Mr. Wilson almost run to keep up. Elizabeth kept her eyes on the approaching riders. Something looked oddly familiar. It nagged at her as the riders advanced towards them. Then almost at once, it hit her. Elizabeth stopped.
Stood perfectly still in open ground before the stage post. Mr. Wilson unaware she had, continued on. The Indians slowed their ride at the same time and walked their horses in slowly. Elizabeth knew they were not here for war and wanted no trouble with the people. They scanned everyone in that natural predatory way. They were instinctive predators. And they were hunting.
Red Wolf signalled his braves and they halted 20 yards from the house and he rode in slowly. From the moment, he could see her, Red Wolf knew who she was.
His eyes never left her face. He urged his pony to walk around the stagecoach where the wheel had been forgotten by the driver by their arrival. Passed the house and those now standing outside it and stopped directly in front of Elizabeth and looked down at her.
For what seemed to those watching, an eternity passed between the two of them.
Elizabeth gazed up into a face she barely recognised and yet, she’d know him anywhere. Part of her, she realised had expected him. He took her breath away. Red Wolf had grown into a full-blooded brave. The seven years had turned the boy into a man. She had forgotten just how magnificent the Tribe were. He sat proudly on his mount, who was clearly impatient to get going again. It was impossible not to be stirred by his presence. After all this time. Was he really here? she asked herself.
He was certainly unlike any young man back East. Elizabeth was a little surprised by how much that recognition warmed her. It was as if – he had been waiting for her. Could that be possible?
He had certainly grown in the time she had been gone. No more the late teenager male she’d left behind. Before her was the man. A man who was aware of who he was. Who dominated those around him. He was… glorious to behold.
He seemed bigger. Stronger. Far more muscular. She held back her blush. The hair longer. He was a sight to behold in his leggings and vest, astride his Indian mount.
Red Wolf should have spoken to her, greeted her in the traditional manner and called her sister, but he could not. He was having trouble controlling his own needs. He had waited so long for her. The years had been hard on him. Pressure to lead the tribe, to marry had sat heavily on him. To see her after all this time. His dreams come to life. Her presence more than warmed him.
Reminding him of how much he had waited for her. How much he ached just to look at her once more. She looked fragile compared to him, but he knew different. She was strong and brave. He was not surprised she had just turned up. That she was done waiting. It was typical of her. Headstrong. Beautiful. His. He told himself.
He didn’t trust himself to speak, he pushed his horse on until it almost touched her. Elizabeth reached out and touched the animal’s face, her eyes never leaving his.
They stood in silence. Finally, he extended his arm down to her. It was clear he intended to take her.
Without hesitation, Elizabeth put her foot on his, clasped his forearm with her own and he raised her, swiftly and easily, to sit in front of him. At the same time, there was screaming from Mrs. Brown for someone to do something. Mr. Wilson was protesting loudly and several of the other men were moving their hands to their guns. The braves moved in closer. Quickly Elizabeth needed to explain before someone got hurt.
“Gentleman, please, Mrs. Brown calm yourself, there is no cause for concern. I am with family, they have come to take me home. Please take my belonging on to Brownsville, I expect I will have family there too.”
“Family?” called Mr. Wilson. “My dear….. their Indians.” Red Wolf shot him a look of contempt. This was not lost on Elizabeth who gave a kindly smile.
“Mr Wilson, I thank you for your concern, I have not lost my wits or senses, I am indeed with my family.”
“Mam, are you the Trelawney Indian Princess?” Duggie the driver asked her. Red Wolf had stiffened in response to that question.
Elizabeth frowned she had never heard it said quite like that before and wondered what that was about.
“Believe me gentleman when I tell you, they would give their lives willingly to ensure my safety.” And with that, Red Wolf enclosed her with his other arm possessively and walked his horse slowly passed each of them. Almost daring them to stop him as he turned and rode out, followed by his braves.
Mrs. Brown was heard to pass out.
For over an hour they rode in silence. Stopping only then to rest and water the horses. Elizabeth, was helped down my Red Wolf and sat under a tree watching the men work. She had always been fascinated by their work with horses. They had such a greater understanding of the animal than any American she knew. Elizabeth closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of water and men. She was home. At last. Red Wolf had come for her. Before long and for the first time in days, without a care, she slept.
It was as if the silence had woken her. She sat up with a start. For a second she thought she had dreamt it all. Then from the darkness she saw his face. Her hair had come loose of the pins holding it. It hung in heavy long ringlets down and around her shoulders. Wisps clinging to her face and neck and blowing in the breeze. Red Wolf had been watching her sleep.
“Sorry.” She told him, pushing the hair from her face. “I had not meant to sleep.” As she got up, she tried to do something with her hair and realised it was useless.
The men had moved with her, repacking the ponies and making ready to ride. Red Wolf once again when ready, looked down at her and extended his arm. She looked up at him. He had still not spoken to her. She was not worried. It was his way. He would speak when ready.
For only a moment, she hesitated and looked at him and wondered why he had not spoken to her and as quickly, accepted it. She took his arm and without question, he seated her before him. As the braves had started to move off, she had expected Red Wolf to follow.
Instead, he brought both hands up in front of her face. Elizabeth was perfectly still, as he touched the cheeks of her face with his finger tips and traced them back to the nape of her neck, taking her hair with him. Elizabeth felt electric, alive. She held her breath. He secured her hair with a piece of raw hide. Then dropped his hands onto his thighs either side of hers. Elizabeth naturally rested against him as she had many, many times before. It was then, breathing in the scent and feel of him that Elizabeth, truly felt home. They rode for the village.
Red Wolf had sent one of the braves to the Double T to let White Dove know of her safety, and one to the village while she slept. They arrived at the village just after dawn.
Word had spread fast when they were first spotted. The village was alive with excitement. Running Elk, was waiting at the village edge, then running alongside their horse and called out to her.
“Esa, welcome home sister, father is waiting for you.” Elizabeth reached down and grasped his hand.
“Running Elk, it is so good to see you. How big you are brother, you are nearly as tall as Red Wolf and you are a warrior I see.” Running Elk held a large grin.
“Yes, I had my proving last Spring and I am to be married in the Autumn.” Elizabeth stared.
“Married?” Had she been gone so long? “Congratulations. I look forward to meeting your bride.”
“Thank you sister, I must go and find my betrothed so you can meet her.” He ran off eagerly.
“I look forward to it.” Elizabeth called after him as he ran to the village.
Seeing peoples faces, was another reminder of just how long she’d been gone. “I have been gone too long. So much has changed. So much I have missed,” she murmured.
Red Wolf heard her and tightened his hold. She held on to him and he leaned forward breathing her in. He nuzzled her neck and shoulder. She was right, she’d been gone too long. Many of the younger ones had heard of their honorary daughter but never seen her. By the time Elizabeth arrived, the raw hide was having little effect on her hair.
She looked like a vision to them, a queen in her Eastern finery, as described by the visiting monks who had taught them European history and languages. The children stared at her as she rode by. Elizabeth understood and smiled at their fascination, understanding their wonder. Her face was lit with her laughter and joy.
Red Wolf couldn’t miss the effect Esa was having on his people. They had always loved her. It was exactly how he had felt seeing her at the stagecoach.
Elizabeth looked lovingly at the village and remembered the good times she had with them. The main lodge was where she expected to see it. Tepees surrounding it all the way to the river bank and out, across the plains. Craftwork around the homes. Fire pits cooking meals.
She recognised several of the young men and women, her old play mates and they called to her and she openly returned their greetings. How big they all were. She took it all in. The people looked happy, well fed, healthy. It warmed her to see it was just how she remembered it.
Elizabeth looked ahead to the welcoming party. Their horse coming to a stop in front of Dull Knife. Red Wolf continued to hold her, not offering his arm to help her down. She turned to look at him. He was squarely looking at Dull Knife. What passed between them remained unsaid. She was inches from his face. So close to his lips she could feel his breath on her. Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat. She swallowed.
“We are home.” She whispered to him. He looked down on her for a moment. Gave a slight nod then released her and helped her down.
Dull Knife opened his arms for his honorary daughter.
“We have waited a long time for your return child. Welcome and join us for the coming night and day.”
Elizabeth walked into his embrace. “Thank you, honorary father, I am now home,” she told him, very much meaning it. Letting her go. Elizabeth turned and joined the tribe in celebration. Rejoicing at the return of one lost to them for so very long.
***
As Elizabeth sang with the other young women of the tribe, renewing friendships, Ben was on his way back to the Double T. He’d been at Brownsville when the stage came in. Very quickly it was obvious that Elizabeth had caused a stir and been met by members of Dull Knifes tribe.
Red Wolf he’d assumed. Ben found it amusing just how shocked many on the coach were. It was a reminder that American’s still did not understand the West and Indians were making their final stands. It saddened him and he was glad, that would not come to the Double T.
Gaining Elizabeth’s things. They made their excuses and left. Stopping at the mail office to let Clara know that Elizabeth had arrived safely.
***
At the same time, having been alerted by the brave sent by Red Wolf. White Dove had made all preparations to go to the village. By the time Ben had reached the Double T, White Dove had made all the necessary arrangements for a trip home. And she’d been waiting on her husband.
As Ben rode into the house grounds White Dove was waiting. “Husband, we are ready for the journey.” Ben never ceased to be amazed by her abilities to read a situation or her beauty. Ben got down from his horse and greeted his wife. As he did so, a brave removed his mount and others were replaced. Ben gave a few instructions to several hands, and noticed not for the first time, the surliness of two of them.
“Jake, you’re in charge I’ll be back tomorrow.” Jake the old boy of the place. A cowboy who’d once been with Elizabeth’s father nodded back.
“It will be good to see her Ben.” Jake called out to him.
“Yes it will Jake, but I could also kill her for just turning up.”
Jake smiled. “I bet, but would you have let her come, if she’d asked?”
Ben thought about that and the reasons he’d sent her East in the first place. He was concerned for the attachment of a 14-year-old girl and a 19 year old warrior. He mounted his fresh horse, waiting for White Dove to get set on the buggy and the party set out. Jake’s words hit him. In all honesty, no, he wouldn’t.
Ben used the time on the journey to take stock. He’d been shocked to hear that Elizabeth had left New York alone. But not really surprised. Part of him had expected her before now. He knew she was head strong and how much she had wanted to return home. And he had missed her. But he had to admit, her returning scared him.
He had hoped that over time, Elizabeth would have met the man to become her husband and brought him back with her. If, she ever came back at all. After all, he thought, what was there here for her? Where would she find an eligible man here? One worthy of running the company, of running the Double T, worthy of her? Who would want her for herself. Not for what she could give him.
It bothered him. Not that he had any objection to an Indian husband. He looked at White Dove. He loved her intensely. But it had not been easy. People were not kind and Elizabeth needed to be respected if she was to run the company. She needed a husband who understood that.
Ben had seen so many men in the last years come from the civil war looking for a quick buck. It scared him. He feared Elizabeth would be a target and safer back East. He had a moment of despair and fear for her future and as quickly, he pushed it aside. That wouldn’t be happening. He would make sure of it.
***
The last three hours had been wonderful. Elizabeth had spent time catching up with her childhood friends. Many of whom, she was surprised to see were already married. Two had children of their own and she had joined them down by the river playing with them. They had teased her that if she didn’t find a husband too, she would be too old. Elizabeth had laughed with them.
Many villagers came by to say hello. Part of her ached at seeing their simple joy, in taking such simple pleasures. She wanted this too. Family of her own, when the time was right. Leaving them with many hugs between them, Elizabeth took a walk.
She’d missed this and wanted some time alone. The cool breeze off the water and the calming sensation brought many memories back to her. Not realising she had been heading in any particular direction, Elizabeth found herself at her favourite spot. An open plateau.
Surrounded by the tall grasses of the lakes. The trees, wild flowers and the sound of small ripples on the water in the background. When she’d come here as a child, it had always seemed so perfect. Elizabeth stopped and sat down amongst the grasses. It was still perfect. So peaceful. She breathed deeply. The tall grasses moving in the breeze around her.
Elizabeth felt herself sway in time with them. At one with the nature all around her. Closing her eyes, she listened to the world come alive.
It seemed like she’d been there for moments when she had the strangest feeling she was no longer alone. She did not open her eyes but smiled. She had caught the scent of him.
It was strange how her senses had come flooding back in this place. She would not acknowledge him. This was her place not his.
Only when excited voices reached her did she open her eyes and look straight into his. He rose in one swift movement and looked down at her. Held out his hand and waited for her to take it. At that moment there was nothing more Elizabeth wanted than to take his hand and go wherever he wanted to lead her.
To do so, Elizabeth instinctively understood, would be to acknowledge something she wasn’t ready to do. Instead, she raised herself, turned from him and walked back to the village and the commotion, she was the cause of.
Ben and White Dove were being greeted by Dull Knife. All three turned towards them as they arrived. It was clear from their faces that they had not been expected together.
They looked concerned. Why? thought Elizabeth. They were after all family.
Ben looked at Elizabeth and his breath caught in his throat. She was beautiful. She had grown into a beautiful woman any man would worship. She looked accomplished, and composed, even in her bedraggled state. She looked …polished and all woman.
Concern hit him like a lightning bolt. Ben looked back to Red Wolf and his obvious possessiveness.
He and Dull Knife had talked of this many times. Red Wolf’s attachme
nt to her was more than brotherly. They all knew it. Today, he looked to be claiming ownership. Ben frowned, he looked to Dull Knife. It was clear he was also concerned but for his son.
His father’s stance told Red Wolf of his concern. It wasn’t something he hadn’t heard before. White Dove, came forward and greeted Esa. She gave thanks for her safe return and hugged her. Red Wolf looked at the men before him. His emotions high. They were worried for her. About him. They had no right. He would never harm her. Red Wolf’s anger raged through him. They were questioning his right.
His own father not showing proper respect and his body language suggested mistrust. Red Wolf moved in front of Elizabeth cutting White Dove off. It was an obvious challenging stance. It was his right to protect her.
In one swift movement, Elizabeth moved from behind Red Wolf and touched his arm. He turned to face her, the depth of her eyes left him wanting. There passed a look of acknowledgement and knowing between them. This was not the time or place. That he had nothing to prove here and they both knew it. He should withdraw, he reasoned. He wanted to argue the point, stamp his claim but didn’t. She was right.
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