“I think you’re a brave, amazing woman. And that’s the truth,” replied Soonie.
“That’s kind of you to say.” Darla stared down at her button-up shoes, formerly white, but now the color of scalded coffee. “I know who I am, and what I’ve done. I used to go to church and all. Memorized my Sunday school verses and even sang in the choir. But after dad died, church stuff went out the window.” Darla followed Soonie from the pumpkins to the squash.
“You don’t have any other family?” Soonie asked.
“Nope.” Darla brushed off her hands and tucked a few blond curls back up into her bun. “Lived in a children’s home, ‘till I came of age. Worked as a maid for a little while, but the misses got jealous of me because of her man’s wandering eye and kicked me out. After that, jobs were hard to find.” She pressed her hand against her stomach. “You ever been so hungry your belly felt like it was eating itself?”
“No,” Soonie said quietly.
“Well, it’s not a nice feeling. Like I said, I was desperate. But after what happened with Hal, well, I want to do something different. I don’t ever want to feel scared of a man again.” Darla bit her lip.
Soonie couldn’t imagine this brazen woman ever experiencing fear. But when she remembered Hal’s rough grip on her hair, a shiver went down her own spine.
They finished piling the vines and picked up the vegetable baskets. “Let’s go ask Bright Flower where we should load these,” said Soonie.
“All right,” answered Darla. “Hey, Soonie?”
“Yes?”
“Do you think . . . Do you think God still loves me?”
The question was so unexpected, Soonie almost staggered back. “Darla, God loves all of His children, no matter what they do. Nothing can quench that flame, not the darkest of sins. Are you sorry for what you’ve done?”
Darla looked up. “Yes. I was always sorry. Just didn’t feel like I had a choice.”
“The Bible says if we ask for forgiveness, He will grant it. There’s not a cut-off. No matter how many sins you have in your past, He will forgive you.”
“That’s a nice thing to know.”
Soonie led the way out of the gate. Should I say more? What else is needed? A saying from her grandmother trickled into her mind. A few words, sown in kindness, can grow a great harvest. For now, she prayed the simple conversation would be enough.
###
Uncle Isak and Brave Storm were by the fire pit, pouring over drawings in the dirt. Soonie moved closer to hear Uncle Isak’s words.
“Gray Fox, Thomas and Bright Flower will ride with the wagons. They have to travel the longer route which will take a few days, but winter is approaching and few go by that path anymore. Two soldiers have agreed to accompany the wagons, with written orders from Captain Wilkerson in case anyone stops them. I’m not sure what story he concocted, but he’s very good at such things. He’s kept us safe this long.”
“And if they meet the posse?” Brave Storm asked.
"Unlikely, but we’ll have a scout check the road ahead. If there are any signs of travelers, hopefully they’ll have time to move the wagons off the road and hide. Now, Lone Warrior and I will lead the group riding on horseback. We should reach Fort Sill in less than a day, even if we take the forest path. Chief Quanah will find a way to smooth over our return.”
Uncle Isak looked up. “Ah. Soonie. I’m glad you are here. There is no need for you to come with us to the reservation. Brother Jenkins will accompany you and Darla to Dallas, and from there you may ride a train home. You have emergency money for a ticket, don’t you?”
Soonie nodded numbly. This will always will be one of the homes of my heart. Oh, why did we have to go foraging on that day? Why can’t things stay the same? Soonie blinked back tears. “Yes, Uncle Isak. I know I can’t come along . . . but I wish I could. I’ll miss you all so much.”
Uncle Isak stood and wrapped her in a hug. "Little One, you have been strong and brave. The love you have shown to these children will warm their hearts forever."
"I . . . I hope so." Soonie pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes.
"Please excuse me. I have to check on the horses." Uncle Isak strode off in the direction of the corral.
Soonie scanned the surrounding rocks. “Darla, I’ll be back in a moment.”
A fall breeze stirred the leaves on the oak by the school house. And he was there, waiting. No paint, no porcupine quills, just himself. Tall, dark and holding her heart somewhere in those strong hands.
Soonie reached up and touched his cheek. “They have arranged for me to go away.”
He took her hand and began to trace the lines on her palm. “What will you do, Soo-nie? Go back to your home and become white again?”
She lifted her chin. “I don’t want to go. My heart is burning within me. What will you do?”
Lone Warrior sighed. “Soo-nie, I won’t live on the reservation. I will go to Fort Sill with the group, to make sure they are safe. Then I will continue on. I believe freedom waits for me in the northern plains, where my forefathers lived.”
“North?” The word caught in her throat. “But that’s so, so far away.”
“Come with me.” His tone was calm, but his eyes were intense and pleading. “Come with me, and we will create our own legacy.”
Soonie squeezed her eyes shut. Lord, what should I do? I would miss my family terribly. And they would be so upset if I chose such a dangerous path. She opened her eyes again.
His face fell.
A sigh bubbled up from her innermost being. “I can’t. You know I can’t.” Grandma would be sick with grief.
Lone Warrior held her hand to his heart. It pulsed against her fingers through the rough fabric of his woven shirt. “Do you feel that? It has never beat like this for another. And when you go, it may burst inside of me.”
She bowed her head and slowly pulled her hand back. “I’m so sorry.”
“I will try to understand.” Throwing his shoulders back, he strode off towards the wagons.
Salty drops burned the corners of Soonie’s eyes. She pushed into the school room to find Molly packing the few books and papers, most of which belonged to her.
“It’s a good thing we don’t have much in here,” Molly said, tying a stack of books with twine. “Any more and we’d have to leave them behind.” She placed the books on top of a small package wrapped in brown paper.
“What is that? I’ve never seen it before.” Soonie picked up the package. “Why, it has my name on it.”
She peeled back the top wrapping. “Oh, no.”
Molly looked over. “What is it? Captain Wilkerson brought it in when he came earlier.”
“The slates,” Soonie said in a dull tone.
"Oh, Soonie, I’m so sorry. But they won’t take up much room. We will give them to the reservation’s school.”
Soonie’s shoulders slumped. “I’ll never get to teach with them, or see the children write on real slates. Molly, why was I called here? I feel like I accomplished so little.”
Molly patted her shoulder. “How can you think that way? The children have learned so much already.” She paused for a moment, staring at her stack of books. “Sometimes, when I wonder why God has led me down a path, I have to look beyond what I am doing for other people . . . and consider what He is changing inside of me.”
Soonie nodded. “You are right, Molly. God has taught me so much since I came. But I still don’t want to leave.”
“I have lived on the reservation, and I know I’ll be all right there,” Molly said. “But you would beat your wings to pieces in that place, like a trapped butterfly. You and Lone Warrior are the same.”
Soonie could no longer hold back the tears, and they trickled down her cheeks.
Molly gasped. “You do love him! I thought as much. Did he ask you . . .?”
“He asked. I said no.” Soonie picked up the package of slates and turned her face away so she wouldn’t dot the brown paper with her tears
.
###
When Soonie stepped outside the schoolhouse, Laura was waiting for her. The little girl held out a beaded bracelet. “This is for you, Miss Su.”
Soonie ran her fingers over the intricate beadwork. “How beautiful! Did you make this?”
The young girl nodded, her black braids bouncing. “Yes, with the clays. So you wouldn’t forget me.” She reached up for a hug. “I love you.”
“Oh, Laura. I could never forget you. Keep studying. Follow after what you want in life, no matter what stands in your way.”
Bright Flower came and took Laura’s hand. “Come. It’s time to get in the wagon.” She smiled at Soonie. “Go with God.”
Hershel and Felix carried Timothy out of Brave Storm’s tipi on a makeshift stretcher.
Timothy waved to her as they passed. “Goodbye, Miss Su!”
Tersa came up and patted Soonie’s hand. “The journey will be hard for him, but he is a strong boy. He’ll be fine.”
For the next hour, goodbyes came in thick flurries. Soonie’s face ached from holding back tears. More small gifts were pressed into her hands, and prayers were offered for her journey.
“I want to hold on to everything, every person is so precious,” Soonie said to Darla. “But soon they will all ride away from me. There’s nothing I can do.”
Soonie went back up to the house to fetch her carpet bag.
Molly stood in the middle of the empty room. With the colorful blankets and cheerful glow of the stove gone, the house looked a broken-down shack. It was hard to believe anyone had lived there for a very long time.
“I wanted to give you something.” Soonie pressed the silver comb into Molly’s hands.
Molly’s face lit up. “Thank you. And this is for you.”
The cloth she handed Soonie was folded tightly, but Soonie knew it was the painting of their mothers. “Oh, Molly. Someday I’ll find a way to come see you. Maybe when you are a famous doctor.”
“Someday,” said Molly.
20 The Path Unexpected
Soonie’s two gold pieces rested in a pouch around her neck. The money would be enough to get her home, but she worried for Stone Brother. Even if she found a train to transport him, how would he fare on such a journey? “I can’t bear to part with you, not after leaving everyone else,” she murmured, patting his quivering neck. “We’ll figure something out.”
Darla rode beside her, wearing Soonie’s one other town dress that wasn’t ruined. The former saloon girl had stayed quiet since the beginning of the journey. Her blue eyes held a far-away look.
Soonie had no worries for Darla. She’d been through some tough times, but now she had a chance to leave her past behind and find a decent job.
Lieutenant Ford and another soldier from the fort had been sent by Captain Wilkerson to make sure their little party reached the city safely. They rode a ways ahead with Brother Jenkins. The three men talked, loud laughter punctuating their conversation.
Do they not care about all those people having to return to what is basically a prison? Soonie fought a desire to throw herself at them, to scream out they should be feeling more, caring more. But I should be thankful, she reminded herself. They didn’t have to help us reach Dallas.
The end had come so quickly. Brave Storm had given a handshake, and hugs came from all her students. Uncle Isak, Molly and Grandmother Eagle mixed their tears with hers. But no matter how many times she searched over the faces, she hadn’t seen Lone Warrior.
It was probably a good thing. I might have gone into hysterics if I’d tried to say goodbye.
Lieutenant Ford slowed his horse so Soonie could catch up with him. “I’ve heard tales of dance halls in Dallas. Some stay open all night long.” He smoothed the sparse blond hairs forming a new mustache. “No one says you have to jump on the train the minute we get to town. You want to go?”
Soonie blinked. “Go where?”
Darla giggled. “Mercy sakes, girl, he’s asking if you want to go dancing.”
“You don’t think I can dance?” A hint of pink crept up the lieutenant’s neck and settled on his ears. “This fellow knows how to take a girl for a turn or two.”
“I’m sure you do,” Soonie held back a smile. “But once we find a train, I want to board as soon as possible, to avoid any trouble.”
“What about you?” Lieutenant Ford turned to Darla. “You’re a purty girl. I never found out where you came from. You ever been to a fancy dance hall?”
Darla shot a glance at Soonie. They hadn’t told anyone but Molly of her recent profession. “Can’t say that I have, Lieutenant Ford. But I can’t say that I haven’t, either!”
Lieutenant Ford’s eyes narrowed, and he tugged his ear. “All right then.” He shrugged and urged his horse forward to fall in step with Brother Jenkins and the other soldier.
Soonie glanced over at Darla, who was biting her lip. “What’s the matter?”
Darla gave a short laugh. “I’m just wondering what’s to become of me. For the last five years I’ve only known one way to survive, and that’s to coax money from weak-hearted men. I don’t know how to be respectable.”
“I wish you could come home with me, but I don’t have any way to get you the extra train fare.” Soonie twisted the ends of Stone Brother’s reins.
“No, I wouldn’t go anyhow. I’ve had enough of small town life. Everyone knowing the other person’s business, and people choosing one man to lead and then going along with whatever he says whether it’s right or wrong. I’m going to the city. I can get swallowed up in it, and become a tiny speck no one will pay attention to.”
Soonie had her doubts the beautiful girl could lose herself in the city that easily, but she gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “I’ll be praying for you, every day. And you must write and tell me of all your adventures. Just address it to Bastrop. The post office knows where to find me.”
They stopped for a mid-afternoon rest under a gathering of trees. The men talked about hunting and horses, and Darla joined in with silly questions Soonie had a feeling she already knew the answers to.
A small stream gurgled below a rocky bank nearby. Soonie wandered over to listen to the water’s music. As the sun dipped lower and the air grew colder, she rubbed her hands together and thought of home. The pumpkin harvest would be coming in, and pecans. Grandpa and Grandma would be thrilled to have her back for Christmas. Zillia’s baby would arrive in a few months, and she’d get to hold the child in her arms all fresh and new, before it was old enough to start sassing. And she couldn’t wait to see Henry and Will. They’d probably grown a few inches since she’d left.
But Lone Warrior . . .
God, how can I go on? What if I never see him again? She brushed her cheek with her fingers, trying to recall his touch.
Hooves clattered on stone, coming fast around the bend. Breathing hard, Lone Warrior swung down from his horse.
“Soon-ie. Soon-ie.”
He is here. Her knees shook.
Lone Warrior’s shirt was soaked in sweat, and his eyes held something she had never seen in their depths. Fear?
Brother Jenkins leapt to his feet. “What’s going on?”
“The posse’s heading this way. Hal and that sheriff, and a large group of men.”
“The wagons?” Soonie breathed.
“All safe. They didn’t get close to the settlement. Maybe those ghost stories are still working. But they’re coming right down this road.”
Soonie’s eyes widened. He’s been with us the whole time. Watching out for me. “What should we do?”
“Be another few hours before we reach Dallas.” Brother Jenkin’s chin trembled.
Lieutenant Ford patted the hilt of his Colt pistol. “Don’t you worry none, Ma’am. We pledged to keep you safe, and we will do what’s needed.”
Stone Brother tossed his head and whinnied, loud and long.
“Let’s ride,” Soonie said.
Lieutenant Ford frowned. “Lone Warrior, h
ow far away is the group?”
“About an hour.”
Brother Jenkins scanned their faces. “We have time. We can outrun them.”
The other soldier pulled out a pistol. “I’m no coward.”
“Me neither.” Darla pulled an impossibly small pistol from somewhere in the depth of her shawl.
Lone Warrior shook his head. “You would only be putting yourself at risk. You are wasting time. We all must ride.”
Soonie stepped closer. “I can’t stay with them, can I?”
Lone Warrior stared down at her. “No, Soon-ie.”
“Then I have no choice,” she said firmly.
A smile played around Lone Warrior’s lips, and he nodded.
Soonie turned to Darla. “Take care of yourself, dear.” She pulled out one of her gold pieces and pressed it into the girl’s hands. “If things don’t work out in Dallas, go to Bastrop and find my family, the Eckharts. They will help you.”
“Don’t you think Hal might recognize Darla?” Brother Jenkins asked.
Darla pulled out the black mantilla from her saddle pack and hung it over her face. She loosened Jimmie’s reins from the bush. “Come on, boys; let’s see what these horses are made of. Soonie, you’ve done so much for me. Don’t worry about me none. God brought me this far, He’ll lead us both to better places.”
Brother Jenkins nodded to the soldiers. “Four of us can move faster than two dozen. If Soonie isn’t here they will have no reason to bother us even if they do catch up.” He nodded to Lone Warrior. “Take care of her.”
Lone Warrior grabbed Soonie’s hand and they rushed to mount their horses.
“Time to run,” Soonie whispered into Stone Brother’s ear.
He bolted after Cactus Pear.
Lone Warrior led them to a tricky path through the rocks. She strained to hear any sounds that might suggest conflict behind them, but after the initial thundering of hooves and the normal sounds of bird and wind, all was silent.
For over an hour, they concentrated on riding, neither one of them saying a word. Soonie’s heart raced, partially from excitement, and partially in panic. What have I done? What will we do?
The Comanche Girl's Prayer, Texas Women of Spirit Book 2 Page 14
