Always

by Jessie Rose Case

  He looked hard at Carl, recognised competition when he saw it and turned to Esa.

  “Do as your Uncle tell’s you.” Elizabeth stared at him. Her angry rising.

  “You don’t make decisions for me!”

  Ben ignored them. “Carl what do you say son?”

  “It would be an honour sir.” Carl replied looking from Red Wolf to Elizabeth. It thought it might come to blows.

  “Good I know she will be in good hands.” Carl nodded and left the room before things went too far.

  O no, she screamed in her mind. What the hell had just happened? Was no one listening to her? Carl? Take Carl to the Indian village? She glared at Red Wolf. He stared back. Had they all gone mad? she thought. “Urrrgh,” she cried out and left the room going outside. She needed some air. Everyone seemed to have work to do and were going about their business.

  Red Wolf came out and stood near her. “What the hell are you doing?” she asked him.

  He shrugged. “I’m doing nothing but making sure traditions are kept and father is happy.”

  Was he being stupid deliberately? “I’m not talking about that and you know it,” she hissed. “You don’t get to tell me what to do. You’re not the boss of me.”

  He moved swiftly, grasping her hair and neck in his hand and pulled her towards him roughly, moving her into the darkness of the porch. “Someone needs to.” He told her, staring intently at her lips, then gained some control and let her go.

  “Don’t push me Esa, I can’t control it.”

  She watched him walk away and stood there for some time. Wondering what it would be like if he had no control at all.

  The nose of packing woke her from her thoughts. Elizabeth remembered that White Dove would need her help and went looking for her. She knew that there would be no point in arguing now the decision had been made. That didn’t mean she was happy about it. She spent all morning working with White Dove making lists of things that would be needed on their journey. They checked the stores and went looking for the gifts of food and animals, as well as blankets and trinkets. They also needed gifts for the children, some sweets and toys. And Medicine to help the Medicine man do his work. The rest was grain, seed and special gifts for Dull Knife.

  Ben worked with his men for the trail and secured the last of the animals that would be going. Over the next two days, they sent riders out and into town for the few things they still needed. Carl continued with his own routine, checking with Ben and going over what was required of him on this journey. Red Wolf stayed out of his way and worked with his braves. Things were more than a little tense.

  To Carl it seemed as if every Indian on the ranch was going. He’d been told the Harvest was always a big cause of celebration to the Indians and it had been combined with one of the gift days from the ranch. In a Christian way, it made sense. Not that that was the push for anyone, but it made sense and became their Harvest festival.

  In no time, outside was already packed and ready to go. Several wagons were filled with gifts and items for the journey. Some belonged to the families returning home to see their loved ones. Others, for the goods being taken to join the celebrations. Elizabeth couldn’t help but be excited. She rose early on the morning of the journey. Washed and dressed carefully. Went to the kitchen to make coffee but someone had beaten her to it. Coffee was simmering on the stove. Carl, was about to pour one cup. He looked up and saw her.

  Not for the first time was he lost for words around her. She took his breath away. Elizabeth was in full Indian dress. He knew he was staring and couldn’t help it.

  “Coffee?” He managed.

  Elizabeth held back her surprise and answered. “Yes thank you.” Carl poured another and handed it to her.

  “Your up early mam.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “It would seem I’m not the only one.” Carl half laughed and gave a bemused look.

  “Yeah well, it’s not every day a man gets to go live in an Indian village, I’m feeling a bit nervous I don’t mind telling you.”

  She liked his honesty, no malice intended, just clear honest concern for the unexpected. She hadn’t even considered that. Elizabeth was shocked she’d not thought of it. She went with jest.

  “Don’t worry Carl, I’ll protect you.” She told him teasingly. Smiling she took her cup, turned and headed for the porch. Carl came with her.

  “Mam, if its ok would you tell me how you came to be part of the Indian nation.” Elizabeth paused, no one else seemed about yet and she stood and gazed out over the yard. Few asked her that. She was quiet for a moment and then retold her story starting with her father’s arrival in America.

  When she’d finished so was their coffee. Silently Carl took her cup and went inside and refilled them. As he handed it back to her, he spoke.

  “Your father was an inspired man. Connecting with the Indians at a time when men were at war with them. It made good sense and business.” Carl gazed out over the land. “He obviously knew how this land would end up and where the lines would be drawn. You know he helped the Indians as much as himself. Many are dying out there.”

  Elizabeth smiled sadly. “Yes Carl, I think we all know that. My father believed that it was important that the Indians felt this was still their land. And, it is their land and we should feel honoured by them, for allowing us to share it. That we should be thankful and show that gratitude.”

  “And that’s why you pay tribute?” Carl asked. “Umm that and it seems fair don’t you think. It was their land long before ours and we have gained much by using it.” she answered.

  “Yeah, it does.” He replied and was quiet for a time. “Do you think your father would have approved of Ben and White Dove?”

  Elizabeth turned to him surprised by that question, was he against it? “Do you not approve Carl?” Elizabeth answered pointedly.

  He was quiet for a moment. “It is not for me to say mam, but Ben seems a lucky man.” He answered quietly.

  Elizabeth sighed, Carl wasn’t trying to be bigoted. It was an honest question. “I would like to think my father would have. Ben’s here because my father died. Maybe if Ben had come home earlier, things could have been different, and I think Ben feels that sometimes, but this life is unforgiving Carl and there are no ‘what if’s”.

  Carl look thoughtful as Elizabeth continued. “My father always said, he wanted the Indians and us to be family. He felt that to preserve what we had, we should be joined in land and blood. That it was the only way forward. In Ben. He has that don’t you think?” Elizabeth smiled.

  Carl thought about that. He again looked out over the yard as it started to come to life. He liked this place. It called to him. As did this woman. He didn’t feel the need to fill space like others did. He thought about what she’d told him. Then turned to face her. He answered her as he saw it. Even though it pained him.

  “Yes, in a way your father has got that. But you should remember better than most, when your father made that wish Elizabeth, Ben wasn’t here, only you were.”

  He surprised her. She hadn’t thought about it in such a long time. Carl was right. He got up from her then and crossed to the paddocks.

  Elizabeth watched him go. Had her father expected her to marry into Dull Knifes family? She asked herself. That seemed improbable, didn’t it? Her father flew in the face of convention, but did he think that too? And yet to say no, would make a mockery of all her father’s beliefs, everything he had taught her. That ‘all men were equal under their god’. Elizabeth wasn’t sure what to think. Had her father been working on that happening? Certainly, Dull Knife had never mentioned it, nor had anyone else. Had he foreseen her path?

  Elizabeth’s heart pounded. Not that the thought of being with a man scared her. She’d seen enough animal husbandry to know what it was all about. It was just the thought of marrying one, anyone, Indian or American was she ready for that? But it was the thought that he might have had a plan for her that shocked her. Would he have made that decision for her and arrange
d a marriage? Elizabeth smiled and wiped that thought away. She knew without doubt, her father had loved her. No matter what, he would have let her have her choice, whatever choice that may have been and dam the consequences.

  Elizabeth sat in silence, lost in her thoughts and watched the day awaken. The Indians were first up and about. White Dove continued with the packing of her wagon. There was very little left to do. Carl walked the yard and offered help where needed. Ben came out and wished her good morning, she returned his kiss. The hands came into the yard one by one, took orders, breakfast and the animal round up started. 50 Steers and 25 horses were going with them. A number of chickens, rabbits and 10 milk cows. Along with all the other goods.

  Elizabeth hadn’t seen Red Wolf at all. The wagons were filled with fruit and vegetables, flour, grain and seed. In others, there were tools. Tools for the land, for the animals and for the people. A number of riffles, and ammunition amongst them.

  In no time, all was ready. Tepees were pulled down and Ben called everyone to breakfast. They all ate outside as was tradition on these days. A means of connecting with each other and saying goodbyes. Journeys in the time honoured tradition, the ‘long walks’ as they were called by the Indians, often led to death for some. Elizabeth was thankful not to have witnessed that.

  When all was ready, Ben came from the house and gave his gift for Dull Knife to her. It was a magnificent silver inlaid riffle. Engraved with the Double T, along with the Indian sign for peace. Elizabeth thought it looked beautiful.

  “He will love it.” She told him with a sob in her throat and hugged Ben. She didn’t know it then, but it would be the last time she saw him.

  Elizabeth handed it to White Dove who was in the wagon and mounted Patches. White Dove took her goodbyes of her husband and they were ready to go at last. It had been agreed that they would return before the trail hands, to open the house ready for them. The Indian party would be gone 6 weeks.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Elizabeth walked her pony to the front of their group and looked back over her shoulder. What a sight she thought, then mounted.

  At the same time Carl mounted his own horse and stood a little to one side. He thought the same of her. Elizabeth sat proudly in her saddle. As she turned Red Wolf rode into the yard. If anyone had missed the connection between them before. They saw it now. Red Wolf rode in and stopped before her. His horse stamping the ground, it was an exact copy of her own. In full Indian traditional ware, Red Wolf acknowledged Ben and took his position at the head of the line.

  As he did so, he half turned to face Elizabeth.

  “Esa.” He called out for all to hear. Elizabeth pushed her pony on, until they were level. He looked squarely at her, she was beautiful. He asked her in the traditional manner.

  “Is your place with me?”

  Elizabeth without hesitation she answered him.

  “Always.”

  Red Wolf gazed at this beautiful woman who stirred his heart. He nodded to her once and led them all home.

  ***

  The journey to the village would take most of the day with the stock and wagons. It couldn’t be rushed. They were expected to camp before night fall, to enter the village fresh the next morning to many greetings and celebrations. Celebrations that would go on all the next day and after that, for several days more. Then a break for life to get back to normal before the following harvest.

  Scouts were sent ahead to look for the best passage. Carl rode along the column where Black Dog and his men rode. No one had indicated that he should do so, but it seemed his place and he was accepted. When it was time for Black Dog and his men to scout, Carl went with them. He enjoyed their company, their silence, their quiet understanding of the land.

  They had left the column behind them by a good half-hours’ ride, when approaching from the west four riders were spotted crossing Double T land. The two forward scouts were closing in on their position. Carl and Black Dog and the other four other braves closed the gap fast. The forward scouts had stopped in the way of the four riders.

  As Carl got nearer he heard the voices of the men. They were talking to the Indians like meat not men. It sickened him. Carl pressed forward, he was angry by the men’s contempt. They hadn’t seen him, their voices got louder as they got braver, there was a sick excitement in the air. Until they saw the rest of them.

  Carl signalled to Black Dog to surround the riders. Black Dog hesitated for a moment. Took Carls measure and signalled, the braves split and encircled the party. Carl went in and pulled up sharply. The riders were silenced. Carl signed for the forward braves to back off and stand. Within minutes, the riders realised their mistake, they were surrounded.

  Carl stared at the men, taking them in one at a time. He didn’t recognise anyone. Strangers were not a good thing and there was the question of how they’d got on Double T land.

  He could see them getting nervous, the one at the far end, started a conversation by introducing himself. Carl ignored him. Too many men were roaming the West looking for who knows what. The silence was strained. Carl looked away from the riders in disgust, quietly but forcefully he asked a question. “Do you know how an Indian gets satisfaction when insulted?” He looked slowly along the line of men. Taking them in.

  In strained unison, they answered. “No,” and a combination of “no sir.” Carl nodded.

  “You’d be lucky to survive.” Carl threw back at them. “Now, you insulted my men here and they will want satisfaction.” Carl continued.

  “They may take your life or your belongings, their choice, drop your guns.” He ordered. The four riders hesitated, then undid their gun belts and let them drop to the floor. Carl signalled to the forward two braves. They rounded the riders and helped themselves to their belongings. Carls eyes never left their faces, nor did Black Dogs.

  As the braves moved back, Carl spoke to them again. “Your lucky day. Looks like you get to live. You’re on Double T land. Its fenced. So how’d you get in?”

  The original speaker started talking quickly. A broken fence had allowed them in. Carl turned to Blank Dog. “Have someone check it.”

  He turned back to the men. “This land is owned by the Indian and Trelawney families. If you want to survive here. Be careful who you insult, or you may end up dead. Where you heading?” He asked.

  “Brownsville sir.” The younger one answered. “We’re looking for work. Heard there’s a trail about to start, was kinda hoping to join it. We could do with the work.” He continued.

  Carl nodded. “The trail is with the Trelawney family. But you won’t find work if you can’t work with Indians. Have you eaten?”

  The younger one shook his head. “Not in two days sir.”

  Carl emptied his saddle bags and handed over what provisions he had on him.

  The younger one looked grateful. He wasn’t so sure of the others. Carl signalled to Black Dog who came forward. “Take their weapons, ride them off our land and return their guns.” And for the riders benefit he added. “Any trouble, kill them, bury the bodies.”

  Black Dog grinned, the riders paled considerably. “You can’t do that. There’s law here.” Carl looked at the surely one who’d spoken. “Your right. Theirs.” He nodded at Black Dog, then signalled for four braves to escort the riders off Trelawney land. The party of eight moved off. From their vantage point, Carl watched the riders till out of sight. Then rode back to join the column.

  Their places were taken by other riders. Red Wolf asked Black Dog where the missing braves were, Black Dog recalled the story. Carl rode past Elizabeth stopping only to ask if there was anything he could do for her. She had said no and he’d returned to his position in the line. An hour from the village the group stopped to make camp.

  Small groups gathered together in family units, others joined a larger one. Elizabeth went to help White Dove. Fires were lit, and food prepared. Carl saw to his and Elizabeth’s horses. Not sure if this was Red Wolfs job now or not. As he finished. Elizabeth asked him to j
oin her and White Dove. He guessed Red Wolf would go where he wanted. Carl thanked her and laid out his bedroll within their circle.

  Everyone ate. There was an excitement in the air. As dinner finished, Carl was called on by Black Dog. “Come.” He told him. Carl followed. Black Dog led him to Red Wolf and the returning four braves of their party. Carl nodded to them. They gave Red Wolf and update then dismounted and went in search of food. He turned and spoke to him.

  “You turned those men away well today.”

  He walked away. Both Black Dog and the two of braves slapped Carl on the back and went about their business. Carl returned to Elizabeth and White Dove. Not sure what had just happened. “Everything alright?” She asked as he returned.

  “Yes, just fine, I’m going to turn in, good night.” He was a little abrasive and that was unusual for Carl. Elizabeth wondered what Black Dog had wanted.

  “Goodnight Carl.” Elizabeth helped White Dove store the goods back in the wagon and arrange sleeping areas for them both. They would sleep in the wagon tonight on the bags of grain and seed. Along with the other women and children in theirs. The men would spread out on the ground around them.

  The campfire talk had been of reunions and family. It was the perfect evening. Feeling the pull of the journey, she made the beds up quickly and laid down. Almost immediately sleep came to her. In the night, White Dove must have covered her. She awoke in the morning with blankets over her, to the sounds of breakfast being made and the smell of coffee brewing and the excitement of children.