by Rita Karnopp
He looked past her, concentrating on the hot, unpredictable flames that leaped and stabbed at the wood, snapping and crackling at will. He glanced at Rachel and she stared back, her eyes flashed accusingly.
"Rachel, please. I don't want to argue with you. We've had this conversation too many times before. Besides, it's getting late. I stopped in to let you know how Sarah was doing."
"Well, you have. Good night, Tom."
"I gave Sarah a tad of opium. She'll sleep well the rest of the night. I'll peek in on her now and put this feather by her night stand before I leave." Tom brushed the feather beneath Rachel's chin.
She grabbed for it, but missed. "You can just leave it down here, Tom." Her tone edged with authority.
He turned his back to her, hiding his amusement. "I don't mind. Besides, it might provoke Sarah's memory if she sees it."
Rachel didn't respond.
* * *
Dirk didn't want to take time to meet with his brothers, Horse Racer and He Who Listens. But, he wouldn't deny the responsibilities he owed his people, his family, and Trail Walker.
Yet, Dirk couldn't help being annoyed about riding an extra day in the opposite direction of his white parent's home. Once he had decided to see them, he grew anxious to be there. He needed to find importance in his life. He needed to be away from Sarah.
"I am Blackfeet. I am not Dirk. I am Two Shadows," he called out to Father Sky.
Having arrived at the meeting place early, Two Shadows sat on the high cliff, near a hole in the rock at the top. He shot two arrows into the hole and chanted, "Hai-yah! Hai-yah! Napi, hear my prayer. There is much confusion in my head. I am one who looks to you for guidance. My heart cries, Old Man, Napi. Hai'-yu! Hai'-yu! Make my path true. One I can follow. One that will make you happy."
Two Shadows listened to the unshod hooves of two approaching horses. He turned his head in the direction of the sounds, and then closed his eyes, remaining still.
"There you are, Two Shadows," Horse Racer shouted.
Turning toward his friend, Two Shadows rose in respect. He watched a silent He Who Listens follow.
"We were waiting at the shore of Apsi Tuktai for you," Horse Racer explained. He dismounted, and then walked over to Two Shadows. They clasped arms in friendship. "Have you finished shooting your arrows?"
"Yes. I have sent my best arrows with many prayers to the rock in return for good luck." Two Shadows answered. Pulling his brows together, he asked, "Why would you wait by the shore, you know this is my favorite place to stay?"
"He is stretching the truth, my brother. We have just arrived. He is embarrassed you beat us here again!" He Who Listens chuckled.
"Oh. So, my friend travels slow like the women? I see why you try to cover your lateness!" Two Shadows added to the jest. "I thought you would have our supper cooking over the campfire by now. A good warrior would not dally and lose track of time. I don't suppose Earth Woman could have distracted you?"
"How did you guess?" He Who Listens asked, a grin spread across his face.
"Is not Sahkwi Ahki a most beautiful maiden?"
"Are you thinking of taking another wife, my brother?"
"Sunny Smiles would be most pleased to have her sister share her tipi. They would work together with much happiness and both would bring me many sons. I am a rich warrior with twenty horses. Many young women have been noticing me. I favor Earth Woman. I want to please Sunny Smiles."
"Many young women, is it? Your pride is getting the best of you, my friend! But, talk of women will have to wait. We must sit down to a fire, eat and discuss our plan to catch this snake, Giles Rutledge." Two Shadows said, moving from the cliff, leading the way toward the swift moving stream and the camp he'd set up earlier.
Water gurgled past the three men sitting around the fire, sharing a tasty rabbit. The sun, sinking behind the Crazy Mountains, exploded behind a somber cloud mass. Erupting purple and pink penciled rays streaked beyond both sides and extended toward the land, forming a magnificent sunburst.
"You must tell Trail Walker everything you learn that might prove the Blackfeet are innocent." Two Shadows said, throwing a bone into the fire.
"What will you be doing while we go after those white imposters?" Horse Racer asked.
Two Shadows looked up, his friends watched him with interest. "First, I must go visit my white parents. I have a need to speak with them. Three suns will rise and set before I return." Two Shadows leaned forward, poking his stick into the fire. "This should give you time to find out why the white man lies and blames our warrior for deeds they did not do. I must tell you that I have had a vision. It is time for me to avenge the death of my mother and sister." Two Shadows watched Horse Racer's cheek twitch.
"When we were riding here our paths crossed with Dancing Bear," Horse Racer said. "He told us of a smelly white man who paid him much fire water for his arrows and bow. He Who Listens and I will find out why a white man wants a warrior's weapon. It is a good place to start."
Two Shadows leaned back, taking in the darkening sky. "Dancing Bear has traded his soul for the uskiti waubu. Did his words speak from the spirits of the jug?"
"No, he spoke with truth." Horse Racer's tone edged with anger. "I told Dancing Bear his mother cries for him to return to her. It is a great shame to need the firewater. He told me sta-aus' taunt him when he stops drinking the white man's fire water."
Two Shadows nodded knowingly. "It is true. I have seen the ghosts visit your brother with my own eyes. Many of our warriors believe they have found happiness in the uskiti waubu, only to find it steals their souls and leaves them with shame."
He Who Listens dropped several sticks onto the fire. "You gossip like old women. I wait to hear of your vision, Two Shadows."
He took a deep breath, and then leaned back on his elbow. "I saw my mother fall to the ground, her white, deerskin tunic covered with her red blood. I heard my sister scream inside the tipi while the white trapper rutted her like a bull. She was innocent and he took her with force. It all came to life, again, before my eyes. The huge trapper that hurt my family took a hot stick and held it to the tipi covering until it became a raging fire. Great anger and hatred builds inside me. The time has come for me to avenge their deaths. Napi has reminded me of my duty as a son and brother. I cannot rest until it is behind me." Two Shadows closed his eyes and fought his grief. The pressure of someone squeezing his shoulder caused him to look up. He took comfort in Horse Racer's silent gesture.
He Who Listens cleared his throat. "Horse Racer and I understand better than anyone your need to set things right with Napi. We first must help Trail Walker and those warriors wrongly accused, then we will help you."
Two Shadows watched Horse Racer sit beside him, closer than before. "After we help our people, I plan to ride to the Bear Tooth Mountains. It is said many mountain men, trappers and skinners hide up there. I will find the butchers of our people."
"It would be wise," Horse Racer stretched his feet in front of himself, "to let your two best friends join you. We have fought many battles together. We give each other strength. We are like one when we fight. My heart grows heavy to think of you alone."
"My vision did not include my brothers. I will pray to Napi for guidance. I will have an answer for you when I return," Two Shadows said, rubbing a pine bough in the palm of his hand. "I will not rest until the white man's bones rot in the sun."
"Your heart speaks with hatred, but also of truth. It is time to free your soul of this burden. We will meet you, as you ask." Horse Racer's voice held a compassionate tone.
He Who Listens straightened his back. "There is much danger in the Mahwi Opikinah. You have never been in those mountains before. You should take your brothers."
"It fills my heart to know my brothers are always there for me. If my vision does not include you, then I must go alone. Since we were boys we knew this day would come." Two Shadows concentrated on the shadowy landscape, instead of looking into the searching eyes of his friends.
"My brother is a brave warrior," Horse Racer licked his fingers. "You are strong with your two shadows. When my eyes first looked on you this day, I saw a man of the pale skins. When you speak I hear the soul of the Blackfeet. You can do much that we cannot. I trust you will do what must be done for our people. It is with great pride that I call you brother." Horse Racer spoke soft and steady.
"I, too, wish to tell you, Two Shadows, that there is great pride in my chest when I call you brother," He Who Listens spoke. "I will fast, and then offer my best bow and arrows to Napi, to ensure your safe return." He Who Listen's tone dropped, strained with wavering control.
Clearing his throat to rid himself of surfacing emotions that threatened to expose weakness, Two Shadows said, "I thank you for your words. I will keep them in my thoughts and know I am never alone.
When I return from my white parent's home, I will go to Mapsi Tstuk. I will wait for you at the circular rim of rock, half way to the top. You know the place."
"Mapsi Tstuk is not far from the fort," Horse Racer stated with urgency. "Are you certain this is a safe place to make a camp?"
"Our fires cannot be seen from the fort. I spend much time at this place when I watch the fort for Trail Walker. It is safe," Two Shadows spoke with reassurance and authority.
"We will go there to meet you," He Who Listens promised. "We must rest now, so we are fresh to start our journey when the sun rises in the sky."
Two Shadows nodded. A comfortable silence fell among the men. They had spent many nights together sharing a campfire like this one. Over the years they shared stories about their women, their visions, their bravery, and their futures.
* * *
Dirk arrived at the Williams homestead just before sundown. He watched Lemuel lead his rig and tired horse into the barn. As always he moved with deliberate care and gentleness. Dirk smiled as he remembered the many days he'd spent in that small, black buggy with his white father.
Dirk lightly squeezed his legs and his mount entered the barn without hesitation.
"Son. Oh, Son. It does thy Quaker heart good to set eyes upon thee again."
Dirk noted Lemuel's smile expressed true pleasure. "It is good to see you too, Father," Dirk answered, responding with a boyish grin, then giving his father a warm embrace.
"When does thee goest tither?" His brown eyes studied Dirk's face.
"I must leave before the sun rises. I needed the ride and time alone to sort out some things. I wanted at least a few hours with you and Mother." He couldn't help thinking his tone sounded odd, emotional. Dirk found it confusing.
"Thee be disturbed? Thy son worries he does not belong in the white man's world, nor with his Blackfeet brothers?"
For a few brief moments Dirk's eyes clouded with visions of the past. "How did you know?"
"Each time thee worries about this, thy face tells thee. Thee has always been a caring man. Many times thee has endangered thyself to help others. Many times thee has done the unselfish thing by the white man. Thy heart longs to be white but a calling takes thee back to the Indian people. It is truly a hard decision, thy Son."
"I'm proud of my Blackfeet blood and ashamed of the white blood inside me. I could never take a white woman for my wife. This must mean I should stay with my Indian family."
"Thee has little faith in thy own worth. Thee cannot judge a man by the color of his skin or by his belief in the divine Lord or Napi. Surely thy son must know this truth by now."
Dirk realized it seemed awkward to be discussing his feelings. His doubts only exposed his weaknesses. He took great pride in hiding his thoughts and emotions. But the words had to be spoken. Anything discussed with Lemuel would remain private. This he'd learned years ago.
Dirk looked at his father, hopefully. "Are you saying I can take a white woman for my wife?"
"So that is thy problem? Thee has fallen in love with a white girl?" His tone held a degree of warmth and concern.
"No. Yes. I mean, I don't know. There is a beautiful woman whom I've watched from afar for several months now. She has eyes that sparkle like a mountain lake. Her hair is yellow like the shimmering sun. Her skin is white and soft like a rabbit's fur. She interrupts my thoughts during and day and night."
"Thee heart has a problem, son. How does this woman feel about thee?"
"She doesn't know me, Father. We have never been introduced." Dirk watched his father rub his long black beard with the palm of his hand.
"It is not material to what estate a man is born, since all are equally new creatures in Christ. Thy heart and God's guidance will have to direct thee to the answer," he said in an apologetic tone. "Come. Thee mother will be happy to have thee son home."
Dirk nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Even if his father didn't have the answers, it always helped to talk things out with him.
Four steps into the house and the aroma of fresh baked bread filled Dirk's nostrils. Immediately he watched pudgy, little arms wrap around his legs, halting his stride.
"Dirky! Dirky! Mommy, Dirky be home!" The child squealed, joy ringing in her laughter and shining in her large brown eyes. Her long, bouncy curls danced down her back.
"Blessed be," Beulah uttered, crossing the distance between them, wrapping him into her warm, ample arms.
Dirk had to bend downward to hug his mother's robust form. As always, she smelled inoffensively of lye soap and onions.
"Thee is truly blessed this evening," she said. "Let thy mother look at thee face, son."
Dirk backed a step and allowed Beulah to look him over from head to toe, like she had done so many times before.
An expression of satisfaction showed in her eyes. "Thee looks strong and healthy. God giveth thee many blessings, son."
"You look wonderful, too, Mother. Is that fresh bread I smell or has Mathew left his boots roasting in front of the fire again?" Dirk asked, allowing Tara Jean to slip under his arm while he hoisted four-year-old Anna up against his chest.
"Still mad I won those boots instead of you?" Matt asked with a trace of laughter in his voice.
Walking toward the table, Dirk sat across from his spunky twelve-year-old brother. "When are you going to admit it was you who put that burr under my saddle?" He enjoyed the gentle sparring as much as Matt.
"There wasn't a burr, and you know it. You just can't accept the fact that I'm a better bronc buster than you."
"Anna, thee must cometh to bed."
Nuzzling her head into Dirk's shoulder and wrapping her arms around his neck, she said, "I loveth thee, Dirky."
"I love you, too, peaches. Now go to bed like a good girl." He hugged the tiny form, and then lifted her from his lap.
Large fawn eyes stared back at him. "Good night, Dirky," she said. Running to Matt she climbed up onto his lap and gave him a hug and kiss, then taking Tara Jean's hand, headed for bed.
Dirk noticed how lovely Tara Jean had become during his absence. Although she tended to be quiet, her near fourteen-year-old body curved in the right places, speaking louder than words. Her smile and warm brown eyes reminded him of Horse Racer's wife, Sunny Smiles. Happy and contend with life, soon she'd make a settler's son a fine wife.
Dirk glanced across the room and noticed Lemuel stood watching his family. Dirk didn't miss the smile of gratitude that flashed across his father's face. Bringing Anna, Mathew and Tara Jean to the childless Williams, four years before, had been one of Dirk's greatest pleasures. They had become a loving family, his family. It seemed his father never tired of showing his gratefulness.
"'Tis a great feeling for a man to see the love that dwelleths under thy roof. Dirk, thee brings much happiness to thyself and Mother."
"Thank you, Father. I feel much happiness here, too. Now let's join Matt for some of Mother's hot bread. I've been thinking about it for the past hour."
"What if thy stove did not cook thee hot bread this night?" Beulah asked, bringing a flat board piled with steaming slices.
"Impossible! You have yet to fail ma
king bread the night before the Lord's day."
"Thee is right. Now eat," she said, filling their cups with hot apple brew, then settled in her chair near the fireplace, rocking and watching her men.
"Telleth thee, Dirk, why doest thee spend time among the white people?"
Matt pulled a thick wave of brown hair out of his eyes. "Would it have anything to do with those Blackfeet Indians attacking the cavalry rifle and supply wagons?" Matt asked, shoving bread into his mouth.
Dirk's gaze shifted from Matt to Lemuel. "That's exactly why I'm back. Trail Walker is convinced a fellow by the name of Giles Rutledge is behind all those attacks. I agree with him. We are trying to find proof."
"But, son," Lemuel's thick brows rose a fraction. "Thee words are folly. It be hard to repute the arrows and other signs proving, without question, thee Blackfeet warriors hath done these deeds."
"I don't mean to argue with either of you. But we are convinced those attacks are white men dressed as Blackfeet. If the Blackfeet were doing these deeds, then why don't the warriors have new rifles to shoot? Why don't Blackfeet tipis contain sacks of stolen supplies?"
Matt stuffed another piece of bread into his mouth, and then leaned back in his chair. "Who do have new rifles?"
"I don't know. My friends He Who Listens and Horse Racer are looking for the answer to that question. It wouldn't surprise me if the coward Crows are involved."
"'Tis unlike thee to accuse, besides, it is not for any to boast his gentility, since all are equally esteemed by God. Thee must heed thy words without proof."
"I'll get the proof." Dirk clenched his jaw, attempting to show determination. "How do you know so much about the troubles at the fort?"
Mathew turned his smile up a notch. "Don't thee think we get any news but what's in the month old papers? We keep informed even if we're one hundred-fifty miles from Fort Bryson."
"Mathew, thee shan't tease thy brother so much. Richard Lanaghan went to the fort for supplies. Said he stayed and mingled with some wagon train people. Whence leaving the morn and coming straight away. Just left thy dwelling this morning. Brother Lanaghan surely had more news than he did supplies."