by Deanna Jewel
“Is that why you were frustrated with him earlier?”
“Yes.” Ahanu touched the red, swollen area around the stab wound then continued. “He will be fine in a few days. I’ll need to make another dressing.”
Ahanu rose, saying, “The only way to keep him warm is with your body heat while I search for the items I need to make a new poultice. Lay next to him so he stays warm.”
Relieved at not hearing bad news, Kate answered, “Whatever needs to be done, I’ll do it.” She glanced at Taima’s pale face. Something was very wrong.
Ahanu went in search of the ingredients for a dressing and Kate lay at Taima’s right side, draping her arm over his naked chest, careful not to touch the wound on his left. She rested her cheek on his shoulder, spreading her fingers over his heart. Taima’s dry, hot skin alarmed her. The slow rhythm of his heart beat against her hand. She touched the pulse at his throat, but the lax muscles surprised her--she’d expected them to be firm. Taima’s wound had rendered him totally helpless.
Kate glanced to his face where dark lashes rested atop golden cheeks. He was a handsome man.
Her heart ached.
Dear God, he had to survive! Her love for him had to see him through. She didn’t want to think about never again looking into the blue depths of his eyes--where she remembered seeing a tender look from time to time.
A shiver ran through Taima’s body and Kate stiffened. She wondered what she could possibly do to keep him warmer. Leggings covered his lower body, but Ahanu had used Taima’s shirt to make the leather binding for his wound, leaving his upper torso bare.
She began massaging his chest to warm the skin and get his blood circulating, then gently rubbed his stomach and arms. She moved one of her legs atop his to keep the warmth inside the leggings.
Resting her head on Taima’s shoulder, Kate held him close, to keep him warm and will away his fever. A ray of sunshine cut through the trees and across their bodies. She glanced into the branches, grateful the day would at least warm up the chilled air. Perhaps, before nightfall, they could find something to cover Taima with, when the night again cloaked them in cold and darkness. Kate moved her hand to Taima’s throat. His pulse still beat slowly, his breathing still came shallow.
Again she whispered a silent prayer for his health to return before succumbing to her dreams.
The snapping of twigs awoke Kate. Every muscle in her body was stiff from the hard ground. She searched the woods around her, laying perfectly still, scanning the area, then spotted an intruder closing in.
Blood raced through her system. She feared the worst--the trappers had found them.
Kate waited.
Her pulse raced.
When Ahanu stepped into view, she released the breath lodged in her throat, relieved the intruder was only Ahanu. He knelt at Taima’s side with something wrapped within the leather binding he’d taken with him.
Kate attempted to rise, wanting to get out of Ahanu’s way. “Stay. You need to keep him warm,” he ordered.
She lay back down, again resting her head on Taima’s shoulder and watched Ahanu.
He placed Taima’s arm across his chest, and Kate grasped his wrist to keep it out of Ahanu’s way.
“He needs penicillin to kill the infection,” Kate stated as Ahanu crushed the weeds together that he’d gathered.
“What is this penicillin?” Ahanu asked, drawing his eyebrows together.
She’d spoken her thoughts aloud without realizing it. Now she would have to come up with an explanation without telling Ahanu she came from the future. “It doesn’t grow around here, though I wish it did.” Desperate to change the subject, she asked, “How do those dirty, crusty puffballs help?”
“We crush them and add water so they become sticky, then apply it to the wound. It draws out the redness and takes away the fever.”
Ahanu stirred the dark paste until everything was moistened, then spread it over Taima’s side. “Reach under his back and pull the end of the binding over to your side.”
Kate did as he instructed, carefully reaching beneath Taima. She gripped the leather binding, brought it around Taima’s side, and Ahanu secured the ends. He then stripped off his shirt to cover Taima’s bare side where Kate couldn’t reach to keep him warm. She tucked the beaded leather beneath Taima’s chin and laid her hand atop the shirt to secure it.
“Rest while he rests,” Ahanu stated, laying down a few feet away, his bow and arrows at his side.
She relaxed against Taima, holding his heated body against hers and closed her eyes. A few rays of sun made their way through the branches, warming her arm and shoulder, and hopefully Taima’s chest.
The sluggish beat of his heart beneath her ear worried Kate. She considered how deep her feelings for him went. Though they’d fought from the minute they’d met, she had grown closer to him, gotten to know him a little more, and even enjoyed his company. Yet, in vain, she had tried to convince herself the opposite was true. As though admitting she might be attracted would somehow leave her heart unprotected.
Kate thought that Taima must love her, or he wouldn’t have gone to such extremes to track her down. Perhaps he, too, refused to face his own feelings toward her for the very same reason.
She raised her head and glanced at his face. Incoherent whispers came from his dry lips as he slowly turned his head to the side.
People had died from too much infection in their body. Without the proper medicines, Taima, too, could die. If she only had penicillin. But what good was her modern knowledge in the wilderness where she knew nothing about survival? The thought of Taima dying here in her arms crushed her, feeling as though a cold hand enclosed her heart to squeeze the life from her own body.
Tears welled in her eyes. Through blurry vision, she met Ahanu’s gaze from where he sat at the tree. He didn’t smile, said not a word, but continued to hold her gaze. His gaze moved from her to Taima and back again. She held Ahanu’s gaze for several silent moments.
A rustling in the branches overhead drew her attention. Leaves fell from the trees, and a single white eagle feather floated through the air like a pendulum before drifting down onto Taima’s chest.
Kate reached out to touch it when Ahanu cried out. A tiny gasp escaped her throat and she looked at him with wide eyes as he stood.
“Leave it be. The spirits have chosen to protect him. We must not touch the feather.” Ahanu glanced to the branches again, then at her. “They approve of your help or they would not have dropped the sign of protection.”
Taima murmured as he tossed restlessly in his dreams. She clenched her fingers into the leather shirt, her stomach knotting with worry. “Why does he appear to be getting worse?” Kate asked, feeling so helpless.
“He fights off those who wish to hurt him, the evil spirits who close in to take his strength. But he will win,” Ahanu said, pride evident in his voice as he now sat cross-legged beside Taima.
Ahanu stared at her for a long moment before speaking. “You are good for him. Sakima thinks so, too.”
“How can I be good for him when all we do is argue? I don’t understand why he seems to find fault with everything I do.”
Ahanu chuckled and glanced at his friend’s face. “When he first fell in love with Witashnah, he acted the same, while refusing to admit his true feelings. Aiyana couldn’t understand why her sister insisted on arguing back, but they both seemed to thrive on their disagreements. You act much in the same manner as she did. You disagree with him. You challenge him. He will soon realize his feelings for you.”
Kate relaxed her head onto Taima’s shoulder, beginning to understand this strong warrior a bit more. There could be a possibility he loved her, yet didn’t even realize it himself. She would hold onto that hope.
Ahanu continued, and Kate met his dark gaze. “He will not admit what he feels until he is sure of what you feel. His mother, too, was stubborn. But Sakima has an easy, contented way about him . . .” Ahanu shook his head. “. . . Taima is too much
like his mother, though she was a gentle, caring woman, she knew what she wanted...and usually got it.”
Kate fingered the red and yellow beads sewn to Ahanu’s shirt that covered Taima. “You and Taima speak such clear English. Is that because of his mother?”
“Yes. She lived among us for twenty-five years, until she was killed three years ago. Sakima’s visions had warned Taima of the white man invading our lands. He wanted us to be able to understand their language. It also helps at the rendezvous when we’re trading with the French trappers. Witashnah spoke English as clear as Aiyana does. Taima thought it wise for her to learn in case of a raid on our village. He also made sure Kelee learned.”
Ahanu picked a blade of grass and continued. “With Witashnah gone, Taima ignores his own wants and needs. He makes sure Kelee’s desires and needs are met first. But I’ve known Taima long enough to know when he wants something...or someone.”
Kate looked up when Ahanu paused, meeting his gaze. “If you’re saying he wants me, you’re mistaken. There is another woman. I’ve seen the way she watches him. And I’ve caught her watching me.” She caressed the soft leather mindlessly, not wanting to believe what Ahanu was telling her. “Taima has even told me of this other woman...and that she doesn’t care about what he wants; only what Kelee wants. He thinks this woman would make a good mother for Kelee.” Kate ached inside as she realized how big her loss would be once Taima was back on his feet. She looked at Ahanu. “Why does he pursue me?”
Sadness filled his dark eyes. “I know nothing of another woman. He’s shown no interest in anyone since Witashnah died. Not until he rescued you from the Blackfoot warrior.”
A warm afternoon breeze blew Kate’s hair across her cheek and she brushed it back. “He has me so confused. Am I to live freely among you or am I his captive?”
“You are tired. Sleep. I will need your help when he wakes up,” Ahanu said, rising, then returned to lie near his bow.
He hadn’t answered her question and she didn’t want to ask again. Kate snuggled closer to Taima, careful not to disturb the sacred feather of protection. The fever still heated his flesh, but she dared not uncover him, not wanting him to catch a chill. Thankful for the opportunity to rest, Kate surrendered to sleep.
* * * * *
The faces of several trappers appeared randomly from a swirling mist as Taima fought one man after another. The pain in his side persisted as he battled with each individual. An urgent fear gripped his heart as he struggled, yet he wasn’t sure why.
The reason suddenly appeared.
Beyond the circle of men, a bearded trapper carried Kate away from him. Taima stabbed one attacker, then rushed forward after Kate, only to be subdued by several hands and thrown to the ground.
Bright sunlight blinded him as he lay motionless, unable to muster enough strength to continue the fight. His entire body was useless, unwilling to cooperate, the heat of the struggle overwhelming him.
He cursed himself, knowing he needed to save Kate before harm came to her.
She called his name several times, yet he couldn’t answer back. Not a sound would emit from his dry throat. Taima turned his head from side to side, hoping to find the strength to throw off the hands that held him down.
His side burned, as though a hot blade protruded from beneath his ribs. The reason eluded him. He didn’t remember being stabbed, nor having someone break his ribs.
He thrashed about. If he could only escape the hands that held his body to the ground, and escape the sweltering heat of the sun, he could go after Kate.
She called to him again. His heart ached as though someone had beaten his chest, and yet, he still couldn’t seem to rise. He had to escape. He tossed and thrashed about, to no avail.
Suddenly, he stilled, catching Kate’s scent like a light summer breeze, and he struggled to be free, calling out to her.
Cool hands cupped his face, and he momentarily relaxed. Fingers caressed his cheek to brush away his hair. Something cold was placed on his forehead.
“Relax. Rest.” A soft feminine voice spoke through the thick fog surrounding his thoughts.
Kate! But how had she escaped the trappers? The repeated sound of her voice forced Taima to open his heavy eyelids. Kate’s blurred face centered in a burst of sunlight. Beautiful green eyes looked at him. His heart soared to know she was safe. If he could only touch her cheek, her soft skin, lightly touch his fingers to her lips. But his body wouldn’t cooperate.
He squinted. The bright light made his head throb. As much as he wanted to look at her, Taima was forced to close his eyes.
Darkness consumed him once more.
Silence surrounded him...and he seemed to float, free of pain.
* * * * *
Heat surrounded Taima, nearly smothering him. He ran his hand down his face and couldn’t believe how wet his fingers were. Had he slept in the rain?
Through the branches overhead, the sun appeared to just be rising. Birds chirped. The smell of damp earth reached his nose, and he drew in a healing breath. He felt better than he had in days, and dropped his hand to his chest--only to touch a slender arm which extended to his shoulder.
Kate.
Taima inhaled, reveling in the sweet smell of sagebrush. The image of her rubbing the leaves over her skin and in her hair after bathing formed in his mind. She slept at his side, keeping him warm in the early, gray hours of the morning. Careful not to wake her, he closed his fingers around her soft forearm and caressed it. Next to his cheek were her fingers; he shut his eyes and turned his face to rub against them. A small gesture Taima thought he’d never be able to do again. He lightly kissed her fingers before admiring her delicate beauty again.
Kate’s hair covered one cheek. Touching his lips to the top of her head, Taima again inhaled the scent of sagebrush, the silkiness of her hair caressing his lips. He moved aside her hair to better see her face. A look of complete peacefulness covered her features.
Warmth radiated down the length of his body where hers touched his. One of her legs bent and crossed over his knees, her bare foot curled between the leather of his leggings. He wanted to pull Kate closer, but didn’t want to wake her.
Slowly, Taima tried turning to his side when pain stabbed at his ribs. His memory returned with a vengeance. The last thing he remembered was collapsing onto the back of his horse after he carried Kate from the water.
He clenched his teeth. How many days had passed? Kate must have been forced to care for him.
Taima moved his arm from beneath Kate to cradle her head onto his shoulder, then traced the bridge of her nose with a fingertip. Instead of waking, she wiggled her nose like a rabbit, as though to chase away an annoying fly. Again, he traced the line of her nose.
When her hand moved to scratch the spot, Taima blocked it and tickled her again. Her dark lashes fluttered open. Beautiful green eyes looked up at him. Eyes he’d dreamed of getting lost in.
Chapter Fourteen
Taima concentrated on the woman in his arms, easily forgetting the pain in his side. Just a simple gaze into Kate’s eyes warmed his heart. The sun had tanned Kate’s smooth complexion to a light golden brown. High cheekbones complemented her slender nose. The delicate cut of her jaw rose above the inviting column of her neck. A neck he longed to taste, to kiss, to feel her heartbeat upon his lips.
Lying here with her, no arguments or cold demeanor to deal with created peace around him. If only it could always be like this when we are together, Taima thought, though he knew he would never speak of what he wished to have with her. She would never choose to stay with him if she were given a choice.
“How do you feel? You’ve been asleep for three days.”
Her comment caught him off guard, his breath catching in his throat. “What do you mean three days? I remember not feeling well yesterday.”
“No, you’ve slept with a fever for three days. Ahanu and I weren’t sure you’d pull through. The infection in your side, along with your loss of blood, was more
than you could handle and with no sleep before you came chasing after me.”
Taima grinned at her statement. He wished her concern was real. Reaching out, he caressed the line of her cheek with his finger. “If you would stay put, I wouldn’t have to chase after you.”
Kate lowered her lashes. “I can’t stay where I’m not wanted.”
“Must we go through all this again?” he asked as she toyed with the fringe on Ahanu’s shirt covering his chest.
“That other woman can look after you and Kelee.”
“I don’t know what other woman you continue to speak of, but Kelee wants you with us.”
“Is he the only one who wants me around?”
The thunder of logs dropping to the ground drew Taima’s attention and he glanced at Ahanu, now dusting off his arms and hands.
“You’ve decided to join the living again, I see,” Ahanu said.
Ahanu looked at Kate and Taima’s gaze followed. She rose onto her elbow and said, “Let me check the infection before you start moving around too much.”
As she reached for his side, Taima saw the sores on her wrists. Anger quickly replaced his shock. He held a tight rein on his rising temper when he remembered the Blackfoot who had captured her. Gently grasping her arm, he asked, “Did he do this to you?”
She glanced at Ahanu, but didn’t answer.
“Did he?” Taima asked again.
“I was tied for six days and forced to walk behind his horse.” Tears welled in her beautiful eyes. “I didn’t want to upset you, today of all days.”
“I’m not angry with you. It is my fault for not keeping you from him.”
Taima moved his arm out of her way, but stayed on his side and allowed her to check his wound. If he could have fought off the other warriors, she would have been spared the suffering she must have endured at the hands of the Blackfoot. Kate’s fingers bumped the tender flesh around his wound as she loosened the binding at his waist, and he clenched his jaw against the pain. She gently touched the skin near the wound. “Most of the redness and infection have disappeared. It’s better than yesterday when I checked. I think another day or two with a fresh poultice will do the trick.”