Chapter Ten

Jamie and Tanaka walked together through the woods close to the fort. “It makes me sad that a man like the captain should die so young while evil men like the colonel live.”

“I see Fowler as a drunken sot rather than evil,” Jamie remarked, putting an arm around Tanaka’s shoulders. “He’s his own worst enemy, though, for he will surely be executed if Matthew dies.”

“Nashoba will come.”

“You sent one of the scouts to tell him?”

“No, he knows.”

“Och, you and your mystic ways, always so mysterious.”

“There is no mystery about it. Nashoba and Matthew are twin spirits, just as you and I are. We know each other’s needs and we know when the other is in danger.”

“That’s true enough. Will he able to save Matthew? The doctor wasna’ very hopeful this morning.”

Tanaka nodded. “The doctor is a good man, but his medicine is limited. Nashoba’s is not.”

“Wait, I didna’ know Nashoba was a healer.”

“Nashoba is many things, some even I, nor his people, cannot know. He is a visionary, that I do know.”

“Ah, so that’s how he knows about Matthew. He had a vision?”

“Yes. At least that is what I believe.”

“Oh, so you’re just guessing at all this?”

Tanaka quirked his lips. “Not all.”

“Sometimes I think you are just jesting with me, making me believe a’ kinds o’ things I canna’ even imagine.”

Tanaka chuckled and leaned in to kiss Jamie’s neck. Jamie slipped his arms around Tanaka’s narrow waist and held him crushed against his body. “You’re hard,” he whispered in Tanaka’s ear.

“You sound surprised. Don’t you know your touch always instantly arouses me?”

Jamie glanced about them. “I think we’re far enough away from prying eyes and ears.”

“Mmm.” Tanaka pressed his lips to Jamie’s then sank to the leaf-covered ground, pulling Jamie with him. He wrapped his legs over Jamie’s hips, thrusting his arse forward in invitation. At the sound of a galloping horse, he sighed. “Nashoba.”

“How could you know that? You couldna’ see who it was.”

“I know it’s him. We should go. He’ll want to see Matthew and the officers may prevent it.”

Jamie echoed his sigh. “Fine, but you’ll have to make this up to me later.” He stood and held out his hand to pull Tanaka to his feet. They kissed briefly before setting off to the fort.

 

Tanaka’s prediction proved true. As they entered the gates, they saw Nashoba arguing with Lieutenant Barrows, who was barring entry into the officer’s quarters.

“You should let him in, Lieutenant,” Jamie said quietly. “The captain would thank you for it.”

“The doctor says no visitors,” Barrows told him with a stubborn set to his lips. “Only the nurses and himself. I know the captain regards Nashoba as a friend, but I have to follow the doctor’s orders.”

“Perhaps if you asked the doctor, he would allow it,” Tanaka suggested.

“Maybe tomorrow,” Barrows said.

“No, I must see him today.” Nashoba glared at Barrows. “Tomorrow will be too late.”

“What d’you mean?”

“Tomorrow his spirit will have left him. I can stop it if you’ll but let me see him.”

“Too late for that, I’m afraid.” The doctor’s voice from behind Barrows was sorrowful. “Captain Garland died a few minutes ago.”

“Damn,” Jamie muttered.

“No!” Nashoba cried.

“I’m so sorry,” Jamie muttered, gazing at Nashoba’s stricken expression.

“No,” Nashoba said again, his features clearing of shock. “He is not dead. He cannot be… I would have known it, if it were so.”

“Steady.” Jamie put a hand on Nashoba’s shoulder. “The doctor knows—”

Nashoba wrenched himself from Jamie’s grasp and ran inside. Tomlinson put out a hand to stop him, but Nashoba avoided him and ran into Matthew’s room. He threw himself on his knees at Matthew’s bedside and gripped his hands.

“Matthew,” he said softly. “Matthew, hear me…”

“Wh-what the devil?” Tomlinson stammered as Nashoba began to sing, his voice a clear, melodious sound that filled the room and caused chills to run down Jamie’s spine.

“What’s he doing?” Jamie whispered to Tanaka.

“He is singing the song of life,” Tanaka replied. “He is asking the Great Spirit to release Matthew from His embrace, to send him back to us.”

“Is such a thing possible?”

“Of course not,” Tomlinson snapped while Barrows started forward as if to intervene. Jamie held out his arm in warning and Barrows, after glaring up in disbelief at Jamie, remained where he was.

Nashoba’s song ended and instead he began a low humming chant. To Jamie’s amazement, Tanaka walked over to Nashoba’s side and joined in the chant, the two voices blending in a strange harmony the like of which Jamie had never heard before. A silence filled the room when they were done—then the impossible happened.

Matthew sighed.

Doctor Tomlinson’s eyes widened with shock. “I-I must have been mistaken,” he gasped and hurried over to the bed.

Nashoba stood but kept holding Matthew’s hand as the young captain opened his eyes and smiled at him. “I had the most wondrous dream,” he murmured, gazing at Nashoba. “You and I surrounded by snow-capped mountains covered with tall pine trees.”

Tomlinson cleared his throat. “Nashoba, if you’d let me examine the captain for a moment. This really is most remarkable.”

Nashoba stepped aside and smiled at Tanaka. “Thank you for your help. The shaman spirit within both of us made his journey back to us easier.”

Jamie chuckled at the dumbfounded expression on Barrows’ face. “I can’t believe what I’ve just seen,” the lieutenant muttered.

Tomlinson straightened after examining Matthew. “I must have been mistaken,” he said, again. “Perhaps his heart hadn’t really stopped, but I could have sworn…” He trailed off, shaking his head.

“No matter, Doctor,” Jamie said quickly. “The good news is the captain’s not dead, for which we are all thankful.”

“Indeed, indeed…and his wound looks tremendously improved. Quite remarkable. But as you said, MacDonald, he is young and strong. Obviously able to recover quickly.”

“And don’t forget the herbs Tanaka brought you.”

“Right, correct,” Tomlinson agreed.

“So he wasn’t really dead then.” Barrows sounded relieved. “I thought for a minute that Nashoba had really brought him back from the grave.”

Jamie clapped Barrows on the shoulder. “Well, as the doctor said, that wasna’ possible.”

Tanaka and Nashoba merely smiled.

 

* * * *

 

“But it was, possible, that is,” Jamie said when he and Tanaka were alone again, a few hours later.

“Yes, Jamie. We believe that the spirit lingers near us after death, and with the right incantation and strong purpose, it can be brought back and give life again to the one who has died.”

“If it was anybody else telling me this I’d laugh in their face, but I ken you and your people are far more spiritual than any other I’ve known.” Jamie regarded Tanaka’s fine-featured face with affection. “Me, I’ve never believed the rubbish spouted from the pulpit…all that hell and damnation if you dinna’ toe the line, but what I saw you and Nashoba do, and really just being with you these past few years, has made me realize that perhaps there is more to people’s beliefs than I give credit for.”

Tanaka smiled gently. “Sometimes it is easier to disbelieve. It takes less thought.”

“Wait a minute,” Jamie huffed. “Here was I being a’ complimentary and you being insulting. Are you saying I dinna’ think?”

“Never, my Jamie.” He touched Jamie’s face with his fingertips and caressed him gently. “Sometimes your mind is a whirlwind, but always it is rational. I could never spend time with a man who does not think.” He leaned in to press his body against Jamie’s and kiss his lips.

“Hmm, that’s better, and now when I think about it, I remember saying you had to make it up to me when we were interrupted back yonder.”

“I knew you would remember.” Tanaka chuckled softly. “Well, as you are so fond of saying, there’s no time like the present.”

 

* * * *

 

Two days later, Matthew was able to sit up and walk a short distance with Nashoba’s assistance. No one seemed to question Nashoba’s presence at the captain’s side. The rumors of course centered on Matthew’s miraculous recovery. If Nashoba hadn’t actually brought him back from the dead, he had certainly helped him mend from a near-fatal injury. Lieutenant Barrows was heard to declare that it had been a bloody miracle and no mistake, and he’d been there to witness it!

Colonel Fowler remained in his cell, mostly in a comatose state. Doctor Tomlinson, after examining him, told Jamie that he feared for the man’s mind.

“I think the best thing would be for him to be shipped home to England, but General Rathbone will have to make that decision when the colonel goes back to Fort Sumner. He’s most certainly not in a position to command this fort. I will write a statement to that effect and leave it to them to decide what’s to be done.”

Jamie went to visit Matthew later that day. He found him sitting in a chair at his desk, writing.

“Back to work already?” Jamie remarked.

Matthew smiled. “My letter of resignation, along with a detailed account of what has taken place in the last few days. I decided that I couldn’t let the colonel’s behavior go unreported. Doctor Tomlinson agrees with me and will also write a statement regarding the colonel’s mental health.”

Jamie nodded. “Aye, he said as much to me. But you’re resigning? Is this not just a hasty decision because of what happened to you?”

“That, and the promise I made to Nashoba.” He put down his quill and regarded Jamie with a look that was both serious and hopeful. “He saved me, Jamie. I was dead without a doubt, and he brought me back from the shadows. I could hear his voice calling to me. Incredible though it sounds, I know it to be the truth. I was in a cold, dark place, lost and alone, and I was terrified. All I could think of was that I would never see Nashoba’s face again, never hold him in my arms, kiss his lips… I reached out for him and—” He blinked. “I am sorry, that was probably more than you ever wanted to hear.”

“Don’t apologize…I understand. I know that my life would be hell on earth if anything happened to Tanaka. But resignation? Is that not a large step to take? What will you do, live among the Choctaw?”

Matthew eyes took on a faraway look. “No, Nashoba and I will make the trek to Canada. I have never been to Canada, but somehow I believe that what I saw in my vision was where we are destined to be. Foolish though it may seem, it felt like home. Nashoba has already spoken with the elders and they, though saddened by his decision to accompany me, have accepted his proposal that Tahman be elected as chief.”

Jamie expressed his surprise. “So much has happened in such a short time. But I’m glad to hear it. It will make our decision to bid you farewell, the easier.”

“Ah yes, your desire to see the great ocean. I have a map here…a bit primitive, but it does show a vast body of water on the western shores. The Spanish have infiltrated most of the area. The call it Alta California.” He pulled a rough parchment from his desk drawer and spread it out for Jamie to see. “This is where we are.” He pointed to a spot on the map. “Alabama. There is an enormous amount of territory that you will have to cover in order to reach the ocean.”

“And you also,” Jamie said, seeing the expanse of land between Alabama and Canada.

“It is daunting, I admit. But if we leave fairly soon, we will have the good weather for most of the journey.” He pulled a piece of parchment toward himself. “Here, let me draw you a copy of the map to help you on your way. At least it will give some idea of rivers you may have to cross. Perhaps, one day we may meet again as travelers.”

“That would please me and Tanaka.” Jamie watched as Matthew skillfully copied the rude map onto the parchment. “Will we have time for a wee drink to wish one another well afore we go?”

“Absolutely. Nashoba and I will be here until a new commander is sent to replace me.” His eyes gleamed with what Jamie took to be inspiration. “I know, why don’t we have a celebration of some kind…the men and the settlers…the scouts…a kind of dance with food and perhaps a drink or two? It might help raise everyone’s spirits. After all, we had a great victory over the French, and I survived being shot by the colonel!”

Jamie laughed out loud. “Y’did indeed, but d’ye think you’re fit enough for something like that?”

“I will be in a day or two. I’ll talk with the ladies who helped out in the hospital…they might have some ideas they could share.”

Jamie nodded. “You’re right. It’s a good idea. Fort Bligh could do with some lighthearted fare for a change.”

“And it will give you and Tanaka a grand send-off.” He stood with just a little difficulty and held out his hand. “Thank you, Jamie, for all you have done. I will remember you and Tanaka with great fondness.”

“Let us not say goodbye, Matthew,” Jamie said taking the captain’s hand. “Who knows when we might meet again? Till then, deagh fhortan mo charaid. Good fortune, my friend.”

 

* * * *

 

The next two or three days saw a flurry of excitement and preparation at Fort Bligh. Matthew went to visit Colonel Fowler, but the man had withdrawn into a sullen and noncommunicative state that gained neither of them any progress. Matthew could not wait until his relief arrived and they took Fowler back to Fort Sumner to face the charges of drunken behavior and of shooting a fellow officer.

“That fellow officer being me, Nashoba,” he said wryly.

“He is a lucky man that I was not present when he shot you,” Nashoba remarked quietly but with enough venom that left Matthew in no doubt how Fowler would have fared at Nashoba’s hands.

“I am glad you were not present. Harming Fowler would have resulted in your arrest…along with the colonel of course…then where would we be?”

Nashoba bared his teeth in a grin. “You are correct of course, but sometimes even now my hands itch to grip him by the throat.”

“He is a sick man, Nashoba. I recommended in my letter to General Rathbone that he be sent home to England rather than have him face the ignominy of a trial. I really don’t think the man is completely sane.”

He looked up as Barrows and Andrews entered the room. “Sir, we are here to inform you that the festivities are about to start, and that your attendance is required. The Choctaw scouts are ready to begin their ceremonial dance.”

Nashoba jumped to his feet with a muttered, “I’d better go,” and fled from the room.

Barrows stared at Matthew for a long moment before saying, “We shall miss you, sir. We’re all hoping that whoever they send to take over will be at least half the leader you are.”

“Thank you, Barrows. I know I’ll miss all of you men too. Don’t worry about who is taking over. I’ll make sure I whip him into shape before I leave.”

They chuckled then Barrows gestured that Matthew should precede them out onto the parade ground. A large crowd broke into applause as he emerged flanked by Barrows and Andrews.

The vibrant sound of drums echoed through the fort and the Choctaw scouts led by Nashoba and Tahman flung themselves into a series of athletic gyrations that had everyone, soldiers and settlers alike, whooping and clapping in time to the hypnotic rhythm of the beat.

 

Jamie and Tanaka stood off to the side watching the people’s enjoyment. Jamie was glad that in the morning, they would finally continue their journey farther into the west toward the great ocean. No doubt there would be more adventures along the way…at least he hoped there would be. For what would life be without some danger and excitement? Perhaps one day, he and Tanaka would cease their wandering, settle down and live a life content to gaze at sunrise and sunset. Perhaps one day, but not yet.

He slipped an arm around Tanaka’s waist and kissed his neck, inhaling his warm and musky scent. “There’s a place nearby in the woods waiting for us,” he whispered, brushing his lips over Tanaka’s ear.

“Then let us not keep it waiting.”

His smile made Jamie’s heart beat the faster. Unseen by even those standing close by, they made their way to the gates and to the forest beyond. Jamie laughed as Tanaka tugged at his hand, his impatience a joy to see, the promise of what it meant filling him with love and desire.

Hands joined, they ran to the welcoming shelter of the trees and were soon lost to the eyes of men. Tomorrow would see the start of a new adventure, but for now, tomorrow could wait… The night was all they needed… That, and each other.