by Connie Mason
After collecting Warrior from the stock car, Cole found the nearest Western Union and sent a telegram to his office. Because of his unsettled future, he had decided to resign his job. He’d already been gone longer than he’d expected, and his employer deserved to know his plans. And honestly, he had no idea when if ever he’d return to his former line of work. He was seriously considering Tanner’s offer to work at the mill upon his return to Oregon City, if … when he returned. His decision depended solely upon the strength of his feelings for Dawn.
Cole heard some distressing news in Cheyenne. The Sioux had been given no time to celebrate their victory at the Little Big Horn. In July a thousand northern Cheyenne, on their way to join the great Sioux leader Crazy Horse in Powder River country, were beaten back by Colonel Wesley Merritt’s Fifth Cavalry at War Bonnet Creek. The defeated Cheyenne had turned back to the Red Cloud Agency.
On September 6, General Crook attacked a Sioux village near Slim Buttes, forcing the surrender of Chief American Horse. Shortly afterward, weapons and ponies were confiscated from tribes residing at all agencies. The final humiliation came when the Sioux were forced to give up the sacred Black Hills and all hunting rights outside the redefined reservation.
Cole wondered whether Running Elk had found sanctuary in Powder River country or had been forced to return to the crowded Red Cloud Agency. A week of hard riding should put him in Powder River country. Ten days if the weather turned nasty. The thought of Running Elk without weapons with which to hunt and no ponies to ride was disheartening. Indians took great pride in their ponies and hunting skills. Without them they would be reduced to begging the government for sustenance. The government had the Indians exactly where it wanted them, Cole thought bitterly.
The days were growing colder. Cole wakened most mornings to find the frozen ground glazed with frost. To ward off the biting cold, he wore a full set of buckskins and fur-lined moccasins, tossing a buffalo robe over his shoulders for extra warmth when needed.
The first Indians Cole encountered were a pitiful sight. He spoke with their chief, Crazy Dog, and learned that they were fleeing north to Canada. Cole was saddened to learn that just days before a column led by Colonel Miles had tracked down a defiant Sitting Bull and his Sioux followers at Cedar Creek in Montana Territory. When Sitting Bull refused to return to the reservation, the column attacked. Two thousand Sioux surrendered after a two-day battle, but Sitting Bull and a few followers escaped to Canada. Crazy Dog told Cole that those chiefs who hadn’t been accounted for by the army were heading for Canada, just as he was.
Cole asked about Running Elk and was told that the chief hadn’t taken his people to the reservation, that he was still hiding in Powder River country, or possibly already on his way to Canada. Cole thanked Crazy Dog and continued on his way. He hoped he wouldn’t have to chase Running Elk all the way to Canada, but he would if he had to.
A week after his encounter with Crazy Dog, Cole entered Powder River country. It was late October by his reckoning and the first snow had already fallen. His supplies were dangerously low, and he had to take precious time from his journey to hunt fresh game. Cole still hadn’t found Running Elk when he ran into an army patrol. Cole made up a story about being a trapper, which Lieutenant Conrad believed. Conrad told Cole that the Army had launched a winter campaign to bring the remaining defiant Indians to heel. His patrol was on the trail of Chief Sitting Bull, one of the greatest warriors of the northern plains, and any other dissidents they might encounter.
The knowledge that the army was hot on Running Elk’s trail spurred Cole on. If he didn’t find Running Elk soon, the army would. Fortunately, Cole had an edge on the army. He knew all the places in Powder River country where Running Elk might hide. Some were so remote and secluded that Cole was certain that only an expert tracker could find them.
Two days later Cole stumbled upon Running Elk’s camp. Despite the near blizzard raging around them, the entire village was a beehive of activity. Preparations were in progress for a long journey, and Cole could only assume they were preparing for a trek to Canada.
Cole was challenged as he rode into the narrow valley nestled between two hills. Once he identified himself, he was allowed passage into the camp. His name was passed from person to person, until it reached Running Elk. The chieftain came out of his lodge to greet him.
“You come at a bad time, brother,” Running Elk said, frowning. He appeared wan and troubled. “Our people are being hunted like animals. The army wishes to deprive us of our weapons and ponies and to force us onto government lands where we must depend upon them to provide our meat and blankets. The reservations are too crowded to support so many. People are sickening and dying in increasing numbers.”
“I feel your pain,” Cole said. “I spoke with Crazy Dog a few days ago. He is taking his people to Canada. Is that your plan?”
Running Elk shivered as a chill wind lifted the edges of his robe. “Come inside my lodge. First we will share a pipe, and then I will speak of our plans.”
Cole followed Running Elk inside the tipi. He spoke briefly to Spring Rain and Sun In The Face before settling down beside his friend.
“What brings you to Powder River country?” Running Elk asked curiously. “Where is your woman?”
“I was concerned about the People,” Cole said. “Were many killed at the Little Big Horn?”
“Our losses were surprisingly small. I told my warriors that it was a good day to die as I led them into battle. The bluecoats came on us like a thunderbolt. We retreated to give our warriors time to group together, then we charged. The White warriors dismounted, holding their horses’ reins with one arm while firing. Their horses were so frightened that they pulled them all around. A great many of their shots went up in the air. It was a good fight. The White warriors were brave, but we were braver and stronger.”
“Reprisals have been swift and bloody, just as I predicted. Many of the great chiefs are already in custody. Never again will their power be as great as it once was. I fear for you, Running Elk.”
“Do not fear, my friend. I will die as I have lived … with honor and courage. We cannot survive without weapons or ponies; that is why I am taking my people to Canada. Even as we speak, preparations are in progress for our departure.”
“Winter is already upon us. The journey will not be without difficulties.”
Running Elk nodded gravely. “I am aware of that. The council has taken everything into consideration and decided that we must make the journey. Even if we die, an honorable death is preferable to being trampled into compliance by White men. What of you, my friend? I sense that your marriage isn’t all I had hoped it would be.”
“If it’s not, it’s entirely my fault. I’m not yet ready to accept another woman in Morning Mist’s place. I left Dawn with my sister. I’m not certain when I’ll return. I’d hoped to find the answer to my dilemma here.”
“You will find nothing here but emptiness and desperation.”
“Perhaps I should go on a vision quest.”
“A vision quest is not necessary. The answers lie within your heart.”
“My heart is too full of Dawn to think clearly. Then, when my mind clears, I feel guilty for harboring such thoughts. Replacing my beloved Morning Mist with another seems sinful.”
“Memories cannot keep you warm on cold nights. You have taken Dawn’s body and shared her mat.”
“We share a physical relationship too pleasurable to accurately describe. When I make love to Dawn I feel as if I’ve waited for her all my life. She’s like an obsession. My need to possess her suffocates me. I had to get away. I needed to find answers that elude me when I’m with Dawn.”
“Do you expect to find them here?”
“I hoped I would.”
Spring Rain handed Cole a bowl of steaming stew, and he ate distractedly, not even realizing he was chewing and swallowing. When the meal was finished, Running Elk invited Cole to share his lodge with his family. Cole realized it
would be an imposition to stay in the already crowded tipi and declined.
“Laughing Brook would be pleased to share her lodge with you,” Running Elk said slyly. “You can take her as your second wife, if you so desire. Laughing Brook would not object. I would offer you a lodge of your own, but at present there are none to spare.”
Cole did not remark on Running Elk’s words as he rose to leave. “How long before you start your journey north?”
“Soon. Each day we remain increases our danger.”
“I will leave you to your rest,” Cole said. “Sleep well, my friend.”
Cole ducked out of the lodge, intending to make his bed in the snow as he’d been doing every night on the trail. He was leading Warrior to the corral nearby when he heard someone hail him. He turned, not surprised to see Laughing Brook approaching. He continued unsaddling Warrior as he waited for her to join him.
“I knew you would return, Shadow Walker. I’ve been waiting for you. Why is your woman not with you?”
“I left Dawn in Oregon with my sister. I did not want to subject her to another long journey.”
“Your concern is commendable.” Her voice held a hint of sarcasm. “Nevertheless, it pleases me that you have returned alone. Come,” she said, grasping his hand. “It is cold out here and you need a place to sleep. Will you share my mat tonight?”
Cole started to protest, then changed his mind. Bedding Laughing Brook might be exactly what he needed right now. What better way to test the depth of his feelings for Dawn? Could he experience with any other woman what he’d shared with Dawn?
“Are you sure I am welcome in your lodge?” Cole asked.
“Very sure. Come, the night grows cold and my fire is warm.”
Taking up his saddlebags, Cole followed Laughing Brook through the village to her lodge. She ducked inside and he followed. She took his saddlebags and placed them against the wall of the tipi.
“Have you eaten?” Laughing Brook asked. Her sultry smile promised untold delights, and Cole felt himself harden and thicken.
“I shared Running Elk’s meal.”
Laughing Brook spread out her sleeping mat, then turned to Cole. Her high cheekbones were tinged with color beneath the gold tones of her skin as she gave Cole a seductive smile. Cole’s manhood jerked as her little pink tongue flicked out to moisten her generously curved lips. Her eyes glowed darkly with desire as her hands picked at the lacing on Cole’s shirt.
“I can do it,” Cole said gruffly as he pulled off his shirt.
“Let me help,” Laughing Brook whispered as she fumbled with the laces on his trousers. Before she had finished, Cole was throbbing painfully. It had been a long time since he’d had a woman, and he hadn’t forgotten how passionate and knowledgeable Laughing Brook was. Her hands lingered on his groin, cupping and stroking, clearly impressed by the length and strength of his sex.
Cole grasped her wrists. “I can finish undressing myself.”
Laughing Brook gave him a saucy grin and whipped her tunic over her head in one fluent motion. Her body was lithe and sinuous, more seductive than he remembered. Her skin was a shade darker than Dawn’s, and she was voluptuous in ways that Dawn was not. But her breasts and flat nipples were quite ordinary compared to Dawn’s magnificent breasts.
Suddenly Cole realized he was thinking about Dawn when he should be concentrating on the woman he had every intention of bedding tonight. When Laughing Brook dropped to the sleeping mat and reached out to him, he hesitated only a moment before joining her.
Boldly Laughing Brook caressed him between his legs. “Your mighty lance is eager to sink into my flesh,” she teased. “Come, my warrior”—she opened her legs and spread herself with her fingers—“unleash your weapon.”
Glistening pink folds of moist feminine flesh beckoned to Cole. He looked away, suddenly and unaccountably repulsed. She was wet and eager for him; her heavy thighs were bedewed with her honey. The image of Dawn’s slim, shapely thighs and tender woman’s flesh flashed before his eyes, and disgust at what he was about to do killed his desire. How could he bed another woman when Dawn was the only woman he wanted? Sweet Dawn. Beautiful Dawn. She had known far too much pain in her young life and had somehow risen above it. The heavy weight of guilt rode him relentlessly. It had nothing to do with his past, or with Morning Mist, and everything to do with Dawn and his future.
Suddenly Cole knew what he wanted, what he yearned for. Running Elk had been right. There was no need for a vision quest. The vision dwelled within his heart, in Dawn’s smile, and in the love he felt for her, a love he was finally able to accept without guilt or self-recrimination. He was free now, free of ghosts, free to embrace a future with Dawn. Of course he would never forget Morning Mist, nor did he want to. His memories of her were precious. But memories must be relegated to their rightful place in his life. Dawn was his future. Morning Mist was his past. And Laughing Brook was neither.
“Hurry, Shadow Walker,” Laughing Brook urged. “It has been too long since I felt your strength inside me.”
Abruptly Cole rose to his feet. He wasn’t the kind to deliberately hurt a woman, but desire had died inside him as surely as his love for Dawn had been revealed. “I’m sorry, Laughing Brook, but I can’t do this.”
Her gaze fixed on his sex, still vibrantly alive and pulsating. She smiled. “You can do this very well. Memory has not deserted me. Come to me.” She arched her back, offering him everything she had to give.
Cole reached for his trousers. “I cannot share your mat. I do not wish to be unfaithful to Dawn.”
Laughing Brook frowned. “White men have strange ways. I will become your second wife.”
“I am not allowed two wives.”
“Do not return to your White world, Shadow Walker. Come north with us. You are familiar with our ways; it will be no hardship for you.”
“Though I have lived with your people many years, I do not truly belong. I will help Running Elk prepare for the journey north, then I will return to Oregon … to Dawn.”
Cole was fully dressed now. He apologized to Laughing Brook one last time before he bent to retrieve his saddlebags.
“Wait! Where are you going? You will freeze before morning if you sleep outside in the snow and cold. I envy Dawn your love and loyalty but I do not wish your death. Share my lodge as a friend.”
Cole hesitated. Her words seemed sincere, and it was freezing outside. Snow was piling up fast. “Very well. I appreciate your offer. Just understand that friendship is all I’m willing to share with you.”
“I understand,” Laughing Brook said as she pulled on her tunic. “We will share my mat for warmth.”
“I will sleep apart from you. Give me a blanket if you have one to spare.”
Laughing Brook had still harbored hopes that Cole would make love to her, but now she recognized the finality of his words. With visible regret, she tossed him the blanket he’d asked for. “Sleep well, Shadow Walker.”
Snow continued to fall the following day. The only comfort Cole gained from it was the sure knowledge that the snow would gain Running Elk precious time while it delayed the army’s pursuit of him and his people. Mounting snowfall presented a new problem to Cole. If he didn’t leave immediately he wouldn’t get out of the mountains before spring. Fortunately, he had learned what he had traveled all this way to find out. Running Elk was safe. Soon he would be in Canada, where the army could no longer follow. He could live there in peace, in full possession of his weapons and ponies.
Two days later Cole bid Running Elk a sad farewell. In his heart he knew it would be the last time he would ever see his friend. The tribe was ready to begin its dangerous trek north to Canada. Cole was eager to return to Dawn now, and prayed she would forgive him for acting like a damn fool. Ashley had pegged him right. He’d been existing on memories far too long. It was time he put the past behind him where it belonged. He longed to return to Dawn, a flesh-and-blood woman he’d come to love more than his own life.
; Please God, don’t let it be too late.
Dawn’s work at the Watering Hole was exhausting. She was forever ducking men’s groping hands while trying to maintain a modicum of dignity. She was but one of several bar girls who worked for Cully Porter, none of whom had offered her more than token friendship. Dawn tried to keep an open mind when she saw the other women take men upstairs, but it was difficult for her to imagine having a different man every night. The only man she wanted was Cole, and he didn’t love her.
Dawn had worked at the Watering Hole a full month before Cully Porter hinted that she should consider entertaining men upstairs in her room after working hours. Mouth agape, Dawn stared at him as if he’d lost his mind.
“Why would I do that?”
Porter gave her a disgusted look. “All the girls do. It’s part of their benefits. And I get half their earnings, in case you’re thinking of keeping it all for yourself.” When Dawn looked shocked, he said casually, “I’m sure I mentioned that it’s part of your job. So far I’ve not made a damn cent off you. Why do you think I provide my girls with rooms?”
Dawn swallowed convulsively. “You never said a word about … about that to me.”
“I assumed you knew what I was talking about when I said you’d earn extra money on the side. Servicing customers is part of the job. You’re neither blind nor innocent. You’ve seen Milly and the other girls take men upstairs after working hours.”
“All I agreed to do was sit and talk to the customers and urge them to buy drinks. I’m not a whore,” Dawn all but shouted.
Milly sauntered over from her position at the bar, having overheard the conversation. “Do you think you’re better than the rest of us?” she asked harshly. “Look at you! You’re half savage. I bet you don’t even know who your pa was.”