Redemption

XIV

Three days later found them deep into the wide grasslands moving steadily toward Prescott's station. Living off the land was simple enough, though he was glad to have the provisions given him by Abbott. The animal life in the vastness of the wild consisted mostly of various species of kangaroo, from the small gray wombats to the large black wallaroo's. Lizards and snakes sunned themselves on open ledges of rock, darting away only when he got too close. At night he could hear the loud ruckus of Tasmanian devils and the belching cough of the koalas as they became active.

Occasionally he thought he caught glimpses of an unusual creature. Like a large, short-haired dog with a stiff tail which extended smoothly from the body in a way similar to that of kangaroos, as it flitted silently through the tall grass. The dog-like creature had a yellow-brown coat with quite a few distinctive dark stripes across its back, rump and the base of its tail, leaving him with an impression of a tiger, a beast he'd only seen a drawing of. He wondered aloud at what sort of creatures lived out here beyond the reach of man. Indigo only flicked his ears occasionally and continued on.

The air was thick with the heat and the smell of eucalyptus and dust was everywhere. Scrub brush rustled beneath the gelding's hooves as they pushed on, trekking across land without paths or trails. Pointing the horse north Indigo held true as mile by mile they drew closer to their destination. His mind kept replaying the same memory of his family but try as he might nothing else came back to him.

When a wide but shallow river opened up before them Rueben stepped from the saddle. After a careful look around he dropped to his knees to scoop water into his mouth, keeping his eyes up. It was deliciously refreshing in the heat of midday.

Indigo paid no heed at all and walked into the shallow water, happily grunting as he drank his fill. Thirst slaked, Rueben had stood and was reaching for his water canteens when he saw them. Reflections wavering in the rippling surface of the water, dark skin and eyes and he looked up, surprised. Aborigines! How had they just appeared from thin air?

The men had spears and clubs enough between them to pose a formidable threat and he stiffened slightly, his heart pulsing. Indigo acted as though he had not noticed they were there, tail flicking as he continued to nose the water. Instead of lifting the water canteens, Rueben slowly opened one of the saddle bags, wanting to have some form on defense in his hands should he need it. Dark eyes followed every move with eerie silence until the bone womerah appeared and then they began to murmur to one another and gesture at the tool in his hands.

At last Indigo raised his head from the water to look at the natives, his ears twitching slightly at the foreign sound of their voices. Nostrils flared he stood alert, watching, blowing noisily now and then, tossing his head. Unafraid, the gelding was naturally suspicious of the unknown.

"Whoa, easy now, Indigo, stay calm boy," stroking the horse's neck, his gaze never left the men. "Let's just wait and see."

As if a decision had been made among them, three of the warriors slowly came across the river, wading through the shallow water toward him. He settled the womerah in his grip and shifted slightly to one side, putting Indigo on his left. As if wanting to ensure their reception the advancing men held up their hands, palms out and he relaxed slightly.

"You Rueben Lane yeah?" the oldest of the three spoke, his voice high and nasal, his accent so thick it took Rueben a moment to process what he said.

"Yes," he frowned in suspicion. How would they know about him?

"We hear you have sista, take her farway," the same man spoke and again he had to pause, trying to work his way through the sounds.

"Your sister?" He shook his head. "I do not know what you speak of, or who you mean."