by Gini Rifkin
“You ain’t got no authority here, other than with your own men,” Tucket pointed out. “And so far you ain’t been doin’ a very good job of keepin’ them under control.”
“And it was self-defense, not murder,” Kade corrected. “Your men fired first, and they’re guilty of kidnapping this woman.” He snatched the missive, perused it, crumpled it, and threw it in the fire. “I don’t care what your piece of paper says, or whose picture you got on it, she’s done nothing wrong, and she stays with us.”
Sulgrave’s gaze narrowed, and he stared at Blind Deer with more interest than Kade appreciated. “Just your word against ours, free trapper, and you’re outnumbered—unless someone amongst this rabble has the ill-fated notion to stand with you.” The Captain leisurely glanced around. The crowd fell silent and eased back a step or two. Not one person came forward to help.
Kade gave Tucket a quick study trying to discern what he might be thinking. They’d seen their way through skirmishes before, and he knew they could fight off most of the armed men, but the end-result sounded unappealing—dead or captured. If they went peaceable, they might have a chance to get away later without injury to anyone.
But what about Blind Deer? She’d be at the mercy of the HBC again, and in the hands of this man. Sulgrave had lifeless eyes, like a snake’s, and a hard sneer of a mouth to go with them. Kade would die before he’d let this devil’s son touch her.
In the darkness behind their camp, the bushes gave the faintest rustle. Out of the shadows stepped Nikota and two other braves—bows up, arrows nocked, and deadly expressions on their painted faces. They were a beautiful sight.
The group of bystanders gave a collective gasp, and the men with Captain Sulgrave eyed one another as if to bolster their own courage.
The two men with Nikota looked exactly alike. Apparently Kinnapa and Kintama had arrived. Kade was about to breathe a sigh of relief, until Nikota issued, in his native tongue, what sounded like a deadly warning. The brave sought revenge, and who could blame him. But if he killed Sulgrave, he’d pay with his life. A standoff would be better.
Blind Deer seemed to come to the same conclusion. A warrior at heart, she picked up Tucket’s tomahawk and took a stand between her brothers and the HBC men. A hush fell over the entire camp, and the tension in the air couldn’t have been greater.
The expression on Captain Sulgrave’s face slid from calculating to demonic. He wasn’t going to give up without a fight.
No longer having the advantage, and endowed with a modicum of decency, the other HBC men didn’t appear too anxious to open fire unprovoked. Sulgrave noticed that truth too. “You will hold at the ready,” he barked, bring the soldiers to attention. “And you—” Sulgrave pointed a finger at Tucket. “—You and your stinking little band of misfits will surrender now or bear the consequences.”
Kade stepped forward. “Take me and leave the others alone. You have no quarrel with them.” He heard Blind Deer’s sharp intake of breath and prayed she’d hold her tongue and position.
Sulgrave seemed to consider the idea. “A foolishly noble offer, but I’m afraid it won’t do. Surprisingly, the woman is worth more than the two of you put together. We will be relieving you of your hides as well.”
There seemed no reasoning with Sulgrave, and no mercy in his soul.
As if petrified, they all mutely stood their ground—Kade could almost hear time ticking away. Heart pounding, he prayed no one would make an untoward move or fire an unintentional shot, setting off a blood bath.
Out of the dead silence, the wail of bagpipes split the night. The hairs at the nape of his neck stood on end, and the eerie sound grew louder as a lone piper drew near. Two men followed. One was short, wearing a cape and top hat. The other one, much larger, leaned upon a cane. Unable to resist, even Sulgrave turned toward the commotion. A moment later, he removed his hat and grabbed at his hair as if wishing to tear it from his head in anger.
The short man in the tall hat seemed to be in charge, and unafraid of the Captain. “Sulgrave, what is the meaning of this?”
“These two free trappers killed several of my men, and I am arresting them. There is also a warrant out for the Indian woman.”
“It isn’t true.” Before he could stop her, Blind Deer stepped forward. “The HBC men took me prisoner, and these men saved me. It was a fair battle.”
“Bless my soul, is that you Blind Deer?” The taller man pushed forward, coming to stand before her. “I was hoping to find you here, young lady, but not under these circumstances.” The man’s expression darkened as he turned to face the Captain. “By order of King William, this woman is under my protection. You will cease and desist any hostile action and leave her and her friends in peace.”
“Sir Reginald.” Blind Deer reached out to the man. “My heart rejoices at your recovery. And you’ve come to my rescue yet again. I never stole anything, I promise you.”
“I believe you, child. When I saw the sketch being bandied around at the fort, I knew it was a ruse. No doubt perpetrated out of spite by the Reverend and his wife. If you were arrested and in prison, no one would believe your accusations against them and their cruelty. Another crime to add to their list of offenses. They shall be dealt with.”
“I’m Governor Simpson.” The shorter man in top hat and cape stepped forward, introducing himself. “On behalf of the Hudson Bay Company, Northern division, I apologize for this inconvenience. Captain…to my tent immediately.”
“This isn’t over.” Sulgrave snarled out the threat as he left, signaling his men to disband.
“On that you are correct, Captain. This is not over by a longshot.” The Governor appeared red-faced with anger as he spoke to Kade and Blind Deer. “You have my word I will get to the bottom of this.”
Blind Deer’s brothers didn’t look convinced.
“There is more to the story,” Kade put in, addressing the government official. If they had any hope of Nikota not taking matters into his own hands, the tale of what happened to Blind Deer’s tribe needed to be told to this man.
“I am willing to listen to all accusations. And again, appropriate punishment will be served. Apparently, it has been a long time coming. But the hour is late. See me in the morning, young man. We will take your official statement then.”
Their curiosity waning, the bystanders dispersed, talking and speculating amongst themselves.
Chapter Fifteen
The Governor left, but Sir Reginald stayed behind.
“Welcome to rendezvous, Kade.” Tucket’s sarcastic comment was followed by him reaching for the jug of stump blower. “After looking down the bore of those English rifles, I could use a little something to bolster my spirits.”
“I’m with you there, partner. Pass it over.” Kade dropped down onto the willow backrest closest to the fire and took a long pull on the jug. Blind Deer continued to speak with the man who had come to her defense. Although curious as a cat, Kade figured to give her some privacy. She would be safe enough with her brothers, Tucket, and himself at hand.
“Who be all those Indian fellas, and that old toff?”
From the bits and pieces of Blind Deer’s story, recanted to him while he was in and out of consciousness, Kade figured out who the fancy Englishman must be, and he relayed the information to his partner.
“You mean for sure she won’t be stayin’ on with us?” Tucket appeared as brokenhearted as Kade felt.
“I reckon not. I was hoping to marry her, Tucket. I have never felt this way for any women I ever met. It’ll be poor doin’s when she’s gone. No more shinin’ times. I’m not sure I can face another winter without her.”
“I’m sorry to hear it, son. Either way, with or without her, I’m not sure I can face another winter in them Stony Mountains myself.”
“You been saying such for years,” Kade accused.
“I mean it this time. I’m tired of fighting the British, and the price of plews keeps a droppin’ while the price of supplies rises faster t
han a feather in a wind storm. No profit to be made. I gotta start lookin’ after my retirement years.”
Kade felt his heart being squeezed from both sides. He was about to lose the woman he loved and his partner in the only livelihood he’d ever known. “You got a few more years left in you for floatin’ your stick.”
“The beaver are just about played out. I seen it happen with the whales, and it’ll happen to those poor critters too.”
“Then how about the buffalo. There’s money to be made there.”
“Nope. My soul can’t take any more bruises. Killin’ your share for eatin’ or feedin’ folks is one thing. But they’re a slaughterin’ those magnificent critters just for the skin, lettin’ the rest go to rot.”
Kade gave a mighty sigh. “I hear ya. Then what the devil are we gonna do? Trapping’s all I know.”
“All ya know right now. Don’t mean ya can’t learn something new. We could pilot some of the wagons heading to Oregon. Or we could just go ourselves and stake a claim before it gets too crowded out there too.”
“And do what, become farmers?”
“Farmin’ ain’t nothin’ to be ashamed of. Or maybe we could open a tradin’ post on the shore. I’m handy with a boat and could do some netting. Salted fish is a good seller for the land voyagers. And your Pa was a cobbler—anywhere you go folks be needin’ shoes. I know for a fact you’re still draggin’ around some of his tools. I’m handy at whittling. I can make you your wooden lasts for formin’ the shoes.”
The idea started to sound like a possibility. If he had to go on without Blind Deer, starting something new to occupy his mind and body would help keep him from pining away for her.
He glanced over at Tucket. His friend puffed away on his favorite pipe, the one carved from the piece of catlinite they’d traded for two years ago. Kade supposed Tucket was looking a might older lately, and after his own recent injuries, Kade was feeling older himself. Maybe a new beginning was just the thing. In truth, for the long haul, they could both use a future of a more genteel nature.
“Well, I’m sure not looking forward to another winter of wading up to my crotch in freezing river water. Or battling the shut-in crazies either. It’s a deal, partner. We’ll head west together.”
****
“I am joyful you have recovered so well, Sir Reginald.”
“Without you nursing me back to Fort Hall, I’m not sure I could have made it.” His eyes brightened in curiosity as he took in Nikota, Kinnapa, and Kintama.
“You fought hard to get there,” Blind Deer praised. “But why are you here? You should still be resting.”
“The sketch of you came to my attention as it circulated around the fort, along with the ugly messenger they sent to find you. I was hoping to track you down before anyone else could. You mentioned the possibility of coming to this year’s regalia, and when the Governor and an HBC contingency from Fort Elise stopped off at Fort Hall, heading this way, I demanded an escort.”
“So, you are a great adventurer after all, Lord Seton. Did you get to stay in a tipi?” She remembered his list of things he’d wished to accomplish out West.
“I did indeed. A bit of a smoky proposition at times, but quite comfortable and warm. Although I must admit, I am spoiled and much prefer the marquee for long term use.”
“And did you shoot a grizzly bear in honor of Hugh Glass?” She thought of her and Maggie’s run in with the small black bear. She wouldn’t want to face down a grizzly.
“Good heavens no,” he chuckled. “We saw a fantastic sow at a distance. Her size and magnificence were beyond my imagining. But with two cubs at her side, she appeared in a bit of a foul mood, so we thought discretion the better part of honor.”
“A wise choice.” She grinned back at him.
“Now you must introduce me to these stalwart lads.”
“This is my brother, Nikota.”
“We are all her brothers,” piped up Kinnapa and Kintama in unison.
“Amazing. It’s an honor to meet you. Good show taking a stand against Captain Sulgrave. He’s an unsavory man to say the least. And I’m so glad you found your family, Blind Deer.”
Although happy to see her brothers, she explained to Lord Seton the news was not good, emphasizing the part Captain Sulgrave had played in the death of her clan.
“So, this is the story yet to be told. Oh, my poor child. You go from the frying pan to the fire, do you not? This won’t stand. I will inform Major Simpson of what Sulgrave did to your people. And we shall call off that ruffian bounty hunter and clear your name here as well as with the law in St. Louis. You have my promise. You are no longer a fugitive.”
“He must die.” Nikota stepped forward, hate gleaming in his eyes.
“Now listen, young man. Your cause may be worth dying for, but he is not. You must stay alive, for the sake of your sister and brothers. I give you my word, he will pay for his evil machinations.”
Blind Deer placed a restraining hand on Nikota’s arm. He was a changed man, no longer the gentle being she knew growing up—he was scarred—on the outside and the inside. And rightfully so. “Please listen to him, brother. He is a man of honor. If you kill the HBC man, they will kill you, and I cannot lose you after finally finding you. We are all who are left to carry on the old ways of our tribe.”
With the arrival of Kinnapa and Kintama had come more bad news, the final blow. The few remaining members of her band had been too sick to survive the trek over the mountains to their tribal cousins. They too were gone—all of them gone forever.
Much had changed in the years she’d been held captive back East. The land was no longer a wilderness. There were permanent trails made by white men, trails so familiar they were depicted on maps. The buffalo had moved to new grounds, and the beaver grew sparse. This was no longer the land of her people, and now another part of her dream was lost. With each revelation, her place in the world became more uncertain. She had no place to return to. And except for her brothers, no one to travel with into the future.
“I’m sorry about your troubles.” Sir Reginald’s voice held genuine sorrow. “What will you do now? If I may assist you in any manner you must allow me to do so.”
“You have been very kind and generous. To clear my name is all I ask. I must find my own path now.”
“You are a remarkable woman, Blind Deer.” As if she were a great lady, Lord Seton took her hand and bent to reverently kiss the top. “I will be sure King William knows the name of the brave Salish woman who came to the aid of this old wanderer.” He glanced over his shoulder to where Kade and Tucket sat talking.
“I see you have made new friends since we parted. The younger one defended you bravely. I think he must care very deeply for you. And you for him.”
Was it so obvious? Her cheeks felt flushed, and try as she might, she couldn’t help smiling at Sir Reginald’s assumption.
“Well, lads, I’m proud to have met you.” Reaching in his pocket, Lord Seaton pulled out several gold coins. He gave one to each Kinnapa and Kintama. Whooping with great enthusiasm, they danced in joy. He handed the rest to Blind Deer.
Nikota stood by, stoic and silent.
Unpinning a war medal from his lapel, Sir Reginald handed this to her oldest brother. “You are a true warrior. I know you will take good care of her for me.”
“I will try. She has a mind of her own.”
The older man gave a little bark of laughter. “That she does.”
Nikota handed Sir Reginald his Missouri war axe, the handle decorated with feathers and beads. “Do not forget your promise. The death of my people must be avenged. If I hear otherwise, I will come back for this.”
Lord Seton gave a curt bow of acknowledgement to both the gift and the threat. “I understand. Good night then.” Turning, and with a salute to Kade and Tucket, he took his leave.
Blind Deer fondly studied her brothers as the two younger ones drew closer to examine Nikota’s war medal. They would be happy living off the land,
taking hides and trading for supplies, a good life for three young, healthy braves—but no life for her. She could go to live with a tribe not of her ancestors, but it would be a difficult life. She would be given the hardest tasks, and most likely married off to someone she did not know and did not love.
Her mind was troubled, her thoughts torn in many directions. Seeking calm, she stepped away into the darkness and squinted up at the stars. What about Kade’s offer? She held deep feelings for him, born out of love, not the fear of being alone. But she had refused all his offers. Perhaps he did not even want her anymore, or worse would now take her out of pity.
A hand touched her shoulder. Spinning around, she came face to face with the man who seemed her whole world.
“I heard what your brothers told you. And while I’m sorry for what you’ve lost, there is no excuse now for you not to come with me, Blind Deer. Tucket and I are a headin’ for the West Coast. We’re selling out—no more trapping. With this year’s profit we aim to open up a trading post. He knows the ocean for fishing, and I’m going to try my hand at cobbling. Maybe you could make and sell those fancy cakes you were telling me about.”
Her heart picked up speed—he still wanted her. But what was all this about heading west and starting over? Fishing and shoeing people and baking confections. Now her head was spinning with all these new ideas.
“Well say something.” Disappointment showed on his face. “Just stay put. Don’t you dare go anywhere.” He turned and hurried off before she could bid him stay.
Reaching out, she was about to call him back when Nikota stepped up beside her.
“Let him go, sister. If he really wants you he will come back.”
“I love him, Nikota, but I am caught between two worlds.”
“You always have been.” He put his arm across her shoulders and gave her a hug. “You are much like our mother. She was brave enough to leave her world and become one of us. Maybe now it is time for you to leave behind how you grew up and return to her world. You have her spirit to learn and explore. You could do worse than the white man, Kade. He is resourceful, and for a dogface not too ugly.”
