Love by Dawn

by Therese A. Kramer

  “She’s very beautiful.”

  “That goes without saying,” commented Casey truthfully. “Look at her handsome son.”

  A flash of humor crossed his face and his deep chuckle made her believe that he was sincerely amused.

  “Well, then Casey, I guess that your own mother was beautiful. Just look at how handsome your brother is.”

  At first, the gist of his banter sailed over her head, then she frowned and poked him playfully. His rich laughter filled her with happiness and she joined in. When their laughter died, Casey sighed. “My mother died when I was young. Yes, she was lovely, but she had a hard life and aged before her years. And for your information smart ass, I look like my father.”

  “Hmmm? He musta been very pretty.”

  Blake tweaked her nose, his lips turned up into an impish grin. She burst out with another fit of mirth.

  When she and Blake trotted into the village of White Mountain Apache clan, she was as well known as Blake. That night they stayed in that neighboring clan of Blue Thunder’s tribe and she knew they would soon be home. It was here she met the son of the deceased chief Itca-chu, a good friend of Blue Thunder’s father. She was grateful that Blake’s reputation preceded him and she learned Blue Thunder had sent scouts to look for her.

  “This is Pytha-Ouray, Fire Arrow,” Blake introduced the handsome Indian to her. “I met him on my search for you hoping that his clan had information about your whereabouts. His sister, princess Rozene, which means Rose Blossom married my cousin Jason, Moon Glow’s brother. He was the fellow I told you about when I first came looking for Melissa.”

  Fire Arrow chuckled. “We called him One Eye because he could not see out of right eye. The white man bumped into things.”

  The Indian laughed again, but it wasn’t done out of cruelty and Casey knew the Apache hadn’t meant any harm. “Yes, I heard about him. He moved back home and is doing well after the war left his family’s plantation in ruins. I also hear that his younger sister Daphne, Moon Glow’s sister was raped by a Union solider and had his baby on the wagon train coming out west. Daphne now lives in California with her husband, Seth. Moon Glow told me she was on that wagon train when Blue Thunder captured her.”

  Fire Arrow grunted in compliance. “Yes, the story was told to me. And my sister, Princess Rozene loves the south. Moon Glow tells me that she has turned into a real Southern Belle.”

  Casey sighed, “It is ironic how all our lives interweave with one another.”

  Blake took her hand. The love in his eyes told her that he was lucky that it did. And she had to agree. Her mother always said something good always comes out of something tragic.

  That night she and Blake were given lodging with Fire Arrow. They accepted his hospitality though she would’ve preferred to be alone with Blake. He informed her that after another day’s ride, they’d be back at Blue Thunder’s camp.

  Sometime during predawn, the ground rumbled and Casey’s dull, sleepy senses recalled the night her father called for her. “Casey!” his voice seeped into her sub-conscience and it brought back that nightmare. “Casey!” Again, the voice penetrated her brain but it was only a bad dream, one she had many times when growing up. She ignored it. But someone was shaking her now and calling for her to wake up. She grumbled and moaned. “Papa?”

  “Casey! It’s Blake, wake up!”

  She didn’t want to; it was only that same recurring nightmare. Total recall blended with elusions and somehow she knew her father was dead. The ground shook and curses reached her foggy brain as she was continuously being roughly shaken. This was not right. Her eyelids popped open and Blake had a fearful look on his face.

  “What?!” she croaked. Then she heard the cries and screams of people. He yanked her to her feet. She tried rubbing the sleep crust from her eyes, but he pulled her hands away from her face

  “Hurry, I think we’re under attack!” He spoke with quiet, but desperate determination.

  What!? her mind screamed. Blake strapped on his gun belt and drew his weapon. “Stay here,” he ordered in a voice of authority and turned. Over his shoulder he proclaimed in a rush of words, “Fire Arrow left to fight. I’m going to join him.” Before she could protest, he was out the opening. Casey swallowed and took a deep shaky breath.

  Damn it! No! She’d been through to much to lose him now. She was glad she slept in her clothes as did Blake. Looking around the hut, she spied a spear; well it was better than nothing. She plunged on carelessly towards the challenge waiting for her. Whatever it was, she was ready for it! Outside, the camp was in chaos. Women and children were screaming and running into the wilderness as dawn began to break through the darkness. A bastard rode up to her and grabbed her by the arm lifting her onto his black steed. The horse’s front leg lifted into the air at the extra weight.

  “Let me go you basted!” Casey wailed and struggled, her anger became a scalding fury.

  “What do I have here, a white squaw?” Cold eyes mocked her. “Santa Maria! A gringo? Well my little chica you’re to valuable to work as a slave in the silver mines of Chihuahua. I keep you for myself. Brighten my hacienda, si?”

  His evil laugh and lusty leer infuriated her and a brief shiver rippled up her spine. Keep me! You wanta bet! She had no intentions of permitting herself to be his or anyone’s slave. Arrogant piss ant!

  Casey squirmed around and bit his earlobe making him howl and dropping her to the ground. Spinning quickly around, she picked up the spear and jabbed him in his fat belly. He looked quite surprised and the hombre’s black eyes blinked at the weapon protruding from his stomach. With a curse, he fell off his mount and she took no time on deliberating her next move. Swiftly, she mounted his horse. It was impossible to steady her erratic pulse as adrenaline ran rapidly through her giving her the edge she needed to fight. Gunfire and screams enveloped the camp but she noticed that the Spaniards were not shooting at anyone but firing into the air. They wanted their captives alive.

  In the corner of her eye, she spied another Spaniard picking up a bawling child. Casey’s breath burned in her throat like acid and she charged with a cry of mounting rage. Her nostrils flaring with fury, she leaped from the horse onto the unsuspecting Spaniard; they tumbled to the ground. The child ran away crying and the sonofabitch stood, eyeing her with a sly smirk. He wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth and lunged for her but an arrow in his back stopped him. She looked up to see Fire Arrow smile at her, but then a mounted man kicked the Apache with his booted foot sending the red man flying to the ground.

  “You dirty pole cat!” Pure rancor for those animals sharpened her voice and she wailed, “You low life cowards attacking women and children!” She raised her fist in anger and conviction. The hombre merely grinned, but he soon lost his smile when a shot rang out and the Spaniard fell from his horse. She turned to see Blake holding a smoking pistol, looking none to pleased with her. But there was no time to argue the point since another rider was heading for Blake with his gun aimed at his unsuspecting back.

  Casey had but a spit second to lunge for the fallen bastard’s weapon. Rolling over she fired and shot the charging Spaniard. Another bastard hit the dust and she grinned at Blake, as she jumped to her feet. He didn’t return her gesture, but she saw the pride in his light blue eyes. It was all the gratitude she needed.

  He came to her. “Are you all right?”

  Trembling she lied, “Sure.” Then she looked down at the dead son-of-a-bitch and her stomach churned. She’d never killed anyone before. Although Casey was glad it was the Spaniard and not innocent people, it left her feeling empty inside.

  So much cruelty in this world, she reflected.

  Blake hugged her. “I know it’s upsetting to kill someone,” he proclaimed reading her mind. “But it was his decision to come here to terrorize the Indians not yours. He had put his fate into your hands and you didn’t have the choice that he had. Come, get inside before you‘re in more danger.”

  Then she saw the women a
nd children were throwing rocks, pot and pan, stick and anything else they could get their hands on. It became a free-for-all until the last three remaining hombres fled from the camp. The Apache’s suffered only minor injuries but three Spaniards lay dead and two were sprawled on the ground holding their bleeding heads.

  When order came again in the tiny camp, Fire Arrow explained how the Spaniards would raid their villages to capture slaves to mine for silver in Northern Mexico. They in turn would retaliate by raiding Spanish settlements to seize cattle, horses, firearms, and captives of their own. Although Fire Arrow claimed he and his clan never had been attacked before and it had been quite, he suspected that the leader of this raid was a greedy bastard who decided to take matters into his own hands. He believed the Spaniards wouldn’t come back, thanks to her and Blake.

  That night she and Blake gathered around a huge fire and watched the natives dance. It brought back to mind another time she watched Indians celebrate, filling her head with bitter- sweet memories making her wondered how her friend, Star Gazer was doing?

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  “Mama, mama!” Casey heard Blue Moon yell as she rode in with Blake. The child’s parents raced out of their wickiup as the entire tribe emerged from their homes. Moon Glow and Blue Thunder were ecstatic to see them returned. For a second she wondered where her brother was, she wanted to ask if he had married Summer Wind in her absence, but she was so caught up with all the excitement, she forgot to ask. Moon Glow grabbed her and hugged her also. Then Blue Thunder took his turn. She was glad to see Star Gazer and he greeted her warmly.

  Casey was so touched by all this affection and concern, it made her eyes tear. She was loved and she loved these people whom she had known for such a short time. They were the kindest folks she had ever known. Blake got his share of hugs by the Apache’s and a hardy handshake from Hunter. Star Gazer patted Blake on the back, which pleased her knowing they were now friends again

  Blue Thunder raised his hand. “We will hear whole story tomorrow. My wife will see you both get a good meal before retiring.”

  Blake told the big brave about Hawk Nose; that he was dead. There was a huge sigh of relief from both he and his wife. She took Blake’s hand and led him to her lodge. When noticing her brother’s things were gone, a smile formed on her lips; they would be alone.

  “Do you think Hunter and Summer Wind married?” asked Blake.

  Casey shrugged. “I suppose they did, his belongings are gone.” She snorted saying, “He better be, or have a good excuse for not being here. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.” She snuggled against Blake and nibbled on his earlobe. It was still too cold to make love the last few nights on the trail; their body heat was all they had to keep from freezing.

  The days were warmer, and they wanted to make tracks for the village quickly. Now Casey was eager to make love to Blake and she overjoyed that he shared her enthusiasm.

  Clothes were torn away and they joined quickly. When they lay in the afterglow, Blake teased her. “Well, my little vixen, can’t keep your hands off me, huh?”

  She giggled and punched him playfully, “I didn’t hear any complaints, my virile cowboy.”

  “Mmmm,” he took an erect nipple between his teeth and nipped and tugged until she groaned. “Is that a protest, my love?”

  “My only complaint would be if you stopped, so I’ll give you two hours to quit that.”

  With his free hand, he stroked her womanhood. “How long do you give me to stop that?”

  She gasped and raised her pelvis higher, letting him know he could give her pleasure until the cows came home. “No complaints, darling,” her voice was hoarse with desire.

  He entered her, grinning knowingly, “And this?”

  “Oh, please never stop that!” And she met his every thrust eagerly and neither had a thing to complain about.

  The next morning, Casey’s sleep was forced into consciousness by Summer Wind’s soft voice.

  “Good morning, Casey. Good morning, Blake, may I enter?”

  Summer Wind asked for permission to enter. She was uncomfortable by the fact that she and Blake were only covered with a buffalo hide. Blake must have sensed her uneasiness and whispered, his eyes twinkling with mirth, “Summer Wind knows what goes on between a man and a woman. Besides, your tiny mouth is puffy and red from our passionate kisses.”

  He winked at her and then told Summer Wind to enter. Casey pouted, pulling the blanket up to under her nose. Summer Wind entered shyly, looking at her feet. She then handed her teasing bed partner a bowl of stew and blushed. Casey could have groaned out loud, the cowboy was right the girl did know what had transpired between them.

  “I am sorry, I hate to bother you but Blue Thunder insisted I bring food since it was getting late, the sun is high in sky,” she apologized. “I brought good meal to start day. You both look as if can use more flesh on bones.” Her eyes downcast, she mumbled, “And, everyone waiting to hear story.”

  “Thank you,” Blake took the bowl. Casey and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

  Summer Wind nodded and turned to leave.

  “Wait!” cried Casey.

  Summer Wind turned. “Yes?”

  “Did you and my brother marry?” Casey didn’t mean to be so blunt but she didn’t get a chance to talk with Hunter privately last night and she was eager to know.

  Summer Wind nodded sheepishly. “We joined as husband and wife for two moons. Hunter wanted sister here, but after one moon we not know if you return and we....”

  The shy Indian blushed again looking at the floor. “My husband could not wait. When we received news of your arrival late last night. Hunter wanted to leave our lodge, come here but I said today will be better.”

  Casey saw the love sparkle in Summer Wind’s eyes when she mentioned Hunter’s name; her sister-in-law loved him deeply. She was happy they had wed because two people that much in love shouldn’t wait for anything, she told this to Summer Wind. Light eyes met hers with a woman’s understanding.

  “You and Hunter do not live here any more?”

  “Oh, no. A married woman stays with her clan. We came early this morning to see you both.”

  “Oh, so that’s why my brother wasn’t here to greet me,” Casey blurted out before she realized it. She knew she sounded annoyed and rightly so, but she hadn’t meant to sound so condescending. She saw Summer Wind blush and she quickly apologized for her thoughtless out- burst. “I’m not angry at Hunter; I was just a little hurt that he wasn’t here. Please don’t tell him. And welcome to the family, I always wanted a sister.”

  Summer Wind nodded. “I will honor sister-by-marriage request.”

  Once she and Blake went outside, her brother was waiting patiently for her. She ran into his open arms and wept openly as they clung. Drying her tears, she proceeded to congratulate him on his marriage and insured him that she was well. Blake shook her brother’s hand and Hunter couldn’t thank her cowboy enough for saving her.

  “Oh, Hunter,” she sniffled, “I wish ma and pa could see how happy and how handsome you are,” sniffle. “And a married man with responsibilities,” she sniffled again. “I’m pleased and proud of you myself. Take care of your wife; she is as special, as you. I will miss you, brother.”

  He wiped away a tear of his own. “I love you Casey. I hope you and Blake will find as much joy as I have. And I won’t be that far away. Summer Wind’s clan is just over that ridge.”

  She presented him with a very wet smile.

  That day all gathered around to hear their story. She listened to Blake unfold the tale, relieved that he didn’t mention the love they had shared together those past months. Casey learned from Moon Glow that once Hawk Nose and she had been good friends, but he had mistaken her brotherly love for something greater. She learned that Hawk Nose’s village had been raided by greedy men and many Indians were killed. He had been shot twice and Moon Glow was sure he would die, but the man’s sheer determination made him live. Moon Glow told her how h
e used their friendship to lead her from the safety of the village when she was carrying Gray Wolf, Blue Thunder’s first son.

  Blake squeezed Casey’s hand reassuring her that he was there for her. She knew he had heard the whole story but never relayed it, saying that he did not want to upset her more.

  “I was a fool to trust him,” Moon Glow said, lowering her gaze. “I am still shamed of my stupidity. My husband had gone with Star Gazer, Weeping Bird and some braves to revenge the men who had slaughtered almost the whole village because there was silver on the land.”

  Moon Glow glanced at Blue Thunder and Casey saw him frown, surely with the memory.

  “I was so worried about my husband that I neglected our daughter, Blue Moon.” She took a deep breath and sighed. “Laughing Tree and Dasodaha scolded me for my disregard of my daughter’s welfare and Laughing Tree took Blue Moon to her dwelling to care for the child. My pregnancy was not noticeable but Blue Thunder was gone so long I began to show and Hawk Nose tried to comfort me.”

  Moon Glow squeezed her husband’s hand affectionately and her voice softened. “I couldn’t stand the wait any longer and food was getting scarce. I believed if I was gone, there would be more for Laughing Tree, Dasodaha and my daughter. And Hawk Nose seemed so sincere in helping me find my husband.”

  Blue Thunder snorted rudely. “As it was, Star Gazer and I were captured by soldiers! We were going to be hanged.”

  Casey gasped.

  Blue Thunder shook his head. “If it were not for the kind lady who befriended Moon Glow when she stayed at the fort, I would have not lived to see my wife or children.”

  “How did you get free?” Casey asked.

  “The lady passed me the key to cell, but I had to promise not to kill any soldiers. She claimed there was going to be party that night and she would see that a guard received a bottle. The few braves that survived wanted to cut the soldiers throat. I made them keep my word to the white woman. No one noticed us slip away. When I returned to village, I learn of my wife’s foolishness.” The big brave didn’t hide the fact that he was still annoyed by his wife’s actions.