Sweet Savage Heart

by Janelle Taylor

  Just then Rana moved to answer a knock at the front door and accepted a fake telegram that was signed with Travis’s name. She did not bother to open it and read it, for she knew that the hired hand who had supposedly quit the ranch on July fifth was actually going from place to place to send such false telegrams to Clarissa Caldwell and Nathan as well, just in case Harrison had the telegrapher in his employ. The plan was that first a message would be sent from Springfield, then Sedalia, then St. Louis, then Springfield again, with the hopes of keeping Travis’s whereabouts a secret.

  Clarissa masked her outrage as she read the telegram that her father had opened and read first: “In Springfield. No good news. Sedalia next. Sending love and hope. Travis.” She looked up at her father and asked, “Why did you read my mail, Papa?”

  “It sounds to me as if you knew where he was going and why. Is that true, daughter?” Harrison asked coldly, angrily.

  Her temper was rising and she fought to control it. “Nearly two weeks ago I told you he had left on another mysterious trip. He sent me a message by Cody Slade. I told you he said he was going to look for those bandits or try to get another loan. You read the telegram, so you know as much as I do. He hasn’t found anything, and we both know he can’t, so why are you angry and worried, Papa? You act like you think Travis and I are plotting against you instead of the other way around. I don’t like being forced to defend myself to you.”

  “The whole damn thing seems curious to me!” he snapped.

  “I know, Papa. That’s why I told you about it. They’re scared and worried over there, but we know they’re trapped. Travis can’t find that money because it’s locked in your safe, and he can’t get a loan with the debts they owe. You’ll have their ranch by August first, so calm down and enjoy your imminent victory.”

  “It isn’t like Kincade and Nate to give up so easily.”

  “They’re not, Papa. They think they’re doing all they can. What has you so upset? Is it Mary Beth Sims? You haven’t seen her lately,” she suggested evocatively. “Is there a problem with her?”

  “The devil take that mealymouthed child!” he exploded meanly. “She isn’t fit to become a Caldwell or to bear one. I told Sims today that I didn’t want his daughter. I told him to marry her off to that Cody Slade; a cowpoke’s wife is all she’s fit to be. I didn’t like her anyway, and I got tired of her refusing me. I’ll find me another woman, a better and a prettier one.” Visions of Marissa filled his head and he wished he could catch one glimpse of her daughter. All he had thought about since learning about Rana’s existence and arrival was Marissa and their past. Somehow he had to get his hands on that girl…

  Clarissa glared at her father’s profile. She detested the dreamy look on his face and the reasons for it: Marissa and Rana. At least Mary Beth was out of her way, and she would see to it that Rana didn’t mar her beautiful plans. She advised maliciously, “I think it’s time to get tough with that old buzzard on the Rocking C, Papa. That cocky Nathan is climbing high and he needs to be slapped down a few rungs. Don’t take any chances. He could find someone to lend him the money, so you’d better make sure he doesn’t want to pay off that debt in two weeks and stay around.” She smiled wickedly. “I think it’s time you turned your hired hands loose over there; that’s why you’re paying them, to run Crandall out. If you don’t let them have some fun like they did with old man McFarland, they might get bored and leave, just when you need them. The timing is perfect with Travis gone. Nobody over there will stand up to Monroe and Hayes.”

  “You’re right, girl. I think it’s about time to show Nate who’s going to become the big boss soon. I’ll send Fargo to fetch them. Yep, I’ll make some plans with Monroe and Hayes this very afternoon.”

  Lone Wolf met Travis as he rode into the Oglala camp and reined in before his tepee. The two men looked at each other and smiled. “Come, sit, brother. Speak of my sister, Wild Wind, and speak of why you return to my lands when fires burn in your eyes.”

  Travis and Lone Wolf entered his tepee and sat on buffalo mats to talk. “There are many things I must tell you, Lone Wolf, my brother, but the words do not wish to leave my body. I must speak of much trouble in my past in these lands, and I must speak of great danger to us in the white lands. I come to seek the understanding and help of my brother, Lone Wolf, and I must return home quickly.”

  Lone Wolf read severe anxiety and doubt in the other man, and he knew something of great importance had brought Travis to him. “Speak, White Eagle; my heart is open to you and your words.”

  Travis slowly and painfully revealed his turbulent past in the Hunkpapa camp, and described all the tormenting days that had followed. “You have only my word, Lone Wolf, but I did not betray them and side with my father, whose heart was dark and evil. They left me without a people and a land and a heart for many years. They tried to take away my honor, my spirit, and my life. They left me no way to defend myself. If I had not run away, the truth would have died with me. Grandfather did not want it to end that way. He protected my life and sent me far away to find another land, people, and life. He returned my honor and renewed my spirit.”

  Travis explained the trouble and peril on the ranch. As had been the case with Rana, Lone Wolf had difficulty understanding white laws that prohibited Travis from punishing and slaying his enemy and recovering his belongings. Travis told the handsome and intrepid chief about the tainted gold, the “yellow rocks,” which could save their lands. “Grandfather sent me into the lives and hearts of Nathan Crandall and his granddaughter, your sister, Wild Wind. I fill their hearts and lives, as they fill mine. When this danger is past and our enemy is defeated, Rana Michaels and Travis Kincade will join in the white land as Wild Wind and White Eagle joined in the Indian land. They are my heart, my life and honor, Lone Wolf, and I must defend them and protect their lands. To do this in the white world, I must have the gold, the yellow rocks, which have great value to the white man.” He entreated Lone Wolf to go with him to the Hunkpapa camp and to help him convince them of his past innocence and persuade them to let him take the gold to save his lands from an evil white. This was something he hoped the Indians would understand.

  Lone Wolf told Travis about the Hunkpapas’ visit after Travis’s departure with Wild Wind, and his words shocked and relieved the half-blooded man. “The Hunkpapas camp at a great distance from the Oglalas. We must travel far before the moon passes above us. When the new sun appears, we will finish our journey. Lone Wolf and White Eagle will speak with our Lakota brothers about the yellow rocks. It is good you come to ask for them and do not steal them. I say your words are true. But what will White Eagle do if the Hunkpapas refuse to let him take the yellow rocks?” he questioned gravely as they prepared to leave.

  “I will trade all for them, Lone Wolf, for without them we will lose our honor, and perhaps our lives.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Travis recovered the last pouch of gold from its hiding place and packed it in his saddlebag; then met Lone Wolf’s gaze and smiled. He glanced at the clear sky above them and inhaled deeply. “My heart is filled with joy and relief, my brother. My spirit chants this special coup of my Hunkpapa brothers. My mother’s people have given back something very precious to me; they have returned my Indian heart and spirit. All has been made good again, Lone Wolf.”

  The young chief nodded. “It is as it must be, White Eagle. Grandfather has defeated the evil of the past. You are free of it.”

  “Free,” Travis echoed dreamily. Yes, he was free of this tormenting part of his past. The Hunkpapas knew the truth and accepted it; he was one with them again, as it should be. Now it was time to cut the bond with this part of his life. Taking his knife, he severed the thong around his neck and removed his wanapin. He stared at it, then handed it to Lone Wolf. “Give this to your first son, my brother; it is a sacred bond between our two worlds. As he grows to a man, it will protect him in both worlds, as it protected me. One day the war lance will be broken between our two peopl
es, as the arrow is broken in the eagle’s talons. He will be a leader of great power, like the thunderbolt in the eagle’s grasp. He will end the bitter days of the War Bonnet Society; he will find the path to peace and survival. One day the children of Lone Wolf and Myeerah and the children of Rana Michaels and Travis Kincade will play and ride together in peace and love. They will share true friendship as we have, my brother.”

  Lone Wolf looked at the medallion that had been made by Medicine Chief Sitting Bull of the Hunkpapas. He understood what Travis was doing and saying. “It will be as you say, my brother. You live a new life, and the old one is gone forever. Soon such words may be true of all Hunkpapas and Oglalas. I will place this on my son’s neck when he is born.” Lone Wolf removed his wanapin and handed it to Travis. “Give this to your son, my brother. It will guard his life when he enters the Lakota lands many winters from this sun. Our hearts and lives will be joined forever, my friend.”

  “I must ride quickly, Lone Wolf. The days before my challenge pass as swiftly as the snows fall in winter. It is good I returned to these lands one last time. You are my friend and brother for all days.”

  The two men clutched forearms and locked their gazes briefly, each knowing this would be the last time they would see each other. By way of settling their old debt, the Hunkpapas had given him permission to take the “yellow rocks,” and now Travis would have to get home in time to use them to thwart Caldwell. He could only pray he would make it home safely and rapidly, for it was now the eighteenth of July—two weeks before the bank loan was due—and many miles separated him from the ranch.

  Lone Wolf watched Travis mount and ride away. He returned to his tepee and studied the gifts his friend had given him and his family: the wanapin for his firstborn son, the hair ornament for Myeerah, which Wild Wind had worn in the painting that had led Travis and her grandfather to her, the buckskin garments that Travis had worn when he had come to stake a claim on his adopted sister, several guns and knives, boxes of ammunition, warm garments for Myeerah for the winter from her friend Rana, a mirror for his beloved wife, and a special blanket in which to wrap their first child.

  Lone Wolf explained the significance of the gifts to Myeerah and smiled tenderly. “Wild Wind has returned to her destiny, my wife. She and White Eagle will join in the white way and be happy. It is good. We must pray for the Great Spirit to guide her husband to her safely.” Lone Wolf closed his eyes and called to mind a vision he had had recently. He smiled. Yes, he reflected, there would be a strong bond between their children one day…

  Rana was restless, for so much was happening all around her and she felt useless, restricted. She had been studying and working hard since her arrival, but she was unaccustomed to lengthy confinement. The only privacy she had came at night in her room, and the nights seemed unbearably long as she lay in her bed alone. With Travis gone, she felt there was no one with whom she could really talk, as she once had with Myeerah. She was always watching everything she said or did, and trying to be her very best so as not to disappoint her grandfather. She was used to being in and around nature, not trapped in a wooden structure, and she felt like a captive who could not come and go as she desired. Even more difficult to combat was the helplessness she felt at not being allowed to aid those she loved.

  Aaron Moore had sent word that he was ill and could not come to the ranch for her lessons today. Rachel had taken care of her chores and had left early to assist Lettie Davis with the early birth of another child. Todd Raines and several of the hands were busy mending a lengthy span of fence that had been cut the night before, while Cody Slade and others were trying to round up scattered cattle and horses. This time, in their haste, the malicious rustlers had left a carelessly concealed trail, which Mace Hunter and several men were following. If only they could catch one or two, Rana reflected, they might learn the identity of their leader, or prove it was Caldwell.

  She was glad Nathan had left for a town called Dallas before this new offense had been uncovered, for he had been suffering too much during these trying days. She prayed it would not be difficult for Nathan to set aside his adoption of Travis Kincade, which would then allow them to marry. Nathan had told her he was going to Dallas to handle the matter so that Harrison Caldwell would not learn about it and become suspicious of their plans. Nathan intended to hire a lawyer there to dispatch the delicate legal problem, and he planned to return home late the following day.

  Rana walked around the house several times, but there was nothing to do but wait and worry. Nathan had not realized she would be left alone today and tonight, nor had Mace Hunter when he had ridden off in pursuit of the rustlers and cattle. When word had come shortly before the noon meal that Lettie was in early labor, Rana had insisted that Rachel go to the woman and help her with the delivery. Lettie had two sons, eleven and thirteen, who would care for the smaller children, but they knew nothing of bringing a child into the world.

  Rana halted near the front door and looked outside. Only two men were visible, and they were busy with chores. She was not afraid to be left alone in the house, for she knew how to defend herself. Yet worry and uneasiness plagued her and, as time passed slowly, she grew tense and irritable. Perhaps part of her distress and tension was due to the heat, for it was an oppressively hot, muggy day. What she needed was a refreshing, cooling swim.

  Rana knew that the river was only a few miles from the house, and she believed she would be safe because the evil men had not attacked the ranch during the day. Why couldn’t she ride there and enjoy herself for a short while? The hands would be gone for the afternoon, so who would know? Besides, she could take a gun and be very careful. Hesitating no longer, she decided to go.

  Rana managed to get her sorrel and leave without being seen. She rode to a spot near the river where Mace had taken her several days before. After dismounting, she tied the reins to a bush and walked toward the inviting water. As she gazed at it longingly, she wondered if she were being rash, but before she could ponder her actions further, a man appeared from the trees. Rana drew her pistol and pointed it at him to let him know it would be unwise to attack her, if that were the motive for his approach.

  The stranger did not seem alarmed or deterred by her action. He reined up near her and stared at her boldly, his mouth open and his eyes wide. As Rana studied him, she noted that he looked younger than her grandfather and was still an attractive man. His hair was dark, almost black, and his eyes were a mixture of green and brown. His body had a certain strength, but Rana could tell that he did very little physical work. She waited for • him to speak.

  “My God, you look just like her,” he murmured in undisguised astonishment. He dismounted, dropped his reins to the ground, and came forward. He looked at the gun and her stance. “You don’t need to be afraid, Rana. I’m your neighbor, Harrison Caldwell.”

  “I am not afraid of anything, Mr. Caldwell. The gun is for protection. Many bad things and people walk my grandfather’s land. Why have you come to speak with me?” she asked bluntly, for she had guessed his identity and was therefore able to mask any outward show of emotion.

  “I was out riding and I saw you standing here. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you. Your grandfather is being very protective of you. I knew your mother, and I was shocked that you look so much like her,” he replied smoothly, having mastered his surprise. “I imagine you’re glad to be home again.”

  “Yes, it is good to return to my family and home. How did you know my mother?” she inquired politely.

  Harrison laughed genially. “We were neighbors for years, Rana. Marissa used to come to my ranch to help my daughter, Clarissa, with her lessons, and sometimes she would watch Clarissa for me. It’s hard for a man alone to raise a small child, especially a little girl. Clarissa and your mother were friends. She’s looking forward to meeting you. Why don’t you ride over one day and visit with us?” he invited.

  Rana instantly thought of the safe that might be holding her grandfather’s stolen money.
If she could visit his ranch, she could see where it was located and how the house was arranged. If Travis could not get the gold, they could sneak into this man’s house and take what belonged to them after his return. She smiled and nodded. “It is good to find new friends here. When my grandfather returns from this place called Abilene, I will ask him to bring me to meet your daughter. Grandfather went to speak with a man about horses,” she lied convincingly, as she had been instructed by Nathan before his departure. “Is your ranch far away? Is it big like Grandfather’s?” she asked with feigned feminine interest.

  Harrison was fooled by her delicate, friendly facade and assumed that Nathan and Travis had not told her about their problems. His eyes swept over the flaming head of hair that tumbled to her tiny waist. Her complexion was as smooth as silk and playful freckles danced across her pert nose. He gazed into those large, innocent-looking, gray-blue eyes. She was even more beautiful and desirable than her mother had been, and she possessed a sweetness and artlessness that Marissa had lacked. “You should not be out riding alone, Rana. We’ve been having trouble with rustlers lately.”

  Rana laughed at his mild scolding, and the sound of it washed provocatively over the man before her. In a skillfully controlled tone, she replied, “The rustlers do not strike when the sun is high and can reveal their faces. I have a gun, and I know how to use it. I am in no danger. Do not worry over me.”

  Harrison laughed too. “I see you’re more like your mother than looks alone,” he teased jovially. “Marissa was just as headstrong and brave as you are. Still, you should be careful.”

  Rana smiled deceitfully once more. “You are kind to worry, Mister Caldwell, but I can take care of myself.” He was looking at her as if she were her mother, and the strange look mystified and intrigued her.

  Harrison concluded that since Nathan was gone, it was unlikely that anyone knew this ravishing creature was out here alone. She was a vivacious, daring young thing, and he wanted to know all about her. His mouth was dry, his palms were sweaty, his body was quivering, his heart was pounding, and his manhood was pleading. He wanted this girl with every inch of himself. “If you like, you could ride over with me now and meet Clarissa. She was home when I left, and she didn’t say anything about going out today,” he lied eagerly, for he knew Clarissa would be at the dressmaker’s all day and he would have this girl all to himself.