Ma'iitsoh

Chapter 4

The pantry was well stocked and Kat made tea and tried to eat a sweet bun. She swept and dusted. She scrubbed anything she could lay her hands on. The day passed slowly, when dusk arrived she wondered if Lone Wolf would come back. She sat by the fire for hours. He did not return.

A week passed and no sign of Lone Wolf. She stood with her forehead against the door and willed it to open. Her hand struck the latch, she pushed and the door opened. The sky was scarlet due to the setting sun.

On impulse she went back inside. She grabbed her clothes and bag and ran to the stable. Providence raised his head she kissed his neck.

"Hey boy, let's get out of here."

She saddled him and galloped out of the stables. Kathryn had no idea where she was. She fixed her eyes in a mountain range and prayed it was part of Granite mountain. Their pace increased once she was clear of trees. Head low against Providence's mane, she rode.

Instinct made her look behind her and she cursed. She knew without a doubt that Lone Wolf was going to catch up much sooner than later. The Appaloosa was used to this terrain. Providence was fast but Lone Wolf was faster. Providence nearly threw her off as he reared when they reached a stream.

"No, boy. Not now, go."

He refused, as Kat tried to change direction she heard someone whistle and Providence reared up again. As she slipped, hands grabbed hold of her. She found herself sitting in front of Lone Wolf on his horse. Before she could punch him he grabbed her hands and whistled softly and Providence followed them home.

"Why does my horse obey you?" She had to know.

Lone Wolf spoke, "This is an Indian horse, you never realised he had brand markings on his rear because he is so black. It is not easy to spot to the untrained eye."

"Please let me go."

"No."

"Why not, Lone Wolf? You had your fun."

"You will not leave me. This week I sought the knowledge of my grandfather and our medicine man, according to our custom, we are now married."

"What?"

"I did not know you were pure and what I did is what you pale faces call an injustice. Tomorrow I will present you to the tribe as you will be known as my wife."

Kat repeated the words in her head. Wife, I am a wife. This entire experience was surreal.

Once back at the cabin, Lone Wolf left Kat standing on the step and took the horses to the stable to run the sweat off them. She went inside and started preparing supper. Lone Wolf came in as she placed the plates o the table. He did not eat much, then suddenly threw his spoon down.

"Kat-ha-ryn." He drew her name out.

They looked at each other. Lone Wolf knew he had to learn to pronounce his wife's name, for now that can wait.

"In my language there is no word like yours to say sorry."

Then he said, "Ayoo aninishi."

He stood up and went down to the river to bathe. Kat cleaned the kitchen, had a warm bath and was just about to get in her 'bed' when Lone Wolf walked through the door, without a word he picked her up.

"Your place is with me." 

He placed her on the bed. His skin was still wet and his hair hung lank on his back.

"Come here." She said. She reached into her bag and took out a fluffy piece of material and her hairbrush. She dried his hair and brushed it until it was dry enough.