Drifter – Part 18

By D

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 waited 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... not just who and what she is. And you deserve someone who will appreciate you for who you are as well... 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 are we 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.

Part 19

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