by Joel Baker
“Welcome,” Cass said, stepping forward. “Please come in. I hope you’re hungry. The women spent all morning cooking.”
“Thanks,” Molly said. “You don’t mind if our dogs stay out on the porch here, do you?”
“I think your dogs can do just about anything they want to,” Cass said.
“Cass,” James said. “I’d like you to meet Nate. Nate and his family joined the Colters down in Colorado. He’s my son Matthew’s father-in-law.”
“Welcome Nate,” Cass said. “What tribe are you from?”
“Ute,” Nate said. “We were living in Yellowstone before we joined the Colters.”
“Well,” Cass said. “Let’s go inside and eat, before we talk.”
The people moved inside the building. The room was even larger than it looked outside. There was a low doorway into a darkened room, off to the left. In the center of the room, was a long table loaded with food. There were six or seven dishes of various ways to fix buffalo, several different potato dishes, corn relish and a large salad.
“We haven’t seen this much food at one time since we left New Liberty,” Molly whispered to James.
“I was wondering if they’d let us take some of this back with us,” James whispered back.
They ate lunch quickly, and women appeared and removed dishes. The Lakota and Colters sat around the table as they were served a delicious juniper tea.
“This tea is delicious,” Molly said. “How is it made?”
“It’s easy enough to make,” Mina said. “We wash juniper sprigs and place them in a covered pan of boiling water. We let it simmer for about fifteen minutes, strain and add a dollop of honey. You have to make sure you strain it well. Otherwise it turns out bitter.”
“Thanks, Mina,” Molly said. “Let me also say that food was the best we’ve had in a long, long time. Please thank the women who worked so hard preparing it.”
“I will,” Mina said, smiling. “It was nice of you to notice.”
“In order to avoid any awkward moments as are likely to occur,” Molly said. “I’d like to make a few opening remarks.”
Everyone around the table listened attentively.
“First of all,” Molly said. “The Colters hope that we can become good neighbors. We know that when the dogs migrated here, there were some initial differences. There were misunderstandings on both sides and that was unfortunate. There is an apparent truce that exists between the Lakota and the dogs. Is this correct?”
“Yes,” Cass said. “We finally learned the dogs had a territory they were protecting. We don’t know why their territory had to be within a few miles of our village, but it is. As long as we stay away from their area, they leave us alone.”
“When some of the dogs left Colorado,” James said. “We weren’t sure where they’d moved. When we decided to also leave Colorado, the dogs brought us here. I know this may be confusing, but I will try to explain the relationship between the Colters and what the Sioux call the dog people. It’s a long story that begins with Sarah and Jesse Colter at the time of the Go Back…”
It took James a little over an hour to finish. He left out some of the scarier parts of the story. He did tell the Lakota the dogs had been enhanced. What he left out was the mutations that had occurred for better or worse ever since.
“…so in conclusion,” James said. “The dogs depend on us to provide companionship and a sense of stability their breed requires. We both love and respect the dogs. Over the years the dogs have been loyal to the death. We are the Colter family, and the dogs are Friends of the Family.”
Chapter 14
Two days had passed since the meeting with the Lakota. The Colters decided they needed a different method of signaling when the Lakota wanted to talk with them. The whole drum thing just wouldn’t work.
It was agreed a signal flag would be set in the clearing where they’d first met. A white flag would mean the Lakota wanted to meet. Once a day someone from the Colters would check the clearing for the flag.
Since the meeting with the Lakota, Molly was feeling both sad, and a sense of melancholy. She wasn’t sure why, and she was quiet most of the day. Shannon had noticed, and towards evening asked her mother to go for a walk.
“It’s a beautiful evening,” Molly said. “I love the fall season most of all, I think. When the leaves begin to turn colors and the wind blows gray clouds across the sky like this. I love the chill in the air, don’t you?”
“Mother, is there anything bothering you?” Shannon asked. “You seem a little down.”
“Not so much,” Molly said. “I just forgot how nice it was to live in a nice clean cabin is all. The wonderful meal we had with the Lakota started me remembering New Liberty and how comfortable we were. When you kids were little, we had such good friends. I just miss it is all.”
“We’re just getting started, Mother,” Shannon said. “I’m sure when we get settled…”
“You know your dad really isn’t as good a builder as he thinks he is,” Molly said. “Oh, he tries hard, and God knows what he builds is going to last. But did you see the quality of the houses in the Lakota village? It was more like Haven, than New Liberty.”
“I couldn’t believe the craftsmanship that went into the huge table we were sitting around,” Shannon said. “Did you see the sideboard and cabinets?”
“I snuck a peek through that low doorway on the left side of the room,” Molly said. “It looked like a sweat lodge that could easily fit twenty people. It was huge! I bet this winter, when it’s snowing and blowing, we’d give anything to be able to use it.”
“You’d have to go naked, like everyone else,” Shannon said laughing.
“I don’t care,” Molly said. I’d just like a little pampering for a change.”
“Give it some time, Mother,” Shannon said. “Things will get better.”
“I know,” Molly said. “But I wish the Lakota would put up the signal flag. I’d love to go back to the Lakota village for some of that food.”
“They could certainly teach us a few things,” Shannon said. “That’s for sure.”
****
It was three days later that Matthew and Banner spotted the white flag in the clearing. They made their way back to the Center, and found James and Dalton trying to seal some of the leaks in the roof of the building. It had rained the night before, and leaks had flooded the inside of the Center. Matthew listened to the two men talking.
“I’m telling you,” Dalton said. “The water is coming through the old nail holes. We got to seal every last one of them with pine tar.”
“Where we going to get pine tar?” James asked.
“Maybe we should ask the Lakota,” Matthew called up to the men on the roof. “The white flag is flying. The Lakota want to meet with us.”
It took the better part of an hour for the men to get cleaned up and ready. Molly and Shannon waited patiently, wondering what the Lakota could want, and if there’d be any food. Shannon called out to Banner who joined them to see the Lakota.
This time the village streets were busy with children playing. Many of the adults were seemingly on errands back and forth between the houses and barns. Molly suspected it was so they could get a look at the Colters passing through the village.
Banner led the Colters down the main street and up to the main building where they’d held their prior meeting. As they passed, everyone stopped and stared. Some of the little girls waved tentatively at Shannon, who smiled and waved back.
Several Lakota men, James didn’t recognize, stood by Mato and Cass. Mina, Cass’s wife, stood off to one side. Molly and Shannon dismounted and walked over to visit with Mina. James and Dalton walked up to Cass and Mato. Matthew stayed back with Banner by the horses.
Cass introduced the men standing with him to James and Dalton. They were some of the most skilled builders in the Lakota tribe. When Molly heard they were builders, she expressed her admiration for the quality of the furniture and buildings they’d seen dur
ing their last visit. James gave Molly a funny look, but didn’t say anything. The women disappeared into the main building with Mina.
“We saw your flag, Cass,” James said. “What can we do for you?”
“We held a tribal meeting after your first visit,” Cass said. “Everyone was glad to hear your people want to be friends of the Lakota. We had quite a discussion on what we could do to show you our appreciation.”
“That isn’t necessary,” James said. “We couldn’t possibly…”
“This isn’t a gift you can turn down, James,” Cass said. “The Lakota would consider it an insult if you refuse their gift. It is appropriate for you to simply say thank you.”
“Yes,” James said. “I didn’t mean to offend you. Why don’t I just shut up and let you finish?”
“I like you, James Colter,” Cass said laughing, slapping James on the back. “Now, let me show you what we have for your people. Come with me.”
Cass, Mato, with the builders led the Colters down the center of the street. Matthew and Banner trailed behind. They turned a corner and headed for a large barn at the end of street. The interior of the barn was dark. Beams of sunlight filtered through the floating dust motes. Bales of hay and straw were stacked high on each side of the central area.
Sitting in the center of the packed earth floor, stood a large wagon loaded with lumber. There were beams and boards, perfect for cabin floors and roofs. It was obvious the Lakota must have a saw mill somewhere close by. They’d spent considerable time and effort putting this load of lumber together.
“This is a wonderful gift,” James said. “Thank you so much. This is going to give us a real head start on building our cabins.”
“You must have brought only a few of your possessions and tools when you came north,” Cass said. “You only had a few travois with you.”
“That’s true,” James said. “We left a large cache of tools and belongings back in Colorado. When we get a wagon, we hope to bring them north someday.”
“Take this wagon,” Cass said. “Go get them.”
“It’s five hundred miles,” James said. “It’d take us six to eight weeks to make the trip. It would be the end of October before we got back.”
“What else are you doing?” Cass asked.
“We’ve got to finish closing in the Center,” James said. “We need to bring in a lot more firewood. We still have buffalo meat we have to smoke, once we build a smoke house.”
“You need to bring your tools and belongings north, James,” Cass said. “You’ll never be self-sufficient, until you go back and get what you left behind. While you’re away, our builders and hunters will lend a hand. There aren’t enough of you Colters to be a burden to the Lakota.”
“We certainly worry about what we left back there,” James said. “We had some neighbors who could be a problem.”
“Mato has volunteered to go with you,” Cass said. “He would take several of his warriors.”
James glanced at Mato who stood stoic as always, no sign of why or if he wanted to make the trip.
“Matthew, do you think the dogs would be alright if some of the Lakota came to work on the Center while we were gone?” James asked, nodding his head toward Banner.
Matthew concentrated for several moments before responding.
“The dogs won’t object to the Lakota going directly to and from the Center,” Matthew said. “There will be six dogs going south with you, James. Three of the dogs will be hunters. The other three will be trackers.”
Cass and Mato looked at Matthew as if he had two heads. Matthew instantly realized what he had said must have sounded crazy to the Lakota.
“At least,” Matthew said, trying to recover. “Those are my recommendations.”
Both Cass and Mato seemed to be satisfied with Matthew’s answer, but still curious.
“This is all subject to Molly’s approval,” James said, smiling.
“Of course,” Cass said, laughing. “It is the same with us.”
****
Matthew and James sat down with Molly to tell her about going back to Colter Canyon.
“Are you sure about this?” Molly asked. “Who is going with you?”
“Dalton, and Shannon,” James said. “You can go if you want, but I thought you might want to sit this one out. Fala, Nate and Nina will be here to help. We’re going to need you to direct any work the Lakota perform. I think Matthew has a real interest in carpentry. He can learn a lot from the Lakota. What do you think?”
Molly was silent for a while. This would be the first time in forty years she would be staying behind, not riding out by James’s side. But she was tired. Five hundred miles there and five hundred back. No, she just couldn’t do it this time. She knew it. It made her yearn to roll back the clock, to relive those days that she and James would spring into the saddle and ride for days. It made her sad that those days were gone and would never come back.
“You’re right,” Molly said. “I’m not that happy about you being gone for two months. I think Fala, Matthew and I can hold down the fort with Nate and Nina’s help. I’m glad you’ll have six of the dogs with you. Matthew? Why did you call the dogs that would be going hunters and trackers?”
“I was just repeating what Banner called them,” Matthew said. “The dogs must have become more organized, since coming north. It was probably when they had to protect their territory from the Lakota.”
“So, the Lakota are going to bring the wagon and lumber tomorrow?” Molly asked.
“Yes,” James said. “Lotus, Matos wife, is supposed to be coming with the wagon. She asked if she could stay for a while. I think she thought it would make you feel more secure, if she were with the Lakota builders.”
“I would love to see her,” Molly said. “I just wish we were able to do something for her. But that’s why you have to go back to Colter Canyon, isn’t it?”
The wagon crossed over into the dog territory at noon the next day. At first the Lakota, including Mato on horseback and Lotus in the wagon were nervous and looking in all directions. James met them just inside the border and escorted them to the Center.
The dogs would occasionally join the procession and then peel off, only to be replaced by other dogs. At first the Lakota were understandably distressed by the close proximity of all the dogs. But as dogs left and others joined, it had a calming effect. By the time the Lakota reached the Center, all the dogs had disappeared. There seemed to be much less concern and fear of the dogs.
Nate and Matthew helped the builders offload the lumber and their tools from the wagon. They decided the porch of the Center would provide shelter for the materials in the short term. Once everything was inventoried and stacked neatly for the next day, the builders began the walk back to the village.
Mato, with Lotus rode together as they returned to the village with the builders. The couple would return the following morning, with the three warriors Mato had selected to go south with him. James and the others would be leaving the next day. Everyone wanted one more night together before they left to go south with the Colters.
****
Molly and James stayed up long after everyone else had turned in. Dalton and Shannon had packed their bedrolls and packs, before turning in. They would carry everything they needed on horseback. They would leave the wagon empty until the trip back north.
The fire burned down to embers as James held Molly in his arms. Neither of them wanted to end the evening, knowing what the dawn would bring. So they held each other close, trying to keep the world at bay, trying not to think about tomorrow.
“Do you feel old, James?” Molly asked. “Do you feel like our time is over? I feel like we’re racing down a hill and we don’t know what is at the bottom.”
“Sure,” James said. “Sometimes I feel old and tired. I certainly can’t work as hard as I used to. My feet hurt when I get out of bed. My eyes aren’t what they once were. Is that what you mean?”
“Yeah…,” Molly said. “B
ut there’s something else. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like we’re out of control. We used to decide what was best for us and we’d do it. Now, we’re just running around, doing what others want us to do. James, I don’t like growing old, but I don’t know how to stop it.”
“My Molly,” James whispered softly in her ear. “Don’t you understand? To have loved as we have, for all these years, is our story, sweetheart. No matter what happens, that is what has made me happy. Everything else is just something to do, until I can get back and hold you close. I love you sweet, Molly.”
Chapter 15
Molly’s days were busy, and the nights long. True to their word, the builders showed up each day and worked till it was too dark to see. Fala kept busy looking after Jason and keeping track of Jessica.
The center roof was sealed and made waterproof, as a first step. It was obvious to the builders the Colters would never heat the entire Center, with just a fireplace. It would be impossible if they had another harsh winter.
The solution was to partition the Center down the middle. Then they’d put in a ceiling over the area in front of the fireplace. The front area could be insulated by laying a thick layer of hay on top of the ceiling boards. Any heat from the fireplace would be captured and retained in the living space.
While all that was going on, a second crew built a cook house next to the Center. In the center of the cook house, was a large stone oven with a metal cook surface. On the opposite side of the oven, was a ceramic baking oven, capable of holding six loaves of bread. A series of work surfaces ran around the entire perimeter of the cookhouse. Nina cried tears of happiness when she saw it.
Molly was close to tears when she saw the outhouse the builders constructed. It was an easy walk from the Center. It had two seats, and unlike the one James had built in Colter Canyon. The seats were sanded smooth, and splinter free.
At the start of the third week, most of the lumber originally brought in the wagon, still lay stacked on the porch of the Center. Molly couldn’t figure out what the builders intended to do with it.