Promise Trail

by Shirleen Davies

  Bull stood frozen in place. He had no idea what had been decided, if anything. Cursing, he ran a shaky hand through his hair, then slammed his hat down on his head.

  “What now?” His gaze sought Luke’s, but he saw no answers in his friend’s face.

  “We wait.”

  “Will he help us, Luke?” Sam straightened his shoulders as his voice shook.

  “I don’t know.”

  “He’s had braves following us most of the time. They were there the morning Lydia left. They saw everything.” Bull couldn’t believe no one in the search party heard or saw them. They knew someone followed, always assuming it had been White Buffalo’s men. Letting out a stream of vile curses, which seldom crossed his lips, he turned to Luke. “I can’t wait any longer. I’m riding back to the Crow camp.”

  Luke walked up, gripping Bull’s shoulder. “The hell you are. We’re all in this together—with or without Running Bear’s help. For now, we wait for his decision.”

  Bull rounded on his friend, his words dying on his lips when Running Bear emerged from the tipi. His expression didn’t change as his gaze moved from Sam, to Luke, then to Bull.

  “Tomorrow, we go after your woman.”

  Bull’s jaw dropped open, his voice catching when he tried to speak.

  “We will be ready,” Luke answered as Running Bear turned to return to his tipi. “Come on, Bull. It’s time to tell the others.”

  Lydia huddled in White Buffalo’s tipi, fighting tears. He’d stormed out minutes before after another morning of brutal treatment. Her arms and upper body showed the results of what he expected. Each time he took her, she forced all images of the vicious warrior from her mind, instead focusing on Bull. She wrapped herself around memories of him, as if his presence in her heart could make him real.

  Over a week had gone by since White Buffalo had taken her as his wife. The torturous nights and agonizing days felt like years. Every muscle ached, she couldn’t sleep, and hadn’t been able to keep down more than a few bites of food since before she left Bull. Her weight had dropped, as it had when she’d been held captive. Choking down her regret, she accepted death as preferable to staying alive in what would be her future. Even if she ran, she had no place to go. Bull would never take her back, not after what White Buffalo had made her do. No matter the love, she could never look Bull in the face, seeing his trusting eyes, knowing what she’d done.

  Even if he took her back out of pity, it would never be the same. She wouldn’t be able to face her friends or handle the scorn directed at her. If he took her back, Bull would also endure the disdain of those he’d always called friends. The people of Splendor would turn against her, as she’d heard other towns doing when white women had been captured and taken as Indian wives. As supportive as they’d been when Bull and the Pelletiers found the orphans hiding in the cave, she doubted Reverend and Mrs. Paige would allow her to return to church.

  Her decision freed Sam and Mal, but abolished all chance for a normal life in the white man’s world. Killing herself would be a mercy.

  Lydia’s stomach growled, threatening to rebel at the lack of food. She could try to eat, but the result would be the same—throbbing pain ending in her bending over, losing all she’d taken in. Instead, she focused on getting away. Dying in the wilderness would be preferable to a slow death inside the Crow camp.

  Running fingers through her short, tangled hair, she grabbed what needed to be washed and walked to the river. She already knew what to expect.

  The women would shun her, some even throwing rocks. The children would run around in circles, taunting her, calling her names for which there was no white man’s meaning. Sometimes White Buffalo would lean against a tree and watch. Other times, he’d walk past, not acknowledging her. He never intervened. His lack of action revealed his disrespect for her, as well as his approval of what the women and children were doing.

  Today, though, they’d see a different Lydia. She’d made up her mind. She’d stand tall, ignore all their insults, knowing it would be her last day in camp. Tomorrow, after White Buffalo left, she’d go for berries, take the path along the other side of the river, and disappear.

  Bull tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable on the hard ground. It was well past midnight. In a few hours, the raid on the Crow village would commence. Running Bear had selected to camp a couple miles away, confident Red Tail’s guards wouldn’t spot them. Before sunrise, they’d ride into the village, kill as few as possible, leaving with the prize they sought. If all went well, Lydia would be back in his arms by nightfall.

  Turning onto his back, Bull folded his arms behind his head and stared up at the star-filled sky. Nothing had changed from one night to the next. The stars still twinkled, the moon still moved, yet his world had been changed forever. He thought of those back home, knowing the worry this trip caused them. Luke hadn’t complained, but Bull knew his friend missed Ginny terribly and wanted nothing more than to return to her and the baby who’d arrive in a few months.

  Sucking in a shaky breath, Bull remembered how he and Lydia talked of having children. He wanted four or five. She’d been thrilled with the idea of a large family, their children running around, causing havoc. Now, all he wanted was to have her back in his arms.

  His thoughts were so wrapped around Lydia, he didn’t realize he’d finally drifted to sleep until Luke shook him awake.

  “It’s time, Bull.”

  The Blackfoot made no sound as they mounted their horses. Luke turned to Sam, Billy, Travis, Mal, Johnny, and Tat. “Last chance to wait here. None of you need to ride after Lydia.”

  Travis glanced at the others before stepping forward. “No offense, boss, but we’re wasting time. Running Bear’s men are ready, and so are we.”

  “He’s right, Luke. It’s time to bring Lydia home.” Sam mounted his horse, riding toward the group of braves, ready to go after the warrior who’d caused him and his family so much pain.

  “It’s settled.” Luke swung up on Prince, nodded at Bull once, then rode to join Running Bear. “We are ready.”

  Lydia rubbed her eyes, stretching to loosen her sore muscles. Peeking outside, she guessed it would be at least an hour before the sun rose. White Buffalo and several braves had ridden to the east late the night before to raid a farm a day’s ride from camp. She wouldn’t have even known that much except his mother took great joy in talking about his plans, knowing he told Lydia nothing.

  Once White Buffalo left camp, she gathered her meager belongings, deciding it was better to rest and make sure her husband didn’t return. The little food and small flask of water she’d been able to hide wouldn’t last long, perhaps two days, maybe three. It would have to be enough.

  Reaching into a basket concealed along one section of the tipi, she withdrew a knife, smiling at the one piece of good luck she had. As careful as White Buffalo was around her, he’d left it behind in his haste to ride out with the others. It wouldn’t protect her from large animals, but it was all she had. Tucking it into her buckskin clothing, she glanced around one more time, seeing nothing else worth taking. She’d travel light and run fast, taking only what she needed to get away from the Crow camp and the prison she’d willingly walked into.

  Pulling open the flaps of the tipi, she jumped at the sound of horses. Stumbling backward, her heart pounded, fearing White Buffalo had returned. Turning, she hid the food and water, leaving the knife secure in the folds of her clothes, then huddled down, drawing the blanket around her.

  Holding his gun steady, Bull rode through the village, searching for White Buffalo. He’d dispatch the warrior first, then find Lydia. While the Blackfoot, Luke, and the others surrounded the confused people, keeping them occupied, he’d grab Lydia and ride out.

  Reining to a stop in front of White Buffalo’s tipi, he fought off two Crow men who came after him with knives. Older, neither showed much fight when Bull relieved them of their weapons, leveling his gun at them.

  “Don’t move.” His deep g
rowl and unwavering hand had the desired effect. Neither budged, even as their gazes darted around, watching as Running Bear’s braves gathered the people into a circle in the center of the village. “I’ve come for the white woman. Where is she?”

  Although their eyes shifted to the tent behind him, neither spoke.

  “I’ve got them, Bull. You find Lydia.” Luke rode up next to him, Sam and Billy on either side.

  Still holding his gun, Bull turned back to the tipi, ready for his encounter with White Buffalo. Not waiting, he opened the flap and peered inside. At first, he saw nothing, then his gaze landed on a small form wrapped in a blanket, making no move to attack. Bull took a cautious step forward.

  Lydia’s heart squeezed when she heard the familiar voice outside the tipi. Bull. He’d come for her. In her excitement, she’d almost tossed the blanket aside, then reality gripped her. She couldn’t let him see her like this…wouldn’t leave with him. Fear ripped through her, knowing the disgust he’d feel at the sight of her. He’d say nothing, but Lydia knew what Bull would think. She’d betrayed him, given herself to the enemy to free her brother. Nothing could change what she’d done, how she’d suffered, but she refused to drag Bull into it.

  The sound of Luke’s voice had her scooting further back into the tipi, holding the blanket up so Bull couldn’t see her face. Hearing someone draw aside the flap, she drew her knees tight to her chest, praying he wouldn’t find her.

  “Lydia?”

  She jerked when he called her name. White Buffalo and those in the village called her Golden Bird. The sound of her name on Bull’s lips had her trembling.

  “Lydia, is that you?”

  She could hear him move farther inside, knowing he stood just feet away. Clutching the blanket, her mind screamed for him to turn around, leave, even as her heart beat wildly, reaching out to him.

  Feeling the blanket begin to lift, she jerked away, a futile attempt to avoid him discovering her.

  “Lydia, it’s Bull. I’ve come to take you home.”

  In one quick motion, the blanket was ripped away and tossed aside. Unable to bear his scrutiny, she lowered her forehead onto her knees, shaking her head. Tears spilled down her cheeks. Lydia knew she couldn’t endure what she’d see when his eyes met hers. Sensing him crouch before her, she continued to shake her head, letting out a low keening sound when his hand rested on top of her head.

  Chapter Nine

  The first thing Bull noticed was her hair. The glorious, long strawberry blonde locks had been cut away, but he had no time to comment before his head exploded at her ear-piercing scream.

  “Lydia, stop. It’s Bull. I’m taking you home.”

  Holding both arms above her head to fend him off, she didn’t look up, panic taking control. “I won’t go back. I’ll never go back.”

  Ignoring her words, he slipped an arm around her back, attempting to pick her up. Instead, her body jerked, arms flailing as she tried to push him away.

  “No, no, no. I don’t want to leave.” Her words cut through him, but didn’t deter Bull’s response.

  Capturing her wrists in one hand, he drew them above her head, searching her eyes. The pain, fear, and panic he saw might have deterred a weaker man. That man wasn’t Bull Mason. Behind the anguish and terror, he could still see the love, the Lydia he’d want until the day he died.

  Tightening his grip, he leaned closer. “I’m not leaving you here. You can walk or I’ll toss you over my shoulder, but you are coming with me.”

  Fear turned to resolve as she glared back at him, her voice rising. “I won’t go back to the ranch or Splendor or anywhere with you.”

  “Of course you’re going back.” His grip loosened a little. Big mistake.

  Hardening her heart, she said the only thing she hoped would stop him. “I don’t love you anymore.”

  She saw pain flicker across his face, her chest constricting at his agonized expression. An instant later, to her dismay, it was replaced by a look of pure determination.

  “To hell with this.” His muttered words were followed by him picking her up, flinging her over his shoulder. Exiting the tipi, he felt her hands beat on his back, her feet connecting with his legs. “Stop it, Lydia. We’re going home. You can tell me how much you hate me later.”

  Shocked at what he saw, Luke rushed toward him. “What’s going on?”

  “She says she doesn’t want to go.”

  “I don’t want to leave. Put me down.”

  Bull raised a brow at Luke.

  “We can’t have Running Bear thinking she wants to stay.” Luke reached into a pocket, pulled out a handkerchief, and grasped the back of Lydia’s hair. “Sorry, darlin.” When she opened her mouth to speak, he stuffed the cloth inside, silencing her. Luke glanced around, seeing Running Bear’s attention focused on the Crow they’d surrounded. “Hand her to me while you get on Abe. You need to ride out fast. Don’t stop to talk to anyone.”

  Bull grabbed Abe’s reins, hoisting himself into the saddle, then took Lydia from Luke. Placing her face down across his lap, he leaned forward.

  “Don’t fight me, Lydia. I’m taking you back to the ranch, and that’s the end of it.”

  Kicking Abe, he sped past everyone, out of the village, and into the open.

  Riding fast and hard, Bull put as much distance as possible between them and the Crow camp before stopping to rest and wait for Luke. He’d removed the handkerchief from Lydia’s mouth a mile from the village, expecting her to yell and scream. To his surprise, she had stayed silent. Instead, she reached behind her in an attempt to hit him. Putting a large palm on her back, he’d pressed down until she stopped. When she continued, he swatted her on the rump, stilling her motions.

  Dismounting, he lifted her from the saddle, then placed her on the ground, holding her arms tight to her sides. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, hold her to him, and never let go. Instead, he found himself in the role of her captor. Watching closely, he noted her gaze not meeting his as she searched their surroundings. On a deep sigh, he pulled her wrists together, holding them with one hand, gripping her chin with the other.

  “Look at me, Lydia.”

  When she didn’t oblige, he tightened his hold on her chin, lifting it so her eyes met his.

  “Do I need to tie you up?”

  She shook her head until he loosened his hold, although he refused to release her wrists. Her lower lip trembled, her gaze falling to the ground.

  “You should have left me.” Her strained whisper was almost lost in the breeze.

  “I would never have left you. Not ever.”

  “It would have been better if you had.” Her shoulders slumped when he let go of her wrists. Taking a few unsteady steps backward, she turned away. “I can’t go back. Please don’t force me.”

  Walking up behind her, he placed his hand on her hips, but she jerked away. “I don’t understand. Why would it be better?”

  A spasm of emotion rolled through her. She wanted to scream, hammer his chest with her fists, rage at the injustice. The man she loved stood before her, had risked his life to rescue her. But Lydia knew it wasn’t enough to heal the hurt. Nothing would ever erase what had happened in the course of a few days. She could never forget, and neither would he once he heard the truth. Bull needed to understand how she felt, what the future would be like if he kept her with him. Taking a deep breath, she turned to face him.

  Before she could start, he moved forward, cupping her face in his palms. “I love you, Lydia. No matter what happened with White Buffalo, it won’t change how I feel.” Bending, he brushed a kiss across her lips. When she didn’t try to stop him or pull away, he settled his mouth over hers, letting out a sigh at the familiar taste and feel.

  He felt satisfaction when her hands reached up to clench his shirt. A moment later, she pushed away, stepping out of his reach. Her eyes filled with tears as she shook her head.

  “I’m so sorry, Bull. So very sorry.”

  He choked down his reply
at the sound of riders. Her despair and guilt at what happened tore through him, causing an ache too deep to define. Taking a quick glance over his shoulder to see Luke and the others ride up, he shifted back to Lydia.

  “There’s no time now, but know this. I will never walk away from you. It won’t matter what you tell me. I’ll always be here for you.”

  After a brief rest, the group continued on in silence. Running Bear had taken two horses from the Crow, giving them to Luke for Lydia and Sam. Having learned to ride bareback while with the Crow, Billy offered her his saddle, switching the familiar Indian rope bridle with his leather one. Sam took the second horse, easily handling the animal without a saddle.

  Both Sam and Billy tried to approach her as the journey progressed. Lydia shook her head each time, turning away. She did ride between them, spurning Bull’s request she ride up front with Luke and him.

  “What did you tell Running Bear?”

  “We spoke little.” Luke reached behind him, grabbing a flask and taking a long drink of water. “I asked what he thought would happen when White Buffalo and Red Tail returned. He shrugged it off and smiled, saying how easy it had been with both the warrior and the chief out on a raiding party. I did get his promise he’d send for help if the Crow retaliated.”

  “Will he?”

  “Doubtful. Red Tail’s village is a splinter band of the Crow tribe. They are capable of sneak raids, but taking on Running Bear’s village isn’t the same. The Blackfoot have them outnumbered and the advantage of location. It would be hard for anyone to approach without them knowing.”

  Bull nodded. “As we already found out.” Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Lydia riding between Billy and Sam, her head down.

  “How is she doing?”

  Turning back around, he shot a quick look at Luke. “Not good. She told me she’s sorry and I should have left her there. Can you believe it?” His voice began to rise as anger clawed at him. “She said it would have been better if I hadn’t come after her.” He scrubbed a hand down his face, then rubbed his chin. “I know she was there too long, but I got there as soon as I could.”