Chapter XXX

It was an odd noise that drew Donoma from the depths of sleep.  She blinked open green eyes, causing the body beneath her to shift and tighten the embrace she was being held in.  Donoma blinked again, this time eliciting a chuckle from deep within Koko's chest.  Lips brushed over the top of her head.

"It is just the rain, Ka’eskone," the low voice burred.  "Go back to sleep."

Donoma shifted her head on Koko's shoulder, allowing her to listen to the strange sound of rain falling on wooden shingles.  Her hands started drifting in random patterns over Koko's skin and Koko reciprocated by running her hands up and down Donoma's arms.

They basked in their shared warmth and the tingles their touches caused in one another, slipping into a comfortable place where only the two of them existed.  Eventually however, Donoma broke the silence.

"I guess this means we will wait to make our trip into town."

Koko smiled, and though Donoma could not see it she did hear it in her voice.  "I believe you are correct, Ka’eskone.  Somehow I cannot garner much enthusiasm for being out in the cold rain when I can stay in this soft, warm bed with you."

"Never let it be said you are not a woman without priorities, warrior mine.  Perhaps this is a sign from the Great Spirit that we should slow down and enjoy life together for a bit."

"And perhaps it is simply rain, Donoma, though I will never turn down any opportunity to enjoy life with you.  I feel like we have so much time to make up for."  A beat.  "Do you remember the last time I held you in my arms like this?"

Donoma nodded her head against Koko's torso, her hair tickling the warrior and making her squirm.  "Oh yes... it was right before you left.  We had gone out to find some silence....

************

Despite the warmth of the day, the nights tended towards chilly, but made the sky clearer and brighter as the stars emerged from their daylight hiding place.  Donoma and Koko had gone out into the vast prairie in the late afternoon, determined to find a bit of peace.  The tribe had been celebrating some victory or other, but all Koko wanted was to bask in Donoma's presence in the quiet of a wide-open sky.

When they were far enough away, Koko flopped down onto the ground and tucked her hands under her head.  Donoma laid her head on Koko's belly and together they stared up the cloud filled sky searching for patterns in them.  This was almost as fun as star chasing and Koko planned to stay out long enough to do that activity as well.

The sun went down, creating beautiful, colorful patterns on the western horizon even as the eastern sky darkened with night.  Slowly the stars began to peek and pop out and Donoma shifted her position to curl up in the warmth of Koko's strong arms.

"How is it you always manage to be so warm, Koko?" she asked shivering.  "It is not even remotely warm out here now and yet you are toasty almost to the point of being hot."

"It must be the company I keep, Ka’eskone.  The Great Spirit has determined my sole purpose in life is to keep you warm – therein lies my skill as your protector.  Hey!" jumping when Donoma poked her in the ribs.  "What did you do that for?"

Donoma rolled her eyes and smirked.  "Like you do not know, Koko Kanti.  This particular skill may be exclusively for me, but it is certainly not the only one you possess.  Ask any of the warriors who have sat under your tutelage or whom you have led into battle.  I am fairly confident they would be happy to inform you of any other number of skills of which you are in possession."

"Yes, but what are the skills of war worth when you so obviously do not require them as you do the warmth with which I regularly supply you?  I believe the Great Spirit is showing me a new path," laughing this time when Donoma poked her.

"I believe you need to turn your attention to the stars, Warrior and see if perhaps there is a message there.  Although," Donoma continued with a smirk, "after the cloud chasing we did this afternoon, I fear for your eyesight.  You have <ahem> interesting vision."

Koko poked out her lip so far, Donoma had to bite her own to keep from laughing out loud.  Honestly... any farther and it would get stepped on.  "You do not like what I see in the clouds?"

"I do not *see* what you see in the clouds, Warrior, anymore than I see what you see in the stars."  Donoma leaned up on her elbows and brushed the unruly hair back out of Koko's eyes.  Then she cupped her face in one hand and rubbed her thumb against Koko's bottom lip until it retreated and she felt Koko shudder against her.  "That is why I find them interesting."

Koko looked at her disbelievingly at the glib explanation, but Donoma's expression showed only sincerity.  She tightened her hold on Donoma's body, forcing her to lie down once more, then she kissed the blonde head that tucked itself under her chin.  Donoma angled herself so she could hear Koko's heartbeat beneath her ear, never realizing when the strong steady beat lulled her into sleep.

***********

"That was only a few days before you left," Donoma said softly.  "I remember the feeling of completion and warmth and protectiveness that I felt that night; it is still one of my favorite memories."  She paused.  "I look back now and wonder how I could have missed what was so clear in your eyes and expression; what was so obvious in my own heart and mind despite my blindness to it.  You never let anyone take liberties with you the way I did."

Despite Donoma's serious demeanor Koko Kanti chuckled, causing Donoma to lean up until she could meet twinkling blue eyes.  Koko struggled to bring her mirth under control and looked at Donoma seriously though she couldn't quite hide the mischief that lurked in the back of her gaze.  Donoma arched an eyebrow in question and Koko nearly lost it again; only superior warrior stoicism allowed her to keep a straight face.

"Ka’eskone... no one but you would dare take liberties with me, especially of that sort.  They all like living too much.  You, however, are the exception to that rule.  With you they are not liberties – it is your place... where you belong; therefore they are simply your due."

Donoma didn't answer verbally – Koko had robbed her of thought; of speech; of her very breath.  Instead she leaned down and brushed Koko's lips, barely touching and causing Koko to follow her as she pulled away, seeking a deeper touch.

Donoma pulled back, teasing Koko, confident she would pursue.  Not only did Koko pursue, but Donoma suddenly found herself at the bottom of a very warm, wonderful pile of focused warrior passion.  It was a while before thought or speech or breathing were part of her processes again.

************

"I did not tell the truth," Donoma said some time later.  "That is the most peaceful way to start the day," stretching luxuriously against all the bare skin she was tucked into and giving Koko a satisfied smile.  She shifted until she was turned on her side, tracing the smooth skin beneath her fingers with the gentlest of touches, edging carefully around still tender skin.  "I could stay here with you...."

A rumbling between them short-circuited Donoma's words and caused a chuckle to ripple through both of them.  They caught each other's eyes and Donoma slid from her place at Koko's side, allowing Koko to get up with her.  They slipped into the bare minimum of clothing they could manage to ward off the chill, and Koko made her way to the small stove to light it while Donoma started gathering supplies to put together a meal for them.

She decided she really liked the cellar pantry despite the chilly darkness.  She wondered if Koko would teach her how to keep things in the empty glass jars once the garden was producing.  Donoma thought planting in the white man's world would have to be similar to what the People did – the only difference being that the People left it to grow on its own while they followed the herd and the white man tended to remain in one place to care for it.

The stove was lit and Koko was doing the same to the fireplace when Donoma emerged from the cellar.  She shivered and moved closer to the stove, greedily glad for the warmth it provided.  After a moment she felt the warmth of Koko's body against her and sighed in contentment.

"It is funny," she commented as she relished their closeness.  "If I was outdoors with the People in this weather, I would not notice the cold dampness unless the fire was put out."

"That is one reason you felt it so much," Koko agreed.  "Neither fire was lit and I have noticed the larger the space, the cooler the air when it is wet like this, no matter the thickness of the walls."  She leered in Donoma's direction.  "That is one reason it was so difficult to get out of bed this morning."

"Will it always be like this for us, do you suppose?"

Koko shook her head thoughtfully after a few minutes of silent consideration.  "No, Ka’eskone... I do not think it will.  Our relationship has been evolving since we first met.  It was always becoming more, better, different.  I can see no reason why that would change now."

Donoma turned to face Koko.  "I think I like that, Warrior.  Now, let me prepare us something to eat, then you and I need to do our exercises together."

Koko patted Donoma on the bottom and snatched up the pail closest to the door.  This was going to be a whole new experience for both of them.

************

Their meal was incredibly successful, especially when one stopped to consider that never before had Donoma attempted to cook on a stove or the enclosed fire that came with it.  Koko was thrilled, comforted in a way she never expected to be in this place.  Donoma was a little more frustrated, but knew that with time she could find the best way to make flatbread in that confounded stove.

At the moment however, the two women were engaged in the defensive routine Koko had taught Donoma when she was seven.  Koko was a little rusty, having very little opportunity to indulge in this sort of practice and being predisposed to reaching for her guns at this point in her life.  They had saved her life many times in the five years she had been away from the People, and she didn't regret her efficiency with them.  But she had missed this more than she'd allowed herself to realize... especially with Donoma.

Koko stood back at first, watching the beauty of the dance as Donoma made her way through the movements Koko had so painstakingly taught her years before.  After the first circuit Donoma stood back as well, pinning Koko in place with her gaze.

"Are you going to simply watch me, Warrior, or do you plan to participate in this little exercise at some point?"

"I was enjoying the image in front of me if you must know," Koko replied drolly.

"Uh huh... and it has nothing to do with the fact that you haven't done this in years."

A dark brow spiked into an equally dark hairline.  "Are you saying I no longer remember how to defend myself against a lightweight like you?  You think the ingrained habits of a lifetime simply disappear if they are not utilized properly every day?"

"I seem to recall getting a similar lecture many times during my training, Warrior.  Something along the lines of needing to train every day to keep from losing my skills.  Are you telling me that it is not true now?" stalking closer to Koko.  Blue eyes widened comically.  Donoma had never been so aggressive and there was something surprisingly appealing about it.  Then Donoma was completely in Koko's space and poking a finger into her chest.  "Tell me, Koko – were you lying to me then?"

"No, of course not, Ka’eskone," holding up her hands in surrender.

Donoma grinned.  "Defend yourself then, Warrior," and she moved swiftly into a defensive position.  Koko blinked then grinned ferally. 

"Prepare yourself, Ka’eskone.  I may not have done this in years, but it is still a very real part of who I was and who I am."

"Put your arrows where your bows are, Warrior."  Then there were no more words as they started the dance between them once more.

When they were done, Koko was smiling broadly.  "You have done well, Ka’eskone.  You have far surpassed the skill you had achieved training with me.  Did you practice with your hestatanemos while I was gone?"

Donoma shook her head.  "No, Koko Kanti.  When you left I continued to work on my own.  I could not allow anyone to take part in this or anything else we shared.  At first I was too hurt and then I was too angry.  Honaw kept watch; there was never a day I was without protection.  But he watched from a distance; it was all I would allow."

Koko nodded.  She was well acquainted with Donoma's stubborn streak.  She bit her lip pensively and took a deep breath.  "Did you... did you ever consider leaving the People – coming to find me?"

Donoma stared into blue eyes for a long moment.  "Not as a realistic path that I could follow, no.  You must remember, Koko, that at first I believed you were only going to be gone for a few days and at that point, Neho'e would not have allowed me to go regardless of the circumstances.  By the time I was old enough to choose the path best suited to me, I was too angry to look for you."  She paused a moment and straightened, crossing over to the half filled pail and scooped out a bit of still cool water.  She swallowed carefully then met Koko's eyes again.  "In some ways I wish I had; in others, I am glad I did not."

Koko cocked her head.  "How do you mean, Ka’eskone?"  Her voice and expression were neither accusing nor judgmental.  There was more curiosity than anything else.

"I wish I had in that we would not have lost so much time between us.  I am glad I did not as I am not confident things would have worked out so well if I had forced the issue then.  You would have been angry as well."

"That is very true, Donoma.  I would have been defensive... moreso than I have been now."

"It would be nice though if the Great Spirit would be a little more exact when he shares visions," Donoma added ruefully.  "It would make things a little less complicated and perhaps somewhat easier to figure out the interpretation of them."

Koko laughed heartily at Donoma's pronouncement.  "Oh Beloved," she gasped in English.  "I do not think the Great Spirit or the gods of the white man have any desire or intention to make things less complicated for the creatures that call themselves human beings.  There is no entertainment for them in making life less difficult for us."

"You believe that is why we are here, Koko Kanti?  To entertain those who watch over us and provide for us?"

Koko took Donoma's hand and led her to the small sitting area in front of the fireplace.  "I believe," she said as they settled together comfortably in a corner of the tiny couch, "that the Great Spirit offers guidance to those that seek it and that our Mother Earth provides for us as long as we do our part in providing for ourselves."  She shrugged and shook her head.  "I cannot say about the gods of the white man; there appear to be many."

"Do they not believe in the Great Spirit and Mother Earth then?"

"Not that I have been able to discover," Koko replied.  "There is a man in town known as Reverend Hawkins – he is considered the shaman of the One God.  Nice enough man although some of his beliefs... well, it is no wonder there are so many other gods they look to for whatever reason."

"Such as?" Donoma asked, cocking her head to one side.

Koko shrugged.  "Hard to know for sure – for some it is money or drink or the pleasure of women as they can afford them.  For others it is what they can claim... what they can own for themselves.  Then there are a few who believe in only themselves or do not believe in anything at all – they are the ones struggling to get by."  She shook her dark head.  "I still do not understand much of their ideas."

Donoma blinked slowly as she pondered Koko's words.  "I can understand your difficulty, Warrior.  I cannot comprehend that way of thinking."

"Good," Koko stated firmly.  "I never want you to become like the white man is, Donoma.  So many of them are cold and careless and unfeeling.  I love your warmth and caring and passion even when the passion is anger.  I hope you never learn to understand."

Donoma curled into Koko's arms and laid her head on her shoulder.  She smiled when Koko tightened her embrace and leaned her cheek against her blonde head.  The next little while passed peacefully until Koko determined it was her turn to cook for Donoma. 

It was a most interesting afternoon.

************

The next few days passed in very similar fashion.  The rain continued – sometimes heavily... sometimes barely misting.  But Donoma and Koko fell into a comfortable routine, appreciating their time alone together in a different way than they had out on the prairie.  Donoma didn't take time to analyze it; it was enough to simply enjoy.

Donoma was thrilled to find that Koko had added to her mother's somewhat meager collection of books and they spent evenings snuggled together reading new material and savoring old.

When the rain stopped the ground was more than saturated and Donoma realized it would be even longer before they were able to take that trip into town.  She found that didn't bother her.  Despite her enthusiasm for it before she'd realized that it would happen in good time.  And for the time being, she was more than content with transitioning into the white man's world with only Koko for company.

With the return of the sun Koko decided it was time to air out and clean the cabin and Donoma agreed with her.  Soon they were cleaning floors and walls and clothes and bedding, opening the windows and doors to allow the air to filter through.  It was slow going, but they took pleasure in doing the task together and they took their time enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.  Finally though, their home was sparklingly clean and fresh as were they and their clothing.

That evening, almost two weeks since they had run into Stephen Murphy, they curled up together again in the middle of their large, fresh bed.  Too tired to do anything more than cuddle, they were almost asleep when Koko mumbled softly, "Do you want to try to go into town in the morning?"

Donoma nodded her head, and they settled down to sleep.  Tomorrow would come soon enough.


Chapter XXXI

Reuben Washburn was frustrated – deeply, seriously frustrated.  His father Mordecai hadn't been particularly thrilled about his reasons for stalling their operations temporarily, but he did understand Reuben's reasoning; he even agreed with it.  It didn't make him happy though, especially having to agree to stay out of things and allow Reuben to handle things for a while.

His take on Reb Stone, however, was unshakeable.  "Take care of it," was all he'd said, but Reuben knew damned good and well exactly what that meant.  The problem was he couldn't – at least not at the moment and not in his present location.  Stone had still not returned to town though Washburn knew she had survived the attack by Hobbs' gang.

Worse – Reuben had no way to leave without losing the Army position he needed and there was no way he would be able to force the issue within the town limits.  Despite the many folks who found Reb Stone to be peculiar, most of them had benefited from her talents if not her generosity at one time or another and none had a bad word to say against her.

Still he'd heard rumors – nothing solid; no way to confirm anything; not even a way to verify the source – but if they were anything close to the truth, he should be able to turn public opinion against her.  This town might not be a God-fearing bastion, but it didn't take perversion lightly either.

He could only hope to get that lucky.  Mordecai was not going to wait very long before he stepped in and took care of things his own way.  And then all hell would break loose.

************

Marshal Stephen Murphy had a standing date with Miss Kitty on Wednesday afternoons.  Sometimes they shared a meal and talked and other times they shared themselves.  No matter how they chose to spend their time together, Wednesday afternoons between two and five were sacrosanct respected by all and sundry.  And only the most horrible circumstances would cause one or the other of them to miss that appointment or anyone else to interrupt.

On the other hand they didn't see one another much outside of that timeframe either, unless it was official business of the kind Murphy dealt with in his line of work.  So it nearly shocked the whole town speechless when Kitty put on her nice clothes and sauntered down to the Marshal's office on a Friday afternoon.

Murphy's eyes nearly bugged out of his head when Kitty crossed the threshold.  He rose from his seat automatically and motioned her to a chair.  He waited until she was seated, then resumed his own place behind the desk.  "Well, Miss Kitty, this is an unexpectedly pleasant surprise.  What, um... what can I do for you?"

"You can put my mind at rest, Marshal."  She crossed her legs and cleared her throat.  "I’m hearin’ some rumors and I'm not sure what to make of them."

"What are you hearing, Kitty?" he asked glowering in her direction.  "It's gotta be bad if you came out in the middle of the day to see me."

Kitty bit her lip, careful not to remove the color she had delicately painted on.  "I'm not sure it's bad yet, Stephen, but it is somewhat disturbin’."

"Kitty, what is it?" he asked again with more than a hint of exasperation.

"Well, rumor has it that Reb Stone is a horse thief; that she killed Leroy Washburn to keep from being discovered.  But no one believes that – even the naysayers who would love to have something they could lord over her.  She's done too much good for folks around here for that idea to stick though a lot of folks are wonderin’ why she would even be accused of such a thing.  I have to tell you, Stephen, I never have liked those Washburn boys.  Always a little too slick if you know what I mean."  He nodded but didn't comment, and she continued speaking.  "The rest... if it's true I'm afraid it may be enough to turn the people here against her – hypocrites that they are."

He cocked an eyebrow and folded his hands on his desktop.  "What, Kitty?" having a sinking feeling he knew exactly where this conversation was headed.

She cleared her throat again, feeling awkward.  "Well," she drawled slowly, "I've heard that she's taken a wife... an Injun wife."

Murphy closed his eyes.  He was going to have to kill Spencer; that was all there was to it.  The man obviously had no sense, spreading stories like that.  And if Stone ever got wind of it....

He sighed.  "Between you and me, Kitty," he said with a direct stare.  Kitty nodded, understanding and accepting his condition of silence.  He had shared many things with her over the years, and she had become his most treasured confidante.  With her hard-earned business knowledge and the things Murphy had shared, Kitty Caldwell knew enough secrets to bring down the whole town and a good percentage of the Army.

"Always, Stephen... you know that."

"All right," he agreed, sighing again.  "Stone does have a bride and she is an Injun though not like any Injun I've ever seen before."  Kitty cocked her head and motioned for him to continue.  "She's a bitty thing, Kitty... tiny like a bird but not weak.  Her hair is a red-gold color... not dark like you'd expect, and her eyes are as green as new spring grass.  And she's as full of piss and vinegar as Stone is."

"And you say she and Stone are married?"

"No... THEY say they're married and I'm not gonna argue with 'em."

"You sure that's wise, Stephen?  That sort of thing can turn ugly real quick.  You know how judgmental some of the people in this town can be... especially about something like this.  The only reason I'm not completely shunned is because I've got dirt on everyone and I'm willin’ to use it."

Murphy shook his head.  "Nothing to be done for it, Kitty, 'less they don't come into town.  And I don't see that as being a real option.  Say whatever you like, them two women fit together.  I've never seen anyone as fierce as that little one that belongs to Stone.  She liked to have lit my hair on fire with a look when I intimated that they couldn't be married to each other."

"Worse than Stone Cold?"

He snorted.  "Stone's look is like ice – she was all fire."

Kitty grinned despite the seriousness of the conversation.  "Sounds like they're perfect for each other."

"Pretty much," Murphy agreed.  "Question is... aside from me killing the teller of this particular tale, is there anything we can be doin' to make things easier for them when they come into town?  Stone promised to give me a little while to see what I could dig up on the accusations Washburn was throwing her way; although that died down pretty quickly from that corner come to think of it.  And although I know her Missus wasn't too anxious to visit, still you know that Stone at least will be here eventually whether it’s for supplies or looking for more bounties to chase."

"And you're sure about this... about them, I mean?"

"As sure as I've ever been about anything, Kitty.  My first reaction was a lot like yours, but you didn't see them together.  They belong."

Kitty chewed on the end of her finger thoughtfully.  "All righty, then... maybe we should speak to the reverend first.  He will ultimately be the one with the power to swing the minds of the old biddies in this town one way or the other."

"Can you convince him...?"

Kitty rose and Murphy stood as well.  She extended her hand and he took it as a matter of course.  She squeezed and waited for him to come around the desk, then she leaned forward and brushed his rough cheek with her painted lips, barely leaving a mark.  "Leave it to me, Stephen.  It may take a little while, but I think I can convince him to see things my way."

"Thanks, Kitty."

She shrugged.  "Reb Stone is my friend.  I don't have many of those in this town.  And she's always looked out for me and the girls whenever she could.  It's kinda nice to be able to pay some of that back."

"As I recall," he said as he walked her to the door, "you were a good Samaritan to her when she first came to town as well."

"Yeah, well... that was a long time ago and she's racked up a lot of points with me and the girls since then."

"Ya know, Kitty, if things were a little different...."

She cupped his cheek in her palm and brushed a thumb over his lips.  "I know, but they're not.  Let's just be thankful for what we've got," leaning up and brushing his lips with hers briefly before pulling away and opening the door.  "I'll be in touch."

"You do that," he instructed.  He watched her head back down towards the saloon and brothel.  He noted all the eyes that followed her progress, seeing the speculation and interest in the 'respectable' women of the town.  Then spotting Miss Molly Gillingham, Murphy decided to take a little stroll out towards the fort.  With a little luck, he could resolve things with Spencer without having to actually kill the colonel for his indiscretion.

************

"Come in," Spencer called out as Murphy knocked on the open door.  The two men hadn't spoken since their discussion about Reb Stone and Donoma.  Part of that was due to the tacit agreement they'd made not to argue about Stone and Donoma; the other was a desire to give each other a little bit of space to cool down in.

But at the moment Stephen Murphy was not worried about either of those things or the fact that he was risking years of friendship and good relations with the Army.  At the moment he had one single thought and that was to discover why Spencer had taken it upon himself to spread rumors about Stone and her mate.  Despite the evidence that it was truth and not rumors, in Murphy's mind it didn't excuse the fact that Spencer had spoken out of turn.  So he stepped into Spencer's office and closed the door behind him.

The colonel raised an eyebrow at the set fury in Murphy's face but motioned him to a seat.  The Marshal took a chair and leaned back, staring at Spencer for a long moment before opening his mouth to speak.

"Why'd you do it, Spence?  Why couldn't you just let things play out if and when Stone and her woman came into town?"

Jon Spencer jerked up from his place behind the desk and leaned over with his palms flat on the top.  "I don’t know what you're talking about, Murphy, but I don't like what you're implying."

Stephen Murphy stood opposite him and leaned against the other side of the desk until they were only inches apart.  "I'm not implying, Spence.  Are you gonna stand there and tell me that you didn't tell anyone about Stone and her wife?  'Cause rumors are flying all over the whole damn town, and I know I didn't say a word to anyone!"

Spencer fell back into his chair with a graceless flop and gaped at Murphy.  For his part Murphy maintained his gaze, watching realization dawn on Spencer's face.  Only when the colonel's mouth started working like a fish's, opening and closing with no sound coming out, did the Marshal take a seat and wait for him to recover his wits.  Finally Spencer leaned forward and covered his face with his hands.  Then he blew out a breath and dropped his hands, meeting Stephen's gaze squarely.

"It is my fault, Murph, but there was nothing malicious or hateful behind it.  I just did what you suggested."

"Huh?" not brilliant, but the best Murphy could come up with under the circumstances.

"You told me to have Miss Molly talk to Stone's bride... you know, if she thought being an Army wife was so bad."  Murphy nodded but didn't speak and the colonel continued.  "See, it's like this... Miss Molly and I stepped out together last night.  And we talked about marriage and how good I thought we could be together... you know, as husband and wife.  And she told me that being an Army wife scared her so I did what you suggested and mentioned that Stone had a wife she should talk to if she thought being an Army wife was scary.  Had to be worse married to a bounty hunter, right?"

"You didn't," flatter than a pancake.

"I did," Spence retorted.  "I didn't even think about the consequences.  Frankly I never thought Miss Molly was the malicious type.  I never expected her to be telling tales out of school."  He shrugged.  "It just goes to show you can never really tell about people.  She's really not Army wife material if she isn't more discriminating on what news she shares and with whom."

Murphy kept his mouth shut.  He'd learned from experience that women were women regardless, and just like most men he knew, if there was a juicy tidbit of gossip to share they were damn sure going to share it with anyone and everyone who would listen.

Spencer sighed.  "Not much to be done for it now, I suppose.  I kind of hate that – Stone is good people.  I hate to lose her friendship over something like this."

"Why do you have to?"  At the colonel's cocked brow, he continued.  "Why do you have to lose her friendship?  Why not stand up and show folks that nothing has changed as far as you're concerned?"

"Excuse me?  Murph... what do you mean, nothing has changed?  Everything has changed!"

"Has it?  Or is something that has always been private suddenly been made public?"  The question stopped Jon Spencer in his tracks and he turned his gaze inward and gave it the deliberation it was due.  Eventually he looked back at Stephen Murphy who was waiting patiently for him to draw his own conclusions.

"Son of a bitch."  Murphy's eyebrows went up, but he remained silent.  "Son of a bitch," Spencer repeated.  "You're right.  Fact is, I never knew that much about Stone in the first place... at least not her private life.  I never saw her with anyone, not even the girls at the saloon, except when she was having dinner with them.  And I think she did that mostly to keep the more rowdy type men in line.  All I really know of her is what I know dealing with her as a bounty hunter, and I can't fault the type of businesswoman she is.  She's always been fair, forthright and honest in her dealings."

"And she always gets her man."

"Lucky for us."

"So...?"

"So I guess I will be out to greet her when she or they come into town.  Don't know as I can do much more than that, but I'm not going to let the best bounty hunter in the territory disappear because I don't agree with her mating choice."

"Just you remember that her mate is a fierce woman in her own right, Spence.  Woman nearly singed me bald with a look when I told her they couldn't be married."

Spencer chuckled. "That would have been quite the sight to see."

Murphy snorted.  "Only 'cause you’re not the one what would have been bald."

The colonel raked a hand through his still thick hair.  "I don't think I would be as appealing to Miss Molly as a bald man at any rate."  A troubled look crossed his face and Murphy stepped out of character for a moment and did something unusual for him.

"Whatcha gonna do about her, Jon?"

Jon shook his head.  "I don't rightly know," he replied honestly.  "I really do like her, Stephen, you know?  I think she would make a good wife.  She is obviously sturdy stock if she has survived out here; she comes from good people; she has nice manners and I think she would bear strong children."

"But...?"

"But can I marry someone who can't hold her tongue... or at least know when to speak and when to be silent?  Do I really want to?  I care for her very much; I just... I need to decide if I can live without her or not, and if not, how willing am I to teach her to be a proper Army wife?"

"Wouldn't the other wives help her adjust?  I thought that was what women did... you know, sorta stick together."

Spencer laughed and rose from his seat, coming around the desk to clap Murphy on the shoulder.  "That kind of thinking is probably why you and I are confirmed old bachelors at this point in our lives, Stephen.  I have found that sometimes women come together in camaraderie and join forces against a common enemy and sometimes they will ostracize one another because they can.  I long ago stopped trying to make sense of either their thinking processes or their machinations.  It made my head hurt too much.  I do know that if I ever decided to marry, my wife would be expected to be a leader among the wives and women here as much as I am a leader among the men.  That is the way of the Army.  And I am not sure Miss Molly is up to that challenge."

"Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out.  Meantime, I need to talk to Kitty... see what the good reverend has to say about it all.  If he's on our side, I figure the old biddies will fall in line."  He noticed Spencer's speculative look.  "She's the one who came to me with the rumors, Spence."

"Figures," the colonel grunted.  "If there is news in this town, real or imagined, Miss Kitty is going to be the first one to hear about it.  That woman is better than a newspaper or a town crier for news, and she's discrete.  Of course, in her line of work...." not saying any more to keep from offending Murphy.  He knew how the Marshal felt about Kitty.

Murphy offered him a slightly pained smile.  "Maybe she should be the one to teach Miss Molly about discretion."

Jon laughed.  "I'd almost pay to see that."

Stephen's laughter joined in.  "So would I actually."  The two men shook hands and Spencer opened the door for Murphy to leave.  "Come around for dinner tomorrow, and I'll let you know what Hawkins had to say.  Maybe we can head things off at the pass."

"I'll be there."  Then the two men went back to work, wondering what the morrow would bring.


Chapter XXXII

Miss Kitty moseyed back to the saloon.  She knew talking to Reverend Hawkins was going to require a little finesse.  Still he was a man and not without secrets, though if she could manage it she'd prefer not to have to threaten him with exposure.  He was much better as a willing ally than an antagonistic one and Kitty was determined to bring him around to her way of thinking.  First though, she needed sustenance.  Then she could strategize her battle plan.

She walked in the door and greeted Benny the bartender with a wave.  He nodded his head and signaled one of the other girls to fetch Kitty a plate.  For her part, Kitty headed upstairs to remove her 'going out' clothes.  Even if she had to put them on again later to talk to the reverend, it was better than wrinkling them or staining them in the meantime.

Kitty unbuttoned her shoes, kicking them off with an almost decadent sense of liberation.  Then she reached behind her to start unbuttoning her dress, only to be stopped by the knock on the door.  With a sigh of relief, she opened the door and ushered Ginger into the room, taking the tray from her hands and turning her back.

Ginger understood the unspoken directive, unhooking buttons quickly and patting Kitty's back when she was finished.  Kitty turned and brushed their lips together lightly, then slipped out of her dress and into her comfortable robe.

"God, that's much better," she said, stretching comfortably before moving over to the tray she'd set down on her bed.  "Thanks, by the way... I'm starvin’."

Ginger smiled.  "Thank Benny.  He's the one who let us know you were ready for it."

"Good man... remind me to thank him later."  She looked up at Ginger.  "How'd you get drafted to bring it upstairs?"

Ginger's smile became a grin.  "I volunteered."

Kitty smirked.  "Of course you did."

Ginger was good, letting Kitty satisfy the first pangs of hunger before she started talking.  "So what's the word?"  Kitty met her gaze blankly.  "C'mon, Kitty – you went down to talk to the Marshal as soon I told you about the rumors goin' around town.  Are you gonna sit there and pretend that didn't have anything to do with your impromptu visit to see Stephen Murphy?"

"I can't, Ginger.  I promised Stephen to keep his counsel on this.  But I can tell you he was mightily displeased to hear about these rumors floatin' about."

"I'd say that was the truth for the majority of the town from the sound of things no matter which side of the fence you fall on.  Do you realize Reb's supposed marriage to an Injun woman has pushed the talk of her being a horse thief right off the map?  Not that anyone here believed that foolishness; even the old biddies knew better than to say a word against her in that regard."  She turned and leaned up against the door.  Kitty arched an eyebrow at her.

"Have you heard anything else?"

"Nothing I didn't already tell ya; the telling seems to get worse with each round it makes though.  'Fore ya know it, Reb's gonna have a harem and fangs."  The two women snorted and Kitty almost choked on her laughter.

"Thanks for that imagery, Ging," Kitty said wryly when she could speak again.  "I'm gonna be hard-pressed to keep a straight face next time I see Reb and God knows I can't afford to be seen laughin' at her.  Folks'll take that all wrong."

"Well, people do seem to be fallin' into two distinct camps from what I've been able to figure out already.  Most of the shopkeepers, the single men, the cowboys and the like don't give a rat's ass.  They figure it's none of their business.  The old biddies though...."

"So it's a case of men on one side, women on the other."

"Pretty much, except for the reverend who is sticking with the old women and us who come down firmly with the men."

Kitty chortled.  "Don't we always?"  Ginger howled with laughter and it was a few minutes before either of them could speak sensibly again.  "Now," Kitty said, popping the last bite of cornbread into her mouth and brushing the crumbs from her hands, "I need to figure out the best way to get the good reverend to see things our way... preferably without using blackmail."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why preferably without blackmail?  Damn, Kitty – what's the point of knowing all the secrets if you never use them?"

"I'd prefer to have him on our side as an ally, Ginger.  No one wants a war over this.  There's a lot hidden behind the walls and doors of this town.  That kind of stuff starts spilling out, there's liable to be an explosion of massive proportion."

"You think it could come to that?"

"I think Washburn will use any opportunity he can to stir shit against Reb."  She sighed.  "I still don't understand why they didn't cotton to her at all.  She's doing the Army a huge favor being such a successful bounty hunter; lessens their responsibilities in the territory by the wagonload.  Why'd the Washburn boys have such a stick up their ass where she is concerned?  As far as I could tell, she stayed well away from them, didn't she?"

Ginger nodded slowly.  "Yeah, though that might've been the problem.  She's a woman working in a man's world, meeting a man's terms and to top it all off, she shunned them as men.  Now in fairness she did that with all the men that wanted her as a woman."  She shrugged.  "Maybe that bothered them the most."  She took a seat next to Kitty.  "I dunno, Kit... the whole thing just gives me a really bad feeling."

"Yeah, me too," Kitty agreed.  "Nothing good can come from this."  She rubbed her forehead, careful not to smudge the makeup she had so painstakingly applied earlier.  "It's already giving me a headache."

Ginger rose from her place beside Kitty and removed the tray from the bed before returning and propping her body against the pillows at the headboard.  Then she patted the space between her scissored legs, motioning for Kitty to sit between them with her back to Ginger's chest.  Then Kitty's chin dropped to her chest as Ginger began a firm kneading on the knots in her neck.

"Christ Ginger, you have magic hands."

"And a magic tongue depending on who you ask," Ginger replied saucily, causing Kitty to jerk with laughter.  She kept up the pressure, forcing the knots to loosen under her touch one by one.

"God that feels so good, but you're puttin’ me to sleep."

"Go with it, Kitty – you need the rest if you're going to be ready for Mason and his boys tonight.  This stress isn't good for ya, you know."  Kitty snorted, but she didn't speak.  Ginger slipped from her spot behind Kitty, then encouraged her to cuddle down into the soft bed.  "G'wan, me and the girls will handle any business that comes in for a while.  I'll come gitcha before Mason gets here."

Kitty might have answered except for the soft snoring that issued from between her lips.  Ginger pulled the blanket up to her waist, then snagged the tray and tiptoed from the room.

************

Saturday morning, Kitty got up early – a huge sacrifice given the lateness of the hour she'd been up working the night before.  She smiled, then grimaced.  She appreciated the business, but God, she was beat.  It was nothing another few hours of sleep wouldn't cure, but she needed to talk to Reverend Hawkins first and unfortunately that meant early morning hours.  On Saturdays Mrs. Hawkins held a prayer meeting with the respectable Christian women of the town while the good reverend went to the schoolhouse to convert it into a church meetinghouse.  Then he would rehearse his sermon until the women were out of his house.

So muttering under her breath at the things she did for friendship, Kitty struggled out of bed.  She scrubbed her face and carefully reapplied her make-up, then slid into her going out clothes for the second day in a row.

It was dark and quiet downstairs; no one would be stirring in the saloon until close to lunchtime.  With any luck Kitty would conclude her business with the good reverend quickly enough to take advantage of the relative silence for a few more hours of peace.

The shops were opened; most of the storekeepers gave her a nod of greeting though not much more.  Kitty didn't mind – she more than most understood the importance of appearances.  She got their money and attention sooner or later if not their public respect.

When she reached the far end of the street, she crossed and mounted the steps slowly.

"And the Lord said, 'I shall smite...' Miss Kitty?"

Kitty's lips twisted wryly at the irony of the words that welcomed her appearance into the church.  Daniel Hawkins kept the smile from his lips but didn't contain the twinkle in his eyes.  She offered her hand and he accepted it, squeezing briefly before releasing it.  Then he motioned her to a bench and took a seat across the aisle.

"What brings you to see me, Kitty?"

"I think you can probably guess, Daniel."

He sighed and rubbed a hand across his eyes.  "Kitty...."

"Daniel, are you gonna sit there and tell me you agree with the old biddies of this town?  That Reb Stone needs to be shunned because of who she chooses to spend her time with?  The same Reb Stone that has done more than her share to help keep this a decent place to live?"

"The Bible says...."

"The Bible says 'judge not that ye be not judged'; 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone'."  She laughed aloud at his flabbergasted expression.  "C'mon, Daniel.  I haven't always been a whore.  I spent a goodly portion of my Sundays growing up listenin’ to a hellfire and brimstone preacher you know.  I'm not interested in what you think the Bible says.  I'm interested in what you, Daniel Hawkins, say.  And before you answer that," she said holding up a hand when he drew breath to speak, "I mean you the man... not the preacher and not the husband."

He sighed again, this time scrubbing both hands over his face, then allowing them to rest on his lips while he contemplated her in silence.  "If it was left up to me, I'd tell them to stay well away from this town, Kitty.  Different don’t do well here – you know that.  Look at how long it took Stone to make a place for herself as a woman bounty hunter.  Now for her to bring in an Injun woman – that's bad enough, but to call her mate??"

"Daniel, I'm not asking for an explanation.  I'm askin’ what side you come down on."

"As a man I don't rightly care.  Reb Stone has been a contributing member of this town and I value that.  But as a preacher I have to condemn her actions.  She flaunts her differences and that's just not right.  It goes against the Good Book."

Kitty sneered.  "It goes against Eunice's desire for a polite society in this town, Daniel... just like I do.  Imagine if she knew the truth about you."

His face flushed red and his eyes popped from their sockets.  She held up her hands.

"Breathe, Daniel.  I'm not going to tell her – at least not now.  But imagine if she did know.  The only real difference is Reb's not hiding her secret."  Kitty rose and smoothed out her skirt.  "Maybe one day you'll be able to be that man you always wanted to."

Without another word Kitty turned and headed back out towards the saloon.  With a little luck she'd be able to get back to bed with no more interruptions in her sleep.

************

Koko lay still, her eyes focused on the warm body of her mate.  Donoma was curled up into the warrior's body, holding on so tightly she wondered what haunted the seer's dreams.  For her part Koko trailed her hands up and down Donoma's bare skin anywhere she could reach – arms, back, belly.  Slowly her touch roused Donoma towards wakefulness and Koko smiled as Donoma mewed her protest at being awakened, no matter how gently.

Koko rolled them so Donoma was tucked beneath her and her eyes were focused on Donoma's, wanting to see green eyes.  It took a few minutes, but eventually her patience was rewarded and sleepy green eyes slowly blinked open.  Donoma smiled up into the blue eyes full of love gazing back at her, then laced her hands into the dark hair, tugging until Koko's lips were a mere whisper away from her own.

"Good morning," she said softly.

"Good morning, Ka’eskone," dropping her head and capturing the full lips beneath her for a timeless moment.  "How did you sleep?" she asked when they separated.

Donoma grinned and rubbed Koko's nose with hers.  "I was in your arms, Warrior; my sleep is always good there."  Koko traced the planes of Donoma's face with her fingertips, studying the depths of her eyes for any suggestion of what had caused her to hold on so fiercely in her sleep.  Not finding anything, she kissed Donoma's nose and pulled back slightly.

"As is mine, Ka’eskone."  She rolled onto her back, smiling when Donoma followed and tucked her head under Koko's chin.  They lay that way for a few minutes, then Koko tilted her head enough to kiss the blonde head.  "Do you still want to try to go into town today, Donoma?  I think it may be dry enough for us to make it in without too much difficulty."

"I go where you go, Warrior."

Koko shifted.  "Have you decided otherwise, Beloved?  We do not need to go if you are not ready."

"I think we need to get this behind us, warrior mine.  It is not going to get easier by waiting."

Koko nodded her head.  That much was the truth.  She knew that as well as anyone and better than most.  Had it not been for necessity, she herself would never have ventured into town the second time.  She was not particularly looking forward to introducing Donoma to the white man's world, remembering her own experiences, but until her business with Stephen and the Army was complete there was no way she was going to leave Donoma alone.  Something about the very idea sent squiggles traveling up and down her spine in painful patterns.

"Very well," Koko agreed.  She squeezed Donoma once more, then released her hold.  "We should get started.  It will take most of the morning to get there."

"Do we have time for breakfast?" Donoma asked as her belly growled.  Koko chuckled.

"Absolutely, Ka’eskone.  Never let it be said I let you starve."

"You nearly did once – do you remember?" Donoma asked seriously though the twinkle in her eyes belied the gravity of her tone.

"I never...!" Koko replied aghast.

"Oh, but you did, Warrior.  Do you not recall my defensive training?  Part of that was survival – you offered me roasted scorpion and rattlesnake blood!!"

"I found more palatable alternatives!" Koko whined in her defense, reminding Donoma of the cactus that had served as both food and drink.

"Yes, but only because I turned the color of my eyes if I recall correctly, Warrior.  For a time there I was convinced you wanted me to fail."  Donoma's face was teasing; Koko's countenance grew grave, not a hint of humor in her expression or manner.

"Not once did I ever desire your failure, Ka’eskone."

"Oh, Koko... I know that now.  I realized it later when I heard about warrior survival training – you did not spend extra time looking for things they would eat.  They were expected to eat what they found or go hungry."  She took Koko's face in her hands.  "You never failed in your duty to look out for me, Koko Kanti, and I can appreciate those efforts very differently as an adult and your mate than I ever could as a child."  She laughed softly and shook her head. 

"What?"

"It is so clear to me now.  Why was it so hard to see before?"  She looked into wide blue eyes.  "Everyone knew, Koko... everyone saw.  Everyone but me.  What could have been so important to the Great Spirit that we needed to be separated for five cycles?"

Koko caught Donoma's hands in hers and kissed the knuckles.  "Ka’eskone, I am not sure the Great Spirit had anything to do with it.  Sometimes it is just us and our decisions and their consequences.  But...." stopping Donoma's protestations before they could begin, "it will be something you can ask one day in the very distant future when we go together to meet our fathers and mothers.  However, you are going to have to let it go for now, Ka’eskone.  What's done is past – there is nothing we can do to change it.  We can only live today for the precious gift that it is."

Donoma brought their joined hands to her lips, placing her own kiss over them.  "When did you get to be so smart, Warrior?"

"I could not help but be, Donoma Chepi.  I have the smartest advisor in all the land.  I could not have her think me an idiot now, could I?"

"Keep reminding me of today, warrior mine.  I am tired of living in the past and finding only pain and loneliness in the present while seeing nothing but darkness in my future.  I want to remember the past, but I want to live in the present and look towards the future with you."

Koko smiled.  "You will... I will be right here to remind you until you remember."

"Good thing you love me so much."

"I never stopped."  Then her declaration was interrupted by the loud rumble from two stomachs this time.  "I suppose that is a sign we have had enough sentiment for the moment.  We should take care of this and get started to town.  The sooner we take care of our business there, the sooner we can come home again."

Donoma frowned.  "Is there something about this that concerns you about this journey, Warrior?"

"Several somethings in fact, but they will not change or disappear if we delay.  I need to speak with Stephen at any rate.  I want to know what he has discovered about Washburn's accusations against me.  The whole situation is difficult and strange."

"We will work it out, Koko... together."

"That is all I need, Ka’eskone.  Everything will figure itself out as long as we are together.  Now come – it is time to introduce you to Miss Kitty and her bathtub with hot water."  Donoma grinned and they went to into the kitchen to get some breakfast so they could get on their way.


Chapter XXXIII

Just as Koko had warned her, the town was noisy to the point of being painful.  But even as that thought crossed Donoma's mind, the cacophony slowly fell into silence as their presence attracted attention and people stopped to stare.  Koko reached over a reassuring hand, clasping Donoma's and squeezing.  Donoma met Koko's eyes and smiled.  They rode without stopping until they reached the saloon.  Koko dismounted and tied off both horses before turning to Donoma and helping her from Dapples.  Then she took Donoma's hand again and they went inside without a backwards glance.

Benny whooped and called to the girls upstairs before coming around the bar.  "Hey, Reb... long time, no see.  Kitty, girls... git on down here and see who's come a-callin'."

At his first call girls started appearing over the banister railing, sticking their heads out the doors of their rooms to find out what the commotion was about.  As soon as they recognized Reb, they gave their own cheer and swooped down the stairs en masse, swarming around the two women waiting there.

Kitty whistled above the melee, bringing the racket to an instant halt.  All eyes turned in her direction and the girls split to create a pathway for Kitty to traverse.  She did so slowly, looking for all the world like a panther stalking its prey.  She held Reb's eyes for a long moment, then cupped the warrior's face in her hands before leaning forward to kiss her only to find sparking green eyes glaring at her from a very close distance.

"Mine," Donoma growled fiercely, stepping forward into Kitty's personal space and forcing the other woman to take a step back just to keep her balance.  Koko hadn't even realized Donoma had moved until Kitty's brown eyes met hers in amusement.  She smiled and wrapped her arms around Donoma's middle, pulling the smaller woman's body against her own.

"Always yours, Ka’eskone.  This is Kitty," motioning to the dark-haired woman who watched them in fascination.  "My friend."  She looked at Kitty.  "Kitty, this is my mate, Donoma Chepi."

Kitty stepped back a bit and extended her hand.  "It's nice to meet you, Donoma Chepi.  You and your mate are welcome here."

Donoma studied Kitty's brown eyes intently for a moment, then accepted her hand in a gentle grip.  "Thank you, Kitty... nice to meet you too," she replied slowly, wanting to get the words right.  Kitty held her hand lightly and turned to face the girls waiting patiently behind her.

"Donoma, these are my girls," introducing them one by one and saving Ginger for the last.  "Ginger is my go-to girl.  And this strappin’ man is Benny, our barkeep.  He's a decent sort, which is saying a lot in this town."

"Problem?" Koko asked, having stayed at Donoma's side the entire time Kitty had been introducing her to the girls in the saloon.  Kitty shook her head. 

"Nothin’ we have to talk about before lunch, Reb.  And speaking of...." Kitty released Donoma's hand and went to the window, turning around the handmade sign that proclaimed them open for business.  "I imagine the cowboys have been waiting for that, but I expect it'll get us a lot more business in here today," with a significant look in Koko's direction.

Koko and Donoma exchanged glances, then Reb acknowledged the remainder of the girls though their greetings were far more restrained than was normal.  No one wanted to upset Donoma further and it had been made painfully apparent that she and Reb Stone were bound to one another on a fairly deep level; certainly deeper than could be expected given Reb's reputation as a solitary figure.  Surely the few weeks she'd been gone from them were not long enough to cultivate that sort of bond.  Kitty decided to ask and motioned them towards the table Reb always took when she was there.

Reb took the corner against the wall where she could observe the entire room.  Though it was empty save for them at the moment, she knew that would change and wanted to be prepared for any eventuality.  Donoma sat next to her and the rest started filling in around the table – all except for Benny.  He went back behind the bar knowing Kitty would give him the whole story later and needing to be ready for the customers he knew would be coming in.

A word from Kitty caused Ginger to grab a couple of the other girls and head into the kitchen.  After only a moment, they returned with their arms full, followed by the roundest, darkest woman Donoma had ever seen.  Donoma just stared.  She didn't mean to of course, but she couldn't seem to stop – the whites of the woman's eyes and teeth practically glowed against her dark skin.  Koko rose and was engulfed in an embrace before she or Donoma could react and was released just as quickly.

"How you be, Reb Stone?  I been hearin' 'bout you takin’ a wife – she wouldn't be this pretty little thing here now, would she?" taking Donoma's hand and tugging her from her seat.  "C'mon and give Big Mama a hug, darlin'.  Your Reb's 'bout the best friend mosta us womenfolk gots in this here town."

"Good friend to Donoma Chepi as well," Donoma said with a smile.  Big Mama chuckled.

"I jus' bet, Little One."  Then she turned and headed back to the kitchen, still laughing.  Donoma looked bemusedly at Koko who just laughed and shook her head.

"Do not question it, Ka’eskone.  Big Mama is a law unto herself, much like Kitty."  The women around the table exchanged glances when the foreign tongue slipped easily from Reb's mouth.  It hinted at an even deeper mystery than Donoma herself was.  Kitty decided to take things in hand.

"So, Donoma," waiting until green eyes tracked to her brown ones.  "Tell us how you and Reb met."

"Koko and I know each other long time – met as children."

Kitty's eyes widened comically.  "Wait just a damn minute," she interrupted.  "You mean to tell me the two of you are childhood sweethearts?!"  She turned and glared at Koko.  "Why are we just now hearin' about this, Reb?"  Kitty smiled sweetly at Donoma.  "So tell me about this romance."

"Kitty...."

"Aw c'mon, Reb.  You've lived here off and on for five years and not once do we hear a word about anyone in your life then suddenly you turn up with a wife and we're not even supposed to be a little curious?" Ginger cut in before Kitty could answer. 

"All you need to know for now is that Donoma and I grew up together and just recently found one another again.   Being married is new for us."

Kitty grinned broadly.  "Well, I have to say it suits you both perfectly, but I want to hear more about it later.  For now it looks like word of your arrival in town has made the rounds.  An audience is gathering in your honor."  Her smile turned to a grimace.  "We're not the only ones who are curious."

Stephen Murphy was the first in the door and he walked over to greet both Koko and Donoma as long lost friends.  Donoma looked her confusion at Koko, but the warrior didn't say anything; blue eyes merely promised an explanation later.

Next came Colonel Jon Spencer.  He shook Reb's hand and did the same to Donoma, albeit far more gently.  "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Stone.  We need to talk," he said addressing Koko.  "Not about this... about the other matter.  But it will wait until after lunch.  May we join you?" he asked politely.  Most of the girls had gotten up as soon as patrons started coming in the doors.  Only Kitty and Ginger remained.

Koko looked at Donoma who held her gaze for a long moment before nodding.  Koko took her hand and Donoma grasped it tightly though no one watching them could have told that from the expression on either face.  Koko turned back to Murphy and Spencer.

"Please," motioning them to a chair.

They took their seats and an awkward silence fell.  Donoma stared at the Blue Coat; she had never been this close to one before.  She only knew of them because the warriors of the tribe spoke of them with great disdain.  More than wild animals; more than starvation or disease; more than any other affliction the People suffered from, the Blue Coat was the most feared... the most hated.  And yet here sat one at the table with them eating lunch as though he was just like everyone else Donoma knew and not the monster she had always been told that Blue Coats were.

"Mrs. Stone, I understand you're an Injun, but you don’t look anything like any Injun I've ever seen.  Why is that?" 

Donoma understood that his words were an insult, but it was Koko who reacted without a pause.  Her blue eyes blazed fury and she slammed her hands on the table; only Donoma's free hand on her leg offered her a sense of calm.  She met Donoma's eyes and then took a deep breath.  "Colonel Spencer, I'm sure you meant no disrespect to Donoma Chepi, but I'm only gonna tell you once to watch your tone.  She's done nothing to earn your derision.  Try to remember that."

Spencer had the good grace to look abashed at her words and faced Donoma with a red face.  "My apologies, Mrs. Stone.  I didn't intend to be rude; I'm just curious."

"People found... took in when still baby.  Made family.  I ask you question?"  At his nod she continued.  "Why Blue Coat?"

Spencer was taken aback, not having expected such forthrightness.  He looked at her thoughtfully for a long moment.  "Tradition," he answered finally.  "It's all I know... all the men in my family have done for generations."

"Glad not your family then," Donoma stated bluntly.  "Blue Coats cause much trouble for People."

Before Spencer could ask for a definition, Reuben Washburn's voice rang out from the street.  "Stone!!"

As one body the entire table rose and went to the door, Reb in the lead.  She looked out to find him staring at her as though she was the Devil Incarnate, and she hiked an eyebrow at him in question. 

"Something I can do for you, Washburn?"  She stepped out of the saloon, followed closely by Donoma who clutched her hand like a lifeline.  He sneered derisively at her.

"Yes, you thieving, murdering son of a whore – think you're so tough you marry a woman to prove your manhood.  I'm calling you out, Stone.  You wanna be a man so bad – time to take it and die like one."

Spencer stepped forward then, only to find an arm held by Murphy and his chest stopped by Reb's upraised hand.  "Stone, this is an Army matter...."

"No, Spencer... this is personal.  He brought the fight to me; now I'm gonna finish it."  She turned to Donoma and spoke in the language of the People.  "I have to do this, Ka’eskone.  He will haunt us for the rest of our lives if I do not.  He is just that type.  He cannot accept that he is wrong and cannot let go of an idea whether it is a mistake or not."

"You will take care of this and come back to me?"

"Oh yes, Beloved.  I could have beaten him even before we were joined.  Now I have every reason to do so; we have a life to live together."

Donoma cupped Koko's face in her hands.  "Do what needs to be done, Warrior.  I will be here waiting."

"Stone!!!  You coming?  Or do I need to shoot you where you stand and take your whore."  He grinned sickly, and Koko wondered if he was drunk.  "That's not a bad idea," he mused, reaching for his weapon.  It took him ten full seconds to realize that the gunshot he heard hadn't come from his still holstered pistol.  Instead it was blossoming across his chest in a wash of red blood.  He looked down stupidly for a moment before looking back up to meet her deadly glare.  "Son of a bitch – that hurts!" he mumbled before his mind understood he was dead and buckled his legs out from under him.

There was silence for a moment, then Reb re-holstered her gun and looked at Donoma.  She saw no horror; no disgust; no triumph or satisfaction.  She only saw love reflected back at her out of those bright green eyes and she accepted the gift that it was with a small smile and open arms, gratified when Donoma didn't even hesitate.

After a moment Stephen Murphy cleared his throat awkwardly.  "Well, that was unorthodox but certainly effective."  Koko and Donoma separated just slightly and looked at him, but before he could elaborate, Jon Spencer spoke.

"You know there will need to be an inquiry," the colonel stated as they watched Washburn's body being removed from the street.

"Into what, Spence?  He challenged Reb in front of a town full of witnesses and he drew first on her... or tried to at any rate.  What part of that needs an inquiry?"

"It's a formality, Murphy.  Like him or not, Reuben Washburn was an officer in the United States Army.  His death has to be documented."  He paused.  "We did the same for Leroy."

"You can document his death without an inquiry.  There are plenty of folks standing right here who will be more than willing to give testimony to the fact that Reuben Washburn's death was his own fault and by his own choice."

Spencer looked around, seeing shopkeepers in every doorway up and down Main Street.  Kitty's girls were standing along the sidewalk in front of the saloon and even the old biddies were poking their noses out from behind the curtains of their respectable residences.  He nodded his head.

"All right... you've got a point.  Though I doubt anything will satisfy Mordecai Washburn.  He's one mean son of a bitch... begging your pardon, ma'am," with a bow in Donoma's direction.  "I guess this settles the matter of the horse thieving as well.  I never did buy into it, but he was adamant in his accusations against you, Stone."

"Why?"

"Huh?  Why what?"

"Why was he so insistent that I was a horse thief?  What was his brother doing that I was accused of committing such a crime?  There has to be a reason behind it."

"I don't... I never really thought about it – never gave it any serious consideration."

"Again... why?"  Koko looked at him, holding Donoma firmly next to her.  "I understand you not taking the charges seriously, and I appreciate that, believe me.  But that doesn't explain why you didn't look into it, Spence."

Spencer frowned.  "Why would I, Reb?  The charge was unfounded."

Koko sighed and rolled her eyes, trying to make the man see what she was getting at.  Then Donoma spoke.  "Why man tell lies?"

The colonel opened his mouth and then stopped as he thought about what Donoma had just asked.  "That's a good question," he finally admitted.  "Why did he make up something like that?  He had to know without proof that I would take your word over his."

"Not necessarily," Murphy spoke up.  "After all, he was an officer in the Army and Reb, no matter her reputation is still a woman doing what is generally considered to be a man's job.  Still it bears some looking into."  He turned to Koko.  "I'll see what I can find out though there has been precious little evidence to show much of anything so far.  Them boys what went out with Leroy ain't saying much."

"You think they know something?"

"I know they do," Ginger spoke up suddenly.  All eyes swung in her direction.  "What?" she asked plaintively.  "They do.  Some of those soldier boys like to talk and some of them talk in their sleep."  She took an automatic step backwards when they began to crowd closer to her.

"What do you know?" Murphy asked.  Ginger raised her hands.

"Back up... you're crowding me and I don't like it."  Fire sparked out of her gray eyes and the red of her hair seemed to flame with her intensity.  Kitty placed a gentle hand on Stephen's arm and drew him back towards her, giving Ginger a bit of breathing space.

"C'mon, fellas – give a lady some room.  I’m sure Ginger'll share whatever she knows with all of you if you'll just give her a chance.  Now I have an idea.  Why don't the three of you," pointing to Spencer, Murphy and Stone, "go with Ginger and buy her a drink?  I'm sure her story will be much easier to tell if she can relax a little bit."

"Where are you going, Miss Kitty?" Murphy asked boldly.  She arched a brow at him.

"Not that it's actually your business at the moment, Stephen, but I thought Donoma and I could go have a little girl talk of our own.  She can tell me her story; I can tell her some stories about Reb."  She grinned.  "It'll be fun."

Donoma looked at Koko for advice; Koko held her hands lightly.  "You might enjoy it, Ka’eskone, but you do not have to if it would make you uncomfortable.  I think you would like Kitty if you would take the opportunity to get to know her.  It is your choice."

Donoma looked between Kitty and Koko – finding mischief and mirth in the brown eyes and love and faith in the blue ones.  "Yes," she said simply to Kitty's request.  Kitty smiled as though she'd been given a gold coin. 

"Wonderful," she returned enthusiastically.  "Let's go to the kitchen.  Big Mama will serve us lemonade and we can have a little quiet and privacy to talk."  She waved her hands in Ginger's direction.  "These guys will be a while.  We might as well enjoy ourselves."  And without further adieu the two women disappeared into the kitchen.

Koko watched them go, then acceded to the tugging on her arm that Stephen Murphy was steadily applying.  "Reb, will you c'mon already?  I wanna hear what Ginger has to say."

"Yes," Spencer agreed coming up on her other side.  "It might go a ways towards giving us the answers to those questions we have about why."

Koko shrugged her shoulders.  "All right.  I'm coming.  I just hope she has something we can use.  I want to know what Reuben Washburn thought he could prove."

Murphy snorted.  "I wanna know what really happened out there on the Plains.  Oh... not the part with Donoma," seeing the anger build in Koko's eyes.  "I believe she told us exactly what happened for the part she was involved in.  But I wanna know what caused that to begin with.  I'm wondering if maybe the Army is housing a den of horse thieves."

"It sure would explain a lot... except why."

"Well, us standing around here isn't getting us any answers.  Let's go see what Miss Ginger has to say.  Your wife'll be fine with Miss Kitty and Big Mama although your marriage may never be the same after they get done talking.  You know how women get," he teased as they made their way to the table where Ginger and Spencer were waiting.

Koko smirked at him.  "Murph, I am a woman, remember?  But Donoma has known me far longer than Kitty has.  I don't think Kitty could tell her anything she doesn't already know about me."

Ginger looked up as they took a seat.  "Maybe not, but I bet Kitty has some new stories to tell the rest of us about you before the day is through," she said with eyes twinkling as she lifted her glass.  Koko just dropped her head face down onto the table.

"I am so doomed."


Chapter XXXIV

"Donoma?  May I call you Donoma or would you prefer Mrs. Stone?" Kitty asked after they had seated themselves and Big Mama had brought forth a plate of sugar cookies and two glasses of lemonade.

"Donoma good."  Kitty smiled and patted her hand.

"Donoma it is then; you can call me Kitty.  Only the fellas usually call me Miss Kitty."  Donoma nodded her head and picked up a cookie at Big Mama's insistence.

"Is good fo' ya chile… eat up now.  I cain't let ya get up from mah table hungry."

"Listen to her, Donoma.  Big Mama looks out for all of us."  She waited until Donoma had bitten into the cookie, smiling at the delight that covered her face as the sweetness hit Donoma's taste buds.  "Now tell me how it is you speak and understand English so well.  Did a missionary come to your tribe or...?"  Kitty stopped talking when she noticed the furrowed look of concentration on Donoma's face, then she slapped herself in the forehead.  "I'm sorry, Donoma – I should have asked you where you learned to speak the white man's language."

"Rae'l," she answered succinctly.  "Koko's Nahko'e... mother.  She teach People read books... understand words.  Learn much."

"I'm glad she did, Donoma.  I would've hated not to've had this chance to get to know you."

"Why?"

Kitty blinked.  Donoma was nothing if not forthright evidently.  "Well," she said slowly, considering her words, "you're a new friend to make for one thing.  Those don't come along around here everyday.  And you're Reb Stone's new mate.  That makes you even more interestin’.  You see," she added, pausing for a sip of lemonade, "we don't know very much about Reb – only what little she's seen fit to share.  It'd be nice to learn a little bit more about her too."

"Like what?"

Kitty pinched her lips thoughtfully before speaking.  "You said you were children together," waiting for Donoma to nod.  "What was she like growin’ up?"

"Koko strong warrior and Donoma's friend."

Kitty waited but nothing more was forthcoming.  Finally she tilted her head in question.  "Is that all?  Surely there’s more you can tell us," noting that Big Mama was paying close attention to the conversation even as she stayed busy in the kitchen.

"Not understand what you want to know," Donoma offered, her confusion evident.

Kitty thought a moment.  "All righty – how 'bout this?  I'll tell you somethin’ about the Reb Stone I know, then you can tell me somethin’ about... what do you call her?"

"Koko Kanti." 

Kitty nodded.  "You can tell me somethin’ about Koko Kanti.  I'll start."  She paused a moment as she went back in her mind to her first meeting with Reb Stone.  "When Reb came to town, she was dressed in buckskin and it drew all sorts of attention to her.  She looked so lost... so heartbroken, but only if you looked into her eyes.  On the surface she was completely unemotional, and that caused the men in this town to underestimate her.

Oh, Donoma... I wish you could have been here.  They thought they could mock her and poke fun...."  Kitty chuckled.  "I have never seen anything so fierce.  She took on all comers.  But it wasn't without price and when it was over she came here to my place.  Big Mama and I nursed her back to health and soon she was lookin' out for all my girls.  The first time some cowboy raised a hand to Ginger, Reb broke his arm.  The fellas learned right quick to mind their manners.  It was a nice change from the roughhousin' we'd had to put up with before she came here."

"Koko Kanti always protector," Donoma stated bluntly.  "From time she join People."

"Folks 'round here learned that lesson pretty quick," Kitty said with a smile, pleased when it was returned.

"Warriors learned quick too," Donoma confided.  "Koko beat all."

"I'll bet she did," Kitty agreed with a laugh.  "I saw her take on grown men twice her size.  She made herself quite a reputation.  That's how she ended up with that horse of hers, ya know."  Donoma's eyes widened and she shook her head.  "She didn't tell you that story?"  Donoma shook her head again and even Big Mama laughed this time.  Kitty shook her head in disbelief.  "Figures, 'cause it's something of a tale to be tellin' for sure.

I guess Reb had been here 'bout a week by then and she'd healed up right nice from her fightin'.  The men of the town were a bit more respectful towards her and the 'respectable' women just stayed away.  They still don't know what to make of her."

"Why make?  Why not accept?"

"Oh Honey, if I knew the answer to that question the world would be a different place.  It'd sure as hell make a lot more sense.  However, I'm not concerned 'bout people like that – I ain't got the time to waste worryin' bout what they think of me or anyone else.

So anyway, some of the local cowboys was ridin’ some steers into town and somehow or other along the way, they managed to wrangle a stallion into the herd.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  Prettiest horse you ever saw but feisty... almost mean.

Well, they managed to get it corralled separate from the cows and then the bets started runnin’ about who was gonna claim it.  The Army boys... they was pretty sure one of them would take him – after all, they had men whose sole job was to break and train horses, right?  So of course that made them the odds on favorites... 'cept for one thing.  No one reckoned on Reb Stone and her ability to communicate with animals like she could."

Donoma's eyes shone.  She had several fond memories of Koko Kanti talking to animals most of the People never got a chance to be near.  Kitty caught her expression.

"I take it you've seen her in action before."

"Yes... with panther, fox and wolf."

Kitty's eyes got big and round.  "Damnation!" she muttered.  "Woman doesn't fool around much, does she?  That makes a stallion seem tame no matter how mean he is.  Still it's a good story so...."  She paused thoughtfully.  "Ya know, now that I think about it, this is when those Washburn boys started making trouble for Reb.  She got somethin’ they wanted," she mused almost to herself.

After a moment she shook herself from her reverie and looked at Donoma.  "Sorry... got to thinking for a minute there.  Where was I?  Oh right... Reb and that stallion.  So anyway, the men gathered round the corral – they'd drawn lots to see who would go first and Malcolm Washburn was the first to go up."  Seeing the questions in the green eyes, Kitty held up her hand.  "It'll make sense in a minute.

See Malcolm's the youngest of the Washburn boys, but he ain't part of the Army.  No, he works his daddy's huge spread 'bout a hundred miles from here; he was here visitin' his brothers.  Well, 'bout the time he climbed up on that black's back, Reb, come outta the saloon to see what all the ruckus was about.  That horse took one good look at her and bucked Malcolm off so hard, I bet his ears are still ringin'.  He tried to get back on, but that black back kicked him in the knee and Malcolm crumpled."

Donoma winced reflexively.  No matter her feelings for those whose last name was Washburn, she wouldn't wish that sort of misfortune on anyone.  Just the idea sounded painful.  Kitty nodded her unspoken agreement.  "I have never heard a man scream like that before.  Far's I know, it never did set just right.  Malcolm walks with a pronounced limp and he no longer rides a horse.  Could be wrong about that – after all, it's been a while since I've seen him, but I don't think so.

Now Reb was just standing along the corral fence like all the rest.  She didn't move... didn't do anything to draw awareness to herself, but I think it was her utter stillness that pulled that horse's attention to her.  Now before you ask, me and the girls had wandered out with her.  Might as well have – every able-bodied man in town was there; we weren't doing any business anyway.

So the black approaches her and the men step back a pace just to watch what'll happen.  Malcolm was screamin' and Leroy and Reuben had already rushed to move him outta the corral to keep him from being hurt further if the horse decided to turn on him.  But once he was out and being looked at by the Army doc, Leroy jumped back in, furious."

"He like rock," Donoma said unexpectedly.  Kitty did a double take at her words, then burst into laughter.  Even Big Mama chortled and brought the pitcher of lemonade to the table before taking a seat and filling all three glasses.  Kitty nodded her thanks and Donoma did the same before turning back to Kitty.  "What funny?  Spoke truth."

"Chile, you sure nuff did that, but mos' folks roun' des parts don' do mucha dat.  Too busy worryin' 'bout things as don' concern 'em."

"Big Mama's right, Donoma," Kitty confirmed.  "So many folks worried 'bout what others think they don't generally speak so plainly.  It's refreshing.  And you're right – Leroy was like a rock.  Most folks round here figured his daddy bought his commission, ‘cause he damned sure wasn't bright enough to earn it."  She sighed and took a drink.

"Finish tellin' Kitty, 'fore I haveta get back to the stove," Big Mama chided.

"All right, Big Mama... all right.  So anyway, Leroy decided he was gonna teach that horse some manners.  'Cept that the horse had already picked the one he wanted.  Leroy grabbed the black by the mane and the horse bit him – hard enough to draw blood but not quite hard enough to break anything.  His mates pulled him out of the circle, then the rest waited to see what was gonna happen 'tween Reb and that horse.

The horse butted her hard enough to knock her to the ground and she woulda fallen had she not clutched the railing quick enough.  The horse whinnied, laughing at her and butted her again – only this time he got caught.  She grabbed his nostrils and pinched.  He shook his head trying to shake her loose, but she held on... not hurtin' him, but making damn sure he knew who was boss.  After a moment he shook his head again, but in surrender this time.  When she let go, he butted her again, but this time he was gentle and he just pushed his head into her chest, waiting to be scratched.

Now several of the other men tried to approach that stallion, but after they were all rather viciously turned away by the horse, most of them walked away and left Reb to it.  Only Leroy seemed unable to take a hint and he thought he'd try again only to have Reb jump on the horse's back before he could get close enough to do anything.

The stallion reared, nearly clocking Leroy in the head, and he scampered outta that ring quick-like.  Reb held on through all the bucking and twisting that black could manage and after only a few minutes, he was walking under her direction.  Oh, Donoma... I've never seen anything more magnificent in my life and she was so proud sitting up there.  Then he bucked and twisted a little more and we realized that he was playin' with her... his idea of fun."

"I seems to 'member Reb walkin' funny after alla dat, but wearin' the biggest grin I ever seen on her face," Big Mama said.  "'Twas good to see her so happy even all black 'n' blue."

"Black 'n' blue?" Donoma repeated slowly.

"Oh yes, chile... that horse maya been playin', but Reb wore his roughhousin' on her pusson for a few days.  Never did lose that smile when she looked at him though."  She rose from her place and walked back to the stove, removing the lid and stirring the pot a few times before shifting it away from the heat.  "That'll do fo' now," she said before reclaiming her seat.

"No, she didn't," Kitty agreed.  "But there sure were some disgruntled men round here for a day or two."

"Only dem Washburn boys, Kitty.  Tell it fair."

"No, Mama... a few of the fellas were a little upset that they didn't get their shot at Black, but they were smart enough to know that if the horse made the choice, they wouldn't have had a chance anyway.  Leroy was the one who couldn't let it go – said Reb hadn't put in her dollar to ride 'em so she couldn't get to keep him."  She exchanged glances with Mama and they snickered.  "When that horse kicked Leroy in his privates, he learned to stay far away."

"He shot me," Donoma said suddenly, bringing two sets of eyes to her face.

"You're kiddin'," Kitty said disbelievingly.  For answer, Donoma widened the neck of her shirt until the two women sitting with her could see the scarred pink skin at her shoulder. Big Mama reached out, then looked at Donoma for permission.  When the blonde head nodded she touched the newly healed wound with tender, knowing fingers.

"You healed good, chile."

"Koko cared for me; made Donoma well again."

"Why?" Kitty asked, then held up her hands when incredulous green eyes turned her way full of questions.  "Wait... that didn't come out right.  I know why Reb cared for you; anyone with half an eye can see she's crazy in love with you, Donoma.  Why did Leroy Washburn shoot you, and how do you know it was Leroy?"

"Marshal say Leroy.  Shot to steal Black."

"You're kiddin'," Kitty repeated and Donoma glared.

"Not kidding," she stated firmly.

"Right then," Kitty said after a moment.  "So tell us something about growing up with Reb... Koko Kanti," she corrected herself.  "Something about the two of you."

Donoma focused inward for a few moments, then nodded to herself.  She wouldn't embarrass Koko, but she wanted these women to know the woman she loved.

"When Donoma was eight cycles, Koko teach to swim.  Was scared – never been in deep water before."

"Where did she teach you to swim out here?"

Donoma shrugged.  "Big water... Koko find.  First teach float on water.  Lay in Koko's strong arms and find pictures in clouds.  Donoma not know when Koko let go.  Not know until Koko move to other side."

"Did you panic?" Kitty asked, remembering her first experience learning how to swim.  Somehow she thought Reb would have been a much gentler instructor that Kitty's older brother had been.  Donoma's brow furrowed as she pondered the unfamiliar word Kitty had used.

"Was frightened, then Koko calmed.  Saw her, knew no more fear.  After, she teach swim... and catch fish with hands."

Two sets of brown eyes widened at this pronouncement and they exchanged looks with one another before looking at Donoma and goggling.

"Excuse me?"

"What you said, chile?"

Donoma spoke more slowly, thinking it was her halting use of the white man's tongue that was causing their confusion.  "Koko teach swim and catch fish with hands."

They blinked rapidly, still goggling.  "Can you really do that?"

"Yes," Donoma stated without hesitation.

"Reb do dat too?" turning to Kitty before Donoma could reply.  "Wonner why we'uns never knowed dat?"

"Probably because we're not that close to any real source of water here," Kitty responded dryly.

"Mebbe... mebbe Big Mama'll ask for some fish nex' time Reb come to town."

"Maybe Kitty'll ask for a live demonstration."  Kitty turned back to Donoma.  "What do you think, Donoma?  Would Reb show us how to catch fish with our hands?"

"Donoma not know.  Koko not teach warriors except Honaw and he not do good."

"Well, maybe we'll ask her but not today.  I think she's had a hard enough day today already."

"We get hot bath today – Koko promise Donoma."

Kitty smiled.  She liked Donoma – first for Reb's sake and then for her own.  She was definitely Reb's equal but still a good match... complimenting Reb's personality to a T.  She patted Donoma's hand and rose from her place.  "Well, then... if Reb promised you a hot bath, I think we should go pry her away from Stephen and the Colonel and get ya'll set up.  Big Mama... thank you for the cookies and lemonade.  They were scrumptious."

"Yes," Donoma agreed.  "Donoma like very much," standing as well.

Big Mama smiled her toothy grin.  "Chile, you welcome in mah kitchen any time."  Then she stood and enveloped Donoma in a brief hug before moving back to her stove.  Kitty shook her head at Donoma's expression, then directed them back out into the main part of the saloon.

Koko was watching for them and stood as soon as they appeared.  Ginger hadn't been able to tell them much more than they already knew and she'd been biding her time, wanting Kitty and Donoma to make friends in their own way.  Her shoulders sagged with relief when they came out smiling and chatting quietly until they reached the table.  Then Kitty glared at her.

"Reb Stone, I expect you to be bringin' this lovely young bride of yours to town a little more often than once every five years.  I know you said you're newlyweds and all," Kitty conceded holding up a hand.  "But I'm puttin' you on notice.  Big Mama and I enjoyed our visit with Donoma Chepi and we'd like to do it a little more regularly.  Now," she continued without pause, "Donoma informs me you promised to introduce her to the joys of a hot bath.  So go put Black up and bring your stuff in.  I'm gonna show her to your room and you can take things from there."

Koko nodded, wondering when exactly she'd lost control of the situation.  Then she heard muffled chuckling coming from behind her and turned to glare at Murphy and Spencer.  They bit their lips and stood.

"I'll get the telegrams sent out about Washburn," the Colonel said as he snatched up his hat.  "Though I'm thinking his old man may come into town for this.  He's not gonna like it."

"Too damn bad," Reb commented.  "Not my fault."

"I'm still gonna do some looking around.  Somethin' about this whole thing ain't sittin' just right with me.  I'll let you know what I find out," Murphy said, addressing both of them.

Koko nodded and held out her hand to Donoma who was instantly at her side.  "Sounds good," she agreed.  "We'll be here til in the morning, but after that, we're heading home again.  We may travel to the People for the summer celebration, but that is still a ways off.  Now if you gentlemen will excuse us...."  The two tipped their hats towards Donoma and Koko turned to Kitty.

"I'll be a couple minutes.  I need to speak to Hassun.  Spence offered to send him here."

Kitty nodded.  "We'll be fine, Reb.  Take care of your business."

"I won’t be long, Ka’eskone," to Donoma.  Then she turned and left the saloon, leaving Donoma to follow Kitty up the stairs.


Chapter XXXV

"I can see the appeal of a hot bath," Donoma said as she leaned back into Koko's body and allowed the warm water to surround them again.  She felt Koko chuckle behind her and smiled in response.  Kitty had been as good as her word and taken Donoma upstairs and assured that she was comfortable and a promise that they would talk again later.  Donoma had taken the opportunity to look around the sparse room, noting the impersonality of it.  Obviously this was not a home – it was merely a resting place.

"I thought you might," Koko replied as she absently rubbed her fingers over soap-slicked skin.  "Now you understand why I wanted to introduce you to the experience.  Although it's not worth living in town for, it's a nice treat when I'm here.  That is one reason I would really like to build one in the cabin – no trips into town for a hot bath.  Besides, I could make it large enough to comfortably fit us without needing to curl my knees up out of the water."

Donoma turned her head until she could meet Koko's eyes.  "I believe I would enjoy that, Warrior."

Now Koko's laugh was rolling and Donoma joined her, enjoying the sensation as Koko's hands tightened reflexively around her middle.  "I believe we both would, Ka’eskone."

The quiet was comfortable, but after a few minutes Donoma asked, "Koko, why did you need to speak to Hassun?  Is he not the Army scout?"

"He is indeed, Ka’eskone.  I needed him to take care of something.  He is going to the People to ask them to keep an eye out for possible horse thieves.  The accusations are coming from somewhere and that usually means they are based in fact.  I believe they could be instrumental in helping apprehend whoever is behind this.  If that is what Leroy Washburn was doing when he tried to take Black, they will eventually come across the People in their search for wild horses."

"Will they be all right, Koko?  I do not want this to bring trouble to them and I have had no vision...."

"Ka’eskone, you know as well as I do that the Great Spirit does not always gift you with sight when you desire it.  But do you not think that it is better for the People to be prepared for the possibility of trouble than for it to come upon them unaware?  Honaw will prepare the warriors and they will be alert for anything out of the ordinary."

"You are right, Warrior.  It just...."

"I know, Ka’eskone.  And I would not involve them now if I did not expect them to be involved later.  There is a reason that Leroy was so close to the People when he stumbled across you and Black.  Spencer has never given orders for such small scouting parties to go so far west in their search for horses without having the entire brigade behind them to back them up if they run into trouble."

Silence fell again as Donoma considered Koko's words.  "Why?" she asked finally.

Koko frowned.  "Why what, Donoma?" having lost the train of the conversation during the ensuing quiet.  Her focus had changed to the smooth slickness of the skin she was enveloping and it took a moment to return her attention to their previous discussion.

"Why have the Blue Coats not raided the People's territory for their horses?  Honaw says they are thieves and cowards attacking without reason.  And we follow the buffalo; surely that would be sufficient for the People to have been brought to their attention by now."

"Perhaps... I am inclined to agree with Honaw's assessment for the most part.  I know the warriors go out to do battle with them to keep the Blue Coats from coming to the People and Takoda is vigilant about watching for dreams and signs to keep the People safe. But since coming into the white man's world, I have discovered that the Blue Coats have a vested interest in keeping the warriors of the tribes busy while stealing their land and forwarding their own interests."

"Then why are you friends with the Blue Coat Spencer?"

Koko sighed.  "Because life here is a series of compromises, Ka’eskone.  And I could not function as a bounty hunter without his support."

Donoma thought about that - then decided that the complexities of white man's world were far more intricate than she was going to appreciate any time soon.  "I do not understand, but that is not important at the moment.  I have a feeling I could try to comprehend the white man until the Great Spirit calls me to the great beyond and still not begin to understand their thinking."

Koko chuckled lightly.  "I do not think they understand themselves, Ka’eskone.  Otherwise they would not be so disruptive to everything around them."

"Enough about the white men and their Blue Coats for now," Donoma proclaimed definitively.  "I want to know how Black knew how to find us; why he brought you to the People when you told him to take you home."

Koko sighed.  She'd wondered when Donoma would get around to asking that question.  "Come," she said, rising carefully behind Donoma and allowing the water to sheet from her body before she stepped from the tub.  She extended her hand and Donoma took it, standing as well and flushing under Koko's appreciative gaze.

Koko smiled and took one of the rough towels Kitty had left for them, rubbing it randomly over Donoma's sensitive skin, taking special care around the tender scar tissue.  She smiled and dropped the towel once Donoma was dry, tracing her fingers over the goosebumps left behind.  Donoma shivered, then captured Koko's hand, bringing it to her mouth and laving each finger thoroughly.

Koko whimpered and felt her knees bucking.  "Ka’eskone," she whispered.  "Please."  Donoma retrieved the second towel and began her own thorough drying session, smiling in satisfaction when Koko trembled under her touch.  Without warning the warrior turned and pulled Donoma into her so they were in contact along their entire lengths.  She claimed Donoma fiercely, passionately and only when the seer's knees buckled under the strain of continuing to hold her upright did Koko pull back slightly.

Their communication was unspoken, yet it was heard as clearly as though the words had been said aloud.  Koko let her arms unwind from the embrace they'd cradled Donoma in, sliding her hands down smooth arms until they met Donoma's hands.  Then she clasped her hands and lifted them to her lips.

"I love you, Donoma Chepi," she said in English.  Donoma crinkled up her nose with the smile that crossed her face when Koko spoke those words.

"I love you, Koko Kanti Reb Stone," she replied in slow, halting English.  Koko leaned forward and kissed her nose, chuckling.

"I never realized how all those names together would sound.  It is a little ridiculous."

Donoma grinned.  "I am glad I need not use them all every time I wish to speak to you, Warrior.  I think my voice would soon give out."

The sound of raucous laughter intruded and then a heavy body fell against the door.  Koko growled but before she could pull away, Donoma had snatched up Koko's dressing gown and slipped it over her head.

"Mine," she stated clearly to the unasked question in Koko Kanti's eyes.  "If you are going to go out there to teach him some manners," indicating the door that had rattled again, "I would prefer if you do so clothed.  I do not share well with others."

Koko smiled at the possessive tone.  "I seem to recall that," she said, claiming another kiss.  "Get dressed, Nutta.  I'll be right back."  She eased Donoma behind the door before opening it and stepping out into the hall.

Donoma slid into her own dressing gown, running her hands along the odd, stiff material.  It wasn't like anything she had worn before, and though it was not unlike Koko's it was not worn like hers either and had not attained the softness of wear.  She pushed her sleeve up, remembering Koko's earlier instructions about the tub as they prepared for their bath.  She pulled the plug, then collected their things, trying to ignore the thumping and groaning just outside the door.

After another moment the door opened and a slightly disheveled Koko stood in front of her with a crooked smile.  "Come, Ka’eskone," she beckoned.  "I have a story to tell you and we have some unfinished business to take care of."

Donoma took Koko's hand and let her lead her down the hall to the far door.  Then they entered the quiet privacy of their room and Koko closed the door carefully behind them before locking it securely.  Then she pulled her dressing gown over her head and stepped closer to Donoma.

"Now... where were we?" sliding her hands along Donoma's ribs.  Green eyes twinkled devilishly.

"You were going to tell me about Black and how he was able to find us."

Koko growled, deliberately unbuttoning Donoma's clothing and sliding her hands inside.  "The story will keep, Ka’eskone.  I will not."

Donoma ginned and tangled her hands in the still-wet, dark hair.  "Good to know you have your priorities straight, Warrior," claiming Koko's lips before she could respond.  Koko lifted Donoma into her arms, ignoring the strain on her belly and depositing the two of them in the middle of her small bed.  Fortunately she thought as one of Donoma's hands scratched the back of her neck as the other began to explore the contours of her torso, it was just big enough for two.

And that was really all they needed for now.  Talk would come later.

************

When word came from the People's scouts that an Army scout was headed towards the camp, the warriors moved as one body to prepare for battle.  Honaw, remembering Koko's words to him and Keezheekoni, asked Odahingum for permission to meet the scout alone first.

"If he is who I think he is," Honaw intoned seriously, "he brings news from Koko Kanti."

"And if he is not?" Odahingum replied with equal seriousness.  "Honaw, you are among the best warriors the People have, but even you cannot defeat the Blue Coats alone."  He sighed.  "At least take a small party with you to watch your back – for my peace of mind if nothing else."

"Thank you, Odahingum," Honaw answered with a nod.  "I will take Keezheekoni and my hestatanemos.  We will not be long."  He motioned to the warriors he had selected, making sure the rest knew to wait.  Then they rode off in the direction where the interloper awaited them.  Odahingum turned to Takoda.

"Any thoughts, my friend?"

"Nothing I am certain you have not already considered.  If Koko Kanti has sent someone in her stead, it probably does not bode well for good news.  Otherwise she and Donoma Chepi would be here themselves.  On the other hand, at least we will get news if it is not an ambush."

Odahingum motioned to his fire and Takoda took the seat offered.  Odahingum resumed his own and sighed.  "Do you think they will return home to us, Takoda?"

Takoda shook his dark head.  "I cannot say, my friend.  The Great Spirit has shown me nothing concerning the two of them.  I am not certain if that is a bad sign or a good one."

Odahingum chuckled.  "With the two of them involved, it is hard to say.  Do you remember when they took off and disappeared for three days?"

Takoda laughed.  "Oh yes... the only reason I did not panic is I knew Donoma Chepi was in the safest hands possible.  But it did not stop me from wondering why they left... or why they came back covered in mud."

"They never told you?"

Takoda shook his head.  "No... they were very good at keeping secrets when they wanted to."

Odahingum nodded his agreement, then looked back in the direction Honaw and his compatriots had gone.  "I hope Honaw is right and this is news from Koko Kanti.  Perhaps it will explain the lack of Blue Coat activity around us lately."  He sighed.  "I should be grateful for the rest, and I am on some level.  But it is very wearing waiting for an attack that has yet to come."

"I know, Odahingum.  I do not know if it is our change in course that has eliminated the attacks recently or if something has changed for the Blue Coats.  Either way the bit of peace has been nice, but I sense the warriors are on edge."

"Do you think we should resume our normal course to the summer encampment?"

Takoda shrugged.  "I think we should wait and see what Honaw and his party discover about our mysterious visitor.  If he is not an advance scout for a Blue Coat attack, he might have some answers for us.  The Great Spirit works in inexplicable ways sometimes."

"My friend, the Great Spirit always works in ways I do not understand.  I am glad you do."

Takoda grinned.  "At least on occasion."  Then Honaw's war party was returning escorting the unknown scout and Takoda and Odahingum rose to meet him.

Honaw dismounted his horse and motioned to the other warriors to do the same.  Keezheekoni dismissed them, indicating his seriousness by shooing them away from the chief's fire and back to their other responsibilities.  Most went back to their own fires, but kept a watchful eye on the people gathered around Odahingum's firepit.

Honaw stood beside Hassun, waiting for an invitation to join Odahingum and Takoda.  Hassun stood still, unmoving, understanding he was being weighed in the balance.  He had chosen not to wear his Blue Coat, knowing it was a source of much hatred and derision out here among the People.  He wondered again how he had come to this... once a proud warrior of his own tribe until the lure of the white man's world became too much.  Now he had no real place to call home.  The whites disdained him and the People despised him.  Then his attention was taken by Odahingum and he let his thoughts slide to the wayside.  There was nothing to be done for them anyway.  The chief motioned him to a seat and he accepted with a slight nod before taking a seat.  Honaw sat on one side and Keez sat on the other with the two elders sitting side by side across from them. 

"So," Odahingum started unceremoniously, "you bring news from Koko Kanti?"

Hassun nodded.  "I do Chief Odahingum," remembering the names Reb Stone had impressed upon his memory.  "She asked that I let you know that the People could be in imminent danger."

"We are always in danger from the Blue Coats," Odahingum stated without hesitation.  "Why would she see fit to warn me of something of which I am already aware?"

"She did not indicate that the danger was specifically from the Blue Coats, Chief.  There are horse thieves working in these parts, and while that is not necessarily a new threat, she believes they are targeting the People as they are strong with many horses and buffalo.  And you are currently the closest tribe to the white man's outpost."

Takoda and Odahingum exchanged glances, but said nothing in front of the stranger.  Litonya stood just outside the circle and Odahingum beckoned her forward, knowing if he was curious, she had to be as well.  She nodded her thanks and took her place beside Takoda.  Hassun looked at her questioningly, but knew if the chief had invited her, there must be a reason that a woman had joined them.

Litonya studied Hassun for a moment, liking his eyes despite what she knew to be the truth about him.  Blue Coat scouts were seen as traitors to the People so if Koko Kanti had made friends with the young man, there must be something worthy about him.

"Tell me... have you seen Koko Kanti and Donoma Chepi?"  Hassun nodded.  "Are they well?"

He let his mind wander back to his vision of the two of them as he had seen them just after Reb had killed Reuben Washburn.  "Yes – I believe them to be very happy together.  I did not get to speak to Donoma Chepi, but Reb... Koko Kanti... asked me to assure her family that things are good for them."

"Will they be coming home soon?"

Hassun shook his head.  "I do not know; she did not say."

Litonya nodded her acceptance.  "Thank you for sharing her news with us.  It is good to know they are doing well in white man's world.  As much as I would like to have them home, I do not want them to be miserable where they are."

Hassun nodded but didn't reply.  There was no way he was going to get into the complications that surrounded them.  Hopefully they would be home soon to explain things for themselves.

************

Mordecai Washburn crumpled the telegram in his hands and looked at the cowboy who'd had the misfortune of being the messenger.  "Get. Out."  He growled between clenched teeth before turning to look out the window of his large spread.

He'd worked long and hard to own so much, buying out those he could for as little as he could manage, then squeezing out and stealing from the rest.  Now he owned thousands of acres that had once been part of the People's land that they had roamed freely.  Bit by bit he was committed to taking it all... killing those who resisted and taking what was left for his own devices.  Fortunately the Army tended to be on his side – or that had been while his sons had been part of it.  Now though....

He looked at the telegram he held in his hands again – not the official missive.  No, this came from one of the few spies he had left at the fort where his sons had been stationed until just recently – until their deaths, he corrected himself.  And they hadn't even died in battle.

Reuben dead.  STOP.  Killed in gunfight Reb Stone.  STOP.  Advise.  STOP.

He stood from his chair and crossed to the cabinets that held his gun collection.  It was time to take care of Reb Stone himself.


Chapter XXXVI

"So, are you going to tell me the story of how Black found us or was this a clever diversion on your part?" Donoma asked as they lay curled up together in the middle of the small bed.  She let her hands trace over Koko's skin, taking the time to examine her recently healed scars.

Koko chuckled at the light touch running up and down her belly.  "That tickles," she confessed, linking their hands together.  She blew out a breath.  "You have to understand how much I missed the People when I left.  Even taking you out of the picture, I still missed them fiercely.  They gave me and my Nahko'e a home when we were without and I was alone... something I had never been.  When Black chose me,I spent a lot of time with him, training him to be a warhorse.  I am not certain why except that it gave me a sense of purpose."

"I am glad you had him, Warrior, and I'm glad you took the time to teach him.  He saved my life."

"And mine as well, Ka’eskone.  I would not have survived without you... not once I knew...." clenching her fingers around Donoma's in reaction, stopping just short of hurting her.

"He saved you twice then, Nutta.  Because he saved your life when he brought you home to me."

"In more ways than one, Ka’eskone," moving her free hand to stroke Donoma's cheek.  "When I started chasing outlaws, it took me out into the Plains more often than not.  And when we were close enough to see the People, Black and I would always spend some time doing just that – watching without being seen.  And he would listen to me talk about home and the People and you."

"How many times, Koko?  How often were you close?" Donoma asked, her ire sparking again at the thought of the time they had wasted.

"Often enough that Black understood that it was home for me despite living somewhere else.  Enough that he recognized the scent of the People."  Donoma blew out a breath and sat up.  Koko eased up, feeling Donoma's upset clearly.  "Ka’eskone?"

"I am angry, warrior – not at you... at us.  I think about what we lost... how easily it would have been for us to have never been together and it makes me crazy."

Koko wrapped her arms around Donoma and leaned into the smaller body before leaning back and pulling Donoma into her.  "Do not think of the time we missed, Ka’eskone; instead think of the time we have left to live together."  She sighed.  "It makes me angry too... to know that my decision to leave instead of talking to you first caused the rift between us.  But I cannot change it; I have to move forward.  I am simply glad Black was smarter than I was."

"As am I, Warrior.  But I am thankful you were wise enough to show him where home really was."  Donoma shifted until she was tucked under Koko's chin and able to see her profile if she tilted her head just right.  "How long will Hassun be gone?" she asked in a complete change of subject.

Koko shrugged behind her.  "I cannot say for certain, but I believe it will be at least two weeks... half a moon.  If the People are on track to reach the summer camp in time for the festival, they are at least a week's worth of hard travel from here... possibly more.  And he has to do the same in reverse to return.  Why?"

"Do we have to stay here to wait for him?"

"What?  No, Ka’eskone!  I have no intention of being stuck in this town for that long.  I would have to do something drastic.  The nosey old women here would drive me to it."

"Why?  Why would they drive you to do something drastic?  Could you not simply ignore them?"

"I have tried that, Ka’eskone.  It was not very successful.  Besides, the fact is they would come after you and we both know I would never stand for that."  Her eyes twinkled in merriment remembering the single occasion it had happened with the People, knowing Donoma would follow her train of thought.

************

The day had started out innocently enough.  Koko and the other warriors had gone out early to scout the area around the encampment.  One of the other tribes had warned them of the encroaching white man and they had wanted to see things for themselves.  Donoma did not go.  She and Koko had spoken about it at length the night before and despite Donoma's desire to accompany her warrior, she understood the risk was too great.  It didn't make her happy though, and Rae'l and Litonya had their hands full keeping the young seer occupied.

It was after dark when the warriors returned, grim-faced and agitated.  Donoma ran to meet Koko, only to be intercepted by one of the older unattached girls in the tribe.

"Go away, Little Girl.  This is not for your eyes and ears."  She pushed Donoma aside and was the first to meet the warriors, wrapping her hands around Koko's arm possessively.  Koko stopped walking and the warriors around her did the same, anxious to see the outcome of such a display.

Koko searched for Donoma, seeing her picking herself up off the ground where the older girl had shoved her and crossing her arms over her chest glaring.  Deliberately she removed the hand that was clutching her arm and dropped it with a sneering look.

"You do not treat Donoma Chepi with such disrespect.  Her place is at my side," Koko added, raising her voice so all could hear her declaration.  She held out her hand and Donoma dropped her hands to her side before moving forward to accept it.

The other girl put her hands on her hips and jutted her chin out defiantly.  "She's a *child*.  You deserve more than a *child* for companionship!"

"I deserve to choose the companionship I would like to have, Norita.  She is my warrior advisor and my best friend, and she expects nothing from me except my friendship in return.  I prefer her company."

Donoma stepped forward.  "I may be a child, Norita, but I know better than to go where I am not wanted."  The warriors listening felt their eyes grow big and their mouths drop open, but no one moved.  Donoma had never been so aggressive before, but never had anyone been foolish enough to try to come between her and Koko so openly either.

"Then why do you stay with the People, Donoma Chepi?" came the girl's scathing retort.  "You have never been wanted here.  You are not even one of us."

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Koko roared, drawing the attention of the entire encampment.  "I warned you not to disrespect Donoma Chepi, Norita.  I will speak to Takoda and Odahingum of your contempt for such a valued member of the tribe and ask for your banishment."

"You cannot be serious.  Koko Kanti... she is a child!  I was merely offering you a more reasonable alternative."

Donoma laughed, the sound causing those around her to do the same even if she hadn't delivered her joke yet.  After a moment Donoma sobered and looked Norita squarely in the eye.  "Norita," she said calmly and sincerely, "you will never be a reasonable alternative where Koko Kanti is concerned.  You do not care about her... only the prestige and honor she would bring to you as a mate.  She deserves better; she deserves to find love and happiness with one who will love her and not just who and what she is.  And you deserve someone who will appreciate you for who you are as wel. and not just what you will do for them."

"My daughter speaks truth, Norita – and she speaks wisely," Takoda said as he approached them through the milling crowd.  "Do not discount her words because of her age or who she is or because it is not what you want to hear.  Listen and heed her words."

"And if I do not?" Norita asked with a snarl, marring her pretty face.

"The elders and I will seriously consider Koko Kanti's request for banishment or relocation to another tribe.  We will not tolerate such discord here."

"I see," she ground out.

"I hope you do, Norita.  You are a valued member of the tribe as well."

"Just not as important as Donoma Chepi or Koko Kanti – is that right?"

Takoda didn't answer her question.  Instead he cocked his head at her thoughtfully and put a hand to his lips.  "Think about it, Norita.  Why did you feel the need to make such a public showing of perceived ownership?  Did it accomplish what you hoped it would?"

Without a word he turned and headed back to the encampment and the warriors followed him silently.  Koko and Donoma exchanged glances and then Koko extended her hand.  Donoma accepted the offer and the two turned together to walk out onto the Plains without a backwards glance – away from the direction the warriors has just come.  Norita watched them go before heading back to the camp.  She had plans to make.

************

"I wonder whatever happened to Norita," Donoma mused.

"I do not know, Ka’eskone.  I cannot believe she would have survived very long on her own out on the Plains.  She had no knowledge of how to hunt or fight or...."

"I know, but it saddens me to think I might have inadvertently driven her to her death."

"You cannot think that way, Donoma.  She is responsible for the choices she made as we are all responsible for our own choices.  Those choices shape who we are and how we live.  Besides, she was not the first who tried to come between us, and Honaw survived just fine."

Donoma snickered.  "He should have known better than to tease.  He lived with me my whole life until he joined with Gaagii."

"He did it on a dare, Ka’eskone.  I found out after the fact.  Keez and your hestatanemos wanted to see if it would stir you up."

"I guess they got their answer."

Koko laughed.  "Three times, actually.  You let Honaw have it; I let Honaw have it; and then he did the same to them except he beat them up.

"Really?"  At Koko's nod, Donoma chuckled.  "Well that would explain why they went out of their way to avoid me for the longest time after that."  Donoma remembered the day clearly.

************

"Donoma Chepi – it is time you give up this foolishness of being a warrior advisor to Koko Kanti.  She is not solely your responsibility nor are you hers.  It is time you give up this foolishness."

"Honaw, she is my warrior protector and I am her warrior advisor – we swore an oath to one another.  I will share my knowledge and friendship with those who seek it, but do not mock or make light of what is between Koko and me."

"You were a child, Donoma and it has been seven full cycles since she came to us.  Surely you can release one another of that promise after such a long time.  And what of those that want to cultivate a more personal relationship with Koko?  She is growing into a woman, Donoma."

Donoma's eyes glowed from within and Honaw took a step back.  He had meant it as a joke... a bit of teasing put up to him by his friends and hestatanemos.  But Donoma didn't see it as such and he was afraid he was going to end up badly burned because of his foolishness.

"If Koko Kanti wishes to be released from her oath to me, she has but to ask, Honaw.  I would never hold her to something that makes her unhappy, but I would prefer that she come to me herself instead of sending you to do it for her," she added, turning away before he could see the tears in her eyes.  He reached out and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Donoma, I was only teasing you.  Koko Kanti knows nothing of this."

"Why would you tease me about this, Honaw?  You know Koko is my best friend."

Honaw shrugged.  "I do not know, Ka’eskone.  Perhaps because I wish I had what you and Koko share?"  He sighed.  "Maybe we are all a little jealous."

"You know if Koko learns of this...."

Honaw swallowed hard.  "I know... and it would be no more than we would deserve."

Donoma studied him for a long moment.  "Leave me now, Honaw.  I need to think."

************

"He was on edge for days waiting for you to do something until he finally confessed to me what he had done.  I think he was glad for the fight that followed.  It gave him closure."

Donoma snorted.  "Was that why you fought then?  I thought it was some sort of a warrior ritual, especially after you threw him in the river."  Koko nodded.  "It is a good thing he told you."

"Why is that, Ka’eskone?"

"Because I was going to make him wait until he exploded.  It is nice to know it worked."

"You are brutal, Donoma Chepi.  I am glad you are on my side."  She chuckled.  "I would almost remain here to watch you make the old women in this town twitch because of who and what you are.  But I would never expose you to the vitriolic diatribe they are prone to spew without warning.  I would have to kill them all.  And while I do not think it would be a great loss as far as the human race is concerned, I have no desire to become an outlaw either."

"So we will go home tomorrow?"

"We will go home tomorrow.  Hassun knows how to find me if there is anything I need to know immediately.  And for anything that will wait, we will come back to town again in the next moon.  I promised Kitty and Big Mama, and they will not let us get by without keeping that promise.  I think you made quite an impression on them, Ka’eskone."

"I like them, Koko.  They seem like good people."

"Once you staked your claim," Koko teased.

Donoma rolled her eyes.  "We have established that I am possessive where you are concerned.  I do not see that changing for a while, Warrior.  It has been a problem my whole life."

Koko smiled and shifted them until she was spooned behind Donoma.  Then she cocooned the smaller woman to her.  "In case you have not noticed, Ka’eskone, I have never objected to that possessive streak of yours.  I find I like belonging to you – I always did.  My Nahko'e found it amusing though she never said so to me aloud."

"How do you know if she did not say?"

Koko laughed, shaking both of them.  "She was my Nahko'e, Ka’eskone.  How do they let you know something when they want you to know without saying a word?  For that matter, how do they know things when we do not tell them anything?"

Donoma thought about Koko's words, then joined her laughter.  "You make a good point, Nutta.  I know there were many times that my Nahko'e seemed to know far more than she was ever told, especially where the actions of my hestatanemos were concerned."  She shook her head.  "I am not certain she ever knew quite how to deal with me.  My Neho'e usually took that responsibility."

"Mine did as well until his death.  Then my Nahko'e had to do it all."  Koko stopped and took a deep breath.  "I still miss them."

Donoma shifted until she could cup Koko's face in her hands.  "You always will, Koko Kanti.  But I take comfort in knowing that they are looking out for us."

Koko smiled.  "As long as they know when to look away," she proclaimed, then leaned down and captured Donoma's lips for a long moment.  Donoma rubbed their noses together.

"Somehow, I do not think that is a problem.  The People try to respect one another's privacy."

"Thank the Great Spirit for that," Koko said before reclaiming Donoma's mouth.

************

Honiahaka and Rae'l turned away from their children when Donoma rubbed their noses together.  They smiled.

"It is nice to be missed, but I am glad they have each other."

Honiahaka nodded thoughtfully.  "As am I, Nutta.  I believe they will need their combined strength and the love they share to see them through the coming storm."  Rachel turned to him and wrapped her hands in his shirt.

"You know something?"

"I suspect something.  I have been watching Mordecai Washburn.  He could be trouble."

"Our Nahtona lives for trouble.  She always has, Honiahaka.  You know this."

He shook his head.  "Not like this, Nutta.  When she looks for trouble she tries to be ready for it.  I am afraid she will not see this coming."

They were silent as they turned their attention to Mordecai Washburn.

************

Mordecai Washburn carefully checked his guns once more.  They had all been cleaned and oiled and were loaded in preparation for the fight he expected to get once he caught up to Reb Stone.  When he was satisfied they were ready and there was nothing more he could do, he left his office and went to his room to pack his saddlebags.  It had been a while since he'd been forced to leave the comfort of his ranch house and he had no desire to suffer while he rode across the Plains.  But it was obvious that his personal touch was needed to take care of things now.

Business had fallen to nothing and that was unacceptable.  And with Reuben's death it was time he stepped up and resumed the reins he should never have given up.  He was convinced his two sons would still be alive if he had kept a tighter grip on the operation.

He sighed.  There was no help for that now.  All he could do from here was go forward and hope to control the damage that had already been done.

Satisfied he had all he needed for his unexpected trip, Washburn turned and headed to the dining room.  He was ready for a hot meal, and it would be a little while before he got another chance to have one. 

His foreman came in when he was finished, assuring him that his entourage was ready and the ranch would be taken care of in his absence.  Mordecai nodded his appreciation, then extinguished the lamps and walked to his bedroom.  Tomorrow was going to be a long day.


Chapter XXXVII

It was quite the little Posse that formed up around Mordecai Washburn as the sun peeked over the horizon early the next morning.  He had several mercenaries at his beck and call to handle any kind of emergency that arose.  Now they were packed and ready to move out to finally do something about Reb Stone.  She'd been a thorn in his side damn long enough.

"So what's the plan, Boss?"

"The plan?" Washburn snorted with contempt.  "The plan is to take care of Reb Stone.  She's an abomination and a troublemaker.  It's time to rid the world of her filth."

The men rolled their eyes as they mounted their horses.  They had heard Washburn's rhetoric more than once, and it was frankly a little old and somewhat annoying.  He felt that way about everyone who was different from him including them, but he was powerful and paid well so they let it go.  Eventually someone new would come along who could offer them more and Washburn would be history, but for now he was their best option.

"Yeah, we got that part, Boss," Riggins, the de facto leader spoke.  "But do you have a plan on specifically how you'd like her to be taken care of?"

Washburn shook his head and clicked to his horse, knowing the entourage would fall in place as they progressed.  "No," he admitted.  "Not yet.  I think we need to get there and see what we can find out.  Then we'll make our plans accordingly.  The way things have been going recently, she won't even do me the courtesy of being there when we arrive."

Riggins nodded.  "I wonder what caused Reuben to go after her.  I thought he was going to wait...." cutting his eyes towards the elder Washburn and wondering if he would get an answer.

Mordecai didn't respond.  He wasn't going to admit that he had threatened Reuben to take care of the situation or he would see to it personally.  He was seeing to it personally now and that was enough.  He never thought his eldest son would have been stupid enough to call her out like that.  He should have ambushed her.

Riggins sat back in his saddle and pulled the brim of his hat down lower over his eyes.  They had days of traveling to do – there was plenty of time.  He'd work on worming it out of Washburn.  It wasn't that it particularly mattered; Riggins simply wanted to know. 

The caravan settled into a steady pace as the sun slowly moved up into the sky.  It was going to be a long day.

************

Kitty and the girls dragged themselves out of bed early to see Donoma and Koko off.  Kitty had tried to convince them to stay longer, but it was to no avail.  Koko and Donoma were anxious to leave town and given their experience during their brief stay, no one could rightly blame them.  So they were packed and ready to go first thing and the girls came downstairs to say a very short goodbye before returning to their beds for more sleep. 

"I'm glad you came into town, Reb.  It was lovely to meet the woman who holds your heart," taking Koko's hand and squeezing it gently.  "It's nice to see you so happy; gives the rest of us hope."  Koko blushed but she met Donoma's gaze with a smile.  Kitty grinned at the two of them.  "You are so good together."  Kitty released Koko's hand and opened her arms to Donoma.  "Do you think I could maybe get a hug?"

Donoma's eyes got big at the request but she stepped forward into Kitty's embrace.  The hug was over in a bare moment, but Kitty's smile was huge. Koko nodded her head ever so briefly in approval.   It was a giant accomplishment for both Donoma and Kitty and Kitty was proud to have earned Donoma's trust.

Big Mama came bustling out of the kitchen holding a wrapped bundle that she extended out to them.  "Jus' a li'l sumpin' fo’ de road," she explained.  Koko accepted it, then gave Mama a brief hug.  She stepped back and waited for Big Mama to speak to Donoma.

Big Mama took Donoma in a hug, not giving her a chance to refuse and almost smothering her in the process.  She kissed the top of the blonde head and smiled as she released her hold on Donoma.  "You'uns be careful goin' home now, chile.  We wan' ya'll to be comin' back real soon."

"Thank you, Big Mama.  We will," Donoma replied in slow, stilting English.  "It was good to meet all of you as well."  She stepped back, running into Koko with a thump.  Donoma looked back with a smile and Koko grinned before motioning to the horses with an arched brow.  Donoma nodded and they mounted their horses, then halted at a cry from up the street.  Kitty remained as did Big Mama when Stephen Murphy arrived.  He blew out a winded breath.

"You two take care, Stone," he said when he could speak.  "I expect Old Man Washburn'll be heading this way and chances are he'll be out for vengeance.  We haven't heard anything which is what makes me think that."  He paused.  "Gotta wonder why him and his boys seem so fixated on you.  Even your being a woman and a bounty hunter ain't enough to explain all that."

"Maybe not, but it's just another reason for us to hightail it outta here, Murph.  No sense in bringing more trouble to the folks of this town than necessary.  Most of them have enough to deal with with their own petty hatred and bigotry.  I wouldn't want to add to that any more than I already have," she added with a smirk.

"Seems like you could teach 'em a thing or two if you were of a mind."

"Probably not, Kitty.  Some folks are too set in their ways to see beyond their own prejudice.  You know that as well or better than any of us."

"You should come to People," Donoma commented unexpectedly.

Kitty blinked, then smiled.  "Thank you, Donoma Chepi.  That is probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me," accepting it for the compliment it was intended to be.  "One day I might just take you up on that."

"Keep your eyes open, Reb," Murphy cautioned again.  "I really don't like...."

"Koko watch for Washburn – Donoma watch out for Koko."

Donoma's pronouncement made everyone smile.  "Thanks, Mrs. Stone," Murphy replied sincerely.  "I feel better knowing Reb's got someone watching out for her."

Koko glared at him.  "I've been looking out for myself for a while now, ya know."

"No longer, Koko Kanti.  Donoma Chepi look out for you now," Donoma stated unequivocally.  Her stare was equally intense and she met Koko's blue eyes squarely.

"As long as we are together, Ka’eskone," Koko assured, shifting back to her native tongue, "I would expect no less.  I may be the protector, but you have always taken care of me as well."  She cupped Donoma's face in her hand, but the clearing of a nearby throat brought their attention back to the present and their surroundings.  Koko looked at Kitty inquiringly.

"You two are cuter than two bugs in a rug," Kitty said though her pronouncement made Donoma's nose crinkle up in disgust.  "But I'm not altogether sure you wanna be sharing that image with some of the folks in this town."

"I don't rightly care what the folks in this town think, Kitty.  I never have.  But you're right – they don't deserve to share in what Donoma and I have between us."  She turned to the Marshal.  "You'll let me know what you find out or if you hear anything I need to be aware of?"

"Of course, Reb; you don't even have to ask."

"Thanks, Murph.  We'll be in touch."

"Come back soon," Kitty commanded.  "Big Mama and I'd love to visit more."

"We'll see what we can do," Koko stated and then she and Donoma headed their horses towards the open plain, heedless of the many eyes that followed them down the street before the disappeared into the horizon.  Kitty, Murphy and Big Mama watched them go before they all turned back to the saloon.

"I gots me a bad feelin' 'bout all dis," Mama said solemnly.  "Them young'uns gots a hard road ahead of dem iff'n Old Man Washburn comes a lookin' for 'em."

"We'll keep our eyes and ears out, Mama.  I have a feelin' this could get ugly for the lot of us before it's all over."

Murphy nodded his head in agreement.  "I'm afraid you might be right there, Kitty.  Now I've got work to do and you probably need a little more rest.  Something about this whole situation's not sitting right with me and I need to find out what it is."

Kitty snorted.  "The whole situation's all wrong as far as I'm concerned, but I think I know what you mean.  Hopefully you'll figure it out in time."  She leaned up and kissed his grizzled cheek.  "I'll see you later, Stephen."  Then she and Big Mama headed indoors.  Murphy walked back down towards his office, letting his mind run over the facts he had, trying to place what was bothering him about the whole scenario.  Something just didn't make sense.

************

"So what did you think of your first trip into white man's world, Ka’eskone?" Koko asked later that evening when they were curled up together snugly in their cabin home.

"I think it is very loud, and I am glad I do not have to live there all the time.  It would make my head hurt incessantly."  She hesitated.  "Perhaps that is why so many of them are so cranky.  They must be in constant pain to be forced to live so."

"I suppose it is a possibility, Donoma, though I believe much of it is learned behavior.  We do the same thing just not to the same degree."  Donoma cocked her head in question.  "There are tribes we go to war with simply because we have been taught that they are the enemy."

"Are you saying we are like the white man, Koko Kanti?"

"Oh no, Ka’eskone.  We are very different from the white man in many ways... in most ways, if the truth be known.  We live differently; think differently; believe differently.  But there are similarities as well.  I just do not think that the similarities will ever be enough to overcome the differences until men learn to see them first.  And I do not think that will happen in our lifetimes if at all."

"Is that not a pessimistic view of the world, Warrior?"

"I do not believe it is, Ka’eskone.  It is an honest one.  The world would be a much different place if we did not see skin color or gender or belief before we saw human being.  But always it has been this way.  We see what is different and we exploit what is perceived to be weakness.  In the white culture that means conversion to their way of thinking and destruction of anything that does not fit their mold of society."

"So it is all right that I did not particularly care for the white man's world?  Now do not misunderstand... I was glad for the chance to meet Miss Kitty and Big Mama and Stephen Murphy.  But I did not care for the staring we endured.  It was unnerving."

Koko smiled and gently stroked Donoma's back, feeling her relax into the light touch.  "Would you like to know the ironic part of that, Ka’eskone?  The ones doing the staring were more unnerved than you were; hence the reason for their staring.  They were trying to figure you out without looking you in the eye.  They are certain you could hex them if they did so."

Donoma tilted her head up to look at Koko incredulously.  "If I could do that, Koko, we would rule the world and the white man's influence would not be so widespread."

Koko laughed at the seriousness with which Donoma delivered her decree and Donoma was quick to join in the merriment.  "So true, Ka’eskone... but what would we do with the world?"

"We tried that once as I recall; did not really like it then either."  Then she blinked and looked at Koko in confusion.  "What did I just say?"

"Nothing I can disagree with at the moment."  Koko blew out a thoughtful breath.  "I thought they were simply strange dreams."

"Perhaps they are, Warrior.  They just seem so real sometimes."  They gazed at one another for several heartbeats before Donoma blinked and put her head back down over Koko's heartbeat.  "I suppose this is something we will need to talk about."

"Perhaps," Koko conceded.  "But it will come in our way and in a time of our choosing.  Until then, I think it is safe to say we have shared many lives together.  Consequently it could be one reason behind my warrior aptitude and your gift of sight."

"It would go a long way to explaining much.  Do you believe we are destined then?"

Koko thought about the question, giving it due deliberation.  "I believe we are meant for one another, but that we make the choice to allow it to happen.  Had I not ended up in the winter encampment, we would still be separated by my misguided choice.  I can honestly say I would have stayed alone though.  There would have been no one else in my life."

"Mine either, Warrior.  I would have lived alone by choice.  So maybe it is a little of both – choice and destiny."

Koko tightened her embrace and kissed the top of the blonde head tucked under her chin.  "I am glad we made the choice to embrace our destiny then, Ka’eskone.  I am very happy."

"As am I, warrior mine... as am I."

************

It was slow going across the prairie.  The spring rains had made everything muddy and the horses weren't terribly thrilled having to traverse through it constantly.  It was wearing on both horse and rider and it caused Riggins to call for an early halt.  Washburn immediately looked to him for an explanation.

"There's no point in traveling until we're all ready to drop, Boss," Riggins said patiently.  "We have all the time we need to get there and take care of Stone.  But it'd be in our best interests to make sure we all get there.  The horses are tired and we've made good progress.  We'll head out again early tomorrow morning."

"Maybe we should wait until a little later in the day when things have had a chance to dry out a bit more," acknowledging the wisdom of Riggins' decision without actually having to say so.

"We'll see how it looks in the morning, Boss.  You may be right," knowing it would make little difference but not seeing a reason to point that out to Washburn at the moment.  It'd been a lot of years since Mordecai Washburn had ridden any sort of trail that didn't end with him in his own comfortable bed at night, and Riggins figured he would learn as they went.

They staked their horses a short distance from them, allowing plenty of space between them so there was plenty of grass for each animal.  Then they spread out into a circle, clearing a bit in the center to set up a firepit and placing their bedrolls around it.  After that it was a matter of waiting until they could sleep to pass the time until they could hit the trail again.

************

Murphy sat in his office thinking over what Ginger had shared with him, Reb and the Colonel the day before.  Something about what she had said didn't make much sense.  She indicated that men in general and soldiers in particular had a tendency to spill secrets when in the presence of Kitty's girls.  And while he had no doubt that it was true, what she had shared with them hadn't been much of a secret.  He let his mind review what Ginger had said.

"They were out looking for horses under orders, but Leroy was looking for more.  At least that is what the soldiers that were traveling with him believed."

"But what was he looking for?"  Ginger crinkled her forehead.  Spencer sighed.  "What was Leroy looking for aside from the horses?  He was only under orders to find horses."

Ginger shrugged.  "I dunno.  They haven't said.  Just that he seemed to have his own agenda.  I got the feeling they thought it had something to do with Black."

"But you don't know for certain."

"No.  It's not like I can force them to share... especially when they talk in their sleep."

Spencer leaned back in his chair.  The information was less revealing than he had hoped for.  A look at Murphy and Stone showed nothing at all in their expressions, and Spencer wondered if they were as frustrated as he felt.  He blew out a breath and excused himself, citing a need to get back to the fort to let Mordecai Washburn know of the death of his eldest son.

Murphy came back to the present with a sigh.  He was convinced Ginger knew more than she was telling.  The question was who was she hiding the information from... him, Reb or Spencer?  He looked at the clock on the wall, surprised to see it was nearly lunch time.  He decided to take a walk back down to the saloon.  Talking to Kitty and Big Mama might help clear his mind; it might at least give him a place to start finding out what Ginger really knew.

He walked slowly down the sidewalk, greeting the shopkeepers and merchants along the way.  Several of them asked after Reb and Donoma, but as far as he could tell it was mostly benign curiosity.  None of the old biddies bothered him, making it a point to pass on the opposite side of the street.  Murphy just chuckled as did most of the men he spoke to.

Finally he reached the saloon and walked around to the back, knocking on the door and waiting for Big Mama to invite him in.  He doffed his hat and took a seat at her table at her beckoning, folding his hands and waiting for her to put a plate of food in front of him.  Then he still waited for her to join him.  Instead she motioned to him to eat.

"Ya knows I cain't stop in de middle ob lunch, Marshal.  Wha's on ya min'?"

Kitty walked in about then, brushing a kiss to Murphy's temple and accepting a plate of food from Big Mama.  She took a seat and picked up a fork, digging in and waiting for Murphy to speak.

"You both know I talked to Ginger yesterday, but I got the feeling she wasn't completely honest with me.  But I don't know if she didn't want to talk to me or if was Reb and Spence she was uncomfortable with."

"Maybe you should ask her, Stephen.  I don't think you're the one she's uncomfortable with."

He sighed and grabbed his own fork, chewing several mouthfuls thoughtfully before taking a sip of coffee.  "Will you ask her, Kitty?  I think she will be honest with you, and I really do think she knows more than she was willing to share."

"I'll see what I can find out, Stephen, but I'm not going to force her to share if she doesn't want to.  We hear a lot in this line of work; not all of it's pleasant."

"I know, Kitty.  But I think this is important."

Kitty nodded.  "I'll do my best and let you know when I hear something."  She got up and took her empty plate to the sink, washing it clean before returning upstairs.  Murphy watched her go, then turned his attention back to Big Mama.  He arched an eyebrow at her, but she just shook her head and went back to cooking.  He finished his food without another word, then cleaned up, kissed Mama's cheek and headed back to his office.  There was still work to do.


Chapter XXXVIII

"You have been very quiet, Ka’eskone.  Is something troubling you?"

"I am somewhat confused, Koko.  I do not understand why Big Mama's language is so different from everyone else's... even mine... nor do I comprehend how her skin became so dark.  None of the People I have ever seen have had skin as dark as hers is."

Koko smiled, recalling her own first reaction to Big Mama and everything that followed that meeting.  "Big Mama is a runaway slave, Donoma.  Her Nahko'e's Nahko'e was brought to this country on a slave ship from somewhere very far away.  Because she was born a slave she was never allowed to learn how to read and write.  It was considered a crime for her to do so."

"That is terrible, warrior mine.  Who would make such a rule?"

"The same men who would try to force the People onto reservations.  Those who see us as less than them... less than human."

"Why?  Who are they to judge?  Who are they to make such decisions for anyone?"

Koko shook her head.  "I do not know, Ka’eskone.  I only know that they do."

"So has she learned to read since she ran away from those who would make her a slave?"

"A little," Koko replied with a soft smile.  "It is very difficult for her.  But her sons Elijah and Thomas both learned.  They went back east to go to school."

"Did you teach them, Koko Kanti?  Did you teach Big Mama's sons to read and write the white man's tongue as Rae'l did for me?"

"I did, Ka’eskone.  I felt they deserved the opportunity to be more than they were being allowed and they did well.  She is hoping for their soon return.  They will have better opportunities here despite the bigotry that is prevalent.  It is apparently much worse to the east.  I tried teaching Big Mama as well, but it was very slow going for her and that made it frustrating.  Besides, as she put it, it took too much time away from her work and she needs the money she makes at the saloon to support herself."

"Has she no warrior of her own to protect her?  Or no advisor to look after her interests?"

"She had a husband; he was unable to get away when she escaped from slavery.  She has no idea if he still lives."

"That is terrible, warrior mine.  Such a heavy burden to bear."

"Yes, as we both know from experience.  I would not wish that sort of separation on anyone.  Perhaps in time her man will return to her.  And if not, her sons should return to her soon.  That will be a happy day for her."

"As will our return to the People for Litonya and Takoda, no matter how brief the visit."

Donoma’s wording made Koko's eyes widen and she turned to look at her expression, which remained serene.  "You have been thinking?" she finally asked.

Donoma shrugged.  "A little.  I am not convinced it would be in the best interests of the People for us to return to them on a permanent basis.  As you have said, until and unless you retire there will always be those who will hunt you down to avoid their own capture.  And even then, as long as we remain in the area there is always a chance someone will bring their fight with you to them."

"That is all very true, Ka’eskone.  What would you propose?"

"I do not know yet, Warrior.  I do like the home you have created here...."  Donoma let her thoughts trail off pensively.  Koko picked up her sentence easily.

"But, it is still too close to the white man's civilization to be truly safe for us."

"Yes... exactly.  And as much as I would like to remain for now, I do not believe it would ultimately satisfy either of us to stay here for an indefinite length of time."

"So where does that leave us?"  Koko had already come to her own conclusions, but she was enjoying listening to Donoma think aloud.  The horses ambled on as the sun continued moving overhead; the spring breeze kept it on the cool side of comfortable.

"I think that depends on us, Warrior.  Do we want to put down roots here?  Move somewhere else?  Go back to the People?  Or strike out on our own... go somewhere no one would find us – somewhere that even the People do not know of?  There are many choices for us to consider."

"What would you like to do, Ka’eskone?  Not what you think I want or what would make the People or Kitty or anyone else we know happy, but you."

Donoma bit her lip thoughtfully as she deliberated the choices she had already laid out for Koko.  "What I would like," she said after a few moments of silent riding, "is the ability to see the outcome of each choice."  She smiled ruefully at Koko who gave her a sympathetic expression in return.  "I know that is not the way it works, but it does not keep me from wishing it was so."

"It would be nice.  But it does not change the fact that this is something we need to decide for ourselves without guidance."

"How long should we remain here, Koko?"

"We move at our own whim, Donoma.  The only thing keeping us here is us.  However," she added, "I think it is safe to say that if Mordecai Washburn is coming into town to do more than retrieve Reuben's body – if he is coming to exact revenge for whatever injustice he believes has been perpetrated against his family – he will not let it go without a fight.  If we do not face him here, he will follow us."

Donoma sighed.  She had expected as much, but hearing it said brought a whole new level of reality.  "Then we need to deal with Washburn before we make any sort of decision about the future.  I have no desire to have that kind of threat hanging over us for the remainder of our lives."

"Nor do I, Ka’eskone.  We will hope Washburn is not as stupid as his sons, but I do not hold out much hope for that.  Especially if they were doing something illegal."

"You believe that they were."

"Yes – it is the only thing that makes sense.  Why else would they be so insistent that I was?  Usually those who accuse have something to hide themselves."

"I hope that this is over with quickly then.  I have no desire to live under this cloud any longer than is absolutely necessary.  I am ready to simply live my life with you."

Koko's smile was wide and genuine.  "As am I, Donoma."  Then silence fell as they continued their journey home.

************

“You are sure of this Takoda?” Odahingum asked much later – after they had spoken at length with Hassun.  “You are aware that we are more than half a moon’s travel from the white man’s world where Koko Kanti and Donoma Chepi have been living?  That it will have been a full moon from the time Koko Kanti sent him to us that Hassun returns to them?  What good can it do to put our clan in danger by accompanying him, Takoda?”

The shaman shook his head.  “I cannot say for certain, my friend.  I only know what the Great Spirit shows me.”

The chieftain huffed.  “It would be nice if for once the Great Spirit would speak plainly instead of with vague signs and warnings.  Surely it would be easier for him as well.”

Takoda snorted.  “You sound much like my Nahtona, Odahingum.  She does not care for the vagueness nor the interpretations she is left to make from the visions she is given.  She feels straightforwardness would be much more effective.”

“I tend to agree,” Odahingum said solemnly.

“So do I,” Takoda confessed.  “But we must work with those things we are given.”

“And you feel we should move the People back towards the white man’s territory instead of continuing on towards the summer camp?”

Takoda shook his head.  “I cannot say with certainty, Odahingum.  I think it might be best if we split the tribe – with some of the warriors and all the women and children continuing on to the summer camp.  The rest could accompany Hassun back to the town to aid Koko and Donoma in whatever challenge the Great Spirit is sending their way.”

“You believe this to be for the best?  Even with the amount of time and travel involved for all parties?”

“I believe I was given the vision for a reason, but I am not convinced of anything yet.  I only know that we must do something, for if we do nothing, the consequence could be dire for Donoma and Koko.”

“Could be?  Then you are unsure?”

“I am unsure,” Takoda confirmed.  “Nothing is clear and yet the feeling that the vision gives me is ominous... very disturbing.”

“You do not believe they will survive without our assistance?”

Takoda shrugged, growing more and more frustrated.  He had told Odahingum all he saw and yet the chief still questioned him.  “I do not know, Odahingum.  All that is clear is that they are in imminent danger.  The rest...?”  He shrugged again.

Odahingum thought about Takoda’s words.  “Very well.  I will instruct a small party of warriors to accompany Hassun.  Traveling by horseback, it should not take them as much time to reach Koko and Donoma as it would on foot.  With luck the warriors will arrive in plenty of time to be of some use to prevent whatever it is that threatens Koko Kanti and Donoma Chepi.”

“Thank you, Odahingum.  I believe that is a wise choice.”

Odahingum sighed.  “I hope so, Takoda... for all our sakes.”

************

"Mr. Washburn?"  Mordecai looked up into the face of the youngest cowboy along on this trip.  He reminded the old man a little of his sons but it didn't garner him any sympathy.  Washburn nodded and gestured for the young man to continue.

"I was just wondering how long we expect to be on the trail."

Washburn stared at the cowboy a while longer, smirking when he started to fidget under his penetrating gaze.  "What's the matter, Boy?  You got a hot date back at the ranch house I need to know about?  Or maybe you're looking forward to screwing some of those whores in town?"

"Yessir... something like that."

"Well, keep it in your pants, Boy.  It's gonna take us the better part of a week before we get to town.  And then we've got business to attend to once we get there.  There won’t be screwing of any kind until Reb Stone is dead by my hand.  You got it?"

The cowboy swallowed hard.  "Yessir," the kid replied before swallowing again and turning to walk away from Washburn as rapidly as he could manage without actually running.  Mordecai watched him go with a smirk on his face.  Riggins walked over chuckling and squatted across the fire from Washburn.  Mordecai arched an eyebrow at him.

"Sorry, Boss.  That was funny.  In fairness Harry's a good cowboy; as hardworking as they come, but he's young. Doesn't always think with his big head."

"He's lucky I remember being that young and stupid once.  But remind him what happens to stupid cowboys."

"Will do, Boss."  Riggins cleared his throat.  "Looks like we've got more bad weather coming in.  We gonna push through it or try to wait it out?"

"We'll see how it looks in the morning, but I wanna push through as soon as possible.  It's already going to be a week getting there without delays and I don't want this to take any longer than necessary.  Stone deserves to be punished for what she did to my family and I intend to make her pay."

"And if she's not there?"

"In town?  I don't expect her to be.  According to what the boys said and my current sources, she no longer lives there.  She only visits occasionally to speak to the Marshal and visit Kitty," Washburn spat with revulsion. "Otherwise she is out chasing outlaws or living in her little log cabin.  All we have to do is wait for her to come to us."

"So we're not gonna chase her down?"

"Hell, no!  What would be the advantage to that?  We can set up an ambush and wait for her to come to us.  Then," he took aim and pulled an imaginary trigger.  "She dies but only at my hand.  Make sure the men understand that.  They are there to contain her, but the killing shot is mine alone."

"All right, Boss.  I'll take care of it."

"See that you do, Riggins.  I don't want any rash misunderstandings on that point.  Because someone will pay for their disobedience if anyone other than me kills Stone.  She owes me, and I'm going to collect – preferably slowly and painfully."

"Yessir, Boss."

"Good.  Now get out of here and leave me to my peace.  We start out at daylight tomorrow if the weather is good."

"And if it's not?"

"We'll decide in the morning."  Riggins nodded his head but didn't say another word.  Instead he rose and headed back to his own bedroll, hoping the storm that was coming held off until the morning.  A good night's sleep would be appreciated.  Tomorrow would bring new challenges to face.  Riggins just wanted a bit of decent rest before being forced to meet them.

************

It had been slow all evening and Kitty had decided to call it a night.  She gestured to Benny who nodded his understanding, then took Ginger by the hand and led her upstairs to her room.  The other girls just watched, knowing the two women had a different relationship with one another than they shared with the rest of them.  Besides, Kitty had been jumpy all evening; with a little luck Ginger would be able to get her to relax.

Ginger followed Kitty into her room and waited for the older woman to shut the door before turning on her. “All right, Kitty... what’s up?  You’ve been twitchier than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockin’ chairs, and I don’t think it’s got anything to do with what you and I normally do when we come up here together early like this either.”

Kitty grimaced.  “You’re right though there may be some of that later,” she added with a rakish grin.  Then her expression fell and she sighed.  “What do you really know about the Washburns and what is goin’ on?  Stephen is convinced you know more than you were willin’ to share with him and the others.”

“So you’re doin’ the Marshal’s dirty work now?” Ginger sneered, then immediately felt remorse at the hurt look that passed swiftly over Kitty’s face.  “I’m sorry, Kit.  I’m tired and this whole situation has just creeped me out, ya know?”

“No, I don’t; so why don’t you tell me so I will?”

“The Washburns were horse thieves – head of a gang of ‘em from what I could gather.  Only they were doin’ it legally... skimmin’ the best of them from the Army before the Army got ahold of ‘em.”

Kitty blinked rapidly as the words spilled forth from Ginger’s lips.  “What??  How do you know this, Ging?  And why didn’t you tell the Marshal when he asked?”

“My corporal, Max?” waiting for Kitty to nod her head in recognition.  “He went out a lot with them huntin’ for new herds.  He said not near the horses they found ever made it into the Army corral.  Said that somehow they always seemed to lose the best part of the herd a day or two out from the post to fellas who didn’t seem to disturb whoever was on watch, and that generally Leroy was the one watching when it happened.”

“And he didn’t feel the need to bring it up to someone?  You didn’t think you should share this with Stephen or me?”

“Who was he gonna bring it up to, Kitty?  Leroy was his commanding officer and Reuben was the next up in the chain of command.  That’s sorta like cutting off your nose to spite your face.”

Kitty nodded in understanding.  “Okay, I can accept that, but then why not tell Stephen?” coming back to part of her original question.  “And why involve Reb?  That last seems kinda like poking a bear with a stick.  You know there’s gonna be a bad reaction.”

Ginger shrugged.  “That I don’t know, but I’m thinkin’ she messed up their little operation more’n once by pickin’ up certain outlaws.  Somebody had to move them horses once they left the Army’s care and odds are it wasn’t law-abidin’ citizens.”

Kitty stared at Ginger in amazement.  “How’d you figure all that out?”

“Talkin’ to the Marshal got me to thinkin’.  A lot of it is just speculatin’ on my part at the moment, but it seems to sorta make sense.”

“So why haven’t you talked to the Marshal about this, Ginger?” Kitty asked in a fierce whisper, not wanting her voice to carry with her upset.  “Why didn’t you tell him this the other day when he and Reb were sittin’ right there waitin’ for you to tell them all this??”

Ginger turned burning eyes to Kitty.  “Because the Colonel was sitting there with them.  And I don’t know him well enough to assume his guilt or innocence one way or the other.  I was waitin’ for the Marshal to come see you so I could talk to him up here without raising suspicions!”

Kitty’s ire calmed considerably with Ginger’s explanation and she moved forward to take the other woman in a hug.  “All right, Sweetheart... I’m sorry.  I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you because of this God knows.  I just don’t want to see anything happen to Reb either and I don’t think Washburn’s gonna let this lie this time.”

“Probably not,” Ginger agreed, holding on to Kitty and tucking her head beneath the other woman’s chin absorbing the comfort she offered.  “I got the feeling from Max that the old man was the one running things so I’ll bet he’ll be here as quick as he can to take care of stuff.”  A rumble of thunder shimmied through the air.  “With any luck it’ll take him a few extra days with this weather.”

“And meanwhile we can make some plans of our own.  But first,” leading Ginger to her bed, “we need some rest.  We’ll worry about the rest tomorrow – there’s nothin’ we can do til then without raisin’ suspicions anyway.”

“Nothin’?” Ginger asked with a wicked twinkle as she stripped down to her skivvies.

Kitty laughed and did the same, then blew out the lantern before crawling into bed behind her.


Chapter XXXIX

“You seem restless tonight, Ka’eskone,” Koko commented several days later.  “Is something wrong?” 

“I do not know, Warrior.  It is simply... I have never felt like this before.”

“Getting used to being in one place is very different from what you have known all your life.”

“Yes, it is.  Even winter camp is not like this.  I think the weather may be part of the problem.  I do not remember seeing so much rain in so short a period of time.  I have never spent so much time indoors when I was not ministering to the sick.”

“Would you like me to be sick, Ka’eskone, so you have something productive to do with your time?”

“No!  If I never have to use those particular skills on you ever again, it will be too soon for me.  I have done more than my share of caring for you that way and though I do not begrudge any of the time we spent together, I hate to see you suffer.  Besides,” she added with an impish twinkle in her green eyes, “you were always my worst patient.”

Blue eyes widened and Koko’s full bottom lip stuck out in what threatened to become a full-fledged pout.  “Me?” she asked with mock offense.  “How can you say that?  I have always been the epitome of what a model patient should be.”  Donoma couldn’t resist the impulse and soon she was shaking with laughter though she covered her mouth to keep the giggles from escaping.  Koko glared and crossed her arms over her chest.  “You are mocking me.”

“No, Nutta.  I am telling you the truth.  Do you not remember the first sickness you had after you and Rae’l came to the People?”  Koko held Donoma’s eyes, but she couldn’t stop the blush that followed the question.  Donoma smiled.  “I see that you do.”

************

It had been a dare and Koko had never been one to refuse a dare.  It had been coming on to winter - not yet freezing but well beyond the warmth of summer.  Despite her acceptance into the tribe by Takoda and Odahingum, Koko was still the new kid and in some things, she still had a lot to prove to her peers.

This particular autumn day the young warriors were out near a tributary whose origin they were unaware of.  All they knew was that the water was chilly even in the heat of mid-summer so now it was downright frigid.  The challenge was to swim the width of the river and back again - naked

The boys had thought to play a practical joke on Koko, stealing her clothes and forcing her to return to the encampment in nothing but her skin. Koko and a few of the others would swim while the rest took her clothes. What they had not counted on was the fierceness of Donoma Chepi or the shrillness of her voice when they approached her.

The swimmers were more than halfway across the water when Donoma’s first cry rang out.  Without hesitation Koko turned back and headed for shore.  Honaw, seeing her action, turned to follow her, knowing there had to be a good reason for Donoma to scream and an even better one for Koko to give up the challenge to take care of it.

She stepped onto shore, naked as the day she was born, backlit by the sun that highlighted the strength of her young body and the gentle curves she was only just beginning to develop.  The boys who had caused Donoma’s fit stepped away from Donoma, moving them out of Koko’s immediate reach.  They couldn’t stop staring at Koko though, and she felt her hackles rise.

Donoma ran to her, jumping into her arms and wrapping tiny arms around Koko’s neck.  Koko completed the embrace without taking her eyes from the boys that caused the reaction.  “Do you not have somewhere else you need to be?” she growled, blue eyes blazing at them.  “Where is your honor that you terrorize a five-year-old child?”

“It had nothing to do with her,” the bravest among them stated. 

“I see,” Koko ground out.  “So she was screaming because...?”

“How should I know?” the boy answered diffidently with a shrug though his eyes darted from side to side.  “Maybe she just likes the attention she gets from you when she does.”

Koko’s eyes narrowed and she set Donoma gently onto the ground.  “Stay with Honaw, Ka’eskone.  I will be right back.”  Before Donoma could move, Koko had leaped on the interloper and started pounding him into the ground.  Some of his mates jumped in to help but found themselves the recipients of their own blows, courtesy of Honaw and his compatriots.

Unfortunately in the melee, Koko lost sight of the reason Donoma had been so vocal and while she and the others were busy, one boy snuck out of the fighting and gathered up her clothing and threw it in the water.  Donoma gave chase, but her legs were too short and she wasn’t fast enough.  She did manage to kick him in the shins after the deed was done; the boy couldn’t resist the opportunity to laugh and gloat over his perceived victory.  His howl of pain cut through the grunting and groaning and everyone stopped fighting at the sound.  He raised a hand to Donoma who stared back at him without flinching, hands on her hips.

“Do not be stupid,” Keezheekoni cut in.  “The punishment you would receive for completing that action would be far greater than any satisfaction you might garner from it.”

The boy snorted and looked around nervously, realizing that even his cohorts’ expressions contained a measure of disgust.  His eyes met Koko’s and he flinched at the raw fury directed towards him.  He dropped his hand and stepped away from Donoma.

“It does not matter,” he sneered.  “We won,” looking back at the water that was gently pulling Koko’s clothing downstream.

Koko snarled, then stiff-armed him before she jumped back into the frigid water to retrieve her clothes.  It was a shock to her overly warm system, the fight having chased away any residual chill, but she kept gamely at it until everything had been recovered.

By the time she reached the shore again, her friends were dressed and Honaw extended a hand to help her out.  She accepted his hand, her water-laden clothes making it difficult to say the least.  The rest of the pack had moved some distance away, separate yet still close by.  Koko spared them a glowering glance, then her attention was taken by Donoma.

“Are you all right, Koko Kanti?”

“I am fine, Ka’eskone.  I am just a little wet.”

Donoma allowed her green eyes to track the length of Koko’s body, lingering on the dripping bundle of leather she held in one hand and the wet hair that ran rivulets of water down her back.  She raised an eyebrow and Koko had to bite her lip to keep from commenting on the cute factor Donoma had going on with that attempt at a grown-up look.

“If that is a little, Warrior, I do not want to know what very wet is.  I would drown.”

“I would not allow that to happen, Donoma.  Who would be my warrior advisor then?”

A brisk wind blew across the Plains and Koko couldn’t stop the involuntary shiver that ghosted through her body.  She looked down sadly at her wet garments, then with a shrug, wrung them out as best as she was able.  Honaw stepped up beside her to help, and soon they went from sopping to merely damp.  Koko slipped them on with a grimace and together they all headed for home.

Koko was shaking with chills long before they arrived and only the clenching of her jaw kept her teeth from chattering.  When they reached the encampment Koko went immediately to her own home and Donoma Chepi followed without question.  The rest went to their own fires, much more subdued than when they left. 

The elder and other adults wondered what had happened, but figured they would soon learn the truth.  Rachel left her place at Litonya’s fire and slowly limped back to her own dwelling, curious to hear Koko’s side of whatever story had obviously taken place.

Koko stripped off her wet clothing as soon as she was inside and Donoma struggled to awkwardly wrap the warmest fur around her chilled body.   Koko was just lying down on her pallet when Rachel stepped through the opening.  “Koko Kanti?”

“I am all right, Nahko’e.  Just a little cold,” which was followed by a tremendous sneeze.  Rachel reached out and put a cool hand on Koko’s forehead.

“Koko, what happened?  You are burning up.”  But Koko didn’t answer, having already dozed off as renewed warmth soaked into her bones.  Rachel turned to Donoma.  “What happened out there, Donoma?” Rachel asked softly, concern coloring her tone.  And Donoma told her the unvarnished truth.  Before she was done Rachel was growling and her blue eyes were sparking flames.

When Donoma finished, she looked at Rachel expectantly.  “I will help you care for Koko Kanti, Rae’l.  It is my place as her advisor.”

“It will be a lot of unpleasant work, Donoma.  When Koko Kanti is ill everyone is miserable.”  Donoma cocked her head thoughtfully.

“Why?”

Rachel laughed at the seriousness of the question.  “Because she has much of her Neho’e in her and Honiahaka, for all his positive attributes was not a patient man, especially where sickness was concerned.” 

“All the more reason you will need my help.  And if you require further assistance, I am certain my Nahko’e will be glad to do so.”

“Thank you, Donoma Chepi,” Rachel accepted graciously.  “I welcome your aid in my hour of need.”  Donoma’s chest swelled with pride at the formality of Rachel’s wording.  It meant she took Donoma’s offer seriously and would allow her to take care of Koko to the best of her ability though in fairness, Rachel didn’t expect Donoma to provide much help.  After all, how much could a five-year-old really do?

************

“You caught my Nahko’e completely by surprise - did you know that?  She never expected anyone to be able to put up with me, especially not a child as young as you were. I do not think she understood the bond that was between us even then.”

“Why would she, warrior mine?  We did not understand it until very recently.  But even then I understood you were doing your best not to make things too difficult for me.”

“Did you really?

“Oh yes... though it does not relieve you of the title of worst patient.”  Donoma bit her lip to keep from laughing when Koko poked her lip out in a pout.  “Oh, Nutta... I understood why.  You tolerated enforced inactivity then even less than I do now.”

“This is true.  Those were a few very long days for me.”

“For me as well, Warrior although that is when my Neho’e discovered my gift for healing as well as sight.”

“Do you enjoy it?” Koko asked abruptly.  Donoma’s eyes widened in question and Koko shook her head.  “Healing... do you enjoy healing?”

“Usually yes.  I like the feeling of accomplishment knowing my efforts made a difference in someone’s wellbeing.  I hate when I cannot heal... when someone suffers from my lack of knowledge or skill.  But mostly I hated it when you were the one who was hurt or suffering.”

“I did not do so very often.”

“For which fact I am very thankful.  Though except for that last episode, the first was the most difficult for me.”

“Was I really so difficult?”

“No, Warrior.  I was so young.”

“Yes, you were, Ka’eskone.  And I was so proud of you.”

Donoma smiled.  “I was pretty proud of me too.”

************

Donoma tended patiently to Koko, despite Koko’s irritation and complaining - wiping her brow; feeding her broth; reading to her in a slow, halting effort while Rachel listened and patiently corrected her.  Together they bathed Koko and kept her dry, and after three days her fever broke.  Rachel and Donoma got Koko cleaned up, then Rachel took the dirty bedding and clothes out to scrub them and set them to dry.  When she returned, she smiled at the sight that met her tired eyes.

Donoma lay tucked into Koko’s body as both of them slept soundly.  Rachel covered them, then stepped back outside to call Takoda and Litonya to see.  It was a memory all of them would treasure for years to come.

************

“I remember waking up with you.  It made me feel like the strong protector I wanted to be.  It simply reinforced the promise I made to you.”

“Did it?”

“Oh yes... you were so small and asleep you are much less formidable.  I do not think you realize the sheer force of your personality.  Even then you were able to make people cower and tremble with a look.  Personally I was very entertained by the reaction of the boys after the showdown at the river that day.”

“They were much more respectful, but it did not get me included.”

“Nothing would have done that, Ka’eskone.  They simply did not know how to deal with someone who was their better so it was easiest just to avoid that sort of interaction with you.”

“That does not make it hurt any less,” Donoma acknowledged softly.

Koko wrapped Donoma in a full body hug.  “I know, Ka’eskone.  But you can take comfort from the fact that now they seek you out for both your friendship and your counsel.”

“I know, but it does not make the hurt I felt as a child lessen.  I am so glad you were there.”

“As am I, Donoma.  But I will confess I am glad to know we can now count on those who once shunned you.  Despite the pain I felt leaving you, I did take comfort knowing the rest would guard and protect you when I no longer could.”  She paused.  “I would not mind having them here now in point of fact.”  Donoma shifted until she could look into Koko’s face.

“What troubles you, Warrior?”

“Aside from the fact I do not trust Washburn?  Not much.  I suspect he is coming to cause trouble and will bring a number of compatriots with him to ensure his success.  I would feel better if some of the People’s warriors were here to back me up.”

“Why did you not instruct Hassun to bring the warriors back with him?”

“Because my first concern had to be for the well-being of the People and this fight is personal.  It would have been irresponsible for me to have made such a request, especially considering my recent history with the People.”

“As far as they are concerned, we are joined, Koko Kanti.  They would come for that reason alone; but Warrior, you have to know they would come for you as well if you asked.” 

“I know, Ka’eskone.  I would have asked for your sake, but you have proven yourself a warrior in your own right.  I trust you to watch my back.”

“Good thing,” Donoma replied.  “Although I would feel better if there were more than just us.”

“We will work it out, Ka’eskone.  And when the time comes we will stand together and that is the most important thing.  Now come,” leading Donoma to their big bed.  “Let us see if we can work out the restlessness you seem to have developed.”

Donoma smiled.  “I am certain if we work together we can come up with an equitable solution.”

Koko threw back her head and laughed - a sound that soon transmuted into a moan as Donoma took control of the situation and started undressing Koko with deliberate intent.  Then their focus was all about one another and the night passed into day without them even noticing.

************

“Will they make it in time?” Odahingum asked Takoda several days after the warriors had departed with Hassun.  He had been more than anxious to return despite his fatigue and he had turned in as soon as his report had been made to catch as much rest as he could before beginning the arduous journey back to town early the following morning.  It was then that the warriors had decided who would go and who would remain, but by the time Hassun was ready so was the contingent of warriors that would accompany him.

“I do not know, my friend.  The Great Spirit has been less than communicative of late.  I am coming to the conclusion that he has less knowledge of Koko and Donoma than he is willing to admit.”

Odahingum chuckled.  “I know how he feels.  I believe the only two who understand those two are the two of them.  But I am glad they have each other.  They are capable of so much together.”  He paused then turned his face to Takoda.  “Perhaps that is why he leaves them to themselves so much - they are capable.”

“Perhaps, but it would be nice if he would let the rest of us know.  I would have less silver in my hair.”

Now Odahingum laughed.  “Where is the challenge in that?”

Takoda snorted.  “Like life is not challenge enough.  I would like to believe they will be able to make a difference, but it remains to be seen.  You will know as soon as I do, Odahingum.  This I promise you.”

Odahingum nodded.  “Very well, my friend.  I will accept your word and hope that you are correct in your assessment.”  He shook his head and cleared his throat.  “When did we get so old that we now sit and wait for news instead of leading the warriors to battle?”

“I think we blinked, Chief.  Because it was not at all slow in coming.”

“At least we have capable leaders in those coming behind.  That gives me a measure of peace.”

“Me as well.”  Then their attention turned back to the fire, hoping it would give them answers.


Chapter XL

“How close are we, Hassun?”

“We have made good time, Honaw. If I have figured correctly, we will reach Reb Stone’s home sometime around mid-afternoon tomorrow.”

“I thought you said it would take close to half a moon,” Keez commented as he took his place around the fire pit.  “It has only been just over a quarter.”

“It took me half a moon to find the People because you had deviated from the path I was instructed to follow to find you.  We are going directly to Stone’s place because I am aware of exactly where it is and how to get there.  Besides, we have been riding a little longer every day than would be considered normal.  That has cut time off our return trip as well.”

“So once we reach Koko Kanti’s, then what?”

Hassun shrugged.  “That will be up to her.  She will probably send me back to town to await further developments.  I am certain your presence will take her by surprise unless Donoma Chepi has been gifted with the foreknowledge of your coming.”

“It is possible but not likely,” Keez commented.  “From my observation the Great Spirit is very sparing about sharing too much information ahead of time.”

Honaw snorted.  “Neho’e believes it is the Great Spirit’s way of allowing us to think for ourselves.”

“You do not think so?”

“I think if he had all the answers he would find a way to share them that would still allow us to choose our path.”

“Crisis of faith, Honaw?”

“No, frustration with it.”  He shook his head to clear it.  “It does not matter.  I am certain we will find the answers we need when we need them.  It would just be nice to know that Koko and Donoma will find some sort of peace and happiness in this life even if only for a little while.  It seems they have already been through enough.”

“Perhaps, but it has made them a formidable foe to tangle with,” Hassun assured them.  “I do not think Mordecai Washburn is going to be capable of defeating them, no matter the force he brings with him.  They have something beyond his understanding, and he does not know how to beat that.”

Honaw shook his head but returned his gaze to the flame.  “I hope you are right, Hassun for all our sakes.”

************

“Boss, we should be in town by dusk tomorrow.”

“‘Bout damnable time!” Washburn growled at the trail boss Riggins.  “Goddamn trip has already taken more’n twice as long as it should have!”  Due to inclement weather, what should have been a week’s trek across the prairie had turned into sixteen days of slogging across mud-slicked ground.  They had sat in makeshift tents as many days as they had spent moving and now men and horses were exhausted beyond reasonable expectation.  “I hope to God that fucking abomination isn’t in town when we arrive.  The way everyone feels at the moment, I’m not sure we could rightly defeat her, and I plan to crush the life out of her slowly with my bare hands.”

Riggins’ eyes widened at the venom in Washburn’s tone, but he simply nodded his head and said, “Yessir.”

“Tell the men they’ll have two days in town to rest and recover before we make an effort to find Stone.  BUT!” the fierceness of his eyes and tone causing every hair on Riggins’ body to stand at attention.  “No one is to go into the saloon or the whorehouse.  I want the men rested and ready to hit the trail again.  They can wait to do their drinking and celebrating until we return victorious.  Make sure that is understood, Riggins.  The man who disobeys will die at my hand in a manner for worse than Stone.”

”I’ll make sure they know, Boss.”

Washburn grunted.  “See that you do or you’ll be first.”

Riggins nodded briskly and moved away, wondering when the hell this had seemed like a good idea.

************

“Why are we running, Warrior?” Donoma asked as they packed up the last of their gear.  Black and Dapples stomped impatiently, not at all happy with their return to blankets and bridles and in Black’s case, a heavy western saddle.

“We are not running, Ka’eskone,” Koko answered patiently.  “We are putting the odds more in our favor.  By my figuring it took two to three days for Washburn to get the telegram explaining his son’s death.  Even if he was able to leave immediately upon receipt of that telegram, it would still take Washburn a week’s travel by horseback from his ranch - that by his own son’s admission.”  Koko smiled when Donoma’s eyebrow went up in mute question.  “Since I have not heard from Stephen yet, it is safe to say he has not arrived yet.”

“Then why are we leaving?  Will Stephen not look for us here first?”

“Yes, but he will know how to read the signs to know where to find us as well.”

“What about Washburn’s sons?”

“Apparently his sons were glad to be away from him despite the fact that he could still command them from a distance.  Hassun said Leroy confessed in a drunken binge one night that Mordecai Washburn was one scary son of a bitch and he was glad for the distance between them.”

“So why did they continue to follow him if he was so far away?  They were beyond him out here, were they not?”

“Not necessarily, Ka’eskone.  It is very likely if Washburn is the head of a gang stealing horses out from under the noses of the US Army, that he has spies in the town if not in the Army itself.  Horse thieves make a lot of money stealing horses, but they pay a hefty price if they’re caught.  Having what is practically the law in your pocket would make things that much more lucrative for everyone involved.”

“You think Stephen is a part of Washburn’s gang?”

Koko shook her head slowly.  “I am not certain, Ka’eskone.  I do not think it is him, but someone has to be helping Washburn for him to have lasted as long as he has.”

“You think this has been going on a while?”

“At least three full cycles... since his sons came to serve together at the fort here.  They approached me early on, kind of feeling me out.”

“Why did you not put a stop to it then, Warrior?”

Koko shrugged.  “Many reasons - mostly that I had no proof... only suspicions.  And suspicions weren’t enough.  There was never any evidence.”

“And there is now?”

“Now I have been accused of being a horse thief.  That is proof enough for me to go looking.  And everything points to the Washburns as heading up a gang of them right out of the Army itself.  With the testimony of the enlisted men who were doing the dirty work, proving it will be simple.”

“And what of Washburn?”

“That depends on him, Donoma.  If he collects Reuben’s body and goes home, I will let him go in peace and leave the Marshal and the Army to deal with him.  If he comes after me, however, he will die at my hand.  I will not let him threaten me and mine.”

“You expect him to, don’t you... come after you, I mean?”

“Yes.  For whatever reason in their twisted little minds, I have always been something of a sore spot for all of them.  Leroy wanted my horse; Reuben wanted my skills; Malcolm wanted to bed me and Mordecai just wants revenge.”  Koko shook her head.  “I have to wonder what I did in a past life to warrant such attention from the likes of them.”

Donoma grinned.  “Perhaps they are the balance for us to be together.”

“Perhaps, but could you not have had some admirers of your own to help balance things out instead of leaving all the nutbreads for me?”

“And who says I have not had my own set of admirers, Warrior?” Donoma teased.  “You were gone for five very long years.  There were several warriors who took notice of me.”

Flaming blue eyes turned to Donoma in a fit of jealousy.  “Who, Donoma?  Who was foolish enough to take notice of you in my absence??”

“Why foolish, Koko Kanti?” Donoma asked, her own eyes blazing.  “A woman likes to be noticed even when the one she wants to see her is no longer there!”

In an instant, the burn was extinguished in Koko’s eyes and she dropped her head.  “I am sorry, Donoma Chepi.  I have no right....”

“You have every right, my mate.  They did nothing but look because they knew nothing would come from it.  But none of them would dare to even look now.  No one is anxious to die at your hand or mine.  That is the reason Washburn will never defeat us.  He does not understand what he is facing when he comes up against us.  You are mine and I will not let him take you from me again.”

“You know the truly sad thing about this whole business?” Koko asked as she pulled the door to the cabin shut behind them and mounted Black.  Donoma looked at her from where she sat comfortably seated on Dapples’ broad back.  “If they had left me out of this... if they had simply left me alone to track down and bring in outlaws for their bounty, we wouldn’t be doing this right now.”

“What I cannot understand is what precipitated this series of events.  If as you say this has been going on for three full cycles, why the need to expose themselves now by accusing you?  Why not continue to work in the shadows and keep you out of it?”

“I think if we learn the answer to that we will know the answer to a good many things.”

The two women headed out side by side.  “So where are we going, warrior mine?”

“We need to make preparations at a couple of different hideaways I have in these parts.  Then we are going to go looking for Hassun.  With luck he is not far and we will be able to meet up with him tomorrow.”

************

“How far do you think we will need to go to find Hassun, Koko?  Should he not have already returned with his news from the People?”

“It depends on how long it took him to find the People, Ka’eskone.  I put him on the path that Honaw and Keez gave to us when they found us after our joining.  But if the People have changed their path again, it would take him longer to find them.  Hassun is a scout and a tracker - I believe he will be able to find them with very little problem.  The real question is how long it will take him to convince them and return.”

“You think they will not believe him?”

“I think there will be some mistrust there simply because he is a tracker and scout for the white man’s Blue Coats.  Only the fact that Honaw is expecting him and has spoken to him before will make his acceptance easier.”

They rode in silence for a while.  Already they had placed supplies in two different hideaways and now they were headed west on the path they expected to meet Hassun on.  The day was warmer and drier than many of their recent days had been and despite the reason for their travels, they were enjoying the journey and their time together.

“This is nice,” Donoma commented after the silence had gone on for a while.  “I could get used to this.”

Koko reached out a hand and smiled when Donoma took it. “So could I, Ka’eskone.  It would be very easy to allow this to become our way of life - just you and me and the wide open plain.”

“Yes it would.  It is very different from traveling with the People.”

“It is very different than anything else I have ever known.”

“It would be so easy just to keep going.”

“Soon, Donoma.  As soon as we are sure things are settled with Washburn.  I have always wanted to see what is beyond the rocks we visited outside the summer encampment.  I would like to see the mountains the Army scouts have spoken of.”

“Tell me.”

Koko’s words were quiet but filled with a wonder that allowed Donoma to see what Koko was describing to her.  A smile crossed her face as she imagined sharing those sights with Koko.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Being with you is not reason enough?” Donoma teased.  “I was thinking how nice it would be to see these things with you.  They sound wonderful.”

“Come,” pulling Black to a halt and sliding from his back.  “This is as nice a place to camp as any and besides, I think we’ve ridden far enough for the day.  It will be dark soon and we can count the stars together.”

Donoma smiled and slid from Dapples’ back into Koko’s arms.  “If it was not for the fact that Washburn is nothing but a troublemaker as far as you are concerned, I would be thankful that he gave us a reason to be out here again under the stars.”

“Me too.”

They set up camp and sat together watching the sunset as they ate, then leaned back as the stars began to make their appearance.  For a while their attention was focused up, pointing out patterns as they were made manifest in the sky. 

Then Donoma shifted to look at Koko and she frowned.  Koko smoothed out the furrows in her brow.  “Donoma?”  She shifted to her elbows to put her and Donoma nose to nose.  “Ka’eskone, what is wrong?”

“Warrior, why is there a light on the ground over there?” motioning some distance from their own camp.

Koko sat up the remainder of the way and turned.  She watched for some time.  “It is another camp, but there are a number of people there.  It could be more of the white man pushing into our territory, but I do not see any of the wagons that they normally travel with.”

“Could it be a band of outlaws?”

Koko frowned.  “I suppose it could be, but Stephen did not mention anything about anyone being out here.  I need to take a closer look, Ka’eskone.  Will you wait here for me?” 

Donoma studied Koko’s face in the starlight a long moment, then she nodded.  “I will, but be quick, Warrior.  I do not want to have to come in and save you.”

“But you would if I needed you to, would you not?”

“In a heartbeat.”

Koko leaned forward and kissed Donoma for a long moment.  “Be right back,” she said when they separated.  Then she disappeared into the darkness surrounding them and only Donoma’s knowledge allowed her to follow Koko’s progress towards the other camp.

Koko was not gone very long by anyone’s calculations but Donoma was counting the minutes.  When Koko returned she gave a small sigh of relief that Koko felt.

“Were you worried, Ka’eskone?”

“Perhaps a little, Warrior.  What did you find out?”

Koko’s grin was wide and it reflected the natural light brightly.  “I found out,” she said gleefully, putting her arms around Donoma’s waist, “that the odds are now in our favor.”  Donoma arched a brow at her and Koko laughed aloud, albeit quietly.  “That encampment is Hassun and half the warriors of the People.”

Donoma’s eyes widened.  “Really?”  She scrunched her forehead.  “Wait - half?”

“It looks like it.”

“So that means....”

“That means we have a much better chance to end this in our favor quickly if Washburn decides he has a bone to pick with me.”  She noticed Donoma’s confused expression and smiled.  “If he wants to make things personal and come after me.”

“I will pick his bone and beat him to death with it,” Donoma said somberly.  Then they exchanged glances and burst into laughter.  “So do the warriors know we are out here?”  Koko shook her head.

“No.  I figure to surprise them at dawn tomorrow.”

“So we still have the evening to ourselves?”  Koko nodded and smiled when Donoma took her hand and tugged her back down to their bedroll.  “Good... we still have a number of stars to chase.”

It was a moment’s peace before the coming storm.

Part 5