Based on a story idea by Kim posted at The Saddling Station Suggestion Box
Prologue
Teaspoon stood outside the bunkhouse window, watching as his riders slept. While he was always concerned about each of them, one in particular held his interest tonight. His eyes scanned each in turn. Lou lay in her bunk on her stomach, one arm hanging over the edge. Kid lay on his side in the bunk below her. Cody lay on his back, snoring lightly while Jimmy and Noah were quiet and unmoving. His eyes moved back to the object of his concerns this night.
Buck tossed in his bunk silently, his sleep filled with some sort of dreams. At least he was sleeping. For close to two weeks after his best friend's death, the young man had barely slept or eaten. That seemed to have changed this past week when he had returned from a run with a young widow woman and her newborn son in tow.
But while Buck's physical and mental pain over Ike's death may have finally begun to heal, Teaspoon had found out this very night that the boy's spiritual healing had yet to begin. Teaspoon had encountered the boy in the barn, where he had been feeding the horses. Pausing to talk to the lad he had seen the marks as Buck's arm stretched forward and the sleeve of his shirt had pulled back.
Teaspoon had insisted on looking at the cuts. He was shocked at how many Buck had inflicted on himself. Cutting was a practice many native tribes used as a means of mourning. Teaspoon was thankful that if the Kiowa practiced the act of severing finger joints, apparently Buck did not.
While Teaspoon had been checking the cuts, he had had a long chat with the boy.
"I thought you were feeling better Buck. Why'd you do this now?"
"I'm accepting Ike's death Teaspoon. But I still feel like something is missing. So I went out on the prairie this morning and prayed."
"Did it help?" Teaspoon had asked as he examined the many cuts on the boy's arms and chest. They were clean and well cared for. There should be little chance for infection. They had to be uncomfortable. But if they were, Buck didn't let on.
"No, not really."
Teaspoon had sat next to the boy. The other riders had complained to him numerous times about Buck's moodiness, and Teaspoon knew that several arguments had occurred. An idea had been forming in the back of his mind over the last couple of weeks, and perhaps this was the time to suggest it.
"Did you ever think that maybe you could use a little extra guidance right now? You spent some time at the mission. Maybe you could talk to a priest." This wasn't what Teaspoon really felt he needed, but he was almost afraid to suggest what he really thought. But he was building to it.
"I never really accepted that religion Teaspoon. It wouldn't help."
"Did you ever think about going back to the Kiowa?"
Buck's face had darkened. Teaspoon had been afraid that the boy would misunderstand him if he made this suggestion.
"You sending me away Teaspoon?"
"No! Not at all Buck. You are a member of this strange little family and each and every one of us would miss you if you were to leave. What I was thinking of was more of a visit, see your brother, maybe have a talk with the elders. They might be able to help."
The two had sat silently while Buck seemed to think it over. Teaspoon's hand went to the young man's shoulder.
"It has been a long time since I've seen Red Bear." Buck finally said. "But will the others understand if I leave?"
"Son, I know how much Ike meant to you. And I know you hold your Kiowa beliefs close to your heart. You need to do what is going to make you feel better. The others will understand."
"They didn't before." Buck referred to a time back in Sweetwater when Ike had been captured. Buck had been accused of taking sides with the Kiowa and against the riders.
"They will now. That was a long time ago."
"You're already a rider short."
"We'll manage. Besides, I think both Cody and Jimmy owe you a few rides."
"You won't mind if I go?"
"Son, I love you as if you were my own. I'll miss you while you're gone. But everyone deserves a little vacation. Visit your brother. Try and find some peace. Then come back to us."
In truth, the others hadn't understood, at first. Lou had discovered the marks on Buck's arms much as Teaspoon had. The discovery led to a heated discussion about why people would do such a thing to themselves. None of the other riders understood the Kiowa, or any other Indian, religion.
Both Teaspoon and Buck tried to explain it. Jimmy called the act foolish and stupid, but eventually the riders accepted it, even if they didn't understand. Another row occurred when Teaspoon announced that Buck would be leaving for a short while. But they settled down faster over that one, each realizing that maybe this was what Buck needed. Rachel made him promise to return.
Teaspoon stood now watching the young man, hoping he hadn't made a mistake in suggesting he go.
Chapter 1
Buck sat his horse on the rise above the Kiowa encampment. It hadn't been hard to find. He knew his brother well, knew what his brother would have advised the elders as to a place to camp for the season.
Buck had removed his shirt and hat before approaching the camp. He sat now waiting to be acknowledged. After a certain amount of time had passed, he nudged his horse forward, riding slowly down the hill and into the camp.
He was taking a chance coming here. While he had proven himself a Kiowa the last time he had been here, he had also been asked to leave. He had no idea what type of reception he was about to receive. It was something that he had not voiced to Teaspoon when they had talked of his visit with Red Bear.
Warriors surrounded him as he moved into the camp. Some poked at him with rifle barrels or the ends of bows. But none challenged him at first. In fact a few nodded at him in acknowledgement. He was halfway into the camp before he was roughly pulled from his horse by a group of three warriors. He didn't fight them. One warrior pushed him, as if to provoke him. He wasn't going to fight these men, but he wasn't going to give in to them either. He continued walking.
As another warrior was about to push him once more, Buck heard a voice commanding the warrior to stop. He turned toward the voice as it drew nearer him.
"Hello brother."
Red Bear made a horizontal slicing motion in the air and the warriors backed off and went on their respective ways. Red Bear stood in front of Buck. Then he suddenly gathered the younger man into his arms in a welcoming hug. He finally pushed Buck out to arm's length, his hands remaining on Buck's shoulders.
"It is good to see you Running Buck, but you have taken a great risk to come here."
"I know."
Red Bear studied his brother's face.
"What is wrong?" he asked as he placed his arm over Buck's shoulder and led him to his lodge. It was a teepee befitting the war chief, painted with power symbols and tales of Red Bear's conquests.
The two sat in front of it, a small cook fire sitting merrily off to one side. A woman walked from behind the lodge carrying a pot of water from the creek, which she hung over the fire. Buck looked at his brother, his eyebrow raising in question, as the woman knelt and began adding vegetables, meat, and ground nut flour to the pot, stirring it with a bone spoon. The woman cast furtive glances at Buck, but said nothing. She moved off to do some other chore and Buck could wait for the answer to his question no longer.
"Brother? Have you taken a new wife?"
Red Bear nodded unhappily. "The elders felt it necessary. She is Climbing Vine, Raging Water's sister. The elders felt a union between our war chief and the daughter of Tree Frog would be beneficial to us against the blue coats. Neither of us had a choice in the matter."
"I take it she is an unhappy wife."
"She understands the arrangement. She is a dutiful wife." Red Bear sat quietly for a moment in contemplation. "So little brother why are you here? What troubles you?"
Buck told him about Ike's death and about his attempts to find peace. He told of the frustration the others were feeling with him as he struggled to accept Ike's loss and of Teaspoon's suggestion that perhaps the Man of Dreams could help him. While he talked, Climbing Vine moved around the lodge area, preparing the evening meal for her husband and, whom she had learned from others, his brother.
Red Bear listened to Buck's tale. He knew his brother better than anyone, knew by the sacrifice he had been willing to make for his friend when the Kiowa had captured him just how much Buck had cared for the boy called Ike. He also knew the depth of feelings his brother was capable of. Running Buck had more compassion than it was safe for a warrior to have. And yet, contrary to his compassion, he was a very brave warrior when the need arose. Red Bear would be proud to have the young man at his side in battle if the opportunity ever lent itself.
Members of the village passed by as the two brothers talked. Many of them Buck knew and he was surprised to hear many of them greet him as though he were there every day, as though he were not the half-breed they had scorned during his childhood. Buck found this puzzling and asked Red Bear about it as they ate, Climbing Vine serving the men first as was proper. Buck had to stop himself from asking if Climbing Vine were going to join them.
"You proved yourself Kiowa the last time you were here," he said calmly, as if the answer were obvious.
The two continued to talk well into the evening. Climbing Vine ate when the men were done, then joined the other women down by the creek to talk and clean the wooden bowls and utensils just used. She returned to Red Bear's lodge and prepared sleeping robes for Buck, then sat nearby weaving a basket by the cook fire light until her husband had something else he needed or they turned in for the night.
It was very late when they finally went to bed. Red Bear was aware of Buck's quietly tormented sleep, watching his brother as he tossed and turned, and he became determined to help him find peace and acceptance.
Climbing Vine was up with the sun, Red Bear and Buck not far behind her. Buck hadn't realized how much he had missed his brother until last night. It felt good to talk to him as he had when he lived here with him. And looking around the village, watching the outwardly carefree life around him, it was easy to put aside the worries and concerns he had brought with him.
Buck knew life in the village was not as easy as it appeared on the surface. At best it was a life of feast or famine, more famine lately than feast with the intrusion of more and more white settlers and their demands for land. Whole Indian villages were being wiped out or moved onto reservations against their wills, left there to starve or die from the numerous white man's diseases.
Villages were constantly on the alert for attacks from both white men and enemy tribes. They often had to travel great distances to find food, meat especially being hard to come by as the buffalo, once plentiful, became scarce. Even in the course of Buck's young life, he noticed the changes in the land, and their way of life, that the white flow caused.
They ate the breakfast Climbing Vine prepared for them, then Red Bear went about his duties in the village, Buck at his side, getting reacquainted with village life. Buck was still amazed at the reception he was receiving. Apart from the three warriors who approached him upon his arrival, no one else bothered him. In fact they acted as if he had been among them for the last six years as an accepted member of the tribe, instead of living amongst the whites. He began to feel at ease, lowering his guard just a bit.
Buck talked with some of the elders, the wise men wanting to know, like Red Bear had, what brought Buck back to the tribe. They agreed to let Buck talk to the Man of Dreams again.
Buck spent the evening sitting at his brother's side as Red Bear and the elders discussed plans for a hunt the following day. The elders agreed that Buck could be included and the two brothers headed off to sleep.
Chapter 2
Buck had forgotten the thrill of a hunt like this. Sure, he had hunted for food thousands of times since he left the Kiowa. But there was something about a tribal hunt, with everyone working together, that was particularly rewarding. He had participated in the hunt since childhood, when the chance of finding buffalo was much better. Then he had worked with the other children hauling the meat back to the camp. As he grew older he was allowed to accompany the hunters, and finally to hunt himself.
He had been allowed that privilege only a few times before he left the Kiowa for the mission school.
This hunt would be different, since they found no buffalo, but the hunters were able to flush out numerous deer. Buck moved along with the hunters, taking his share of game, then moving on as the women and children dressed and hauled the meat away.
They feasted that night. A central fire was built up and the tribe gathered around it while the women roasted up venison haunches. The elders and Holy men talked, giving thanks to the Gods for the bountiful hunt. The drums were brought out and dancing began. Children twirled on the outer edges of the fire while the dancers circled the fire.
Buck got caught up by the beat of the drums and the festive air to the gathering. He felt, finally, as if he truly belonged here, that he had been accepted, and all the cruelties he remembered from childhood melted away, as if they hadn't existed in the first place. He began to entertain the idea of staying here. He felt a part of these people and his Kiowa heritage embraced him.
He sat at his brother's side while Climbing Vine waited on them. That was one thing that bothered him. He had learned to treat women as an equal in the white world and not as a servant. But he kept reminding himself that things were different here.
He watched the dancers pass before him. He turned to his brother when he felt the older man elbow him in the ribs.
"You have caught someone's eye little brother." Red Bear said with a grin on his face.
"What do you mean?"
"Morning Dove." Red Bear replied motioning to a young woman moving to the beat of the drum across the fire. "She has been casting looks your way. Yet you seem not to see them."
"I didn't notice." Buck was somewhat embarrassed by the attention of the young woman. It was obvious, even to him, once he saw her.
"She is attractive isn't she? And she can cook and scrap hides and sew. She would make a good wife."
"I'm not interested in marriage right now brother." Buck said nervously. Red Bear heard the tone in his voice and laughed.
"You don't have to marry her! Just go talk to her. She is a widow. Maybe she'll let you warm her robes tonight!" Red Bear continued to rib his younger brother, enjoying the discomfort his brother felt. Buck finally rose to his feet and approached the young woman, just to stop his brother's comments.
She is attractive, Buck thought as he approached her. She turned toward him and smiled, her eyes meeting his instead of dropping downward as most young women did. Buck admired her confidence, even as it embarrassed him. He knew his brother was watching him and he hoped the others weren't paying him any attention.
"My name is Running Buck." Buck said a he stood before the young woman.
"I know," she replied. "I'm Morning Dove. Are you here to stay?"
"No. I came to see my brother."
"And to talk to the Man of Dreams."
"Yes." Buck was surprised that she knew this.
"I hope you will find the peace you seek."
Buck was surprised at the comment. But apparently the village gossips had been busy.
She reached out and took his hand. "Shall we go for a walk?"
Buck didn't know why, but he followed her as she led him away from the camp. Finding a downed tree she sat, pulling him next to her. They talked briefly, Morning Dove asking a few questions about his life with the whites. But Buck was unprepared when she suddenly leaned in and kissed him. Her lips were soft and warm. He pulled away in surprise.
"You did not wish to kiss me?" she asked, somewhat surprised herself. Buck shook his head.
"No, it's not that," he said. "You just caught me by surprise."
"Then you will be ready when I do this." She leaned in and kissed him again. Buck was ready. He allowed himself to get lost in the kiss, not objecting at all when she took his hand and they lay down on the ground, her lips finding his once more as her hand moved over his chest.
The celebration was still going on when the two returned to the fire circle. Red Bear watched as Morning Dove grabbed hold of Buck's hand, pulling him close and kissing him deeply. Buck moved off and took his seat at Red Bear's side. Red Bear started to chuckle, then to laugh. Buck gave his brother a friendly shove, then turned his attention back to the dancers. But his eyes kept wandering back to where Morning Dove swayed to the beat of the drums.
Chapter 3
It was several days later before Buck was taken before the Man of Dreams. The elders had wanted to make sure that all of the previous cuts Buck had inflicted were healed before allowing him to go through any further ceremonies.
By now Buck had decided to stay. The elders welcomed him. Red Bear could not have been happier at his announcement. He would find a way to let his Pony Express family know, but he was certain that they wouldn't understand.
Buck followed the elders out onto the prairie, Red Bear at his side, his hair held back by Ike's dark red bandana. The Man of Dreams had had his latest sweat lodge built a distance away from the village, saying that he had seen the isolation in a vision. And so far it had carried the weight of truth to it, as the Man of Dreams had achieved many useful visions for himself and for the elders and chiefs.
Buck was surprised to see Morning Dove working around the outside of the lodge, depositing an armload of wood near the door then moving several bowls closer. She would not enter the sweat lodge, it was forbidden this time. Her eyes met Buck's briefly then dropped downward. This was a serious ceremony and not the time for flirting. Moving a leather bag closer to the door of the lodge she turned and walked away.
Red Bear took a brief moment to quietly explain that Morning Dove was the Man of Dreams daughter and had strong powers of her own. She showed great promise as a medicine woman and that she had had many visions herself. Buck knew that they had probably not been taken seriously by the villagers. After all she was a woman and men ruled the Kiowa. But Buck also knew his brother, and he was certain that since Red Bear had bothered to divulge this information to Buck, that Red Bear had probably listened to the girl's visions more than once and trusted her.
The Man of Dreams moved into the clearing. The men stripped down to breechcloths and the ceremonies began.
Morning Dove sat a short distance away amongst the grasses. She had a small fire contained in a circle of stones and was passing a bundle of sage over the fire. She began a quiet chant.
Several hours later the men still sat in the sweat lodge. All the proper ceremonies had been completed, prayers said, the pipe shared. But because this was more than a purification or revitalization ceremony, they remained inside and the pipe was reloaded and passed around again. The Man of Dreams instructed Buck to take an extra puff on the pipe and began a special chant to the spirits, asking for guidance.
Buck was handed a knife, which he passed over the steam rising from the rocks. He then offered it to the six directions before running the sharp edge over his skin. He repeated the cutting over and over, then passed the knife once more over the steaming rocks before handing it back to the Man of Dreams. The pipe was passed once more, Buck drawing the smoke deep into his lungs as the Man of Dreams continued his chants, and the other men joined in as the doorkeeper removed the pipe and returned the bucket of water. The Man of Dreams poured more water over the cooling rocks and the lodge once again filled with steam.
Buck felt himself caught up in the chant. His head was buzzing from the steam and the smoke. Blood oozed from the wounds he had just inflicted. He felt dizzy and closed his eyes. The vision took over.
Morning Dove sat with her eyes closed, the smell of burning sage and cedar reaching her nostrils. She could make out the chants from the lodge, knew her father was asking the spirits to guide Running Buck in his quest for answers. She breathed the scented smoke in deeply and added her prayers to those of the men below.
Buck's head was filled full of flashes of pictures. His mother, Ike, Red Bear and he playing as children, the mission school. As the chants increased around him, Ike settled into view.
Buck approached his best friend. Ike's smile covered his face as the two young men embraced. Buck was not surprised when Ike spoke.
"I have missed you Buck, but it's time to let go. I'm happy here."
"You didn't have to die Ike."
"Yes I did. It couldn't have happened any other way. Please understand that. Please accept it."
"It's not that easy."
"I know. But I died willingly to save Emily. You would have done the same. You need to move on." Ike embraced his friend once more. "I will always be watching you. You were like a brother to me. But you need to move on with your life."
Buck nodded in understanding. "I will always miss you my friend. But I understand."
Ike held Buck out at arm's length. "There isn't much time now. I need you to listen to me. Something is about to happen and you need to listen to me. The army is coming to the village. They are on the way right now. You've got to go. It may already be too late."
Buck knew that what his friend said was the truth. Ike started to fade. Buck reached out to grab him, but his friend was already out of his grip.
"The village is in danger Buck. The army is almost there…" Ike disappeared.
Buck's eyes snapped open.
"Ike told me the village is in danger," he said urgently. "The army is on its way."
The men looked at him and as one they moved out of the lodge. They grabbed up their weapons and began to leave the clearing, running toward their homes. But they were stopped before they had even gotten started as numerous soldiers surrounded them, rifles raised and prepared to fire. Morning Dove was shoved into the clearing as soldiers tied the men's arms behind them.
"These men have done nothing to harm you. Let them go." Buck called out.
"So, one of these heathens speaks English huh?" The officer said as he approached. He stood before Buck and suddenly slammed the butt of his rifle against Buck's chin. Buck fell to the ground and Red Bear struggled against his bonds, trying to reach his brother.
Buck slowly sat up. "Red Bear! No! I'm alright." He called to his brother. One of the soldiers grabbed his arms and pulled him to his feet. Dirt and dried material clung to the still sticky blood on Buck's chest and arms.
"Let's join the others." The officer said and the Kiowa were herded back toward the village.
Chapter 4
Buck studied the village as they entered. Lodges had been torn down or burnt. Small children wandered, lost, crying for their parents. Bodies lay scattered as soldiers walked by each of them, kicking them or nudging them to see if they were still alive. Buck watched as a badly injured woman was shot. Judging from the injuries she would not have survived anyway, but to just shoot her like that made Buck's blood boil. He struggled against his bonds and felt a boot kick in his back. He fell forward and tried to immediately gain his feet. One of the elders had fallen on the short trip to the village and been dragged several hundred feet.
He turned his head to watch his brother. The war chief walked calmly into the village, but Buck could see his brother's jaw clenching and fire burning in his eyes. They both studied Red Bear's teepee as they were led by it. The once beautiful lodge lay in a heap, burning. Buck's breath caught in his throat as he saw one moccasin-covered foot amongst the smoldering hides. Red Bear's eyes moved straight ahead.
The survivors of the raid had been gathered in the center of the village. Buck and the others with him were pushed to the ground. When Red Bear tried to stand he immediately had a rifle barrel shoved in his face.
"Don't fight them now brother!" Buck called to him. "There will be time later." A soldier immediately turned and smacked him in the cheek again with a rifle barrel.
"Shut up." The man growled and moved on. Buck studied the survivors. Soldiers were still bringing crying children and wounded adults to the gathering. Women sobbed over injured relatives. Others tried to tend to the wounded, and still more comforted frightened children. There were very few men.
Buck watched as the soldiers finished searching the village. He cringed inwardly as he heard a rifle go off again. Finally the soldiers gathered around their Captain.
"Let's get them moving. I want to put at least two miles behind us before nightfall." The captain moved his horse forward, passing near Buck.
"Why'd you do this?" Buck said loud enough for the officer to hear him. The man stopped his horse and looked at Buck.
"So you speak English."
"Yes. Why did you do this? Where are you taking us?" Buck struggled to his feet as the other captives began to rise. Only the men had their arms tied. The women were allowed their hands free.
"You're going to a reservation where you'll be allowed to farm and live safely."
"We aren't farmers, we're hunters."
"Well you'll learn to farm then. Where did you learn English?"
"Mission school. You can't do this."
"We can and we will." The Captain turned to his men. "Let's go. Keep this one nearby. He can talk to the others for us." Two soldiers moved forward, grabbing Buck's arms. Buck fought to keep from wincing as they pressed against the fresh cuts. They began to walk.
Cody rode into the station like his horse's tail was on fire. Passing the mochilla off to the waiting rider, he immediately wheeled his horse around and headed to the Marshall's office. Kid, Lou and Noah had been sitting on the bunkhouse porch, but they ran after their friend, catching up to him after he had already entered the Marshall's office. Jimmy was there also.
"…near Sweetwater. They're taking them to a reservation down south. Oklahoma I think."
"What's wrong?" Kid asked as the three tumbled into the office. Teaspoon ignored them for the moment, wanting to get more information from Cody instead.
"Any idea when son?"
"At least three days ago. Maybe a little more. The word was passed down with the riders. What are we gonna do Teaspoon?"
Teaspoon rubbed his hand against the stubble of beard on his chin, taking a few quiet seconds to think.
"Go saddle up. All of you. We're going after him. Saddle a horse for me. I'll be along in a moment."
The riders left the office, Cody and Jimmy telling the others what had happened. Teaspoon sat at his desk, holding his head in his hands.
"What have I done Buck? Did I send you off to be killed?"
Chapter 5
They walked for days, always heading south and slightly east. They lost several members of the tribe in the first few days, some dying from their wounds, others killed because they couldn't keep up or because they tried to escape. Buck knew that the Kiowa would have treated their captives much the same, but it didn't make it any easier to accept. He regretted that he was unable to help those unable to walk without assistance, but with his arms tied behind his back there was little he could do.
As they traveled other tribes were merged with them, Kiowa, Kansa, Commanche, Lakota and even Cheyenne. There were so many that food was scarce and many began to grow weak from hunger. The cries of the children kept him awake at nights. More began to die from disease. Buck felt powerless.
He had a few problems of his own. The cuts he had inflicted in ceremony were beginning to fester, several of them hot and inflamed, oozing puss. His jaw was still swollen from getting hit with the rifle and his eye had retained a nauseating green color as the black and blue coloring faded. He had suspicions that the bone might even be cracked, as it was very tender to the touch. At least they had been allowed to put on moccasins and leggings before they left their village.
He tried to stay near Red Bear, and Morning Dove was often nearby, doing her best to tend to Buck's cuts as well as others wounds. But she didn't have any healing herbs other than those she could snatch from the ground as they walked. And those were few, after hundreds of feet had trampled them.
Buck was used as a reluctant translator, his arms being released only on those occasions when he didn't know the language and he needed to use sign language. Then his arms were tied behind him once more.
As days turned into a week and then longer, Buck felt himself weakening. He often felt warm, not just from the heat of the summer sun. He knew that the infection from his cuts was spreading, that he had a low-grade fever. He had also been giving half of what food he was given to those sicker than he. Red Bear was doing the same.
He was greatly relieved when they stopped at night, often dropping to the ground where he stopped. Morning Dove, or some of the other women, would help the men that were still tied eat their evening meal, which often consisted of raw flour or corn meal and a half-cup of water. Attempts to escape were now rare, everyone being too weak to even try. Those that tried were usually looking for an easier death.
Teaspoon and the riders searched the village, each sickened at what was before them, and scared that they might find their friend amongst the remains. It was Teaspoon that found Buck's hat and vest, tossed aside during the attack. The man's heart dropped. He didn't know how he would tell the others that their friend was most likely dead. He was saved the task when Kid came running back into the devastated village.
"Teaspoon! He's alive! You've got to see this!"
The others all followed Kid, Teaspoon still holding the battered black hat and vest. Kid led them to the center of the village where the captives had been gathered. In the dirt an arrow was scratched. It wasn't real obvious and would have been easy to overlook. Kid kept walking, following a path obviously used by many people at once, the grass being trampled still. Another arrow was scratched in the dirt. Something shiny was embedded in the dirt. Teaspoon dug it out with his knife.
It was Buck's bracelet.
"Mount up boys."
Their journey finally ended after a little over two weeks of walking. The group was ushered into several fenced in containment areas where they would stay until divided up and placed on more permanent reservations. Some would be taken toward the east, others further south. And some would stay near here.
Buck managed to stay with Red Bear, Morning Dove and the Man of Dreams. Their arms were finally untied, the muscles sore and weak from lack of use. Some of the men, Red Bear included, tried to push their way through the gate as it closed behind them, but Buck grabbed his brother's arm as soldiers beat those attempting to leave.
"Don't!" Buck yelled out in Kiowa, just wanting the beatings to stop. "Don't go near the gates. Stay back!" Some listened to him, others still tried to push their way out, receiving bumps, bruises and worse for their efforts.
The captives were sent through a line where they received a blanket and a tin cup and plate. A second line dispensed a ladle of cooked beans, a slice of bread and a cup of water.
Buck sagged to the ground and leaned against the fence. The sun was still high in the sky and hot, and Buck was exhausted. He knew the others must be too. Some of the women hadn't even made it through the first line. Those that could, gave up their blankets to them and returned through the line again, until the authorities caught on.
Red Bear settled down next to Buck, almost too tired to eat. But the brothers did, knowing they needed their strength. Maybe now food would be more abundant, and it was unspoken that once their strength were regained, they would attempt to break out of their prison, taking as many of their tribe as could travel.
Chapter 6
Buck awoke that night, unsure of what he had heard. He lay there listening, locating the sound. Slowly he stood, making his way toward the muffled whimpers and grunts. Many of the women had congregated over in a far corner and that's where the noise came from.
Buck used the moon to find his way. He passed several women who were sitting up in their blankets, obviously afraid. They watched him silently as he passed. One was even so bold as to point the way for him.
Then he saw what had the women so frightened. Two soldiers were holding a young woman, little more than a girl, down while another was on top of her. Her buckskin dress was pushed up around her waist and she was trying to struggle against the man forcing himself on her. Buck ran at them, sending himself into a tackle, knocking the man off the girl. As he began to pound the soldier, his two friends jumped on him. Buck landed a few good punches before they were able to pull him off. The soldiers began to pummel Buck in the stomach, opening tender, festering cuts. Fresh blood began to flow.
"What's going on here?" Buck heard the booming voice through the sounds of fists connecting with flesh. He suddenly felt his arms released and he fell to the ground.
"Oh, ah… Sir!" One of the soldiers stuttered. "We, ah, we just caught this Injun having his way with this girl here."
"He was eh? Well bring him along." Two of the soldiers grabbed Buck by the arms and dragged him to the gate. Red Bear saw his brother being taken away and started to interfere but Morning Dove and her father stopped him.
"He will survive this. I have seen it." The Man of Dreams told him. Morning Dove nodded in agreement. Red Bear reluctantly watched his brother disappear through the gate, then sat back down to wait.
Buck was tossed into a cell, the door slammed closed behind him. Eventually he fell into a tortured sleep.
Morning came very quickly. Two soldiers carried him out of the cell and dumped him on the floor in front of an officer.
"What are the crimes this man is charged with?" The Captain demanded.
"Rape Sir." One of the soldiers told him. Buck looked at the man in surprise.
"Rape? You arrested this man for rape? Who cares if he rapes one of those squaws out there? Turn him loose."
Buck was shocked that the man took the charges so nonchalantly. Anger overrode good judgement.
"I didn't rape her. Some of your soldiers did." He spat out.
"We have a mouthy one here huh? I heard that Captain Lawson brought in one that speaks English. Well I don't put up with back talk from anyone. Three lashes and leave him hanging there until lunch to teach the others a lesson." The captain motioned to his men in dismissal and went back to the work on his desk.
Buck was tied to two posts just outside the compound he had been held in. A crowd gathered on the other side of the chain fence to see what was happening. One of the soldiers that he had caught raping the young woman last night approached him with a whip.
"You should have kept your mouth shut boy. You spoiled all my fun last night. But don't worry, there's still tonight.
Buck stared at the man and spit in his face.
"You're going to regret that." The man disappeared behind Buck. He heard the sound of the whip just a fraction before he felt the sting, counted three lashes. When a fourth one struck he was surprised.
"Hey Peters! The Captain said three lashes."
"So I lost count." Peters laughed. Buck saw him walk back in front of him and join his friends laughing as he went.
Red Bear didn't leave the fence until Buck was cut down five hours later. He met his brother at the gate, helping him walk back to where Morning Dove waited. She used a corner of her blanket and their morning water ration to clean the wounds. When the noon meal was served Buck insisted on joining the line, knowing he needed the food to gain his strength. He was more determined than ever to get his people out of here.
His people. He knew for sure now that he would never return to the white world. He shared a bond with these people that he had never realized he had missed. He knew, also, that he could never be a part of a world that allowed such treatment of such a large group of people. He should have realized it before, knowing the treatment of the slaves, but he had been blinded by the affection he felt for a handful of people that he considered friends and family.
But where would he belong when they had moved on with their lives? He knew eventually Kid and Lou would get back together and marry. Noah was a wanderer, as was Jimmy. Emma and Sam had already moved on. Cody would undoubtedly find something else that drew his attention and it was hard to say what Teaspoon and Rachel would do. But he didn't really see a place for him in the future in any of their lives. Buck just wanted to belong somewhere.
Buck, without realizing it, had finalized his decision. It was with his brother and the Kiowa, fighting against the abduction of their land and way of life.
Chapter 7
Two days passed. Buck and Red Bear both tried to watch over the Kiowa people in their compound. They encouraged what men there were to help watch over the women and older girls. Where they felt they couldn't watch over all the women they had them move to the front of the compound facing the chain fence instead of the wood, where there were numerous guards and a better possibility of an officer passing by.
But even then some of the soldiers caught a few of the women unguarded. Buck and Red Bear usually found out about it later. Or worse yet, one of the women would be escorted out of the compound and around to the backside of the fencing where the others could hear her rape, but were powerless to do a thing about it.
Occasionally the soldiers would come in and torment a few of the children. Any man that tried to interfere was immediately beaten or whipped. Red Bear took his share of punches trying to defend his fellow captives.
They began to regain some of their strength, but both Buck and Red Bear knew it wasn't enough. With a diet of bread and beans they weren't likely to regain full strength.
Buck was surprised when, on their fourth night, an opportunity arose to escape. Two guards had just opened the gate to do their nightly rounds inside the compound when a shout arose from the far compound. Without even thinking the careless guards turned their attention on what was happening across the field as every available guard ran toward the ruckus. Buck and Red Bear crept up on the two guards and in a matter of seconds the two men slumped to the ground dead.
The women and children silently moved out of the compound and headed north, disappearing in the darkness. The men soon followed, Buck and Red Bear bringing up the tail. They weren't far away before they heard the alarm that they had escaped.
The fifty or so escaped captives split up. By agreement they would spend the night and better part of the next day traveling as fast as they were capable of. Then they would find places to hide, traveling at night and hiding by day. Divided up into small groups they would be harder to find and follow. Or at least that's what Red Bear hoped.
There were eight people in Buck's group, Red Bear, Morning Dove, her father, one of the elders, and a mother and her two children. Red Bear carried one of the tired children as Buck kept to the back of the group, trying to cover their tracks. He sensed more than heard another group of the captives off to their left, but he knew that as they got further and further away, they would also lose sight of the others. Hopefully they would all meet up with other tribes eventually.
They kept moving.
Teaspoon and the others were on the trail again by sunup. He knew they were getting closer and wanted to get moving. They had all seen where the group of captives had merged with others, seen the freshly dug graves as some had died on the way. The trail was easy to follow.
Buck's group walked into the morning. Despite their good intentions one other group joined theirs. It was made up entirely of women and children and both Red Bear and Buck knew that they would need their help.
As the sun moved overhead they began to look for a place to rest where they would be well hidden. They were counting on the army not starting their search until sunrise, and then they would have several trails to track. If the others hid their trail as well as Buck hoped he had, then it would slow the army down even more. But Buck feared that they weren't far enough away from their original trail south yet.
Tree Frog, his son Raging Waters and his warriors were also following the trail, running parallel to it to the west, scouts keeping them heading in the right direction. Tree Frog had come upon the destroyed village and his daughter's body within hours of Teaspoon and the riders.
Red Bear's group was heading right toward them and safety.
Teaspoon had his riders stop as he rode ahead. He was certain they were getting close and he didn't want to ride right into the army encampment.
The boys were sitting or pacing, their horses ready to ride when Teaspoon came riding hard up to the small group.
"The army's out searching for something. There's a troop heading slightly off to the west of here about two miles south."
"What should we do?" Noah asked for all of them.
"We're gonna head that way ourselves. They must be following someone and I'd bet that someone is Buck and his brother."
"Just like Buck to have the Army chasing him down." Cody muttered as he swung up on his horse.
Red Bear and Buck had found a small grove of trees. It was the only cover in sight and they both knew their small group could go no farther. The children were exhausted and the women weren't much better off. Buck hated to admit that he was in need of a few hours sleep himself. They were fortunate enough to find a cluster of bushes with what appeared to be a den of sorts, probably deer, in the middle. They hid the children there, most of them falling asleep immediately upon lying down. The adults scattered amongst the trees, hiding behind bushes and covering themselves with detritus from beneath the trees.
As tired as Buck was, he couldn't sleep. Instead he sat just inside the stand of trees, watching the south for signs of pursuers. He barely moved when Red Bear sat next to him.
"You should be sleeping little brother."
"So should you."
"I know. I was restless."
"Me too. I just have a feeling that they are closer than we think."
"I had the same feeling. We will keep watch together."
Buck's head snapped up about an hour later. Something was different. Buck scanned the horizon, his ears tuned in to the sounds around him. Sounds. There weren't any except the rustling of the prairie grass. No bird sounds.
"Red Bear."
"I know. I'll wake the others."
"It's too late." Buck said as fifteen soldiers rode into view.
"I'll try to lead them away." Red Bear said, standing to run.
"No." Buck said, grabbing his brother's arm. "I will. They will need you to lead them." Buck stopped his brother when he started to object. "You know I'm right. Besides, I was always a faster runner than you." The memories of childhood races brought bittersweet smiles to both their faces. He embraced his brother, each saying silent good byes. Buck walked off as his brother moved in amongst the bushes and trees, telling those hiding there to keep still.
Buck moved off through the tall grasses, scrambling on all fours until he was a good distance off to the south and east. When he felt he was far enough from the trees that maybe, just maybe, the soldiers wouldn't suspect there were others hiding there, he stood and began to run eastward. He heard the soldier's shout and the trample of hooves as they headed after him. He couldn't take the chance of looking back to see if they all followed him. He just hoped they were. Leaping over a small rock in his path, he ran on, as the first gunshot was fired.
Chapter 8
Tree Frog and his warriors heard the gunfire nearby and immediately began chase. They had encountered one group of escapees and had sent two warriors with them, hoping to get them to a tribe nearby, and safety.
They entered the grasslands near Red Bear's hiding place and immediately began chase of the soldiers, who in turn were pursuing one young warrior, heading east.
Teaspoon and the boys heard the first shot and kicked their horses into a run. As they drew closer they saw a young warrior running straight at them followed by a squad of soldiers.
"Damn! That's Buck!" Teaspoon yelled, loud enough to be heard above the sounds of their galloping horses.
They were still a distance away when they heard another shot and saw the young man's back arch as the bullet cut through him. Then he fell forward, landing face down in the grass.
One of the soldiers dismounted, planning on examining their fallen friend, when the sound of war cries filled the air. The soldier remounted as his squad moved westward to engage the Kiowa war party, Buck all but forgotten.
Jimmy was first off his horse when they reached Buck, Teaspoon not far behind him. The others sat their horses, knowing that they might have to leave quickly if the Kiowa war party should turn on them, or the Army returned. They waited for the news of their friend.
Jimmy turned Buck over as Teaspoon felt for a pulse. The ground soaked up the blood as it leaked from Buck's body.
"He's alive! Barely. We need to get him out of here. Help me get him up."
Jimmy and Teaspoon lifted their friend and carried him to Teaspoon's horse. Noah dismounted and joined them. The older man mounted as Jimmy and Noah lifted Buck into his arms. As soon as he was in place he turned his horse and rode off due east. The others followed.
Red Bear watched as Buck's friends collected his body, for Red Bear was certain that his brother was dead. Then he ran out to join the Kiowa warriors in their fight against the soldiers.
The riders covered as many miles as they could before darkness descended. Teaspoon knew they weren't helping Buck any, but if they stopped any sooner they risked being caught by either the Kiowa or the army and either could mean death for any or all of them.
When Teaspoon finally allowed them to stop, it was in a rocky area that provided some cover for a small fire and could be easily defended. As Kid and Jimmy helped Buck down from Teaspoon's grip, Lou grabbed her bed roll and laid it out as Cody and Noah quickly gathered wood and started a fire. Teaspoon's shirt was covered in Buck's blood, but he paid it no mind as he went about examining Buck's wound.
He wondered about the whip marks, and could see unhealed cuts that had become infected beneath the blood covering the young man. But it was the bullet wound that had him concerned. Teaspoon turned Buck on his side. The bullet had entered the right side of Buck's back and had exited just above and to the left of his navel.
His friends stood around him silently, knowing the normal outcome of a stomach wound. Their friend would suffer a painful death if the bullet had hit intestine.
"I think it might be high enough to have missed." Teaspoon muttered, hoping to convince himself, as well as the others. Jimmy removed his shirt and handed it to Teaspoon, putting his jacket back on. Teaspoon nodded his thanks as he began to rip the shirt for bandages.
What have I done to you son? Teaspoon thought as he set to work.
Chapter 9
They had Buck lying on his back, hoping the pressure there would help stop the bleeding from the entry wound. And an extra pad of bandages had been placed over the exit wound. But even at that, the bandages had quickly become soaked with blood. And Teaspoon had no further ideas as to how to stop it. He had tried everything he knew and none of it had worked. He left unvoiced the concern that Buck would likely bleed to death before their eyes.
They were all too aware of the similarities of Buck's wound to the one that killed Ike.
His boys had set about making camp, their movements wooden and automatic. They had fixed a simple meal, but even Cody didn't seem to have an appetite. Teaspoon knew that Buck needed water, the day had been hot and from the looks of him, Buck had been out in many hot days without sufficient food and water. But Teaspoon was afraid to give him water or broth, knowing what it would do to him if he had truly been gut shot. For once the confidant Marshall was at a loss as to what to do.
None of them slept. Some of the boys lay on their bedrolls, but they were wide-awake. Lou had sat down and gathered Buck's head into her lap and was unconsciously stroking his hair. Without realizing it, a tear occasionally rolled down her cheek. They were all caught up in memories. None were prepared to lose yet another member of their family, so soon after losing Ike.
Shortly before dawn they all heard a twig snap nearby. Six guns were immediately trained in the direction of the sound as a tall Kiowa warrior emerged from the darkness. His eyes glanced over the other inhabitants of the clearing, but it was Buck that kept his attention. He studied the young man until he saw his chest gently rise and fall. The look of relief on his face was obvious.
"That's Buck's brother." Kid said quietly.
"Does he speak English?" Teaspoon asked calmly. He holstered his gun and motioned the man forward. The others hesitated before following suit, Jimmy keeping his hand close to his, just in case. Red Bear walked into the clearing and knelt beside his brother, his hand reaching out stroke his face.
"I don't think so." Kid replied.
Everyone went for their guns again when Red Bear turned suddenly and motioned at the darkness beyond their camp. A young Kiowa woman emerged carrying a hide pouch. She looked nervously at the white men in the camp, then hurried to Buck's side, examining the work Teaspoon had done. She leaned her head close to Buck's chest, then said something to Red Bear, who nodded. The tall man reached down and began to lift his brother up. Six guns were trained at him once more.
"Follow me." Red Bear said in Kiowa.
"Kid, tell him in sign that he shouldn't move him." Teaspoon said quietly. Kid did. It was Morning Dove that answered him, again in sign.
"The blue coats are nearby. We have found a safer camp. Follow." Kid translated.
Teaspoon hesitated just a moment, then motioned for his riders to break camp. Morning Dove moved into the trees and came back with two horses. Then she led the way out of camp, Red Bear, with Buck in his arms, right behind her. The others followed single file.
Morning Dove took them about a mile away, heading up into the hills. When she entered a cave, still leading the horses, Teaspoon hesitated briefly, then followed. The cave was huge inside. Morning Dove continued walking toward the back while Red Bear moved off to the left and entered another cavern. Teaspoon followed Morning Dove with the horses. Toward the back of the cave, it widened even further. Teaspoon could feel a cool breeze coming from somewhere and looked up. A small opening would let in fresh air and some natural light during the day. He could hear water running nearby and realized that a stream ran along the back of this cavern, providing water for the horses.
The others led their horses into the natural corral formed by the cavern and followed Morning Dove back to the front. They all entered the side cavern Red Bear had carried Buck into. They found their friend lying on a pile of robes, a fire already lit and waiting. Red Bear was leaning over Buck, speaking to the young man in Kiowa. Morning Dove knelt next to him and opened the leather pouch. They exchanged a few words and Red Bear stood, leaving the caves.
Morning Dove took out sage and other herbs then began to undo the blood soaked bandages. Teaspoon moved to her side to help where he could. She worked with confidence, and Teaspoon trusted her immediately. He thought it strange when she leaned over and appeared to smell the wound and bandages, but Teaspoon realized what she was doing and wondered why he hadn't thought of it himself. There would have been a distinctive odor if the boy had been gut shot. He felt a great deal of relief when the woman nodded, satisfied, and turned for a skin of water. He helped to hold Buck's head up as she placed the skin to his lips.
Teaspoon watched as the young woman worked. She examined the wounds, packing them with moss, and applied a poultice she made using another type of moss, some fern, and herbs from her bag. Red Bear came back in to the cavern as she worked and Teaspoon realized that the man had been out hiding their tracks.
He studied his riders as they stood to one side and tried to read their faces. If anything, their faces were blank as they watched their friend, their brother. Buck still had made no sounds, no sign of waking, and thankfully, no sounds of pain. As much as he wanted the boy to awaken, to talk to them again, he also didn't want to see him suffer.
As Morning Dove finished her work Cody left the cavern, returning shortly with a clean shirt. He handed it to the woman and she said something in Kiowa before ripping it into clean bandages. When she stood and moved away to prepare a tea, they all realized that she had done all that she could. It was now up to Buck.
Chapter 10
Teaspoon stood and moved into the larger cavern, all the riders but Lou following him. Red Bear emerged a moment later, but his eyes kept moving back to the smaller cave containing his brother. They all heard chanting come from the cave as Morning Dove began to pray for Buck's recovery.
"Kid, do you think you can act as interpreter for us?" Teaspoon asked.
"I'll try."
"Okay. Ask him what happened." Kid did and waited for the reply.
"The Army attacked their village while Buck was at the sweat lodge ceremony. Ike came to him and warned him, but it was too late. They were captured and taken to a place with a high wall. They were starved and beaten. Buck was whipped for preventing the rape of a girl."
"A holding area. They would have been split up and sent to reservations from there." Teaspoon muttered. "Ask him what Buck's chances are."
"Morning Dove can not find any signs of internal damage. Buck is strong willed. If the bleeding stops he has a chance. They are worried about infection though. He says Buck already had a fever from infected cuts."
"Morning Dove is brewing a tea that should bring down his fever and help with the infection. He regrets that she did not have the herbs to help him with that sooner."
"Well, they had no control over that. Why don't you boys go get your bedrolls? We could all do with some sleep. Work out a guard schedule. I'm gonna go sit with the boy." Teaspoon reentered the smaller cave, Red Bear following him.
"Lou honey, go get some sleep. I'll stay with him." Lou looked like she would refuse, but seeing the look on Teaspoon's face she just nodded and left the cave. Teaspoon sat down near Buck, letting Red Bear sit at Buck's head, his hand resting protectively against the boy's chest. Red Bear joined Morning Dove's chanting as Teaspoon reached over to lift the warm, heavy buffalo robe, checking the bandages for bleeding. Blood had once more leaked through the bandages, but hadn't soaked them to the degree they had before. Maybe the bleeding was slowing after all.
Teaspoon leaned against the cave wall. The room was comfortably warm, the chants soothing, and before he realized it, his chin dropped to his chest and he dozed.
Lou couldn't sleep. As quietly as she could she rose from her bedroll and moved to the cave entrance where Jimmy sat, watching the early morning vista below him for signs of soldiers. She slid down along the cave wall opposite her friend.
"He's gonna make it ya know," he said quietly.
"I hope so." She replied, her voice breaking just slightly. "He's just bleeding so much. Jimmy we can't lose him too! We just can't."
"We won't Lou. He's…" Jimmy stopped talking, motioning Lou down on the ground as a line of soldiers appeared in the distance. They were heading to the east but were much further south than the trail the riders had used. Still, Jimmy was cautious. He remained motionless and silent until they had moved a good distance off. Then he resumed their conversation. "He's too damn stubborn to die Lou. It will be okay."
They sat in silence. After a time Lou crawled back into her bedroll and finally slept. But Jimmy still wasn't tired, and he stayed up through the next scheduled change of watch. When he finally felt tired enough to sleep, he woke Cody and turned in, the sound of chanting still coming from the smaller cave where his friend fought for his life.
Chapter 11
Darkness found all of the riders awake, each having gotten at least 3 hours sleep. Jimmy and Noah had slipped out and brought back several rabbits. They cut one up and put it on to boil, making a broth for Buck. The others they roasted up for their supper.
Kid had entered the smaller cave to check on Buck, but was asked to stay so that Red Bear could talk to Teaspoon. Kid did his best to sign Teaspoon's words, having to admit that he was used to watching the signs, not actually doing them.
"We will have to leave you after dark," Kid interpreted for Red Bear. "We must catch up to the others in order to travel safely. Morning Dove will leave all the herbs she has. You saw how she used them."
"Yes I saw. But are you sure it's safe for you to leave? If you stayed here, we might be able to help you to safety after the soldiers have left. And Buck will want to see that you are safe when he awakes."
"No, it will be safer for us to leave now. Besides, our people need their war chief. But it is Running Buck that I wish to talk to you about. When he recovers, he will try and find me. He has decided to return to our people."
"Return? But I thought he was not welcome amongst the Kiowa?"
"Things change. He has become a respected member of his tribe in the short time he was with us. He has proven himself Kiowa to those that did not believe before. But I must ask this of you. Do not let him come after us. You must keep him with you. To return to the Kiowa would only mean death for him, and I do not wish to see that."
"You mean the Kiowa would kill him?"
"No. It would be the white man that would kill him. By starvation, disease, or war. I can not watch this happen to him. I know that now. You must keep him safe for me."
"You know him. Once he makes up his mind, it's hard to change it."
"I know. He talks of you with great admiration. You will convince him. You must convince him. Please, promise me. Do not let him return to the Kiowa. He will die there. Morning Dove has seen it."
"I promise. I'll do my best. Will you ever try to see him again?"
"I do not know. It would not be safe for either of us any time soon. You must promise me you will keep him with you. Keep him safe. Do not let him come after me."
"I'll do my best. That's all I can promise."
"That will be enough. It is all I can ask of you." Red Bear reached out, grasping Teaspoon's hand as he had seen the whites do. "You are a good man. My brother has chosen his family well."
Red Bear spoke to Morning Dove. She nodded, then leaned over, placing a kiss on Buck's lips. She stood and exited the cave to retrieve their horses as Red Bear knelt next to his brother. Stroking the young man's cheek with the back of his hand, he studied the boy's face for what could very well be the last time. Then he stood and strode out of the caves, not wanting any of the white men there to see the tears in his eyes. He and Morning Dove disappeared silently into the night.
Cody appeared in the smaller cave entrance. "Teaspoon? Why did he leave? Is Buck alright?"
"There's no change. Red Bear had to leave to rejoin the Kiowa."
"Oh. Well, what do we do now? Is he going to be alright?" Cody asked as the others crowded in to the cave, each one wanting to know what happened.
"We wait until he's able to travel, then head back to Rock Creek. In the mean time, I need a couple of you to make a travois."
"We'll do it." Jimmy motioned to himself and Noah.
"Wait till morning and be very careful. I don't want anyone to see you."
"Okay."
"The horses are going to need feed. The oats we brought along have to be running low. Cody, you and Kid can take care of that come morning too."
"Sure thing Teaspoon."
"From now on I want one watching from the entrance and one here with Buck. Any change from him whatsoever, I want to know about it. Now let's try and get some sleep."
The riders divided up shifts and settled in for the night.
It was well after midnight when Teaspoon noticed the first changes in his young charge. He must have been in that strange half sleep, not awake, but not sleeping either, aware but not aware, when he heard it. It wasn't much more than a whimper or low moan, but Teaspoon snapped fully awake.
He studied the boy carefully. Sweat beaded his brow. Teaspoon touched his forehead, then the back of the boy's neck. He felt very warm. Teaspoon reached for the water and began to bathe the boy's face and chest with the cool liquid.
Jimmy entered the cave, his intention to spell Teaspoon. Instead he watched as the older man worked. Then he joined him at Buck's side. The two spent the rest of the night bathing the young man's skin to cool him and giving him sips of the herbal tea Morning Dove had shown them how to make.
By morning the young man was raging with fever. He altered between burning up and shivering with chills. Teaspoon and Jimmy built up the fire to warm him, draped wet cloth on him when the fever burned within him. Jimmy made numerous trips to the stream at the back of the cave for fresh water.
The others awoke and they all sat staring at the entrance to the smaller cave, afraid to go in, afraid not to. They took turns going in and out, doing what they could. It was especially hard to watch as Buck began to toss and turn, thrashing about in his attempts to remove the heavy robes covering him. Fresh blood blossomed on his bandages as the wound reopened.
Buck approached Ike. His friend was sitting in a small cave, leaning against a wall. The room was very warm. Buck saw Teaspoon and Jimmy leaning over someone on buffalo robes as he sat down next to Ike. They sat in comfortable silence as Buck realized that the person on the robes was he.
"It's not your time Buck." Ike said calmly. Buck watched the men before him.
"I know. But it's hard. I feel so tired."
"You must fight it. You can win. Just keep trying."
Buck turned to his friend, but Ike was gone.
Finally Teaspoon decided they had no choice but to try and bring the fever down quickly. Lou gathered up several blankets and Teaspoon carried Buck to the back of the cave, past the horses, to the stream. He and Kid lowered Buck into the water, letting the cool water roll over his fevered skin. When the young man began to shiver, they wrapped him in the blankets.
They repeated the process several times until Buck's skin appeared to cool. Then they carried him back to the small cave. Kid helped Teaspoon repack Buck's wound with moss. The edges looked red and angry. Teaspoon applied the poultice and they re-wrapped his abdomen. While he still felt warm, his skin wasn't hot like it had been.
They repeated the whole process about three hours later, when Buck's fever spiked once more. It seemed to work for a time. They all settled in for a cautious night's sleep.
Chapter 12
Teaspoon sent Kid and Cody out just as the sky was lightening to scout the area. He had decided during the night that they would be better off getting Buck to a doctor as soon as possible, and he knew that it couldn't be a doctor nearby. They would be better off taking him to one along the Pony Express route, with Rock Creek being the safest. He just hoped Buck would make it that far.
He knew there was no way he would take the boy to Sweetwater where the doctor knew him, even though that was the closest doctor Teaspoon knew of. He was sure the doc would treat him, but the Army had taken over the town, and to take him there would mean an immediate arrest for the young man.
They started out late in the morning. Kid and Cody continued to scout ahead, while Jimmy and Noah hung back, watching for anyone approaching from the rear. The travois was attached to Lou's horse and they headed off.
Teaspoon stopped as he heard horses approach from behind. Both he and Lou pulled their guns, but put them away when they realized it was Jimmy and Noah.
"Army's approaching Teaspoon. We've got maybe ten minutes." Jimmy yelled as he jumped of his horse.
"Okay. You know what to do." Teaspoon and Lou dismounted. Noah helped Teaspoon pick Buck and the buffalo robes up, carrying him off into a patch of tall grass. They made sure that the grasses covered their unconscious companion before returning to the horses.
Lou, in the mean time, had taken out some of Buck's bloody bandages and Jimmy helped her tie them around her forehead. Removing her glasses, she handed them to Jimmy, and crawled onto the travois covering up with blankets. Teaspoon and Noah rejoined them. By the time the soldiers met up with them, they looked like travelers with an injured companion, taking a break,
Teaspoon stood from where he was helping Lou take a drink from a canteen. She convincingly collapsed back on to the travois, appearing exhausted.
"Afternoon gentlemen," Teaspoon said as he stood up, handing the canteen to Noah. "I'm Marshall Teaspoon Hunter from Rock Creek."
"Marshall Hunter. What brings you out this way?" The Lieutenant in charge asked.
"My men and I were tracking some bank robbers. But I'm afraid we lost them."
"Is your man seriously hurt?"
"Him? No, not bad. Hit his head when his horse spooked. Keeps getting dizzy when he sits up, but he's much better than he was." Lou had closed her eyes, feigning sleep.
"Have you had any trouble with Indians? Seen any at all?"
"Indians? Nope, haven't seen any. But we did see some smoke last night, just south and a little west of here. Don't know if it was Indians or a homestead."
"We'll check it out. Thank you for the information." The officer tipped his hat. "Marshall, gentlemen."
They waited a good ten minutes after the soldiers left before doing anything. Jimmy and Noah carefully followed them, making sure the soldiers were indeed moving off. Teaspoon hurried up to check on Buck. The young man hadn't moved. Teaspoon took the opportunity to give Buck some water, studying the boy's face for any sign of awakening.
"Buck, this is all my fault. If I hadn't sent you to your brother, you'd still be in Rock Creek, safe and unharmed." Teaspoon told him quietly. Buck showed no reaction to Teaspoon's words. Teaspoon sat with him until Jimmy and Noah returned. Then they returned Buck to the travois and moved on.
Chapter 13
They traveled as long and as fast as they dared each day. Buck's fever spiked once more on the second day of travel, slowing their progress that day. They spent the night at the first creek they encountered, using the water to reduce the boy's fever once more, and headed out at first light the next morning.
It was well past midnight when the tired group arrived in Rock Creek. They had been traveling close to a week. Cody rode off to fetch the doctor as Teaspoon carried Buck into the bunkhouse. Rachel heard their arrival and ran to meet them, entering the bunkhouse as Teaspoon carefully laid Buck onto a bunk.
"What happened?" she asked as she rushed to the boy's side, lifting the robes enough to see the bandages wrapped around his abdomen. Try as he might, Teaspoon had been unable to completely stop Buck's bleeding. The wound had continued a slow steady seepage. Buck had still not regained consciousness.
"Cody's gone for the doctor." Jimmy said to fill the silence.
"What happened?" Rachel demanded again. Kid relayed the story as best they knew it as they heard footsteps approach. Cody burst through the door, the doctor right behind them. The riders were promptly chased from the room, taking up all too familiar stations on the porch.
The sky was turning a faint shade lighter as the doctor emerged, Teaspoon following him.
"Well, is he gonna make it?" Jimmy asked for all of them.
"It's still too soon to really tell. He's very sick. You already know he's been running a fever. I cleaned the wounds and re-bandaged them, gave him a good dose of penicillin. From what I've heard of Indian medicine, it's similar to what you've been giving him all along. Everything now depends on him being able to fight the infection and on stopping that wound from bleeding. He's lost a lot of blood."
Buck had sat next to Ike on one of the top bunks watching the doctor work. He couldn't really tell what all was being said, most of the voices sounding faint and distant, but occasionally a word could be understood. He saw the doctor leave with Teaspoon, then the rest all come into the bunkhouse where everyone but Teaspoon settled in for a few hours sleep. Rachel curled up in the next bunk while Teaspoon pulled a chair closer to himself. The older man looked tired as he placed cool cloths on Buck's forehead.
"Why haven't I woke up yet?" Buck asked.
"Still fighting an infection I guess," Ike replied. "Besides, you've lost a lot of blood. You need the rest to gain your strength back."
"Its not so bad being dead is it? What if I…"
Ike cut him off. "No. You still have things to do with your life."
"What's it like? Being dead?" Buck asked after a few moments of silence.
"There's no pain. And I haven't met anyone that wasn't kind to each other. The weather is always nice. No one is ever hungry. It's not bad at all. I've found my family here."
Buck looked at his friend. His immediate thoughts went to his own mother.
"I've found her too." Ike answered the unspoken question. Buck studied his friend's face as a smile spread across it. "Look over by the fire."
Buck's head snapped in that direction.
"Hello my son. My Running Buck. You have grown into a fine young man." Without moving, Buck found himself next to his mother. He gathered her into his embrace. "I can't stay long my son. I have only a few seconds. But I had to see you. Your friend is right. Your life is not yet finished. You have to make me a grandmother yet!"
"Mother, I have so many things to tell you."
"I know it all Running Buck. I have seen everything that has happened to you, all the trials, all the happiness, all the sorrows."
"Red Bear!" Buck exclaimed, realizing that he did not know if his brother were alive or not.
"He is well. You need not worry about him. But now I must go. You need to rest and you can't do that with your spirit floating around."
"But I…"
"No, it is time for us to go. Rest my son, rest." Her presence faded. Buck turned back to the bunk. Ike, too, was gone.
Buck's head moved just slightly, his hand trying to lift from the blankets.
"Mother?" he said weakly in Kiowa. "Ike?"
Teaspoon couldn't make out the words the boy muttered. He continued to bathe his face and chest in cool water, hoping to relieve the low temperature that would not leave him.
"Son, you've got to come back to us. You've got to. We need you here with us."
Chapter 14
Teaspoon rarely left Buck's side over the next two days except when duty called him away. No one understood why the young man's injury was affecting him the way it was. They'd all been sick or injured at one time or another and he had never acted in quite the same manner.
No one knew that he was carrying around a great deal of guilt for having sent Buck to the Kiowa in the first place.
"Why is he acting like that?" Buck asked his friend.
"He sent you away, remember? And then you got captured and hurt," Ike replied. "So how are you feeling anyway?"
"Stronger I think."
"Then it's time, Buck. It's time…"
"…its time to wake up son. You've been asleep a long time and we'd really like it if you woke up and talked to us."
Buck's eyes fluttered open. It took him some time to focus in the darkened room, but he finally made out Teaspoon sitting in a chair next to him. He was in the bunkhouse.
"Teaspoon? How'd I get here? What…?" Buck's mind seemed to clear just a bit. He remembered running across the prairie, leading soldiers away from his brother and others. "Red Bear!" Buck tried to sit up, pain immediately shooting through his middle, his head spinning. He grabbed his stomach as Teaspoon pushed him back down on the bed.
The noise woke the others and sleepy heads looked their way. His friends began to climb out of their bunks.
"Easy son, easy. Lay back down."
"Red Bear. He needs my help…" Buck still struggled to sit up, but it didn't take much for Teaspoon to hold him down.
"Listen to me Buck. Listen to me! Red Bear is fine. He's alive. Did you hear what I said, son? Red Bear is alive."
"How do you…"
"We saw him ourselves. Kid recognized him. He came and talked to us, said he was returning to the Kiowa."
"I've got to go to him," Buck's voice was fading, weakening. "He needs my help. The Kiowa nee…"
Teaspoon checked the young man. "He's asleep. Go on back to bed now."
The riders all moved back to their beds.
Buck awoke the next morning. He let his eyes roam the room, watching his friends do their best to dress quietly. Rachel worked at the table, preparing breakfast. He ached, muscles too long unused, telling him so. He moved slightly, trying to alleviate the discomfort. Lou caught the movement, dropping to her knees by his bed.
"He's awake." She said, smiling at him. Her hand reached out and touched his cheek. "Someone go get Teaspoon." Cody slipped out of the door as Rachel joined Lou and the others clustered around.
"Welcome back Buck."
"Hey Lou. How'd I get here?"
"We heard about the Kiowa being captured and went to find you." Jimmy told him.
"Why?"
"Why? Because we're your friends." Jimmy answered, irritation creeping into his voice.
"I must be going to live if Jimmy's getting mad at me." Buck said, his voice already growing weak.
"Damn right."
The others laughed, the slight tension in the air broken. For the first time in over a week they actually believed their friend would live.
Teaspoon walked into the room and had to smile at the sound of the laughter. Cody walked in behind him.
"Well for once y'all are laughing at somethin' besides me." He retorted.
"How can you be so sure Cody?"
"All right, all right. How ya feelin' Buck?" Teaspoon asked.
"Tired. But I'll be okay."
"Let's get you somethin' to eat." Rachel said, rising from his side. "Boys, why don't you move back and give the boy some air."
"Aw Rachel," Cody started to say.
"Don't you 'aw Rachel' me. You boys got some chores to do before breakfast. You can talk to Buck after he's had a chance to eat and we change his bandages. Now shoo."
The boys all shuffled out, Lou pausing long enough to place a quick kiss on Buck's cheek.
Teaspoon watched them go then turned his attention back to Buck.
"Still can't get used to her bein' a girl." Teaspoon said with a smile.
"Teaspoon, if you'll help me prop some pillows up behind him, I've got some broth heating up. We'll get something warm inside your stomach. How's that sound?"
"Hmmm…" Buck already sounded as though he were drifting off again.
"Buck honey, can you stay awake just a little longer? You really need to eat a little something."
"I'll try." But his voice was unconvincing. He became wide-awake, though, when Teaspoon gently lifted him forward. He felt the movement in every possible muscle and the burning, stinging sensation in his stomach. Rachel placed several pillows behind him and Teaspoon laid him back as gently a he could.
"Sorry son. Didn't mean to hurt you." Teaspoon said.
"It's okay. It just caught me by surprise is all."
Rachel moved back to the bunk, a bowl of beef broth in hand.
"I'm afraid you're on broth and tea for a few days Buck. Then we can start getting some meat back on those bones of yours." She said as she began to spoon the warm liquid in his mouth.
Buck hadn't realized he was hungry. Worse yet he hadn't realized how long it had been since he had truly eaten a meal. It had been 24 hours before he went to the sweat lodge, having fasted for the ceremony for a day. Since that day it was flour and water or beans while he was held by the Army, and the broth that Teaspoon and the others had fed him on the trail and since his return. A little real food sounded appealing, but he wasn't sure it would stay down right now.
Even he was surprised to see his ribs pushing so obviously against his skin. But for some reason it didn't really disturb him. It served to remind him of what those still held captive were going through. Possible starvation. And worse.
He had every intention of returning to the Kiowa and help in the fight for their way of life. But he also knew he couldn't tell this to Teaspoon.
Not yet.
Chapter 15
Buck did everything he could to regain his strength. The sooner he was up and about, the sooner he could return to Red Bear and what was left of his tribe.
What was harder though was acting as if nothing had changed, as if he hadn't changed. But he had. His head felt more mixed up than ever, consumed with a contentedness he had not felt in a long time and with a deep anger that threatened to explode at any moment. The differences between the two feelings left him totally baffled. How could he feel both so strongly?
He tried to let the contented, peaceful side prevail as much as possible
He pushed himself as much as he could get away with. He managed to get on his feet within a day when Rachel stepped out of the bunkhouse, thinking he was asleep. Of course, she caught him at it, and he gratefully accepted the help back to bed. He hadn't realized just how weak he was. But he tried again the next morning, and again that afternoon, and again the day after, until he was able to stay up for extended periods of time.
He ate as much as he could, which wasn't much after the weeks without much food. Seeing this, Rachel made sure that he ate often, if not a lot. His strength began to return. By the end of the week he was venturing out of the bunkhouse. He didn't go far, still tiring quickly. It frustrated him to have to rest so often.
By the end of the following week, he had decided he felt well enough to try and leave. While he hadn't been up on a horse yet, he knew he could ride. He didn't feel the need to rest nearly as often, managing to get by with once during the day. He was exhausted by nightfall, but he could live with that for now.
He felt bad about his plan to slip away at night. His family here deserved better from him. But if he told them what he was doing, they would do their best to stop him. He had no other choice if he were going to return to his people.
Buck spent two days agonizing over the note he would leave behind. He owed these people at least that. When he was alone in the bunkhouse, he gathered up the few belongings he would be taking with him-Ike's bandana, the sketches his friend had done, and a change of clothes, as well as the breechcloth and leggings he was wearing when Teaspoon and the boys found him. Rolling everything up in a spare blanket, he managed to hide it all in the barn.
Late that Friday night, well after everyone had fallen asleep, Buck slipped out of his bunk. Slipping his trousers on, he carried his shirt, vest, hat and boots out to the barn, laying the note on the bunkhouse table as he went.
It read:
I know how hard this will be for you all to understand, but I have to follow my heart. My soul has been divided for as long as I can remember. But during the short amount of time I spent with the Kiowa recently I have felt more peace than I ever have. I was accepted amongst them as an equal. I don't remember ever having that same feeling before, except during my time with you.
But we all know that things are changing. The war is coming on. The telegraph is taking over and it's just a matter of time before it puts us all out of jobs. You will all find your place, the place where you belong. I'm certain that I have found mine. It's with my brother, fighting for the Kiowa and our way of life.
You've all been family to me, making me feel welcome and loved despite the color of my skin. For this I will forever be grateful. I will always carry a piece of each of you in my heart and in my spirit.
Please try to understand.
Buck
Buck finished dressing and carefully saddled his horse. Silently he rode the animal out of the barn. He sat for a long while watching the bunkhouse, having second thoughts. He fought down the hard lump forming in his throat. But he knew what he had to do.
With one last glance over his shoulder he rode out of town, kicking his horse into a gallop on the outer edge.
Chapter 16
Buck stayed on the road, not wanting to chance the open prairie at night. He needed to put some miles behind him, before the others realized he was gone, before he had a chance to change his mind.
But for some reason Buck wasn't surprised to see a lone rider sitting his horse in the middle of the road about two miles out of town. Buck pulled his horse up short and slowly moved closer to the man he thought of as a father.
"How'd you figure it out?"
"Rachel found your note when she was changing the sheets. But I knew you'd try and leave," Teaspoon rubbed his eyes, clearly unhappy about what he might have to do. "I can't let you go Buck."
"Teaspoon, you can't stop me either. I have to go. Red Bear needs me. The Kiowa need me."
"I knew you'd say that too." Teaspoon suddenly swung out, catching Buck just right, knocking the boy out of his saddle. Teaspoon dismounted and checked him. Out cold. He carefully picked Buck up and put him over the back of his saddle, then mounted himself and led the boy's horse off.
Buck awoke sometime later. Even though it was dark he could tell by the smells and the heat where he was. Teaspoon's sweat lodge. The older man had used the one back at the Sweetwater station whenever he needed to think or when he had a problem with one of the riders. They had all been there at one point in time or another. When they had moved to Rock Creek, Buck had helped the man build a new one.
He heard the door-covering move and looked up. Teaspoon was entering, several heated rocks cradled in the blade of a shovel. He deposited them into the central pit, and lit a small lantern nearby before settling down and looking at the young man across from him. Buck was sitting up carefully, hampered by the fact that his hands were tied in front of him.
"This necessary?" he asked the older man.
"Probably." Teaspoon replied as he poured a ladle-full of water onto the rocks. Steam rose up and began to fill the lodge.
"Did you have to hit me so hard?"
"Needed to make sure I stopped you."
"Why?"
"I made someone a promise."
"Who?"
"Red Bear."
"Red Bear? What kind of promise would you have made to my brother?" Buck was barely holding in his anger at having been detained. This little bit of news only confused him more than he already was.
"I promised your brother that I would keep you here. No matter what. And you know I don't like to go back on my promises."
"Why would he ask you to do that? I don't understand!" Teaspoon could tell the young man was getting agitated. "Why doesn't he want me to come back?"
"Calm down son. I'll try and explain it. Just you calm down." He poured another ladle of water over the rocks and settled back. It was going to be a long night.
They talked for hours. Teaspoon kept the wick trimmed low on the lantern, but he wanted to see as well as hear if what he said to the young Kiowa was sinking in. He saw the confusion and hurt, as well as the anger as his words settled in. But mostly he saw pain and sorrow as the boy tried to deal with the fact that his brother did not want him with him, even if it was to save his life.
As the sun was rising, Teaspoon finally untied the boy, and the two emerged from the lodge, totally exhausted. He watched Buck as he carefully rose to his feet and stood for a moment watching the sun as it began to peek over the horizon. The two had sat in silence for the better part of an hour before emerging.
Teaspoon was surprised to see Buck suddenly start running as fast as he could. But his injury and a long night with no sleep had taken its toll and he hadn't gone far before he stumbled and fell to his knees. Teaspoon moved up behind him, listening as the young man cried out, releasing all the pain and agony bottled up in him since Ike's death, maybe even longer. Finally Teaspoon moved around in front of him, gathering the boy into his arms, where he cried until he had no tears left to cry.
The two slowly rode back to the station together, Buck looking a little like he would fall from the saddle at any moment. They were both tired and emotionally drained. As they entered the edge of town, Buck pulled his horse up.
"How do I explain the note? They're not gonna understand." He said as he watched the town that was beginning to awaken.
"They never saw the note. Rachel stayed up too. As soon as you left, she went and took the note off the table. All we need to do is explain why you were out all night. I reckon that you just couldn't sleep, what with all the sleep you've been getting lately and decided to take a ride."
Buck nodded and the two rode on. Rachel met them outside the barn. Buck dismounted and Rachel gathered him into an embrace.
"I sent the others on some errands. Why don't you wash up? I saved you some bacon and I'll fry up a couple of eggs. Then you need to get some rest. They'll all be gone most of the morning so you should be able to get a few hours anyway." Buck nodded and started to walk away, stopping after only a few steps. He turned back and looked at his two friends. His family.
"Thank you." He said quietly, then headed off to clean up.
Rachel waited until he had walked away.
"Is he gonna be okay?"
"I don't know Rachel. I certainly hope so. I certainly hope so."
Conclusion
Teaspoon watched the young Kiowa closely, still not certain that he wouldn't try to leave, try to find his brother. But he showed no signs of doing so. Instead he grew even quieter than before. He spent a lot of time in Teaspoon's sweat lodge, and the older man often heard chanting from the hut. He knew that Buck was trying to find a way to deal with the changes in his life.
The others noticed it too, but none said anything to the boy. Kid was sure he knew what had happened, having been the one to translate for Red Bear and Teaspoon in the cave, and he tried to steer the others clear of the subject, knowing his friend needed some time.
One day when Buck had been in the sweat lodge for awhile, Teaspoon decided to join him. He crawled in and took a seat across the pit from the young man. He knew that Buck knew he was there, but the young man just sat there, his eyes closed, chanting softly. Teaspoon sat with him, not interrupting him, for the rest of the afternoon. As the sun began to set, Buck opened his eyes and exited the lodge. Teaspoon followed him, sitting next to him once more as Buck watched the sunset.
Not a word had been spoken the entire time. It was finally Buck that broke the silence.
"I haven't thanked you yet. Not properly anyway."
"Thanked me for what?"
"For keeping me here. For helping me to understand. For being my family."
"Son, it's been an honor to be family to you and the other boys. I couldn't be prouder of any of you if you had been my own."
Buck looked at the man for the first time since he had entered the lodge. "It wasn't your fault you know."
"What do you mean?"
"It's not your fault I was hurt."
Teaspoon looked at the sunset, avoiding the boy's eyes, for fear he would see the surprise on his own face.
"How'd you know?"
"Ike told me. When I was sick."
"Oh." Teaspoon said. Only he would have accepted what Buck had just said, believing that it had happened.
"I've accepted it Teaspoon. I understand why Red Bear made you promise to keep me here. I may not agree with it, but I understand it. I'm not going to try and go back. Not anytime soon anyway."
"I believe you, son."
"So can I get back to work now? The others have been taking my runs long enough."
Teaspoon chuckled. "There's a run going out in the morning. It's yours."
"Thanks."
They sat in silence a few moments more as the sky turned a deep shade of lavender.
"I'm going to be okay, you know."
"I know son, I know. Why don't we go get some supper? I heard that Rachel was fixing fried chicken."
The two stood and walked back to the bunkhouse, Teaspoon's arm around the young man's shoulders.