Forever Ecstasy

by Janelle Taylor

  “Pay me more than the East-West Railroad and I’ll jump into your pocket. Survival is a big incentive to change jobs.”

  Orin chuckled in amusement. “I don’t think sae. Ye strike me as ae man who’s loyal tae who hires him first. I could ne’er trust ye.”

  Joe shrugged his shoulders. “Can’t fault a man for trying to save his hide. But I’d still like to know why I’m losing it. You owe me the truth for the information I just supplied; it’ll probably save your hide one day.”

  Orin’s confidence was at a peak now. “Ye’ll be dead before dark, sae I’ll tell ye. I want tha Black Hills, and tha Sioux owns them.”

  “The Black Hills? Why are they so important to you?”

  “They have e’erthing I need: timber, finest grazeland, plenty of game, abundant water, sheltered valleys for winter protection, strongholds against enemies, and gold.”

  Joe’s astonishment was genuine. “Gold?”

  “Plenty, maybe even more than California has. One of me men found some when he was raiding death scaffolds; he didn’t tell tha others. He thought he’d become partners with me because I could help him get out more than he could do alone. He needed me backing and protection, but I didn’t need him. He’s dead, sae I’m tha only one who knows where it is.”

  Joe was relieved they were talking low and in a secluded location. Gold was one motive that no one must learn of! But if he allowed Orin to live, be arrested, and be questioned…

  “Of course, timber is like gold in this territory. I know about tha push for ae railroad; it has tae come one day. With the Black Hills and her treasures in me possession, I can be their main and only supplier in these parts. I’ll be rich and famous, ruler of this area.”

  “Except the Lakotas stand in the way of your plans.”

  “Ye’re right. But not for long. I made ae deal with Black Moon tae supply him with guns and goods if he’d use them first tae kill off ‘r run out tha Sioux. Then he’d control the rest of the territory.”

  “Until you provoked the Army to get rid of him for you.”

  Orin chuckled. “Yer wits impress me, Joe.”

  “Thanks,” he scoffed.

  “If ye hadn’t of destroyed me last shipment tae Black Moon, with two more in ae few weeks, me war would have begun in a month. Now, it’ll have tae be in October. When yer surveyors come next spring, I’ll be the man they negotiate with o’er land, water, game, and timber rights.”

  Joe had one last thing to learn before he gave the attack signal. “Aren’t you forgetting about the treaty council at Laramie in a few weeks?”

  “Treaties ‘r’ made tae be broken. I’ll be sure it fails before winter settles in. I’ll give tha Sioux and Crow plenty of cause tae battle again.”

  Joe leaned against the wooden hull. “What if—”

  Several incidents suddenly happened simultaneously: Joe yelped and jerked aside as a bee stung his cheek; Orin, who had seen the insect land and poise to strike, leaned forward without thinking to brush it away; a startling war hoop sounded across the quiet clearing; and an arrow caught Orin in his left shoulder.

  The Scotsman groaned and fell backward from the hit.

  “What in blazes!” Joe yelled. If they hadn’t moved at the same time, he would have been a lethal target! He jerked around to look for trouble.

  Orin seized the shaft and yanked out the arrowhead. He held one hand over the bleeding wound as his gaze scanned the scene.

  Another arrow thudded into wood too close to the bound Joe. His keen gaze retraced its flight path to Knife-Slayer. The warrior was trying to kill him! He needed cover fast in his vulnerable state. Joe saw the masked leader grab a nearby pistol and heard him murmur something about “ae war party attack.” Joe knew he’d best get out of Orin’s line of fire before the man realized his assumption was wrong. He ducked beside the wagon, hoping Clay Thorne could cover him with rifle fire and would come to untie him fast.

  The trap prematurely exposed caused confusion on both sides, especially when Tom held off the signal long enough to give Joe time to roll under the wagon and no soldier showed himself. Melee ensued.

  Orin’s men backed toward their boss to defend him while firing at moving shadows in the woods. Crow dashed for cover, having been ordered to capture, not slay, the culprits. The sound and smell of gunfire filled the clearing, as did shouts back and forth between both sides.

  As soldiers and warriors revealed themselves and called for the evildoers to surrender, Orin reached for his best weapons. He smashed the Oriental balls against the hard ground, creating an impenetrable veil. When the twinkling smoke vanished, Snake-Man was gone.

  Clay rushed forward to free Joe. The two men joined their forces in a brief battle. When it was over, Zeke was wounded; two cohorts were dead; Farley and the last two were prisoners. On the other side, only four soldiers had minor injuries; three Indians were wounded and two were slain: Hawk Eyes and Knife-Slayer.

  It was revealed that the sullen Red Heart warrior had been the one to act before either signal was given. The shaman had caught one of Zeke’s first bullets as he witnessed his son’s treacherous behavior and apparently sacrificed his protection in an attempt to halt it. Knife-Slayer had been slain by Wind Bird while trying to kill Joe. No doubt the antagonistic warrior had intended to allege that Joe had given the attack signal and was aiming for Snake-Man to protect Sky Warrior.

  Joe surmised the shaman had tried to perform the good deed to hide his and his son’s past misdeeds, or to make up for them before his god. Surely Hawk Eyes had realized no one would believe the action was an accident, as Knife-Slayer was an expert shot. Justice, often strange and swift, had claimed both men.

  Night Stalker was angered by his friend’s deceit and his dishonorable conduct. During the past week, it had become clear to the chief’s son that peace was the best trail to ride; working with whites, especially soldiers, had shown him most were not bad men and most wanted truce. He now knew that his father and others were right to seek peace, and he would obey the sacred vision. He pleased Sun Cloud with his change of heart and behavior.

  Joe walked around the wagon and examined it. Near the front, he kicked the wooden hull and shouted, “Come on out, Orin, the game’s over. We know about your hiding place.” There was no response. “You want us to chop through your fake bottom or burn you out?” Joe threatened.

  Everyone gathered around the white-topped wagon as Joe issued his warnings and kicks again. The clearing had been surrounded by their forces, so they knew Orin couldn’t have escaped.

  “Bring the hatchets, boys; we’ll chop our way to him.”

  A shot rang out, and everyone jumped back as they assumed Orin was firing at them. Nothing happened for a while.

  Then, Joe spotted blood dripping to the ground beneath the wagon. He climbed inside, and Clay followed. They searched for an entrance to the secret compartment and found it. They were not surprised by the grim sight that greeted them.

  Orin’s body was hauled outside—dead from a self-inflicted wound to the head, preferring that to arrest and execution or prison. Joe removed his metal mask to show Black Moon and the others the truth. The flowing black hair was attached, so the mane left with the disguise. He watched Black Moon, his braves, and Red Heart warriors touch the tattooed snakes. He heard them laugh in relief to discover the man was human and the vipers unreal.

  Joe recovered some of the “magic” balls and demonstrated how they worked. He passed out the remaining ones from Orin’s supply. Despite the fact that the Indians knew the balls were tricks, they were amazed by them and continued to call them “big magic.” Since Orin’s target was the Oglalas, Sun Cloud was presented with the snake mask. To prevent jealousy, Black Moon was given the wagon, horses, and supplies. Both chiefs were pleased with their presents.

  Tom and Stede were overjoyed by the removal of the final obstacle to peace in the territory. A burial detail tended to the chore of interring the remains of Orin McMichael, along with his two men, n
ear the sacred location McMichael had craved. Joe related the motive behind the Scotsman’s scheme, excluding one part: gold in the Black Hills. He would keep that fact a secret, except to warn Sun Cloud at a later date to make certain whites were kept out of the rich hills. Once gold was discovered, Joe was certain encroachment and a bitter war would take place.

  When Black Moon comprehended how he had been duped, the Crow chief was silent in his shame. It helped matters when Sun Cloud told him they, too, had been falsely provoked against the Bird People by Orin’s tricks. It made everyone happy to see the two leaders make truce. It was hoped that when news of their joint attack reached the ears of other Crow and Lakota tribes, it would entice them to lessen their hatreds.

  Three camps were made as dusk appeared: Crow, Red Heart, and white. Yet men from each visited others and chatted with new friends and allies. The prisoners were held in the white camp by soldiers, to be taken to Fort Tabor the next day. It was decided to hold them there until after the treaty council to prevent any distractions from its importance. Men were assigned to take charge of Orin’s trading post until a decision was made concerning it. They were ordered to search for the stolen payroll shipment from June eleventh, if the money wasn’t already spent on illegal guns and whiskey. Horses were fetched and tended. Wounded were treated. Meals were cooked and eaten. Chores were completed. Groups gathered to talk about this shared coup, the impending treaty, and future plans.

  They were to split up in the morning. Sun Cloud and his band would ride home to prepare for their journey to Fort Laramie, to place the two warriors on death scaffolds, to send his people on the way to their winter camp, and to make Wind Bird their next shaman. Clay Thorne was to travel with them to speak with Buckskin Girl and Morning Star. He would journey to the meeting with his grandmother’s tribe, with whom he would live. Then he would visit his family and people—the Cheyenne. Black Moon and his party would ride home to make their preparations to attend the joint council far away. Troops would ride to Fort Tabor with the prisoners, most to remain there until they were relieved in a month. The agent, Stede, Joe, and three soldiers would head for Laramie.

  While Tom wrote out a report on this episode, Stede and Joe visited Sun Cloud’s campsite. The three chatted genially for a time, with Sun Cloud praising the work of “Tanner” and his daughter. Neither white man revealed the truth of Joe’s identity. That was something that needed to be handled in private and after the treaty was signed. Once the big council was over, Joe would go after Morning Star and expose the truth.

  The treaty talk was scheduled to begin on September seventh, so each group had to hurry with their camp tasks and get to Laramie. Joe wanted to be present, and wished his love could be there. He wanted to witness the termination of their mission. He wanted to view the historic event so he could tell their children about it one day. It would enable Morning Star to leave home knowing peace ruled her land and protected her family and people.

  Joe was eager to see her, hold her, kiss her. He dreaded the revelations they must make to Sun Cloud of their love and deceit. He had come to like and respect the chief more and more during his stay here. He prayed that time would soften the drushing blow. He grasped that what they must do would hurt the noble chief deeply. Joe hoped understanding and forgiveness would not be long in coming.

  As the sun rose on a glorious day, Sun Cloud bid Stede and “Tanner” farewell until he saw them again at Horse Creek. He rode homeward with his band, a changed son, a new medicine chief, and two dead Oglalas. He carried his coup prize with him: Orin’s mask. Elation surged through him as he imagined his parents—Gray Eagle and Alisha/Shalee—and his brother, Bright Arrow, witnessing this event from the Great Spirit’s side. He knew how happy his beloved wife would be to see his safe return and to hear of their victory. There would be much celebrating in his camp when they reached home. He never suspected what grim news awaited him…

  One of the main reasons Clay— Sky Warrior—Thorne accompanied the Red Hearts was to tell Morning Star not to expose anything about the couple’s scandalous plan until Joe returned home with her father. Joe had asked him to warn her that if Sun Cloud learned they’d all tricked him, he might think he’d be tricked again at the peace council. “He mustn’t have any doubts about the treaty or refuse to attend the meeting,” Joe commanded. “Don’t do or say anything to stop your father from coming.” If Morning Star let their secret slip, he would be there to defend Joe’s motives and character. Clay knew Morning Star might need his support and encouragement. He also wanted to ask Flaming Star for his daughter in joining, even though Buckskin Girl had already accepted him. By the time he returned from Laramie, the woman would have their tepee ready and their joining ceremony could take place. At last, his heart and mind were at peace. He felt he belonged here living as an Indian in the Dakota territory with a fine woman. He wished Joe and Morning Star the same happiness, but felt it would be long in coming.

  Joe waved to Clay and Sun Cloud and watched them ride out of sight. He walked to the spot Zeke Randall was bound to force out of him the final piece of information he needed. Before he began, he had one of the soldiers take Farley to another area. “There’s something I have to know, Zeke. Who—”

  “You sorry bastard, I ain’t telling you nothing!”

  “I think you will. I know a few more things you’ve done here that I haven’t mentioned in my reports yet. Be stubborn, and I’ll gladly add them to the list of charges against you. That information should make certain you’re hanged, or put a lot more years on your prison sentence. Tell me what I want to know, and I’ll keep it to myself.”

  “What’s so damn important to you?” Zeke sneered.

  “I came here in early spring with a friend, Tanner Gaston, son of that man over there,” Joe explained. “While we were in Pierre, somebody put a knife in him and murdered him. I want to know who’s responsible. If you did it, I’ll still honor my deal with you. I have to know who killed him before my mind can rest. His death is one of the main reasons I was so determined to defeat all of you. I’m offering you a good deal, Zeke, one you don’t deserve. I advise you to accept it and not rile me again. I think you’ve witnessed how dangerous I can be when crossed.”

  “He a dark-haired man about your age, looked half-breed?”

  “Yes,” Joe answered. He was angered by Zeke’s insulting tone and surprised the miscreant complied. “Tanner overheard something by accident, and one of you made certain he couldn’t repeat it. Fact is, he lived long enough to give me a few clues that put me on your trail. It was probably about that wagon trip you took when we met. Talk. We don’t have much time left.”

  “Ain’t nothing you can do about it now; Clem gutted your friend. He’s dead. It was his loose tongue that Gaston overheard, so the boys told him he had to clean up his mess. Me and Farley wasn’t in Pierre that night, but they told me about killing a spy. Guess that was him. Too bad the boys didn’t know about you that night and slit your miserable neck.”

  “Yep, it’s a real shame they didn’t commit two murders!” Joe growled. “If you’ve told the truth, our deal stands. If you lied, I’ll let you hang for his death, guilty or not.” Joe had Zeke gagged to make certain the big man didn’t shout any warnings to his buddy. He went to the spot where Farley was captive, out of hearing range from his companion.

  Joe intimidated Farley into talking. He was relieved in a strange way to hear the same account from him. Maybe it was because he knew he finally had the truth about Tanner’s murder, and the killer was dead. Justice had been carried out without his participation. He had Farley returned to the others and Zeke’s gag removed. While he waited for his party to move out, he completed his own report for Tom and the authorities. He left nothing out, and felt no remorse over duping Zeke. When Stede joined him, he related what he had learned about Tanner’s death, and both grieved the heavy loss in silence for a time.

  The detail mounted and departed with the prisoners, riding east to Fort Tabor. Joe was glad
to have them out of his life forever. He was also glad the officer in charge was taking care of those false accusations against him and Morning Star. With Sergeant Bart Carnes in custody, the man would stand trial for the murder of Captain James Thomas and the deserter, George Hollis. Joe had liked Jim, and was sorry he had been slain while helping to solve this case.

  Black Moon had left about the same time the Oglalas had, so the clearing was rather quiet, with only six men and horses present. Everything was packed and ready. The smallest group mounted and rode southwest. They entered the northwest section of the Black Hills to journey to the grasslands beyond it and on to Fort Laramie. The trek would require six or seven days.

  As they traveled, Joe thought about Morning Star and his family. He wondered what she was doing as she spent her last few weeks with her family. He knew she must be experiencing an array of emotions. He was anxious to get finished here and head home. He wanted to see his parents, sister, and her family. He wanted to make certain everything and everyone there was all right. He wanted to roam the plantation, and enjoy life and peace to the fullest. He had experienced enough excitement and adventure to last him a long time. He was ready to get married, to settle down, to build his own home, and to have children. He knew the perfect spot on the Lawrence property for them to live. Soon, he kept telling himself, his dreams and goals would be realized.

  The men made camp an hour before dusk. They were exhausted from yesterday’s tense episode and their journey today. The weary horses, dusty and sweaty, were eager to rest and graze after being unsaddled. Joe and one of the soldiers cooked the evening meal. Tom and Stede conversed and relaxed. As they ate, another scout from Fort Laramie arrived, an extra horse in tow.

  He dismounted, and one of the men tended his fatigued animals. He walked to the campfire and asked, “Which one of you is Stede Gaston?”

  “I am,” Stede replied, a curious sensation attacking his gut.