Tykota's Woman (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

"I am glad." She shifted her weight and glanced back at the sky. "When will we reach Biquera?"

  "Are you in such a hurry?"

  "I... I am eager to see my sister."

  "We will be there in two days' time."

  "Good night, then," she said, closing her eyes and willing herself to sleep.

  "Good night, Makinna. Fear nothing, and sleep in peace. You are in no danger tonight."

  She did not answer. She turned away and clamped a hand over her mouth to keep Tykota from hearing her cry. She had nothing to fearexcept living the rest of her life without the man she loved.

  They broke camp and mounted before daybreak. Makinna watched the sunrise as they rode across a wide expanse of desert. This time she did not have to put mud on her face to keep from being burned from the sun. Huara had given her a salve to protect her skin.

  Tykota rode beside her, and she could imagine them riding the wonderful pintos forever and never looking back.

  The beauty of this land, with its wide canyons, red buttes, and giant cacti, now touched her deeply. Lofty mountains loomed in the distance, calling to her like some promised adventure.

  "What are you thinking about?" Tykota asked. "From your expression, they seem to be pleasant thoughts."

  "I was just thinking that I feel I was born to this land." She met his gaze. "I know it doesn't sound conceivable, but it's the way I now feel."

  Tykota slowed his horse to a canter. "I am glad you like this land. Perhaps you will forget the misadventures and hardships and dangers you found here."

  She arched a delicate eyebrow at him. "You are the most dangerous animal I met in this desert."

  He had been smiling slightly, but now his expression hardened. "I have never been a danger to you."

  "No, not in the way you mean. I am sorry for what I said."

  Tykota called back to one of his warriors. She didn't know what he said, but the brave rode forward to canter beside Makinna, while Tykota urged his horse into a gallop and rode on ahead.

  Silently the group wound their way across the desert, taking Makinna ever closer to Biquera Ranch-and out of Tykota's life forever.

  Tykota rode up a steep butte and looked over the land. He had a view on every direction. He watched as the wind seemed to gather the clouds overhead, grateful for the shade they cast.

  The closer he got to Biquera, the heavier became his heart. Soon he would have to let Makinna go, and it wouldn't be easy. He was a man in love, a man who had found the perfect mate for him, and yet he must let her go. Makinna thought she loved him, but surely by now he had killed that love, or infatuation, which was probably what she'd felt for him. As soon as men from her own race began to pay homage to her, she would forget all about him.

  "Why?" he whispered into the unrelenting desert wind. "Why must this be?"

  It was the last day of the journey. The Perdenelas warriors rode tirelessly behind their chief, a silent band rapidly making its way through the desert. By nightfall, they would reach Biquera Ranch.

  At midday, they encountered a calvary patrol. The handsome Indian chief kept his gaze straight ahead, but the major who rode at the head of his troop was clearly startled to see a white woman in the other procession. He called for the Indians to halt, advising his men not to draw their guns but to stay alert. He spoke quickly to his secondin-command. "The woman is dressed like an Indian, but, as you can see, she's white. Be ready for anything."

  The young officer rode up to Makinna, touched his hat, and spoke guardedly, eyeing the Indian beside her, who looked like none he'd ever seen before. "I am Major Halloway, ma'am. Are you in any trouble? Do you need our assistance?"

  Makinna smiled at his concern. The major was handsome, blond, and tall, with bright blue eyes and dimples that showed themselves when he spoke. "I'm Makinna Hillyard, Major, and I can assure you that I am in no need of assistance." She turned to Tykota. "These Indians are escorting me to Biquera Ranch."

  The major looked astounded, and then relieved. "We have been searching for you, Miss Hillyard. We heard what had happened at Adobe Springs and feared you might be among the dead."

  "This is Tykota Silverhorn, Major. He rescued me from the Apache raid. He saved my life."

  "I saw your name on the Butterfield passenger log, Mr. Silverhorn, and assumed you were also dead." His eyes narrowed. "I did not know that you were an Indian."

  Makinna, aware of Tykota's temper, spoke up quickly. "I owe my life to this man, Major. If it wasn't for his quick thinking, I would not be here today. He would have saved the others as well, if he could have."

  Major Halloway glanced back to Tykota, then ran his gaze over the other Indians. "I am not familiar with your tribe, Mr. Silverhorn, but I do know a Mrs. Silverhorn at the Biquera Ranch. Are you connected with her in some way?"

  Again Makinna spoke before Tykota could voice his anger. "Mrs. Silverhorn is his adoptive mother, sir. She is also a friend of mine, which is why they are taking me to her ranch."

  "Are you aware that your sister came in on the stage a week ago and is staying at Biquera Ranch?"

  Makinna was shocked. She had not expected her sister to come looking for her. "My sister? Here?"

  "That is why I took the patrol out to look for you. She believes you are still alive, but I admit I doubted the possibility." He smiled, and his cheeks dimpled. "I am glad to be wrong."

  Makinna now felt an urgency to get to the ranch as soon as possible. "Thank you for your concern, Major Halloway. I will be happy to be reunited with my sister."

  The major leaned closer to her and spoke in a low voice, glancing warily at Tykota's angry expression. "Would you like us to escort you to Biquera, Miss Hillyard?"

  "Thank you, no. I am sure Mr. Silverhorn will want to see his mother. As I told you before, I am in no danger."

  The young major tipped his hat. "Then I will not hold you up any longer." He looked into her eyes and smiled. "I hope you are going to be staying at Biquera for a while. I have been invited there by Mrs. Silverhorn. If you are there, I shall certainly accept her invitation. I would like to hear all about your adventures."

  "Then I shall see you there, Major Halloway."

  She watched the troop of uniformed soldiers ride away. Her sister at Biquera-she had not expected Adelaide to come to Texas. She turned her gaze to Tykota. "I can't wait to see my sister."

  The expression on Tykota's face was fierce. "That white man wants to see you again."

  "Do you think so?"

  "He admired you."

  Makinna blinked her eyes in astonishment. Tykota was jealous! She smiled inwardly as she said, "I look forward to seeing him again. He seemed very nice."

  Tykota kicked his horse in the flanks and rode forward. It had already started, he thought. The first white man she encountered was touched by Makinna's beauty. He had wanted to challenge that bluecoat for daring to look on his love with such open pleasure, but he did not have that right. "Like flies to the honey pot, they will come," he muttered in his own language.

  It was almost sundown when they reached the outer perimeter of Biquera Ranch. Tykota told his warriors to camp beside the Rio Grande, while he and Makinna rode on to the house.

  Tykota slowed his pace, as if making their time together last. "It is good that your sister is here."

  "Yes. I am surprised that she would come all this way. She moved away when I was young, and I don't know much about Adelaide's life now."

  "One does not have to be constantly with a brother or sister to be close to them. It is something in the blood that ties you together with an invisible string. I have found that with Inea and Coloradous."

  "I suppose."

  With his usual perceptiveness, he asked, "You are troubled?

  "For the first time, I realize I have family. Adelaide must care for me, or she would not be here."

  "You will soon see for yourself," he said, halting on a rise, where they looked down on the lights of the ranch house twinkling in the distance.

  She tu
rned to him. "This is the last time we will be alone, and I want to thank you again for all you have done for me."

  His gaze met hers. "There is nothing to thank me for. I... want you to be happy. That will be my reward."

  "I will never forget you."

  "You will, Makinna."

  She swallowed past the tightening in her throat. "One does not forget the person she shared so much with."

  "Let us ride on and ease your sister's mind about your safety."

  He nudged his horse forward, and she joined him. Each step the pinto took was taking her into a new life, but she wanted only to be with Tykota.

  When they reached the ranch house, Makinna slid off her horse and went up the steps, pushing open the door in her haste to see her sister.

  Mrs. Silverhorn rose from her rocking chair and advanced across the room to Makinna. "My dear, it is so good to see you!" She kissed her on both cheeks. "I must admit I have missed you."

  "Thank you. I've missed you, too." She glanced around the room. "Is my sister here?"

  "Indeed she is, she just went upstairs to-"

  They both heard hurried footsteps on the stairs, and Makinna turned to face the sister she had not seen in years. Although less youthful, Adelaide was as beautiful as Makinna remembered her. She wore a cream-colored cotton gown trimmed in blue and looked like a breath of fresh air.

  Adelaide rushed forward to hug her tightly, and Makinna responded to her warmth.

  "When I think I could have lost you!" Adelaide said, shaking her head and plucking at the doeskin fringe on Makinna's dress. "And here I find you alive and well-and dressed like an Indian!"

  "Oh, Adelaide, I am so happy to see you! It has been so long."

  Tykota entered the room, and Adelaide gasped and stepped back.

  Hannah Silverhom went directly to Tykota and into the circle of his arms, which seemed to calm Adelaide's sudden fear.

  "My son, it is good to see you again." She turned to Adelaide. "You must meet the man who saved your sister's life. Ty, this is Makinna's sister, Adelaide Johnson."

  Adelaide nodded. "How do you do, sir." She tried to avert her gaze from his scanty attire. "I am indebted to you for bringing my sister back to me." She concentrated on his eyes and seemed surprised to find them alive with intelligence. "Your mother has told me all you have done."

  He smiled slightly. "If I know my mother, she embellished the truth in the telling." He extended his hand, and Adelaide, warming to his grasp of English, gave him her hand.

  "I doubt Mrs. Silverhom embellished anything, sir. I am inclined to believe you are something of a hero."

  His laughter was warm. "My mother, like most mothers, believes me to be more exceptional than I am."

  Makinna was astounded by the easy banter between her sister and Tykota. He was never that at ease with her. She frowned, catching Mrs. Silverhorn's gaze. The little Englishwoman simply smiled and nodded.

  "My son does me credit in all things," she said with warmth. She guided Makinna toward the stairs. "Go and visit with your sister, since the two of you have so many years to catch up on. We will visit in the morning."

  Makinna turned to Tykota. "Thank you."

  He inclined his head, his dark eyes unreadable. "It was my pleasure," he said softly.

  Makinna and her sister spent most of the night talking, becoming reacquainted and also crying over the deaths of their mother and brother. At last, around midnight, they fell silent, and Adelaide stared at her sister.

  "You are so beautiful. Every man in California will come knocking at our door just to see you."

  Makinna drew in a breath. "The last thing I have on my mind is meeting gentlemen."

  Adelaide looked thoughtful. "Your Tykota is magnificent. Perhaps it would be difficult to find anyone who could compare to someone who looks like him, has the power of an Indian chief, and has, more than once, saved your life."

  Makinna ducked her head, and when she raised it, her eyes were swimming in tears. "Yes, very difficult. I love him."

  Adelaide did not seem to be surprised or repulsed at the thought of her sister loving an Indian. "What woman wouldn't? Look at the man! What other man do you know that is as tall, handsome, and heroic?"

  "There is no one like him."

  "Well, how does he feel about you?"

  "I don't know. He may care for me in his own way, but evidently not enough to commit his heart. He has told me that his tribe comes first with him."

  "And you cannot live there with him-no, that would not be acceptable."

  "I would have if he'd wanted me," Makinna said in misery. "I would have lived with him in a shack if he'd wanted me to."

  Adelaide grasped Makinna's hand and gave her a look of compassion, and Makinna was surprised to find her sister so understanding.

  "Did you tell him this?" Adelaide asked.

  "No," she admitted.

  "Then perhaps you should." Adelaide was thoughtful for a moment, as if she were deciding something. Then she said with feeling, "Makinna, I am married to a man who has given me everything money can buy-a mansion, clothes, carriages, jewels-and yet I would give it all away if Tom would look at me one time the way I saw that Indian look at you.

  "You are unhappy, Adelaide! I thought-"

  "Makinna," her sister broke in, "I knew that look of desperation and helplessness that I saw in Ty Silverhorn's eyes, because I see it in my own eyes when I stand before a mirror. If there is the slightest chance that your Indian loves you, go to him. Or you will spend the rest of your life like me-cold and unfeeling inside."

  "Oh, Adelaide, I am so sorry."

  "Listen to me, Makinna. If you don't, you may end up just like me, with only possessions to fill your lonely days-things that others may admire and envy you for, but nothing to touch your heart."

  Makinna blinked tears from her eyes. "I am so sorry," she repeated.

  Adelaide brushed a tear from Makinna's cheek and smiled. "I did not tell you this to make you pity me. I told you to keep you from making the same mistake."

  "The choice is not mine, Adelaide. It was Tykota's, and he has already made that decision."

  Her sister hugged her. "Don't be too sure, little sister. It is always darkest before the sunrise."

  Makinna smiled. "Look at us. We should be celebrating our reunion, and here we are crying and moaning."

  Adelaide said softly, "You are not going to end up like me if I can help it."

  Makinna went to the window and pulled the curtain aside. "Even now, I am afraid that Tykota will go away without saying good-bye to me."

  "Let us get ready for bed. Tomorrow will be soon enough to talk more and plan." She went to the trunk at the foot of her bed and withdrew a nightgown, which she tossed at Makinna. "You need your rest. You look exhausted."

  Soon, wearing a fresh white cotton nightgown, Makinna fell into bed and was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow, leaving Adelaide to lie awake, worrying about her little sister.

  The next morning when Makinna awoke, her sister was gone, but there was a beautiful green cotton gown with white lace on the collar and hem, with matching lacy undergarments and green leather shoes.

  When Makinna had dressed, she looked in the large mirror over the washstand, examining the way the soft bustle flowed to the floor behind her. She had never had such a fine gown.

  She hurried downstairs, fearing Tykota had left and wanting him to see her in the gown. Entering the dining room, she was relieved to see him sitting at the head of the table, dressed in a white shirt and buff-colored trousers. His hair was tied away from his face, and had it not been for his dark skin, he would have passed for a white man. Mrs. Silverhorn and Adelaide were on either side of him, and they both greeted her happily.

  Tykota's gaze ran the length of Makinna, and he glanced back at his plate. His reaction did not escape notice. His mother and Adelaide exchanged knowing looks, as if it was obvious to them that Tykota was tormented by his love for Makinna, and the pity was that
Makinna could not see it for herself.

  "We let you sleep, my dear," Mrs. Silverhorn told her. "Sit next to me, and Frances will serve you."

  "Did you sleep well?" Adelaide asked. "I know I kept you talking half the night." She looked at their hostess. "We had many things to discuss, since we have been separated for five years."

  "I don't think I even turned over once," Makinna answered, smiling. "The soft bed was wonderful."

  "You know, Makinna, I have been thinking," Hannah said. "If you and Adelaide will remain here for a few days, I would like to give a gettogether for the two of you. There hasn't been any laughter in this house for a long time."

  "Do you think that is a good idea, Mother?" Tykota asked.

  Mrs. Silverhorn looked at her son quizzically. "Yes, I do. I know John Kincaid would attend. John will e enchanted by you, Makinna." She took a sip of coffee and lowered her cup. "And what do you think? I just got a personal letter delivered by an army sergeant this morning after sunup.

  "Was it from Major Halloway?" Makinna asked. "He was such a gentleman when we met him yesterday."

  "Yes, it was from the major. He has asked to call on you. I told the sergeant I would let him know. Already your presence has the gentlemen in the area all stirred up, Makinna."

  Adelaide was watching Tykota's face, and she saw his eyes darken, and his hand ball into a fist against the white tablecloth. "I would love to remain for a while, Mrs. Silverhorn. And a party would be wonderful. Thank you for being so generous to us."

  Hannah Silverhorn's face brightened. "Excellent! I will have Frances bring out the good china and the crystal punch bowl."

  Tykota stood so quickly he almost knocked over his chair. "I only remained this morning to tell you good-bye, Makinna," he said tightly as he moved to the door. "It seems you are in good hands."

  "Ty," his mother said, rising and following him. "Surely you are not going to leave so soon. I was hoping you would stay for the party. You so seldom get to see John. There was a time when the two of you were inseparable."

  He turned to the woman he called mother, wanting to yell at her for the first time in his life. But he exercised tolerance and spoke distantly. "I do not like parties." He nodded. "Ladies, I will be leaving now." And he was gone.