Drifter – Part 13

By D

Chapter XXV

The sun was just peeking over the horizon when Koko stepped from the home she now shared with Donoma. At some point they would need to make some decisions, not the least of which was what to do with her own dwelling now that she and Donoma were joined to one another. But that was not her concern at the moment. Right now her focus was on finding and waking Honaw and Keezheekoni.

It wasn't hard – they hadn't tried to hide their trail from her. She walked right up to them, smiling evilly and then grabbed them by the shoulder as she let out a loud war cry. Both men jumped to their feet, wide awake and looking for the danger that clearly stalked them. All they found was Koko sitting on the ground laughing hard enough that she was biting her lip at the pain it was causing her. It didn't slow her laughter though and a second glance at the two of them glaring at her caused another wave to peal from her mouth.

Honaw planted his hands on his hips. "That was not nice, Koko Kanti."

"Of course it was not, Honaw, but it was very funny. You should have seen the expression on your face."

Keez snickered. "She is right, Honaw – it was quite funny."

"Oh... and like you were not?"

Keezheekoni laughed. "I am sure I was. Admit it, Honaw, Koko got us and very well. We should have known better than to sleep so close to her encampment. She taught us better."

Honaw smiled reluctantly and he shifted his eyes in Koko's direction, glaring as much as he could manage before breaking into unwilling chuckles. "Yes, she did," he agreed. "Congratulations, by the way. We saw your joining ceremony with Donoma. Can I tell you we all believe it is about time things came right between you – how happy it makes us to know you are finally joined?"

Koko smiled. "Not nearly as happy as it makes me... and Donoma." She slowly climbed to her feet. "Come... Donoma has started the fire and I promised to bring you both and some fish back for our morning meal. And I still need to go catch the fish."

"Can we help?" Honaw asked as they cleaned up the small area they had slept in, tamping out the fire and spreading the ashes.

"If you would like to collect a few more chips for the fire, I am certain Donoma would be most appreciative. Then we can have breakfast and you can tell us why you are checking up on us."

The two warriors nodded their heads in agreement, having expected as much. They tossed their blankets over the horses that stood nearby and went out onto the Plain to gather the chips for Donoma. Koko headed down to the stream, determined to beat the boys back to camp.

Donoma, meanwhile, had started the fire in the outside pit and placed water on to boil for tea. She couldn't stop the smile that seemed to be plastered to her face as her mind wandered over and over the events of the previous day. Against all odds... despite her own doubts about trusting herself, she was happy. And even better – she was joined to Koko Kanti. Never in her wildest imaginings had she believed that Koko would love her like she did. For the first time in forever, Donoma knew completion.

Arms wrapped around her from behind and Donoma smiled as she recognized the touch... then scrunched up her nose at the fish smell that accompanied it. "You were successful in your hunt, I smell," Donoma joked as she turned in Koko's arms. "Where is your bounty, great fisherman?"

Koko released her hold on Donoma and turned to pick up the package that she had dropped to embrace Donoma. "Your morning meal, ka'eskone. Honaw and Keezheekoni are collecting chips – they will be here shortly. I will go wash up as I do not wish to offend."

"That is probably a good idea, warrior. Otherwise you might scare the rest away from the camp."

"Even you?"

"Oh no, warrior... you are not that lucky."

"Oh, I do not know about that, ka'eskone. I think I am the luckiest person alive." The sound of gagging interrupted what was headed for a passionate embrace. Koko looked up to glare in the direction of Keezheekoni. Honaw just shook his head and continued on into the camp, dropping the chips he was carrying onto the small pile by the fire. Keez burst into laughter and trotted along behind him, placing his chips on the pile and backing out of Koko's reach.

Koko, however, was not about to let him get away so easily and took one giant stride towards him; Keez took a huge step back. Forward, back – forward, back... until they were at the water's edge. Then, forgetting her injury, Koko lunged for Keez, taking him into the creek with her.

He squealed like a girl, howling at the coldness of the water he was suddenly immersed in. Honaw and Donoma exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. Keez turned to Koko, a wicked twinkle in his eye... until he realized from her expression that she was in a bit of pain. He extended a hand down to her and helped her to stand, then together they exited the stream.

Donoma was the first to notice the look in Koko's eyes and moved to her side. "Are you all right, warrior mine?"

"Yes, ka'eskone," Koko said wryly. "I should have been more careful."

"I should have known better," Keezheekoni said in disgust as he stripped off his wet shirt. "You think one day I would learn."

The other three looked at one another before they all turned to him. "No," they chimed at once, chuckling. He just shook his head before joining their laughter. Then he removed his trousers, leaving him clad only in his breechcloth.

Koko continued on into their dwelling to change her own clothes, returning mere minutes later in her joining leathers. She tossed Keez a fur to wrap around himself to keep from getting a chill as the breeze was still quite cool this early in the morning. Donoma had the fish nearly ready to eat and soon they were sitting around the fire enjoying the morning repast.

When their hunger had been satisfied, Koko turned her attention to Honaw. "So why are you here, Honaw? I thought the People were following the herd."

"Actually, we have moved away from the herd for the moment. Takoda saw a great darkness befall the tribe if we remained true to the path of the buffalo. We will rejoin our brothers when Neho'e sees it is safe."

"That does not answer my original question, though – why are you here?"

"Honaw had a bad feeling," Keez responded after a moment. "Did something happen to you once the People left the area?"

"We had a bit of trouble, but things are better now," Donoma answered. She turned to Honaw. "Thank you for looking out for us, hestatanemo. It is nice to know you are looking out for us, even reluctantly." She opened her arms and Honaw wrapped her up in his strong embrace.

"I am never reluctant to look after you, ka'eskone, but I do not care for the gnawing in my gut when things are not right with you. What happened?" He looked at Koko. "Was it the tension between you two or something more?"

"Something more," Koko confirmed, "though I do not as yet know what. We will be going into town for a bit when we leave this place – I have business there and it is possible that the white lawman there may have some news about whatever the something more is."

"So you do not know."

"No, and at the moment, I do not even have suspicions."

Honaw and Keezheekoni regarded the two women for a long minute before turning their gazes to one another. They nodded satisfactorily and then turned back to Koko and Donoma. "Very well," Honaw decided at last. "Do you have any idea how long you will be gone from us this time? It would be nice to be able to tell the elders when to expect you to be with us again." Koko shook her head, accepting his silent rebuke with a nod. Donoma, however, glared at him until he had to look away from her.

"Donoma," Koko chided softly, but Donoma stopped her protest with a violent shake of her head.

"No, beloved," addressing Koko in English, surprising everyone before reverting back to her native tongue. "As long as we are together...."

"No, ka'eskone – just because we are together now does not mean they stop caring for you... for us. They are well within their right to ask."

Donoma glared at the two men again who sat looking abashed under her obvious ire. "I do not have to like it," she finally relented, "But I do understand."

"So...?"

"I cannot say for certain, hestatanemo. It will depend on a goodly number of things."

"But you do plan to return to the People?"

"We will try."

Honaw nodded his acceptance of her answer. "Fair enough," he conceded. "That will be the response I give the elders when they ask – you know they will... especially when I share with them the fact of your private joining." He turned to Donoma. "You know Nahko'e will be disappointed she missed it."

"You know that will not stop her from hosting the wildest celebration she can manage when we return."

Keez laughed. "I do not think it will keep her from starting the party as soon as *we* return with the news. As long as the People have been waiting for this...." trailing off when he saw Honaw vehemently shaking his head, then noting the looks of consternation both Donoma and Koko were giving him. "I mean...." verbally backtracking and looking at Honaw for help.

"You mean what exactly?" Donoma asked with a frown marring her features. Koko just sat back and waited for the fallout, exchanging glances with Honaw who crossed his arms over his chest to watch.

"I mean," Keez stammered, looking around and realizing he was on his own. "Well...."

"Yes?" arching a dark blonde eyebrow in his direction.

"Oh come on, Donoma," he finally said with a bit of exasperation in his voice. "It did not take a seer of even Honaw's admittedly limited ability to know that you and Koko belong together... you always did. From the time she came to us – from the time you brought her and Rae'l into the tribe - you were always a part of one another. And when she left, you changed. Everyone who watched it happen was waiting for the day Koko returned to you."

Donoma blinked, staring at Keezheekoni for a long moment before shifting her attention to Honaw first and then landing on Koko. "Everyone knew?" she whispered.

Honaw shrugged, then realized she couldn't see his reaction with her attention focused on Koko. "Everyone knew," he agreed softly. "At least anyone who took the time to look."

"Everyone knew?" Donoma whispered again, her eyes never leaving Koko's.

"Everyone except for you and me apparently," Koko replied wryly. "But it does not matter, ka'eskone. We know now and that is all that is important."

"Look at it this way, ka'eskone," Honaw said with a smile. "You will not surprise anyone when they hear the news of your joining. You just have to accept the fact that Nahko'e is going to have the biggest party the People have ever seen. It might even rival the sun festival."

Donoma's eyes grew wide in startlement and she looked at Koko with alarm. "Perhaps we should forget going back to the People until we are gray and stooped with age. I am not sure I am up to that much celebration."

Honaw and Keezheekoni joined Koko's laughter and she wrapped Donoma up in a tight hug when she reluctantly smiled. "Not to worry, Donoma. If Nahko'e starts the celebration when Keez and I arrive, I imagine it will be winding down a bit by the time you and Koko return."

"I can only hope." This time they all dissolved into sniggers.

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

Stephen Murphy had decided to take advantage of the fact that Spencer was handling the law duties in the small town near the fort for another day or so. If Reb was not at her home, then it was entirely possible that she was still on the trail looking for Hobbs and his gang or any other number of outlaws whose wanted posters still hung on the walls of his office. He would certainly ask for a scouting party if he returned without finding her, but maybe he could at least give them an idea of where to start looking.

What bothered him was her rather complete disappearance without a word. Stone was nothing if not a professional and it worried him more than he cared to admit that she had not returned within a reasonable amount of time. He could almost set his pocket watch by her – even when she was out chasing criminals. She went - she conquered – she came back for her spoils. And since she had not returned to claim her bounty, Murphy decided to do a little investigating on his own.

He headed away from the cottonwood, confident that she had headed west into the Plains – most outlaws went that way as there was very little to stop them once they were beyond the fort and town.

He rode that way until the sun touched the horizon, not seeing any sign of either Hobbs' gang or Reb Stone. He wondered if there was any sense in what he was doing. Surely Stone had proven her skill – why had he chosen this moment to doubt her ability to take care of herself?

Murphy shook his head. The truth was it was less doubt than concern. More times than he could count, Reb had watched his back, and he wanted her to know he would do the same for her. The difference was he had no idea where to start.

He set up a temporary campsite, picketing his horse nearby and starting a small fire to ward off the chill in the air. Tomorrow he would head back into town and see if maybe she had returned on her own. With the accusations that were starting to fly around the army, he needed to find her soon – if only to dispel the rumors that were being spread against her.

The Marshall turned his thoughts back to what the colonel had said. Why would the army want to blame a bounty hunter for the accidental deaths of two of its own? It didn't make any sense – Reb Stone had done the army a number of favors by the outlaws she had removed from their sphere.

Murphy could understand resentment within the ranks over the fact that she was a woman. It had galled him too at first to know that she could operate so successfully outside the norm – not only as a woman, but also as one who basically functioned beyond the laws he was sworn to uphold. But that did not excuse the unreasonable need to hold Stone responsible for something that was not in line with her character. If nothing else, it drew attention to those who stood accusing.

What were they trying to hide?

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

Donoma and Koko walked Honaw and Keezheekoni back up the small incline to their horses. They had shared conversation and lunch while waiting for Keez's leathers to dry and once they had, the warriors were ready to leave.

"You do not need to rush off, hestatanemo. You are welcome to share our campsite for another day."

"I do not think so, ka'eskone. You are a newly joined couple and it is for the best that the two of you have a little time alone." He didn't say anything more, but the twinkle in his eyes caused Donoma to blush.

"Besides," Keezheekoni added as he mounted his horse. "Explaining the chafing to Calyle is going to be bad enough. I promised her I would not get hurt while I was out here with Honaw."

"Then the two of you stay safe going back to the People. There is someone or something out here targeting something, though whether it is us or the horses or the land or something else all together, I cannot say for certain. Not very informative or helpful I am aware, but it is all we know at the moment. If I find out anything, I will ensure that someone lets the tribe know."

Honaw knelt and drew in the fire pit ashes. "This is the normal route we take following the herd to the summer encampment." He drew a second line in the dirt. "This is the path Takoda currently has us on. It will still lead to the summer camp, but it will take us longer to arrive and will keep us away from the buffalo for a majority of the journey."

Koko nodded her head. "Look for Hassun - the scout you met on your visit into town. He is the one I will send to the People with news." Honaw's eyes grew round in disbelief and Koko smirked. "I knew as soon as I returned to town, Honaw. It was exceedingly brave of you to come looking for me, hestatanemo, but you would not have found me regardless of your bravery or your intentions. I was not ready to talk to anyone... not even you."

"Were you there hiding from me?"

"No, Honaw... I really was gone. But I would have stayed away as long as you remained in the town. I was made aware of your presence before I returned."

He nodded. "I will look for Hassun if we do not see you first." He stepped forward and took Donoma into his arms. "Be safe, ka'eskone... and be happy." She leaned forward and kissed his cheek, then he mounted his horse. "Watch over one another and return to us soon."

The two warriors saluted Koko and she bowed her acceptance of the gesture. Then they turned their horses back in the direction they had come. She and Donoma watched them out of sight; then they headed back down into the dell.

"Shall we head out tomorrow?"

"We can leave when you are ready, Nutta. You lead and I will follow."

"I would prefer that you walk by my side, ka'eskone."

For answer, Donoma clasped Koko's hand and together they walked side by side into their home.

Chapter XXVI

It took them a while to be ready to leave the following morning. They had both homes to pack up; Koko figured they would store one at her home and the other would return to the People when they turned their footsteps in that direction. But for now, they were responsible for both of them and it took a while to disassemble them and load them onto Dapples back. The remainder of their supplies was loaded onto Black’s back, and soon they were walking side by side towards Koko’s home in the white man’s world.

“How long will it take, warrior? How long before we arrive at your home?”

“Well, I have never walked the distance before, ka’eskone, but I believe it will take four of five days if we move at a steady pace. And from there it is half a day’s ride by horseback into town if and when you feel comfortable enough to venture there.”

Donoma clasped the hand the swung free closest to her own. “I am looking forward to seeing your home, Koko Kanti. I am not as certain about the town, but I am willing to give it a try as long as you are standing right beside me.”

“It is the only place I want to be, ka’eskone.” Silence ruled for a long time after that.

The next three days were spent traveling slowly across the Plains, sharing conversation and silences in equal comfortable measure. Bit by bit they were relearning each other and every day they found reasons to fall a little more in love with each other.

They were making good time but on the morning of the fourth day, Koko frowned and stopped walking, wondering if her eyes were deceiving her. There was no reason for Stephen Murphy to be out this far, but it certainly looked like his mare picketed in the grass. Donoma slipped her hand into Koko's and Koko smiled down at her.

"What is it, warrior?"

"I am not certain, ka'eskone. The horse ahead is familiar – it appears to be the mare that belongs to the town Marshall, but there is no reason for him to be out this far unless he is chasing an outlaw or looking for someone."

"Well, let us go and find out, Koko. We will not learn anything by standing here."

Koko wrapped an arm around Donoma's shoulders and laughed out loud. "You are a very wise woman, Donoma Chepi. It should not take long and then we can head to the homestead. We are only a half day's ride away, so we should be there by dusk if we continue walking at the pace we have been."

"I told you, warrior... as long as we are together it does not matter where we are. Now let us go determine if this is your law friend. I would like to meet him."

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

Stephen Murphy blinked his eyes open slowly, noting the sun was completely above the horizon although it was still early. He hadn't expected to sleep so deeply or so long out in the rough. He knew better. He sighed and scrubbed his hands over his face, scratching his neck and stretching. He stirred up the coals of his fire and threw in a couple chips to catch. Then his horse whinnied and he looked up to find two figures leading two horses heading his way. Murphy squinted, trying to make out the identity of the humans.

If he didn't know any better, he'd have sworn the one leading the big black was Reb Stone... except he knew Stone traveled alone and she never walked when she could ride Black. Yet the longer he stared, the more sure he became until they were actually close enough for him to know. Murphy stood to his feet and watched them approach, wondering who the blonde woman was that Stone was obviously so possessive of. Then they stopped in front of him and he extended his hand to Koko.

"Damn good to see you, Stone!" Then he blushed and looked at Donoma as he removed his hat. "Beg pardon, ma'am. I didn't mean to offend. It's just I have been hunting for Reb here and I'm really glad she found me. I'm Marshall Stephen Murphy."

Koko's eyebrow rose. She'd never know the lawman to be so effusive in his speech. "Murph, this is my Nutta, my mate... Donoma Chepi."

"Wha... who... your wife? Can you *do* that? I mean...." motioning between them. "You're both women." A beat. "No offense meant, ma'am," to Donoma when he saw the fire burning in her eyes. "That's just not the way things are done around here."

"Happy not to be from here then," Donoma answered in angry, stilted English. Thanks to Rachel's tutoring, she understood everything that was being said – with a little practice, she would be speaking as fluently as she read and understood. But for now, she was still new enough for it to sound unnatural, though there was no mistaking the anger in her voice or expression.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. If Reb has chosen you to be her mate, then you must be pretty special." He held out his hand to her and Donoma looked at it and then turned to Koko before accepting it, finding her hand swallowed by his much larger one. "It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Stone. Just be careful – there's a lot that won't be so accepting."

"Not need acceptance... have Koko Kanti," Donoma replied, tucking herself into Koko's embrace. Koko held her tightly for a long moment, then kissed the top of her head.

"So why were you looking for me, Stephen?"

Koko's question brought his attention back from the contemplation he had fallen into regarding the relationship and obvious love and commitment between the two women in front of him. He gestured them to a spot around the fire. He took a seat opposite them and cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry I can't offer you a bit of hospitality. This was only an overnight trip and I left the coffeepot at the jail." He sighed and turned to Koko. "Reb, the army is grumbling. Not all of them, but the Washburn brothers are throwing around some accusations... actually Reuben Washburn is the one running off at the mouth. Swears it's your fault his brother Leroy is dead."

Koko sat up a little straighter, though she did not release her hold on Donoma, and focused her intensity on Murphy. "Excuse me? Whaddya mean, Leroy is dead?? And why am I being blamed? I haven't been anywhere near the fort or the soldiers there in almost a month."

"Where were you, Reb?"

Koko glared at Murphy for a long moment. "Do you think I killed Leroy, Stephen?"

"No," he replied without hesitation. "I think they are trying to hide some wrongdoing on their part, though I don't know for sure what it is yet. I've got some ideas; I just need to do some investigating. I was asking because I was concerned. I was coming out here looking for ya when I heard about the accusations."

"Then why was it only an overnight trip?"

"'Cause after I heard what Spence had to say, I figured I better see what the hell was going on. I went out to your place to see if you were there, hoping I could kill two birds with one stone as it were. I decided to come out here a piece thinking maybe I could pick up your trail."

Koko snickered. "Did you find anything?"

Murphy almost growled and he did glare. "You know I didn't, but I had to try. Damn good thing I did too. I woulda missed ya if I'd headed back to town and then... well, I’m pretty sure things woulda gotten pretty ugly before I could let ya know what was going on."

"So what is going on, Murph? I still don't understand."

So the Marshall told her everything the colonel had shared with her, wondering at the narrowing of the blue eyes. When he was done with his recitation, he waited for her reaction. It wasn't long in coming but it was not what he expected. She looked at Donoma and spoke to her in their native tongue.

"I think I know now what happened to you, ka'eskone." Then she looked at Murphy, fire burning in her eyes, though her expression remained stoic. "This is personal, Stephen. I'll take care of this."

"I can't let ya do that, Reb. This is a matter for the law... and the army. Your involvement will only complicate things."

"Then consider them complicated, Murph, because those sons of bitches nearly killed Donoma!"

"Wait... what? How do you know? Are you sure?"

And finally Koko answered his original question – telling him where she had been for the past month... starting with her leaving town to follow Hobbs and ending with their coming upon him earlier. Donoma sat quietly listening to the telling, understanding for the first time just what Koko had gone through before she had arrived at the winter encampment.

"Okay now... wait just a dadburn minute," Murphy said, holding up his hands for quiet. "You mean to tell me that you think Washburn shot your wife? Why? How could he possibly know she was your wife?"

Donoma shook her head slowly, garnering the attention of both Koko and Murphy. Koko caught her eyes and gently cupped her chin. "What is it, ka'eskone?"

"Not know... wanted Black."

"Donoma?"

"Mrs. Stone?"

Donoma held Koko's eyes for another minute before clasping her hand and turning to look at Murphy. "Fell when shot, but heard."

"Heard what, beloved?"

Donoma closed her eyes and concentrated. "'Take horses. Waited long time to own stallion.' Black moved away... was loud screaming from men." She turned back to Koko. "I do not remember anything else, warrior mine. Everything went dark for me then."

Murphy looked at Koko for the translation, nodding when she repeated Donoma's words in English. "Well, that certainly puts a different spin on things." He looked at Donoma. "Do you remember anything else?"

"No – memory not clear of that day."

"Murph, this is the first significant thing she's remembered since she woke up. She may continue to recall bits of things or she may not. Don't pressure her."

"That wasn't my intention, Reb. But the more she remembers the stronger a case I can present to Spence. You know he's gonna want more than that... especially from someone he don't even know. I'm gonna have to do some investigating... see what I can find out and what I can prove."

"I told you I'm gonna take care of it, Murph."

"Reb, I can't let ya do that... not with all the accusations that are flying around the fort. Most everybody knows it's nothin' but a lot of hot air by some disgruntled soldiers who resent the hell outta you. But that also means we need to do things by the book. We can't just make wild accusations against them without proof." He sighed when Koko glared at him. "Reb, you have more to be concerned with now than just revenge. You have responsibilities."

"I won't be left out of the loop on this one, Murph. I know I have Donoma to take care of, but you can't just ask me to step aside while someone besmirches my name and reputation."

"I know, Reb. I wouldn't ask you to."

"Thanks, Stephen. I'll stay out of your way... at least for now." She paused and looked at Donoma. "Actually, that won't be hard for a while – Donoma and I will be staying at my... our home here until she's ready to venture into the town. So someone, preferably you, will need to come out to the homestead if there is any news."

Murphy arched an eyebrow. "That easy?"

Koko met his gaze then turned to Donoma and held her eyes. "That easy. As long as you're willing to keep me in the loop, I'm happy to stay out of it – for now."

"Understood, Reb. Mrs. Stone?" he asked, extending his hand and clasping hers gently when Donoma turned her attention to him. "I just wanted to offer you my congratulations. I'll look forward to greeting you again when you're ready to come into town."

The Marshall stood from his place by the fire and Koko rose as well. She held her hand out and he accepted it, gripping it firmly. "Take care, Reb. I'll be out again soon."

"We'll look forward to it, Murph. We'll even treat you to some of Donoma's cooking. You'll love it."

"Judging from the pounds she has managed to make stick to your lanky frame, I'd have to agree with you," Murphy said with a chortle. "I'll look forward to it."

He scattered the fire even as Donoma and Koko headed back towards their horses. With a wave, they headed towards the homestead and a moment later, he was taking the most direct path back towards the town. He had work to do.

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

"He was nice," Donoma said when they were some distance from Murphy's campsite. "I am glad to have met him."

"Even with the rocky start, ka'eskone? I think he expected his hair to catch on fire your glare was so fierce."

"Even with. He was kind after he realized the truth of who we are. But why did he call me Mrs. Stone? My name is Donoma Chepi."

Koko sighed. She'd wondered if she would be able to escape this particular question. "Yes it is, ka'eskone. But remember, in the white man's world I am known as Reb Stone. I took my mother's family name to help me fit in here. And in the white man's world, a man's wife is referred to by his last name with a Mrs. in front of it to show that she belongs to him."

"Although I most certainly belong to you, warrior, you are in no way a man nor could you ever be mistaken for one. I am not sure I understand why he would do that."

"From Stephen it is a sign of respect. In the white man's world, men, especially unmarried ones, refer to a married... joined woman by the title of Mrs. and to an unmarried one by Miss. I do not understand all the whys and reasons they do so, but it seems to be some sort of rule or code that they follow. I can tell them to call you by Donoma, ka'eskone."

Donoma stayed silent for a while pondering that and Koko let her be. She more than most understood the changes Donoma was in for if and when she chose to enter the white man's world; there was no need to rush into a decision. Finally....

"What does that make you, Koko?" At Koko Kanti's puzzled look, Donoma smoothed the furrows from her forehead and smiled, then continued speaking. "If by being mated with you I am now Mrs. Stone, what does that make you? Are you Mrs. Stone as well? I have no family name to offer you."

Koko literally stopped in her tracks, paused in thought. After a moment, she shrugged and looked into Donoma's earnest face. "I honestly do not know, ka'eskone. I have never been in this situation before. Everyone in town and the fort already know me as Reb Stone and most of them call me by Stone. They have since I became a bounty hunter. To them I am an anomaly – that is... I am different from anything that exists in their world. They know nothing of Koko Kanti or my heritage. I figured there was no need to introduce more confusion than I had already brought."

"So how will they look at me?"

"They will see many things, Donoma. Some will see a beautiful young woman. Others will see a stranger or someone not worth their time and attention because of where you come from. Some will look at you as a curiosity because you are different and others will find a friend. That is how it was for me."

"And us, Koko Kanti? If what your Marshall friend said is true, they will not understand us."

"They do not have to understand, ka'eskone. We do not owe them anything."

"But if we decide to stay here...."

"Donoma, if we decide to stay here, we will find some friends among those here. I did. But we do not need to worry about that right now – for now it will just be you and me."

Donoma smiled, a grin so huge that Koko couldn't help but return the expression. "I for one am very happy about that particular circumstance."

"You do not miss your family then?"

"I miss them, yes. They will always be my family. But you are my home, warrior. And as long as I have you, I will always have my family around me. That is enough for me."

Koko pulled them to a stop and answered Donoma's words with a passionate embrace. When they were both breathless, she took Donoma's hand and together they continued on the path towards their homestead.

Part 14

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