Savage Conquest

by Janelle Taylor

  Most women here viewed life as dull and arduous, but Miranda thrived on the excitement which surrounded her. Due to the confiscation of Indian horses, animals were in abundance at the fort. Lucas would frequently rent two and they would go riding, never straying far alone unless in the company of the soldiers until they could learn their way around the rugged terrain.

  Each night, Lucas would record the day's events and store his notes in a leather pouch. He hid the precious packet under a loosened board beneath the table. Miranda also started a journal about her own adventures. She wrote Amanda several long letters but held them until news arrived saying it was safe to contact her sister.

  One morning, Lucas rushed to the cabin to tell Miranda he was riding out on patrol with a small troop from the fort. Later, Calamity Jane came by for a visit. Miranda's chores were done, so she was sitting at the table, writing another letter to her sister to pass the time. Jane asked her to go for a ride, but Miranda was reluctant. When Jane convinced her there was no danger, for Indians believed her "touched by the evil spirits" and left her alone, Miranda promptly accepted and quickly changed into her riding habit.

  They rode for a time with Jane pointing out sights and telling Miranda tales about the area's turbulent past. When Jane spotted smoke curling up in the distance, she ordered Miranda to wait while she checked it out, for the cavalry paid her high prices for valuable information. Miranda pleaded with her not to go or to allow her to tag along. Jane blatantly refused, saying she could escape swiftly if there was any trouble. She told Miranda to ride hard and fast for the fort if she fired shots into the air.

  Miranda watched Jane gallop off toward the hills. She tied her reins to a small bush and walked to a large boulder. She climbed upon it and sat down to wait, tucking her flowing hems beneath her legs. She was apprehensive about the possible dangers Jane might face out there, but she wasn't terrified of being left alone. Yet as time passed and solitude closed in on her, Miranda had the strangest feeling she was being watched. She scanned her surroundings in all directions, seeing nothing and no one. But the sensation persisted.

  She waited about twenty minutes before she saw Jane coming her way at a steady pace. She sighed in relief and headed for her horse. As she mounted, she glanced around, finding and hearing nothing. The warrior's image flickered before her mind's eye and she studied the harsh landscape, wondering where he was at that moment.

  At home alone, Miranda reflected on the strange episode, scolding herself for not checking out the mystery. She had not felt peril or evil but she had sensed a sadness and longing. She had actually warmed and tingled! Was she fantasizing, dreaming, hoping? Had it actually been the unknown warrior's powerful gaze on her, his forceful magnetism, his heady allure? Her heart soared with pleasure and her mind raced in confusion. Who was he and where? Recalling her cousin's reaction to her last confession, Miranda couldn't tell Lucas about this intriguing event and she couldn't ask anyone about the warrior, but inwardly she felt elated by this delightful mystery. Miranda danced around the cabin, then caressed the white buckskin dress which had belonged to her mother. She had brought it along to wear the first time she met her grandfather and uncle. If she braided her hair and dressed in her mother's Indian garments, she would appear more Indian than white. Surely that would inspire him to accept her.

  Days passed as the June weather grew warmer. A letter arrived from Amanda, posted in Washington. When Lucas and Miranda read it together at supper, he grimaced and she paled. Their gazes met as Lucas exploded, "Are they crazy! Of all people, Reis should know a good detective can uncover clues and track us downl Doesn't he realize Weber will go to any expense for revenge?"

  "Do you think he knows yet?" she asked shakily, the emphasis on "he" telling to whom she referred. She panicked at the thought of being thwarted irt her quest when so close to victory. "Help me, Luke; I must get to grandfather before it's too late. Find us a guide," she coaxed, eyes tearing and voice quavering.

  "I know how much this means to you, Randy. You've been patient while I rushed around chasing my dream. Don't worry; I'll find some way to get you to Sun Cloud this very week." He checked the postmark and chuckled, then commented, "This letter got here quickly. I doubt Weber has discovered any tracks yet. I'll bet Reis has him arrested and imprisoned before he can sniff out the right trail. At least Mandy and Reis are safe and happy."

  But things had gone awry in Virginia, perilously awry. The night before the climactic raid, Reis had overheard something which he couldn't share with his wife. The accident involving her parents had been ordered by none other than Weber Richardson. As Weber spouted off to Daniel McVane, neither was aware of the man who hid outside McVane's office door, listening to Weber smugly discuss his many schemes. But Weber made one statement about Joe and Marie which sent surges of hope through Reis; he would hire a search party in the morning then pray with all his might.

  That following evening, Reis and George made their rounds, collecting all the books and letters relating to the case. Not far out of town, the men assigned by Grant converged on the meeting of the Ku-Klux-Klan and arrested all present. Because a business meeting between all partners was to have been held afterward, every man involved was present and apprehended with the exception of Weber Richardson.

  A tense week passed as Reis failed to locate and arrest the leader of this menacing group. A friend of Reis arrived to manage Amanda's shipping firm and to appropriate Weber's property for the American government.

  Reis fretted over Weber's disappearance and his inability to find his enemy. Grant had already decided on Reis's next assignment, but they couldn't discuss it until Weber was apprehended and this case was closed. Reis had turned the evidence over to Grant, who locked it in his safe until the trials could commence. The case was in limbo as long as Weber remained free. Reis was infuriated by the man's actions; it seemed as if the Devil himself was guarding his servant!

  Amanda cried in fear and tension, speculating that Weber was probably on his way west to harm Lucas and Miranda or lurking nearby with the hope of slaying Reis. To ease her worries, Reis sent Lucas a telegram to warn him of Weber's disappearance and the results of the case so far. Reis told them to be careful and alert, to notify him if Weber appeared there, and to have the Army arrest and hold Weber for the U.S. government and President Grant.

  It wasn't Weber's cunning or a warning from anyone which had kept him from that meeting; it was lust for Miranda and for vengeance, and a quirk of fate. His escape had nothing to do with a premonition of danger or capture. Word had arrived that afternoon that Miranda had been located and was being held prisoner by his detective. Weber had placed McVane in charge of both meetings to rush to Charleston by train. But, ironically, McVane had been robbed and killed by a common thief as he left his office that evening, preventing him from canceling the pernicious meetings, exposing Weber's location, or contacting and warning Weber after the raid.

  Upon arriving in Charleston, Weber went wild with rage and frustration, for it was the wrong girl again. He was in such a frenzy by then that he yanked his gun, a small knuckle-duster .32, from its belt holster and shot the innocent female in the heart. It happened so swiftly and unexpectedly that the girl never had time to suspect her fate. Petrified, the queasy and frantic detective fled the scene when Weber laughed satanically and hysterically as he watched the blood saturate the front of her yellow gown.

  When he was settled, Weber calmly strolled over to the girl. He seized her auburn hair and jerked her head backward. She did favor Miranda greatly. As his wintry gaze eased over her body, he decided he had slain her too quickly, for pleasure should always precede pain. He left her as she was, laughing sardonically as he mused on the authorities puzzling over this brutal and mysterious crime.

  Before Weber could catch the next train home, one of his men met him with the dire news from Alexandria. His fury was limitless; his hunger for revenge boundless. He sent his man back to Alexandria to spy for him, and each following report incr
eased his hatred and madness. Miranda had better pray to every known god that he wouldn't find her. If he did, he vowed he would do unspeakable things to her before mutilating her lovely body and face! As for Amanda and Reis, their punishments and deaths would be far worse, for he had heard the announcement of their secret marriage. Clearly he had been duped, and they would pay in blood!

  While Lucas was trying to figure out how to get into the Sioux camp without arousing suspicion, an eye-catching officer arrived at Fort Sully from Custer's Seventh Cavalry Regiment. He was there to escort ten recruits to Fort Lincoln, as Custer liked a full report on his new men before they arrived in camp. Major Brody Sheen was Custer's most trusted off icer.

  Although cavalrymen rarely wore their sabers except for ceremonies, Brody Sheen was in full dress upon arrival. He cut a most impressive figure in his dark blue and sunny yellow uniform, an outfit which looked custom tailored for his well-muscled body. His brown hair was shorter than most men's and very curly. He had hazel eyes which concealed his thoughts and feelings, unless he chose to expose them, and he wore a neat mustache. Six feet tall and twenty-nine years old, Brody was well toned and darkly tanned from his active, outdoor lifestyle. He was dashing in looks and immaculate in dress. Among such rough men who gave little care to their appearance and to amenities, Brody's conduct and charm shone. But while outwardly he was considered handsome and virile, Miranda Lawrence was to find him less than perfect.

  Once he learned that Brody was Custer's right arm, Lucas promptly made his acquaintance, thinking that when they eventually headed to Fort Lincoln, Brody's friendship would be a valuable asset. Brody seemed to take an instant liking to Lucas, who was as jovial and bright as he was and of similar breeding and education. Brody was from a wealthy and prestigious Northern family, and he had served loyally with Custer during the Civil War. For that reason, Custer had personally requested him as an officer in his regiment. A hard man to admire and like, Custer needed someone with him who held him in high esteem and affection.

  Major Sheen introduced Lucas to the officers at Fort Sully, strengthening the writer's position there. While waiting for the recruits to arrive by keelboat, Brody had time to spend with Lucas and Miranda. The second evening of their meeting, Lucas brought him to their cabin for supper. Brody made no effort to hide his strong attraction to Miranda, entertaining her with tales of bravery and daring, pleasing her with his wit and charm. At first, Miranda found him appealing and stimulating company, a delightful conversationalist. If Miranda's mind and heart had not been already claimed by a mysterious warrior, she might have fallen under the disarming spell of this dashing soldier. And, after that night, Brody spent as much time with Miranda as with Lucas.

  They would take walks together, alone, or with Lucas. They went riding and shared several meals, including a picnic on a pond near the river. One night, there was a dance in the yard around the flagpole. Hardly three songs had been played before the men there realized Brody had staked a claim on this beautiful stranger. Knowing of Major Brody Sheen's reputed prowess with the ladies, no one dared challenge him.

  If Miranda and Lucas had not been present to occupy his time and attention, Brody would have been furious with the delay in the recruits' arrival. The June rains had failed to come as yet, and the Missouri River was treacherously low. The recruits had been compelled to leave their stranded craft before Yankton and come overland to Fort Randall to take a keelboat, requiring ten days more than anticipated. The men were fortunate that Major Sheen was too busy with a delightful and enchanting Miranda Lawrence to notice the lost time.

  The day before Brody was to leave Fort Sully, he made a terrible error in judgment. Feeling Miranda was as enamored of him as he was of her, he showered his romantic attention on her. He tricked her into a private stroll, then attempted to kiss and embrace her. When she tried to reject him without embarrassing either of them, he didn't realize she was serious. When he playfully tripped her, then caught her and rolled upon the grass with her in his tight grasp, she was angered by his boldness and persistence. Still, the arrogant Brody believed her to be coy and timid. He couldn't imagine any female would spurn him. After all, he had given her plenty of time, more than any other woman who had caught his eye. He continued his roguish siege, until she frostily scolded him and made her refusal very clear. Although Brody apologized for his misconception and behavior, Miranda noticed a glow of insincerity and impatience in his eyes. Clearly, Brody found her desirable and was resolved to have her!

  As Brody left, he encouraged Lucas to hasten his trip to Fort Lincoln, telling him there was much more going on in that area for the reporter to record. Lucas told him they would be along in about three weeks and politely refused Brody's escort this trip. Brody responded with courtesy but felt annoyance. He told Lucas he would notify him if a mission called him back this way.

  Miranda had learned many facts about her mother's people and other Indian tribes from Brody. He had made no secret of his hatred for several warriors, chiefs, and leaders: Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Gall, Red Hawk, Bloody Arrow, and Blazing Star of varying Sioux tribes, and Two Moons of the Cheyenne. She listened intently, learning all she could about these men.

  Two names in particular had brought fiery lights of rivalry and antagonism to Brody's hazel eyes: Crazy Horse and Blazing Star. Several times Brody had made comments about the feud between those two men. Brody had seemed to think that if Crazy Horse did not exist, Blazing Star would be war chief under the direction and influence of the imposing and powerful medicine and spiritual chief, Sitting Bull. Brody had laughingly remarked one night that he hoped they killed off each other over the chief's bonnet. Brody had not seemed to fear those powerful warriors, but he clearly respected and envied their skills and ranks.

  After Brody departed, Miranda gave him a good deal of mental study. Now that he was no longer present to use his charms and good looks to sway her, she mused on his personality and disarming appeal. He was unlike most men she knew. But she realized something she hadn't noticed before; Brody had a beguiling way of making a person feel a particular way about him-his way. It was as if he possessed a magical power of suggestion. Now that he was gone, she could see certain things more clearly.

  She thought about the way Brody had handled himself, and treated others, and she was astonished to conclude that Brody was arrogant and obsessive but covered such traits when it suited his purpose. Visibly, he was a man used to giving orders, to having his way or else. Qualms filled Miranda as she decided Brody could be pleasant when he gained his way or was after something, but she sensed he could be dangerous if crossed or denied. She felt sure Brody had shown his real self that last day and she shuddered as she found herself comparing Brody Sheen to Weber Richardson.

  Miranda didn't mention her concern to hercousin, but she was glad Brody was gone: She didn't trust that contradictory man. Besides, her thoughts were claimed by another, as were her dreams. A strange loneliness and hunger chewed at her, and a feeling of loss assailed her warring senses. Slowly the truth dawned on Miranda, and she chided her foolish behavior. Perhaps she had given Brody the wrong impression-that she truly cared for him. Had she unknowingly been using Brody as a needed diversion? Had he perceived her loneliness and genial overtures as romantic signals?

  Again, she pressed Lucas to help her reach her grandfather. Lucas was working on a safe solution to that problem with Calamity Jane, as she knew this territory, its people, and its dangers.

  Three days had passed when word arrived by special messenger from Brody. Two days from Fort Sully, near the Cheyenne River Agency, his troop had joined his notorious leader who was waiting there before heading west to Fort Phil Kearny. There, a meeting was to take place of the commanding officers from this immense area. The entreating letter informed Lucas of the possible historic importance of this talk, for General Terry, Colonel Gibbon, and General Crook would be present-three of the most successful and destructive officers in the cavalry. Colonel Custer had left Captain Benteen
behind to guard his fort and had ordered Major Reno to ride with him. But the name which irresistibly drew Lucas was Philip Sheridan-he, too, was alleged to be heading for this parlay.

  Lucas read the message over and over, his excitement mounting each time. He was so eager that his hands shook, causing the paper to crackle noisily, and his green eyes danced with elation. Unable to restrain himself, he gave a whoop of victory and joy. He was mentally applauding his good fortune when Miranda entered from the other room to question his merry behavior.

  He revealed his incredible and exhilarating news, but it did not have the same effect on her. Her smile faded and her heart skipped several beats, for she knew he would accept the invitation to ride along and her dream would be forced to yield to his. Miranda could not share his exuberance and zeal, but she comprehended what a priceless opportunity had been dropped into her cousin's lap. She was too dejected to care about his work, too nettled to consider its importance for history or the South. For weeks, everything had gone her cousin's way; was it selfish to demand time for her dream, to obtain her desires? They were so close to her mother's people; the new fort would put them hundreds of miles from her goal.

  Miranda also realized that if she tagged along as invited, she would be in the company of untrustworthy, cunning Brody Sheen and many squadrons of rowdy men. Evidently there was no peril in this trek, or she would not have been invited. She wondered how Brody had gained approval for her presence from Custer.