by Lynn Landes
Bronnah is afraid that Chase will follow, and he has no clue that his family is in danger. “How could you do this to him? He trusted you!” That gets his attention. Cleveland slows his mount down and switches places with one of the men. He trots along beside her.
"I didn't steal from them, Mrs. Rivers, you did. You pissed off the wrong people, and the Chen never forgive, and they never forget. Surely you didn't think you'd get away with that?"
“You must be joking? I’m a human being, not property to be sold.”
"I beg to differ, I've bought and sold more women than I can count. That is until the Mighty Marshall came home from the war. Once you two are dealt with..."
Bronnah kicks her horse and leans slamming the mount into his, startling all the horse around hers. It rears sending her flying from the saddle. The impact knocks the wind from her and even as she struggles to get up Cleveland is on her in an instant. His slap sends her backward into the cold hard ground, and he kicks her in the ribs. Bronnah curls into a ball and protects her head as much as she can from his boot. Over and over he kicks her until two of the Chen grab his arm and snaps out something in Mandarin.
Bronnah vomits and rolls away, slipping the small blade out of her boot. Stumbling to her feet, she faces them with her blade in her trembling hand. Still handcuffed together she can barely stand up from the pain in her ribs. Her lips are split and bleeding. She wipes away the blood with the back of her hand as the five men circle her. Tears stream down her cheeks and she glares at them with all the hatred boiling in her heart.
The first man to move leaps at her only to jerk in mid-step and fall to the ground with an arrow in the back of his head. Instantly, the men twist around, and two of the men beside her drop with arrows sticking out of their foreheads. Bronnah's scream is cut short when Cleveland grabs her and uses her as a human shield.
Cleveland watches as the Indians show themselves circling the group. To her terrified eyes, nothing has ever looked so good. Bronnah uses the distraction to slice the arm holding her captive.
“You bitch!" he roars releasing her, and she spins and slams her elbow into his nose. He drops to his knees screaming and holding his broken, bloody nose. Bronnah makes it a few steps only to be blocked by the last Chen. Desperate she looked to the Indians, but they seem to be watching.
Facing the Chen, she trembles as he lifts dual swords and point’s one at her. Bronnah glares at him knowing that she doesn’t stand a chance but refusing to give up.
"So, that's the way of it then," she whispers a prayer for help and waits for the moment he pulls back to attack. Bronnah throws her blade at him with what’s left of her strength. The warrior slaps the knife out of the air with his sword, sending it skidding away and landing at the feet of an Indian brave. He leaps off his horse and picks up the blade before staring at Bronnah in surprise. He shouts a command, and everything happens at once.
Cleveland grabs her leg, tripping her even as the Chen warrior leaps at her. Bronnah squeezes her eyes shut waiting for the burning of the sword to cut her down, but it doesn't come. A grunt sounds out shocking her and her eyes fly open in time to see him crumple to the ground. Another Indian leaps on his back sliding his blade across his forehead. As the screaming starts, Bronnah faints, falling into blessed darkness.
Chapter 35
A spiral of smoke billows up into the blue sky, catching Chase’s attention and causing his stomach to drop. He knows what that means. “Yah!” He snaps the reigns and kicks his horse at the same time, urging him faster. A few minutes later he spies it, a burning pile of bloody, scalped bodies.
Leaping from his horse, he doesn't bother to pull his weapon. If they'd wanted to set a trap, he'd already be caught or dead. His three companions are already searching the scene.
“It’s not her blood, Chase,” Davis confirms his suspicion. Looking closely at the ground he speaks quickly to reassure his friend. “They were ambushed, by Indians.”
“How can you possibly know that from the blood and dirt on the ground?” Jack snaps as he looked at the mess around them.
“It’s a gift.” He turns back to Chase and grabs his upper arm. “It’s the Chinamen, look at the clothing and the shoes.”
Chase can only hear the sound of her screams, begging him to help her. “Stay with us, Chase. Davis is picking up the trail now.” Slowly he examines the bodies, looking for any signs that would signal which tribe they are dealing with.
“Cleveland and Bronnah are missing,” he murmurs as Davis joins him and circle the smoking bodies.
“What do you make of this?” A single silver spur is sticking out of the ground. The moment he sees it, Chase falls to his knees weak with relief and starts laughing.
“Thank God!” Head bowed he takes the spur and lifts it to show them.
“Seems a strange time to have a coming to Jesus moment, Chase,” Rev teased which makes Chase laugh harder. When he catches his breath, he pushes to his feet and struggles to regain his composure.
“I know where they are,” he said hoarsely and mounts his horse.
Bronnah becomes aware of voices around her, her eyes open and she stares into the eyes of the savage who scalped one of the men. The dried blood is still on him, and he grins down at her from atop his horse. She tries to move only to become aware that she's strapped to a makeshift bed of some sort. Her head pounds as her heartbeat accelerates and she struggles to move.
The brave snaps out a command and the troop halts, for a moment. "Please, I must get back to my husband, Chase Rivers. His family is in danger!" An older Indian moves to her and whispers in a language she can't understand. He pats her hand and lifts her head to give her a sip of funny tasting water. Her face is bruising, and with a swollen split lip, it's a messy process.
Bronnah pleads and fights, causing the horse to become skittish until the young brave snarls and lifts her blade up in front of her face. Misunderstanding his intention, she shrinks back from him in terror. Tears stream down her cheeks and she squeezes her eyes closed, expecting to be scalped as the others were.
They mount up and move out once more. Bronnah begins to feel dizzy, and she stares in horror around her as the medicine takes effect. "You drugged me," she whispers and falls into an exhausted sleep.
Much later, the pounding of drums wakes her. To her shock, she's resting untethered on a fur on the ground. A fire is burning close by providing heat and next to her head is a water bowl and her knife!
Bronnah rolls over and gasps in pain, clutching her ribs. The room spins, and she fights back the urge to pass out. "I have to get to Chase," she moans and grabs the knife. Once the room stops spinning, she tries to stand up. It goes better this time as she slowly stands. Unable to straighten up fully, she listened and looked around for more weapons, anything that will make her escape easier.
The flap of the tepee is thrown open, and a gust of frigid air causes the fire to flicker. Bronnah faces the three warriors as they step inside the tent. Determined to have her freedom she clutches at her ribs and lifts the trembling dagger. “I’ll be leaving now.”
“Careful now, she may look like an angel, but she has the soul of a warrior,” Chase says with pride as he steps inside behind them.
Trembling with pain and fear, she can hardly believe her eyes. “Chase?” she gasps, and her knees fold up beneath her. He catches her before she crumples to the ground and her sobs are caught in a gentle kiss.
“You're safe, my love. I’ve got you.” He sweeps her up and carries her back to the furs.
"I don't understand, how did you find me?" Before he can answer the three Indians with Chase leave. "Chase, your family! They're in trouble, Cleveland said that the Ranch was surrounded by Chen," his hand covers her mouth, and he whispers in her ear.
"I know. I'll explain everything, but first, we will see to your wounds." Chase insists that she lay back and two older women enter with salve and bandages. "Bronnah, I need you to listen to me, carefully. Do you remember when I told you abo
ut the tribe of Indians who live on our land?"
"Yes," she stares up at him, and her eyes fly open in understanding.
“They rescued you. We’re safe here, but I have to meet with the Chief. Can you trust me and let them tend to your wounds?”
Bronnah sits up and ignores the flash of pain, “No, you have to get to your family!”
“They’re safe. Lay down,” he gently pushes her back and covers her with the fur. “The truth of the matter is that the Chen never stood a chance, no one sneaks onto River’s land without us knowing about it.”
“Why is that?” she asked leaning into the hand he presses to her face.
“We share the land with the Shoshone. They tracked them for days and waited to see their intentions. Once it became clear what the Chen were up to, they took action.” Bronnah shivers and Chase speaks to one of the women in her language.
"I will explain everything to you, I promise, but first I need you to let them tend to you while I go meet with the Chief. Promise me, you will stay here," he demands. Tears fill her eyes, and she nods, not trusting herself to speak.
“Good.” After a quick kiss to her cheek, he’s gone once more. Bronnah looks at the three women and sits up with help.
"Drink," she offers Bronnah another cup of foul-tasting liquid, and she frowns and tries to say no. A young woman around her own age smiles at her.
“I am called Kimani, this is my mother, Mitena and her sister Nashca. You’re safe.” Bronnah is shocked by her fair coloring. Light, wavy brown hair, and exquisite green eyes flecked with orange.
“Thank you, Kimani, but I don’t need it.”
“It will help you heal faster,” Kimani encourages her.
Bronnah grimaces and takes the cup with a small thank you, then shoots it quickly. Coughing, she hands the cup back to them and wipes her bruised mouth.
Nashca speaks to Kimani, and they begin to heat water to cleanse her wounds. Kimani lifts a dress and moccasins and offers it to Bronnah. "We would be pleased if you would accept these gifts."
Bronnah fights back the tears. "Thank you," she whispers as she accepts the exquisite clothing. The heavy leather is surprisingly warm. Bronnah stands up to remove her tattered, stained dress with assistance. The women gasp at the bruises on her porcelain skin. Gently they cleanse and clean her wounds, braid her hair, and dress her in the leggings and dress made of deerskin.
“White man did this to you?” Kimani snaps even as they rub a salve over her ribs. Mitena shakes her head and presses along Bronnah’s ribs, checking for fractures. Bronnah gasps and fights back a tear.
“Yes, but I broke his nose for touching me,” Kimani grins and repeats what Bronnah said. Mitena nods her head in approval as she finishes binding her ribs with a soft cloth and they help dress her.
Her body no longer feels cold, heat, or pain as the tea hits and works its way through her empty system. “What’s in that tea? I feel better.” Bronnah sits quietly now by the fire as they brush her hair, splitting it into two braids and lacing beads in it. She runs her hands over the soft leather, enchanted by the beadwork and tassels that run over her dress.
“This is perfection. I’ve never seen such detail before.”
“Thank you,” Kimani offers her some bread and broth, as the two women rise and clean up. Bronnah yawns and dips the bread in the broth to eat. The women encourage her to lay down and cover her with the fur.
Outside the teepee, the drums beat, and despite the noise, she's asleep within minutes. Kimani stays and watches over her as promised.
Chapter 36
Chief Bodawae stares at Chase across the fire in the center of the war tent. His son, Nootau sits beside him and passes the cup to his father. Chase faces them with Jack, Davis, and Rev by his side.
“It will be an act of war for you to keep these men, Chief,” Jack explains. As an Army Ranger, he knows that the relations between the Indians and Soldiers is tenuous.
“You know our ways, Winema.” Chief Bodawae purposely uses his given name. “Would you have us do nothing when our family and yours is threatened?” Angry voices rise and ripple around the tent in rhythm to the drums beating outside.
Chase lifts a hand, and the voices fall silent. "I am forever grateful to you. I am only thinking of protecting the tribe. It is bad enough that I brought this danger to you. I, and I, alone, will carry this responsibility."
“Ah, but you’re never alone, Winema.” Chase is humbled when the Chief again calls him by his given name. He earned the name, Fury, during a fight with his Indian brothers. “Your mate was almost killed, and your family threatened. How do you plan on stopping this threat?” he demands.
Chase struggles to stop the rage from showing, only the tremble in his hand gives away his true feelings. Nootau watches his "brother" and knows what it must take for him to remain still. "If it were up to Winema, I would handle this threat in the way of our people, but as it is, I will send for soldiers from the nearest Army Fort. They will bring help and arrest them. If we leave first thing in the morning, we can meet them halfway."
Nootau has sat quietly listening to the tribe around him. “Leave us,” he demands suddenly, and no one questions the son of the Chief. They file out leaving Chase to face only the Chief and his son.
"You may take the Sheriff, but the others are ours. They killed two of our boys."
Chase doesn't argue, he is happy with that. He knows if he releases them, his family will never be safe. He nods in agreement. "I'm sorry."
"If we do as you wish, I would ask a favor of you." Nootau looked to his father who gives a nod of permission.
“Anything,” Chase replies.
"War is coming, Chase, for our people and yours. We are leaving in the spring." Chase sits taller and starts to argue, but the Chief holds up a hand stopping his refusal.
"You have been gone a long-time brother, it's time. We will not be drawn into a War that can only paint the land with blood. We are meeting the other tribes to discuss our future. I would ask that you take Kimani home with you." Chase is stunned.
"We've done our best to raise her as one of our own, but she's not accepted by the tribe. No one will claim her as a mate, and they treat her as an outsider. With your family, she will be safe. After the spring tribal, we will deliver her to your family."
“Of course, we will offer her a home where she will be loved and protected. You know the same goes for all of you.” Chase stares hard at Nootau. “We can offer you the same.”
Chief Bodawae smiles at his son. "We will not hide from our fate. You may have the one who wears the false star."
"Thank you." Chase is relieved, and now all he can think of is returning to Bronnah. “Has Harris been sent for?"
"Yes, waiting outside. Your woman has much spirit," Nootau smiles remembering how she faced them all.
“Catoya,” Chief Bodawae grins.
“Yes, she is spirited.” Chase smiles, trying to think of how to describe Bronnah. “Like a rainstorm after a fire,” his smile fades, “she’s fierce and loyal, loving and kind, and she deserves better.” Images flash through his mind of how many times she has been hurt. “It is time to end this.”
Bronnah sits up sweating, heart pounding and calls out for Chase for the fourth time since he left. “Easy, he’s fine. You’re safe,” Kimani promises softly.
Bronnah nods and holds her ribs with a groan. It’s past dark now, and the drums have stopped beating. “No, you don’t understand. We are hunted, we will never be safe.” Kimani helps her stand and listens as she walks her around inside the tent.
“I can show you, so you understand,” Kimani offers and guides Bronnah outside. The night is lit with torches stuck into the ground creating a pathway. Slowly they make their way to a clearing, avoiding the curious eyes of those they pass. Bronnah gasp when she realizes what Kimani meant. Fifteen of the Chen are bound and tied together, some beaten, some bloody, and next to them sits Sheriff Cleveland Howe.
“No!” She jerks away
from Kimani and draws her dagger from the belt of her dress. Fury etched in every pore she advances to the clearing where the gathered warrior’s all watch in fascination as she moves in on him. “This is not happening!”
“Achak,” one warrior murmurs thinking her a spirit. Chase is talking to Harris when he hears her scream out. He whirls and moves swiftly to intercept her as she rushes towards Cleveland.
Bound with his arms behind him Cleveland can only watch as she rushes at him with a blade in her hand and kicks him in the ribs. “Monster!” She screams. “How do you like being kicked?” Pain has her stumbling back.
“Bronnah!” Chase rushes over to support her. Pain and confusion flutters across her face, but her blade does not tremble as she pulls away from him.
Kimani rushes to help, but Harris grabs her before she can interfere, “No, let them be.”
"Why is he still alive, Chase? He's a murderer!" Bronnah takes a step to move around him, but Chase blocks her.
"Bronnah-mine, you are free now. Don't become what you despise," he whispers beside her.
“They’ll never stop hunting me," a tear slips free, and she sidesteps around him, this time he lets her go as the Indians move in closer to watch.
“They need to be destroyed, I will make it painless, mostly,” Bronnah snaps.
Cleveland grins at her, "You will never be Free, girl! Don't listen to him. He's a liar."
“Shut up, Howe!” Chase hisses.
“I’ve grown weary of running, Chase…” her tears flow freely now.
“I promise you, no more running. Give me the knife.” Her beautiful eyes meet his, and she snarls at him.
"He likes to torture women, Chase. He killed those girls you found in your family train, and hundreds more have been shipped using your railcars. Don't you get it? He used your family business to traffic women and children!” Bronnah steps forward only to have Chase grab her arm.