He shrugged. “You learn a lot from trading.”
Something about his casual tone seemed forced. “Have you ever lived with the Indians?”
His gaze flickered so quickly, she would have missed it if she hadn’t been watching. “Why do you ask that?”
She didn’t back down. A good reporter certainly wouldn’t. “You seem to know their ways intimately. And some of your mannerisms remind me of the Indians we’ve met on this journey.”
Another shrug. “I’ve moved around a lot. Known all kinds of people.”
That seemed to be all she would get from him. But at least he’d remembered more than before. A good sign.
Noelle’s Journal
September 20th
I think Daniel’s memory is returning. Thank you, Father. It’s certainly not all there. I’m not sure if he remembers me yet, or anything about our journey, but I questioned him several times last night and today, and he seems to remember people he’s known in the recent past. I can’t begin to express my relief at these happy indicators.
I’m sorry, Lord, for my lack of faith these past days. Please forgive me for not fully believing You would make all things work together for our good. I must admit, it’s still hard not to worry. Especially now that winter seems to have set upon us with great haste.
Daniel says the clouds portend snow. I’m not familiar with the weather in this territory, but my fears tend to agree with him. What will it be like to sit beside the campfire and watch snow falling? My teeth chatter just imagining.
Dear Father in Heaven, is it too much to ask that we be allowed to hurry on with the remainder of our trip? To arrive at Simeon’s home with no further harrowing events? No blizzards to trek through or other catastrophe I can scarce imagine?
Chapter Sixteen
If I be a man, ’tis time to act like it.
~ Daniel
The snow would hit any minute.
Daniel eyed the menacing gray of the low-hanging clouds. His gaze wandered down to the firewood piled along one side of their shelter. That might not be enough if this snow lasted more than one day. It didn’t take long for dry wood to become a scarce commodity in a snowstorm.
The least he could do was limp out and retrieve a few more loads. Noelle had gathered all the loose wood surrounding their camp, so he’d have to walk farther to find wood that wasn’t green. Which would be a trial since he was still so weak. Even short strolls through the woods wore him out.
He gripped the trees he passed to keep himself upright and moving. His fingers could feel the difference between the bark of the cedars and pines without requiring the use of his eyes. He relied so much on his body to survive each day, what if he never truly recovered?
One of the pines he gripped felt brittle to the touch, its bark breaking off when he pulled his hand away. Too bad the branches were so high up. The tree must be rotting, which would make it prime burning wood.
Noelle had returned from washing their evening dishes by the time he carried back his first load. He straightened, clamped his jaw against the pain, and tried not to hobble when he dumped the logs and turned back for more.
She had that sad look in her eyes, but he didn’t let himself meet her gaze. He’d never been forced to endure a woman’s pity, especially not a white woman who couldn’t manage a week in this country without his help.
Although, maybe that wasn’t so true with Noelle. He couldn’t remember what she’d been like before his mind went so foggy, but she’d done a remarkable job this past week while he’d been forced to lie on his backside.
Every moment he watched her work while he couldn’t had pushed and prodded at his pride. But he couldn’t dispute the fact that she’d been remarkable.
“I’ll come help.” Her skirts swished behind him.
“No.” He didn’t turn to acknowledge her, just bit down on his pain and limped onward.
“I don’t mind.” Her voice sounded right behind him this time.
Daniel spun, almost toppling as his vision swam, then went blurry. But that frustration only fueled his anger. “I said no. I don’t need your help, Noelle.”
Even with the chaos in his head, he still heard her sharp intake of breath. The sound brought a realization of what he’d said as surely as a knife stabbing his chest, the blade twisting to mutilate his insides. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I mean...” He could finally see well enough to make out the guarded expression in her gaze.
He’d better set this to rights. “You’ve done more than your share around here while I’ve just lain there.” He motioned toward his pallet. “You shouldn’t have to do it all.” He forced himself to meet her gaze, the shimmer there just about doing him in. But he had to say it all. “I need to do this. I have to get back on my feet.”
The delicate tendons of her neck shifted where they peeked out above her coat. “All right.”
He breathed out a long breath. She hadn’t argued. Maybe she understood.
NOELLE JERKED AWAKE, her heart clamoring in her throat.
A high-pitched whistle sounded, and she blinked in the darkness, trying to place her surroundings.
Daniel bolted upright in his bed across the faint embers of the fire. She could only see the outline of his form.
“What is—”
A crash exploded beside her, spraying snow in all directions.
Noelle screamed, scrambling from her blankets, lunging away from the colossal object that had landed mere feet away from her.
“What in—” Daniel was by her side before she stopped scooting, his body blocking her from whatever horrendous danger had landed in their camp.
His shoulders heaved as he faced the opponent. She could see nothing around his muscled form.
“What is it?” she hissed, trying not to make much noise. She’d only caught a momentary view, but the thing seemed bigger than a buffalo, yet made no sound now that it had settled. Or maybe...a swishing noise every so often. Perhaps that was her heart pulsing in her ears.
Another reverberation broke the stillness. This one from Daniel. It sounded like...a chuckle? Couldn’t be.
“What is it?” She freed a hand and pushed at him.
That chuckling sound broke into a full laugh as he moved aside.
She scrambled up. It took a moment to focus on the huge, bushy thing spanning the entire width of their camp.
“Is that a tree?” The realization settled over her like an off-kilter painting.
Daniel’s laugh tapered to something like a chortle, and she slanted a look at him. The merriment on his face transformed his features, brightening his eyes and flashing a glimmer of even, white teeth.
She couldn’t help but respond to the light emanating from him. The corners of her mouth pulled, and she finally let out her own grin. For that moment, nothing else mattered. Not the icy chill changing their breath to shimmering white, nor the snow that had fallen for hours before she finally drifted to sleep. Not the powerful fright that still had her heart banging in her chest.
Only he mattered, him and the joy slipping through her. If she could feel this happy for the rest of her life, it would be more than she’d ever dreamed of.
After a moment, Daniel turned his focus back to the tree, then worked himself up to his knees so he could stand. She scrambled to her feet to help if needed, although he probably wouldn’t allow her.
But when she extended her hand, he placed his inside hers, letting her assist as he pulled upright. He didn’t let go though, just held her tight as he led her toward the tree, his big glove cradling her smaller one.
She tried not to focus on his nearness. “What do you think made it fall?”
He touched a spindly branch, part of it still encrusted with ice that hadn’t shed during the fall. “Looks like it’s dead. The weight of the snow might have brought it down.” His gaze wandered toward the base of the giant, far out of sight in the darkness. “I saw this one when I went for firewood. Thought it would be good to burn if we could ge
t at the upper branches.” A soft chuckle. “Guess now we can.”
Would they be here long enough to need this much firewood?
Lord, let it not be so.
WHEN THEY WERE SO RUDELY awakened in the night, the snow seemed to have stopped, but when Noelle opened her eyes to daylight, a fresh cascade of flurries drifted down around their stretched oilskin canopy.
A fire crackled beside her, which was probably why she’d slept so well. Daniel sat just beyond the blaze, his focus on the flickering flames.
She sat upright, pulling her fur covering up with her. “You’re awake.” This was the first time he’d woken early since his injury.
His gaze rose to hers and the edges of his mouth tipped in a silent greeting. “I brought water but didn’t want to wake you by cooking.”
Now that was Daniel she knew and loved. The man was always thoughtful, his kindness showing itself in little ways she discovered throughout each day. “We have a little corn meal left. Just enough for a warm gruel. Does that sound all right?”
His brow formed twin furrows. “Sounds fine, but is that the last of it? What other supplies do we have?”
“Salt and a good bit of elk meat. There’s still some grain for the horses.”
He didn’t speak again, but the creases never left his forehead as he reached for the pack and rifled through it. Finally, he stood. “I’m going to check the animals.” Griz jumped to his feet and padded after his master. As they reached the edge of their campsite, Daniel turned back to her. “Think we can be ready to head out tomorrow morning?”
She stilled, although his words sent her pulse racing. Leave? Oh, heavens, yes. She raised her gaze to meet his. “I can, but...will you be ready?” As much as almost every part of her wanted to jump to her feet and squeal for joy, he couldn’t be well enough to travel. Especially not in the snow.
But his jaw had taken on that look of steel she’d seen more than once. “I’ll be ready.” Then he turned and limped away. The hitch in his gait wasn’t as pronounced as it had been a few days ago, but his foot clearly still pained him. He did seem more like himself this morning, but wouldn’t it be best to allow him a few more days to recover?
Daniel seemed to attack the day with fury. He removed everything from their packs, then cleaned and reorganized each with meticulous care. When he returned from several hours with the horses, deep lines creased the shadows under his eyes. He ate the simple meal of roasted meat she’d prepared, but his body seemed as if it might wilt any moment. If he tried to keep working this afternoon, she’d insist he rest first.
Thankfully, he stretched out on his sleeping pallet as soon as he finished eating, and light snores drifted from him within a couple of minutes. Griz wandered over and sank down for a nap beside his master.
She glanced around the camp. What more needed doing? They had logs to pack so they would have dry wood when they camped on the trail. The packs were full, the animals ready. Everything would be loaded when they broke camp in the morning.
Her gaze slipped over to Daniel. If they broke camp. Maybe his exhaustion after a half day’s work proved he wasn’t ready for the arduous undertaking of a day riding through these mountains.
Chapter Seventeen
We must travel on, yet fear of doing so haunts me.
~ Noelle
Noelle’s Journal
September 22nd
Today marked our first day back on the trail. We camped earlier than usual. Although Daniel didn’t say why, I’m sure it had mostly to do with the fact he clutched the saddle all afternoon, hunched over as if the leather he grasped was the only thing keeping him upright.
Truly, I am worried about him. I pray he’ll consent to remain at this new camp an extra day to rest. He rarely uses his burned hand, and his limp still persists, but it’s the exhaustion that worries me most. His constitution is not yet strong enough for the journey. Perhaps I’ll insist for rest tomorrow.
This place we’re camping is far from a source of water. After I settled him on a sleeping pallet and found grazing for the horses, I trekked another quarter hour in search of drinking water yet found none. At last, I returned to camp and am now heating pots of leftover snow for the animals and our own use.
Before his injury, Daniel would never have let us camp in a place like this, high on the side of a mountain. I think he stopped here because he couldn’t push on another minute, and I surely couldn’t bring myself to force him. The next time we travel, I will be more diligent to choose a campsite before he exhausts himself so fully.
Perhaps I should be more aware of our path also. With Daniel slumped over his saddle, how does he know we’re traveling the right direction?
Guide our path, Lord. Please.
DANIEL PRIED HIS EYELIDS open as a rustling sounded around him. Daylight speared him, and he flinched against the pain ricocheting through his head.
A soft clang of metal sounded nearby, a pot against stone. Noelle cooking breakfast? He’d not been up to gather her water. He’d been no help to her the night before either. He had to do better today.
Clenching his jaw against the pain, he forced his eyes open and levered himself up to lean on his elbow. A groan slipped out, and Noelle turned to look at him.
Her face seemed to cloud as she studied him, or perhaps that was his vision blurring. A cool hand touched his face, although he’d not even seen her move. His eyes drifted shut as he relished the soothing comfort of her skin. Her hand stroking his brow, combing through his hair.
A relaxation swept through him so deep, he couldn’t seem to fight it. In truth, he’d lost all desire to struggle against her touch. No one had ever possessed such power over him as this woman. That thought should worry him, but instead, he sank into it. Letting Noelle’s comfort and the warmth of sleep take over.
A FEW HOURS LATER, the fine hairs on the back of Noelle’s neck prickled, and she raised her focus from the article she was writing. Her gaze found Daniel first, like a horse always yearning for the safe haven of its barn.
He was no longer sleeping but watching her, his dark eyes more focused than they’d been last night or this morning. Griz lay beside him, and the dog seemed to be watching her just like the man. What a pair they were.
She searched for a smile to offer, and it wasn’t hard to find as she took in Daniel’s strong, handsome features. “Are you feeling better?”
“I am.” His gaze lifted heavenward. “Sorry I slept so long. We’d best pack up.”
Her chest tightened. “You don’t mean to ride again today?” She looked up to find the position of the sun. “It’s nigh unto midday.” He needed more time to rest.
But he threw his furs off and pushed up to a sitting position. He looked away, but she still caught a glimpse of the grimace he tried to hide. “We have to cover distance. There should be an Apsaloke camp north of here, but I’m not sure how far. We need supplies. We have to move on.”
She tucked away her papers and stood. “No, Daniel, stop. One day won’t hurt.” He was right about the food but rest was more important. Right? Which would be most critical?
He was already pushing up to his feet. “We have to go.” He seemed to be speaking through gritted teeth, but the hard line of his shoulders made it clear he wouldn’t be swayed. Best to keep him as quiet as she could.
She bent to pack her books in her satchel. “Sit. I’ll ready the horses.”
She wasn’t as quick as Daniel at preparing to leave, but within a half hour, they were both mounted and on the trail. The one good thing about having few supplies was that everything fit on the two horses. They’d had to leave the pack saddle behind the day before, but without the extra mare, nothing else could be done.
She slid a glance at Daniel as they rode abreast around the side of a mountain. How much of a toll this journey had taken on him. Surely he wouldn’t have agreed to guide her to the northern mountains if he’d known. First the loss of his extra trading goods when he bought the horse and saddle from Red Bird’s
people. Then that awful night of the storm, he’d lost a horse and his memory in one fell swoop.
Lord willing, he would recover fully from the latter. She turned her gaze forward to the landscape in front of them. The ground sloped downward in a gentle drop with rocks and trees rising up through the snow. “Does this land look familiar to you?”
His brow creased, and he was silent for a moment before he shrugged. “Most of these mountains look about the same, especially covered in snow.”
The knot in her stomach twisted tighter. “How do you know which way to go then?”
He glanced upward. “The sun. As long as we keep the rising sun to our right, we’ll be headed north.”
That made sense. Her midsection eased a bit, but her shoulders ached from the tension she couldn’t seem to release. “So we head due north?”
Those lines deepened on his forehead again. “You said your brother’s place is west of Fort Hamilton. We’ll go north until we hit prairie land again, then turn westward.”
She released a long breath. That didn’t sound so hard. At least now she could take the lead when she needed to.
THOUGH THEY STOPPED early again that evening, Daniel looked as exhausted as he had the day before. Noelle’s spirit ached to see him that way, but she tried to relieve the angst through prayer as she worked to set up camp, build a fire, and tend the horses. Griz stayed at her side, her ready companion.
Daniel was asleep when she and the dog returned, but she’d need to wake him to eat and drink water from the creek she’d found when she’d been selecting their campsite.
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