and said, “Did ya think she’s okay?”

“I hope so, JD. I hope so,” replied Vin, still staring at the tipi flap.

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

Chapter 66

Chris, Josiah, Buck and Ezra separated in order to make their search more quickly. Chris and Ezra went in one direction, while Josiah and Buck took the other.

It was almost noon and the two groups had questioned everyone in the camp as to the whereabouts of Mapiya. None had seen her or heard from her since yesterday.

Chris was starting to worry and Ezra could see it in his face and his posture. Ezra himself, felt concerned at Mapiya’s disappearance. He remembered trying to argue with the woman about what she was doing, but of course, considering who the woman was, it was as bad as arguing with Larabee himself.

On their way to another part of the camp, they met up with Kovaahe. He was on his way to take care of his horses when he spied the two. He did not like the look on his friend’s face. It did not bode well.

“Ho, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e!” called Kovaahe.

Chris turned to find his friend, Young Man coming towards him. “Ho, Kovaahe.”

“I see you are well, my friend,” he said in Cheyenne nodding to Chris.

“Yes, I am, my friend.”

“You seem to be searching.”

Chris knew that Young Man was much like Vin. He could always read what was going on with the blond Cheyenne.

“I am looking for Mapiya.”

“I have not seen her. Where have you looked?”

“I have looked all over. I have my other two friends searching too. So far, we have not found her.”

Kovaahe nodded in thought. The encampment was not large. He could not understand how she could have disappeared. Someone had to have seen her. He did not like this at all. “I will help you look, my friend.”

“Thank you, Kovaahe.”

Kovaahe then went in to find his other warriors to help in the search.

After he had left, Ezra turned to see Chris face becoming pale. He knew that Chris was exhausting himself trying to find his wife. He wanted the man to return to his home to rest. It would be time for the council meeting soon and he needed to be able to stand by Vin at the trial. Ezra knew Chris’ appearance was very important.

“Mr. Larabee, may I suggest…”

“Nope,” replied Chris. He knew what Ezra was going to say.

“But Mr. Larabee…”

“Ezra, I said no. Now if ya don’t understand that, then I suggest ya go back.” And with that said, Chris continued in his search.

Ezra rolled his eyes to the sky and mumbled, “Why do you plague me with these unreasonable individuals?” He then ran to catch up with his determined leader.

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

Vin was sitting, talking to JD and Nathan when they heard noises coming from outside the tipi.

As they all turned to the tipi flap, Chief Aenohe came in. He looked at the trio sitting around the fire enjoying their morning meal. His face lit up in question as he saw that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e was missing.

“Where is Emo'ôhtavo vo'e?”

“He’s out lookin’ for Mapiya,” responded Vin.

“Why?”

“She wuz followin’ the man that Ezra saw last night watchin’ here. She never came back.”

Chief Aenohe face scrunched up in fear and anger. He then turned to the flap and lifted it open.

“Ésta'xêstse!”

Just then a warrior came into the tipi. Chief Aenohe spoke to him in Cheyenne quickly. The man nodded and left.

“So what just happened?” asked JD.

“The Chief here told his man to set up a search party to look for Mapiya,” explained Vin.

“They will find my daughter and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e,” said Chief Aenohe assuredly.

“But that’s not why ya came,” stated Vin.

“No. It is not. It is time. Cannot wait for Emo'ôhtavo vo'e. My men will bring them to the council. We must go now,” replied Chief Aenohe.

“Ya can’t do that! Ya got to wait for Chris!” yelled JD, standing up defiantly.

Vin looked at JD and motioned for him to sit back down. At first JD tried to ignore Vin’s request, but then he knew that he would not win the argument with the determined man.

“But Vin, ya got to wait for Chris,” pleaded JD.

“He’s right, Vin,” added Nathan. “Ya can’t do this alone. And what about the girl?”

“What girl?” asked Chief Aenohe, his raised his eyebrows in interest.

“There’s a girl, a young woman of your tribe who knows the real person who took the Sacred Arrow,” explained Vin.

“What is this girl’s name?” asked Chief Aenohe worriedly.

“She’s Mapiya friend. Her name is Otseemeoo'e.”

“Otseemeoo'e?”

“Yeah and she said she would come and tell it to the council.”

“When did she tell you this?”

“”Bout two days ago. She spoke to Josiah, our holy man about it.”

“She did not tell anyone else this?”

“I don’t know. She was ‘fraid. She barely talked to Josiah. She said the man who she saw wuz named Ka'evêsehe.”

“Ma'heónemâhta'sóoma!” exclaimed Chief Aenohe. He then turned back to the warriors outside and said something to them in Cheyenne.

“Vin, what’s goin’ on?” asked Nathan concerned by the Chief’s behaviour.

“I don’t know, Nate. But I don’t think it’s good.”

“I am so sorry, Netse Ôhvo'komaestse. I have judged badly,” said the Chief lowering his head in shame.

“Chief Aenohe, what is wrong?” asked Vin, his worrying sense heightening dramatically.

“She wanted to speak to me yesterday, but I could not. I have been in council with the elders for three days to make them understand that you and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e are innocent of his bad thing. She told me that she admires you and has told to me she had feelings for you and that she needed words with me. I thought she was a silly girl in love. I told her I could not listen to her words that day.”

Vin’s eyes opened in surprise. “Me?”

“Yes. You. She is shy and young. She did not want to be…I think you call it being forward, yes?”

“Yeah.”

‘I sent Ka'evêsehe to talk to her and to bring me her words. I told him that the words were concerning you. He said that he could not find her. This is bad. I am sorry. I trusted too easily.”

“What’s wrong?”

“That was yesterday. Her mother has not seen her since. I thought maybe she was sad and ran away.”

“But you don’t think it’s true?” asked Nathan.

“No. I believe he told me lies. I think he has done something bad to her when he found out that I wanted to talk to her. I have sent my men to seek him out and bring him to the council.”

“Why would he do that?” asked JD.

All of them looked at JD. It was a very good question. The Chief sidled a glance at Vin and Nathan.

“I think Otseemeoo'e was telling the truth. I think my old friend has turned his back and is helping my son. We do not have much time. We must hurry. The council will wait no more.”

“But what about your old friend?” asked JD.

“I have sent some men to look for him and the girl. They will find them if they are near.”

Vin nodded and stood up on shaky legs. His body had still not completely healed and Nathan knew it. “Chief, would it possible for me to join, Vin?” asked Nathan tentatively.

“Me too!” said JD, jumping up from his seated position.

“Now, I don’t think the Chief here can let ya’ll come,” interrupted Vin.

“No. It is good that they do. You will need someone to stand besides you. They cannot stand as Emo'ôhtavo vo'e, but they will give you strength.”

“And keep him from fallin’ on his face,” thought Nathan to himself.

They all left the tipi, Vin following Chief Aenohe, Nathan behind him and JD the last.

When they got outside they found that there were a couple of Dog Men warriors waiting for them.

Chief Aenohe saw the look of fear that JD had in his eyes. “Do not worry, JaiDee. They are my men and are here to protect you, not harm you,” said the Chief calming his fears.

As they started to walk, they saw someone running towards them. It was Chief Aenohe son, ó'kôhóme.

Chief Aenohe looked at him angrily. “Why are you here?” he demanded in Cheyenne.

“I must speak to you…father,” he said breathing hard.

“Why? So you can cause more trouble for your people and your sister?”

“No, father. Please. It is important,” he begged.

Chief Aenohe glared at him from under hooded eyes. After a while he nodded thoughtfully and said, “Then speak.”

“Alone, father,” said ó'kôhóme glancing at Vin and the others. He knew that Netse Ôhvo'komaestse spoke their language.

“No. In front of the man you accuse so openly,” said his father, not swaying from his decision.

“I have lived in the shadow for too long, father. I have shamed my family, my people and my ancestors. Please forgive me,” said ó'kôhóme.

“It is not me you should be saying this to,” said Chief Aenohe looking towards Vin.

ó'kôhóme turned towards Netse Ôhvo'komaestse. He stood straight in front of him. He would say this as a man and not some dog who could not own up to responsibility.

“Netse Ôhvo'komaestse, I have accused you and my brother-in-law of much wrong. My eyes have been opened to bad things that I have done for hatred of the white man. But my eyes did not see that this shadow has touched others that I care for and have turned the sweet water to salt. I wish your forgiveness,” he then unsheathed his knife and held it out to Vin.

Nathan and JD watched on in bewilderment. They could not understand the conversations that were going on and when this man, the person who had brought them all anguish, held out his knife to Vin, they did not know what to make of it.

“Vin, what’s he doin’?” asked JD.

Vin held up his hand for JD to be silent.

Vin knew the symbolism of this. ó'kôhóme was offering his most prized possession to him. It was something that no warrior would give away likely. But Vin was still angry at what this man had done. He had tried to kill his friend and tried destroy his happiness. He could not so easily forgive this man.

But then he thought of how Chris had become a part of these people. If Chris decided to stay, he did not want any bad blood left behind between him and his brother-in-law. He had saw how happy Chris was living here. It was as if the bad things that had happened to him in the past were far away.

Vin reluctantly took the knife and said, “Néá'eše.”

Nathan and JD watched in awe and although, the