Now he had to figure out which direction his mother and grand- father would have taken. The tribe had divided into three groups. One had gone to the south, another to the north, and the third to the east. He stood in the middle of the old campsite staring first in one direction then the other. He prayed to the Great Spirit to guide him to find his mother and he began walking in ever-widening circles crossing each route searching for the clue his mother would have left him.
As he got farther out, each trail was swept clean so they could not be followed. Finally, he spotted something. Kneeling by a bush, he found a small red-beaded fringe in his mother’s special tribal pattern tied to the bottom of a bush. He knew what direction to go in to find her. When he reached them, they would tell him why the tribe had divided and he must tell her of his dream of buffalo and Laura. Perhaps she would be able to help him figure out what it meant.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Four days of hard riding brought Talon upon the new campsite where his mother tended a pot over a tiny cooking fire. A crowd gathered, speaking over one another to share what had happened since he left. He needed to know. Chief Smoking Owl, his Grandfather, motioned for him to come into his tepee, so they could talk in private. His mother followed, closing the flap behind her.
“It took me four days of hard riding to find you. Why have you divided and moved in this direction?”
“My son, our people were frightened because there have been no buffalo,” Smoking Owl said, sitting placidly upon a pile of furs. “They divided to search for food before the winter snows. We could not stop them once they thought of this plan. Your mother tried to convince them to stay together but they would not listen and they left. We chose this direction because there is a great rock shelter not far from here, but the game goes more scarce because of a lack of rain and the buffalo have not come. We are glad you are here. Have you had a vision?”
“I have had a strange vision, but I do not know what it means.” He began relating the vision to them.
When he finished, his mother nodded. “And the Spirit Woman is somehow a part of this vision, too.”
“Yes, our lives are intertwined, but it still is not clear to me how. Have you had any more visions of her, Mother?”
“She has been on the edges of my dreams as she is in yours. I have no meaning for them, but she is connected to us.”
“She told me of a secret valley in the mountains and wants me to bring you there. There is a warm spring and it is sheltered from the snow. She has offered to share her small supply of food. And yes, Mother, she does speak with animals. She has asked if we come to promise not to harm the wolves who roam her mountains.”
His mother and grandfather stared at him as they debated about what he had said. His mother asked, “Do you care for the Spirit Woman?”
He startled both of them saying, “She carries my child. I know I have charmed her as much as she has charmed me!”
After explaining to the remaining tribe members what had transpired, it was decided they would break camp at first light to begin the long trek to the hidden valley in the mountains of the Spirit Woman. As Talon lay wrapped in his buffalo robe that night, he thought of the last night he was with Laura. He grew hard remembering their long hours of loving and he longed for her. He relived the first time he watched Laura bathe in the spring and fell asleep dreaming of her.
The vision came again, but much more clearly this time. The buffalo were within reach. All he had to do was reach out to touch them. Laura was beckoning from the distant mountains with her long yellow hair waving in the breeze. He heard the roar and wondered if a storm was coming. The ground under his bed began to shudder and shake, as the rumbling grew louder.
A shout! He jerked awake as he realized what the noise was. A buffalo herd was thundering down on them.
“Grandfather! Mother! Get up! The buffalo are here!” He grabbed his bow and arrows and raced outside.
His cousins were outside their tepees watching as the buffalo raced a short distance away from their campsite. It was a small herd, but they were buffalo. The men were grinning at each other and praising the Great Spirit for saving them from starvation. They made plans to follow the herd but would wait until they settled down to graze. They leaped on their ponies riding for the herd. The excitement of the hunt clung to the warriors as they eased into the herd to shoot the ones they wanted. They needed to kill five or six. Their small group could not process more than that. If the main tribe had been together, they would have killed more, but now, they would do what they could.
By noon, they had killed six large males, enough to enjoy now and plenty to preserve for winter, dragging them close to camp for the women to begin skinning and cutting up the carcasses. Nothing went to waste; even the marrow in the bones was eaten after the bones were thrown in the fire to cook. It could then be mixed with jerky to form pemmican. The muscle meats were stripped, cut into strips and hung to dry in the sun to make into jerky. The hooves were used for glue and the stomachs for containers. The intestines were cooked and eaten or used to be containers for pemmican. The hides were rolled up and stored for later when they would have the time to work them into clothing or tepees. It took them five full days and nights to prepare the meat and hides.
Drying of the meat had begun immediately, so they could travel as soon as possible. Working rapidly, they watched the skies for the nearing winter. Late on the seventh day, Talon watched as the winds changed, bringing with it the scent of snow. The order was given to be ready to move at first light.
The traveling had been hard and fast for well over two weeks now trying to make it through the mountain passes before heavy snows closed them completely. As their trek drew them higher into the mountains, the snow became deeper and deeper. The People and their horses were exhausted as they neared the top of the canyon. They were able to retain their strength only because the Great Spirit had given them buffalo. Talon was anxious to return to Laura. He worried every day about her and her baby. Was she all right? Did she need anything? He couldn’t get there quick enough.
Reaching the area Laura had told him to look for, Talon motioned for the People to wait while he scouted ahead to find the trail leading down into the lower canyon and the hidden valley. They were close. He could feel it. He had to find the entrance without falling off the cliff. As he moved around in the falling snow, he saw movement up ahead. A large silver wolf watched him as he searched for the trail. It turned, leading him to the break in the rocks and disappearing into it. It was Laura’s wolf.
He followed the wolf tracks in the snow and into the rock opening, thankful it was wide enough for him to stand upright in the dark, cave-like, narrow corridor and wide enough for a horse to pass through. He entered a bright area filled with light revealing the hidden valley spread before him. Tall trees grew upward toward the deep cracks in the rock overhangs with roots and vines hanging downward to meet the trees. He could hear the gurgling of a spring somewhere nearby. There were plenty of places to erect tepees with room for the horses to graze. It was well protected from the winter winds and snow, but sunlight still filtered in from the top. It was a perfect place for the People. He thanked the Great Spirit for the safety of his People and for Laura. He turned to retrace his steps to begin bringing them down to safety.
Hours later, the last family member and their belongings came down the dangerous path and into the hidden valley. Old fallen trees, dry enough to burn, provided fuel and soon the old women had fires blazing to cook the evening meal for the People. Everyone was weary, and there was still much to do. Tonight though, they would eat and rest.
Tomorrow they would build a cover to hide the entrance to the valley from unwanted visitors. Tonight they would post guards to watch for any dangers. Talon wondered about the wolf he had followed. Looking around for him, he did not know how he managed to get out of the valley.
When he told his People not to harm the wolves, they’d agreed but were frightened of his woman who could talk w
ith animals. Just as he had been until he knew her. Tomorrow he would go see how she had fared. It had been too long since he had been with her. He missed her greatly. He dreamed of their reunion.
A shout from the entrance brought all braves to their feet with drawn weapons as they rushed forward to meet the enemy. One lone man dressed in heavy furs entered their valley. He raised both hands and pulled his head covering back to reveal his face. It was Willow’s husband, Two Horses. Everyone rushed forward except Willow’s mother.
Talon reached him first. “Is all well with you, Two Horses?”
“We have been following you for many suns, unable to catch up because we could not travel fast enough,” when he leaned on Talon trying to catch his breath.
“Who else is with you?” he asked.
“I need help getting Willow down here. She is heavy with child and is unable to go any further. Will you help us?”
Immediately, Talon’s weariness was forgotten. He hurried through the narrow passage to begin the climb up the rock path toward Willow. He found her resting against a rock in a half sitting position. She had her hands on her big belly. “I am glad to see you, my brother. As you can see, I need your help.”
He scooped her up, hugging her to him, while her husband and some of the others watched. Talon began the long and dangerous journey back down the narrow, rocky trail slowly, telling Willow to keep her head on his shoulder so he did not hit it on the rocks.
The only tepee erected was Chief Smoking Owl’s. Running Fawn led the way as Talon carried Willow with Two Horses following. After getting Willow snuggled into warm furs, Running Fawn signaled Two Horses to sit down then served them fresh buffalo meat. The People had many questions but waited quietly until all had eaten.
“Two Horses has taken good care of my sister by bringing her to us, but what has happened to cause you to travel at a time like this with a baby coming?”
Two Horses gazed at the four faces as he sadly explained, “My tribe is in trouble. We have not been able to find food because of the dryness of the hunting grounds. We searched everywhere finding very little. We moved our camp many times during the warm summer days but still no buffalo. Many became ill. Many became frightened and discouraged.”
Glancing at Willow with love in his eyes, he continued, “When we knew a baby would be coming, we decided to come to you for help. Willow lost a baby many moons ago. When we knew this one would be born, I decided she needed to be with her family who could help when the time came. Our tribe began to separate and our numbers grew smaller. Willow and I prayed to the Great Spirit to lead us to her family. She had a vision of a place of safety in these mountains. As we traveled the mountain trail, we discovered others traveled before us. There were signs it was Willow’s people. We are relieved to have found you when we did.”
Smoking Owl grinned at Two Horses. “We are happy you are here with us. Our tribe has divided also, and we are few in numbers. Perhaps we will survive the winter because of the Spirit Woman.”
“Who is this Spirit Woman?” Two Horses asked.
No one spoke until Running Fawn said, “Talon’s woman. She has been in our visions and dreams for some time. She has led us here to this hidden valley for the winter. She asks one thing of us. We must not kill the wolves. They are hers. She talks to animals and they to her.”
Willow gasped.
“Willow, do you know of this woman?” her mother asked loudly.
“Talon,” she asked. “What does your Spirit Woman look like?”
Talon watched Willow’s expressions as he began to describe Laura.
“Does she have a name or is she Spirit Woman?” Willow asked.
“Her name is Laura.”
Willow gasped again.
“Daughter, do you know this woman?” demanded her mother.
“She saved me from a bear when I was hunting herbs for your medicines and tonics nearby. My leg was trapped, and I could not move. The bear came at me but Laura shot an ear off and her silver wolf chased the bear away. We became great friends. We taught each other about healing plants and how to use them. When I was to marry Two Horses, she told me the same thing had happened to her and she had been forced to wed an old man. She reminded me Two Horses probably did not want to marry me either. He was forced by his tribe, also.” She glanced at Two Horses. “She told me to be the best wife I could be and make him love me. She said I would be happy and so would my new husband, and she was right. We do love each other now, but in the beginning, we did not. She had wise advice and I have thought of her many times since I have been gone. I thought I recognized the area when we came up here, but with the snow, I could not be sure.”
Talon was pleased to know Laura had contact with his family even before he knew her. She was amazing, his Spirit Woman.
Pulling a small gold chain with a heart shaped locket from around her neck, she said, “The last time we saw each other, she gave me this locket. It was something special to her. When can I see her?”
“That may not be as easy as you think,” replied Talon. “You are big with child and unable to move fast. Laura carries my child as well.” There were loud gasps at his surprising news.
“You have gotten my friend with child. How could you?” yelled Willow.
Talon and the rest laughed loudly at Willow’s indignation of her brother’s activities with her friend.
“I will leave at first light tomorrow. She needs my protection.” He beamed at Willow.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Many long and lonesome weeks had passed since Talon’s departure. Laura missed him every day and especially at night. She continued to do her chores, ever mindful of her expanding waistline and the increasing bad weather. The days continued to grow colder, the skies heavy with the promise of more snow. Talon would return to her as soon as he could, but it did not keep her from worrying about him.
Five days before, a blizzard blew in dumping a great deal of snow, but no more followed. Each day she managed to wade through a foot of snow to the barn to feed the animals. After her trip to the barn this morning, she worked in the cabin making candles and then sewing baby clothes.
She felt tired as she added potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pot of stew she prepared for supper. Earlier she had started melting snow for her bath. Slipping out of her robe, she stepped into the heated water in the tub.
A loud sigh of contentment escaped her lips as she settled back. The warmth soothed the aches in her back and legs caused by her pregnancy. She stared at the flames in the fireplace, reflecting on how she came to be with child. Her memories were still vivid and she hugged her rounding belly and thought, One of you wonderful angel men gave me a special gift. I will treasure it always. She shook herself out of her reverie and began to lather up the scented soap purchased in Denver. She loved the smell of the soap and her rose creams and lotions as well. When the water began to cool, she stepped out of the tub. Standing naked before the fireplace, she dried her pregnant body.
A strange noise on the porch drew her attention. Was it the wind or was something on the porch? Slipping into her robe, she drew it about her swollen body and eased toward her rifle.
A muffled knock startled her. A sound like her name penetrated her fear. “Who’s there?” she called. Again, a muffled knock and her name.
She unbolted the heavy door allowing Talon to enter covered in snowy buckskins and fur. Dropping the backpack, he removed the snow-covered coat. She hung it on a hook, then helped him out of the snowshoes and knee-high leggings.
She stripped him naked, then wrapped him in a quilt and led him to the fireplace. Concerned about frostbite to his toes and feet, she pushed him into one of the rocking chairs and fetched a basin of cool water for him to put his feet into.
Slowly she began to add warm water from a kettle heating on the stove. He groaned and she massaged his feet with a warmed towel to restore circulation in them.
“I have missed you, my Spirit Woman,” he said with both hands wrapped
around a mug of hot tea. “You have grown quite large since I have been gone.”
“You have been gone for many weeks. I feared you wouldn’t return. Were you able to find the valley and get your people safely there?” she asked.
“Yes. We found buffalo, which delayed us from coming sooner, but we have meat for the winter. When I found the tribe, they had split into three groups. I have brought my mother’s family here. We sent scouts to look for the others, but they have vanished. We have asked the Great Spirit to protect them. The weather turned bad and we had to begin the trek into the mountains. My sister and her husband found us as well, so my family has been reunited. What were you doing before I came?” he asked as he noticed the large copper bathtub near the fireplace.
“I’d just finished bathing. I ached in my bones from the cold, so I decided a nice warm bath would be wonderful, and it was,” she grinned at him lustily.
He opened his arms inviting her to sit on his lap in the rocking chair. She rushed into them with a cry. “I’ve missed you so much! I’m glad you are here. Please hold me tight and never let me go.” She buried her face against his neck.
After a while, he opened her robe. Her breasts had enlarged and her large protruding stomach pushed against him. The look on his face told Laura he noticed all the changes taking place in her body since he had last seen her naked. She tried to jerk the robe closed.
He grabbed her hands, saying lovingly, “I had not expected you to become so large. You are beautiful,” as he rose from the chair pulling her against his nakedness. However, her large, rounded stomach prevented him from holding her close.
“I’m too large now to make love,” she cried with tears in her eyes.
He looked down at her, “Spirit Woman, there are different ways to love a woman when she is great with child. If you are willing, we will try them.”
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