Ma'iitsoh

Chapter 7

Prescott was not as Kathryn remembered it. It was no longer a Boomtown. It was an actual town of almost four hundred buildings.

Kathryn headed straight for her old house. She knocked, an elderly lady called Mrs. Ruth informed her that Charles Judson and Mrs. Judson lived in a big house at the edge of town. Kathryn made her way there. She passed the tea room and recognised Sarah. This can wait.

She knocked, Sandra opened the door.

"What do you want here, heathen lover?" She spat at Kat.

"I came to see my father and I won't leave until I have seen him."

Sandra walked away closing the door in Kathryn's face. Before she could knock the door opened and Charles embraced her.

"Come in, my child."

They went into the living area, Sandra was no where to be seen. Charles closed the door.

"What brings you here?"

"Pa, Lone Wolf is being held in a prison in New Mexico. I want him back home." 

Charles listened, "Sweetpea, I need to tell you something."

Kat stopped breathing. Charles reassured her that Lone Wolf was alive as far as he knew.

"When war broke out at the Black Hills, Harry and I were trapped. It was terrifying. So many men, so much bloodshed. I did see Lone Wolf. For a second, I thought he was coming to kill me, it all happened so fast. A fast Sioux warrior was coming right for me, tomahawk held high above his pointed face. Lone Wolf stepped in front of me and the tomahawk struck his back.  I could hear the crunch of bones. Lone Wolf told me to run and I did. I owe him my life. Let's go to sheriff Hicks and see what can be done."

As they went to the front door, Sandra came around the corner. Kathryn then noticed her bulging belly. Sandra said to Charles,

"She is not welcome to come back. Do your business and send her back to her heathen."

Sheriff Hicks was please to see Kathryn, she retold her story. Hicks thought for a while and told Kathryn he will be on the next stage coach to New Mexico the next morning. Charles took Kat to the hotel. He ordered a meal and asked her all about her life.

She told him everything about the twins, Charles laughed. He would have to give them nicknames because he could not pronounce their names. She told Charles she was expecting another baby. She never mentioned the loss of her little one.

Charles asked her if it all worked out if he could meet his grandchildren. Kat cried with relief and told Charles he was most welcome.

They spoke for hours, she explained the Navajo culture to Charles. With every word, he found more and more respect for the tribe and Long Tail.

Charles made sure Kat was comfortable in her room. He assured her that he will send Doctor Lang the next morning to make sure all is well with his new grandchild to be. Kathryn felt relieved.

"Good night, Sweetpea."

"Good night, Pa. I love you."

"How do you say that in Navajo?" He asked.

"Ayoo aninishi."

"Impressive." He said as he closed the door.

Slowly making his way home, he said a silent prayer for his son-in-law.

"Please, God. Let Lone Wolf be alive and well."

The next morning, Doctor Lang examined Kathryn and found her and the foetus in excellent health. Doctor Lang did advise bed rest and no horse riding. Kathryn confided in Doctor Lang what happened with the triplets. Doctor Lang was fascinated and asked Kat if she would ask the tribe elders if he could visit the medicine man, they could assist each other. Kat promised and thanked him for his kindness. Doctor Lang asked her to come for another check up before she went home. He had an extra wagon she could have.