Destiny's Blaze

By Jenna Gabriele

When she was growing up, Brenna Calbou couldnt spend enough time with Blaze. Even though shes still young, she knows hes the one she wants for the rest of her life. Convincing him is going to be the hard part.

Blaze wants Brenna for his own, but he wants her to be sure that hes the one she wants to spend her life with. But when the renegades, who have been terrorizing the surrounding ranches, capture and hold Blaze for a year he realizes that he should have made Brenna his regardless of her age. Now hes not sure hell ever see her again.

Brenna wont give up on Blaze. She knows hes alive somewhere. If she has to spend the rest of her life looking for himthen so be it Hes her destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499048599

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The winter had been an extremely cold one. Among the tepees that sat nestled in the valley, you could hear the wailing of some of his people. It seemed that every few days someone else died. It wasn’t always like this, though.

Silent Eagle sat there awhile longer as if lost in his thoughts. He wanted things to be as they once were, before the white man started moving west. Those were more peaceful times. His people wouldn’t be starving and dying right now. Even though it was cold, there would have been more life, more movement then there presently was.

Since most of his warriors had been killed, his tribe was unable to get enough food for these cold winter months. If things kept going the way they were, he was sure he would lose more of his people before the spring thaw.

Silently, he said prayers to the Great Spirit to somehow help his people get through this hard time. Somehow, if he could get his people to move to where the winters were not so harsh, maybe then he could keep his people from dying out completely. Then maybe he could raise his son and the other young boys as true warriors. He knew his tribe could thrive again… if only… if only…

Those were just his thoughts, though. Every day he came up to this spot overlooking his village. Since the white man came, his village was almost cut in half. They had mostly women and children now. How he was alive was nothing short of a miracle. His thoughts drifted way back…

It was four winters back. He and his wife were expecting their first child. His wife was a beautiful woman and she was the light of his life. Her name was Soft Doe. Towards the end of her pregnancy, she was having a great difficulty carrying the child.

It was a crisp autumn day when he and his warriors were going out to hunt buffalo. As he and his men were leaving, he could hear his wife’s screams. The baby was ready to enter this world. Normally, the women of the tribe would help with the birthing of the children. But something stopped him. He listened for a moment. Yes, there was definitely something wrong. It was a different way she cried out and it tore at him. It sounded as if she was being torn in half by some horrible spirit.

He told the other warriors to go out and start the hunt; he would be there as soon as he checked on his wife. His decision to stay was bittersweet. That was the day he lost his one true love and also the day that most of his warriors were slain by the white man. It was also the day that he finally had a son.

His screams could be heard for miles when the life was taken from his wife. The only other sound that could be heard was that of his newborn babe. His cries mingled with his fathers. The babe then stopped, almost sensing the grief his coming into the world just caused.

Silent Eagle could not look at his son at first, but then the pull to see him was too great. He had to see him, had to hold him, if for only this one time. His wife’s sister was holding his son.

Do not fear him, Silent Eagle. Gentle Fawn softly said to him, He will need his father’s guidance as a man and a great warrior.

How will I survive without Soft Doe? he questioned his sister-in-law. How will the babe survive?

He had already known the answer to this, but he voiced the question anyway. He knew his wife’s sister would feed the babe; she herself having a babe only a couple months older than his.

Do not worry about the babe now, he will be fine. He will grow to be a great warrior as his father is. This is the new beginning we all need.

How it pained him back then. He could not hold the babe for some time after his birth, though he knew he could never turn his back on his own son. It wasn’t long after that time that he received the news that most of his warriors had been killed. Gentle Fawns husband was one that was killed with almost all the others. It was custom for him to marry his wife’s sister now that her husband was gone. They were married shortly afterwards and she had given him a daughter, Little Cloud.

The startling cry let out by one of his men brought him out of his trance-like state. He saw horses moving into his village, and quickly became alarmed. But just as quickly he realized it was his very good friend from Texas. He thought for another moment and then started to descend from his place of thinking. He was thankful his friend had come, though it was very much unexpected in this very cold time of the year.

As he came into the village, he sensed that it was more alive than when he had left. He knew he had his southern friend to thank.

My friend, it has been a long time since our last meeting, he said as he reached the clearing in the village. Are you doing well?

As the two embraced, his friend said, We are doing well, and we had to come. It has been a very harsh winter and we were concerned. The man looked at his Indian friend whom he came to think of as a brother. He thought back on how long they had known each other.

They were boys when they first met. The Indian was on his first outing to becoming a warrior. William Calbou was riding with his father on one of the many trapping trips they had made. William had wandered a little too far from camp when he saw the Indian boy. He looked like he was a couple years younger than his fifteen years. He went over to the river where the boy was and said hello in his southern drawl.

At first the boy started to go, but something stopped him. It was almost like he could sense that this boy and these white men would not bring any harm to his people.

Silent Eagle turned to William and said, Hello, I am Silent Eagle. What name do they call you?

From that day on they became close friends and they saw each other at least twice a year when William came up to trap with his father.

Now it was twenty years later. William ran his own cattle ranch now and still stopped to see his good friend every year. He was married and had three sons who would someday take over the ranch. William no longer wanted to trap as his father had so many years ago, but he still came out of the way to see his Indian friend as much as possible.

Even now, William could see that though his friend was five years younger than he, his features made him look much older. Ever since his first wife had died during childbirth four years ago, he aged more than he should have.

My friend, it has been a bitter cold winter for you and your people. We know you haven’t been able to get enough food in the last few years. I hope you will not be offended with what my men and I have brought for you.

With saying that, he pointed to a couple of covered wagons. The first had dried or jerked meat, berries and other assorted food items that his friend’s village ate. The second wagon had blankets, clothes and a host of other things that they would need to survive.

When spring comes, I want you and your tribe to move south to Texas. I have recently bought many more acres of land adjoining my own. My family and I want you to set up your village there. You won’t have to go through another harsh winter. There is more than enough room for many tepees, William said.

How can this be? Silent Eagle asked, quietly.

How can what be? William questioned him, hoping that he hadn’t offended his dear friend.

Silent Eagle just stared for a moment as he thought. All the hardship that his people had been through because of the white man and here was one man with more compassion than all the other whites put together. His eyes started to mist, but he quickly blinked. A warrior should never show his emotions, it was a sign of weakness.

My friend, you do not offend; I know that’s what you’re thinking. You do amaze me though. He offered his arm and they shook and then hugged each other. There was genuine warmth between the two friends.

Come, we will have a great celebration tonight in honor of you and your men for your thoughtfulness. You will stay a while, yes? Silent Eagle asked, knowing that William would be staying.

William nodded and smiled. He then looked around at his friend’s home, at the tepees that needed repairs, the horses that were getting too old. There were only a handful of men to protect the women and children and these few humble dwellings. He knew his friend’s village would surely not survive another winter if they were to stay here.

When William had been informed of the land next to his that had come up for sale, he bought it without a second thought. He knew exactly what he planned to do with the land. He had hoped his friend would see this as a new beginning for all of them, not a hand out.

As they sat there later that night, Silent Eagle and William watched some of the children running around the village. How good it would feel to be young and free again with no worries. Among the children was Silent Eagle’s son, Silent Blaze. He was the spitting image of his father, except for his piercing blue eyes. He had inherited them from his mother.

Silent Blaze was what some people considered a half-breed; half white, half Indian. When his mother was very small, a group of Indians came upon her sitting all by herself, next to what was believed to be the remains of her mother. She was crying and very hungry. The Indians took her in as if she were one of their own and raised her to be an Indian. She grew up with her ‘adopted’ sister, Gentle Fawn; they were inseparable from the beginning.

Now, as Silent Eagle and William sat there watching the children, Silent Blaze was tormenting his half sister, Little Cloud. She was born to Silent Eagle and Gentle Fawn two years after Silent Blaze was born. Gentle Fawn had been devastated that her first child died soon after her husband. She had been very pleased to be able to give Silent Eagle another child and to ease the pain of the one she had lost.

Little Cloud was the spitting image of her mother, except were her mother was calm and quiet, Little Cloud was a little spit-fire. She loved following her older brother around and she taunted him as much as he taunted her. But they loved one another as if they were full blood siblings. For the most part, they were happy.

William broke the silence when he said, We will wait here for the weather to break. Then we will help you move everything to your new home. With the men I have brought, we should have enough people to get done fairly easy.

How long will it take for us to get to Texas? Silent Eagle asked.

A little over a month. We’ll take it slow for the sake of the women and children. Even though I know your women are very strong and tough, they deserve to not be rushed. Don’t you agree?

Yes, I do. You are a good man, William. My people and I are truly grateful to have you as our friend. Thank-you… thank-you.

As they turned in for the night, a very light snow started to cover the ground. A sure sign from Mother Nature that winter wasn’t quite done with her harshness.

The cold weather continued for almost a month before things started to thaw enough to move. The men then decided it was warm enough to move. As they got ready to leave, Silent Eagle went to his thinking spot above the village. He said some prayers and gave thanks to the Great Spirit for sparing the rest of his tribe over the last month. Slowly he made his descent back to camp and they set off for their new home. All would be good now, Silent Eagle thought to himself.

It was now the middle of summer and Silent Eagle’s village was thriving again. The children ran around playing and the women gathered wood for cooking; berries for eating. The men would hunt with the new bows and arrows they had made. The forest was big enough for the men to get the food that they needed to survive and then some. The clearing where the village was set up had a thick grove of cottonwoods surrounding it on three sides. The other side had a stream running past where they got their water for cooking and drinking. The spot was perfect, just as William had said.

When they had arrived, William had taken Silent Eagle to this exact spot and told him that when he originally saw it, he immediately thought of Silent Eagle being here with his tribe. Silent Eagle had agreed with him without hesitation. He and his men along with William’s men started putting tepees up as soon as they arrived. By the end of that first day, the village had seemed like it had been there for hundreds of years.

Meanwhile, the Calbou’s were busy getting their cattle ready for the drive up north. It was a long, hard day that they put in, but it had to be done to ensure that they would get the cattle there before the first snow.

It was late morning and William was still in bed with his wife, Carrie Ann, and he was watching as she slept. He had missed her so much when he had been gone that he couldn’t seem to get enough of her lately. He found himself thinking about last night. They had another wonderful night of loving and he was still getting aroused just by looking at her. He stroked a wisp of hair off her forehead and twirled it lightly around his finger. She stirred in her sleep and the sheet fell to her waist. The movement made William suck in a breath of air. He was still taken with how beautiful she was and she still excited him. But he knew she was probably worn out from the night before and he didn’t want to wake her. He slowly tried to get out of bed without disturbing her. Suddenly he felt his wife’s hand around him.

What’s your hurry? She slide closer to him and pulled him back into bed. Were you going to leave without even a ‘good-morning’?

She was his undoing. He took her in his arms and gave her a light kiss on the nose.

I thought I might have worn you out last night, I didn’t want to wake you, William said as he stroked her cheek.

I could never be too worn out where you’re concerned. I’ve got to be the luckiest woman in the world. She stroked her hand over his chest and kissed his mouth. She teased his lips with her tongue until he opened them and then he took over. Their coming together was quicker than last night but just as exhausting. After, they lay in each other’s arms so out of breath that they couldn’t even say a word. He laid his head alongside hers and slowly tried to catch his breath again.

Carrie Ann was just as spent as her husband. As she lay under him she could feel the beating of his heart starting to slow down. Their love making had always been this good. She was truly blessed to be married to such an exciting man.

As soon as William and Carrie Ann recovered from their morning loving, William went to the barn to get some work done. His foreman, Hank, gave him a look of knowing and just laughed.

I wish I’d find a girl someday to keep me in bed ’til near noon! Hank said, walking out of the barn, laughing.

You might someday, William said, But for now I’ll be the one doing that.

As he walked out of the barn some of his ranch hands rode up fast yelling something he couldn’t quite make out at first. As they got closer William totally understood what his men were telling him.

We had some trouble with them renegades again. They hit us hard this time. We lost two men and some cattle, said Jake, one of William’s men.

Was anyone else hurt? William asked. He was always more concerned for his men. Yes, he hated seeing good cattle taken, but his men couldn’t be replaced. That was why he had such a tight group of men who were very faithful and loyal working for him.

No one else was injured, but the fences will have to be mended in some spots, another man said.

They all got back on their horses and went out to see the damages. The fences were smashed and would need to be fixed as soon as possible. The twenty or so head of cattle they lost would not cause a terrible loss, but it was never good to lose any cattle that would bring the family money to make their livelihood. But William couldn’t worry about them now. He had to see to the fallen men and the rebuilding of the fences.

After a long, hard day all the men including William’s oldest son, Will, were exhausted. They were so tired that they didn’t even want to eat dinner. When Carrie Ann saw her husband and son, all she could do was get them off to bed and try to keep the other boys quite.

Let’s go outside Clay, Toby. We’ll let Papa and Will get a good night’s rest, okay? She would take the boys to the barn where one of their horses was ready to give birth to a foal. The news she had to tell William would have to wait until the morning. She smiled and placed her hand on her stomach. She thought she was just feeling a little ill at first, but it had been two months now since she had her monthly flow. William and she had given up hope of ever having any more children, seeing how Toby was now six. One would think they would have many more children, as willing as they were in the bedroom. She was happy now, at the thought of this pregnancy. She knew William would be thrilled beyond words when he found out.

Mama, can we go down to the creek? Toby asked and waited for his mother to answer.

It took her a moment to realize she was being spoken to before she answered. We can go but only for a short time.

So she set off for the creek, hand in hand with her boys.

It was almost dark when they returned and William was sitting in the swing on the front porch. As Carrie Ann saw him she asked, Why aren’t you sleeping? You were so tired when you came home, I figured we wouldn’t see or hear from you ’til morning.

You know whenever you’re around I can’t sleep without you no matter how tired I am, William said with a grin. Will’s asleep though. He worked his butt off today. We had a lot of fence to fix. I don’t think he’ll wake until morning.

Come on boys, go get ready for bed. I’ll be up in ten minutes to read to you and tuck you in bed, Carrie Ann said as she tickled the boys when they walked up the front steps. She watched them for a second then turned to sit with William.

He put his arm around her as she sat down. He watched her as she snuggled up to him. She seemed to be glowing for some reason. She looked absolutely beautiful and he was lucky to have her.

She smiled up at him and thought how handsome he looked. She was truly blessed to have him and the boys in her life. Even more blessed now that she was going to bring another life into this world. Things really couldn’t be better.

Would you like a cup of coffee? she asked him.

Not if it’s gonna take you out of my arms, he growled and smiled, I want you by my side forever. You and the boys are my whole life.

She grinned and started laughing. She was thinking of how happy he would be when she told him about the baby growing inside her.

What’s so funny? I pour my heart out to you and you laugh, he tickled her then, but became serious and came so close to her lips, she could feel his breath on her skin and it sent goose bumps all over her body. His lips closed over hers and his tongue opened them gently. So gently she almost lost her mind. She had to stop him before she forgot what she wanted to tell him.

I wonder if you’ll feel the same after the birth of our next child, she said as his lips found their way down her neck and over her collarbone.

He came up to nibble on her ear and said, Of course I would feel the same as I do after… after… What did you say? He straightened and looked her in the eyes.

She looked into his passion filled eyes and started laughing again.

It seems your seed has taken a hold good this time. Are you ready to be a father again? Maybe this time we’ll have our girl that we want, she said.

I wonder why all of a sudden it took. He could barely contain his excitement at the thought of becoming a father again. You have just made me the happiest man alive! He gave her a tight squeeze around her shoulders and kissed her forehead.

Everything was starting to look up all around them. His best friend and his tribe were settled on their land, his wife was expecting and the ranch was thriving. His boys were growing up nicely and they all were interested in the ranch. Could this day get any better? William didn’t think so and he was okay with that.

Later on that night he took Carrie Ann in his arms and sat with her on his lap. How do you feel? he asked her.

I have to honestly say that I have felt better. I don’t remember felling so nauseous with the boys. Maybe it’s a sign that I’m getting older.

Maybe I should get someone here to help out with the chores, William was so full of concern. I don’t want you feeling this bad and have to worry about everything that needs to be done here.

She started laughing, Stop it right now! I will not have someone coming into our home to help just because I’m a little pregnant. I think this feeling will soon pass in another month or so. But thank you for being so concerned. Maybe I should thank you properly.

Don’t tease me woman. You’ll be wishing you hadn’t said that. He stared at her for a minute, and then his face sobered a bit, With you feeling as sick as you do, maybe we shouldn’t make love for a little while. Although, that may prove to be a little difficult.

I don’t think we have to go to those drastic measures, she said as she slid her hand up his thigh.

You are truly an amazing person. Now I know why women have the babies. We men would think we were dying if we felt sick every day. We’d probably lie down and stay down. God surely knew what he was doing when he picked who would have the babies! he said as he rubbed her stomach.

She smiled at him knowing whatever they had; William would love and cherish the babe. Yes, she would definitely be able to get over this sick feeling. In her heart she felt sure everything would start getting back to normal.

It had been two years since his wife had given him another child and he couldn’t be more content with the way his life was right at the present moment. A giggle brought him back to the present. He sat watching his little girl toddle after a butterfly. She was the most beautiful little girl in his opinion, his little girl. Piercing blue eyes with sandy blond hair and the most curls he’d ever seen on a person’s head. She got her looks from her mama except the color of her hair, which came from him. The boys had taken after him also except they had poker straight hair.

He watched her still, running after that poor butterfly. Then something caught her attention around the corner of the house and she took off running. He knew he was being overly protective but he jumped up to chase her anyway. When he rounded the corner, Will was holding his sister up in the air. William should have known that Brenna saw her brothers. She loved them something fierce and she was the apple of their eye.

Silent Blaze was with them and he was tickling Brenna. She was just laughing and laughing. Until she saw someone else who interested her more. Her ‘Lil Loud’. She squirmed from her brother’s arms and ran to Little Cloud shouting ‘Lil Loud… Lil Loud!’ She had a hard time pronouncing Little Cloud, but the older girl knew who Brenna was calling. Little Cloud opened her arms up wide and hugged Brenna to her for as long as the little girl stayed.

William was so happy to see his children and his good friends’ kids getting along so well. Silent Eagle was afraid that his people wouldn’t be accepted with the townspeople, but for the most part it didn’t seem to bother anyone. Maybe one or two here or there, but nothing substantial. One of the other nice things with having Silent Eagle’s village here was the fact that Silent Blaze could teach William’s kids the Indian language and vice versa. William smiled–his sons knew more of the Indian language then he did. But that was a good thing because in years to come it would be best for them to know the language, when they owned the ranch.

What are you boys up to? Not gettin’ in any trouble are you? William smiled. The boys laughed and held up their bows and arrows.

We’re going hunting with Blaze, Clay said.

Blaze, huh? Since when was his name shortened? William asked with concern. Usually Indians were given their names for something special or because of something they had done. He wasn’t sure Silent Eagle would approve. The boys just shrugged their shoulders.

Blaze thinks when we’re outside of his village, we should call him that, Toby said.

My Father says that it is okay. We asked him before we came here. Can we go now? Blaze asked.

Okay boys, but be back in time for supper. I think your parents are coming here to eat with us, so don’t be late, William yelled after them.

Okay! they all yelled in unison.

William scooped up Brenna and told Little Cloud to come inside to play. When they walked into the kitchen the wonderful smells of dinner cooking hit them. Man, William thought, whatever she’s cooking sure smells good. He voiced what he thought as he put Brenna down and walked over to his wife.

I made venison stew from what the boys killed yesterday. You know, they’re getting pretty good at hunting. I was nervous when they first were learning but now they’ve gotten really good at it, she watched William as he approached her. Just seeing him stirred her blood.

And what is that sweet smell? That smells heavenly.

I made two apple pies from the apples Gentle Fawn and I picked yesterday. They were so sweet and juicy; I had to make something with them. She walked to the counter, picked up one of the pies and brought it to her husband to see.

Wow, that looks as good as it smells. Can I have a piece now? he asked.

No, of course not. It’s for dessert tonight. Silent Eagle and Gentle Fawn don’t come for dinner that often and I wanted to make something special for them. She’s like a sister to me, you know. And they are very special, she said smiling. As she put the pie down on the table William took her arm and swung her around to face him. She gasped as she tried to flee his tickling, but she failed. His face was inches from hers and she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek.

Let’s go upstairs! he said with passion laced in his voice. Then he kissed her long and hard.

William, I swear you’ll be the death of me yet! she wiggled away, laughing. The girls are right in the other room. We can’t leave them down here all by themselves. No my husband, you will have to be patient and wait until tonight.

Awe, come on, just a quickie? he said as he grabbed her breast and fondled it. His mouth slowly slid down her neck to just where her dress started. He pulled the front of the dress away from her breast and sucked in the last breath he thought he would ever take. She scooted away from him and fixed the front of her dress as someone screamed outside. She could tell it was one of her boys. She and William ran to the back door and saw the boys carrying Toby. He was screaming and blood was running down his left arm.

My goodness! What happened? Toby, are you okay? she asked as William quickly walked past her and grabbed his son up in his arms.

Mama, I swear, it wasn’t one of us that shot him! Will yelled, We were hunting some rabbits and we saw some guys doing something really bad to a young girl…

What do you mean, doing bad things to her? William asked, hoping it wasn’t what he was thinking.

One of them had his pants down to his knees and he was sticking his private parts between the girl’s…

Okay, I think I got the picture, William cut Clay off as if he not saying the rest of the sentence would make this whole thing untrue.

My word! Carrie Ann said and she held her hand to her chest. She was horrified that her sons and Silent Blaze had witnessed some poor girl being raped.

Before we realized we were too close to them, they saw us and started yelling. We turned and started running, but they shot at us. We were almost home before Toby fell because his arm hurt so badly and the blood was running all over. Is he gonna die, Ma? Will asked as he tried to catch his breath.

I think he’ll be fine, William was saying as he was carrying Toby upstairs. He was half way up when he heard a knock on the front door. Carrie Ann went to open the door, sure that it must be their friends.

Thank goodness you’re here. The boys were hunting and they stumbled onto some men abusing a young girl and they shot Toby as the boys started running away, as Carrie Ann finished Gentle Fawn was wrapping her arms around her and pulling her to sit at the table. Silent Eagle started up to steps saying he would help William.

Let Silent Eagle help William. It will be okay, Gentle Fawn tried to reassure her close friend. She looked at the other boys and asked if anyone else was hurt. Even though Silent Blaze was not her real son, she thought no less of him and was concerned for all the boys. They shook their heads meaning they were fine. To say they were fine was an understatement, though. They were scared, scared at what they saw those men doing. They all sat in silence waiting to see if Toby was going to be okay. They were relieved when William and Silent Eagle came down after making sure Toby was resting comfortably. The bullet had just grazed his upper arm and had actually stopped bleeding before the boys had even gotten home. With a little rest, he would be just fine. Upon Carrie Ann’s insistence, one of the ranch hands was sent to get Doc Wood. He was a wonderful, compassionate man and she wanted to make sure her son was in fact going to be okay.

Within an hour the doctor arrived. He was a very tall man with slightly graying sideburns. He was married with four children—two girls and two boys. He knew how to be patient with children and adults alike which made him an exceptional doctor.

How many men did you boys see hurting that girl? William asked.

I think there may have been six or seven, Will said. Pa, what were they doing to that girl? Were they killing her?

No son, I hope not. I’ll explain it to you later. Okay? Silent Eagle’s and William’s eyes locked.

These men… are they the renegades you were telling me about? Silent Eagle asked William.

Yes, they are. I didn’t tell you that much because sometimes they dress up as Indians. I wasn’t sure how you’d react, he saw the look on Silent Eagle’s face and realized his friend was thinking the worst. Silent Eagle, the townspeople know that the renegades are not from your village. They have been doing these sorts of things long before you came to live here. Do not worry about this now.

This makes me sad and happy at the same time. Sad that some people feel the need to blame the Indians on acts like this, but happy because it’s not my men, Silent Eagle’s face changed then, How long have these men been…

William cut him off, These renegades are not men; most of them are still young kids.

Okay, then. How long have these boys been causing all these problems?

Before we came to your camp, they had just started. Little things at first—stealing a horse here or there, damaging property. Small things like that.

Didn’t you have some trouble a couple of months after we came to live here? William nodded to Silent Eagle’s question. Are they the same ones causing all these problems? Silent Eagle was thinking now.

Yes, they’ve resorted to cattle rustling, robbing… and evidently kidnapping and raping young girls now. It makes me sick to think of that poor girl out there. I wonder if they killed her yet, William said with disgust laced in his voice.

No, they probably kept her so they could pleasure themselves again and again at the poor child’s expense! William had never seen Silent Eagle’s face have so much emotion.

William knew that something would soon have to be done about the renegades. They were going too far now with the kidnapping/rape. As the two sat there, they didn’t have to voice their thoughts, for each other knew what the other was thinking. They were thinking that they would kill anyone who came to harm their wives or children. They both sat there contemplating each other’s secret thoughts. It was when Carrie Ann and Gentle Fawn walked in that they both eased up on some of their tension.

What’s going on guys? Carrie Ann asked, a little afraid of their answer, What are the serious looks? You two are not going to do what I think you’re going to do, are you?

What is it that you think we’re going to do? Silent Eagle smiled.

Gentle Fawn said something to him in their language and to Carrie Ann it sounded like she was giving him a good rasping. Carrie Ann smiled to herself. She only knew a couple Indian words, and what Gentle Fawn was saying to her husband wasn’t good. She was telling him how she felt and how things should be handled. Not that Silent Eagle would do exactly what she told him.

William, it seems my wife thinks we are going to go after these men ourselves and take care of them in our own way, Silent Eagle said without taking his eyes off his wife.

I think mine is thinking along the same line, he reached for Carrie Ann and brought her to sit on his lap, Don’t get nervous, we’re not stupid. We both have too much to lose to try and start something by ourselves. We’re going into town to talk with the sheriff. Maybe he knows who the girl was. We just want to check around–nothing for you to worry about.

Well I do worry—you know I always worry. I don’t want anything to happen to you. Carrie Ann went over to the stove to put on a pot of coffee. As she did the doctor came down from seeing Toby.

Well I think that boy of yours will be just fine. It was a small cut near his shoulder. He was lucky they were moving, though. Five or six more inches to the right and it might have gone right into his chest.

Carrie Ann sighed and sat down at the table. She trembled slightly and just sat there. She couldn’t imagine having to bury her youngest son or any of her children for that matter. She was mentally drained, but she knew they had to eat. Gentle Fawn would you help me set the table for supper, please? she said after a moment’s pause.

Carrie Ann, you’ve had a pretty rough day. We should go so you can spend this time with your family and rest, Gentle Fawn replied.

Nonsense. You and Silent Eagle are just as much a part of this family. I want you to stay. Besides, I wouldn’t want to waste the deer that our boys brought home yesterday, she said with a warm smile. Toby’s gonna be fine so we may as well eat. Silent Eagle, I made your favorite–apple pie! she said with a smile.

They all laughed when Silent Eagle’s eyes lit up at her last remark. Apple pie had fast become his favorite since they came to live here.

Doc Wood, would you like to stay and eat with us, seeing how we pulled you away from your dinner? William asked.

Thanks for the invite, but my Molly’s got a big meal waiting for me when I get home. It’s our wedding anniversary today and we always celebrate big. I’ll ride back out tomorrow just to make certain no infection sets in. Enjoy your meal. Good evening, Doc Wood said as he went for the door.

Be careful riding home—no wait, on second thought—let me get two of my men to go with you, William said as he rose from the table and started for the door.

Oh, that’s mighty nice of you William, but it’s not really necessary. I’ll be fine, but thank you for being concerned on my behalf, he climbed in his wagon and set off for home. William watched for a moment and then went back inside.

Carrie Ann and Gentle Fawn were setting the dishes on the table and Silent Eagle had Little Cloud and Brenna on his lap. He was bouncing them up and down on his knee. They were laughing and giggling. William went back upstairs just to check on Toby one more time. His other sons and Silent Blaze were sitting on the bed all around Toby. There seemed to be a strange silence that filled the room. They were not joking and laughing like they usually would be and that made William upset. His boys should not have witnessed what they did, plain and simple.

What’s up boys? William asked as he walked into the room. It was his oldest son who finally answered.

Pa, what were those Indians doing to that girl? he asked.

Why don’t you come with me Will, Clay, you too, William said and walked to the door. As his two oldest boys followed him into another bedroom he mentally thought of the best way to tell his boys about what they had seen. How the way that they were doing that was very bad. How it really should be.

As they sat down on the edge of the bed, William started to talk in a low, quiet voice. Now boys, bare with me here. I hadn’t planned on having this conversation with you all yet, he let out a sigh, When a man and woman get married, what you saw those men doing to that girl is what you would do to have a child. It’s never that rough and brutal. It’s usually a wonderful, beautiful thing. What those men were doing was just thinking of themselves. They were being very selfish and… mean. They didn’t care if they were hurting the girl; they weren’t worrying about her feelings. They were just pleasing themselves. When someone doesn’t consent to have sex with the other person, this is called rape. It’s very, very bad! William stumbled through his explanation and stuttered a little, but he thought he explained it okay, until…

Well, what do you do when you have se… se… What’d you call it Pa? Clay asked his father.

William reddened a little. Why was he having such a hard time with this? But before he could reply, Will spoke up like he was some great authority on the subject.

You stick your thing in her thing and it makes a baby. Haven’t you ever seen the cattle doing that? he asked his brother as if this was something that he should have known from working on a ranch.

William interrupted before Will could go any further, When you get older, you’ll understand better what it’s all about, he finally said as he got up and started for the door. Um, dinner’s almost ready. Why don’t you boys go on and get cleaned up before your Mama has to tell you. William should have known that Will would understand it a little but he still wasn’t ready for his boys to be experiencing it now. The boys got up off the bed and walked out the door before William and he heard Will say to Clay, They stick it in were babies come from. Remember when Ma had Brenna? Then they were gone from his hearing. William just stared after them and laughed to himself. Boys! They think they know it all. With that he went down stairs.

They had an enjoyable dinner. Toby had even felt like coming down to eat with everyone. They talked and ate and laughed. It was a wonderful evening.

That was a very good meal, especially that pie, Silent Eagle said as he leaned back in his chair.

Carrie Ann, you have to tell me what you used to flavor the stew. It was so tasty, Gentle Fawn inquired.

I brown the meat first and then I add some whiskey to it. I think that’s what gives it such a different taste. All the alcohol cooks out and leaves that wonderful flavor.

That’s all? Gentle Fawn asked, smiling.

That’s all! Carrie Ann said.

As the women cleaned up in the kitchen the men and children went outside. The night air was warm, not too hot, with a nice steady breeze. Brenna and Little Cloud were running after Silent Blaze. He was having fun letting them almost get him and then he would start running. Toby sat on the steps while Will and Clay practiced shooting their bows and arrows. They had set up some tin cans on a fence.

Will had knocked over five out of ten and Clay had gotten four. Silent Blaze then walked over and picked up his bow and arrows. He aimed at one of the tin cans and let his arrow fly, knocking down one after another. He had knocked down seven in a row. When he was getting ready to aim for the eighth, Brenna walked up to him and pulled up the front flap on his breech cloth. The arrow shot out a few feet above the row of cans and everyone laughed, except Silent Blaze. He was embarrassed by what she had done and he ran after her. When he caught her, he picked her up under his arm and sat down on a stump. He started tickling her then turned her over and made like he was going to hit her backside. She was laughing and when she thought he was going to smack her, she started crying. Silent Blaze turned her back over and tried to calm her.

It’s okay little one. Please don’t cry, he looked up as if to ask ‘what do I do now?’

Everyone just laughed. Silent Blaze gave her a hug and said he was sorry. He combed her hair out of her eyes and tucked it behind her ear. Wet blue eyes looked up at him and she said, Bad Bwaze! She scooted off his lap and ran to where Little Cloud was playing.

Girls cry too much. I’m glad I’m not a girl! Silent Blaze said as he went to the barn with the other boys.

William and Silent Eagle sat there quietly. Neither of the two realized they were both thinking of the same thing. They both wondered how Silent Blaze and Brenna would act towards each other when they got older. There seem to be some connection between the two and the two fathers wondered if they would grow to love each other. William was the first to speak.

Wouldn’t that be something if they grew up and fell in love with each other? he looked at his friend, wondering if maybe he should have not said anything at all.

And maybe get married and have kids. Maybe someday we’ll have grandchildren from them, Silent Eagle said with a sly smile. William did a double-take.

What did you say?

What? Silent Eagle asked with mocked surprise.

It seems we were thinking the same thing my friend. It’s scary how we think alike sometimes, isn’t it? William said grasping his friends shoulder. They both laughed together, which brought Carrie Ann and Gentle Fawn outside to see why their husbands were laughing.

What’s so funny? Carrie Ann said as she sat down next to William.

William and I were just wondering if maybe Silent Blaze and Brenna would fall in love and marry one day. They could give us grandchildren. We laughed because we both thought of that at the same time, Silent Eagle said.

Oh, you two are like some old biddy’s doing some match-making. She’s only two and he’s seven—a lot could happen from now until the time they’re old enough to think about all that. Carrie Ann smacked her husband’s shoulder.

The four of them became quiet then, just sitting enjoying the cool, soft breeze that was blowing. Life seemed so peaceful right at that moment as they sat there relaxing. After a time as the sun started to set Silent Eagle rose and said it was time to go. We have a busy day tomorrow; I’ll go get the children. As he walked to the barn, Gentle Fawn hugged William and then Carrie Ann, thanking them for dinner. Little Cloud came out of the barn first and Gentle Fawn told her to come say good-bye. While Silent Eagle and Silent Blaze came from the barn, Little Cloud said her good-byes and hugged Brenna. After all the farewells were said, Brenna ran up and tugged on Silent Blaze’s breech cloth to get his attention. When he turned to her she threw her little arms around his thighs and said, I wuv you Bwaze! He rolled his eyes and said Uh, see ya’ Brenna. Then he turned and waved bye to the three brothers. His family got on their horses and waved as they rode into the darkness.

Why does she always have to touch me? It’s such a pain, Silent Blaze said when they were almost home.

She’s just a little girl, she does that to everyone, Gentle Fawn said smiling. She looked at her husband and caught a faint hint of a smile on his face, as if he knew something that no one else did.

Well I can’t stand it, Silent Blaze said in a whisper.

Someday you may change your mind about that son, Silent Eagle said with a knowing smile.

Silent Eagle, you stop that right now. Leave the boy alone. She was interrupted by Silent Blaze.

No I won’t ever change my mind. Not ever! he said in a matter-of-factly way. He knew all about the love thing. He knew what those men were doing to that girl in the woods. He had seen his mother and father doing something similar, only they both wanted to do it. But what was ‘it’ that made them like it so much? He wasn’t sure he really wanted to know.

When they reached the village, Silent Eagle asked Silent Blaze if he would take care of the horses. Little Cloud had fallen asleep on the ride home and Silent Eagle had to carry her to her sleeping mat. Silent Blaze did as his father said with no question. When he returned from tending the horses, he quickly went to his sleeping mat. His parents said their good-nights and Silent Blaze tried to fall asleep. He couldn’t at first, thinking about what his father had said to him, but eventually he drifted off to a deep slumber.

A couple hours later Gentle Fawn lay awake staring at her husband’s chest rising and falling. She put her arm around his waist not wanting to wake him but wanting to be close to him. Her hand moved at his side ever so slightly as her thoughts wandered. She was startled when Silent Eagle spoke.

What does my wife want at this late hour? She jerked her hand away and looked at him.

How long have you been awake?

"Long enough for this to