Chapter 1 He kicked his horse from a lope into a full gallop, as the acrid smell in the air grew stronger. He had first smelled the smoke several miles back and had set out to find its source. As he topped a rise he saw the flames and knew it was bad. The Campbell house was ablaze, smoke and flames pouring out of the roof and windows. Buck kicked his mount again and galloped down the hill and into the yard, dismounting before the horse even came to a stop. He glanced around anxiously as he hurried toward the house, hoping to see the Campbells nearby, but even as he did so he could hear a faint cry for help from inside the house. He knew help would be arriving from Sweetwater soon, the smoke visible from that direction, but there wasn't time for those inside. Without thinking he ran up onto the porch and tried to open the door but it wouldn't budge. He stepped back and rammed the door with his shoulder, once, twice, three times. He could feel the heat through the door, could breath in the choking smoke, could hear the cries for help grow more and more feeble. He hit the door harder and it finally gave way. Buck stumbled as the door fell to the floor, flames licking up around the edges, and he fell with it. Struggling to his feet, his hands covering his mouth and nose, he tried to see through the thick smoke, his ears trying to follow the low moans to their source. Buck fumbled his way to the left, falling over furniture twice. His lungs ached as he tried to breathe, his eyes watered even as he squeezed them shut. He could feel his hands getting burn as he shoved away whatever was obstructing his path. He tripped again and landed on something soft. It moaned and moved beneath him. He reached out finding an arm and then a second and began to pull. It seemed like hours before he made it to the door, pulling Geneva Campbell with him into the somewhat fresh air. He helped her to her feet and half carried her into the yard away from the house. He could feel cooler air, could drag in small amounts of the fresh air into his lungs. Falling to his knees he began to cough, wiping away tears from his stinging eyes with his shirtsleeve so he could see, but more tears followed in their wake. He could smell burnt hair and he became slowly aware of pain in his hands, face and arms. The woman next to him stirred, trying to sit up, but doubled over as she too began to cough. "Emmit," she choked out. "He's still in there. Oh, dear God, Emmit's still in there!" She began to sob. Buck struggled to his feet, staggering back toward the house, coughing and choking as he went. He tripped as he got to the porch, nearly falling. He paused long enough to draw in several ragged breaths, leaning against the porch rail as he did so. He had taken one step toward the doorway before the explosion threw him backward into the yard. *** Pain. His next awareness was intense, bone jarring pain. He screamed out, heard a soft "Easy now Buck. You'll be fine." before slipping back into blessed unconsciousness. *** Emma moved cautiously next to the cot where Buck lay and placed the basin of cool water on a small table. She dipped the cloth and gently dabbed at the burns on Buck's cheeks and neck. Bandages were wrapped around his eyes and hands covering the salve the doctor had applied. More bandages covered his abdomen. His left leg was elevated and wrapped in heavy bandages, waiting for the swelling to decrease and the wound from the compound fracture to heal some before a splint would be applied. A bottle of laudanum sat on the table An occasional moan would escape his lips, but mostly he was quiet, the medication keeping him asleep, beyond feeling the pain. This bothered Emma almost as much as the screams and groans when they had first brought him back to the house. He was sometimes too quiet and she kept finding herself checking to see that he was still breathing. Sam had found him when he, Thomkins and several others had arrived at the Campbell farm. They had seen the smoke from town and had ridden out with buckets and shovels to help. The explosion came when they were still a mile away and by the time they reached the farm the house was completely engulfed in flames. Mrs. Campbell was kneeling at Buck's side, screaming as she slapped at the tiny flames on Buck's shirt over his arms and chest. His leg was bent under him at an odd angle, the bone protruding through his trousers inches above his knee, blood oozing from the wound. Blisters were already forming on his face and the skin around his eyes and his cheeks were bright red with black smudges running through it. Sam and Thomkins had brought him back to Emma's, another member of their group taking Mrs. Campbell in to town and sending the doctor out. Jimmy and Teaspoon helped carry Buck inside Emma's house. He was unconscious, but still screamed out in pain, especially when Emma and Teaspoon began to remove what was left of his shirt. Just touching him would cause him to groan or cry out. The doctor arrived shortly after and gave him a dose of laudanum, then set to work cleaning the wounds, applying salve and bandages. That was three days ago, and Ike hadn't left his side since, catching what sleep he could on a blanket on the floor next to Buck's bed. Emma hadn't slept much either, spending her time trying to make the young man comfortable. Teaspoon and the other riders took up the slack, covering both Buck's and Ike's runs, doing the cooking and cleaning. Jimmy once again had that duty, much to everyone's dismay. But all their free time was spent on Emma's porch. One would venture in to the house at a time, not wanting to disturb Buck but all feeling the need to be close. Sam and the doctor came out twice a day. The doctor wasn't encouraging. There was very little in those days that could be done for burns and even less that could be done for smoke inhalation. All he could do was control the pain and apply salve. Buck's breathing was often labored, especially when the medication was wearing off. The burns were not horribly serious, and if he lived through the smoke and heat damage done to his lungs he would recover from the burns. Those on his hands were the worse, concentrating on his fingers, from grabbing burning furniture and throwing it out of the way. The doctor also had no way of telling what kind of damage had been done to Buck's eyes. The burns were minor, as burns go, but he couldn't tell them if the damage would heal or if Buck would end up blind. His only reply to their questions on the subject was that time would tell. To add to everyone's worries, Kid disappeared on the second day. He had been sitting with Buck and Ike when the doctor had arrived and stayed to listen to the doctor's advice. He pulled Ike to the side while the doctor finished his work then quietly saddled his horse and rode off without a word to anyone. Emma knew the Kid could take care of himself, but she still worried about him. And Lou was beside herself with worry. They had all asked Ike what he knew, but he would just shake his head and turn back to Buck, placing his hand on Buck's shoulder as gently as possible. He believed that his friend knew he was there if he was touching him and wanted him to draw strength from the connection. Emma finished dabbing at Buck's forehead, trying to keep the boy's skin as cool as possible to keep him comfortable. She placed the cloth in the basin and carried it to the dining table. She looked over her shoulder at Buck and since he seemed to be resting quietly she went to the door, leaving it open a crack so she could hear Buck if he stirred and stepped out on the porch. The evening air felt cool and refreshing. She felt a little guilty, knowing that Buck would get no relief from such a beautiful evening. Emma leaned against the porch rail. She could hear Teaspoon and Jimmy debating some issue over the dinner dishes. Cody was out tending the horses, having just come back from a run, and Lou sat on the bunkhouse porch worrying about Kid and staring off into the direction he had ridden off in. Emma knew that shortly they would all be back on her porch and she felt some comfort knowing that these boys, that she had come to think of as her own, would be there in support of one of their own. But for now she had a few moments of quiet to gather her strength. Chapter 2 Emma was dozing in a chair by Buck's cot and Ike was in his usual place on the floor when Kid let himself and his two companions in. He touched Ike on the shoulder to wake him then pointed to the two visitors behind him. Ike began to rapidly sign to them as Kid moved over to Emma, lightly touching her on the shoulder and placing one finger against her lips to signify silence. "Kid!" she whispered. "Where'd you go off to? We've been worried..." Emma halted her sentence upon seeing the two Indians now standing over Buck's bed. "Kid? What's going on?" she said slowly, beginning to rise, looking as she did for the rifle she kept in the house. "Emma, it's okay. This is Red Bear, Buck's brother." Kid motioned at the tall, regal looking man now kneeling by Buck's side. Ike had moved off to the side to make room. The man carefully pushed scorched hair off of Buck's forehead, his fingers gently brushing the bandages around the boy's eyes, and then resting lightly on his arm. He leaned over, whispering into Buck's ear. Emma could see the love and pain that flickered across the man's face as he looked at his younger brother and she relaxed some. Red Bear motioned to the older man that had arrived with him, standing to let him move closer to the boy's bed. "Red Bear brought the tribe's medicine man with him. He brought some herbs and such that he says will help with the pain and even help him breathe better. He won't need as much of the laudanum, Emma." Kid said quietly, watching his friend. "Kid, what made you decide to go after Red Bear?" Emma stood with her arms wrapped around in front of her. " Do you know how dangerous that was?" "I know Emma," Kid looked down at the floor then back at Emma, his brown curls framing a very tired face. "But Red Bear is Buck's brother. The doctor said there was a chance that Buck might not make it. Red Bear should have the chance to see him, just in case." There were tears glistening in the Kid's eyes at the thought of losing his friend. Ike wiped away a tear of his own. "And Red Bear says that they might be able to help. The doctor did say that the laudanum could be dangerous. If White Eagle's medicine will help, well..." the Kid shrugged and let the rest of his sentence trail off. Emma looked at the older man now kneeling by Buck's bed, passing an eagle feather over the boy and chanting in Kiowa. "Red Bear, welcome to my home. What can I do to help?" Red Bear stood and placed his hand on Emma's shoulder. Chapter 3 Shortly before daybreak the medicine man completed his work. He had mixed up two blends of herbs to be brewed into tea, one for pain and one to induce sleep. He had also made a mixture that when boiled created a scented brew. When inhaled it would help control coughing and help Buck breathe. They could cover his head with a blanket to create a type of steam tent to help him inhale the steam. Emma hadn't given Buck any of the laudanum since before Kid returned and Buck seemed to be resting comfortably enough. His breathing, while more noticeable than it was after a dose of laudanum, was more regular. But even then, at times he would start to cough, which would cause him to gasp for breath. The steaming herbs helped the gasping. White Eagle said that Buck must rid himself of the smoke and the only way to do that was to cough. The coughing sounded painful. Emma had to admit that even the doctor said that coughing would help keep him from developing pneumonia, which could be fatal. White Eagle showed Emma and Ike how to use the steaming herbs. When Buck's breathing would get labored or the coughing out of control, they were to place a bowl of the boiling herbs near his head and pull the blanket over him. The steeping herbs would develop into a steam filling the air under the blanket and Buck would then breathe it in. Emma was amazed that it did seem to help. As the medicine man gathered his things together, Red Bear knelt by his brother's side once more. The two men chanted, a song Emma would learn later was meant to give strength to Buck's spirit. When finished Red Bear whispered into Buck's ear again, then stood. "I will come back again tomorrow with more herbs," he said to Emma. "I trust you with my brother's life. He has spoken highly of you and the riders of this Pony Express." He turned to Kid. "You have shown great bravery in coming to get me. My brother has chosen his friends well." "I had no choice. Buck needed his brother." Kid replied. Red Bear nodded and he and White Eagle walked out the door to their horses. Emma and Kid followed them out as Ike returned to his friend's side. Emma could see Teaspoon emerging from his shack and start walking toward them as Cody emerged from the bunkhouse, the blond rider wiping sleep from his eyes as he headed to the corral to ready his horse for a ride. "Thank you Red Bear. I'll do my best to care for your brother." Emma said as Teaspoon came up beside her. "That is all I can ask." he replied as he kicked his horse and the two men rode off. By now Jimmy and Lou were standing on the bunkhouse porch. As the two men left they joined Kid, Teaspoon and Emma in her yard. "Emma, Kid, do you have something to tell us?" Teaspoon asked in his Texas drawl, one eyebrow raising in question. "Why don't we show you. Then I think I'll try and get a little sleep. It's been a long night." She led Teaspoon into the house to show him how to use the herbs. By now Cody had saddled his horse and led it over to the group in the yard. "Where you been Kid?" Lou asked, keeping herself from not flying into the Kid's arms. "We've been worried." "We?" Cody cracked. "I think Lou's the only one that lost sleep while you were gone. Jimmy and me, we slept like babies." "You might have slept like a baby but I was up all night listening to you snorin'." "Snorin'? I don't snore Jimmy. That musta been Teaspoon you were hearing." "From clear across the yard? I don't think so Cody." "So where were you Kid?" Lou interrupted, bringing the conversation back to the subject at hand. "And who were the Indians?" "That was Red Bear, Buck's brother, and a medicine man from their tribe. Any one start breakfast yet? I'm starved!" "Kid! What was that all about? What was Red Bear doing here?" "Let's go back to the bunkhouse and fix something to eat. I'll tell you about it then." *** Buck awoke to the sound of a loud groan. It took a second to realize that it had come from him and less time than that to know why. The pain took his breath momentarily away. Then the coughing began, the movement causing more pain. He tried to open his eyes and couldn't. He felt panic rising. He tried to touch his eyes and couldn't. He couldn't even move his fingers. He tried to rise, but felt a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Go easy now Buck. It's okay. Put that pillow behind his head Ike. That's it, prop his head up. Let's give him a sip of that tea." "Teaspoon...." Buck gasped between coughs. "Quiet now Buck. Here, try to breathe deep. This should help. That's good. Now sip some more of this tea. Ike help me pull this blanket over. Breathe deep son. That's it." The coughing began to ease and Buck could catch his breath some. It was still hard to pull in more than a little bit of air at a time. He tried to relax, to use his ears to figure out what was going on around him. He heard footsteps and the sound of china being set down, another set of footsteps descending stairs. "Teaspoon? Is everything all right?" "Just fine Emma. Buck here's awake." "Buck? Just take a deep breath. It's gonna be all right." He felt fingers stroke the top of his head. "Emma?" he whispered and coughed again. "Easy, easy. Here, sip this." Emma lifted Buck's head up and placed the cup to his lips, then gently lay it back down. She picked up the cloth lying in the basin of water and dabbed at his forehead where a faint layer of moisture had appeared. "What...?" he asked weakly. "Ssshh. Just relax. Don't try to talk. You're gonna be just fine." Buck barely heard Emma's words as he drifted off. *** "Rider comin!" The call went out and Ike reluctantly mounted his horse to receive the pass off. He wasn't happy about taking the run, but he also knew that it wasn't fair for the others to be doubling up so much. He kicked his horse into a gallop. The sooner he got done, the sooner he could get back and be with his friend. *** It had now been a week since the fire and the doctor said that Buck was doing well. Sam had told them that Geneva Campbell was recovering also, fighting very minor burns and some smoke inhalation. Her husband had some gunpowder stored in the house, which is what had caused the explosion. He didn't know why Emmit Campbell had had so much gunpowder on hand or why the fire had gotten so far out of control so quickly that the two Campbells had not been able to get out of the house. And Geneva wasn't able to say yet. She said she remembered virtually nothing of the fire or the events leading up to it. The doctor felt it was due to shock and would probably wear off. Buck slept a lot. Emma and Teaspoon did their best to keep him comfortable, using the herbs Red Bear provided to help control the pain instead of using the laudanum. True to his word Red Bear had returned just before daybreak the next morning with a large supply of herbs and a medicine bundle for Buck. He told Kid that it would not be safe for him to come back anytime soon, but if there were any change to come find him again and he would risk coming back. Kid would be safe, Red Bear guaranteed it and everyone believed him. It was a slowly gathering awareness the second time Buck truly awoke. He heard noises, felt pain, saw darkness. The pain was strong but he didn't feel the need to cry out. He could tolerate it, but he needed to know why he felt it. He searched his memory; saw a house on fire, smelled smoke. He began to cough. Almost immediately he smelled herbs. He felt a cup pressed to his lips and liquid slide down his throat. He breathed in the herbal scent and shortly the coughing subsided. "I think he's awake Ike. Looks like he's swallowing to me." He felt soft fingers caress his forehead. "Can you talk Buck?" "Yes." It came out a hoarse whisper, followed by more coughing. His throat hurt but the tea helped. "I think so," came out a little louder but still weak. "It's okay. Probably best if you don't try too hard. Ike, why don't you go and get the others. I think he might be awake for awhile." Buck felt his friend touch his arm, but it felt funny, kind of far away. That was it; the pain felt distant, part of him, but not. He heard Ike's footsteps and the door open and close. "Are you in a lot of pain?" Emma asked softly, continuing to stroke the top of his head. It was comforting, but strange also. No one had ever done that to him before, not even as a child. "Not bad," he croaked. He felt her arm slide under his neck and back as she lifted him up and placed another pillow behind him. It was easier to breathe but the movement caused some pain and he could see colored lights swimming in the darkness before his eyes. It was several moments before both subsided. "What happened?" he coughed out. "Ssh, don't try to talk too much. Here, have another sip of tea. We'll fill you in as soon as you're comfortable. That's good....one more sip." Buck could hear footsteps on the porch and the door opened. "Emma, Ike said that Buck's awake. I told the others to wash up, and then come say hey. How's he doin'?" "Well he wants to know what happened, so his head's clear and thinking. Says the pain's not bad. Been coughin' a bit but the doctor said that's good right now. Here, keep givin' him this tea. I'm going to heat up a little broth." "So I take it you don't remember what happened, " Teaspoon said as he sat down next to the bed. "House....fire," came out softly. Yes, talking definitely hurt his throat. "Yep. The Campbell house. Remember anything else?" Buck moved his head slightly to the negative. Big mistake. His head began to swim. Now Teaspoon Hunter had always enjoyed a good story, but he knew Buck wasn't up to hearing a tale just yet. So he hit the highlights. "Now, here's the bad news. Your left leg is broken in two places. The doctor called the upper break a compound fracture. That mean's the bone broke through the skin. So you'll be healing from that for a while. In other words no dancing for a few months." Teaspoon paused as Kid, Jimmy, Lou and Ike came in, each greeting Buck with encouraging words before settling into chairs. "You've got some pretty nasty burns on your hands and arms. The Doc thinks that there shouldn't be any scarring, though, as long as we keep salve on them for a while. You've also got some burns on your stomach and chest. Seems your shirt caught on fire. There may be some scars there, but then there may not, the Doc says it's too early to tell for sure." Teaspoon paused again and handed Ike the teacup. Ike gently helped Buck take a sip. "Eyes." Buck managed to say. Teaspoon had wanted to avoid this part of the diagnosis, but obviously couldn't. "Well son, I ain't gonna lie to you. The Doc's not real sure about your eyes. The burns around 'em ain't real bad. No worse than those on your arms. They blistered up some but should heal over real nice. You just won't be real pretty for awhile." Cody and Jimmy both chuckled behind him. "But the Doc doesn't know about the eyes themselves," Teaspoon continued. "There may have been some damage and you'll have lost your sight. Or maybe not. He's just not sure. We won't be able to tell until you heal some." The news hit Buck like a lightning bolt. Blind. He had a hard enough time fitting in with his sight. The chances that a blind Indian would be accepted into the white world were pretty slim. He wouldn't be able to continue with the Pony Express if he couldn't see, which meant losing his new family. And he would never be able to defend himself back in the Kiowa world where he always had to be on guard with everyone but his brother. He began to cough. Within moments he was gasping for breath, barely able to drag air in between coughs. He suddenly smelled herbs and tried to breath in the healing scent. It took some time but he was finally able to drag in a few ragged breathes. "That's better. Try to take a deep breath." Teaspoon pulled the blanket over Buck's head and his own as Emma brought over a cast iron skillet with hot coals in it. They placed the bowl of herbs on the coals and placed it on a small table at the head of the bed and under the blanket, creating a steam tent of sorts, the scent of herbs swirling in the moist air trapped there. Buck's breathing came easier, the coughing slowed then stopped all together. He felt his head lifted and a cup placed to his lips. This tea tasted different, bitter. Minutes later he drifted off to sleep. Chapter 4 "Okay, long straws go, short straws stay." The riders stood gathered around Jimmy on the bunkhouse porch. Teaspoon was leaning against Emma's porch rail when she walked out the door, wiping her hands on a towel. She stopped next to Teaspoon and absently pushed a strand of hair off her forehead. She motioned toward the bunkhouse. "What's going on over there?" she asked. "Seems they're drawing straws to see who goes to the dance tomorrow night and who stays here with Buck." "They're drawing straws to see who has to stay with Buck?" "Nope. They're drawing straws to see who gets to stay with him. I'm makin' them go and they don't want to. They all want to stay here." "Well, I'll be..." Emma shook her head and turned back into the house. *** Buck had spent the last four days gaining strength and getting his bearings. For two days after his conversation with Teaspoon, he had concentrated on just being able to sit up without getting dizzy and trying to gain some strength back in his good leg by bending it and moving around on the bed slightly. The last two days he had convinced Teaspoon and the riders to help him move around the room some, one of his friends supporting him on each side like human crutches. He had even been sitting at the table during meals, which were now being eaten in Emma's house so they could be with him. Emma had ripped the seam out of a pair of his trousers so he had begun to feel somewhat normal again by getting at least partially dressed. He had figured out the difference between the two teas they had been giving him and had been refusing the one that made him sleep, then relented to using it when the doctor was due to visit, after being awake the first time when the doctor had changed his bandages. Even he had to admit that it would be easier if he weren't aware at that time, at least for awhile. He was forcing himself to stay awake more, but weakness sometimes overcame him and he couldn't help drifting off. Other times the pain or coughing would overtake him and he couldn't sleep. He and Emma had spent many hours at night after a coughing attack, talking. Emma told him about her childhood and even spoke about a possible future with Sam. She managed to draw out stories from him also and he told her things from his childhood that no one else knew, not even Ike. Both knew the other would not tell these things to anyone else. Emma rather enjoyed caring for the young man. It brought out the mothering instincts in her. And even though he occasionally got stubborn about taking medications, he was no trouble, making very few demands. She just wished he'd let her know when he was in pain so she could help. She found herself feeling a new type of respect for the boy, while at the same time feeling exasperation at his stubbornness. *** Kid had drawn a short straw. So had Cody, which he turned over to Lou after a whispered plea, a bribe, and a blackmail threat. It was a lot harder to convince Emma that she should go to the dance. In fact it took Sam planting himself on her porch, much debate, and finally Buck's encouragement before she relented. Convincing Ike was next to impossible, but they finally did and it was a reluctant group that rode off to the dance that night. *** The fiddler was playing a lively tune. Gaily dressed women spun on the arms of men that looked like they would be comfortable anywhere but here. Emma and Sam were among the dancers, both trying to enjoy themselves and only having a moderate amount of success. Cody and Jimmy were also dancing, but Ike was standing against a wall, a cup of punch in hand. Teaspoon stood over by the dessert table, sampling his way across the table. The music ended and Emma and Sam joined Teaspoon. Jimmy and Cody each found new dance partners. "Well, you two sure paint a pretty picture out there." "Thank you Mr. Spoon. But you know my thoughts are out at the house." "Lou and Kid can take care of him. They know what to do, and if any problems arise one of them will come get us. Now, how bout you and me taking us a turn? That okay with you Sam?" "Sure thing Teaspoon. It'll give my feet a rest, or more accurately, Emma's. I think I stepped on them a time or two." "Oh Sam!" She slapped his arm playfully as she walked out onto the dance floor. *** Lou giggled softly as Kid whispered in her ear. They were seated at the hearth before a low fire, the Kid's arms wrapped around Lou as she leaned back against his chest. "Stop that Kid. We'll wake Buck!" she whispered as his fingers tickled her rib cage. "Alright." He settled his arms around her waist in a hug. "Mmm, this is nice," he murmured as he nuzzled her neck. "Sure is." she cooed back. "What time do you think the others will be back?" "Not for another hour or so at least." He paused as Buck coughed, both anxiously looking his way to see if he had awakened, then continued on as Buck settled back into sleep. "We've still got some time. I was thinking, Buck's doing better, and I kind of thought that maybe we could sneak away tomorrow and have a picnic down at the creek." Buck began to cough again and Lou got up to fix a bowl of the scented boiling herbs, carrying it over to the bedside and placing it near his head. Buck had agreed to taking the sleep inducing tea if Emma would go to the dance, so he was still sleeping , but Lou still checked his breathing before answering Kid. "Sounds good" she said as she turned back to him. She stopped before the small fire and moved the pot of stew closer to the flames to warm. "I think he'll be waking soon," she said as she settled back into Kid's arms. "He always gets a little restless before he wakes." "It's hard to believe what he's going through. I'm not sure I could do it." Lou murmured in agreement. "Those burns.... they've gotta hurt something fierce. I don't know how he stands it." Kid finished as they both watched Buck. "Doc says that while the burns aren't as bad as they could be, they'll still be painful, and he doesn't know of any medications that will completely take care of pain like that. He can't believe the herbs can do it either." "Well, Buck's strong... and stubborn. Maybe he's just not letting us know he's hurting." "Maybe." Lou laid her head back on Kid's chest and turned to look into the fire. They kept the flames low so as not to overheat the room. "Sam says Mrs. Campbell still isn't saying how the fire started." "Guess it doesn't really matter, Lou." "No, I 'spose not." She sighed. "What?" "Nothing really. Just feeling.... content? Maybe comfortable is a better word. This just feels normal" "You mean us?" "Yeah, like this, right now. It feels good." "Lou..." he stopped when she placed her finger to his lips. "Let's just enjoy the moment Kid." she gave him a quick kiss. He pulled her closer and they kissed long and hungrily, pulling apart suddenly when they heard the wagon pull up and voices outside. Lou quickly stood and moved closer to the bed as Kid rose a little slower. He went to the door, parting the curtains to see outside. "They must have left the dance awfully early." Kid said as he watched Sam help Emma down from the buckboard and the other riders take their horses to the barn. Lou looked sheepishly down at the floor, self-consciously pushing her glasses up on her nose. She turned to the bed when she heard a slight rustling sound. Buck's head moved slightly to the side and back, his hand raising a few inches over the blankets. Lou knelt beside him as Emma and Sam walked in the door. "Everything all right here?" Emma asked as she removed her shawl and hung it on a hook by the door. Sam did the same with his hat. "Fine Emma, " Kid replied. "He just started getting restless. Lou thinks he might be waking up." "He's awake." Lou said from Buck's side. "Hey Buck. How ya feeling?" He was always groggy when waking from the unnatural sleep. Kid poured a cup of tea and brought it over to Lou. "Here Buck, take some of this." "Thank you." His voice was still little more than a whisper, his throat still a little sore from the smoke. "Are you hungry? Can you eat some?" Buck nodded. Kid ladled out a bowl of stew as Lou helped her friend sit up, propping pillows behind him. She could tell he was having a hard time coming fully awake. She slowly spooned out warm broth, potatoes and meat to Buck as Emma poured coffee for Sam and herself. They sat on the settee and watched as Lou and Kid cared for Buck, talking to him as he ate, giving him sips of tea for pain. Sam placed his arm on the back of the settee as Emma sipped her coffee. "They make a nice couple don't they?" Sam mused. "Why Sam Cain! How did you know Lou is a girl?" "What do you mean? Of course I know Lou's a girl!" "Well don't tell Mr. Spoon." "He doesn't know?" "No and I'd like to keep it that way, thank you kindly." "How can he not know?" Sam shook his head, bewildered. Chapter 5 Buck lay awake listening to the sounds of the house. He heard every creak, every groan. He could hear a slight wind kick up outside, a coyote answering his mate a few miles away. He heard Emma sigh in her sleep nearby. And he heard his own labored breathing and wondered if he would ever heal. Two weeks. It had been two weeks. The others told him he was getting better. The doctor said he was improving faster than he could have ever anticipated, but to Buck it was taking forever. He still felt very weak. Moving was painful but he tried at every possible chance anyway. And the coughing was always there and rarely left for long. His chest hurt when he coughed and he was beginning to think that he might have damaged a rib. He tried not to think about his injuries, especially his eyes, but there wasn't much else to occupy his mind. Buck's mind whirled. It was at moments like this where he felt near panic. He was rarely alone since the fire, but the last few nights he had awakened apparently without noise. He would struggle to calm himself, singing a song from his childhood in his mind. It was soothing, reassuring. The panic would ease. He tried to enjoy the solitude, something that he had valued up until two weeks ago, but now found somewhat distressing. Patience Buck he told himself as he felt the coughs coming on. Easy, breathe deep. Control it. No good. He started coughing and it wasn't long before it was out of control and he was gasping for breath. Emma was up and moving immediately, grabbing a pan, filling it with coals and placing a bowl of boiling water on them. Tossing in herbs she moved to his bedside pulling a blanket over both their heads. She sat by his side, humming softly, stroking his hair as he tried to breath. He struggled mentally to relax and calm himself. As always, the coughing slowed, his breathing regulated. Eventually the coughing occurred only sporadically. "I'm sorry Emma." "Sssh now Buck," she whispered as she kissed his forehead. "It's all right." She got up and changed the coals in the pan, then sat back down beside him. She straightened his bedding and fluffed his pillows. Emma sat with him for several hours. They talked about his childhood and he told her about his mother, who had died when he was ten, that his brother took him on his first raid the same year. He told her about games they had played as children, and they exchanged stories about their first loves. He finally drifted off. Emma wrapped her shawl around her shoulders, checked Buck one more time, added a few more coals to the pan, and went back to her cot feeling tired yet contented. Something in her was feeling fulfilled- the need to care for someone who truly needed her. Too bad Buck was suffering. She laid down and fell asleep. *** "Ride safe, Jimmy!" Teaspoon called after the rider as he accepted the exchange from Lou and rode off to the west. A drizzle had set in overnight, making the riders miserable. Teaspoon took the reins of Lou's horse as the young "man" dismounted. "I'll take care of him, Lou. You get on into the bunkhouse and get warmed up." "Thanks Teaspoon." Lou climbed onto the porch, removing her hat and slapping the water from it. She opened the door and walked into the warm, inviting room. Kid sat on his bunk reading, but looked up as Lou entered. Cody sat at the table cleaning his beloved rifle. Lou assumed Ike was over at the house with Buck. "That rain's a might colder than you'd think." Lou said as she hung her coat near the fire to dry, then stood before it, hands outstretched trying to warm herself. Kid pulled the blanket off his bed and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Mmm, thanks. That feels better." "This weather makes for a rough ride." "Well I'm hoping it stops before I ride tomorrow." Cody added as he reassembled his gun. "I wonder when dinner's gonna be ready? Emma's cooking today up at the house." "Thank God Emma's cooking again. I don't think I could eat another of Jimmy's or Teaspoon's meals." "Why Lou, I'm insulted." Teaspoon said as he stood in the open doorway. "Sorry Teaspoon." "That's alright. I'm lookin' forward to Emma's cooking again myself. And speaking of which, dinner is ready." Lou ran a comb through her hair as Kid and Cody grabbed coats and hats and they all dashed across the yard. They shook off water and scraped off mud, then quietly entered the house. "Well look at this!" Cody commented as he walked through the door. "Hey Buck!" the Kid added. Lou pushed her way past the other two to see what was going on. Buck sat up on the bed, his leg finally in a splint, his right hand unwrapped, his left wrapped so that his thumb was exposed and somewhat usable. A pair of crutches Teaspoon had fashioned lay nearby. "I thought maybe we would celebrate and have dinner together. I'm afraid Jimmy will be gone overnight but I wanted the rest of us together." Emma motioned to the table she had set with her good china. She had laid out platters of fried chicken and corn bread, bowls of potatoes and green beans, and two pies sat on the sideboard. She had everyone sit down after they had helped Buck to the table and asked Teaspoon to say the blessing. Teaspoon cleared his throat and began. "Dear Lord, thank you for this meal. Thank you for seeing us all through the last few weeks and for setting Buck here on the healing trail. Amen." "Amen." The boys helped themselves to the food as Emma fed Buck. His hands wouldn't cooperate enough to hold a fork, but then the muscles hadn't been used in over two weeks. It was going to take some practice. Still he found it somewhat humiliating to be fed, and vowed that he'd have control again in a day or so. It had been a long day for him. He hadn't slept well the night before and had remained awake during the doctor's visit. He had been up on the crutches briefly and it had pretty much worn him out. He had to work on his strength! Emma could see that he was tiring. She sat his plate off to the side, picking up a water glass to give him a drink. She leaned over and whispered in his ear. He shook his head, no, he wasn't ready to lay down yet. He leaned his head back against the wall instead and listened to the talk around the table, enjoyed the sound of laughter as the riders bantered back and forth. Emma left his side long enough to cut the pies, slipping a bite or two between his lips until he shook his head no. It tasted wonderful, but he couldn't eat any more. He gave Emma a smile. "Thank you. It was very good," he said softly. "My pleasure," she said placing a kiss on the top of his head as she gathered up the plates and carried them to the sideboard. He couldn't get used to such displays of affection and color rose to his cheeks. He knew his own mother had loved him despite the fact that he was the product of rape. But she had a hard time showing her affection in front of the tribe. She, too, was made to feel inferior. His brother hadn't cared what others thought and treated Buck as an equal, but a brother's love wasn't the same as a mother's. When she died, his brother stepped in and became mother and father to him until he had left the tribe at thirteen. Out among the whites it had been just as difficult and he had found himself forced into a mission school. But that was where he had met Ike, and they had been like brothers since. He heard movement next to him and knew it was Ike. He missed being able to talk to his friend. They could carry on a conversation only when one of the other riders was there to translate Ike's sign language. "That was a mighty fine meal, Emma." Teaspoon leaned back in his chair, sighing contentedly. "Why thank you Mr. Spoon." Kid and Lou helped gather up the rest of the dishes, then set about washing them for her. Emma wiped off the table and sat down opposite Teaspoon. The evening was pleasant. Cody spent time reading, occasionally reading passages aloud that he found of interest. Kid, Lou and Teaspoon played several rounds of gin. Ike had his sketchbook out and Emma worked on some knitting. Buck dozed off and on. He heard everything going on around him, but occasionally the sounds grew distant and then louder as he became more alert. It was warm in the room, but Emma made sure it wasn't so warm that he would be uncomfortable. Before he knew it, and against his will, he had fallen asleep. Ike was the first to notice that he had drifted off. He signaled to Teaspoon and the two of them moved him away from the wall and laid him down. They removed his shirt and covered him with a light blanket, then the riders headed out to the bunkhouse. Emma went upstairs to sleep and Teaspoon settled in on the bed near the fire, ready to care for Buck should he awaken. *** "Emma could you pull the shades down? I think it's time to check out Buck's sight." The doctor had been changing bandages and applying salve to Buck's stomach and chest. As Emma pulled down shades and pulled across curtains he began cutting bandages from around Buck's eyes. "Okay, now, Buck. I want you to keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them. Emma, it's still awfully bright in here. Can you hang a blanket over that window? That's better." The doctor finished removing the bandages and took the pads of cloth off of his eyes. "All right Buck, slowly." Buck cracked his eyes open, closing them almost immediately, then opening them again, blinking frequently until he could open them to a squint. "Well Buck?" Emma asked anxiously. "Dark." was his reply. "Emma, light that lamp. We'll put some soft light here. Any better?" Buck squinted again and turned his head toward the sound of the lamp being placed on the table. The darkness before him lightened a little. "Foggy." "Can you see my hand?" "I can tell something moved in front of the light but I couldn't tell what." "Hmm. Well, I'll tell you what. As long as it's fairly dark, leave his eyes uncovered. His sight may come back slowly. Cover his eyes against bright light. Let's see what happens over the next few days." The doctor rolled down his sleeves and closed his bag. "Try these eye drops every two hours while his eyes are uncovered and right before bandaging them up. Don't let him over do. If his eyes get tired, cover them. If they start to feel dry or itchy, cover them. If he even looks like he's struggling, cover them." Buck felt numb. He had dealt with the pain, with the weeks of lying in bed, by thinking that some day soon the bandages would come off and he would see again. He had been sure he would see again. His heart dropped as he realized that his worst possible fears were probably true-- he was blind. Emma walked the doctor to the door, looking to see what direction Buck was facing before opening it to let the doctor out. She turned back to him trying to read the look on his face. Walking back over to him, she sat on the edge of the bed, gathering him into her arms, wanting to hug the grief and despair from him. His arms remained at his sides, then he suddenly and desperately returned the hug. Chapter Six Kid came galloping into the yard past the doctor in his buggy. He passed off the pouch to Henry, a rider from the station to the east, and pulled Katy up to a halt as Cody reached for the reins. "I'll cool her down for ya Kid." "Thanks Cody." Kid jumped down off Katy's back and reached into his saddlebags to withdraw a leather wrapped bundle. "What's that?" "Message for Buck." Kid strode across the yard, up onto the porch and tapped on the door. He opened it as Emma called "come in". Kid noticed at once that the bandages had been removed from around Buck's eyes and broke into a wide smile. "Hey Buck! Look at you!" He walked over to the bed and sat down in the chair Emma had just vacated. "I was stopped on my run by Red Bear and some of his braves. He wanted to know how you were doing. And he sent you this." Kid held the bundle out, waiting for Buck to take it from him, then placed it near his hand, a puzzled look coming over his face. Buck reached out with numb fingers to touch the bundle. He tried to pick it up, but his fingers still weren't working quite right and it slipped through his hand. Kid reached over, picked up the bundle and untied the leather thong. He laid it out for Buck to see. "There are some sort of symbols on it. What does it mean?" Kid asked. "Kid... I can't see." Buck replied softly. Kid glanced up at Emma, who shook her head. There were tears gleaming in her eyes. "We'll describe it to you." she said. "What was inside it, Kid?" "An eagle feather, some sage I think," he sniffed the dried plant material them waved it under Buck's nose, who nodded in agreement, "some other dried plants, some corn, a bear claw, and some kind of clear rock." "It's a power bundle. It gives a person strength." Buck told them as he ran his fingers over the eagle feather. "Wrap it back up, please. The symbols are probably a plea to the spirits for strength and courage." Kid put the bundle back together and slid it under the mattress. "So..., " Kid said, uncomfortable and not knowing what to do next, "What did the doctor say? I thought maybe with the bandages off..." Emma gave a brief run down of the doctor's visit. Kid went about finding some light weight objects for Buck to exercise his fingers with, then left to do chores before lunch. *** The spoon went flying across the room and clattered against the wall. "Well, do you feel better now?" Emma asked, her hands on her hips as she looked from Buck to the spoon and back again. "No... not really." "Then I suspect it won't happen again." she said as she picked up the spoon and placed it back in Buck's right hand. The exercise was not going well. Buck had very little feeling in his hand yet and was having a hard time grasping hold of things. Add to that the fact that he was left handed, not right, and the result was frustration. He had spent the time since lunch moving uncooked beans with the spoon from one bowl to another and the spoon kept slipping from his hand. He let his hand drop to the table, the spoon slipping yet again from his grip. "I'm sorry." "It's all right," she answered him then glanced at the door as a wagon pulled up outside. "Who could that be?" She got up and pulled the curtain aside a crack. "Well. I'll be. It's Geneva Campbell." Buck turned his head away from the door and Emma slipped out. "Geneva, how are you?" She greeted the woman as she walked down the steps and approached the woman's wagon. "I'm doing well, Emma. I hope you don't mind my just dropping by like this." Geneva climbed down off the wagon seat and clasped Emma's hands. "Not at all. Would you like to come in for tea?" "I really came out to see the boy. His name is Buck, right?" "Yes. He's in the house. Come on in." The two women walked up the stairs. Emma stopped to tap on the door to let Buck know she was opening it and they entered. "Buck? You've got company." Geneva Campbell looked uncomfortable as she took the seat Emma offered her. "Buck, I'm Geneva Campbell." "Miz Campbell. How are you doing?" "Kind of you to ask. I'm well. I, um... I wanted to thank you for what you did. Saving my life." She looked down at her hands. She was very nervous about being here. This young man had risked his life to save her, but he was an Indian and that made her uncomfortable. His sacrifices were obvious to her, with burns still visible and his leg propped in a chair. Guilt weighed her down. Emma handed her a teacup and pulled a chair up to the table to join them. "It's all right." Buck replied. This was awkward. He knew she was bothered by the fact that he was a half breed. By now he knew all the signals for that. He wished he could get up and walk away. "I... I feel I owe you an explanation. Emmit set that fire. He'd been acting strangely." She paused, her hands playing with the teacup. "Anyway, " she said looking up at Emma, then at Buck and back to her hands, "He'd been saying strange things, accusing me of hiding things from him. I'd cook him a meal and an hour later he'd get mad 'cuz dinner wasn't on the table. He'd just eaten! That last day he accused me of poisoning him. He hit me and I must have been knocked out. When I woke the room was full of smoke. Well, that's when you came along." "Geneva, that's horrible." Emma touched the older woman's hand. "I owe you my life Buck. Thank you." Buck didn't know what to do. He mumbled a throaty "You're welcome." Emma stood and walked behind the woman, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. Geneva had tears running down her face. "He's a special young man," Emma said. "All my boys are special. He couldn't have not helped you." "Is there anything you need? Anything I can do to help?" Buck shook his head. She turned to Emma. "You'll let me know if there is anything, won't you?" "Of course." "I'd best be going then. Take care, Buck." Emma walked her to her wagon. Buck threw the spoon across the room. *** The next morning Emma was especially busy in her kitchen. When Buck asked what she was doing she said it was a surprise. By mid morning she was done. Teaspoon came by and they helped Buck finish dressing, then wrapped his eyes with bandages, still not answering his questions. He could hear the door opening and closing as Emma and Teaspoon came and went. Then Teaspoon stood before him. "Okay Buck, it's time to learn to use these here crutches. How about going for a little walk?" He didn't have to ask Buck twice. The boy pushed himself up from the chair and Teaspoon helped him position the crutches. Leading him away from the furniture, Teaspoon directed Buck toward the door. Buck was surprised when they helped him outside. He hadn't been out in almost three weeks. When they got near the steps, Jimmy moved up and he and Teaspoon lifted him down, then let him proceed on. It was exhausting. He hadn't had this much exercise in a long while. He could hear the jingle of harness and a horse stomp. "We, " Emma said coming up behind him and placing his hat on his head, "are going on a picnic." He felt hands lifting him up and placing him in the back of the wagon, his back propped against the side. Pillows were placed under his leg to prop it up. He felt Emma climb in beside him as Teaspoon climbed onto the seat and picked up the reins. "What's the occasion?" Buck asked softly as the wagon started to move. "It's Sunday. And it's a beautiful day. Isn't it boys?" Emma called out as the other riders joined them on horseback. They rode for about a half an hour. Teaspoon tried to avoid as many bumps and holes as he could, but Buck felt every one he hit in his leg. Emma noticed and insisted that he drink some of the pain tea she had brought along. She considered turning back, but Buck insisted they go on, the pain wasn't more than just from moving around and wasn't bad. Shortly after they started out Sam joined them. Buck could tell a slight change in Emma's voice after his arrival. She was truly happy when he was present. Buck had awoke the night before with a cramp in his leg. Out of habit he had looked around the room without moving, knowing he couldn't see, but doing it out of instinct. His ears were tuned to the sounds around him and he realized quickly that he was invading Emma's privacy by being awake. Every so often he could pick up Emma's voice, or Sam's. He moved his foot to try and ease the cramp. It took some time to stretch the muscle out. By then he was wide awake. He started a chant in his head, somewhat like counting sheep and regulated his breathing. He had distracted himself this way many times before in his brother's teepee. There was very little privacy in an Indian village. Buck had a feeling that if Emma had her way there would be wedding in her future! The wagon came to a stop. Everyone was talking and laughing. Jimmy and Kid helped Buck out of the wagon as Emma spread out a blanket under a big oak. They settled Buck against the trunk, Lou helping to hold his leg up, Ike right there with pillows. Buck was more than a little tired of the fuss and had to struggle to keep from getting mad. They were his family and just trying to help. But it got old. It was no one's fault, it was just the way it was. Cody made some crack and Jimmy took off after him, tackling him to the ground. Buck heard an "oof" sound and laughter, but picked up also the sound of an unshod horse's hooves. Everyone grew suddenly silent and he heard the rustle of Emma's skirt as she stood and walked toward the horse. "I'm glad you came." she said. Buck cocked his head, trying to hear exactly what was happening. He heard moccasined feet approach. "You are doing well little brother?" Chapter Seven "Red Bear?" "Yes my brother." His hand reached out and touched Buck's face. "I can't believe you're here." "Your friends are very kind to ask me." "We were about to eat. You will join us won't you?" Emma asked sitting back down. Red Bear nodded then sat cross-legged next to Buck. There was tension in the group as Emma unpacked the picnic lunch she had prepared. No one knew quite what to do with Red Bear there. Cody, always the clown and performer, made yet another crack, resulting in a punch in the arm from Jimmy. It seemed to break the tension and soon everyone was laughing and talking again, including Red Bear in their conversations. Lou seemed to think this would be the perfect opportunity to hear stories about Buck's childhood and asked Red Bear several questions. He divulged a few stories about childhood antics that Buck wished he had kept himself. He knew Cody at least would never forget. After they ate, the men got up and went out into the open field before them to play a game of baseball, a game Teaspoon had sent away for a few months back. Emma got up to watch them, leaving Buck and Red Bear alone. "You did not answer me before." Red Bear asked in Kiowa. "Are you doing well?" Buck hesitated before answering. He hated to admit any weakness to a war chief. It was extra hard since the war chief was is brother. "Tell me little brother." "I.... can't see. It's as if I'm in a thick fog. I can see light and dark, but that's all." Red Bear paused before replying. "Then perhaps you were meant to see differently. Maybe you were meant to be a shaman and not a warrior." "But I don't have visions." "Perhaps you have not looked for them." "Even if I did the Kiowa would not accept me as a wise man. They would not trust my visions. And the whites do not believe in them." "Then you would have to make the Kiowa accept or the white men believe. This may be your destiny." "If only it were that easy." "It may not be that hard." *** Emma glanced over her shoulder occasionally, the mother instinct not letting go even though she knew that Buck was in good hands. She saw the two brothers talking, one regal and self confident, the other looking a little vulnerable. At one point she saw that Buck had laid down on the blanket, using Red Bear's leg as a pillow. Red Bear's hand rested protectively on Buck's shoulder. She turned back to the game, a smile on her face. She felt, more than heard, Red Bear approach and turned to him. "He is asleep." Red Bear stated. "He could use the rest." Emma replied. Red Bear stood watching the game. As she saw his interest she tried to explain the rules, as best as she knew them. Kid saw them watching and during a time out convinced Red Bear to join in. Emma had to laugh at the sight of this stoic Indian trying to hit the ball and running the bases. She was so caught up by the game that she didn't see Buck stir behind her, but Red Bear had and he left the game, trotting toward his brother. Emma followed him when she heard Buck begin to cough. He'd had very few coughing attacks the last few days, but they had been severe ones. This time was no different. As she drew closer she could already hear the wheezing start in between the coughs. She veered off to the small fire she had insisted Teaspoon build, dipped out a cup of boiling water, reached into the bag of herbs near the fire and tossed a handful into the cup. She moved quickly to Buck's side, grabbing a spare blanket as she went and threw it over Buck's head as well as her own, placing the mug of steaming liquid under Buck's nose. Red Bear pulled the blanket down around them both to trap the steam inside. Buck was really struggling by now, the coughing barely slowing enough for him to drag in a ragged breath. Before she could ask, Red Bear's hand appeared under the blanket with a fresh cup of steaming herbs. Red Bear handed in two more steaming cups before Buck's breathing was under control. She knew he would still wheeze for a while but he was getting air into his lungs. She finally pulled the blankets off their heads. Red Bear was kneeling beside them, concern on his face. Teaspoon was behind him and the others were about ten feet away. Emma forced a smile on her face, concern and fear still in her eyes. Buck leaned his head back against the tree. These attacks scared him. His head would hurt for hours after one and he was still struggling some for air. Emma looked over her shoulder at the riders, then back at Teaspoon. He stood and walked over to them, leading the boys back to the game. They began playing again, but it was a subdued group, only pretending to play. Only Ike refused to go, sitting on the ground near his friend, watching him. Red Bear sat down behind Buck and gathered him into his arms. Buck leaned against his brother's chest, his head on Red Bear's shoulder. Red Bear took the mug of herbs from Emma and she got up to brew tea. She handed the cup to Red Bear, who placed it against Buck's lips. "Drink." he commanded. Buck took a sip. "Again." Red Bear made Buck drink half the cup before sitting it down. He kept his arms wrapped around his brother. Eventually Buck slept. *** Buck floated in and out of sleep. He felt the movement of the wagon, heard snatches of conversation. He felt strong arms lift him from the wagon and heard the low timbre of his brother's voice. *** He stirred, fighting to wake up. "Yes, you are right, " he heard. "Running Buck?" "Mmm." He opened his eyes. The bandages were off, for all the difference there was in what he saw. He took his right hand, rubbing it gently over his face as he struggled to sit up. He felt very sluggish. "Red Bear? You're still here. Is it safe?" "I will leave before morning. Are you hungry?" Buck shook his head no. "Here. Drink." "No tea." "It is water." He felt a glass pressed into his hand and Red Bear's wrap around his as he helped Buck lift the glass to his lips. "Thank you." He swung his legs over the side of the cot. He leaned against his right knee, feeling groggy and a little dizzy. Red Bear and Ike helped him stand and took him over to a chair. They spent the next several hours reminiscing. Emma came down the stairs and sat on the lower one listening to them. They talked in English so Ike could understand them. When Ike signed a comment Red Bear translated for him so Buck would know what he said. Shortly before daybreak, Red Bear stood to leave. He and Ike helped Buck back to bed and they said their good byes, each not knowing when or if they would see each other again. Chapter Eight Over the next few days Buck grew stronger. His eyesight seemed to be improving. He was now able to make out shapes distinctly and the fog wasn't nearly as thick. However he still couldn't see details, but any improvement was encouraging. The feeling returned to his fingers and he began doing minor repairs to the tack to keep himself busy. Emma put him to work peeling potatoes and snapping beans for their meals. Still he grew frustrated from time to time. Emma would let him vent that frustration as long as no harm came to him or the house. He never took it out on her, just at himself. And he was always apologetic afterwards, chastising himself far worse than Emma ever could. Teaspoon started working with him, helping him with detail work, showing him how to feel what he was doing. Teaspoon had spent several hours with a blindfold on to get a feel for what Buck was going through. He even encouraged the riders to do the same and they each gained a greater understanding of Buck's circumstances. On Wednesday morning Buck was sitting on the porch braiding a lariat when Sam rode up to the house. He threw the reins over the fence rail and walked up the path. "Morning Buck. How you feeling?" "All right, Sam." "Where's everyone at?" He asked as Emma stepped out onto the porch. "Why good morning Sam. What brings you out here this early?" "I need to talk to Teaspoon. Is he around?" "He and the boys went off to Blue Creek to check out some horses. Should be back around supper time." "I've got to try and meet up with him. There's someone in town looking for him and the man's got trouble written all over him. First I'm gonna get you and Buck out of here. It's just a matter of time before he finds out where Teaspoon lives and he'll make his way out here. I don't want you here by yourself when he does." "Who is he?" "Don't know for sure. But he's wearing his guns mighty low and telling folks he's got a score to settle with Teaspoon." "Then you'd best be going after Teaspoon. Buck and I will be all right." "Nope. I'm at least getting you over to the Gallagher place." "You don't have the time." "I'm gonna go hitch the wagon." Emma followed him to the corral arguing with him the whole way. When she came back to the porch she had worked out a compromise. "We're going to take the wagon and head over to Gallagher's. But Sam is going on to Blue Creek straight away." But there was no one at the Gallagher place when they arrived, so Emma decided to head into town. They would be approaching Sweetwater from a slightly different direction than they would from the Express station so she thought they'd have no chance of meeting up with the stranger. She was wrong. *** They had tried veering off the road when she saw the stranger coming, and tried to run when he followed. But a wagon couldn't outrun a horse. So they found themselves under the wagon, Emma firing a rifle at the spot she had last seen the man. "Let me reload for you." Emma hesitated only a second before handing Buck the empty rifle, picking up the second rifle next to her and firing in the direction of the stranger. As she emptied the rifle she passed it back to Buck and accepted the re-loaded gun. "Where is he? He stopped returning fire," she said peering across the field to the stand of trees where the man had been. Buck finished reloading the rifle and paused. "Emma," he said quietly. "I think he's... " Buck paused at the sound of a gun being cocked, "right behind us." he finished, laying the rifle down at his side and moving his hands away from it. Emma turned around to look and saw the man standing over Buck, gun drawn and aimed at him. She laid her rifle down and backed out from under the wagon, a scowl on her face. "Well, I'd be guessing you're Emma Shannon from the description I got. Caretaker of the Pony Express Station with Teaspoon Hunter." He said this very casually, but his voice took on a harsher tone as he reached down and grabbed her by the chin. "Where is he?" Emma didn't reply. The man looked her in the eye, then turned quickly and kicked Buck in the stomach. The young man doubled over, the wind knocked out of him and pain causing spots before his eyes. The toe of the man's boot had landed in tender, healing flesh. "Leave him be!" Emma exclaimed scrambling to Buck's side. "Then tell me where Hunter is!" "He's out of town. He went to St. Joseph." "Well then I guess you'll be keeping me company until he gets back. Now get into the wagon." Emma stood and helped Buck up, retrieving his crutches from the ground. As she helped him she noticed a small spot of blood on the front of his shirt. "Buck?" "I'm okay. Just do what he says." "Were you hit?" "No. It happened when he kicked me. Must have split the skin open." He carefully pulled himself up onto the wagon bed. "Get up there! Let's go!" "I'm fine Emma. Let's just go." Emma climbed up onto the seat of the wagon and picked up the reins. "And just where are we going?" "Just get moving. I figure Hunter will come looking for you eventually." He reached over and picked up Emma's straw hat, tossing it onto the road as they got back on it. "That's so he knows I've got you. And by the way, I know he's not in St. Joseph. He's in Blue Creek." *** It was early evening when Sam, Teaspoon, and the riders rode into the Gallagher's yard. Joseph Gallagher stepped out onto the porch, gun in hand. When he saw who it was, he sat the gun down by the door. "Sam, Teaspoon. What brings you out this way?" "Evening Joseph. We just came by to pick up Emma and Buck." "Emma?" Joseph's wife Kathleen joined them on the porch. "Well I haven't seen Emma in weeks." "What do you mean? I sent her and Buck over this way early this morning." "Kathleen and I were in town this morning." "Damn!" Sam exclaimed, looking over at Teaspoon. "Sam! Teaspoon! Over here!" The two men turned and rode over to where Kid and Cody knelt in the dust. "These are Emma's wagon tracks. They're headed into town. Well, roundabout anyway." "How can you be sure they're Emma's? Gallagher said that he was in town today. They're probably his." "A couple months back Emma hit a large rock in the road. It put a nick in the side of the back left wheel and we haven't fixed it yet. Look at the track. See that break in it? That's from the nick." "Good job boys. Let's go!" It was obvious where the wagon left the road and even more obvious where it reentered, just thirty feet further on, with Emma's hat laying in the middle of the road. Lou got off her horse and retrieved it while Kid, Cody, and Jimmy followed the tracks off the road. They were back half an hour later, having found nothing more than the tracks returning. As dusk came on them they found where the tracks left the road a second time. They all knew it was impossible to go any further until daylight. They reluctantly made camp. Chapter Nine Emma and Buck were both tied to the wagon, Emma with her hands behind her, Buck with his arms stretched over his head. The stranger kneeled by a small fire, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "We could at least use some water over here." Emma said sarcastically. "Water, huh? You want some water?" He stood picking up the canteen he had just filled at the nearby creek. He walked over and poured the contents over Buck's head. He then kneeled in front of Emma and grabbed her by the chin. "I know what you really want." He bent down, forcing a kiss on her as she struggled to avoid it. Buck could tell from the sounds what was happening. Using his ears to locate the man, he twisted around and landed a kick in the man's back. Luck had it that he got the man in the kidneys. The man fell sideways, groaning in pain. As soon as he could stand, the man staggered in front of Buck and kicked him hard in his broken leg. "No!" Emma screamed as she heard the crack of bone not yet healed give way yet again under the assault. The man slapped Emma to shut her up, then kicked Buck again and again, in the leg, ribs, and even once in the head. Buck slipped into unconsciousness. *** He wasn't out long. When he awoke he could hear Emma struggling again, and the sound of fabric tearing. He could hear the man grunt as Emma bit him and the slap of his hand against her cheek. He could even feel one of them bump against his injured leg during the struggle. The stranger must have thought Buck would be unconscious for hours, or perhaps even dead, because he had neglected to tie Buck's legs after the last attack. He gathered his strength one more time and ignoring the scream of nerve endings, twisted around again and landed another kick-- right between the man's legs. The man screamed and rolled backwards. It was several minutes before he could even get to his knees, and when he did, he retched into the grass. Ten minutes later he finally staggered drunkenly to his feet. He wavered over Buck, then pulling a knife from it's sheath, he cut Buck's ropes away from the wagon. He reached down and grabbed Buck by the shirt front and dragged him closer to the fire. "Now boy, you just spoiled any fun we might be having tonight!" He snarled as he kicked Buck in the ribs. "So I'm just gonna have to find another source of entertainment." He grabbed a piece of wood from the stack by the fire and using the knife, shaved the end into a point. He grabbed the ropes still around Buck's wrist and yanking Buck's arms over his head, drove the long stake between the knots of the rope and into the ground. Then he tied Buck's good leg with another piece of rope and staked it down. He repeated the process with the broken leg, tossing aside the cracked splint. When the man was done, Buck was covered in sweat. He was staked out right in front of Emma and too close to the fire for his comfort. The man was still in a rage and kicked Buck regularly while he worked. When he was satisfied Buck wouldn't be able to move he kneeled between his two prisoners. "What happened to him?" he growled. "Fire." she whispered reluctantly, deciding that cooperation was the wisest move. The man chuckled, then reached down and yanked off the cloth surrounding Buck's eyes. Still laughing to himself, he ripped open Buck's shirt and sliding the knife beneath the bandages there, cut them off. Emma, still tied to the wagon, pleaded with the man to leave Buck alone, but he just chuckled louder as he planned his revenge. *** The riders sat around the fire, their bedrolls spread out, but no one could sleep yet. Sam and Teaspoon sat drinking coffee and staring at the fire. Jimmy and Cody cleaned and reloaded their guns. Lou poked a stick into the fire as Kid watched her. And Ike was out checking the horses. "Try the description again Sam." Teaspoon said. "It just ain't ringing any bells." Sam did, for the fifth time that day. "Sorry Sam. It just don't sound like anyone I know." *** Buck couldn't help it. He screamed as the red hot ember point of the stick was placed on the tender flesh of his stomach. Buck could smell the flesh burn, could hear Emma begging the man to stop as the stick was thrust at his exposed skin again and again. The man was laughing, enjoying his game. When the ember had cooled, the man pulled out his knife. He took a sideways glance at Emma as he stood. She had tears streaming down her face, but was not hysterical like he would expect a woman to be. "You ever hear of mumbly peg Emma?" he asked her, then threw the knife downward. It landed in the ground at Buck's side as Emma drew in a ragged breath. He squatted and pulled the knife from the ground, placing the tip of it on Buck's chest. "How about tic-tac-toe?" he asked as he drew a line across Buck's skin. Blood beaded up along the shallow cut. He let the tip of the knife rest again, then pulled it across Buck's chest a second time. He looked toward Emma again, then placed the tip of the knife just below Buck's left eye. The point pressed into the skin, drawing blood, which began to run down the side of Buck's face. "Should I or shouldn't I? Eye or no eye? Or maybe it's which eye? Left," he switched the point of the blade over below Buck's right eye, "or right. I just can't decide." *** The rider's were awake and ready to ride before sunrise. They waited impatiently for the sun to come up enough to see the tracks. *** Emma's head snapped up, wide-awake. She was amazed she had actually slept, had hoped that last night was just a dream, but knew it had been a real live nightmare. She studied Buck carefully. He was still breathing but looked bad. The stranger was sitting near the fire drinking coffee. When he saw that Emma was awake, he kicked dirt onto the fire and stood. "Well knowing Hunter, I reckon he'll be here sometime this morning. Let's get ready." He walked over to Emma and untied her arms from behind her. He retied her hands in front and pulled her to her feet. "Please let me check on him!" "He doesn't matter. Hunter does." He grabbed the rope and pulled her into the open field. Emma turned to look behind her. She couldn't even see Buck. The wagon, and Buck, were back behind a cluster of rocks and trees and were virtually invisible from the path they had used getting there. The path continued on beyond the stand of trees behind them. The stranger pushed her down in the high grass and kneeled behind her. From this position they were not visible from across the field, but they could see anyone approaching from the south, the direction they had come from. *** Teaspoon stopped ten feet short of the open field. If he were going to set a trap, this would be a good place to do it. "Cody, Jimmy, hang back here. If our friend is out there, skirt around the field till you get a clear shot. Take it if you need to." Teaspoon and Sam proceeded cautiously. They broke through the trees, walking their horses slowly. The other riders followed at a distance, wanting room to spread out should gunfire start. "That's far enough!" The stranger stood, pulling Emma up in front of him. He cocked his gun and put it to her head. "Now all of you off your horses! Pull your guns out slowly and toss them away! You! Hunter! Come closer!" Teaspoon started walking toward Emma and the stranger. Emma had a bruise across her cheek and there was fear in her eyes, but she was standing strong and defiant. The stranger started to chuckle. "Well, well. Teaspoon Hunter. At last." Chapter Ten "Who the hell are you?" Teaspoon asked, looking for an opening for Cody to use his rifle, or even better, a way to get Emma free without gunfire. Somehow, from the look in the stranger's eyes, that wasn't likely going to be the option. "I'm insulted Hunter! We'll have to spend some time getting reacquainted. And since I don't need this little lady anymore..." He pushed the gun up against Emma's temple. "No...!" Teaspoon yelled, diving toward Emma even as he heard a gun fire. He heard Sam yell Emma's name behind him. The next seconds seemed to be in slow motion. Emma's head jerked to the side as the gun at her temple moved upward, discharging into the air. At the same time the man's grip on her released and he slowly fell to the ground. Emma spun around and started searching for the man's knife as Teaspoon reached her side. He took the knife from her and cut her bindings. "Emma! Are you all right?" Sam came running up. "Where's Buck, Emma?" Teaspoon asked her at the same time. Emma caught them both by surprise when, instead of answering, she grabbed the knife from Teaspoon's hands and, lifting her skirts, began to run toward a stand of trees behind her. When Teaspoon and Sam got over their shock, they followed her. They found her already cutting the ropes from around Buck's wrists. She gathered the young man into her arms, pulling the rag from his mouth that the stranger had added before hauling her out into the field. Teaspoon and Sam stopped short when they entered the clearing. Buck was covered in blood, rivulets running down his face and chest. As they watched, his right arm came up and wrapped around Emma's shoulder. He rested his head against hers. Teaspoon and Sam approached, Sam removing his jacket and placing it over Emma's shoulders, covering her ripped blouse. Teaspoon cut the ropes on Buck's ankles as Ike, Kid and Lou entered the clearing. Ike paused only a second before running to his friend's side. He grabbed hold of Buck as Emma stood and turned into Sam's waiting arms. Teaspoon and Kid headed to the wagon, taking blankets and fixing a pallet in the wagon bed. Lou grabbed a canteen and helped Buck take a drink. He swished the water around in his mouth, rinsing out dried blood and spitting it out. The stranger had forced his mouth open, piercing the inside of his mouth and tongue with the tip of his knife. Buck had to keep his head turned until the bleeding had stopped so he wouldn't choke. Rinsing his mouth out started some of the wounds bleeding again. Cody and Jimmy rode up. "Jeez... What happened?" Cody asked, astounded by the sight of his friend. He and Jimmy dismounted, Jimmy walking over to Lou and handing her a neckerchief. Lou poured water on it and began to dab at Buck's face, trying to wipe away some of the dried blood. When she'd touch a wound or puncture mark, it would begin bleeding anew. She gave up. "Let's get him to the wagon." Jimmy slid his arm behind Buck's back and under his legs and lifted him up. Buck cried out. "His leg!" Emma cried. Ike moved in supporting the re-broken leg and the two carried Buck over to the wagon. Teaspoon and Kid helped them get him settled as Ike climbed in next to him, supporting him so he could recline slightly. Sam helped Emma onto the wagon seat and climbed up beside her, Kid tying Sam's horse to the back. Emma leaned into him. They paused long enough to put the stranger over his saddle, Teaspoon still trying to identify the man. They began the trip home. *** "It was awful Sam." Emma said quietly as they sat on the porch waiting for the doctor to finish up with Buck. Teaspoon and Ike were in with him, but they had firmly insisted Emma stay outside. "The things that man did to him..." "Emma, did he... well, I mean did this guy.." "No Sam, he didn't. He tried. Buck stopped him. That's why Buck was tortured." She let Sam wrap his arms around her, feeling safer than she had in two days. She let a few tears slide down her cheek as Sam gently touched her bruised face. He placed a kiss gently on her forehead. Jimmy leaned against the stair rail, keeping a close eye on Emma. He had a special affection for her, and he had been more worried for her safety than anyone would ever know. The other riders were spread out, sitting on the steps or standing in the yard. Cody had gone on a run, by necessity, not by choice. They were all feeling a little impatient. It had been hours since the doctor arrived. Jimmy and Kid had split from the group, heading into town with the dead man's body and to retrieve the doctor. "What's taking so long?" Lou said and all eyes headed once more toward the door. *** The doctor finally came out the door at sunset. "What a mess," he said as he took a chair next to Emma. "Is he all right?" "He will be. I don't think I've put so many stitches in so many places on one person before. What'd that man do to him?" "Played games." was Emma's reply. "Looked like Tic-Tac-Toe." Emma nodded. "Unbelievable. Well, I stitched up more stab wounds than I could count. None deep enough to cause much trouble. There were numerous other cuts, little more than scratches really, that didn't need stitches. There were even cuts in his mouth." The doctor shook his head. "Watch those carefully for signs of infection. I cleaned out the burns and put salve on them. He'll have a few scars once he's healed, but nothing really obvious." "What about his leg?" "Re-broken in the same spot on the upper leg. I reset it. It'll be fine in time. I suspect that the cheek bone may be cracked. It's turning a very ugly color and it's very swollen. That eye won't be open for days. But he won't have any trouble from it, after it stops hurting that is." "All in all, nothing directly life threatening. He's lost quite a bit of blood, but a few days rest will take care of that. He'll also have a pretty bad headache for several days." "Can we go see him?" Jimmy asked. The doctor nodded and the riders filed inside. "Emma, we need to watch for internal damage. Go easy on the pain medication. Severe pain will be the fastest way I'll know if there's damage. Although I think we would have known by now if there was. Now, what about you?" "I'm fine. Now. Nothing a good nights rest won't take care of." They said their good byes and the doctor left. Sam and Emma went inside. If anything, Emma thought Buck looked worse than before. In place of blood, his skin was covered in purple blotches and angry red marks. The doctor was right, he had stitches all over, the right side of his face was swollen and his eye was completely shut. Jimmy sat beside him talking as Ike hovered nearby. As Emma approached, Jimmy stood and let her take his place. "Buck?" He raised his arm weakly. "Emma? Are you all right?" His words were thick, his tongue swollen. "I'm fine." She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Buck, thank you. I don't have the words to tell you how much what you did means to me." "S'okay," he said sleepily. She reached out, touching him on the cheek as he closed his eye. His breathing steadied. Chapter 11 Sam took the stairs to Emma's room two at a time. Her scream had startled him out of a light sleep in the rocking chair downstairs. Teaspoon was already awake, sitting at Buck's side as the young man tossed and turned in his sleep, moaning occasionally in the grip of dreams. It appeared Buck wasn't the only one having bad dreams. *** It was a tired foursome that greeted the other riders as they came into the house for breakfast. Emma and Sam had come down an hour before. Emma had tried to sleep but woke up so often from bad dreams that she finally gave up, and she and Sam had spent the rest of the night talking. Buck had gotten more sleep, only waking occasionally, during which time Teaspoon had given him broth or water, and then falling back into a fitful sleep involving very little rest. Teaspoon had been awake all night trying to figure out who the stranger had been, and why he had wanted to hurt these people as an act of revenge. He had come up with no answers. They kept Buck in bed that day only by removing the crutches. By the following day they had all had more rest and they allowed him up, moving around the room only, against Emma's better judgment. Only Teaspoon realized that they had very little choice in the matter. Buck was getting up no matter what. The third day he was outside sitting on the back of the wagon in the shade of the barn as the other riders played a game of kick the ball nearby. "Over here!" "Get it, get it, get it!" "Ouch!" "It's mine!" "Look out Jimmy!" "Get away! I got it!" The riders were boisterous, involved in the game. Emma and Teaspoon sat on the porch watching. Buck had his left leg propped in the wagon bed, but his right leg dangled over the edge of the wagon tail, crutches at hand. A wild kick sent the ball rolling toward Buck. He batted it back into the game with his crutch. It took him a second to realize that he had been able to see the ball, sitting in the shade as he was. It was another second before it sank in that he could judge the distance and depth of the ball. A smile slowly spread across his face. The change in his vision had been so gradual he hadn't even noticed it. Things were still blurry, but for the most part he could tell where exactly they were and, for the most part, what they were! Kid noticed the ease with which Buck had struck the ball and the smile passing over his friend's face. At the next opportunity he kicked the ball back toward Buck. With the same accuracy Buck hit the ball back into the game. Teaspoon was standing on the porch watching. He had alerted Emma after the first return of the ball and he stood now with his arm around her shoulders. The other players stopped their game after they realized what had happened. Emma winced in fear as the riders all ran at Buck, surrounding him, pounding him on the back and even lifting him in the air in their excitement. Next thing they all knew, he was in the middle of the game, using his crutches to bat the ball around. Emma couldn't bear to watch. She retreated into the house. Buck moved back into the bunkhouse the next day. *** "We shouldn't be doing this. Emma and Teaspoon ain't gonna like this!" "Quit worrying Lou. Nothing's going to go wrong." Jimmy replied. Jimmy, Ike and Cody had saddled Buck's horse and were in the process of helping him mount. "I'll be fine Lou." came Buck's answer. "We shouldn't be doing this." she repeated. Buck grasped the pommel of the saddle from the right side of the horse and with a slight hop got his right foot in the stirrup. The horse shied a little, being mounted from the wrong side, but Buck stayed with him, then swung his left leg over the animal's back. It took him just moments to feel the rhythm of the horse. He'd been riding before he could walk. He gave a tug on the reins and walked the horse around the corral, his splinted leg hanging uncomfortably along the animals side. "How's it feel?" Jimmy asked. "The leg's a little awkward. I think it's the splint. It's pushing my leg away from the horse. I don't think he likes it either." "We'd better not mess with it." "He'll get used to it. So will I." Buck kicked the horse into a trot, following the edge of the corral. His vision had improved greatly. The only thing that was difficult was reading, and he felt that would improve with just a little more time. He moved the horse into a lope. It felt good. "What the hell's going on?" The four on the ground turned as Buck slowed the horse. Emma was standing behind them, arms across her chest. "Just exercising my horse, Emma" Buck answered. She stared at him for a moment, then at the other riders, who sheepishly looked at the ground. "Supper will be ready in an hour. I trust your chores will be done by then." She turned and walked away. The boys heard her mutter "Fool" as she walked off The young men looked at each other and burst out laughing. *** "Teaspoon, I want to start riding again." Buck approached the subject two days later as they were eating dessert. That was usually the time of day Teaspoon was most agreeable. "Ride again? Buck, your leg is still mending." "He's been up on a horse already." Emma inserted, disapproval in her voice. They were all amazed she hadn't already told Teaspoon after catching them. "That's right Teaspoon, and he's riding almost as good as before." Jimmy added in Buck's defense "It's the almost that has me concerned." Teaspoon leaned back in his chair, hooking his thumbs in his suspenders. "Hmmm. Fine supper Emma." "Thank you Mr. Spoon." "Tell you what Buck. Once these dishes are cleared we'll get a horse saddled up. I'll be the judge of how well you're riding." "Mr. Spoon...." Emma started to say as Buck smiled. "Emma, I guess the boy's gotta try. If it don't look like he can handle it, he won't be riding yet. Why are you in such a hurry to get back in the saddle?" "It's been over five weeks Teaspoon. Besides, I've got a lot of doctor bills to pay off." "Well don't rush into this because of the doctor bills. There ain't any." "What do you mean? The doc's been out here more times than I can count." "I know, but your bill's are all taken care of." "How? I haven't paid him anything." "Well, Russell, Majors and Waddell have a fund set aside for medical bills. Between that and the town folk taking up a collection, the bills have been paid." "Collection?" "Yep. Well, the sun's going down soon. Let's see what you can do." Buck sat in shock for a moment, then followed Teaspoon and the others out to the corral. Ike ran after Buck's horse and quickly saddled it, checking the cinch over and over. This would not be a good time for the saddle to slip. He led the horse out of the corral, handing Buck the reins. Buck handed the crutches to his friend and mounted from the right side. He had learned to redistribute his weight to accommodate the lack of control he had with his left leg. He rode a distance out, then headed back. As he rode past Teaspoon and the boys he slid to his right side, supporting his weight in the stirrups and effectively hiding himself from the left side. His left leg was the only part of him that could be seen. He righted himself in the saddle, then turned his horse, riding back toward the house. Holding onto the pommel, he slid his right leg over the saddle and did a bounce mount, only his good foot touching the ground long enough to bounce him back into the saddle. He pulled the horse up in front of Teaspoon and Emma. He slid off, standing on one foot until Ike came up with his crutches. Teaspoon stood, running his hand over the stubble on his chin. "I'll talk to the doctor in the morning. See about narrowing that splint so you can use it for balance," he said and walked off to help Emma with the dishes. Epilogue True to his word, when Teaspoon returned from town, he had permission from the doctor to alter the splint. Buck reluctantly spent the rest of the day on his bunk while Teaspoon went to work. The result wasn't a thing of beauty, but would successfully give Buck some control of his upper leg while holding the leg immobile mid thigh down to the calf. It was angled so that he could even slip his foot in the stirrup if he needed for added balance. It was mildly uncomfortable when not in the saddle but Buck didn't care. He was useful again. The next morning Buck left on the first of many more trips. Teaspoon gave him short runs at first until he was sure he could manage the trade offs and switching of horses. Within the next month the splint came off for good. But that first run was the most rewarding for Buck-- and for Emma. They had been through a lot together, fear and frustration. The first run was the end of a very long journey for them both. And the beginning of many new ones. Email Lyn HOME