Drifter – Part 14

By D

Chapter XXVII

Stephen Murphy rode into town slowly, nothing in his demeanor giving away the turmoil going through his mind. He rode around to the back of the jail, dismounting and walking the animal into the small enclosure that sheltered her from the sun and bad weather. He hopped off and removed the saddle, currycombing the sweat and dirt from her coat, then setting her up with feed and water. Only after he was done did he head into his office.

He washed his face, trying to remove the grit from his eyes. A knock on the door made him turn around in surprise – most folks didn't knock before they came into his office; it was the jail after all. Before he could call out, the door opened and Col. John Spencer crossed the threshold.

"Am I interrupting?"

Murphy wiped the water from his face and motioned Spencer in. John closed the door behind him and took a seat in front of the desk, waiting for Stephen to start the fire in the tiny stove and put on the coffee. When he was done, he dropped into the chair behind his desk.

"Goddamn but I'm tired."

"Rough ride?"

"Rough night's sleep. I've gotten soft staying here... used to a bed and my coffeepot."

Spencer laughed. "I know the feeling, my friend. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be happy when it comes my time to head back out into the field."

Murphy's eyebrow went into his still wet hairline. "You expecting that to happen soon?" He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest.

Spencer shook his head. "Not really – most officers of my rank or higher have wives and families who aren't that keen to move out into the wilderness. I'd be more likely to retire here, especially if I can ever coax Miss Molly into marrying me."

Murphy laughed. "She's still telling you no? You must not be asking right, Spence, 'cause anyone with half an eye can see she's gone on you."

"I think the thought of being an Army wife scares her."

"Well, maybe she can talk to Stone's new bride. That should make being an Army wife look like a piece of cake."

"Come again, please? Stone can't have a bride... she's a woman."

The front legs of the Marshall's chair hit the floor and he folded his hands on the desk. "Then *you* can be the one to explain it to them. I'm not gonna argue with either of them about it."

"I take it this means you found her... them?"

"Yep, although actually... they found me." Murphy got up and walked to the stove, pouring himself a cup of coffee and then a second for Spencer at the other man's affirmative. "They were coming in from the prairie, Spence. Stone didn't even know Washburn was dead, though I do have some interesting information about that."

"Oh?" accepting the cup Stephen offered him. "Such as?"

"Whose idea was it for them to go looking for horses? I know you said you sent them, but whose idea was it originally?"

The colonel leaned back in his chair and sipped his coffee. "It came up in a staff meeting," he reflected. "I think it was Leroy, now that you mention it, but I didn't have any objection. Like I told you before, we were going to use them for the cavalry."

"Well it appears that Leroy Washburn might've had other motives."

"What makes you say that, Murph? And better yet, can you prove it?"

And Murphy told him exactly what had transpired from the time he had left, including his entire conversation with Koko and Donoma. When he finished, he sat back and looked at Spencer, watching the emotions flit across his expressive face as the thoughts turned the cogs of his mind.

"And you believe them, Murph? You believe both of them?"

Murphy nodded. "Yeah, Spence... I do. You didn't see them... hear them. They weren't lying, John. Whatever happened out there to Leroy Washburn, it had nothing to do with Reb Stone."

"So, we have a case of 'he said, she said'," Spencer said thoughtfully, pinching his lips between his fingers. "Frankly, I'd be inclined to believe Stone's word, even without the corroboration of this so-called wife. Washburn isn't the kind of officer I prefer to have in my unit, but I wasn't given my pick when I got this assignment. And without proof...."

"Well, without proof, you can't charge Stone with anything anymore than you can Washburn."

"No, but it also means there's no real way to put the rumors down either. It might stir up bad feelings among those who already have issues with Stone... especially if she comes riding into town with some Indian woman claiming to be married to her."

Murphy shook his head. The colonel's attitude was going to cause problems if he didn't keep his thoughts to himself. "Spence, let me give you a piece of advice – don't mock their connection to one another, whatever they choose to call it."

Spencer snorted. "C'mon Murph... you can't tell me you agree with that shit."

Murphy shook his head. "Not my call to make, Spence. But you trust me when I tell you that whatever there is between them, it's real. I wouldn't malign it or discount it in front of the two of them. You think Stone could kick your ass – you haven't seen what Donoma Chepi's reaction would be. She liked to have burned the hair offa my head with the look she gave me."

Spencer regarded the Marshall for a long moment. Then he rose from his seat and went to the door. "I'll give it some serious thought, Murph. And in the meantime, I'll try to see if I can get any more information about the two deaths from the men who returned with their bodies. But I think it's going to end up being some sort of wild goose chase."

"Probably. I'll do what I can on this end and I'll keep in touch with Stone. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this before she and her mate venture into town."

"With any luck, it'll be a while before they do. I'm not sure what sort of reception they'll get."

And with that Spencer walked out the door of the jail and headed back to the fort.

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

"You are sure about this, Honaw?"

"We witnessed it with our own eyes, Nahko'e. We saw the courtship dance, the mating kiss and their move into Donoma Chepi's home together. And if that does not qualify as enough, we spoke to them of their commitment to one another. Finally, Donoma has accepted the truth of them in her heart and mind. They are joined."

Litonya danced for joy for a very long moment, drawing attention to herself and bringing many of the tribe closer to learn her news. Many suspected, since they were all aware of where and why Honaw and Keeheekoni had traveled away from the tribe alone. However, they had all waited a long time to hear this particular bit of gossip and no one wanted to spoil Litonya's moment.

After a long moment, Litonya raised her hand and called the People to her fire. Swiftly, they gathered closer, anxious to hear what she had to say.

"My friends," she greeted them. "It gives me much joy in my heart and happiness in my feet to share the news that my daughter Donoma Chepi has mated with her chosen warrior Koko Kanti." A loud whoop went up from many of the voices surrounding her, though there were a few dissenters.

"How can we know this, Litonya? Who bears witness to this union?"

"I do," Honaw spoke up firmly, doing his best not to growl.

"As do I," Keezheekoni replied. "Even though it is not at all necessary that there *be* witnesses for a joining among us to be recognized, Honaw and I saw the entire mating ritual. And if that was not enough," glaring around at the few who dared questioned not only Koko and Donoma, but also his and Honaw's honor, "we spoke to them about it. They are mated."

"So it is written," Odahingum stated without hesitation.

"So shall it be," Takoda answered.

"We must celebrate," Litonya exclaimed when the men finished their posturing. "We must celebrate and offer our thanks to the Great Spirit."

Takoda laughed, though he couldn't keep the grin from forming on his face. "You are simply looking for a reason to have a good party," he accused and Litonya didn't deny his words. "But I think you are right, Nutta. We should commemorate this event. We have lived under a cloud for so long because of the unresolved tension between Donoma and Koko. It will be good to celebrate a return to the peace we knew before the rift." He turned to Honaw. "When do you expect them to return?"

"I do not, Neho'e... at least not for a while. Koko Kanti has unfinished business in the white man's world, and she could not say how long it might take her to complete it. She did say they would return at some point for your blessing and the blessing of the elders, but that may not be for some time."

"I think we can celebrate without them," Litonya declared, "and then we will celebrate again when they return to us." Odahingum laughed with enthusiasm.

"I agree. We can rejoice at their good fortune and ours now and then celebrate their joining together with them later." He turned to Keezheekoni. "Do they know how to find us... do they know we have left the path of our buffalo brothers?"

"They are aware, Neho'e," Keez said with a respectful nod. "We ensured they knew what was going on with the People before we took our leave of them."

"Then it is settled," the chieftain announced. "We will have a party now and a celebration later."

At this proclamation, another cry arose, even from those who still questioned the validity of the joining. A party was a party and any excuse for one was reason enough... especially after the dark cloud they had traveled under lately. It would be good to enjoy themselves again.

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

"It is very big, warrior," Donoma said as they approached the tiny cabin she called home in her life as Reb Stone. "What is it made of?"

"Mud," Koko replied succinctly. "And river rocks."

"It is very pretty," Donoma commented after a moment. "I like it."

Koko looked down at her indulgently. "Would you like to see the inside?" Donoma nodded and Koko took Dapples' reins from her hand and looped them loosely with Black's around the hitching post. She tugged gently and led Donoma onto the small covered porch, dropping her hand to open the door. Then Koko pulled Donoma into her arms.

"If we were a traditional couple in this world, one of us would carry the other across the threshold to mark the beginning of our new life together in our new home. However, although I appreciate the sentiment, we are not a traditional couple in any sense of the word as far as the white man is concerned and I have no desire to anger my healer by straining myself."

"You are a very wise woman," Donoma started before narrowing her eyes in Koko's direction. "Wait a minute, Koko Kanti – are you saying I am too heavy for a strong warrior... or you are too weak for a lightweight such as myself?"

Without warning, Koko scooped Donoma into her arms, hiding the wince the effort cost her as it pulled at still healing flesh. Not to be deterred, however, she captured Donoma's lips in a passionate embrace, kissing her ardently as she stepped across the threshold and into the cabin.

The lip lock went on heatedly for some minutes before they were forced to pull away slightly to accommodate their lack of air. Donoma closed her eyes and leaned her forehead into Koko's, smiling softly.

"I take back what I said, warrior mine."

"Which part, ka'eskone?" Koko asked with a chuckling tone.

"You are not weak."

"Am I still wise?"

"Yes, but not as much as I am," Donoma admitted smugly. "You see, I have you for a mate. You cannot possibly compete with such wisdom." Koko pulled her head back to comment and Donoma's eyes opened in surprise, widening more when she looked around. "Oh... my...." she breathed. "When did we move inside? You really...? And here I thought Mother Earth was simply stretching her legs when I felt movement. You um... you can put me down now."

"I happen to like where you are," Koko confessed, though she loosened her hold on Donoma and let her slide down til her feet touched the floor once more. "However, we will come back to the remainder of our discussion later. First, I need to unload the horses and get them settled and you need to acquaint yourself with our home."

"I will help you unload things, warrior. Then we can come back inside and you can help me get acquainted with our home. Despite your impressive display of strength, I have no desire for you to overexert yourself by caring for everything on your own. We are mates, Koko Kanti – let me help you."

Koko smiled. Here was the child she remembered whose memory she'd cherished grown up. She nodded her head and took Donoma's hand, allowing her mind to travel back to another place and time as they walked back out the door together... side by side.

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

Even at the age of seven, Donoma had been small – not only short, but petite... dainty. It was one reason Takoda was so protective of her – she simply wasn't as big as the other children her age. She wasn't as big as some who were younger than she was. But she had a fierce determination to do anything and everything Koko did... even when she really shouldn't.

So it wasn't all that surprising to Koko that Donoma insisted she was old enough to begin training as a warrior. Litonya was horrified – Koko Kanti was an anomaly; an accepted anomaly, but an anomaly nonetheless. Most women of the People never fought... never even held a weapon... never learned to defend themselves. She couldn't imagine someone like Donoma trying to learn. Not only because of her gender and her size, but also because of her gift – surely she knew better.

Takoda, on the other hand, knew Donoma would not be convinced that she was unable to do anything her beloved best friend could. This was a lesson that needed to be learned by hard experience. So he gave his consent for her to begin her training, but only allowing Koko to be her teacher. He knew not only would she take it seriously and try to teach Donoma, but she would also be better equipped to let Donoma down gently when she was unable to keep up.

He hadn't figured on Koko's desire to see Donoma happy or Donoma's resolution to make Koko proud of her.

The first day had been grueling for them both. Koko had shown Donoma what a real warrior went through on a daily basis during their training period. Several times Donoma wanted to cry in frustration or pain, but she bit her lips and continued to try and follow the instructions that Koko gave her. When the day was over, Koko invited Donoma to her fire. They sat down together side by side; Koko folded her hands together and looked seriously at Donoma.

"Ka'eskone, why are you doing this? Why are you so determined to become a warrior? That is not your path, Donoma... you know this."

"We are best friends, Koko. I want to be able to help you... to protect you the way you protect me, and I cannot do that if I am not a warrior. It is my place to help you."

Koko took both of Donoma's small hands in hers. "Donoma Chepi," she said tenderly. "You have done more for me as a seer than I have done for you or the tribe as a warrior. Do not discount your strengths, my friend. You are a formidable opponent in your own way. However," she continued before Donoma could protest, "I am willing to teach you to defend yourself if you would like to learn. It is not the same as being a warrior, but it will give me a measure of comfort."

"How so?"

Koko's eyes widened. She should have known better than to confess so much so easily. "It will make you strong without forcing you to become a warrior."

"I would like that. I would like to be strong like you."

Koko smiled, and so began Donoma's training in self-defense.

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

Donoma caught the smile and faraway expression on Koko's face and squeezed the hand she held to get Koko's attention. Koko came back to the present with a start and allowed Donoma to pull them to a stop, her eyebrow arched in question.

"What are you smiling at?" This got Donoma a full-out Koko Kanti grin.

"Your words earlier reminded me of a certain precocious seven year old who was determined to help me by becoming a warrior."

Donoma smiled wryly. "Do you know how close I was to quitting after that first day? I hurt so badly.... I was so happy when you offered to teach me differently." She paused in thought. "Would you have taught me to be a warrior if I had insisted?"

"For as long as you would have been willing to train, ka'eskone. But I knew then even as you did that being a warrior was never a part of your destiny."

"No, but I remember how proud I was to learn the defensive techniques you taught me."

"I remember," Koko answered fondly and they both let their memories journey back to that time and place.

Chapter XXVIII

It was early, before the sun peeked over the horizon, when Koko called softly for Donoma. Takoda blinked sleepily in the darkness, wondering why he had thought that this was such a good idea. Surely Koko could have waited until a more decent hour to begin Donoma's training. Then he remembered that she had not been excused from her regular chores and duties and figured she was trying to fit it in without disrupting her normal routine.

Donoma stumbled around quietly, trying to slip into her moccasins without disturbing the rest of her family. She finally made it outside and Honaw sat halfway up and looked at Takoda through partially opened eyelids. "Why is Donoma Chepi wandering outside in the dark with Koko Kanti? It isn't even close to daylight yet."

"Koko Kanti is going to teach your sister to be a warrior."

That made Honaw sit all the way up and open his eyes to look at Takoda fully. "Excuse me? Neho'e, I know I misunderstood you. Donoma is a seven year old girl – a seven year old girl gifted with sight by the Great Spirit. She has no business training to become a warrior."

Takoda sat up and then rose fully, motioning to Honaw to follow him outside. He stirred up the banked fire and added a few chips, waiting until the blaze caught. With a flick of his wrist, he pulled his blanket more fully wound him and took a seat; Honaw did the same.

"She wants to learn, Honaw. She must learn that not all are cut out to become warriors. And Donoma being who she is, she will not learn unless she tries for herself."

Honaw's brows rose, but he did not smile. "You expect Koko Kanti to keep her from becoming such? Neho'e, I cannot believe Koko would be so unfair to her advisor."

Takoda shook his head. "I expect Koko Kanti to be honest with Donoma. If she is honest... if she is fair... Donoma will soon realize that she is not meant to be a warrior. Her gifts lie elsewhere. Koko knows this. She will do what is best for Donoma."

"You trust her." Takoda nodded. "But you do not trust us... why?"

"It is not a matter of trust, Honaw. It is a matter of responsibility." Takoda sighed when Honaw frowned. "Donoma is not like the rest of us – not simply because she was not born of our blood or because she has such a strong gift of sight, but because there is something different about her soul. It is old, Honaw – it is seen many things and borne many burdens. The rest of the People sense this, even if they cannot understand what sets her apart from them. It is why the other children hesitate to include her and why the adult shy away. It has made her sensitive... and the fact that she is small for her age only compounds that."

"That still does not explain why you allow Koko to teach her things we are not allowed to. I know she is a better warrior, Neho'e, but Donoma is ours. Shouldn't the responsibility for instructing her be ours as well?"

"Not in this case, Honaw. When Donoma found Koko Kanti and Rae'l, it was because one old soul called out to another. They took responsibility for one another from the beginning. Donoma would never accept training from you or any of her other hestatanemos; as much as she loves each of you, the bond she shares with Koko Kanti is what compels her to this path. She will soon come to understand it is not a wise choice for her."

"You believe so strongly, Neho'e... have you seen?"

Takoda shook his head. "Only what I can see to be truth between them with my own eyes. The Great Spirit has shown me nothing else regarding them. However, if it would make you feel better to observe them, I will grant you permission to do so...." He held up his hand to keep Honaw from answering before he could finish. "With the understanding that you are not allowed to interfere. You have to trust that Koko Kanti will do what is best for Donoma."

Honaw nodded gravely. Despite his misgivings about allowing Donoma the opportunity to train as a warrior, he trusted Koko Kanti completely. It was just hard to accept such a dramatic change in Takoda's attitude concerning Donoma's safety that he was having a difficult time wrapping his mind around the changes.

"I will not interfere, Neho'e. I will simply watch and report to you what I learn."

"No Honaw... there is no reason to report anything to me. I told you – I trust Koko to do what is best for Donoma... just as I would. Just as I would trust you and your hestatanemos had the obligation and responsibility fallen to you. Now go... the sun will be up soon and Koko will have started Donoma's training without you."

Honaw nodded and rose from his place then headed out towards the prairie where he suspected Koko would start Donoma's training. Takoda watched him go, shaking his head. He couldn't blame Honaw for his questions; he only hoped Koko would be as understanding.

Honaw found Koko and Donoma about where he had expected – he knew if Koko was going to train Donoma, even if it was only to show her that being a warrior was not her path, she would take it seriously enough to train her as she would any other warrior candidate. And since the People moved very slowly with the grazing buffalo, the spot didn't change that often or that fast.

So he took a seat close enough to watch but too far away to be a distraction; then he waited... curious as to how Koko would accomplish what Takoda expected of her. He believed Koko had Donoma's best interests at heart, but sometimes it was a difficult line to walk – Koko stretching to adulthood while Donoma remained a child.

Koko was adjusting the straps on the small knapsack, making sure it fit correctly. Then she rose and looked at Donoma, crooking an eyebrow at her in question and receiving and affirmative nod. She smiled briefly, and they took off at a gentle lope with Honaw following at a safe distance behind them.

Koko led Donoma out onto the plain where the buffalo were milling in the pre-dawn darkness. Honaw frowned – warriors didn't gather chips... it wasn't part of their responsibility to the tribe. Then he cocked his ears and forced himself to focus until her could just make out Koko's words.

"It is the job of the Nahko'es and the nahtonas to collect chips for the fire. But I am going to teach you as my Neho'e taught me – and he taught me that it is the responsibility of the warrior to protect and defend. And if in doing so we are able to ease the burden of those who feed and clothe us by their efforts on our behalf, then it will be to our credit when our time comes to face the Great Spirit for our reward." Donoma's eyes were wide and round as she listened to Koko speak of the warrior's ways, knowing by the earnestness in both eyes and voice that Koko spoke the truth to her. She nodded and waited for the knowledge Honiahaka had imparted to his daughter that she was willing to share.

"So to that end, this morning we are going to fill your pack with chips. It will serve as your weight as you run and train today. Then tonight, we will give them to the women of the tribe to use for their fires. We will do this every day until your warrior training is complete. It will help you build strength and endurance and it will also keep you a contributing member of our society. My Neho'e felt very strongly about that."

Donoma's nose crinkled adorably in distaste and Koko had to bite her lips to keep from smiling. Picking up chips was her least favorite chore and she had secretly hoped that warrior training would get her out of that particular job. However, Koko would not lead her astray – she had promised to teach her and Donoma knew Koko would do teach as she had been taught until such time as Donoma was a warrior in good standing or she decided to quit the training.

So Donoma sighed deeply and began slowly picking up chips... until she realized that Koko expected her to run. Then the race was on.

She filled the pack up quickly, then they were headed out across the plain at a run. Koko deliberately went slower than normal to allow Donoma to keep up, but fast enough that she had to push herself to do so. They traveled in a wide circle, jumping and rolling along the ground at odd intervals. Donoma wondered what any of it had to do with becoming a warrior, but Koko was so good at it, there was obviously a point in learning. So she bit her lips to keep back the tears that wanted to fall and pressed on, intent on keeping up with her best friend and now teacher.

They ran all morning and Honaw was impressed by Donoma's determination and Koko Kanti's fairness. Everything she had done so far was exactly as she had done with him and Keez and the rest of the warrior trainees of his age group. There was no quarter given for the fact that Donoma was much younger or smaller or that she was Koko's best friend as well as her warrior advisor. Honaw knew that was because Koko knew all too well that those things didn't matter on the battlefield – therefore, they had no place in training. Either you learned or you died.

When the sun reached its midday zenith, Koko brought them to a halt and Donoma fell to the ground unmoving. Koko knelt beside her, speaking so softly Honaw couldn't make out the words, but it was clear from the look on her face and the look on Donoma's that Koko was concerned with Donoma's well-being. Donoma was equally unwavering in her single-mindedness to continue whatever course Koko had set out for them.

With a nod of acceptance, Koko rose from her place and began giving Donoma instructions on her next task... in this case, that of building a fire for the two of them to share.

"Eventually, you will learn to hunt and trap and fish as all warrior must to provide for their needs and the needs of their family, but today we will share the meal that my Nahko'e prepared for us." Koko opened her own pack and removed the food that Rachel had given her that morning – meat pies and trail bars. Donoma accepted the food, but she merely looked at it for the longest time... so long that Koko raised an eyebrow at her questioningly and reached to take the sustenance away. Donoma shook her head and clutched the food to her.

"Donoma?"

"I will eat, Koko Kanti. I just need to rest for a few moments."

"Rest quickly, Donoma Chepi. We still have much to do today."

Donoma sighed heavily, but started eating, knowing if the afternoon went like the morning had, she would need every bit of strength to endure to the end.

Koko allowed Donoma to rest a little longer than she normally would, not taking any pleasure from the pain Donoma was suffering but knowing it was the only way for the child to realize that being a warrior was not her path. But far sooner than Donoma wanted, Koko was putting out the fire she had so painstakingly built and standing to her feet.

Donoma rose slowly, the heavy pack making it difficult with its added weight and distorted balance. Finally she was standing and she looked at Koko expectantly. Koko smiled gently.

"One of the first things a warrior needs to learn is how to listen," she instructed softly. "Not only to my words, but also to the world around them." She blew out a breath. "However, I do not think that should be our primary concern with your training at the moment... not when Takoda is still training you to focus your gift inwardly. You must master your gift of sight before we can turn your attention to the world outside your mind."

"But Koko...." Donoma stopped speaking as soon as Koko held up her hand and looked at her.

"There are still many part of warrior training you can work on in the meantime. Today we are going to work on balance." Koko knelt and opened up her pack, removing two smooth, heavy stones from within. "Hold out your hands, palms up," she commanded softly and Donoma did as she was told, accepting a stone into each hand. "Now... stand perfectly still, wavering neither left nor right, forward or back."

Donoma's eyes widened. Surely Koko had to be kidding... this wasn't part of warrior training, was it? Donoma had expected warrior training to be about fighting and technique and defending herself – not about picking up chips and running and holding heavy rocks.

She felt herself falling to one side and shifted her foot to keep herself from falling. Immediately Koko was in her face... not in a hateful way, but drawing Donoma's attention to herself. "Donoma Chepi... look at me," waiting for the green eyes to lock on hers. "You must focus, Donoma. You have to be able to maintain your balance in all types of situations without thinking about it. But to ingrain that behavior, you must first train your body to do so. That is what this exercise is about... focusing your mind so that your body learns to do instinctively."

"This is hard, Koko Kanti," Donoma stated plaintively.

"Yes, Donoma... it is. It is also necessary. This is how my Neho'e taught me and how I have trained those I have instructed. I know no other way to teach you."

Donoma nodded slowly. "I will try, Koko Kanti. I will do my best."

"That is all I ask, Donoma. It will not come easily or quickly. But it will come."

Honaw watched in silence as Donoma endeavored to remain completely still and balanced. It was so difficult, he remembered, thinking back to the time when he had been the one training. Koko had been a little less indulgent with those already in warrior training. They should have had balance and endurance, but she had found them lacking. Not only the trainees, but also the instructors – she had embarrassed the lot of them who challenged her, as Honaw recalled.

So he sat and observed, noting that even though Koko seemed to be in a state of meditation, she was hyper-aware of Donoma's every movement. For hours Donoma stood and Koko knelt in front of her. Only when the sun was stretching towards the horizon did she rise and remove the rocks from Donoma's hands. Donoma's arms dropped to her sides and her chin went to her chest, but otherwise she didn't move. Koko placed the stones in her pack and she motioned to Donoma to move. Unlike the morning, Koko did not force Donoma to move at a run. Instead, they walked briskly back towards the camp, Donoma tripping and stumbling to keep up.

When they reached the camp, Donoma went directly into the home she shared with Takoda and Litonya and Koko continued on to her own. After several minutes, Honaw followed Donoma's steps while Takoda crossed from Odahingum's tent where he had been sitting with the chieftain.

"May I?" waiting for Koko to invite him to sit before doing so. She motioned to the seat beside her and Takoda took the place she offered. Koko looked at him and cocked an eyebrow, waiting expectantly. "How did it go?"

"Honaw did not speak to you?" knowing he hadn't but interested in hearing why he'd had Honaw keeping an eye on them.

"You know he did not, Koko Kanti. There was no opportunity for us to do so... even if I had wanted to do so. He went of his own accord, Koko Kanti. He could not understand why I would allow you to teach Donoma Chepi the way of the warrior when I have been adamant about protecting her."

"He did not trust me?"

"He did not trust *me*. There is a difference. I did notice that Donoma looked as though she wanted to cry."

"She did well, Takoda. I pushed her – not hard, but I did push. She never cried and she never quit."

"Do you think she will take to it then?"

"No, Takoda; she wants to do this for me... not for her. I am going to talk to her after the evening meal and give her another option. I am going to offer to teach her some defensive arts. Personally, I would feel better if she could defend herself and it will help her body to become stronger. I think she would take to it much better than the hard-core training that the warriors go through. But I will not force her, Takoda; it will be her choice."

"I understand, Koko. Thank you for looking out for her."

Koko smiled. "She is my best friend, Takoda... my warrior advisor. It is my privilege to do so for as long as she will allow it."

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

"Did you really tell my Neho'e that?" Donoma asked as they slowly unloaded the horses. The saddlebags were placed on one side and the rest was stacked neatly on the other to be put away in the small lean-to that was attached to the cabin. They released the horses to run in the meadow behind the small house and started picking up the things to put them away.

"Yes," Koko finally responded. "I did."

"I am glad I did not know that before we talked; I was already angry enough at you. That would have simply made it worse."

"Because I lied?"

"Because you took my choice away when you left. But we have talked about that, and you did give me the choice you told Neho'e you would. I am so glad you did. I liked learning the things you taught me; it made me feel strong and capable."

"You were always strong and capable, ka'eskone. I simply helped you focus." They put away their loads and returned to pick up more. "Tell me... do you still do the exercises I taught you?"

Donoma smiled. "Up until your unexpected return to my life, I did them every day. It was a way to keep you close even when I was alone. No one bothered me when I was engaged in practice. But for some reason I have been a little preoccupied since your arrival."

Koko grinned. "I cannot imagine what could have possibly caused you to lose focus like that. But perhaps we could work on it together again."

"I would like that, Koko. It is something I was always happy to share with you."

"So... tomorrow morning then or would you prefer tonight instead?"

"Tomorrow morning – it is the most peaceful way to start the day. Besides, you promised me a tour when we are done here and if you want to know the truth, I would like to spend tonight just... connecting."

"I would disagree on that point, ka'eskone... the most peaceful way to start the day, I mean. I would never disagree about connecting with you, beloved. There is nothing more precious to me than that."

"Then let us finish putting things away, Nutta. I want my tour and some quiet time with you. Tomorrow is soon enough to begin our exercises again."

Koko smiled at Donoma's words and hefted the last of their belongings into her arms. "Take the saddlebags inside, ka'eskone. I will return as soon as I have stored these. Then you will have your tour."

Donoma returned her look and headed inside. Life had certainly taken an interesting and unexpected turn and she was looking forward to exploring it with Koko.

Part 15

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