Chapter Fifteen

The Governor left, but Sir Reginald stayed behind.

“Welcome to rendezvous, Kade.” Tucket’s sarcastic comment was followed by him reaching for the jug of stump blower. “After looking down the bore of those English rifles, I could use a little something to bolster my spirits.”

“I’m with you there, partner. Pass it over.” Kade dropped down onto the willow backrest closest to the fire and took a long pull on the jug. Blind Deer continued to speak with the man who had come to her defense. Although curious as a cat, Kade figured to give her some privacy. She would be safe enough with her brothers, Tucket, and himself at hand.

“Who be all those Indian fellas, and that old toff?”

From the bits and pieces of Blind Deer’s story, recanted to him while he was in and out of consciousness, Kade figured out who the fancy Englishman must be, and he relayed the information to his partner.

“You mean for sure she won’t be stayin’ on with us?” Tucket appeared as brokenhearted as Kade felt.

“I reckon not. I was hoping to marry her, Tucket. I have never felt this way for any women I ever met. It’ll be poor doin’s when she’s gone. No more shinin’ times. I’m not sure I can face another winter without her.”

“I’m sorry to hear it, son. Either way, with or without her, I’m not sure I can face another winter in them Stony Mountains myself.”

“You been saying such for years,” Kade accused.

“I mean it this time. I’m tired of fighting the British, and the price of plews keeps a droppin’ while the price of supplies rises faster than a feather in a wind storm. No profit to be made. I gotta start lookin’ after my retirement years.”

Kade felt his heart being squeezed from both sides. He was about to lose the woman he loved and his partner in the only livelihood he’d ever known. “You got a few more years left in you for floatin’ your stick.”

“The beaver are just about played out. I seen it happen with the whales, and it’ll happen to those poor critters too.”

“Then how about the buffalo. There’s money to be made there.”

“Nope. My soul can’t take any more bruises. Killin’ your share for eatin’ or feedin’ folks is one thing. But they’re a slaughterin’ those magnificent critters just for the skin, lettin’ the rest go to rot.”

Kade gave a mighty sigh. “I hear ya. Then what the devil are we gonna do? Trapping’s all I know.”

“All ya know right now. Don’t mean ya can’t learn something new. We could pilot some of the wagons heading to Oregon. Or we could just go ourselves and stake a claim before it gets too crowded out there too.”

“And do what, become farmers?”

“Farmin’ ain’t nothin’ to be ashamed of. Or maybe we could open a tradin’ post on the shore. I’m handy with a boat and could do some netting. Salted fish is a good seller for the land voyagers. And your Pa was a cobbler—anywhere you go folks be needin’ shoes. I know for a fact you’re still draggin’ around some of his tools. I’m handy at whittling. I can make you your wooden lasts for formin’ the shoes.”

The idea started to sound like a possibility. If he had to go on without Blind Deer, starting something new to occupy his mind and body would help keep him from pining away for her.

He glanced over at Tucket. His friend puffed away on his favorite pipe, the one carved from the piece of catlinite they’d traded for two years ago. Kade supposed Tucket was looking a might older lately, and after his own recent injuries, Kade was feeling older himself. Maybe a new beginning was just the thing. In truth, for the long haul, they could both use a future of a more genteel nature.

“Well, I’m sure not looking forward to another winter of wading up to my crotch in freezing river water. Or battling the shut-in crazies either. It’s a deal, partner. We’ll head west together.”

****

“I am joyful you have recovered so well, Sir Reginald.”

“Without you nursing me back to Fort Hall, I’m not sure I could have made it.” His eyes brightened in curiosity as he took in Nikota, Kinnapa, and Kintama.

“You fought hard to get there,” Blind Deer praised. “But why are you here? You should still be resting.”

“The sketch of you came to my attention as it circulated around the fort, along with the ugly messenger they sent to find you. I was hoping to track you down before anyone else could. You mentioned the possibility of coming to this year’s regalia, and when the Governor and an HBC contingency from Fort Elise stopped off at Fort Hall, heading this way, I demanded an escort.”

“So, you are a great adventurer after all, Lord Seton. Did you get to stay in a tipi?” She remembered his list of things he’d wished to accomplish out West.

“I did indeed. A bit of a smoky proposition at times, but quite comfortable and warm. Although I must admit, I am spoiled and much prefer the marquee for long term use.”

“And did you shoot a grizzly bear in honor of Hugh Glass?” She thought of her and Maggie’s run in with the small black bear. She wouldn’t want to face down a grizzly.

“Good heavens no,” he chuckled. “We saw a fantastic sow at a distance. Her size and magnificence were beyond my imagining. But with two cubs at her side, she appeared in a bit of a foul mood, so we thought discretion the better part of honor.”

“A wise choice.” She grinned back at him.

“Now you must introduce me to these stalwart lads.”

“This is my brother, Nikota.”

“We are all her brothers,” piped up Kinnapa and Kintama in unison.

“Amazing. It’s an honor to meet you. Good show taking a stand against Captain Sulgrave. He’s an unsavory man to say the least. And I’m so glad you found your family, Blind Deer.”

Although happy to see her brothers, she explained to Lord Seton the news was not good, emphasizing the part Captain Sulgrave had played in the death of her clan.

“So, this is the story yet to be told. Oh, my poor child. You go from the frying pan to the fire, do you not? This won’t stand. I will inform Major Simpson of what Sulgrave did to your people. And we shall call off that ruffian bounty hunter and clear your name here as well as with the law in St. Louis. You have my promise. You are no longer a fugitive.”

“He must die.” Nikota stepped forward, hate gleaming in his eyes.

“Now listen, young man. Your cause may be worth dying for, but he is not. You must stay alive, for the sake of your sister and brothers. I give you my word, he will pay for his evil machinations.”

Blind Deer placed a restraining hand on Nikota’s arm. He was a changed man, no longer the gentle being she knew growing up—he was scarred—on the outside and the inside. And rightfully so. “Please listen to him, brother. He is a man of honor. If you kill the HBC man, they will kill you, and I cannot lose you after finally finding you. We are all who are left to carry on the old ways of our tribe.”

With the arrival of Kinnapa and Kintama had come more bad news, the final blow. The few remaining members of her band had been too sick to survive the trek over the mountains to their tribal cousins. They too were gone—all of them gone forever.

Much had changed in the years she’d been held captive back East. The land was no longer a wilderness. There were permanent trails made by white men, trails so familiar they were depicted on maps. The buffalo had moved to new grounds, and the beaver grew sparse. This was no longer the land of her people, and now another part of her dream was lost. With each revelation, her place in the world became more uncertain. She had no place to return to. And except for her brothers, no one to travel with into the future.

“I’m sorry about your troubles.” Sir Reginald’s voice held genuine sorrow. “What will you do now? If I may assist you in any manner you must allow me to do so.”

“You have been very kind and generous. To clear my name is all I ask. I must find my own path now.”

“You are a remarkable woman, Blind Deer.” As if she were a great lady, Lord Seton took her hand and bent to reverently kiss the top. “I will be sure King William knows the name of the brave Salish woman who came to the aid of this old wanderer.” He glanced over his shoulder to where Kade and Tucket sat talking.

“I see you have made new friends since we parted. The younger one defended you bravely. I think he must care very deeply for you. And you for him.”

Was it so obvious? Her cheeks felt flushed, and try as she might, she couldn’t help smiling at Sir Reginald’s assumption.

“Well, lads, I’m proud to have met you.” Reaching in his pocket, Lord Seaton pulled out several gold coins. He gave one to each Kinnapa and Kintama. Whooping with great enthusiasm, they danced in joy. He handed the rest to Blind Deer.

Nikota stood by, stoic and silent.

Unpinning a war medal from his lapel, Sir Reginald handed this to her oldest brother. “You are a true warrior. I know you will take good care of her for me.”

“I will try. She has a mind of her own.”

The older man gave a little bark of laughter. “That she does.”

Nikota handed Sir Reginald his Missouri war axe, the handle decorated with feathers and beads. “Do not forget your promise. The death of my people must be avenged. If I hear otherwise, I will come back for this.”

Lord Seton gave a curt bow of acknowledgement to both the gift and the threat. “I understand. Good night then.” Turning, and with a salute to Kade and Tucket, he took his leave.

Blind Deer fondly studied her brothers as the two younger ones drew closer to examine Nikota’s war medal. They would be happy living off the land, taking hides and trading for supplies, a good life for three young, healthy braves—but no life for her. She could go to live with a tribe not of her ancestors, but it would be a difficult life. She would be given the hardest tasks, and most likely married off to someone she did not know and did not love.

Her mind was troubled, her thoughts torn in many directions. Seeking calm, she stepped away into the darkness and squinted up at the stars. What about Kade’s offer? She held deep feelings for him, born out of love, not the fear of being alone. But she had refused all his offers. Perhaps he did not even want her anymore, or worse would now take her out of pity.

A hand touched her shoulder. Spinning around, she came face to face with the man who seemed her whole world.

“I heard what your brothers told you. And while I’m sorry for what you’ve lost, there is no excuse now for you not to come with me, Blind Deer. Tucket and I are a headin’ for the West Coast. We’re selling out—no more trapping. With this year’s profit we aim to open up a trading post. He knows the ocean for fishing, and I’m going to try my hand at cobbling. Maybe you could make and sell those fancy cakes you were telling me about.”

Her heart picked up speed—he still wanted her. But what was all this about heading west and starting over? Fishing and shoeing people and baking confections. Now her head was spinning with all these new ideas.

“Well say something.” Disappointment showed on his face. “Just stay put. Don’t you dare go anywhere.” He turned and hurried off before she could bid him stay.

Reaching out, she was about to call him back when Nikota stepped up beside her.

“Let him go, sister. If he really wants you he will come back.”

“I love him, Nikota, but I am caught between two worlds.”

“You always have been.” He put his arm across her shoulders and gave her a hug. “You are much like our mother. She was brave enough to leave her world and become one of us. Maybe now it is time for you to leave behind how you grew up and return to her world. You have her spirit to learn and explore. You could do worse than the white man, Kade. He is resourceful, and for a dogface not too ugly.”

This brought a smile.

“But I would have to kill him if he ever hurt you.”

She knew this was not an idle threat, still her smile broadened at his concern. “I will be sure to tell him so. Although the way you scowl at him, I have a feeling he already knows. And I will never forget how I was raised, or how we were happy together in the old days.”

“That is good. But you must make new memories too, ones to make you just as happy. Go and be free. Wherever you are, we will find you. Now I’d best follow our brothers.” He nodded in the directions of the twins. “With money to spend they will surely find trouble at a good price.”

****

Tucket leaped up and grabbed ahold of Kade as he came tearing through their camp. “Where you off to in such a hurry?”

“Blind Deer still won’t say yes to coming with us to Oregon.”

“Well that’s darn foolishness. I never see’d two people more fit for one another than you and Blind Deer. You can’t be allowin’ this to happen, Kade.”

Maggie gazed up at the two of them, her eyes troubled as if such an idea upset her too.

“Well that’s what I’m aiming to do, old man, if you get out of my way. When we passed through Trader’s Row, I saw a few foofaraws and whatnots need buyin’.

“If you’re settin’ your trap for love, better bait it with your heart and not your brainpan.”

Kade nodded and took off.

Tucket gave a laugh and shook his head. He’d never seen young Kade in such a lather. It truly must be love. He thought back to when he was that age and chasing after a pretty girl was all he could think on. Now he just hoped to find a peaceful place to sit and smoke his pipe while watching the sunset. Of course, if a good woman came his way in the new land, he’d be thankful.

And speaking of sittin’ and smokin’—he retrieved his pipe and squatted down on his favorite stump. A loud blubbering sound of flatulence followed, sending him leaping back onto his feet. Turning around, he found a limp buffalo bladder on the stump, sewn up with sinew, and filled with the last bit of remaining air. In the woods he heard laughter and saw what he thought were Kinnapa and Kintama running off into the night, Nikota not far behind.

Consarn it, those two were the most mischievous Indians he’d ever crossed trail with. He knocked the offending item off the stump, then sat and filled his pipe with ’baccy. As he was about to light up, Blind Deer came and took to another stump.

Maggie wandered over, sat down, and leaned against her thigh.

“What’s this crazy talk I hear about you quitin’ us,” Tucket asked point blank. “I’ve know’d young Kade nearly all his life, and I ain’t never seen him happier than when you’re by his side.”

“Where is he?” she asked, apparently disinclined to discuss the matter.

“He’ll be back momentarily. Here, have some jug,” Tucket offered. “You look a might weak kneed.”

She shook her head no. “Are you trying to lead me astray, Tucket?”

“No, gal. I’m a tryin’ to help show you the way back home.” He puffed on his pipe, leaving her to her thoughts.

****

“By hell, Governor Simpson, what in damnation are you’re doing here? And who is this English peacock you deemed to drag along?” Bordering on the brink of his escape to freedom, Captain Sulgrave dared to address his superior with all the years of hate and disrespect he harbored for the man.

“The tallies at Fort Elise present a problem, Captain.” Issuing a statement of his own, the Governor ignored the questions. “The discrepancies date back months, even years. It’s your responsibility, and I want answers. And this peacock is a decorated war hero, who has informed me you traded blankets carrying deadly disease to the Flathead tribe. You killed hundreds of innocent Indians.”

“None of these savages are innocent. And those particular ones were getting in the way.”

“Then how about your own men, several of whom you also killed in the process. Were they expendable too?”

So, his little deception had come to light. Things were going from bad to worse. “Step aside, old man. Now you’re in my way too, and I have packing to do.”

“You won’t need much. There’ll be no gallivanting off to Vancouver or anyplace else, other than Montreal for your court martial.”

As blind rage rushed to the forefront, Sulgrave felt as if his head might explode. Simpson had ruined everything, all his plans gone for naught. He leaped at the man, arms outstretched, hands reaching to throttle his scrawny throat.

Lord Seton stepped forward, landing a right cross on Sulgrave’s jaw. Taken by surprise, he staggered backward. Then Sir Reginald opened the door and roughly pushed him into the hands of the HBC soldiers waiting to take him into custody. Blows rained down on the Captain from all directions. Apparently, news of how he’d betrayed his men, sending them to their painful death, had already made the rounds.

His chances of reaching Montreal alive were fading fast.

****

When Kade returned, Blind Deer cautiously gained her feet. The grin he wore pleased her yet made her suspicious of his intent.

“Come with me.” He took her hand and led her a few steps to the side and away from the light of the fire.

Tucket reached down to pet Maggie, keeping her from following after them.

In the darkness, the air smelled sweet and refreshing, making the world feel somehow hopeful.

“Here.” Kade held something out to her. “Take it. It’s a present whether you go with me or not.”

Again he offered her free choice, the most precious of gifts, one he had given her when first they met. Examining the object more closely, so light and delicate in her hands, she discovered it was a red velvet rose.

“Like my love for you, it will never die. And you won’t have to feel guilty for having picked it.”

His words touched her heart as softly as she touched the petals of the rose. She couldn’t believe he remembered the hill and the flower she’d picked when they’d stayed at the cabin.

“It looks so real. I can almost smell its fragrance.” How had she ever believed she could so easily leave this man? She never wanted to be without him and was about to tell him so.

“Oh, there’s one more thing. Close your eyes.”

Holding back her words, and showing complete trust in him, she did as Kade requested. His fingertips grazed her cheek, then something cool resided on the sides of her face.

“Take a look.”

Blind Deer opened her eyes and gasped, stunned by the transformation of her surroundings. Kade had found her a pair of wire spectacles. Her mother had spoken of such wonders. The incredible new world encircled her in crackling clarity.

Gazing up at the night sky left her dizzy and overwhelmed as she saw what before had been but a dream. “You have given me the moon and stars.” About to lose her balance she reached out, and Kade was there to steady her. Then, as if her ancestors shared her happiness and condoned the new path she had chosen, a shooting star crossed the heavens. The sign from above filled her heart with joy.

“Go or stay, Blind Deer. It’s your decision. I won’t try to stop you. At least now you can see where it is you’re going.” He made light of the situation, but she heard the sadness in his voice.

“Thank you for giving me this beautiful new world. I see not only where I’m going, but what I am meant to be.”

“And what is that, Blind Deer?”

She threw her arms around his neck. He held her so tightly she could feel his heart beating against her chest and knew he must feel her heart beating just as hard against his.

“No matter where we are, or how we make our living, I am meant to be the woman in your arms, Kade. When February comes again, and the earth is bathed in the glow of a Trapper’s Moon, I will be with you.”

He buried his face in the crook of her neck and whispered in her ear. “Then you’ll be my wintertime love too—and that means forever.”