Kendra wiped her face, then picked up the phone again. There was one last chance for her to get back to the past. At least she remembered where Matt Donovan had lived. She dialed the information line in New York and asked for the phone number listed for his address.
When she called the number, an unfamiliar voice came on the line. “I’m sorry, Aimee Donovan no longer lives here.”
Kendra hung up the phone. Her vision blurred as she sank to her knees on the cold linoleum of the kitchen floor.
Wo'itsa kicked some dirt on his campfire. He glanced around the site of Cameahwait’s cabin one final time, then followed the river through the vast valley, heading west.
He’d waited four days and nights, but he hadn’t seen anyone other than the young hunter to whom he’d given the advice that traditions handed down by the Sky People were sometimes all right to change. Wo'itsa smiled despite the sadness in his heart.
Kendra would have been proud that he’d advised someone to embrace new traditions. She would have told him that it wasn’t coincidence that he and the hunter had crossed paths. Wo’itsa could almost hear her telling him he should act like the son of the Sky People that he was and offer guidance to anyone in need.
Wo'itsa’s heart ached to see her and hold her again. Unless Mukua or Naatoyita returned to this time, there was little hope that he would ever know what had happened to her. For now, he was lost in a time where he didn’t belong.
“You are one of the Sky People,” the hunter had said with awe in his eyes. “I knew you would reveal yourself to me someday.”
Wo'itsa had merely nodded. He hadn’t told the man that he’d seen him twice before in different seasons. Once, when he’d told his white brother that he should marry a woman named Morning Fawn, and again when he’d left his hunting group to notify his brother that he’d seen a white woman wandering lost in the woods.
“If it is the wish of the Sky People that my brother goes against the traditions of our people, then so be it,” the hunter had said. “I will return to my village, as you say, and tell the shaman that my brother, Dosa bia’isa, has the approval of the Sky People to be with his wife during the birth of their child.”
They’d parted ways and Wo'itsa had set up camp among the ruins of Cameahwait’s cabin. Perhaps he should have followed the hunter and gone to see the man’s brother. Dosa bia’isa, the man known as Daniel Osborne to Kendra, might be his only link to the Sky People. They could send him back to his proper time and perhaps tell him what had happened to his wife.
In the end, he’d decided to wait. He’d cleansed, fasted, and meditated. He’d hoped for a vision, but nothing had happened. His nights had been filled with dreams that Kendra was alive and needed his help, but he had no way of reaching her.
His frustration and feeling of helplessness grew, and by the fourth day, he’d finally decided to leave the valley in search of the only two people in this time who had a connection to the Sky People.
Before the valley changed into the mighty canyon with its brilliant golden rocks, Wo'itsa left the banks of the Yellowstone River. If he had continued in that direction, he would have reached the high mountains of the Sky People, but his destination was another valley several days walk away. If the elders of the Sky People resided in this time, surely someone would have answered his pleas for help by now.
Two days passed before he reached the familiar valley where Mukua had sent him the first time he’d time traveled. It was also where Kendra had brought him when he’d nearly died from the bear attack.
What was he going to say to Daniel and Aimee Osborne? Aimee had saved his life, but in a different time many seasons in the future. According to the hunter he’d met, the wife of Daniel Osborne was about to give birth. They would not yet know him, and it wouldn’t be proper for him to arrive at such a time.
Wo'itsa kept to the trees surrounding the valley. He made camp not far from the cabin where he could observe without being discovered.
Everything appeared peaceful and quiet, but something didn’t seem quite right. The longer he remained, thoughts of Kendra grew stronger and filled his mind. He spent a restless night under the stars, listening to the cries of his wife as she called to him in his sleep. It was as if she was here, or had been here, and every time he closed his eyes, he could feel her presence, but was unable to reach her.
Wo'itsa stared at the stars. “Natukendra’eh,” he whispered, as if saying her name out loud would bring her back to him. He clenched his jaw and fisted his hands at his sides. No one answered his pleas for help. Mukua wasn’t going to return for him, and it would seem that Naatoyita had abandoned him, as well.
The reality that he’d lost Kendra was almost too much to bear, especially since her presence was so strong. What good was it for him to be a son of the Sky People if he could not call upon the spirits to help him?
Morning came, yet his grief and feeling of helplessness had only intensified.
“I’m sorry I failed to protect you. You will always be the woman of my heart.”
Wo'itsa knelt on the cold ground. He faced skyward and reached his hands to the heavens.
“Give me a sign, elders of the Sky People,” he pleaded. “Show me a way to bring back my wife.” The anguish he felt in his heart flowed out through the tears that streamed down his face.
He’d lost track of time before he finally lowered his arms. Every part of him was numb, except he had the same feeling as when he’d found the missing vessel in the river. Something was calling to him. Kendra’s spirit was so close, yet he had no idea how he could reach her.
When Wo’itsa moved to stand, movement through the undergrowth nearby alerted him to someone’s presence. He leapt to his feet and pulled his knife from its sheath. Not a moment later, the hunter he’d encountered days ago appeared. The man stopped, bent over something he must have seen lying on the ground, then stood and glanced in Wo'itsa’s direction.
Slowly, Wo'itsa approached the hunter, who held up his hand in greeting.
“I took your advice and returned to my village, but now have come to visit my brother and his wife. Word was sent that he is the father of two healthy sons. He is ready to go on a hunt to gift the village with meat in celebration.”
Wo'itsa nodded. Perhaps now would be a good time to speak to Daniel and Aimee.
The hunter stepped closer and studied Wo'itsa. “I watched you asking for help from the spirits and did not wish to disturb you. When my path led me here, I found this on the ground. Perhaps you know what it is?”
Wo'itsa’s eyes widened as he stared at the man’s open palm. His heart sped up. “Kendra’s vessel.” The words spilled from his mouth. “Where did you find this?”
The hunter turned and pointed into the trees. “There was a stone with carvings on it that resemble the symbols my brother and his wife make. This object was lying on top of the stone.” He paused and studied Wo'itsa with keen eyes. “I was going to ask my brother about it, but I believe you are more likely to have the answer.”
“This vessel belongs to the woman of my heart. I am trying to find her.” Wo'itsa took the snakehead when the hunter offered it to him.
Patuhuyaa nuukwi nodded. “My mother has often spoken of the legends of the Sky People and the snakehead that holds their knowledge and wisdom, but no one has ever seen it.”
Wo'itsa smiled at the Sheepeater. “You would be wise not to speak of this to anyone. Our paths have crossed for a reason, and I thank you for your help. Now go and be with your brother. I wish you both a successful hunt.”
Patuhuyaa nuukwi stared at him for a long time, then finally nodded and disappeared into the trees, heading into the valley. Wo'itsa waited until he no longer saw the other man, then held the vessel in front of him. He closed his eyes and touched the red stone.
“Take me to my wife.”
Chapter 33
Wo'itsa glanced around the strange area as he stood and regained his balance. Mountains loomed in the distance, but nothing looked familiar.
Unusual dwellings stood in rows on both sides of a wide dirt path. They were reminiscent of some of the structures he’d seen in the vision he’d received from Mukua.
He hastily stuffed the vessel into his medicine pouch. Was he in the future? Kendra’s future? His heart rate increased. Dust churned in the distance, and not a moment later, a strange-looking creature the size of a bison came at him with speed far greater than the mighty animal possessed. Wo'itsa jumped out of the way and stared as the monster went past him. It emitted a foul odor and made a horrible noise.
His eyes widened. Had that been a person trapped within the creature’s belly?
He spun around when several children ran up to him, laughing and kicking a round object in front of them. A dog ran alongside them, barking and wagging its tail. The round object, red in color, rolled against Wo'itsa’s feet. He stared at it, then at the children.
“Are you going to kick it back?” one of the boys asked, looking at him expectantly.
Wo'itsa glanced at the object at his feet, then back at the children. He gripped his bow. The familiar feel of the sheep horn offered him comfort in this foreign world.
With their dark hair and skin, the children all looked like they could be Sheepeater children, yet they were all dressed in a manner that resembled the clothing Kendra had worn when he’d first met her. They also spoke her language. Hope surged in him that he was in the correct time and place.
“I am looking for a woman.”
He stepped over the object at his feet and approached the children. They all stared at him with wide eyes.
“Are you, like, a ceremonial warrior?” one of the boys asked.
“I am called Wo'itsa,” Wo'itsa offered. “I am looking for my wife. Perhaps you know her. She is called Natu . . . she is called Kendra.”
Several of the children glanced at each other with perplexed looks. A couple sniggered.
“You’re a good actor, mister, but we’re not holding a pow wow anytime soon. Now, could you please give us back our ball?”
Wo'itsa gritted his teeth. “Is there a woman named Kendra in this village?”
One of the girls stepped forward. “Kendra Weda? She lives a few blocks over in her grandpa’s old house.”
Wo'itsa knelt in front of the girl, his heart surging with joy, He nodded and smiled. “Yes, she’s my wife. Would you guide me to this . . . house.”
Another girl rushed up to the one who’d given him the information and whispered in her ear.
“We’re not supposed to leave our neighborhood,” she finally said when her friend stepped away from her.
Wo'itsa stood. “Can someone help me and take me to her?”
The boy who’d asked for his ball a minute ago nodded. He smiled, glancing over his shoulder at his friends. “I’ll take you to her house. It’ll be entertaining to see what Randy has to say when you tell him that you think Kendra’s your wife.”
They all sniggered.
Wo'itsa frowned. “Who is Randy?”
“Kendra’s boyfriend. I heard my mom say that she finally let him move in with her the other day, on account-a he’s been taking care of the place since her grandpa died.”
Wo'itsa mentally shook his head. He didn’t understand the meaning of their words, except that one of the boys was willing to show him where to find Kendra. He followed the boy, who led him past rows of dwellings that all looked the same. They were passed by several of the loud and foul-smelling monsters, like the one that had nearly killed him. Each of them carried one or more people.
Finally, the boy stopped and pointed straight ahead. “That’s where Kendra lives.”
Wo'itsa glanced at the boy and nodded his thanks, then headed for the dwelling. He passed a few more similar dwellings, ignoring the stares from several women and old men who stood outside or sat in the shade.
As he approached the home where he would find his wife, the angry voice of a man grew louder.
“What the hell happened, Kendra? You finally wanted me to move in, and now you’re acting like you don’t even know me. I thought we were past all that. I’m getting tired of your little games.”
“And I’m sick of you and your bossy attitude, Randy. You haven’t changed a bit since we were little when you used to bully me in front of all the other kids.”
Wo'itsa stopped. His heart leapt with joy. Kendra. It was her voice. Love gripped his heart, and he smiled. She was alive, and by the sound of her voice, she was ready to do battle with someone.
“You still think you’re something special, don’t you, Kendra? Your grandfather sure spoiled you and gave you a big, inflated head. Well, let me tell you something. You’re no better than the rest of us.”
“I may not be someone special to you, but I don’t have to listen to your constant put-downs, Randy. I’d like to believe I have a much greater calling than being the bedwarmer to a bully. It seems like that much hasn’t changed.”
Wo'itsa walked up to the door, which was similar in function to the one in Cameahwait’s or Daniel Osborne’s cabin. He reached for the handle and pushed. It required a second try until it finally sprang open. The instant he stepped inside, he tensed at the sight of a man standing close to Kendra. He looked as if he was about to strike her.
Wo'itsa leapt forward and grabbed the man by the shirt. He threw him to the side, then rushed up to Kendra. Her hair was matted and unkempt, and she looked like she’d been crying. Her appearance sent a surge of anger through him. Never had he seen her look so lost and afraid. Recognition filled her eyes, which widened in surprise, then joy.
“Wo'itsa?”
She threw herself into his arms, nearly knocking him over. Wo'itsa wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.
“I didn’t know if you were alive or dead,” he murmured into her hair, inhaling deeply.
“I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again,” she sobbed. “I . . . I changed the timeline, and I may have made a big mistake.” She leaned away from him, tears of joy flowing down her cheeks. “How did you find me?” She shook her head, laughing and sobbing at the same time. “It doesn’t matter. Everything’s right again now.”
“What the hell is going on here?”
The man Wo'itsa had pushed away came up beside him and grabbed Wo'itsa’s shoulder. In one fluid move, Wo'itsa set Kendra aside, ducked to dislodge the man’s grip, then kicked him against the wall. Shiny objects along a shelf that appeared to be pots and containers of several sizes clanked loudly as they toppled to the ground.
“Stay away from my wife,” Wo'itsa growled, towering over the man, who stared up at him with wide eyes. He moved to get back on his feet, but Wo'itsa put a heel in the man’s chest and pinned him to the ground.
“Enough,” Kendra shouted. She grabbed Wo'itsa’s arm and pulled him away. “Take me away from here, Wo'itsa. Let’s get back home where we belong.”
Wo'itsa hesitated, glaring at the angry face of the other man. Finally, he took his foot off the man’s chest and stepped back. He reached for the vessel in his pouch. Kendra moved up beside him and wrapped her hands around his arm. Wo'itsa held the vessel out for her to take. She shook her head.
“The last time I used it, it brought me here, and it changed the timeline. You’ve mastered it better, since you found me.”
Wo'itsa smiled. “We will both touch it, and it should take us back to where we need to be.”
“Kendra, what is going on here?”
The man didn’t attempt to stand, but his eyes darted from her to Wo'itsa. Kendra leaned forward.
“I am Natukendra’eh weda of the Sky People, and this time, I’m following my destiny.”
“Where are we this time?”
Kendra wiped the dust from her pants, staring over the edge of a deep canyon. Something seemed vaguely familiar. She’d been here before, but it wasn’t immediately apparent when and where she stood. She glanced up at Wo'itsa, who surveyed his surroundings as well.
“This is where the bear attacked me.”
> Kendra’s eyes widened. “Why did the vessel bring us here?” She expelled an exasperated breath.
Wo'itsa smiled. He pulled her into his arms. “Perhaps there is something we must finish here.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips.
Kendra leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Love and happiness filled her, replacing the feeling of complete despair she’d had after arriving at her grandfather’s house, knowing her entire timeline had been altered. Near-panic had filled her as she’d grappled with the thought that her life would never be the same.
“I thought I’d lost everything,” she whispered. “I wanted to make something right, something that I know in my heart shouldn’t have happened. I only hope I succeeded, but Naatoyita was right when he said that it would have consequences.”
“Why did you leave your vessel behind when it sent you to your former life in the future?”
“It didn’t take me to the life I left behind before I came to the past. The vessel took me to a time before I ran away from my grandfather. It gave me a glimpse of how my life could have turned out if I hadn’t left the Rez.” Kendra stared up at Wo'itsa. “It was a consequence of what I did to try and alter time, I’m sure of it. When I called on the spirits to send Dan Osborne back to a time before he time traveled, the vessel also sent me to a different timeline.”
She wrapped her arms more fully around her Wolf’s neck. “You and your strong spirit medicine found me again.”
“I heard you call to me. Our love is what reunited us. You will never be lost to me again” Wo'itsa kissed her again. “I would always find you, no matter where or what time.”
Kendra kissed him back and laughed, “I think we both need to master this snakehead better. It seems to do what it wants, not what we tell it to do.”
Wo'itsa shook his head. “I have no wish to learn how to master the vessel. I only want it to take us back to our true time, and then we can destroy it.”
Yellowstone Legends Page 36