“And Star Gazer?”
“He is also doing well. But come, see for yourself.”
The Indian turned and Blake followed.
When Blake rode into the camp, a little girl with light brown eyes and soft brown curl’s framing her pudgy little face, ran and yelled, “White man with hair like mama’s come into camp!” He believed the tot was running into her parent’s wickiup. His cousin stuck her heard out of the wickiup, and recognition filled her eyes. “Blake!” She ran to him as he jumped from the horse. They hugged for a moment and he thought she had grown more beautiful in time. Holding his cousin at arms length, he studied her. Her flaxen hair was braided and held with rawhide. Her honey eyes still sparkled like dew in the golden sunlight.
“How are you, Melissa? Are you happy? Are these people treating you okay?” he blurted out in a single breath.
“Moon Glow is happy and treated well,” answered the deep voice without malice. Blake looked up to see Blue Thunder standing behind his cousin. He had forgotten her Indian name “Hon Dah.” The big brave extended his hand; they shook grasping each other firmly. It was a custom that Apache’s never did, but Blake knew the Indian recalled the white man’s greeting making him smile.
“It is good to see you Blue Thunder. I should have known you’d not be far from Melissa’s, um, Moon Glow’s side.” Before he could say another word, he saw a pretty little girl peek around Blue Thunder’s muscular leg. “And who might this pretty little princess be?” The girl shyly came around and was picked up by her father’s strong arms.
“This is our daughter. She is called Blue Moon and born shortly after you left camp.”
Blake reached over and kissed her chubby cheeks. “You are as beautiful as your mother,” he said to the child causing her to giggle.
“Thank you Blake and you haven’t changed much; just look more mature. And darn if you didn’t become all the more handsome,” said his cousin.
“And papoose is son, Nantan Lupan, meaning Gray Wolf, in white man’s tongue.” interjected Blue Thunder proudly when a young maiden stepped by his side holding a baby. The maiden was introduced as Tonkawana.
“What brings you here, cousin?” interrupted Moon Glow, shifting uneasily and then taking her fussing son from her friend, Tonkawana’s arms.
“I’m looking for a white male and female.” She and Blue Thunder exchanged glances. “Did you see them pass through the valley?” he asked, not missing the exchange.
“Why are you looking for them?” queried Blue Thunder.
“Did you see them?” snapped Blake more rudely than he intended. He only wanted a simple answer to a simple question. He had ridden hundreds of miles to find the two and he had no patience in being interrogated.
“You answer question,” ordered Blue Thunder.
Frustrated, Blake growled. “All I want to know is did you see them?”
Blue Thunder stood adamant, folding his arms over his massive chest. The determination in the tall brave’s dark eyes told him that he’d better clam down and answer the question if he was going to get any satisfaction from Blue Thunder.
“The young man was my prisoner; his sister helped him escape.”
Moon Glow’s brows furrowed. “What crime did he commit?”
“Dealing in slavery; his first time.” Why Blake found it necessary to say it was Hunter’s first offense surprised even him.
Moon Glow was hesitant in telling Blake that the two white people had been brought to their camp over three months ago, weary from too much traveling. Not wanting to continue for a while, they decided to accept the hospitality of the Indians, hoping to regain their strength. She was happy to have Casey as a friend; Hunter proved to be very brave and helped with the hunting. She and her husband were becoming very fond of the two and she didn’t want to see any harm come to them. Luckily they were down by the pond fishing right now and were away from Blake’s eyes. She shuddered and remembered how close she had come to being a prisoner herself. She would find out why Blake was trailing them first.
“Are you going to take them back to jail?” she asked.
“To tell you the truth, I’m more interested in the girl.”
There’s going to be trouble when he finds out that Star Gazer is quite taken by Casey’s beauty, thought Moon Glow. She nodded to Runs Like Wind and the brave slipped, undetected from the gathering to find the white girl.
“What interest do you have in Casey?” asked her husband.
Blake grunted uncomfortably. “Well, it’s kinda personal. I didn’t come to harm her, or take her back, but we have some unfinished business.”
“Would you please excuse us a minute, Blake? I’d like a few words with my husband.” He nodded and they walked a short distance from him. She asked her mate advice and he told her to tell the truth. They rejoined Blake and she said, “We know of the two you are seeking, but I made my husband promised me that no harm will come to the pair. You will honor my wishes?”
Blake nodded. “Did they pass through the valley?”
“No,” said Moon Glow, “they are here.”
“Here? You let them stay here? I can’t believe my luck! Are they all right?” he queried in dazed exasperation. Her husband held up his hand. “One question at a time,” he said chuckling. “They are happy and healthy; they were not mistreated. Moon Glow will not let any harm come to any white eyes. She is honored and loved greatly among my people.”
“Where is the white woman?” Blake asked without hesitation.
“She’s with her brother, down by the creek that flows down from the mountain,” Moon Glow admitted. Blake turned to go, but Blue Thunder put his hand on the young man’s shoulder.
“You will see them in time. First, you must visit my father’s wickiup. We need to inform him of your visit.” She knew the last thing Blake wanted to do was socialize, but he had to pay his respects to Dasodaha. Reluctantly, he followed her and Blue Thunder into the chief’s dwelling.
FIFTEEN
Casey and her brother were painstakingly trying to catch a fish out of the small brook that flowed down from the mountain. They both had become quite skilled in the art of spear fishing. If she had been asked earlier in life if one day she might find herself living with the Indians, she would have laughed at the impossibility of it ever happening. But laughing right now was completely out of the question; she had to give her full attention to catching her slippery prize, as she watched her prey circle her ankles. She stood with her two small feet balanced on smooth rocks; the stream was cold and her feet were becoming numb. Holding her breath, she took steady aim. Whoosh, splash, a perfect hit. She pulled the fish from the water hearing Hunter groan, knowing he had missed his supper. Turning, gloating unladylike, she giggled and held up her catch. Her brother hated to be teased and didn’t like that she was just a little faster than he. But he forced a crooked smile and feigned being a good sport.
Casey looked down at her legs that were exposed to the sun. The Indian dress, that Moon Glow had given her, was beautiful and comfortable. Her pale skin had turned to a golden bronze over the months in the sun. Her hair had lightened so much that Hunter said from a distance she and Moon Glow could pass for twins. She sighed as wisps of clouds floated by. She was at peace here and could never recall a time in her life she had been happier, but knew she and Hunter had to leave after the winter. For now, she was content.
Her mind wandered back to the night they were captured by Blue Thunder’s braves. She thought for sure she and her brother would be killed. Five braves had arrows pointed at their hearts. Casey nearly strangled on her breath as the sixth Indian holding a large knife, came forward. Hunter had pulled her close to him to shield her from danger.
“We...we come in peace,” her brother croaked, trying not to let his lips quiver. “My sister and I are just passing through.”
The redskin holding the knife spoke to the others in a harsh tone and all the braves lowered their weapons. The Indian who spoke looked at her and Hunter sus
piciously and Casey swallowed audibly, her eyes locked on the large knife. The brave reached out and grabbed her long hair. Closing her eyes tight, she feared she would be scalped then and there; she prayed her death would be swift. What seemed like eternity passed before the brave let the weight of her hair fall on her shoulder. Puzzled, she opened her eyes to see the red man smiling.
The brave said, “We have woman back at village with hair like you, she is sister by marriage. We not hurt you if come peacefully,” he declared in broken English. The others murmured in their own tongue and she and Hunter nodded, neither could speak. Fear coupled with relief filled her body knowing their lives would be spared…for now.
The braves unhitched the wagon and took the horse; it was the only thing of value to the red man, but, Casey begged them to let her retrieve her clothes. The Indian who spoke English, nodded. She only owned few pairs of pants and shirts as did Hunter, but they were a gift from the old couple and she wanted to keep them.
Quickly she gathered up her things and her brother’s. When she went to climb out of the wagon, the brave who touched her hair, grabbed her and placed her in front of him on his mount. She was flabbergasted and very uneasy sitting so close to a half dressed man, not to mention an Indian. Hunter rode Sadie.
Upon arriving at the village, Casey was curious about the strange looking teepees. Woman and children ran out to see her and Hunter; they all looked unhappy frightening her. She had heard white people were tortured, tied to stakes to burn in the sun. With her light skin, it wouldn’t take her long to burn to a crisp, like a piece of bacon. She shivered.
“Do not be afraid, Little One,” the deep voice behind her ordered smoothly. It did nothing to soothe her nerves. He stopped in front of one of those strange dwellings and the biggest Indian she had ever seen emerged. Now she was more frightened than before. A warning cloud settled on his threatening countenance and looked no more pleased then the villagers.
“Who do you bring to our camp, Runs Like Wind?” asked the imposing Indian, as he came closer, looking up at her intensely.
“She and the man were camping nearby. They said they were passing through, but when I saw the woman’s hair shine like your wife’s, I had to see her closer.”
Casey listened, which didn’t help her condition. Were they planning her demise? A moment later, a white woman appeared and she blinked, speechless for the first time in her life.
“Hon Dah, I am Melissa St. Andrews, called Moon Glow by the Apache people. Please do not be frightened, no harm will come to you and the young man by your side.”
Her brother managed a few words. “I am Hunter Walsh and this is my sister Casey. We are sorry if we trespassed on your land.”
“Are you hungry?” Moon Glow changed the subject leaving them completely stymied.
Casey’s stomach was in such a knot, she wasn’t sure. Moon Glow turned to the tall Indian and she was glad the woman spoke English.
“Blue Thunder, show our guests inside the wickiup, please. Maybe the young woman will be more at ease away from prying eyes.”
The big brave grunted and pushed aside the canvas flaps. “My wife and I open humble lodging to you. Come inside.”
When Casey was helped down from the Appaloosa, her tongue still stuck to the roof of her mouth. She followed, feeling her brother’s hands on the small of her back ensuring her that everything will be all right. But her jitters had continued for a few days even with Moon Glow’s assurance that they were safe. So into her reverie that she didn’t hear the brave approach. When the sun was blocked by his body, she opened her eyes to see what had caused the shadow.
“Runs Like Wind?” She shaded her eyes looking up at the tall brave. He gave her the bad new before she had a chance to open her mouth.
“White man named, Blake come looking for you and brother.”
“What?!” She leaped to her feet as her brother was coming out of the water.
Waving a large trout in his hand, beaming with pride, Hunter yelled, “Hey, Sis…look here. I think I’ve caught a bigger fish, this....” his statement went unfinished when he noticed her tremble. Dropping his prize and spear, he ran to her side. “Casey, what is it?”
“Blake,” she whispered her throat dry.
“Blake?”
“Runs Like Wind just told me that Blake is here…here in the village.”
“Damn!” snapped Hunter and then spit a curse into the air. “Well, I’m not running anymore. The war’s over. If he wants to take me back I’ll just have to take my chances.”
“No!”
“Look, Sis,” he grabbed her shaking hand. “We can’t run forever. It looks as if this fellow won’t rest until he brings me back. I was wrong and I must pay for it.” She shook her head, negatively. “The war is over; they probably won’t even give me a second glance,” he said, but his words came out a bit weak.
Casey wasn’t convinced and continued to shake her head frantically. “No, I won’t let him take you back; you’re all I have left. We’re family.”
“He did not come to take white man back,” informed Runs Like Wind in Athabscan. Her brother looked at the brave with question in his eyes. She and Hunter knew enough of his language to understand most of what he said.
“What?” they said in unison.
“Man said he no come to take Hunter back,” he repeated in broken English so she and her brother could fully understand.
“This doesn’t make any sense,” commented Casey, wrinkling her face in thought. “If he didn’t come here to take Hunter back, then why?” she questioned.
“He said he interested in you, white girl.” Runs Like The Wind pointed a finger at her.
“Come on,” Hunter tugged on her hand. “We might as well go being that we’ll have to see him sooner or later.” Casey hesitated, but he tugged harder, pulling her reluctantly back to camp.
Blake entered Dasodaha’s dimly lit dwelling. The old chief sat quietly, gazing listlessly into the low burning fire, his health had been failing. Blue Thunder nodded and motioned for him to come closer, stating that the chief’s mind was not as clear as it was a few years ago and he wouldn’t have noticed if anyone had entered. Moon Glow shook her father-in-law’s shoulder.
“Father, you have a visitor.”
Dasodaha mumbled something and then with squinting eyes waved Blake to come forward. “Come, my eyes are not those of a young man and I want to see who visits this old Indian.”
Blake knew Dasodaha was no older than fifty, but he looked and acted like a man of eighty. It saddened him for he remembered the clan’s leader as a young and vital man.
“Father,” said Blue Thunder, you remember Blake.”
“Blake?”
Dasodaha coughed painfully for a moment and Blake knew he was ill. What sickness could have aged and thinned him so? He sat and took the chief’s wrinkled, cold hand. It shook so that he had to draw a deep breath before he spoke. “How’s my old friend?” he asked. It took a minute before he saw a warm light flicker in Dasodaha’s eyes.
“Blake is that you?” His voice was but a raspy whisper.
Recalling a little of their Athabscan tongue, he answered, “Yes, you old polecat.” Blake sat not waiting for the invite knowing that the old chief would try and stand. They hugged and he noticed Moon Glow leave and her husband retreat to a dark corner of the wickiup.
“Blake, my friend, you are a sight for this man’s bad eyes.” He brushed a small tear that clung to an eyelash. “Why did you take so long to come back to visit?” he inquired, his voice filled with emotion. “You have grown into a fine man. I still thank the gods that you were nearby to save my son, Star Gazer’s life. We have many moons to catch up on.”
Although it had only been a short time, Blake was ashamed that he never made time to come back, but the war had taken up almost a year of his life. He owed Dasodaha a lot, as the chief treated him like a son, the months he had lived with these White Mountain Apaches. He wanted to get right to the matter, but he k
new he owed the chief the curtsey of a visit first. They talked until Dasodaha’s strength started to falter. It was then he finally told the chief the reason he came.
“Is she your woman?” Dasodaha asked with sadness in his dim eyes.
“If I had my way, yes.” This wasn’t exactly what he had planned to say. His answer even surprised him.
Dasodaha shook his head sadly. “This is not good. Star Gazer claims her. He said he wants to bring her to his mat if she will have him. My heart is heavy for there will be trouble between blood brothers. Before sun rose this day I sent him to neighboring village to speak with chief on problems among us, but he should return soon.” The old chief shook his head again. “I not want to see son and the man I love like a son fight over a mere white woman. Once again, white eyes will bring trouble to our village. You know I almost lost Blue Thunder because of Moon Glow.”
He sighed, “My son would have left tribe if he was not permitted to marry her. Times have changed, laws are different and she has proven to be a great white healer.”
Blake’s heart was heavy hearing Dasodaha’s words. He prayed that he could reason with Star Gazer when the young brave returned. If he could convince his friend that Casey was all ready his woman, his friend would release his claim to her. A terrible thought made him shiver, she might prefer the Indian. He remembered it hadn’t taken his cousin long to fall in love with her captor, Blue Thunder.
Star Gazer was a younger image of his brother and Blake was sure the brave had grown into a handsome mature warrior. These thoughts made him sweat, not too sure of himself any- more. He had to do something before the brave returned, he took the notion to heart but he also wondered if he could win her love. He prayed his cousin would help him with the plan he was forming in his mind.
***
Casey was not disappointed that Blake was in conference with Dasodaha. She decided to keep out of sight and retreated to the wickiup she and Hunter built after their short stay with Moon Glow and Blue Thunder. It was very uncomfortable living with them, watching two people so much in love, yet trying their best to keep their hands off one another. She did envy the woman because her husband loved her very much.
Love by Dawn Page 9