by Rita Karnopp
Her ears hurt from the strain of listening. Each new sound brought her senses alert, her heart pounding. Fear became an ever present companion.
It wasn't until the sun started flirting with the horizon that Sarah realized she must have gotten turned around in the starless night. She didn't know how long she'd been traveling east, instead of west, but the revelation sucked her remaining strength, dropping her to her knees.
Tears stung her eyes, then slowly rolled onto her cheeks. Within seconds the dam broke and a waterfall of tears rushed out in despair. Her sobs racked her tired limbs as the violent release consumed her. The wilderness never seem to end. Her leg burned, throbbed and ached beyond words. Her raw, swollen feet cried for attention. The perils were becoming insurmountable. She wanted to curl up on her buffalo robe, next to Two Shadows, and forget the running, the tension, the endless nightmare that engulfed her existence. She cried for Two Shadows, praying he'd feel she needed him.
It had been a treacherous, exhausting night and Sarah found herself frustrated and near defeat. She scanned the surrounding area, searching for a place to hide during the day. She wouldn't give up. She'd eat bugs, frogs and even snake, but she wouldn't let Giles win. She'd make it back to the village on her hands and knees, it that's what it took.
The nearby hillside offered an overhang of trees. She'd make her way up to them, and sleep in their safety for the day. Having made the decision, Sarah pulled her exhausted body up, then forced herself to relive Giles attack, reminding herself she wouldn't let that beast touch her again. She pressed upward, grabbing at grass, rocks, the earth...anything. Her fingertips bled again, she ignored the scrapes and cuts, she ignored the blood. She grabbed onto a rock and pulled, it gave way, sending her reeling back in a downward slide. It became a continuing nightmare she had no control over. She landed in a heap at the bottom of the hill.
With her eyes still closed, she took a mental check for pain, indicating a broken bone. She felt grateful to feel intact. Opening her eyes, she stared up the steep slope she'd just slid, rolled, and bounced down. She'd been lucky to land unscathed. The mere thought of climbing it again seemed impossible.
Looking away from the ridge, Sarah drew in a breath. She stared at the legs of horses. Slowly, she allowed her gaze to travel upward. A wave of nausea assaulted her stomach and throat. She'd managed to survive every nightmare that had tried stopping her. Stunned and sickened, she stared into the evil eyes of Giles Rutledge. It had all been for nothing.
Buck rushed to her side. She leaned into the protection he offered. She found no warmth, only numbness and the knowledge of being defeated. It twisted and turned inside her.
She allowed Buck to lift her onto his horse. He mounted behind her and pulled her against him, she didn't move. No words were spoken, only the hatred from Giles stare and the worried pity of Buck. She'd come so close to making it back. Why didn't' they just leave her alone? Sarah closed her eyes, hoping to escape the nightmare that consumed her.
* * *
Exhausted, Dirk leaned against his saddle. He faced Trail Walker's bunk. "Fourteen of them, Trail Walker. I've talked to each of them. The name of the leader in exchange for a fair trial, a promised sentence of no more than twenty years and no hangman's noose. Every one of them named Enos and Giles.
"Do you think they suspect Howls At The Moon?" he whispered, looking about.
"You did not hear? A man, Jason Adams, died while the General questioned him. He'd been stabbed in the skirmish, but didn't tell anyone. By the time we got Doc. Bentley in to take a look, the man had bled to death." Dirk raised an eyebrow at the old Indian.
Trial Walker felt a surge of relief. "Didn't hear a word about it. Can't say I feel bad. They should kill the whole lot of them bushwhackers. Did I hear Howls At The Moon has headed back to his village?"
"Yes, my friend. He spoke of staying to get some fire water to take back with him, but soon he found out I did not agree with his decision. Within minutes he left for the Three Forks. I think he had ideas he would arrive there before the rendezvous ended. I think he hoped to find his fire water there."
"He is a good warrior. He must stay away from the uskiti waubu. Many Pipes can be proud of his son."
"Many Pipes! I must apologize, Trail Walker. Your good friend sent you some herbs for your injury. He asked me to give them to you, and I forgot until this moment," Dirk said, reaching into his travel bag, withdrawing a small leather pouch, then handing it to the old Indian.
"Mr. Dirk Williams?"
Dirk turned to face a young soldier. "Yes, I'm Dirk Williams. What can I do for you?"
"The General, sir. He asks that you join him in his office at once."
Dirk flashed Trail Walker an uneasy glance. "Lead the way. I'll be back before you know it. Rest, my friend."
Following the young boy, Dirk wondered what plagued the General now.
"Leave and close the door behind you," General Bryson ordered the young recruit.
"You wished to see me, General?" Dirk asked, staring at the map behind Sarah's father. "I don't know who drew your map there, but I don't think I'd be following it with a true sense of security. Take for instance the stretch between here and Three Forks. That land is flat for some miles, but there, he pointed, "closer to the Gallatin River you'll run into a wide band of wild, thorny choke cherry bushes that are near impenetrable. You send your men in there and you'll tear up your horses and waste precious time. You need to swing north or south of them, depending on where you're headed."
"Maybe we should discuss this map at a later date. Right now I want to discuss something one of Giles's men just told me. I'm hoping you can help me with another problem."
"Not likely, General. I have obligations that require my attention. I plan on leaving within the hour. You'll have to get your men to help you."
"I wouldn't ask, but this one's a bit sticky. Perhaps you can delay your obligations for just a few days?"
Dirk shifted in the chair. He wouldn't allow this man to talk him into any delays. Whispering Sun needed him, he could feel it. "I don't think so. I've already spent too much time helping you with these outlaws. I must leave."
The General paced in front of the window, rubbing his chin between his finger and thumb. He stopped, stared out the window for a few moments, then finally said, "I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. This incident could be most embarrassing to myself and even my wife. You see it concerns our daughter, Sarah."
Dirk straightened, turning his full attention on the man before him. "Your daughter, General?"
"Oh, I suppose you don't know about her. Then again, perhaps you do, since I believe you rescued her earlier this spring. That's if you are who you say you are."
"You mean Sarah. Yes, I did help her this spring, bruised ribs and all. What did Giles's man say, and how does it concern Sarah?"
The General walked back to his desk, sat, then propped his feet upon a stack of old newspapers. "I see I have your interest now, young man."
"What is this about? I am all set to leave, but if your daughter is in danger, then I will consider changing my plans."
"That's good to hear, Dirk Williams. Thought I could count on you. Let's get down to it, then. The last fellow I chatted with, a chap named Farley, told me something quite interesting. Seems his cousin, Enos, went with Giles and two of my men to Three Forks, in search of Sarah. Oh, I knew Giles, Jim and Buck had gone, I gave them my permission. What I didn't know at the time was Giles part in all of this."
"Cut the long story. Does Giles Rutledge have Sarah?"
"Don't know that for certain. What Farley did tell me is quite clever. Giles, Enos and my two cavalrymen set out to bring the girl back. Giles had arranged with Farley and his boys to attack their little party at Mule Creek Junction, right where the supplies were to be attacked. Guess Giles planned to be back by then, hoping for a double attack by the renegades. His plan was to have his Indians conveniently kill Sarah and my boys the same time they attached the gun shipment.
Would have worked too. Don't know what held up Giles and the rest, but if they'd planned on being here this morning, I'd say they should be along soon."
"Giles will kill them himself, if he has to."
"I don't want to believe it, but in considering the circumstances, I don't question the possibility. You have to understand, Giles planned on marrying Sarah, deafness and all."
"What does and all mean, General?" Dirk clenched his fingers together, twisting them for control.
"Sarah had nothing but stubbornness going for her. She hadn't figured out what a lady should act like. She brought her mother nothing but shame."
"And you, General? What did she bring you?"
"If you must know, she was a constant reminder that my son was dead. She allowed my son to die. I'll never forgive her. Now you know. My wife wanted the girl shipped off to my sister in Philadelphia. I certainly couldn't have burdened Ethel with a girl like Sarah. No. I found it best to keep her here, hoping one of the men would take a fancy to her, marry the girl and take her away from us. Giles was that man. Damn him for betraying me! I'll see he pays for it!"
"Betrayal, that's all you think he's done? This Giles is an animal. I'm concerned what he'll do to Sarah on the way here, if she's still alive. Where's your compassion?"
"Compassion? Where Sarah is concerned, there is none. If she comes back here she'll bring nothing but shame to me, my wife, and to herself."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You know how people will react. Living with the Indians and all. I doubt she'll be accepted here. It'll take years for the gossip to die down, then we'll be lucky if any man will want her," he shook his head, rubbed his whiskers, then looked up. "Damn! Girl's been nothing but trouble for me."
Dirk steamed inside. He wanted to tear the man apart. It wouldn't help Sarah, though. Dirk shoved his feelings to the corner of his being, then faced the General. "I think you underestimate your daughter. What has happened to her wasn't her fault. That should account for something." Dirk watched the General lean back in his chair, shaking his head.
"You surely know a good woman would kill herself first, before choosing the weak route of bedding down with an Indian. The shame and heartbreak this will bring her mother. Things were bad before. When the girl left, well, we've started to mend some of our broken fences. I shudder to think what things will be like when the girl returns."
Dirk stood, anger mounting within him. The bitter man wouldn't change his mind. General Bryson hated his daughter. He found her a distasteful burden. No wonder she'd found no happiness within these walls.
"I don't want any more of my men killed. My record is tarnished enough with these supply raids. Will you help me corner Giles Rutledge when he returns?"
"How can you be certain Giles and this Enos haven't already killed Sarah and your men? To Three Forks and back, anything could have happened. What are you suggesting we do?"
"I was hoping you'd have one of your brilliant plans, Mr. Williams."
"I think we should meet Rutledge as planned. Have your men dress up like Blackfeet warriors. Make him think he is going to be attacked, as he'd planned. Once we're in close, we'll take him by surprise. If Sarah is still alive, he won't be able to kill her in front of everyone." Dirk rose and moved toward the window, looking out at Trail Walker.
"I'm not certain why you're so concerned over the girl, but if she is with them, of course we'll bring her home. I'm her father. I'll do what a father must do."
"When this business with Giles Rutledge is settled, I want you to know I'll be taking Trail Walker back to his people."
The General rose and faced Dirk. He noticed his smile carried no warmth or humor. "That's good to hear. I hate seeing him out there on that cot. It's a disgrace. Not even regulations. Unfortunate accident, but these things happen.
Dirk quickly faced the window to hide his growing distain for this man. "Trail Walker has given you years of his life. He has saved many of your men from certain death. He taught hundreds the way of the land, survival, and the hand language of the plains. Gratitude lacks in you, General." Dirk turned, watching the large man pull his fingers through whitened hair.
"He brought us through many a scrape. Indians are good at things like that. He has felt important here, I've allowed him that. More than I can say for most Indians. One thing you should learn boy, never trust an Indian, he'll stab you as likely look at you. You'll stay alive longer once you realize the truth in my words. Don't suppose you'd be interested in replacing the old Indian, would you. Hell, your knowledge of the land would be invaluable. You could remap this whole area. Hell, I could provide the army with updated information about this whole territory with your knowledge of the land. Might even find myself promoted. Would please the wife to return to civilization. I'm getting too old for this rugged life, anyway. I think we could come to some arrangement, son!"
"I am not in the least interested, General."
"What! You're crazy. I'd even put your name on the map. You could be famous. When people find out you're the hero that's been saving women and kids, hell, you'll be sought after by newspapers and high officials in Washington. You'll find yourself a rich man. I can do it for you."
"Like I said, General. I'm not interested."
"Don't be a fool. I can help you and you can help me. I'm tired of this post and these greenhorns. You could be my transfer out of here. You can't just refuse me without thinking about it."
"General, I will help you capture Giles Rutledge. I will most definitely be there to make sure Sarah isn't hurt. That is where my responsibilities will stop. I have no need for your help."
"Think about it. No need to give me your answer right away. Hell, we can talk later, like you said, after this Giles Rutledge thing is settled."
Dirk stared at the man before him. Sarah's father had to be one of the most irritating men he'd ever met. "I will not change my mind, because I would never consider your offer."
"You're a strange man, Dirk Williams. Something tells me there's more than meets the eye with you. I plan to figure out what makes you different. When I do, you might change your mind and consider my offer."
"Don't count on it, General," Dirk said, heading toward the door. "When will your men be ready?"
"First light should be soon enough."
"I'd say we should take position tonight. They could show up any time."
"I'm still running this fort. First light should be soon enough."
Dirk didn't answer, nor did he wait for a rude dismissal this time. He turned and left the General standing there.
Chapter Twenty-One
Sarah watched Buck, her only friend and comfort. He never left her side. Even when nature called, he remained within a close distance. In a way she found his attention comforting, but also frustrating. She would have tried running away again, if she could have. Buck left her no opportunity to escape.
"Eat this," Buck said, handing her a strip of jerky. "You should shop this brooding. You've been through a lot, I will admit that. But you need to put it behind you and concentrate on your future. Life still can be good for you. Marry me, Sarah. I can make you happy."
She looked into his pleading eyes. "Buck, please don't ask me again," she said, looking away. "Did you tell Jim what I overhead Enos and Giles saying?"
"Yes. He doesn't believe a word of it. Said you're bitter and angry. You're trying to turn us against Giles and Enos so we'll fight and kill them, just so we will take you back to those heathens."
"Do you believe him? You must know I wouldn't lie about such a thing. It's true, Buck. Giles plans on having us killed before we get back to the fort. Why don't you believe Giles is behind the supply raids? Don't you wonder why Giles hates me so much? It's because I know the truth. You think about it, Buck. If I am lying, what have I to gain?"
"I don't know, Sarah. I want to believe you. Jim and I will keep a careful watch. We won't let anything happen to you."
"When you realize I'm telling you the truth, it'l
l be too late, Buck. Don't worry about it. I really don't want to live anyway. I'd rather die than return to that fort, and my father."
"How can you talk like that? I don't understand you anymore, Sarah. You always seemed sweet and delicate. You seemed to need me. Now, I only feel you want to run away. You've changed."
"I've changed for the better. I've found happiness. I've found where I belong. You're taking me away from it, Buck. Can't you see?"
"Once you're back, you'll change your mind. You'll see all the things you've been missing. You'll marry me, Sarah. I know you will. I'll make you happy."
She didn't want to hear this all over again. She wanted to shake him, but she knew he'd never believe her. She couldn't hate him, he cared enough to protect her from Giles. To bring her back and offer her marriage, something most men wouldn't dream of doing to a woman who'd been with the Indians. She knew this, but she couldn't accept it. If Two Shadows remained at the fort, he would be in grave danger if she let on she knew him. No, Giles wouldn't let her return. She had one day left to live, but it didn't matter. She'd never see Two Shadows again. She'd never feel his love, touch his face, hear his tender words. Already she felt dead inside.
"Let's get moving, I want to make Mule Creek Junction by noon," Giles shouted, glaring at her with open hostility.
Sarah stared back, refusing to let him intimidate her. He spun his horse around, drove his spurs into its side, then raced on ahead.
"You shouldn't get him that riled. He's bound to come after you soon enough," Buck said, lifting her to the saddle. "You're asking for trouble when you won't back down. Try a little gentleness, it might help things."
"Don't be ridiculous, Buck. I hate him every bit as much as he hates me. Don't ask me to be nice to him, it's not going to happen. You want him treated nice, you do it."
"Sometimes, Sarah, you're too stubborn for what's good for you. Can't you see you're just making him worse?"