by Deanna Jewel
Taima’s long hair laid spread around him, hiding his face. Blood covered his side and pooled on the ground. Those strong arms would never comfort her again, she would never hear his deep voice against her ear. Only recently had she learned his savage touch could be so tender.
A warm tear slipped down her cheek as her vision blurred.
From the corner of her eye, she saw one of the warriors ready his bow. Fear she’d never experienced before shot through her body. “Nooooo!” she screamed.
The warrior poised with his arrow aimed at Taima and waited for an order to release it. Words were spoken, but she didn’t understand why the warrior now stared in disbelief at his leader. Slowly, he released the tension on his bow and replaced the arrow in its quiver, then yanked his horse’s mane angrily, prodding it forward ahead of the others.
Kate breathed a sigh of relief and momentarily closed her eyes.
“Come!” The rope tugged at her arms. “We have many miles ahead of us,” Scar Face called back to her. Kate stumbled a few steps, then she saw huge, black birds circling overhead. Bile rose in her throat at the thought of what those birds would do to Taima’s dead body.
She moved forward with one last glance at Taima. Thoughts of him would be with her forever. From deep within the corners of her mind, memories of other deaths settled in like a heavy fog, reminding her of why she hadn’t wanted to love Taima.
Trudging along behind her captors, Kate stumbled over rocks in her path, but kept her balance. The sharper edge of smaller stones poked into the soles of her moccasins, but she felt nothing, no pain, no hate--only blessed numbness. She dodged sagebrush, but some of the small bushes tore at her legs. The rope chafed her wrists, cutting into her skin, making her fingers go numb. The Indians hadn’t let her rest at all in the last couple of hours if her estimation of the sun was correct.
Dust covered her face while perspiration trickled down her back, rewetting the damp doeskin dress. The bright sun beat down upon her, depleting her body of much needed fluids. She touched her parched, cracked lips with her tongue. The dryness of her throat made it impossible to swallow without difficulty. Not once had she been offered water, though the warriors had drank several times from the skins they carried.
Kate guessed the sun would shine another hour before dusk settled upon them and hoped she could finally rest for the night. She glanced toward the jagged, snow-capped mountains on her right. A river snaked along the base of these mountains. They’d likely travel along its edge. Trudging through the brush, Kate longed to be allowed a few minutes in the cool water.
Burning pain in her arms turned her thoughts from the shallow river. The rope that pulled her along now cut deeper into her raw wrists. Exhausted and thirsty, she had barely enough energy to lift her feet over the decayed logs and stones in her path. She fell, for the third time. Kate cringed when the bushes and stones cut at her legs as she was dragged along behind her captor’s horse. Knowing she should try to stand, her weakened body refused to cooperate. She couldn’t pull herself up this time.
Pain in her shoulders numbed her mind. If she died now, her soul could join Taima’s. She prayed for the release.
Suddenly, she lay still in the dirt. She resented her gratitude for the reprieve. Too tired to stand, she looked up at Taima’s killer. The white facial scar appeared more prominent. Kate glared at him as he sipped from the water skin; still he did not offer her a drink. Re-plugging the water, he dismounted and approached her. Kate closed her eyes, afraid of what he would do, yet not caring.
She waited.
Water trickled from her hair onto her face and wet her parched lips. Hardly enough to quench her thirst, but it moistened her tongue as she retrieved the few salty drops on her lips.
Fingers dug into her hair and she was lifted painfully to her feet, her scalp screaming. He tipped her face up to his. Tired of fighting for her life, she slowly opened her eyes.
“Don’t die white eyes; you are worthless to me dead!”
Kate wanted to spit in his face, but didn’t have the energy, or saliva, to do it. When he finally released her, she stumbled backward and onto the ground.
He threw a piece of dried meat into the dirt at her feet. “Eat. Rest. We move soon.”
Gratefully, she sat down and dusted off the meat before she bit into it. She ate quickly, not sure how long they would give her to rest. The throbbing in her feet kept time with her pulse. She knew tomorrow her feet would meet the same torture again.
Time seemed to fly by as she rested, but when she saw Scar Face mount his horse, she stood and began walking before he could yank on the rope. She strode behind the warriors, trying hard not to show the weariness that quickly crept through her muscles.
The sun dipped toward the pink horizon. Before total darkness closed in around her, Scar Face stopped for the night in a rocky cove. One of his two warriors continued to leer at her while he prepared a small fire. Although he was careful not to let his chief notice he watched her, Kate feared what might happen later.
The lust in his dark eyes touched her as easily as if it were his hands.
She shivered with revulsion and turned her back to him. At least then she didn’t have to watch the way he licked his lips as his gaze roved over her body. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against a boulder. Weariness cloaked her, and the rope around her wrists had long ago rubbed the skin raw.
God, why did Taima have to be killed before she decided to quit being so stubborn and allow him to know how she really felt? He’d died not knowing.
Although she’d traveled back through time, the curse had followed her. He’d died because she’d fallen in love with him even after she tried to prevent it. Somehow, Taima had torn down the wall around her heart and hadn’t even known it. He was gone...and Kelee no longer had a father.
All because of her.
Kate’s heart ached for Kelee, but Aiyana would take good care of him, she knew. He’d never again be able to laugh with Taima, nor prove to his father how well he’d learned to hunt. Kate remembered the joyful gazes father and son had shared, how Taima would tousle Kelee’s hair, then send him off to play.
Taima’s face appeared behind her closed eyelids. Memories formed of the tender way he’d kissed her, caressed her, and made her feel like a woman. A warm tear slipped down her cheek. Never again would she feel his touch upon her face.
Kate choked back a sob. Opening her eyes, she sat up straight. The day had grown dark. She wiggled her fingers. If she could only have her wrists untied for a while.
Again, the scarred warrior dropped a piece of dried meat in her lap, then strode toward the river with one of his warriors, the two disappearing into the darkness.
As if an alarm had sounded, Kate spun around to look for the lecherous warrior who remained behind near the fire. His legs blocked her view, though he stood with his feet shoulder-width apart. Her fear stiffened every fiber in her body. They were alone together.
Through widened eyes, Kate stared into the face of the man she least wanted to see. She inhaled and her breath caught in her throat. Thoughts of escape darted through her mind. A single warrior and her. She could handle him.
An idea formed. Her confidence returned.
A low chuckle sounded deep within his chest. Quickly, Kate laced her fingers together, rose to her knees, and with swift agility, swung her hands up between his thighs, rendering him helpless.
Panic nearly stopped her heart from beating. His weight crushed her lungs when he fell forward on top of her. Kate rolled away, rose to her feet, and ran in the opposite direction. Desperation boosted her adrenaline. Racing from the rocky cove, she slipped around the corner, when suddenly an arm snaked around her waist and her feet left the ground.
Tears sprang to her eyes. Oh God, Taima. I need you!
She couldn’t help the sob that caught in her throat. Rough fingers dug into her side as she was carried back to the cove. She landed like a rock onto the ground.
Scar Face stood over her, and time stopp
ed.
He glanced at his brave still lying there holding himself. “White eyes...you will be traded. You’re too much trouble,” Scar Face said, then returned to the fire with his brave.
She scooted back against the rock so she could keep watch on both men as they prepared for the night. The two warriors sat near the fire, glancing at her periodically while their leader rested.
Suddenly, the scarred warrior rose from his blanket and strode in her direction. She inched closer to the rock. When he bent toward her, she moved back further, but he only grabbed her rope. Without a word, he strode toward his blanket and she immediately rose, not wanting to be dragged.
He sat down, tied the end of her rope around his ankle and lay on his back. Kate stared at him, then glanced at the other warriors. Their gazes moved over her and she turned away, walking as far as her eight-foot rope would allow.
The darkness held all kinds of nameless dangers, but so did her present company. She sat down on the stubbled grass and wiggled around until it no longer pricked her.
Walking all day had taken its toll. Her feet throbbed non-stop. What she wouldn’t give to have her Asics Gels at this point. But they were still packed in her suitcase at the motel...wherever that was.
She paused.
How on earth had this happened? If she concentrated hard enough, perhaps she could go back through time to where she belonged. If Taima had lived...but he was dead and nothing connected her with this place.
Too tired to think anymore, Kate tested the prickly grass with her hands. She lay down, curling up for the night. Hopefully, she wouldn’t freeze without a blanket. But then part of her wished she would. She closed her eyes and allowed thoughts of Taima to ease her into sleep.
Kate woke to the tug on the rope around her wrists. She looked up at her antagonist. Disgusted at seeing the scarred warrior, she closed her eyes again. The throbbing in her feet still persisted. How could she survive another day of walking behind them like an animal? She wanted to die and join Taima. Only then, would she find peace.
A second yank on her arms unleashed her temper. If she was going to be treated like an animal, they might as well have a good reason. She coiled her muscles like a spring, refusing to take any more abuse. Quickly pulling up her leg, Kate flexed her foot, aimed at her captor’s knee and connected with satisfaction. As Scar Face grabbed his knee, Kate rolled out of the way and onto her feet before his foot met her backside.
Caught by surprise, the warrior almost lost his balance, but still held tight to the other end of her rope. She pulled hard on her end. He lost the remainder of his balance and fell, letting go of the rope. Quickly, Kate turned and ran into the trees, the other warrior’s laughter following behind her.
She ran a few hundred yards before stopping. Cautiously, she crouched in a set of dense bushes, listening.
Nothing.
Both the other braves had come after her. At least they wouldn’t be as angry as their leader. Both stopped and listened, their gazes scanning the waist-high sagebrush. She wouldn’t have a chance in hell of escaping them without suffering more abuse. The braves moved in her direction, quickly spotting her and she stood, dejected. One of the braves grabbed her rope and yanked her back to camp.
Kate stared at the leader as she strode into camp, concentrating on the white scar that slashed his eyebrow and cheek rather than his dark gaze that bore into her. Looking away, she stepped to a boulder and sat down. The dark clouds rolling in certainly matched her mood.
Taima’s killer walked toward her, then again picked up the end of the rope still tied to her wrists. Defiantly she met his gaze, prepared for whatever he might do. She refused to cower as she waited for his hand to rise, but instead he knelt before her and grasped her ankles in a death grip.
Scar Face proceeded to bind her feet as well as her hands. Now she’d be forced to ride with him rather than walk. This wasn’t what she’d planned at all. She assumed her actions would guarantee her the punishment of walking. This would be much worse.
Once mounted, the scarred warrior held her tight before him, his arm securely around her waist. They traveled slowly. The dark clouds grew black, and a sudden cool rain soaked Kate and her captors. Hail combined with the rain to sting her skin. She tipped her face down to avoid the stinging ice while the accompanying rain continued to soak her hair and dress, chilling her to the bone.
The water seemed to loosen the ropes a bit. Hoping to circulate the blood, Kate wiggled her numb fingers and toes. Her legs dangled to one side of the horse. Would they ever untie her?
Finally, the hail stopped, though the rain continued. Water dripped down her face as she stared toward the jagged snow-peaked mountains.
The Tetons!
She should have recognized them, though she’d only seen pictures of them. Jagged black peaks jutted above the snow that covered them like a lace collar. Their beauty astounded her. She’d read of several grizzly bears attacking curious humans who ventured into these parts. Was the bear population higher now than in her time? Surely they ran the same risk of being attacked.
* * * * *
Burning pain radiated through Taima’s side as warm blood seeped between his fingers. Weakened, he struggled to lean on one elbow as he searched the area. His horse still stood hidden within the trees beyond the water. He’d lost too much blood waiting for the Blackfoot to leave the area with Kate. Knowing if he would have moved a muscle, an arrow would definitely have been released by the readied warrior.
Kate’s blood-curdling scream still echoed through his brain; the pain in her eyes had seared his soul. Taima never imagined it would be so hard to lie still in order to save them both. Now she thought him dead. Hopefully, she wouldn’t provoke the Blackfoot enough to kill her, but Taima knew firsthand how difficult she could be.
He also knew how loving she could be. The thought of holding the warmth of her body in his arms again gave Taima the strength he needed to stand. But could he mount his horse? If he didn’t, Kate would surely end up in the hands of the Green River trappers that the Blackfoot said he’d trade her to.
Vivid memories of the deaths of his mother and wife immediately emerged. He refused to lose another woman he loved. Dizziness nearly overwhelmed him as he moved toward his horse, but he kept going. Gripping his side, darkness momentarily clouded his vision and he had to stop, the pain almost sending him to his knees.
“Kate...” Taima whispered as he rubbed his eyes. He glanced at the sun. Mid-afternoon. The Blackfoot had tied Kate’s hands and made her walk behind them. Their travel would be slow, giving him time to catch up.
Taima wavered on his feet, and then started toward his horse again.
Finally reaching the animal, he un-tethered it with his free hand and moved to a rock. Struggling for one last burst of energy, he stepped up and mounted his horse, collapsing upon its back. One hand held his bleeding wound, the other clung to the horse’s mane.
Pain tore through him like raging fire from so much movement, nearly causing him to slip off the horse. His vision again blurred, but he clenched his teeth in an attempt to stay conscious.
The horse moved forward and Taima prayed it traveled in the right direction. Perspiration covered his face and chest. His hair clung to his back and shoulders. Taima closed his eyes for a moment, but his last vision of Kate screaming appeared vividly behind his eyelids. Anger at his helplessness knotted his stomach. He was useless to Kate in this condition.
Taima was unsure how long he traveled when a horse came thundering toward him. He couldn’t even raise his head to see the rider, he only wanted to sleep, to block out the pain in his side, to block out the inability to help Kate. His horse stopped. Through a shrouded mist, he knew someone helped him down and moved him to lay in the shade, where he drifted into a peaceful darkness.
* * * * *
When Taima finally opened his eyes, glowing flames licked at the timber of a fire. Bright orange embers escaped into the night sky. He reached for his side. Leather st
rips bound his waist and the wound, but the pain hadn’t subsided.
Someone added more wood to the fire.
Ahanu came into sight.
He should have guessed Ahanu would be the one to find him. Likely, his father had had a vision and sent his friend. No matter, Taima was glad he wasn’t alone. He knew he needed rest before he could go after Kate, but come morning, he’d be on his way again.
* * * * *
The sun’s warmth woke Taima. When he attempted to sit up, pain and memories of yesterday flooded him.
“You won’t be going anywhere for a few days.”
Taima looked into Ahanu’s concerned-filled dark eyes. “I have to go after Kate,” Taima groaned as he rolled to his side.
“I saw footprints at the pond and blood on the ground. Who did this?” Ahanu’s stern voice cut through the fog in Taima’s brain.
“The scarred Blackfoot Washaki talked of. Kate said he’s the one we rescued her from during the attack on the wagons.”
Just that small amount of speech winded Taima. He held his side and coughed. Ahanu handed him a bottle of white man’s whiskey and some dried meat. Taima took several swallows of the fiery liquid.
“Washaki said the Blackfoot would return for what he thought was his. Where would he take her?” Ahanu asked, then tore off a chunk of meat with his teeth.
Taima swallowed more of the numbing fire water before answering. “They thought I lay dead while they discussed the rendezvous at Green River. He plans to trade Kate to the trappers for guns...and this!” Taima growled, holding up the bottle with disgust.
The anger in Ahanu’s eyes told Taima he, too, remembered what the trappers had done three years ago. “You can’t go after her. You can’t even move!”
“I must. You know what they’ll do to her,” Taima stated, wondering how he would accomplish the impossible. “There has to be a way.”
Moments of silence passed as Taima chewed the dried meat, hoping a plan would present itself. “They tied Kate’s hands and made her walk behind the horses,” he said, thinking aloud.