the LEGEND of She-Cat

Chapter Twenty Nine

Last chapter readers!

It was growing late and soon I was hungry, with small sticks and twigs digging into my back and hip. When I sat up, Dun-Can rose, holding out his hand to help me to my feet. Together we dressed and made our way leisurely back down the mountain, finding the horses grazing near where we had left them. Too tired to make more than a small fire, I rolled out our sleeping blankets as Dun-Can removed the body of the dead white man. Tired, my mind at peace, I sank into our blankets without words, half-asleep by the time Dun-Can joined me.

His arm slipped around my waist to pull me to his chest, my fingers lying comfortably on his hip. Eyes fluttering closed, I took in a deep breath, his scent filling my nostrils, driving all else away as I drifted to sleep.

I woke during the night, the silence so deep that it hurt my ears. Sitting up, I was startled to find myself alone, the fire burned down to faintly glowing embers. Looking around, I stood up but did not call out. Searching the darkness, I spotted the silhouettes of the three horses and relaxed a little. Dun-Can was not far if the smoke colored horse was here.

Rubbing my arms, I moved away from the camp, each step placed carefully as I walked into the night. I found him standing in a patch of silver moonlight, his head tilted back, arms crossed.

"Dun-Can?"

"Shh," he hushed me gently, reaching back with his left hand without turning. "Come."

Sliding my fingers into his, I let my husband draw me to his side. I was about to question what he was doing when I heard it. Echoing voices carried, drifting on the cool currents of air, filtering through the trees and hills, winding around the hills, following the riverway to reach us. Voices singing in celebration, in happiness.

"They are the songs of my people," I whispered. "They are calling to Great Spirit for his favor and blessing, to watch over them, and thanking him for giving them victory over their enemies."

"Figured so," his murmur was next to my ear. "Do you want to go?"

"Where? Back to them?" When he nodded, I shook my head. "You are my village now, Dun-Can. I need no one else."

"You always know what to say, She-Cat." Holding me close, he kissed me as I framed his jaw in my hands. Looking down into my eyes, his smile was warm.

"A man shouldn't have the right to be loved by a woman like you."

"You have earned it, more than anyone ever could," flicking my finger out, I traced it down his nose. "Come back to bed."

We had not made it back to the firelight when Dun-Can abruptly halted, his gun sliding quickly into his hand. I had taken a step forward but he yanked me back, half shielding me. Three shadows waited for us near the dying firelight.

"It is unwise to sneak around in the dark," Dun-Can spat, suspicious. "What do you want?"

"We mean you no harm, Spirit Warrior."

That voice lifted the hair of my scalp and my breath caught in my throat as images flashed rapidly through my mind. There was movement, then the soft crackle and rush of flames, a log added to the embers. Light bloomed, spreading in a golden glow, revealing our guests. I stiffened, trying to conceal my surprise as I stared at a man I had never anticipated seeing again.

"Why are you here in the middle of the night?" Dun-Can demanded. My father answered him, gesturing at me.

"Stands Bravely has spoken to us of the Coyote Spirit, and her warning to our people. He also said it is pleased by the form of my daughter who was stolen away long ago, and wears her skin. I wanted to see such things with my own eyes."