Dr. Quinn

Chapter 10: Army of Fools

Michaela was entering her fourth month of pregnancy. Her leg was pretty much healed, and just in time since their baby was growing like a weed.

"Do you really need to go Sully?"

"I gotta. I'm the only one who can scout the trails for the army. And besides, this way I can tell Cloud Dancing what the army is planning on doing with the Cheyanne."

Sully packed the last few things he needed in his saddle bags before heading out.

"Please be careful Sully." She hugged him and he held her tightly.

"Always. And you be careful too." He put his hands on her belly, "Keep that baby of ours safe."

Brian sprinted out the front door, "Wait Sully!" and gave him a big hug.

"You're the man of the house while I'm gone Brian. Ya think you can handle it?"

"Of course Pa."

"Alright, that's my boy."

Michaela smiled at Sully and he kissed her one more time before riding off.

"Well, we better get into town Brian."

"I'll grab your coat Ma, wait here."
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"Mr. Sully, glad you could accompany my men and I this time."

Sully did not agree with the army's doings, but the pay was good and it gave the Cheyanne an advantage.

"Of course Sergeant."

The officer stopped his horse. "Sully, why don't you say we cut through the valley down there? It'd save us some time."

Sully scanned the area before answering. "How about I save some of your men and take ya around the valley side. With all the rain on and off over the past week, the ground don't look too stable. Besides, being down in the valley would make your men an easy target for the Dog Soldiers."

"I'll have to disagree with you there Mr. Sully. I don't see no injuns out here and even if there were, my men could take them."

"Sergeant Kayes I really-,"

"Nonsense, we will cut through the valley. The quicker we finish the job, the better."

Sully shook his head and watched as they moved downward toward the valley. He knew it wasn't a safe option.

Just as Sully had warned, the Dog Soldiers used this opportunity to make themselves known to the army. Having connections to the indians, Sully raced his horse over to try and mediate the conflict.

"NO, DON'T SHOOT!"

Sully tried to keep the army from firing the first shot. From experience, he knew the Dog Soldiers were not there to fight. They simply came to warn and scare the army into leaving.

Sgt. Kayes men fired their weapons at the Dog Soldiers, sending them into a raging attack.

"STOP! ÉNEOESTSE!" Neither side seemed to respond to Sully.

Sully kept his head low and quickly got out of the way. He hated feeling helpless in the situation, but this wasn't the place for him. All he could do was take cover and wait it out.
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Back at the homestead, Brian was taking his 'man of the house' title very seriously.

"Look Ma, I fixed the cabinet under the sink."

She was impressed with his handy work and smiled. "Sully taught you well Brian, good job."

"I was thinking I could work on the barn next with Matthew. Some coyotes musta' broken into the side by the chickens."

"Well I'm sure Sully is going to be very surprised at all your hard work. Don't be too long, looks like it might storm tonight."

"Ok Ma. I can't wait to show him when he gets home tomorrow!"

Brian scurried off to the barn where Matthew was and went to work.
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Cloud Dancing was not one to normally follow the army, but since Sully was scouting for them, it was easier for the two to relay information quickly. Having watched the attack unfold, Cloud Dancing helped retrieve Sully.

"Cloud Dancing, if the army sees you-,"

"Do not worry about me. We must keep you safe. The spirits have told me Michaela is with child."

A bullet flew close to the two and ricocheted off a nearby tree.

"I can't just leave Sgt. Kayes and his men here."

"Sully you must trust me."

Cloud Dancing brought Sully all the way back to his homestead.

"Why did you bring me back here. I need to go help Sgt. Kayes."

"Go inside and hide your family."

"Cloud Danc-,"

He cut Sully off, "Trust me brother."

Sully hurried to put his horse up in the barn and went inside.

"Colleen, where are your brothers and your Ma?"

Colleen was sweeping the living room, "Ma is upstairs sleeping and I don't know where Brian and Matthew are. What's going on Sully?"

"I'm not sure. Go to your room and lock the door."

Colleen was frightened by not knowing what was happening, but did as Sully told.

"Michaela," Sully gently woke her.

"Sully? What are-,"

"Do you know where Brian and Matthew are?"

"I- I don't know. Brian didn't say, just that he would be with Matthew. Sully, what's going on?" Michaela was growing anxious waiting for answers.

"I'm not sure. Cloud Danc-,"

Sounds of horse hooves on the ground and shouting approached the house. Sully moved toward the window to see what the commotion was.

Michaela sat up, "Sully? Sully!"

"Dog Soldiers. They attacked Sgt. Kayes and his men earlier, then Cloud Dancing rushed me back to the homestead...," Sully thought hard to himself.

The sound grew louder.

"Oh my God."

"Sully, What?!"

"They're gonna attack the town again."