Running Elk

by Elizabeth Anne Porter

  As she was entering the general’s office, she heard Captain Armstrong whisper in her ear, “Remember your story.”

  She pulled her arm from his grasp and waited for the general to call them into his office.

  “Come in,” the older man said when he opened the door.

  The general seemed friendlier than he had the previous day, but his manner put her even more on guard.

  “Have a seat, ma’am. Captain, pour the lady some tea. I am sorry this meeting is taking place so early, but I do have a full day ahead of me,” the general said politely.

  She had held her tongue as long as possible. “Sir, you were rather rude to me yesterday, and today you are a changed man. Why is that exactly?”

  He seemed taken aback by Alexandria’s boldness as he lit a fresh cigar. “I do apologize for my manners. You have no idea how difficult it is to keep these savages under control. Not to mention the bands that still think they can win this battle. I tell ya’, some days I feel like a dog chasing his tail.”

  Alexandria heard nothing the man said after he described the Indians as savages. She kept her simmering anger under control and waited for him to stop talking.

  “I have made a decision that I think will be of interest to you both,” she began, looking from the general to the captain who had taken a seat next to her after pouring the untouched cup of tea.

  She could tell by the look on the captain’s face that he would rather she stopped talking. Alexandria smiled and turned her attention back towards the general.

  “Well, don’t keep us in suspense,” the older man said.

  Just as Alexandria was readying to speak her plan, the door burst open and a young, wild-eyed soldier ran inside.

  “I’m sorry for the interruption, general, sir,” he said in between breaths as he saluted the commanding officer.

  “This had better be as important as you’re makin’ it look,” he yelled at the young soldier.

  His booming voice woke Little Eagle.

  Alexandria stood to excuse herself in an effort to calm her wailing son. But she was too curious about what the soldier had to say to move far from the open doorway.

  “We got one. It ain’t Quanah, but he’s close. He’s a Comanche who has been raiding and killing us for years,” the young man proclaimed proudly, still attempting to catch his breath.

  Alexandria immediately felt her knees weaken. She leaned against the wall and slowly slid to the floor, to ensure she wouldn’t fall, and forced herself to continue to eavesdrop. Holding onto hope that the Comanche wasn’t Running Elk, she desperately tried to calm both herself and her son.

  “Well, tell me who it is!” the general demanded, walking out of his office and past Alexandria without giving her a glance. The private followed on his heels.

  Captain Armstrong followed the two and reached to close the outer door of the building. He didn’t make it quick enough for Alexandria not to hear the beginning of the name.

  “Running …”

  She didn’t need to hear anymore.

  ***

  As soon as the captain ensured the door was closed, he joined Alexandria on the floor.

  Alexandria tried to move away, but her body was just as broken as her heart.

  “I swear I didn’t tell anyone he was here. It ruins my game,” he informed her.

  “Where … will … they… take him?” she asked softly. She couldn’t have spoken louder if she wanted to. The lump in her throat made it impossible to speak over a whisper.

  “He’ll be at the guardhouse. After they get done interrogating him,” he answered as he fiddled with the tassels on his hat.

  “Oh God! They aren’t going to hurt him, are they?” she asked, knowing full well what the answer would be.

  “I don’t know,” the captain stammered. “Yeah, most probably.”

  “Where is the guardhouse?” she asked as she forced herself to stand.

  “You don’t want to go around there,” he said, still looking at the floor.

  “Oh, I am going,” she said defiantly. “And if you don’t tell me where he is, I will find someone who will.”

  “Then go find him,” he said, still not looking at her.

  “Go to hell,” she seethed before turning and reaching for the doorknob.

  She ran back to Jatana’s house and asked if the woman would watch Little Eagle.

  “Of course, but what’s wrong?” Jatana asked when she realized Alexandria was in distress.

  “Nothing. I just need to be alone. To take a walk,” Alexandria lied as she handed the woman her child. “Tell me, Jatana, do you know a lot about his place?”

  “I’ve been here over a year, so I know where most things are.”

  “Good. Where do they take the prisoners?”

  “Usually to the guardhouse. Why?”

  “Where is the guardhouse?” Alexandria asked impatiently, not bothering to answer Jatana.

  “By the stables. Why?” the woman asked again.

  “Where are the Kiowas I arrived with?”

  “Oh no. You answer my question before I answer anymore of yours.”

  “Jatana,” Alexandria said, standing her ground. “I can’t tell you. I must have answers, and I’m asking you to trust me.”

  “Percival said you were to stay away from the Indians,” Jatana reminded Alexandria meekly.

  “Percival is an idiot! Will you help me or not?”

  Jatana took a deep breath, rocked Little Eagle in her arms, and answered Alexandria’s questions.

  “The Kiowa are a few miles east of the wall in a kind of temporary settlement. There are a few friendlies, as they call them, just to the west, but they aren’t from the group you came in with. It’s guarded at all times, and they usually move the captives out after a few weeks. Once they leave here, they will be moved into Indian Territory. They say the Indians are given homes with walls, roofs, and everything.”

  Jatana answered Alexandria with more information than needed, but the news was welcome nonetheless.

  “You said the guardhouse was beside the stable. How will I know which building it is?” Alexandria asked, hoping Jatana’s answer would be shorter.

  “Oh, you can’t miss it. It’s the only building on the property that has locks on the outside of the door. It’s a rather dingy place …” Jatana answered, once again elaborating more than necessary.

  “Thank you,” Alexandria said before kissing her son on the top of his head and smiling at Jatana. “Please take good care of him.”

  ***

  Alexandria was relieved to have the information she sought but also knew it could easily only be a matter of time before Jatana also told the captain everything she had told her.

  After walking to the massive wooden gates, she turned to the guardhouse. Alexandria knew she needed to find Kicking Bird if she had any hope of freeing Running Elk. It took all her strength to pull the stubborn gates open wide enough for her to squeeze through. She walked quickly in the direction Jatana had said the Kiowa were located.

  It was strange to see several tipis in varying degrees of completion and people milling around much like they had when they were free.

  The government had at least allowed what was left of the band to camp near water. But the covering of the tipis didn’t look like they were hide, and the poles that littered the ground weren’t without imperfections. Several Indians stared as she made her way through the makeshift camp, but she didn’t stop until she spotted someone she knew. When she saw Abigail’s adopted mother, she ran towards the woman. Nothing could have prepared Alexandria for the cold reception she received.

  “Where is White Buffalo?” Alexandria asked.

  “He stays there,” the woman said, avoiding looking Alexandria in the eyes as she pointed over her shoulder.

  “I have heard Abigail is happy. She is living with the Comanches,” Alexandria offered, still taken aback by the woman’s cold attitude towards her but convinced the woman would be glad of any inform
ation of Abigail.

  “That is good to know. I am busy. The man you are looking for stays there,” she repeated as she pointed again towards a tipi before going about her work and dismissing Alexandria.

  Alexandria walked away, still perplexed by the woman’s anger but glad she had pointed out the war chief’s tipi. She knew White Buffalo was the only man who could find Kicking Bird, and it appeared Running Elk’s life depended on her success. Relief flooded through her body when she saw the old man sitting cross-legged outside of his home.

  “White Buffalo,” she spoke his name anxiously.

  “Alexandria!” he said, standing to embrace her.

  Standing Bear’s father looked as if he had aged twenty years in the short time since she’d last seen him.

  She was momentarily calmed when she received a different greeting than she had from Yellow Bird.

  “I am so very glad you are well,” she said honestly as she held the embrace.

  “And I am pleased that you are well. Where is Little Eagle?” he asked, pulling Alexandria to arm’s length so he could look her up and down.

  She saw the concern on his wrinkled but stern face. “He is thriving. Don’t worry, he is being cared for. I had to come find you. Running Elk is in jail and he told me his brother Kicking Bird is near. We have to find a way to rescue Running Elk,” she explained, not allowing herself to breathe until she had said her piece.

  “Calm yourself. Sit,” he said gently as he guided her inside the dwelling.

  “I can’t be calm. I have to save him! I understand that you don’t know everything that happens here, but this is vitally important. You have to help me. Please help me,” she begged.

  “I happen to know more than you think,” he offered as he took a seat beside her. “You are looking for Kicking Bird?”

  “Yes. Do you know of him?” she asked, praying his answer would be yes.

  “Never mind that. I will send someone to the Comanche camp to search for him. I’m afraid that is all I can do. I do not have the power I once did,” he said, taking her hand in his.

  “You could let me take a horse and go myself,” she suggested hopefully.

  “The soldiers have taken all but two of my ponies, but I will send someone. Come back and visit with me in the morning,” he said after giving his decision some thought.

  “Thank you for your help. I will find a way to return tomorrow,” Alexandria said, smiling at him. She was grateful for his help but didn’t think he was moving fast enough.

  “It would not be wise to try to walk to the Comanche camp,” the old chief warned as he stood beside her.

  Alexandria was surprised the old man had read her thoughts. “I was thinking about doing just that,” she admitted, smiling sadly at him.

  “In the morning, I will have news. Now go home to your son. You must miss him,” White Buffalo suggested, changing the course of the conversation.

  Alexandria’s mood lifted slightly when the old man mentioned Little Eagle. “This is the first time I have left his side since the soldiers came into the camp,” she admitted.

  “Then go to him. And try to bring him with you tomorrow. I have missed seeing him,” White Buffalo said with sadness shading his voice.

  “I will do my best to bring him with me,” Alexandria said, holding his warm embrace.

  “Be careful walking back,” he offered as she turned to begin her trek back to the fort. Before the man was out of her sight, she saw White Eagle call a warrior to his side.

  ***

  Alexandria had barely reached the outskirts of the camp when she saw the captain riding towards her. She knew she couldn’t avoid the soldier on foot but was determined not to stop and engage the man in conversation either.

  “From the look on your face, I’d say you didn’t have any luck in whatever it was you were doing,” he commented as he directed his horse to walk along side of her.

  “Is there some reason you’re here? Or do you simply enjoy following me around?” she asked, slowing her pace.

  “I wanted you to know that Running Elk is going to be transferred to another fort for his trial,” he informed her, still keeping his horse close to her.

  “When?” she asked, stopping and looking up at him.

  “Next Monday. They are talkin’ about hanging him. He won’t talk, and I was told he speaks our language. He does, right?” he asked, attempting not to sound overcurious.

  “I won’t tell you anything about him,” she stated defiantly, bravely forcing herself to stay standing. The possibly of Running Elk hanging was paralyzing news.

  “Yeah, I figured you’d say that. Now, this is not the kind of place you should be walking around unescorted,” he said politely.

  “It’s odd that you would say that, Captain. You see, I feel quite comfortable here,” she informed him as she began walking back in the direction of the fort.

  “They are guarding him real close, but he has to eat,” he said.

  When Alexandria heard what the soldier said, she stopped walking again but didn’t allow her momentary excitement show. She knew the information the captain was offering didn’t come without strings. Alexandria wondered if the captain thought if he allowed her to speak to Running Elk maybe the Comanche would speak English. Wherever his sudden generosity was coming from she was sure it was another part of the captain’s sick plan.

  “I must know what you were planning on telling the general before all this happened,” he said quickly, not giving her enough time to form an answer to his last declaration.

  “It does not matter anymore,” Alexandria said quickly.

  “I don’t suppose you want a ride back?” he offered.

  Her first reaction was to say no and tell him to go away, but she was tired. Lack of sleep and worry had taken their toll on her. Alexandria didn’t answer, but she didn’t start walking again either.

  “Is that a yes?” he asked as he dismounted his horse and removed his hat. He shook his head and his long blond hair fell around his shoulders. As much as she disliked and distrusted the man, she couldn’t say he wasn’t handsome.

  “How about I ride and you walk?” Alexandria suggested seriously.

  “Well, ma’am, that wouldn’t be fair. It is my horse,” he objected, once again attempting to lighten the heavy mood.

  “Then I will continue to walk,” she said stubbornly.

  “That is your decision. I will just ride behind you until you collapse,” he decided as he remounted his steed.

  “I will not collapse.”

  She was exhausted, but her stubbornness wouldn’t allow her to give in.

  The captain rode beside her the rest of the way, sometimes walking his horse in a big circle around her.

  He was infuriating, but she stayed silent. Once they passed the gate, she let out a deep breath. She was proud of herself for proving she didn’t need the captain’s help. Alexandria was sure she had proved her point.

  He chuckled and directed his horse towards the stables before turning back to her. “I will see ya at Jatana’s later.”

  As soon as he turned away, Alexandria turned and strained to see the guardhouse, but all she could see was the stables. She knew looking for Running Elk would be pointless, so she forced herself to accept she needed sleep. Her heart was with him, but her body refused to go any further.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Running Elk woke quickly and unsuccessfully attempted to stand.

  As soon as he moved, he felt the rope tighten around his neck and realized the soldiers had done a proficient job. His arms were tied to his feet and the little slack that the binding had hung around his neck.

  The cloudiness of his mind gradually cleared, and he began remembering where he was. Once the memory of the night slowly returned, he stopped struggling, knowing it wasn’t going to do any good. He could feel the wet stickiness of the blood that still trickled down the side of his face. With the return of his memory also came the return of the pain.

  Aft
er slowly surveying his surroundings, he tried to figure out a way to escape. The room he was being kept in was small and had dirt walls and floors. The only window was directly across from him and too small to give him much light. No matter how difficult it would be to escape, he would not remain in the small, dark, stinky room for long. He also knew he needed to regain some of his strength before he had the slightest chance at attaining freedom.

  Two Fires was on his mind the moment he regained conciseness. Despite his predicament, he was grateful they had been able to share some of the night together. It had been an answer to his prayers to be with her and meet his son. After coming so far, and with his family so close, he knew he couldn’t give up no matter how bleak the odds appeared. It was obvious he had spent too much time with Two Fires. Running Elk knew he was sitting in the room because the woman made him lose his senses and yet he wasn’t angry at her. He was grateful for the time they’d had.

  While he was gradually understanding an escape would be difficult, Running Elk said a short prayer for his brother’s safety. His prayer was only that Kicking Bird was able to escape. Instead of allowing himself to compound his troubles with more doubt, he decided Lame Deer was certain to have heard of his capture. If so, then Kicking Bird and the old Kiowa chief were bound to be planning a way to free Running Elk. Even in his position, his biggest concern was Two Fires. The soldiers surely knew how she felt about him. If so, they had the upper hand. It was a given that the man who had interrupted their reunion would bring her to him. But Running Elk did not want her to see him wounded and bound. Running Elk worried how Two Fires would react to him acting as if she meant nothing to him. It would be difficult to treat the woman he loved as if she were just like all white women, but he knew it was the only way.