by Beth Trissel
Wicomechee steeled himself as if to the worst torture. “The time will pass. Notha will return you to me."
Charity was like a wildly flapping bird. “No. If you do not come your father will bury me after I birth your son."
His resolve crumbled and he crushed her to him. “Do not speak this. How can I go to the English? Ask anything else."
"Don't you see? My life is in your hands just as Eyes of The Wolf said. ‘Tis the test."
Air escaped Wicomechee as though he'd been forcefully struck and he reeled in realization.
"What is she speaking of, Kitate?” his father pressed.
"To keep Red Bird's life, I must be tested. Not by an enemy I can fight, but something I must do."
"Then for God's sake do it, or you'll suffer as I have."
"I see the terms now, Notha. Nimesoomtha said I would find them harsh. I must also go with you."
Charity wept against him. “Thank you, Mechee."
"Enough tears, Red Bird. For you, I will do anything."
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Chapter Twenty-Three
"There is another who needs your aid, Notha. One called Waupee."
Wicomechee's words broke through the unreality enveloping Charity. “Oh yes. And my cousin Emma."
"Emma would be the young beauty I glimpsed in the wickon of Eyes of the Wolf?” Mister Ramsey asked.
Charity nodded excitedly. “She would."
"Fortunately my escorts haven't seen her yet. I assume Waupee is Kitate's adopted brother? Eyes of the Wolf spoke of this captive."
Wicomechee was earnest. “We also are blood brothers."
"Colin, I mean Waupee, is like a brother to me too,” Charity confided.
"Colin?” Mister Ramsey echoed. “What is his full name?"
She weighed his response as she replied, “Colin Dickson."
"Good Lord. Who would have thought he'd end up here?” Mister Ramsey mused, speaking as much to himself as to them. He rubbed his clean-shaven chin with long fingers, similar to his son's. “Life is indeed strange."
Wicomechee observed his father's every movement. “Do you know of him?"
"I very well may."
"Will you not say?"
"Patience, Kitate. First, I must meet this renegade. Where is Waupee now?"
"With Nimesoomtha, or the horses. Unless the soldiers have taken him,” Wicomechee added gravely.
"Not when I was with them. We had better go and see. I suspect this fellow is the sort to kick up quite a fight."
"I also, Notha. They cannot take him. The English seek his life."
Hugh Ramsey grasped his son's arm. “No more talk of fighting. We will find some other way."
Charity fervently prayed so. “Can you aid him?"
"If this young man is who I suspect he is, I can be of considerable help."
"Colin's in a great deal of trouble, sir."
Mister Ramsey received this information without surprise. “I'm acquainted with his difficulties, up to a point, anyway."
Wicomechee stared slack-jawed, and Charity wasn't certain of the man's sanity. “How is that possible?"
"You will learn soon enough."
Though normally adept at concealing his emotions, Wicomechee looked as stunned as she felt.
His father leapt down from the stone and beckoned to him. “Don't just sit there gawping, Kitate. Let's go find this wild brother of yours.” He smiled reassuringly and held out his arms to Charity. “Let me help you down, my dear."
She swiftly found herself on her feet. “Thank you, sir."
"Sir sounds too formal. You can hardly call me Hugh, and Mister Ramsey is little better than sir. How about Papa?"
She brightened. “I've needed a father."
"I'd be delighted to stand in.” He pulled her arm through his. “You will allow me to escort your fair wife?"
Wicomechee gave a nod and slipped his musket over his shoulder. He walked behind them as his father strode through the trees with her by his side. The sun shone overhead in a blue sky. The day that had seemed so black was lit with hope.
"Fine weather for late fall,” Mister Ramsey said.
"Yes,” she agreed, but her surroundings held little clarity. She almost expected to wake any moment and find herself back on the trail.
"Your hair is lovely in the light, Charity. So pretty, flowing to your waist."
"Outhowwa didn't think so."
Her escort smiled wryly. “No, he wouldn't."
"Mechee saved me from his anger."
"Unleashed it on you, did he? I'm sorry.” His father reached behind him and pulled Wicomechee up beside them. “I know I left a great deal unfinished and my coming is a great shock. But I'm overjoyed to have found you both and promise to smooth your way, beginning with these soldiers."
Charity counted fifteen men in a clearing outside the village. Some groomed horses, others sat near a campfire playing at cards. One stirred the contents of a pot hung over the flames. Thankfully, she saw no trace of Colin among them.
Wicomechee fingered his musket. “I am used to firing on soldiers. I think I can fell two before they return fire."
"No doubt.” His father pointed at a broad oak. “And if you take cover behind that tree, you could pick off another, maybe more. I've heard of your skills, Kitate. However, your chiefs have requested terms of peace. Firing at these men will not further that aim. You must begin to see the English as something other than your enemy."
"This is difficult. We have warred for years."
"Yet your wife, and father, and brother are all English."
Wicomechee considered, though in a slightly dour way. “I will have thought for your words, Notha."
Captain Dawson looked up at their approach and hastened to them. Evidently anxious to make amends, he nodded politely and waited for Hugh Ramsey to speak. “My son and his wife will accompany us to Fort Pitt, Captain. After conferring briefly with Colonel Bouquet, we will continue to my estate."
The young officer glanced at Wicomechee in marked surprise. Likely he expected the warrior would refuse, at the very least. “I'm pleased you have found them so agreeable. When do you wish to proceed, sir?"
"On the morrow. Not too early. This sweet lady is easily wearied and I will not have her overtired."
Captain Dawson's eyes lingered on Charity. “We have nothing pressing us save the weather. The colonel's orders, apart from accompanying you, are to return all captives."
"My son has informed me of several more lodging with his grandfather. I will explain matters to them, but anticipate no resistance in meeting the colonel's demands."
"Again, I am pleased by these tidings.” The captain singled out one man in the assembly. “Chief Outhowwa has relinquished a Rob Buchanan, who tells us few captives remain in this village. Most have departed for the Fort."
So, Rob hadn't given them away. Charity spotted him among the soldiers wearing frontiersman garb, and looking more relaxed than she'd seen him in ages. She waved at him. “Rob!"
He sprang up and hastened to where they stood, his questioning gaze passing between Charity and her companions.
Wicomechee gave a short nod and made gruff introduction “My father, Hugh Ramsey."
Rob gaped at the Englishman.
"Notha, this is Rob Buchanan, a man who very much wishes to have my wife."
His father smiled at his bluntness. “As will others, Kitate, but the lady is spoken for,” he said pointedly.
The color heightened Captain Dawson's cheeks and he slanted his gaze away from Charity.
"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mister Buchanan,” Hugh Ramsey continued. “No doubt we shall see more of each other on our journey to the Fort. Now if you will excuse us, we must be on our way.” With a slight bow, he turned and drew Charity away with him.
She glanced back over her shoulder. “Mechee and I are going to stay with his father!"
Rob still hadn't uttered a word.
Cheerful voices
called to the adopted Englishman as Hugh Ramsey lingered outside the wickon. Charity ducked under the buffalo hide and followed Wicomechee inside. Colin looked up from the small group clustered around Eyes of the Wolf, his expression bleak.
"I hear your father's come, NiSawsawh. And a detachment of soldiers."
Wicomechee slid in to sit beside him. “Notha is the one Nimesoomtha said would aid us. He wishes to take Red Bird and me to stay with him, for a time."
The incredulity in Colin's expression lessened his gloom. “Is the man insane?"
"I thought so.” Wicomechee caught Charity's hand and pulled her down into his lap. “Notha insists he can do this."
"Wait until you meet Mechee's Papa, big brother. You will like him."
"I've always had a fondness for eccentrics. Ah well, at least we can all be together for my hanging."
"Oh, Colin—don't speak so.” Lips quivering, Emma buried her face in her hands.
"What's a hanging?” Lily asked, trying to shove James from Colin's lap.
The little boy pushed her down onto the bear skin. “It's when they tie a rope around your neck and—"
"Never mind,” Colin said. “And stop that tussling.” He dodged the children and circled his arm around Emma. “Sorry, darling. I shouldn't have been so blunt."
Wicomechee lifted his hand to her back. “Do not fear so. Notha will aid us, also you."
Eyes of the Wolf asked, “Did I not tell you this?"
"Yes,” Colin agreed, “but I'm wanted for murder."
"Mechee's father knows all about you,” Charity said.
"How on earth—” Colin began, breaking off as the flap lifted and Hugh Ramsey entered, bringing a sense of vitality into the somber gathering.
Eyes of the Wolf rose. “Welcome, Niquithe, my son. Remove your hat and coat. Sit with us. These wait for you."
Colin was too encumbered by the children to rise, but he appraised the newcomer. “I'm told you know of me, sir?"
Hugh Ramsey returned Colin's close regard. “Your name, certainly. I find it highly unlikely another would bear the same. And I see before me the very image of my father in his youth. His portrait hangs in my hall."
Charity had never seen Colin at such a loss for words.
"He was also your mother's father,” Mister Ramsey said. “My dear sister, Sara."
Comprehension flashed in Colin's widened gaze. “Uncle Hugh?"
"The same."
"Good God. Emma, he's the uncle I tried to reach.” Putting James and Lily aside, Colin got to his feet. “I don't believe it. How in the world—"
His uncle caught him in a hearty embrace and choked off his outpouring. He pounded Colin's back, and then held him at arms length for another look. “I'd give you a scolding if I wasn't so relieved. I've heard a bit about your doings, and gather you've all been through a great deal together."
"That we have, Uncle, and you shall hear our adventures in time. But first, you must meet my darling Emma."
"Gladly.” Mister Ramsey motioned for Emma to remain as she was. “Please, don't get up, dear lady."
Colin rejoined her and patted the space beside him. “Come sit between son and nephew."
An even more incredible relationship occurred to Charity. “Good heavens. That makes you cousins."
Colin clapped Wicomechee on the back. “I always felt there was more between us."
Wicomechee thumped him in return. “We are much alike."
"You both have quite a temper,” Charity said.
"They came by that honestly.” Hugh Ramsey hung his coat from a pole. The tailored cloth made a marked contrast with the buckskins. His expensive hat followed. “I haven't always been known for my cool head. Temper runs in the family.” He settled between the young men.
"You have need of a cool head now. Many lives depend on you,” Eyes of the Wolf reminded him.
"I know, Notha, and am deeply grateful for the second chance I've been given."
"You will do well, Niquithe."
"After all this time, you still believe in me?"
"I knew you would return.” He swept his hand at the circle. “Your place at the fire has been waiting for you."
"So it has. As long as I have breath I will come. If only Netathwe could have known."
"She has peace now."
Hugh Ramsey embraced the older warrior. “I hope so."
"She loved you to the end, Notha. She said."
He swiveled his head at his son. “You were with her?"
"She spoke your name in my ear. Her final words."
"You never told me this,” Eyes of the Wolf chided him.
"I could not."
His father's moist gaze met Wicomechee's. “Thank you for telling me. I never stopped loving her or you. I can't undo the past, but by heaven I shall deal with the present."
Wiping at his eyes, he turned his attention to Colin. “You've collected quite a family, I see.” He touched Emma's cheek. “And you, dear lady, have my sympathy for all you've been forced to endure. Despite everything, I perceive that you are also devoted to my nephew?"
"I am."
"Then I will lay no fault upon him.” Hugh Ramsey smiled. “Are all of these accompanying us to my estate?"
Colin held up his hand. “Wait, am I?"
"Of course."
"But how? I'm told you know of my circumstances?"
"I do. Your father wrote me at length."
"I also wrote to you, Uncle."
"I never received that letter."
"I'll wager I know who did."
A gleam lit Hugh Ramsey's eyes. “Oliver Montgomery. He will trouble you no more. There's nothing like pointing your sword at a man's gullet to gain his cooperation."
"You called that dandy out?"
"He chose swords. I'm even deadlier with pistols."
Wicomechee grinned. “Notha defended you well, NiSawsawh."
"So it would seem. What of Oliver's vindictive brother? Did you sail to London and deal with Lord Montgomery?"
"No need. It seems he had similar inclinations as his vile son. An outraged husband put an end to him."
"I'm delighted to hear there's some justice in this world, but what of the charges?” Colin pressed.
"With Lord Montgomery dead and buried, one of the seconds at your duel came forward and cleared your name."
"So, I'm a free man?"
"If we keep your part in the battle of Bushy Run to ourselves. And one or two other matters."
Emma clapped a hand to her mouth and burst into tears. “Thank you, Uncle,” Colin said huskily. “I expect we'll have to watch our backs. Oliver will attempt to get even."
"He's rather humiliated for that just now, finding the air in France more to his liking at present."
"Big on dueling, the French. Perhaps he will annoy someone less forgiving than you."
"I preferred to let him live with his embarrassment. Your father will be overjoyed to hear of your recovery."
"Poor man. How is my sister Rachel?"
"Happily wed. The couple resides on his estate. You best not tell them how you came by your wife when you write."
"Speaking of wives, why did the family never learn of yours? I knew you'd spent time in the frontier, but had no idea you could be the Englishman Eyes of the Wolf spoke of."
"My father insisted I keep this secret. But he's gone now. I'm not ashamed I had a Shawnee wife. Netathwe was all that is good.” He clasped Wicomechee's arm. “And I'm so proud of you, Kitate. It is high time word went out."
Charity sat with her new father by the fire. How different this humble lodge must be from the elegant house on his estate. “Do you have Christmas parties, Papa?"
He took her fingers in his. “Yes, lovely affairs."
"I think I visited your house in a dream. People were feasting and dancing. Mechee was there."
"So he shall be. And I promise you we shall have dancing. Caroline adores it."
Wicomechee bent down and poked up the fire with a st
ick. “Your wife?"
"Yes. I married again, years after Netathwe died. Caroline's a gracious woman. I told her about your mother, Kitate, and you. She knows I'm here."
"Has this woman given you children, Notha?"
He shook his head. “A great disappointment to us both."
Charity squeezed his hand. “Your family has swelled overnight. Will your wife mind you returning with so many?"
"Caroline will adore having more people about the house. I'm so often out traveling the estate. She grows lonely."
Emma tucked Mary Elizabeth into her basket. “I'm accustomed to Colin making a fuss over horses."
"Good. I've many mounts for him to tend to."
"He will need the distraction, Uncle. Colin will find it very difficult to leave these people."
"Who knows better than I what he faces? Still, he has you and the children, and the company of his brother."
Emma sat beside Hugh Ramsey. “I hope ‘tis enough."
"When he lies in bed at night with you beside him, he will be content, as will you, Kitate."
Wicomechee knelt and wrapped his arms around Charity. “Always then I will be content, and never would I be if she lay in the arms of another.” His mouth tightened in the manner Charity knew well. “I do not like the way this captain looks at her, Notha. It is good I am coming with you."
"I hope you aren't going to attack him."
"Mechee, you must behave on this journey,” Charity said.
"And at my home,” his father added. “I can't have you starting a war with the neighbors."
"If your son doesn't, your nephew may,” Emma warned.
"I shall have my hands full, I see."
Wicomechee shrugged. “Your neighbors would do well not to provoke us."
"I shall certainly caution them, though it's likely to give old lady Patterson a start."
"We will not challenge her, Notha,” he smiled.
"I am relieved to hear it. That's one less for me to trouble with."
Charity wasn't convinced. “Promise me you will be on your very best behavior, Mechee."
"I will promise only my love.” He stood, pulling her up with him. “You have rested. We will seek my brother. You wish to come, Notha?"
He nodded at Emma and Lily. “Thank you, no. I will remain with these fair ladies."
