“That, angel, is called a tackle,” he said in a heated whisper, his face inches from hers. If they didn’t have an entire village of Indians as an audience….He pushed himself off of her, and extended his hand to help her up. She shot him an indignant stare, but accepted his hand.
“You should have told me about that. You never said knocking me down was part of the game.” She slapped at the dust on her pants.
He shrugged sheepishly. “For once, I wanted to have the advantage over you,” he said. “You wanna try again?”
“No, I think I’ve had quite enough,” she said.
“Suit yourself,” he shrugged. “I think I’ve had enough for a while, too. Those kids sure have a lot of endurance. We’ve been going strong all morning.”
“They obviously enjoy your game.” She called something to the children, and there were a lot of disappointed groans and turned down faces.
“Tell them we’re taking a time out, and play again later,” Chase offered. She’d obviously told them the game was over.
The children scattered when Sarah shouted to them again, several boys giving chase to one kid who carried the ball. They’d carry on their own version of the game.
“I need to check on Snow Bird,” Sarah said suddenly. “I’ll return shortly.”
“Sure, angel. I’ll just go and chat with Elk Runner. Your uncle is a real riot, when he’s not trying to kill me. Maybe he has some of that great-tasting meat left that he gave me last night.”
The slow, almost evil grin on Sarah’s face made him nervous.
“What?” he asked, throwing his hands up.
“My uncle gave you some meat?” she asked, her grin widening.
“Yeah,” he said hesitantly.
“Did you like the taste of coyote?” she asked innocently. She laughed. The look on his face must have been quite amusing.
“I was eating dog?” He wasn’t sure whether to laugh, or throw up.
“No, not dog. The Tukudeka value their dogs. But a coyote….my uncle has a certain liking for it. He used to try and feed it to me and my brothers, but my mother usually intervened.”
“You could have warned me sooner,” he grumbled, but smiled at her. “It was good, though.”
Sarah suddenly stopped smiling. A distant, haunting look came over her. Chase wondered at the abrupt change in her. Her body language changed, too. She no longer seemed relaxed, but stiff, and ill at ease.
“I will return,” she said solemnly.
Chase wondered at her behavior. He watched her walk off toward that hut she’d spent the entire night in, then spotted Elk Runner and some men sitting around a large campfire, a shallow basket between them. When he approached, he noticed a bunch of small stones in the basket. They were obviously playing some version of a dice game.
“You want play?” Elk Runner grinned broadly, and motioned for Chase to sit down beside him.
“No, thanks. I think I’ll just watch.” He pointed his fingers to his eyes, then at the basket. Elk Runner shrugged, then picked up the basket and gave it a toss. The stones flew in the air and landed in a scattered array in the tray. The men all shouted and laughed at once. Chase had no clue what the little symbols painted on the stones meant. Elk Runner scoffed, and tossed some kind of animal fur on the ground.
“You want more eat?” Elk Runner motioned with his fingers to his mouth. Chase held up a hand, waving it in front of him.
“Not what you’re cooking, man,” he said. Elk Runner’s grin broadened. The other men laughed.
He continued to watch the men play their dice game, but his eyes kept darting to the hut at the far end of the village, wishing Sarah would reappear. Why had she suddenly clammed up like that? They had a few tense moments and arguments yesterday on the way here, but she’d relaxed and turned almost playful just before they reached the village. Had she wanted him to kiss her again? He didn’t know what to make of that look in her eyes when she’d stood so close to him and told him he was a good man. He chuckled at the memory of her words. If only that were true.
His back straightened when he spotted Sarah ducking out of that hut again. He was about to excuse himself from the men, when Elk Runner cuffed him on the shoulder.
“Imaah,” he nodded toward Sarah, “beautiful woman, no?”
Was this a loaded question? Chase didn’t know how to answer. Elk Runner seemed to enjoy a good laugh. It might get him in a heap of trouble if he answered the wrong way, and he didn’t want to do or say anything to embarrass Sarah. Of course she was gorgeous, he wanted to shout. Any man would think so. He merely shrugged. “She saved my life,” he said. “I’m very grateful to her for that.”
“She marry soon,” Elk Runner commented with indifference, but Chase felt the man’s eyes boring into him. His stomach constricted as if he’d been sucker punched when the meaning of Elk Runner’s words sank in. Sarah was getting married? Why hadn’t she mentioned that to him? Was she marrying one of them? His eyes involuntarily moved through camp, as if he’d be able to single out her intended husband. The majority of the people here were older men and women, and children.
“My son…go hunt….celebrate new child,” Elk Runner kept talking. Chase wasn’t sure he wanted to hear more. “Imaah’s soon husband …..go with him. Come home..two days.”
Okay, so the guy wasn’t here. What difference is it to you, Russell? You won’t be here much longer anyways.
“That’s great for her,” he managed to say with as much cheer as possible. At the moment, he just wanted to get the hell away from everyone and be alone. He was about to push himself off the ground, when Elk Runner’s hand rested on his shoulder, applying pressure to keep him sitting. Chase raised his eyebrows at the man.
“Sometime….two men,” he held up two fingers in front of his face, “want same woman.”
Chase groaned silently. Was it that obvious that he had the hots for Sarah? Elk Runner was extremely perceptive. He didn’t know what else to do, so he laughed.
“If you’re thinking I’m interested in Sarah, you’re wrong. I’m trying to get back home. I won’t be here a whole lot longer.” He sure hoped he sounded indifferent.
“You good…strong man,” Elk Runner insisted. “You no want wife?”
“Nope,” Chase shook his head. “I kinda like my freedom.”
Elk Runner laughed. “My brother White Wolf say same thing many years ago.”
Chase sighed. Why was he having this conversation with this man? “Yeah, so did he ever get married?”
“Marry good woman…Imaah’s mother.”
“Your brother is Sarah’s father?” Chase’s mind reeled. “What can you tell me about her mother? How did your brother meet her?”
Elk Runner’s forehead wrinkled. “Imaah ask same question two days ago.”
She did, did she now. That was interesting. He knew she didn’t believe him that he came from the future, or that he thought her mother came from the future. But apparently he had planted a seed of doubt in her mind.
“Yeah, so what did you tell her?”
Elk Runner shook his head. “You ask Imaah.” His tone told Chase he wouldn’t be arguing the point. Then the man smiled brightly again, and slapped Chase on the back. “You go…I show how hunt bighorn…soon, no?”
“Uh, thanks, Elk Runner, but like I said, I won’t be here long. I have to get home.”
Elk Runner waved a hand in dismissal. “When Tukudeka lose way, find answers from spirits. You are lost man, Chase Russell.”
“You can say that again,” Chase inhaled deeply. “But right now, you need to excuse me.” He jumped up before Elk Runner could hold him back or say anything else. He headed straight for Sarah, who sat with the group of women again.
Without saying anything he grabbed her arm and hauled her to her feet. “We need to talk,” he said gruffly, pushing her in front of him, heading towards the edge of the village.
“Let go of me.” She squirmed, trying to loosen his hold on her arm. “What are you do
ing?”
“I’ll let go, but you’re coming with me, so we can talk in private.”
Sarah glanced behind her. Chase did the same. All eyes were on them. Her uncle sat with some men, grinning broadly in their direction. Chase released her arm. He led the way into the forest, and only when they were out of sight of the village, did he slow down.
“What is going on?” Sarah asked, her eyes shooting daggers at him.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were engaged to be married?” Chase blurted out. Why did this bother him so much? He had to get an answer from her, to find out if Elk Runner was telling the truth, or if he’d simply tried to get a reaction out of him. Sarah’s face turned ashen. Apparently he had his answer. She hadn’t spoken yet, and he turned away from her.
“I…I didn’t even know myself.” Her soft voice prompted him to face her again.
“Explain yourself,” he demanded.
“Apparently Hawk Soaring came to see my father and asked for me before they went to rendezvous. I didn’t know. My father hasn’t said anything to me.”
“So, you’re not allowed to chose your own husband? Your father arranges the marriage?”
“I always believed he would allow me to choose.”
“Do you love the guy?”
Sarah looked stunned. “I….he’s a good friend,” she stammered.
“That doesn’t answer the question,” Chase ground out.
Sarah took a step back. Her eyes narrowed, and he saw the anger blazing in them. “How dare you!” she scoffed. “What business is it of yours whether I like, or love, a man or not? What has gotten into you?” Her hands were on her hips now. “I don’t need to tell you anything.”
Chase paced back and forth in front of her, his hand behind his neck. He inhaled and exhaled long and slow a few times, trying to get his jumbled emotions in check. She was right. He had no business asking her these things.
You’re jealous, Russell. What the hell. This was new to him.
“We will leave in the morning. The other women will tend to Snow Bird now. It is too late to leave today. I hope you can be civil until then,” Sarah said, her tone icy. She turned and stormed off in the direction of the village.
Chase watched her march off. What was he expecting? Sarah had her life to lead. If she wanted to marry this Hawk guy, then so be it. But he didn’t need to stick around to watch it happen. He had to find a way back home, dammit. The answer lie with Sarah’s mother.
The Grand Tetons. Those snow-capped mountains were pretty hard to miss. If he headed south, he’d be sure to walk right past them. The great lake she had talked about could only be Jackson Lake. If there was some kind of big meeting being held in that area, he would find it. He made up his mind. He’d get some rest tonight, and before anyone else woke in the morning, he’d be gone from here.
Chapter 17
“You and your son are doing well,” Sarah smiled brightly at Snow Bird. The young woman returned her smile, but her eyes looked tired.
“My husband will be back soon. He said he will bring meat as a gift to the village in celebration of the birth.”
Sarah nodded. Snow Bird’s husband was Elk Runner’s and Little Bird’s youngest son, Touch the Cloud. The love he had for his young wife was unmistakable. Sarah had often seen the way they stole glances at each other. That’s how it should be between a husband and a wife. Her own parents still acted like that after many years of marriage.
Could she learn to love Hawk Soaring? They got along well together. If her father insisted on the marriage, she couldn’t refuse him. Chase’s smiling, handsome face flashed before her eyes. Her heart fluttered involuntarily. Her mother’s words the day before they left for rendezvous unexpectantly came back to her.
One day you’ll meet a man and fall in love. Time will stand still whenever he’s near, and the outside world forgotten when you’re with him.
Sarah inhaled sharply. Chase made her feel that way, she realized suddenly. Was she in love with him? How could that be possible? She had known him no longer than a week. Was it possible to fall in love with someone in that short amount of time?
“Your thoughts are far away, Imaah. “ Snow Bird’s softly spoken words startled Sarah out of her thoughts.
“When did you first know you loved Touch the Cloud?” she blurted out.
Snow Bird smiled. “I think I knew the moment I first set eyes on him. My family traveled to this village, and he’d just returned from a hunt. He was so proud of the bighorn he killed. His father introduced us, and I think he felt as I did right from the start.” She looked down at the infant at her breast. “And here is the first of many sons I will give him as proof of our love.”
Snow Bird’s eyes came up and met Sarah’s. “Do you have feelings of love for Hawk Soaring?”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “Does everyone know but me?”
“You didn’t know he went to your father?” Snow Bird’s eyes grew round.
“I just found out from Little Bird yesterday,” she sighed.
Snow Bird reached out a hand to touch Sarah on the shoulder. “You do not love him.” It was a statement, not a question.
“What am I to do?” Sarah bit back tears that threatened to spill. “I think my heart belongs to someone else.”
“Perhaps this man will approach your father as well,” Snow Bird offered. Sarah laughed.
“He doesn’t know my feelings. He only arrived in the mountains a short time ago, and he wishes to return to his home. He is not looking to share his life with a woman.”
Snow Bird nodded silently. “In time, the answer will come to you. Many marriages begin as only friendship. Perhaps you can learn to love Hawk Soaring. He is a good provider.”
Sarah didn’t answer. After minutes of silence, she finally said, “I must be on my way home. I will visit again in one month when you are able to leave the hut. I don’t want to miss when you introduce your son to his father.”
“I don’t like to have to wait that long,” Snow Bird said. “But it is tradition, and it would be bad luck to break it. What will I do for one month in this wickiup?”
“Just what all the other new mothers do. Enjoy your son, make him a cradle, and clothing. You will be grateful for this time alone. Little Bird will no doubt spend time with you.”
Sarah gathered her belongings that she’d tossed along the wall of the hut. “Farewell, Snow Bird,” she said, and gave the other woman a quick hug.
“Farewell, Imaah. I am grateful to you for coming as my midwife.”
Sarah nodded, and stepped out into the bright morning light. She sighed deeply, and glanced around at the other huts. Women were busy starting cooking fires. Men sat around, sharpening knives, or working on arrowheads. Elk Runner stood with Little Bird, watching her add meat to her cooking pot.
“Is Chase awake yet?” Sarah asked when she approached her aunt and uncle. The two shot quick glances at each other.
“He has already left the village, paite,” Elk Runner said. “I saw him leave before dawn. When I asked him where he was going, he would not tell me, only that it is his wish for you to remain here.”
Sarah’s hand flew to her mouth. “No,” she gasped. “I have to go. I’m sorry for leaving without a proper good-bye, but I have to find him. Please tell everyone I am sorry. And, uncle, keep Grizzly here. He is not well enough yet to travel again.”
Sarah knew without a doubt that Chase had no intention of returning to the cabin. He was going to try and find the rendezvous.
******
Chase strained his wrists against the leather that bound his hands behind his back. His forehead beaded with sweat. He’d been left to stand tied to a pole for hours already, and the warm afternoon sun beat down on him relentlessly. He was glad to be wearing a shirt, or his skin would be cooked. He licked his dry and cracking lips. He’d give anything for a drink of water at the moment.
Russell, you’re such a flippin’ idiot! Sarah had been right, of course. Amazed that he’d bee
n able to find his way back to the cabin, Chase hadn’t stopped there. He’d trekked on, heading south along the Firehole at a jog for most of the early afternoon.
That group of Indians came at him out of nowhere. He didn’t even have time to pull his ax from his belt. If they’d have offered him a good bar brawl, he might have been able to do some damage, but they’d pointed their spears and rifles at him, and tied him up like a Christmas turkey. Sarah had said they’d kill him on the spot. He wondered now why they hadn’t done it. They’d forced him along through dense forest and an open meadow, to their village that was set up along a wide, fast-moving river. It was quite a bit different that the Indian village he’d just left that morning.
These Blackfoot lived in larger teepees covered in hides, as opposed to wooden huts. This tribe was also much larger than the small clan of Tukudeka that lived together. Women and children, and more men had shouted and cheered when the six warriors brought him in and paraded him to the center of the village. Gritting his teeth, Chase had imagined himself at the beginning of a football game, the crowd cheering as the team entered the stadium.
He hung his head. His arms throbbed from the unnatural position of having them tied behind his back all these hours. He used the tree trunk he was tied to as support to keep himself upright. Why the hell didn’t they just get it over with and end his miserable life? You’ve failed again, Russell. You’re just a sorry-ass loser.
At least the air seemed cooler now, with the sun beginning to set behind the mountains to the west. No one had approached him all afternoon. Just a few kids had thrown some dirt and sticks at him, which he had ignored.
A loud commotion startled him out of his half asleep state. His head felt heavy when he raised it to find out why the people were shouting once again. At the edge of the village, a large group had gathered, and someone was walking up from the river.
What the hell! Chase squinted to see better. Goddamn her! What was she doing? Sarah marched among the villagers, her hands raised high above her head, showing her weapons meant no harm to anyone. A few of the warriors had rifles trained on her.
Yellowstone Redemption Page 13
