by Sable Hunter
“Ah, Reno. You are too good to me. You need to spend your time taking care of those children and not bother with an old woman like me.”
“The Stanton family is fine. I check on them regularly – as I know you do.” He gave her a grateful glance as he unloaded the bags and placed the items to one side for her to put up later. “I do wish you’d be more careful though. They live on the other side of the mountain, the trip is not a hop, skip, and a jump for you.”
She waved off his concern. “I am self-sufficient. As of yet, I haven’t been blessed with grandchildren and they make me happy.”
“Just as soon as this thing is over with Cole, I plan on breaking ground to build my own place. When I do, I’m moving everyone in with me – the Stanton’s, Cole, and you.” He gave her a wink as he removed his duster and draped it over a boulder in the back of the cave to dry.
This declaration made the old woman throw her head back and laugh. “I’ve never lived in a place with four walls and I never will. Most nights, I spend out under the stars. I love to gaze up into the heavens as sleep draws near.”
“I understand.” Finding a place next to the fire, Reno smiled sadly. “Many mornings I would find my mother sleeping out of doors. She said she could breathe so much easier.” Lifting his head, he watched as Ela filled two pottery bowls with stew. “You remind me so much of Sojourner, you know.”
“That’s a high compliment. From what you’ve told me, your mother was a great lady. Very brave. Anyone who traveled the Trail of Tears is to be honored.”
“Yea, she was forced from her home at the tip of a bayonet and made to walk from the coast of South Carolina to the Tennessee River. She would’ve gone much further…if she’d never met my father.”
“I recognize the bitter sweetness in your voice. It’s difficult to hate someone you love, isn’t it?”
“Yea.” He thought he’d been doing a pretty good job of it for years – until the day Cole came to tell him the old man was dead. Ela Blue joined Reno, placing the bowl of stew on the ground at his feet, then sitting on a pile of blankets next to him. “Thank you, ma’am. You know what gets me more than anything? Something I just can’t get out of my head?”
“Tell me,” she encouraged, placing her bowl next to his. She would eat when he ate.
Removing his hat, he held it by the brim, sliding his fingers around the edge. “She knew.”
“What?”
“She knew. All the time, from the beginning – she knew.”
“What did she know, Reno?”
He whistled out a breath of air, as if his lungs were too full.
“Everything. That my father would leave her. That he would take Cole and not me. How he would leave us to struggle without them.” He looked over at Ela. “Before she died, she told me the singing waters spoke to her many times. From the first night she stood by the river, she knew what the future held.” He paused, then shook his head. “Why would she do that? Why would she stay and marry him – knowing how it would all end?”
Ela stared at Reno for a few moments, staying nothing. Finally, she turned her head to gaze at the flames of the campfire. “You know the answer to that question.”
“Do I?”’ Reno dry-scrubbed his face, trying to sort his thoughts. “Because…she could see things would be worse for her further down the Trail of Tears?”
“No.”
He chuckled softly, nodding knowingly. “Of course not, she never put herself first. Even though she could see the heartbreak ahead, she stayed because of Cole…and me.”
“A mother’s love knows no end.” She nudged him. “By the by…you remind me of my oldest son.”
“I do?” Reno could hear both sadness and peace within her voice. “Tell me about him.”
Ela moved her head from side to side, as if she were refusing to speak, then she spoke softly. “He was a good man. I lost him last spring. Tyee was your age.”
“What happened to him?”
“Raiders came through. Ambushed him as he hunted. When he didn’t visit me as promised, I looked for him…” Her words trailed off.
“I’m sorry. Who killed him? Who were the raiders? Another tribe?”
“I fear not. Evil comes in many disguises.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, confused.
“I will say no more,” she told him solemnly. “The thread of fate must unwind in its own time.”
“What about your other children? Are they near enough to take care of you?”
“My beautiful daughter lives in the village. She attends to my needs, if I have them.” She pointed to his bowl. “Now, eat.”
“All right. You convinced me.” He dug into the savory stew. Despite their sad conversation, a sense of peace enveloped him. A long breath left his lungs as he relaxed, stretching out his legs in front of the warm fire. Glancing around, he marveled at the hominess of the stone cavern. She’d made a comfortable haven for herself with handwoven blankets, baskets, and beautiful pottery. “I love what you’ve done with the place.”
What he said struck Ela as funny and she giggled like a schoolgirl. “You’ve had too much locoweed, Mr. Black.”
“Maybe.” He held out his bowl for more. “May I?”
“Certainly.” She rose to give him another helping. “I like it here. Sometimes I’m lonely, but I’m always safe.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, taking the food from her. “Hold on, let me help.” Taking her arm, he held the older woman steady as she eased to a rug, folding her legs beneath her. “You’re all alone here. How is that safe?”
She picked up a canteen and took a sip of water, then offered it to Reno. “This area is full of caves, yet I am the only one living here. Have you ever wondered why?”
After taking a sip, he replaced the stopper. “I haven’t thought about it.”
Taking the canteen from Reno, she propped it against a rock at her side. “For many generations, this has been sacred ground to my people. The spirits of our ancestors and the spirits of this land reside here.”
“So, they’re afraid to come. Right?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Respect. Fear. A little of both.”
“Yet…you’re here.”
With a half-smile, she nodded. “I live here unmolested, yes. Any of my people who would cause me harm are wary of what they might find if they come to this place of power.”
Reno narrowed his gaze. “And what might they find – other than a sweet woman who makes good stew?”
Ela giggled again. “You are good for my soul,” she said, then lowered her voice to a near whisper. “You don’t believe in spirits, Reno?”
“Well, I didn’t say that. My mother told me some pretty wild things, but…” He gestured around the cave with the carved bone spoon. “I haven’t seen anything to be afraid of on this mountain.”
“Some nights, the rocks will glow. Strange creaking and moans can be heard on the wind. There is great power within this stone. Power few understand. Time has little meaning here.”
Reno’s eyes grew large, then he smiled. “If there was anything to be frightened of, you wouldn’t be here.”
Ela made a huffing noise. “My people are as wary of me as they are of the mountain.”
“Your brother is Chief Mangas. He’d never let anything happen to you. I remember how one word from you kept Gentry, Clay, and I from being killed when we came to rescue Ace’s sister, Amelia. Without your intervention, we would’ve never achieved her release.”
After placing her empty bowl on the ground, Ela folded her hands in her lap. “You were very brave and foolish to ride into their camp unbidden. If you would have come to me first, I could have negotiated her release without putting anyone in danger.”
“You should have said something.” He put his hat on his head. “I didn’t understand your sphere of influence.”
She frowned at him. “I told you to come to me if you needed help of any kind. What more could I say?”
This ma
de him laugh. “We’re not all as wise as you, Ela.” After gazing into the darkness outside the cave for a few moments, he muttered softly, “You have it too, don’t you?”
“Of what do you speak?”
“The sight. You have the sight. There’s been too many times you’ve helped me by saying just the right thing at just the right time.”
Ela Blue paused as if considering his comment. “While your mother received truth from the water, the fire speaks to me. My gift has been both a blessing and a burden. There are times when knowing what is coming only increases the pain.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” He stared into the fire with her, trying to see what she saw. Questions formed on his lips, but he hesitated to ask them. “I’m leaving tomorrow night. I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”
For a space, she was silent. “I know,” she said softly.
He waited to see if she’d say anything else. When she didn’t, he continued, “Cole needs me. The lawyer couldn’t get another continuance. The trial date’s been set.”
“You’re worried, aren’t you?”
Reno knew this was one of those times when he needed to unburden himself. To say things that he wouldn’t say to anyone else. “Yes. I’m scared for him. The sentence for treason is death.”
“He’s not guilty of treason.”
“No!” Reno’s resounding voice echoed in the cavern. “He’s not. His only crime was leaving his post to let his brother know their father was dead.”
“Why do they think his crime is greater than it is?”
“They say they have evidence. A witness.” He turned to look Ela in the eye. “I intend to find out the name of that witness and I’m going to do everything in my power to convince the tribunal of Cole’s innocence.”
“How will you do that?” Her voice was full of concern.
“I’ll testify, of course. Since we’re related, I’m afraid my word will be considered prejudicial.”
“There’s someone else who knows the truth, isn’t there?”
“Yea.” Reno slapped his knee, knocking off a bit of dried, caked mud. “We weren’t alone. There was a young drummer boy who led Cole to my post. The youngster heard every word we said.” He exhaled a heavy breath thick with frustration. “The only problem is – I don’t know his name. I don’t know which company he was with. The battle was raging, everything was in chaos. I felt sorry for the young man. The little fellow’s uniform was in tatters. I gave him water and two bits as a thank you.” Pointing to his side, he gestured a few feet away. “He sat next to me to rest while Cole gave me the news about our father. He heard us promise to meet up once the war was over. Hell, the boy was still sitting there when Cole took his leave.”
“How do you propose to find the child?”
“Mr. Wallace, the lawyer, has petitioned the War Office for records of what battalions fought at Five Forks.” He looked at her with sorrow. “I don’t even know if the little drummer boy is alive, much less how to find him. So, many people died in that damn war, Ela. Over 600,000. Can you even imagine a number that big?”
“I have seen many people die in my time. I see them die in the future, also. The slaughter of innocents. Last stands to protect home and life as we know it. The injustice of these deaths only adds salt to the wound, increasing the pain.”
“If Cole is executed, his death will be unjust. I can’t let that happen, Ela Blue. I just can’t.”
“I understand. It’s difficult to witness something happening that you know will bring heartache and be unable to stop it.” She shook her head and closed her eyes. “The unrest between our people is troubling and I see great pain ahead of us all.”
Reno knew she was referring to several raids on homesteads in the next county. Two people were killed and the homes of three families were burned to the ground. “What do you know about them? Anything? Have you spoken to your brother about it?”
“He is as concerned as we are. Whoever is doing this evil is not Apache.”
“Do you think it’s the Comanche?”
She pulled at the fringe on her skirt, deep in thought. “No. They abide by the treaty they forged with the settlers. Every spring they still light the fires on the hills to celebrate another year of peace.”
Reno nodded. He was familiar with the agreement between the German settlers in Fredericksburg and the native people forged so long ago, a rare accord of friendship. “How about the Tonkawa or the Shoshone?”
“I have heard or seen nothing to confirm this.”
“Hopefully, there will be no more bloodshed.”
His words reverberated through the silence. Ela sat still for several more seconds, concentrating on the flicker of the fire.
Reno watched her carefully, noting that she tensed and shivered. “What’s wrong? What do you see?”
She looked down for a few heartbeats, then raised her head to study his face. “I see you making a long journey. What awaits at the end is obscured.”
“Good. I don’t want to know.” Reno stood up abruptly. “If you were to say I would fail, I’d go anyway.”
“I cannot say one way or the other. A cloud of uncertainty covers the answer.”
Reno wondered if she were just trying to protect him. “Anyway, I’ll be back as soon as I can, and I’ll check on you first thing.”
“I’ll wait as long as the Great Spirit allows.” She rose to stand near him, knowing he needed to be on his way.
Picking his duster up from where it lay on the boulder, he pulled the garment around his shoulders. “You’d best be waiting, if you know what’s good for you.”
“Oh, my son.” Ela Blue came near, taking him in her warm embrace. “Please be careful.”
Reno hugged her back. “I will. Wherever I go, I know you’ll be with me in spirit.”
“I will. Your fate is set in stone. Never fear, joy awaits you.”
A chill ran up Reno’s spine. “That’s what my mother said. I just wish I knew where my path will take me.”
Ela Blue smiled, then held one up one finger. “Wait a moment. I have something for you.”
Reno waited while she shuffled to the back of the cave, taking something from a recess in the wall. When she returned, Ela offered him a rawhide bag. “Keep this with you.”
“What is it?” He felt of it, discerning that there was something inside. He started to open it, but Ela stopped him.
“Don’t open it. You’ll release the power before it’s time.”
“All right.” He asked no more questions but pushed the bag deep into one of his front pockets, patting the slight bump for good measure. “Thank you.” He trusted her. No more needed to be said.
After he gathered the firewood and placed it in a neat pile, Reno took his leave. Ela held onto his arm to walk beside him as far as the path allowed. “Never doubt your destiny, my son, even when things don’t make sense. Sometimes your true path cannot be discovered without first losing your way.”
Journey
“I’ll be back before you know it, Kelsey.” Journey traipsed through her house, picking up items to pack as she went. “Why, sure. You just let me know what you need, and I’ll mail it to you. No big deal. Okay. Bye.”
Buzz!
“Doorbell.” Whirling around, she hurried to the front. “Coming!”
Once she peeped through the hole, she undid the locks to allow Lou to enter. “Hey, girl.”
“Hey, yourself.” The pretty blonde gave Journey a hug. “I’m sorry I kept this so long.” She held out a piece of luggage she’d borrowed. “It sure came in handy for that anthropology conference. I need to splurge and get some nice luggage one day.”
Journey took the piece of luggage, waving off her friend’s apology. “Not a problem. Bringing this back gives us an excuse to get together. Besides, as smart as you are, you’re going to be rich someday and I’ll be borrowing from you.”
“Ha!” Lou barked a laugh. “Scientists are rarely rich. Especially ones in my field.”
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“What? You’re working on your second doctorate. From what you’ve told me physics is fascinating.”
“Fascinating, yes. Lucrative, no. And I’m bogged down in research for my dissertation.”
“I’m sorry,” Journey sympathized. “Would a margarita make you feel better? Or is it too early?”
“Oh, hell yes it would make me feel fine and dandy.” Lou laughed. “Besides, it’s five o’clock somewhere.”
“So true.” Journey led the way to the kitchen. “Just step over my mess. I have everything pulled out to put in the car. Oils. Jars. Shipping boxes. You name it.”
“Looks like you’re planning on being gone for a month.” Lou stepped over one box full of essential oils and another filled with empty cosmetic containers as she moved to the kitchen to hop up on a bar stool.
“Thanks for returning this bag, by the way.” Journey tossed the empty weekender onto the couch as she passed. “I don’t really know how long I’ll be gone. Truth is, I need to get out of the city for a while.”
“Oh, really? What’s going on?”
Journey made a cute growling noise deep in her throat as she took two glasses from the cabinet and filled them with margarita mix and tequila. “Casey blew me off for our date this weekend.”
“Seriously? Why?”
“His ex-wife snapped her fingers and he went running home to offer comfort. He said she’d broken up with her new boyfriend and needed to talk.”
“What a jerk!” Lou accepted a goblet from her friend and patted the stool next to her. “I guess he’s not ready to move on.”
After a long sip, Journey licked the salt from her lips. “I suppose I wasn’t incentive enough.”
“That’s bull hockey.”
Lou’s dry exclamation made Journey laugh. “I’ll drink to that.” She lifted her glass in a salute.
“To hell with him, Journey. Casey Stark isn’t good enough for you anyway.”
