Laura's Secrets
Page 19
Tears flowed down Laura’s cheeks as she remembered the horrible day their world had been shattered. Talon was killed hunting buffalo with his tribe. As she and the children lived through the Ute ritual of burying their dead, they could not believe he was gone. What would they do without him? What would she do without him?
Laura had asked herself that question many times since his death. The spark had disappeared from her life. She had always been full of life but ever since she lost Talon, a great sadness had come over her. She began to allow Will and Eli to take over most of her chores as she spent more time sitting in her rocking chair puffing on her pipe and reading her Bible or sitting on her bench on the “Widow’s Peak” looking out over her valley. Life without her love had become dark.
Laura sighed as she finished writing in her journal. She stared at the final date she entered. She could not believe so much time had passed. Yet, it seemed so short because she had always stayed busy. Thinking back over the highs and lows of her life, she could not believe it had all happened to her.
She had forgiven Abner long ago for bringing her to such a remote place and deserting her, but never for his abuse of her. She had fought for survival, and had become stronger for it. She raised four wonderful children and had the love of a great man, who she missed every day. She prayed she had taught her children to be strong, trustworthy, and honest people.
She struggled with Will and Eli, forming them into the men they should be. She did not want them to take life for granted, but to know they could accomplish much by working hard and living righteously. When she was gone, they would discover how wealthy they were. She never told them about the gold nuggets and the bank in Denver, but they would soon find out. What would they do? How would they conduct themselves? She pondered about them.
She wondered what lifestyle Black Hawk would choose for himself, the Indian ways or the white man’s ways. Always the quiet one like his father, she never knew what he was thinking. His love for both his families ran deep, and he was torn between the two. The terrible Indian wars caused trouble and concern for all those she loved. He would have to make his path the best way he could. She prayed she and Talon had taught him to choose wisely.
Her beautiful daughter, Raven, was sent away to Laura’s sister Jane in Washington two years ago. She prayed every day Raven would settle in and learn the things her aunt could teach her and be happy. Would she become a lady, who lived in the white man’s world, or choose to live on the ranch or with her tribe?
Laura laughed aloud. Raven would blaze her own trail as Laura had done. They were so much alike—not in looks, but in spirit and nature. These thoughts saddened Laura because she would not be here to see it or be a part of her children’s lives much longer.
She placed the final leather journal on the bottom of the others, tying all together with a fringed red ribbon from her past. She glanced around the room making sure everything was the way she wanted to leave it. Her bear claw necklace was in her jewelry box on the table, along with a note bequeathing it to Raven.
She walked slowly down the steps of the cellar to the small safe she had installed years ago. Placing her journals in it for safekeeping, she closed the door, then spun the combination lock. Retracing her steps, she closed the cellar door and thought, it is as if my life is being closed and sealed.
The pain overcame her again, and she gripped the back of a chair. It had begun to intensify lately as if a monster ate at her insides. Blood began to flow several days ago, but she said nothing to anyone. When it had passed, she went to her bed to lie down. Stretching out on the quilt her mother had made her long ago, she knew her life was at its end. She had wanted her children near, but now there was no time. She had not known it would happen so quickly.
Nevertheless, she was now at peace. She prayed her children would not grieve too long and would come to know her from her journals and understand the reasons she did the things she did to protect them.
She prayed Talon would come soon to take her and lead her off with him. She missed him so much. Another more powerful ripping agony seized her, and then... she felt a release from the hurt. A wave of darkness began passing over her vision.
Then, there was a bright light and Talon came toward her, dressed in the white buckskins he had worn on their wedding day. Reaching out to her, he beamed, taking her hand in his as he lifted her up saying, “My Spirit Woman, I have loved you from the moment I first saw you coming out of the water. I have missed you so. It is time. Come with me now.”
“I’ve longed for the moment we would be together again, my love,” she whispered softly to her Indian lover as he led her into the whirling mists, and into their new journey together.
Silver trailed silently behind them.
THE END
About the Author
Augusta brings her historical fiction to life from past experiences driven by spiritual elements. Her characters come from all walks of life, even the stars. Augusta enjoys light humor in her stories. What could be more relaxing than reading romance with humor? She enjoys writing about strong women who are kind and able to find happiness with an unexpected love.
Augusta lives in the beautiful Texas Hill Country with her family, rescued cats and dogs, and assorted wildlife that wander through. She loves all of God’s creatures, except snakes and spiders. She hopes you find pleasure in her books as much as she enjoys writing them.
Embrace the Journey,
Augusta Wright