开云体育

As evening fell on Four Corners and the sun began to set, the men
returned from their search and of warning the outer towns folk of a
possible predator in the midst. The elusive animal had not yet been
found and tensions were running high among the outlying ranchers as they
doubled their guards and sent out extra patrols with the herds.
In town Chris and most of the men have taken to the saloon for a meal
and a drink. Ezra sat calmly at his regular table enticed in a card
game with some of the usual saloon patrons.
“I take it you have returned with no good news?” He drawled as the rest
of his compatriots entered all finding a seat at the nearby table.
“Vin thinks its bear” JD piped up in his usual boyish manor. “But what a
bears doin down this far outta the mountains he aint sure.”
“Hard tellin” Buck chimed in “It was a pretty rough winter, might just
be hungry for some good ole beef and then he’ll move on.”
The bartender came to the table taking orders for beer and food as the
men talked. When ready he returned with plates of food for each man
while they contemplated the next move if there was to be one.
A sudden rush of wind blew through the bat wing doors and all eyes
turned as a young man with long braids, his clothing covered in blood
came bursting through them. He was out of breath as he called out
anxiously.
“There a doctor here? I got a man outside hurt bad.”
Nathan quickly stood, “No Doctor I’m the closest thing there is.” He
admitted.
“You’ll do” The young man nodded eagerly.
“You’re the one brought Josiah’s god-daughter in the other day aren’t
ya?” Nathan observed as he got closer to him.
“The girl with the black and white paint?”
Nathan nodded.
“Ya that was me, this guy’s hurt a lot worse” he motioned for Nathan to
follow him outside with a look of urgency written on his smudged face.
As Nathan followed the young man outside many of the others inside the
saloon took interest as well and followed them, gathering around as
Nathan and the young man rushed over to the horses tied to the post a
few steps from the doors.
Another man was sat slumped over his saddle his clothing shredded and
covered in blood from his wounds.
Nathan took a quick assessment. “Let’s get him up to my place so I can
get a better look.”
Buck and Chris helped to clear away the on lookers giving Nathan and the
one called High Wolf room to lead the horse with the wounded man to
Nathans.
Once he had him upstairs and settled Nathan was able to get a better
observation of the man’s injuries. Gashes, scrapes and scratches covered
his back, his face and arms and his chest.
Nathan shook his head Wondering how he had survived the attack at all.
“What happened to him?”
“Damn Grizzly” High wolf answered shakily “Came outta nowhere and just
attacked before we had chance to get a shot off. That bear was crazy I
tell ya.”
Nathan looked back at him concerned “You hurt?”
High Wolf shook his head “Not bad,” It was clear he was more concerned
for his partner. “I’ll be ok, just see to him.”
“He a friend of yours?”
“We work at the Royal ranch together, ya guess you could say were
蹿谤颈别苍诲蝉.”
“He got a name?”
“Only name I know is Ian, he’s an Irishman, he’s got some crazy stories
let me tell ya.” High Wolf looked over at his friend then back to
Nathan. Worry laced his tone. “He gonna be alright Doc?”
Nathan shook his head “he’s lost a lotta blood, some of these wounds are
pretty deep. I’ll do what I can.” He nodded toward the chair “You best
have a seat over there, soon as I get him settled, I’ll check on those
scratches you 驳辞迟.”

***Sometime later****
High Wolf made his way from Nathans toward the saloon. His wounds not
nearly as severe as his friends. A couple of scratches on his face, and
a gash on his arm that needed to be stitched was about the just of it.
He took a glance toward the church and for a moment thought of checking
on the girl Cheyenne and see how she was getting along from her accident
then thought better of it. What he needed right now was a drink.


Chris leaned back in his chair after finishing his meal and looked up at
the bartender motioning for a bottle and a glass, watching as he saw the
batwing doors of the saloon open and the young man from earlier walk
through them and go up to the bar.
He looked over at Vin and motioned for him to go talk with him.
“see what you can find out.”
Vin set his hat back on his head and made his way over to the bar
leaning on it while he ordered a beer.
“He gonna be alright? The one you brought in?”
High Wolf took a drink from his mug and nodded “The doc said he was
lucky, he lost a lotta blood, he thinks he’ll pull through but he don’t
know for sure.”
Vin took a pull from the beer the bartender sat in front of him. “So,
what did it? Man gets chewed up like that it’s gotta be something big.”
High Wolf took another drink and turned to Vin “Grizzly, biggest damn
bear I’ve ever seen. And mean, I got a couple shots off trying to get
him off Ian that bear just shook it off like it was nothin then I don’t
know what made him let him go but he did and headed back into the
迟谤别别蝉.”
Vin nodded his understanding as he watched the man next to him. He was
visibly concerned that was apparent.
“Think you could find the spot where it happened?”
Jonah nodded “Ya I know right where it was, just south of Royals ranch.
Ian and I were riding herd, soon as that thing came barreling out of the
trees the cows scattered, still can’t figure why it didn’t go for them
instead of us.”
“You mean the bear came after you and not the cows.”
Jonah took another pull from his beer before he answered “Yup, Ian got
off his mount, call a nature ya know, and before he could,.. that bear
came outta the woods and straight for him.”
Vin shook his head in disbelief. Not that he didn’t believe what Jonah
was telling him, it was the sheer boldness of the bear that had him
wondering.
“You staying in town tonight or heading back to Royals?”
“I’m not goin out there alone with that grizzly lurkin about. Think I’ll
get a room for the night and head back to the ranch in the morning.”
“Probably a good idea” Vin agreed, “Don’t think I caught your name.”
Jonah drank the last of the beer in his mug and turned facing him with a
cautious smile.
“Jonah, Jonah High Wolf, and you?” he answered holding out a friendly
hand.
“Vin Tanner” Vin responded taking Jonah’s hand.
“Buffalo hunter?”
“Use to be” Vin answered with a short nod “What tribe?” he asked with a
nod to Jonah’s medicine pouch and beaded necklace that hung from Jonah’s
neck.
“My mother was Sioux” He told him with a look that seemed to dare Vin to
say anything derogatory about his people. Instead, he was met with
acceptance.
“I lived with the Sioux for a while when I was buffalo huntin. Iron
Hawks band”
Jonah smiled “I met him once, I was just a kid. He was a proud man, head
strong. A good leader.”
Again Vin gave him a nod agreeing with him “That he was.” He said as he
turned to leave.
“Hey” Jonah stopped him “That girl I brought in the other day, she lives
behind the church, she doing alright?”
Vin smiled “Seems to be” with that he made his way out.
Jonah let a small smile cross his lips then turned to the bartender.
“Know where I can get a room?”


Chris leaned back in his chair after finishing his meal and looked up at
the bartender motioning for a bottle and a glass, watching as he saw the
batwing doors of the saloon open and the young man from earlier walk
through them and go up to the bar.
He looked over at Vin and motioned for him to go talk with him.
“see what you can find out.”
Vin set his hat back on his head and made his way over to the bar
leaning on it while he ordered a beer.

“He gonna be alright? The one you brought in?”
High Wolf took a drink from his mug and nodded “The doc said he was
lucky, he lost a lotta blood, he thinks he’ll pull through but he don’t
know for sure.”
Vin took a pull from the beer the bartender sat in front of him. “So,
what did it? Man gets chewed up like that it’s got ta be something big.”
High Wolf took another drink and turned to Vin “Grizzly, biggest damn
bear I’ve ever seen. And mean, I got a couple shots off trying to get
him off Ian that bear just shook it off like it was nothin then I don’t
know what made him let him go but he did and headed back into the
迟谤别别蝉.”
Vin nodded his understanding as he watched the man next to him. He was
visibly concerned that was apparent.
“Think you could find the spot where it happened?”
Jonah nodded “Ya I know right where it was, just south of Royals ranch.
Ian and I were riding herd, soon as that thing came barreling out of the
trees the cows scattered, still can’t figure why it didn’t go for them
instead of us.”
“You mean the bear came after you and not the cows.”
Jonah took another pull from his beer before he answered “Yup, Ian got
off his mount, call a nature ya know, and before he could,.. that bear
came outta the woods and straight for him.”
Vin shook his head in disbelief. Not that he didn’t believe what Jonah
was telling him, it was the sheer boldness of the bear that had him
wondering.
“You staying in town tonight or heading back to Royals?”
“I’m not goin out there alone with that grizzly lurkin about. Think I’ll
get a room for the night and head back to the ranch in the morning.”
“Probably a good idea” Vin agreed, “Don’t think I caught your name.”
Jonah drank the last of the beer in his mug and turned facing him with a
cautious smile.
“Jonah, Jonah High Wolf, and you?” he answered holding out a friendly
hand
“Vin Tanner” Vin responded taking Jonah’s hand.
“Buffalo hunter?”
“Use to be” Vin answered with a short nod “What tribe?” he asked with a
nod to Jonah’s medicine pouch and beaded necklace that hung from Jonah’s
neck.
“My mother was Sioux” He told him with a look that seemed to dare Vin to
say anything derogatory about his people. Instead, he was met with
acceptance.
“I lived with the Sioux for a while when I was buffalo huntin. Iron
Hawks band”
Jonah smiled “I met him once, I was just a kid. He was a proud man, head
strong. A good leader.”
Again, Vin gave him a nod agreeing with him “That he was.” He said as he
turned to leave.
“Hey” Jonah stopped him “That girl I brought in the other day, she lives
behind the church, she doing alright?”
Vin smiled “Seems to be” with that he made his way out.
Jonah let a small smile cross his lips then turned to the bartender.
“Know where I can get a room?”


Having checked in on his friend Ian and helping to bring the woman who
fainted into Nathans Jonah had decided to spend another night in town.
The next day…….
The sun rose early in Four Corners Jonah High Wolf stepped out from the
hotel and stood on the board walk. Watching as the shops began to open
their doors and little by little the towns folk emerged from their homes
to start their day. He looked down toward the church and wondered if it
was too early to call on the Lakota girl he’d found several days ago,
before he headed back to Royals ranch to give him the news about the
bear and his injured ranch hand.
He was curious about the blue-eyed girl, Cheyenne, that was her name,
she seemed to be occupying his thoughts more times than not ever since
that day. He’d never met a girl yet that had captured his interest the
way she did. Maybe it was because they were both of mixed blood, maybe
it was just her pretty blue eyes. Whatever it was it drew him in the
direction of the church.
Once he’d reached his destination, he climbed the stairs and slowly
opened the church doors. He stood just inside letting his eyes get
accustom to the dim lighting.
“Hello?” he called out not seeing anyone around.
Josiah came from his room carpenters’ box in hand. “mornin” he greeted
him a bit more cautiously than was Josiah’s normal cheerful mood. “Come
to say a prayer? to Seek guidance?”
Jonah felt a bit nervous at the site of the preacher. He was a big man,
no doubt able to wrestle a good size bear if he had a mind to and, he
was, the girls God Father, more than likely just as protective as her
real father would be. Jonah quickly respectfully removed his hat.
“Good morning” he greeted him with a small smile. “I was wondering if I
might call on Cheyenne. I’d like to see how she’s doing after her ordeal
the other day.”
Josiah eyed the boy for a moment before he answered. “She’s doing just
fine.” He responded a bit curtly.
“would it be alright if I said hello?” High wolf asked just as stiffly,
feeling the preacher’s standoffishness.
Before Josiah could answer the door behind the pulpit opened and
Cheyenne limped into the church.
“Josiah, brik..fest ri..ri-dy” frustrated she repeated the sentence in
her Lakota language as she entered.
Cheyenne stopped just outside of her door when she saw High Wolf, her
eyes met his and for a moment they stayed fixed on each other until
Cheyenne shyly averted her gaze.
“Cheyenne” Josiah set his toolbox on the pew closets to him and went to
her side.
“What are you doing walking on that foot, Nathan said to use the
crutches for the next couple of weeks.”
Cheyenne glanced at her God Father with a look that told him not so be
scolding her in front of company.
“Good morning” Jonah greeted her in their native tongue. “I, uh, came to
see how you were getting along, looks like you’re doing pretty well.”
Cheyenne smiled shyly giving him a small nod.
“I uh, found a couple more traps out there, I got rid of them, but you
probably shouldn’t go out riding alone just yet, there’s a bear out
there, it’d be safer if you stayed in town.” He warned.
“Philámayayapi” she thanked him “But...” She looked down at her still
bandaged ankle and foot.
“Oh, ya” he said uneasily as he brushed a stray strand of hair from his
eyes. “You, uh probably aren’t doin any riding yet.”
Josiah stood by carefully watching the conversation between the two
thankful that he knew the language as well as he did.
Cheyenne shook her head no hiding a giggle “Are you, hungry?” she asked
timidly “I Have food inside” she motioned toward her room.
High Wolf returned her smile “No, thank you, I had breakfast at the
hotel. I should be getting back to the ranch and let my boss know what
丑补辫辫别苍别诲.”
Josiah’s brow furrowed, “What did happen?”
“Bear attacked a friend of mine while we were watching the heard last
night. He’s up at the docs right now.”
“How bad?” Josiah asked with some concern.
“Pretty bad, Doc wasn’t sure he was gonna make it, but says he’s got a
肠丑补苍肠别.”
For the first time Cheyenne seemed to notice the scratches on High
Wolf’s face and the bandages on his arm that shown through the shredded
fabric.
“You were also hurt.” She said motioning to his face then down at his
arm.
“Oh this” he shrugged “It’s nothin, Ian’s the one who got the brunt of
颈迟.”
“You let the others in town know?” Josiah asked as he took hold of
Cheyenne’s arm to help steady her and keep her from standing on her
injured foot.
Jonah nodded.
“Yes sir” he answered in English before he turned his attention back to
Cheyenne. “I’m glad to see your doing better, I hope to see you again
sometime.” he smiled with a quick wink, then looking at Josiah and gave
him a brief nod before turning away and heading toward the door.
Cheyenne watched him as he made his way out the door, a small smile
crossed her lips. She wondered what it was about this man that
interested her so. Maybe it was because they both shared a heritage, or
maybe because they were both half white. Or maybe it was because she saw
something in his eyes, something that seemed to be drawing her to him.
She hoped she would see him again, she hoped it would be soon.




*Five Days Later*
Josiah stood in the doorway of the church as he repaired the broken
frame. Cheyenne sat outside on the church stairs, her basket of beads
and such sitting beside her as she worked at beading some jewelry. It
was a beautiful day; the skies were a bright blue with white puffy
clouds adorning the vastness, as the sun climbed higher and higher
warming the air as it rose.
“What are you making?” Josiah asked looking over at Cheyenne before he
turned his attention back to hammering another nail.
She answered him in her Lakota language.
“English Cheyenne English” He reminded her.
Cheyenne rolled her eyes and repeated what she’d said in her broken
English “A neck lace.”
“Necklace” Josiah corrected
“Necklace” She repeated. Her accent still prominent.
“That’s better” he smiled.
“Can go ride today Josiah? Wind need …I’nyang..rruun”
Josiah reached for another nail. “Not today Annie, they’re still looking
for that bear. One of the other ranchers came in last night, seems it
attacked and killed one of his ranch hands. Some of the out-of-town
folks are bring their women and kids into town for safety, Chris is
gonna gather the men together soon as they get here so we can all go out
and hunt this monster down before someone else gets killed or hurt.”
“it is..ss..sp-ir-it bear, bad spi-rit”
Josiah looked over at her and grinned “Your English is getting better.”
Cheyenne shook her head keeping her eyes on what she was doing “English
nnnot gooood, bet-ter sp, spe speak Lakota.”
Josiah laughed.
The sight of a horse and rider coming into town and passing the church
suddenly made both Josiah and Cheyenne look away from what they were
doing.
Jonah High Wolf tipped his hat as he rode past them. His pack and
bedroll secured to his saddle.
Cheyenne sported a small smile as she watched him ride by and head
toward the livery.
Josiah watched the boy suspiciously. He still didn’t trust him; he
didn’t trust anyone who worked for Guy Royal.
……………………..
Jonah stopped and dismounted when he’d reached the livery. He removed
his bed roll, saddle bags and his pack and let the young man who greeted
him take charge of his horse while he headed next door to the
blacksmiths.
A few moments later Jonah emerged without his belongings and started for
Nathans.
Once there he knocked quietly. It was Nathan who answered.
“Mornin, something I can do for you?” He asked taking notice of the
man’s split and swollen bottom lip.
“Just came to check on Ian.” Jonah answered, “Is he awake?”
Nathan nodded and opened the door wider motioning for Jonah to come in.
Molly was sitting next to Ian’s bed helping him with his breakfast. Ian
was grumbling something on the lines that she needed to stop mothering
him he could eat on his own and Molly was being just as stubborn. She
smiled as Jonah approached. “Good morning”
Jonah removed his hat “Morning Ma’am.”
“Well, I’ll be, look here what the cat’s drug in as they say. And how’d
ya get away from our boss so early in the day now?” he suddenly noticed
his friends swollen and bruised faced. “Scrapping again boyo?”
Jonah grinned “Oh this” he pointed to his face “aint nothin, you should
see the other guy” he told him with a smile that reached his eyes. Then
grimaced at the pain his grin incurred.
Ian shook his head. “Benton again?” he asked in all seriousness.
Jonah nodded. “Hey, you know that job offer I told you about right
before, that bear started coming around.” He asked side stepping from
the conversation.
“The blacksmiths?” Ian asked before he took another bite of his
breakfast.
Jonah nodded “You’re lookin at the new town blacksmith.” he said proudly
“The owner also needs someone to run the livery, so…I thought if you
wanted the job, we could both run the livery and the blacksmiths. I mean
since they are right there together an all. The old man said after a
while he’d be willing to sale both businesses to us if we wanted. Whada
you say Partner? You in?”
“What about Royal?”
“Well,” Jonah shuffled his feet a bit before looking up at him.
“I don’t work for Royal anymore, and…suppose, you could go back after
your healed up if ya had a mind to, I was hopen you’d throw in with me
颈苍蝉迟别补诲.”
Ian was quiet as he thought about what his friend was purposing. He
looked over at his sister and a smile crossed both their faces before
Ian turned back to Jonah and nodded.
“Soon as Nathan lets me get outta this bed you have a deal…Partner” he
agreed holding out his hand.
High Wolf smiled back and took his friend’s hand. “well alright
笔补谤迟苍别谤.”
“Now will you finish eating your breakfast before it gets cold” Molly
scolded her brother.
“I’ll leave ya to it. I’ll be staying in the room in the back of the
blacksmiths. When you are up and around” Jonah told him before nodding
and tipping his hat to Molly then making his way out of the door.
He hadn’t reached the stairs before Molly caught up with him.
“Excuse me, Mr. .. High Wolf is it?”
Jonah stopped and turned. “Jonah will do fine ma’am.” He said as he
politely removed his hat. “Is there something wrong?”
“Oh, no, nothing wrong, I just haven’t had a chance to thank you, for
taking care of my brother and getting him here so quickly after the
accident. I’m incredibly grateful.”
Jonah smiled “He’d a done the same for me.”
“All the same Thank you 补驳补颈苍.”
“You’re welcome.” Jonah nodded and started to put his hat back on when
Molly stopped him again.
“How, how long have the two of you known each other? You and Ian?”
“A few months, we met on cattle drive out of Wyoming, took a job on the
railroad for a while and sort of just stuck together since then. We been
working for Guy Royal for the last couple months.”
“I see, well Thank You again Mr….Jonah”
“Ma’am” Jonah set his hat back on his head and tipped the brim to her
before continuing back to the Blacksmiths shop.



Cheyenne left her little home behind the church and made her way toward
the Livery. Even though she was unable to go out for a ride because of
the *sprit bear*, as she called it, still being on the loose. Cheyenne
was anxious to see her beloved horse and give him a treat. Wind whinnied
and when he sensed her coming near. The two of them had a bond not
unlike that of a man and his faithful canine companion. The black and
white paint had been a gift a few years ago from Cheyenne’s grandfather.
She trained him with the help of the man she was to marry, Red Lance.
And his friend, and Cheyenne’s cousin, Marcel Lamarée who’s Indian name
was Grey Hawk.
Red Lance Grey Hawk
It had taken much love and patients but in time Wind and Cheyenne became
nearly inseparable. She learned to command him with a series of whistles
and leg movements. Red Lance and Grey Hawk use to tease that the horse
could read Cheyenne’s mind and followed her around the way a dog
followed its master. They called him sunka, the Lakota word for dog,
which always proved to anger Cheyenne. Not long after Wind’s training
had ended the Crow raided their village looking for women and horses.
Cheyenne’s fiancé’ Red Lance, was killed protecting her and Wind from a
Crow worrier. Wind became even more special to her when the horse
stomped and killed that same crow brave after his arrow pierced the
heart of the man she loved.
****
Cheyenne still limped slightly from her foot injury a couple of weeks
ago, but she was walking and doing much better. Nathan had even given
his permission for her to not use the crutch Josiah had made her. If it
were not for the slight limp, she would be completely back to normal.
Walking into the livery Cheyenne could hear not only Wind but the sound
of scraping. Jonah looked up from mucking out one of the nearby stalls
when he heard Cheyenne talking to her horse in her Lakota language.
“Mornin” he greeted her with a smile, pushing back a stray strand of his
disheveled braided hair from his eyes with the back of his gloved hand.
Cheyenne returned his smile albeit bashfully. “Good morning” she said
in her Lakota language.
“You don’t like to speak English much, do you?” he asked leaning on the
rake he held in his hands.
“It is hard to remember the words.”
“You should practice more.” He grinned sheepishly as he continued to go
about his work.
Cheyenne turned facing Wind and fed the horse the apple. “Wwhy you
wwork here?” she asked in her broken English.
“Man’s gotta make a livin” the young man answered.
“You, work rranch no more?”
“Naw” Jonah grinned “Got a better deal here.”
“Better deal?” Cheyenne asked confused.
“Ya” he stopped what he was doing and looked over at her “You know,
better opportunity, me and a friend of mine are gonna own this business
and the blacksmiths soon as he gets up an around and we can save up the
money to put down on 颈迟.” Jonah smiled when he saw the still bewildered
expression on her face.
“You don’t understand a thing I just said, do you?”
Cheyenne sported an embarrassed look and shrugged shaking her head “no,
I am sorry, I do not understand.”
Jonah laughed “You will one day.”
Their conversation was interrupted by loud shrieks of excitement and
awes from outside. Both Cheyanne and Jonah made their way out into the
street to see what was happening.
From down the street walking into town leading his horse and a pack mule
was a tall dark figure of a mountain man. Over the back of the mule was
the carcass of the menacing bear that had been terrorizing the ranchers.
He was a big man, tall and strong, he had long dark hair and sported a
beard and mustache. Over his shoulders he wore a bear skin coat. A
tomahawk hung from his belt as did a hunting knife. His rifle in a
fringed scabbard on his saddle and an axe hung on the pack mule.


“Cheyanne!” Josiah called out as he made his way to her “Where have you
been? I”ve been looking for you.” He shot Jonah a threatening glare.
Making the blacksmith take a step back.
Cheyanne’s attention was still on the man who had just come into town.
“I am sorry.” She apologized speaking in her native tongue. “I came to
see Wind.”
“It’s alright, this time but next time tell me where you are going,” he
put a finger under her chin and turned her to him “I worry about you.”
Cheyanne smiled “There is no need to worry “she assured him as she
pointed to the stranger who had stopped at the Sheriff’s office. “Look
someone has killed the spirit bear.”
Josiah nodded. “I best go see what’s going on. Why don’t you go on back
to the church, And English Cheyanne.”
Cheyanne rolled her eyes and turned to say goodbye to Jonah who had
already slipped back into the livery.
*
Josiah watched for a moment as Cheyenne headed back toward the church
before he made his way over to the Sheriff’s office where the stranger
had stopped leaving his horse and pack mule tied.
The big man opened the door to the sheriff’s office and walked in.
Chris sat behind the desk leaning back with his feet up as he enjoyed
his morning cup of coffee, His eyes fall on the stranger as he walked
in. “Something I can do for you?” he asked as he set his feet on the
floor and put the cup on the desk.
“The names Jake Black Wolf, and I’m here for the bounty on the bear.”
The gruff man spoke matter a factly in a no-nonsense tone.
“Afraid you’ll have to see the ranchers about that.” Chris matched the
man’s business-like firmness.
“And where would I find the Rancher responsible for the pay off?”
“About seven miles west a here I would imagine, talk to Guy Royal. I
heard him and some of the others put up the bounty.”
“Much obliged” Black Wolf thanked him as he turned to leave nearly
running Josiah over as he entered. He apologized quickly then made his
exit.
“What was that all about?” Josiah asked after watching the stranger
mount his horse and ride away.
Chris shook his head “Bear bounty.”
“Well from the size a the bear skin he’s got mounted on that mule it
could very well be the devil bear that’s been wreaking havoc with the
搁补苍肠丑别谤蝉.”
Chris picked up his coffee cup and took a sip before he replied “Lets
hope so..”

Cheyenne walked from the church toward the general store empty basket in
hand. Before she could open the door to walk into Potters store her
attention was drawn to the noise of a wagon. She looked on Curiously at
the man as he stood and made his announcement. Not understanding all of
his words Cheyenne looked on intrigued at the bright colored wagon.
“Phony pretenders” came a voice behind her speaking in her Lakota
language.
Cheyenne quickly turned to see Jonah High Wolf behind her. She gave him
a small smile and greeted him.
“It seems no matter where I turn you are there.”
He grinned “Seems that way don’t 颈迟.”
Breaking her gaze she turned away from him and looked at the strange
wagon.
“What is it?”
“Just pretenders, phony folks who think they are something cuz people
pay to watch them tell 蝉迟辞谤颈别蝉.” he answered, the annoyance in his tone
gave the impression he was less than impressed with the acting troupe.
“What kind of stories?” Cheyenne asked still interested.
Jonah grinned and looked over at her “Well maybe if your Godfather
wouldn’t mind, I could take you to one of their shows, would be easier
to show you than try to explain.”
Cheyenne looked at him not completely understanding “Shows?”
He smiled at her innocence and nodded. “When they gather to tell their
蝉迟辞谤颈别蝉.”
“Ohh yes I would like to see this.” She returned his smile
“Good, I’ll be seein you soon then” He tipped his hat “Ma’am”
Cheyenne watched him for a moment as he headed back toward the livery,
before glancing back at the wagon of strangers that had just arrived
still unsure of what they were she turned and continued into Potters
store.

*The next day….
Josiah opened the door to the hotel and led Cheyenne inside to the
restaurant. After finding a table and getting settled they waited for
the waitress.
At another table only a few steps away Jonah sat with his friend Ian
enjoying their breakfast. As Ian continued with their conversation about
their business endeavors Jonah’s attention was drawn to the Indian girl
who sat a few feet away.
Noting Jonah’s sudden silence Ian looked up from his food and followed
his friend’s gaze and smiled when he saw the girl sitting a few tables
away from them.
“So is that the lass you told me about? The one you rescued from the
animal trap?”
“Huh?” Jonah asked his eyes still on the girl.
“I said you are drooling my friend” he teased, still getting no coherent
banter from his partner Ian spoke a little louder. “Abe”
The sound of the name seemed to bring Jonah out of his trance. He gave
Ian a stern look “I told you never to call me that” he growled.
“Well it got your attention didn’t it?” he laughed then nodded the
Indian girls way “She’s a pretty one to be sure.”
“Ya well don’t go gettin any ideas” he warned
“Me?” Ian feigned innocently.
“Ya, you” Jonah grumbled “and yes she’s the one I told you about.”
“I see, then the big man with her must be,”
“Her Godfather” Jonah answered for him.
I’d say you have your work cut out for you there my friend.” Ian
chuckled
Jonah however was not amused as a scowl crossed his face before he took
another bite of his breakfast.


Jonah walked purposely toward the church climbing the few steps to the
front doors when he suddenly stopped and looked back at his friend Ian
who stood a few feet away leaning on a post with a Cheshire grin on his
face. He waved at Jonah to go on trying in vain to hide a chuckle at his
friends’ nervousness.
Jonah was unamused narrowing his eyes and shooting an ominous glare at
him that could scare a rattle snake.
Ian put his hand over his mouth hiding his grin and tried to look
serious and supportive.
Jonah turned away from him summoning his courage he opened the front
door and walked in.
Josiah sat in the front pew emersed in cleaning his gun. He looked up
when he heard the front doors open.
“Somethin I can do for you boy?” he asked continuing with his task.
Jonah looked around the church uncomfortably. “I uh, I came to ..ask you
蝉辞尘别迟丑颈苍驳.”
“Didn’t think you came for confession, well go on, ask a飞补测” Josiah
encouraged him still keeping his attention on cleaning his weapon.
Jonah shifted his stance and respectfully removed his hat. “I came to
ask if, well since you’re her guardian and all, and kinda like her
pa…Cheyenne that is.. I” he swallowed.
“Go on” Josiah insisted as he finished the cleaning of his gun and began
to wipe it down with a soft cloth.
Jonah shook his head mentally chastising himself for being so nervous.
“I came to ask if I could take Cheyenne the show tonight and see the
carnival. Figured it was only proper I ask your permission.” He finally
blurted out.
Josiah calmly raised his gun and looking at it making sure it was
satisfactory. The barrel aimed at Jonah as he did so.
“Why?” he ask still keeping his attention on his gun.
“Why? Why did I ask you first?” Jonah shifted his stance again.
“Why do you want to take her?” The preacher was enjoying watching the
boy squirm a little too much.
“Cuz She aint never seen nuthin like it before I thought I might, I mean
help her see some of what the white world has to offer and…”
“And?” Josiah ran the gun barrel over his sleave then lowered it as he
began to load it.
“And cuz I think she’s a nice girl. And I’d kinda like to get to know
her some.”
“I see” Josiah put another bullet in the barrel “What’s your name boy?
High Wolf isn’t it?”
“Yes sir, Jonah High Wolf.”
“Well, High Wolf, truth is I was thinkin about taking her myself.”
“Well, uh, it’d be only proper if you was to come along sir” Jonah shift
again and brushed a stray hair from his eyes.
Once his gun was loaded Josiah held it up again aiming in Jonah’s
direction as he looked down the top of the barrel. “I tell ya what,
I’ll have Cheyenne at the show tonight, if you was to come sit next to
her don’t suppose there’s much I could do about it. That is if it’s
alright with her.”
“Cheyenne” Josiah called out before the boy could answer.
The door behind the pulpit opened and Cheyenne stepped out into the
church.
“Yes Josiah?”
“Come over here for a moment would you”
Cheyenne nodded and did as her godfather asked glancing over and
offering Jonah a smile as she did so.
“Cheyenne, High Wolf here says he’d like to sit next to you at the show
later is that alright with you.” Josiah asked holstering his weapon and
taking out his knife.
Cheyenne’s smile seemed to brighten even her eyes as she looked over at
the nervous young man standing in front of them.
“Yes, I would like that.” She answered in her own tongue.
Josiah began sharpening his knife. “Alright then” he stopped and looked
over at Jonah “Guess we’ll see ya there.”
Jonah nodded “Yes sir, I’ll be there.” His eyes falling once again on
Cheyenne before he took a few steps back wards down the isle. “Until
then” he spoke in her language before turning and making his way out of
the church.

The Magnificent Seven Ride
Cheyenne


In a small dusty saloon nestled in the small town of Four Corners five
men sat enthralled in a game of five card stud. The dealer, a handsome
debonair gambler shuffled the cards expertly. Ezra Standish was an
accomplished card player among other things who had recently decided to
make Four Corners his home, for the time being anyway. A promise of
amnesty had lured him to stay and be part of the seven men hired to
protect this small town. To his left a young man with long sandy brown
hair, his hat hung behind his back and his fringeless buckskin coat
giving him the ambiance of a hunter, to those who knew him he was Vin
Tanner ex-buffalo, ex bounty hunter who was also one of the seven men
who had recently decided to call Four Corners home, for now. A dollar a
day and board and room had been a deal he could not pass up. His
personal business would keep for now. He sipped his drink and casually
eyed the cards being dealt to him while the man dressed in black sitting
next him poured himself another shot of whiskey. Chris Larrabee was a
hard man, a self-made gunfighter born out of traumatic loss with a keen
sense of right and wrong he favored justice. To the gamblers right was
Buck Whilmington, a good-hearted Casanova who you could always count on
to back you up in a fight. If you could get him out of bed. Next to Buck
doing his best to try and guess the gamblers next move was the youngest
of the group, John Dunn affectionally known as JD, a dark-haired young
man who probably wasn’t more than eighteen or nineteen, with a fast draw
and eager to prove he could hold his own with the best of them.

“Ah Hell!” Buck cussed tossing his cards into the middle of the table,
“I’m out, this hands about as worthless as a one-legged man in a but
kickin contest.” He picked up his mug of beer and strolled over to the
bar striking up a conversation with one of the scantily dressed ladies
who had been serving the drinks.

The saloon doors swung open, a young colored man came through them and
made his way over to the table.

“Have a seat Nathan, you can take Bucks place. He was losing any飞补测” JD
laughed

Nathan Jackson was also one of the men hired to protect the town, An
Ex-slave, and a steady hand with a knife. He was also the towns healer
and only physician of sorts, he had lived in Four Corners for a few
months before any of the others had arrived. He’d learned what doctoring
he knew from his time as a stretcher bearer in the union army. And from
what he had picked up from a certain Sioux medicine man he had met some
years back.
Nathan removed his hat and took JD up on his invitation.

“You and Josiah sure been busy builden on that church, you get finished
yet?” JD asked

“Finished up a few days ago” Nathan answered before he ordered some food
and a beer from the young waitress.

“Why were you building on to it anyway?” JD’s curiosity could not be
silenced

“You’ll see when Josiah gets back” was the only response Nathan would
give.

“And where dare I ask has our illustrious preacher gone off to? He’s
been quite elusive these past several days”. Ezra questioned while
keeping a steady eye on his cards.

Vin tossed his cards down discontentedly “I’m out”

“Call” Chris declared laying his hand on the table.

“Straight flush” Ezra announced as he spread his cards out while
flashing a sparkling smile, to the dismay of the remaining players.

“He had some place to go” Nathan answered Ezra as the waitress set a
plate of food in front of him. “He should be back in a few more days,
might be a bit longer”

Josiah Sanchez was the last of the seven peacekeepers hired to take care
of this small town. An ex-preacher turned gunfighter. No one really knew
what had turned the man from his calling but like the rest of them, he
had his fair share of secrets in his past. Not even his friend Nathan
knew the whole story.


eight days
later

It was midafternoon when a very excited JD came bursting through the
saloon doors and rushing over to where some of the seven protectors sat
having an early dinner or late lunch depending on how you looked at it.

“Josiah’s back, and he’s got someone with him.” JD paused catching his
breath “It’s a girl! an Indian girl!”

Nathan smiled to himself, while Buck, the self-proclaimed ladies’ man,
was immediately curious and quickly shoveled the rest of his food in,
wiped his mouth and followed JD outside.

“Well now.” Ezra shuffled a deck of cards at a nearby table and took a
gulp from the shot of whiskey sitting on the table in front of him “This
could be interesting.”

Vin and Chris both looked at Nathan who had quietly finished his meal
and stood as he set his hat on his head. The Cheshire look on the man’s
face made the two share a curious glance before nonchalantly following
him outside.

Ezra finished stacking his deck of cards and took the last gulp of his
drink before he to meandered toward the door for no other reason than
inquisitiveness.

From down the street they could see Josiah riding toward them. Next to
him was a young woman mounted on a black and white paint, a hawk feather
hung from the horses long mane. She wore a buckskin dress adorned with
Sioux beading, a beaded belt around her waist with a matching scabbard,
a hunting knife nestled inside. Moccasin boots covered her feet and
calves. Her hair hung down her back adorned on the right side with a
small white feather attached to a beaded hair ornament. She was
unmistakably Indian.

As they road closer it was Vin who caught her gaze. It was he who saw
her eyes, they were a bright blue like the blue that lit the morning
sky. The girl quickly turned her attention to the road ahead.
Josiah politely nodded his acknowledgement as he passed by. And Vin
tipped the brim of his hat.

All eyes were on them. Chris smiled shook his head and sat in one of the
chairs outside the saloon. Whatever Josiah was up to, he sure had not
only his friends, but the whole town curious.

Towns people going about their daily business stopped and gaped as the
two road by, including a small group of cowboys from one of the nearby
ranches. One young man with suspenders and braided hair under his hat
took special notice.

Vin leaned against up against a pole as he watched the two riders
continue on toward the church.

“Josiah’s been holden out on us.” Buck quipped as he watched them ride
away.

“Did you see her eyes” JD asked in astonishment “Since when do Indians
have blue eyes”

“When they’re half white” Vin answered as he stuck a toothpick in the
corner of his mouth, by the markings on her clothing he would guess the
other half was Sioux but he did not voice it. Instead he gave his
companions a short nod and headed down the street toward his wagon.

Nathan smiled to himself and with a nod to Chris started toward the
church.

“Hey” Buck called out “Where ya goin”

“To say Hello” Nathan answered

“Well hang on there Nathan,” Buck called back as he strutted off
catching up with the healer “think I’ll go along and welcome the young
lady to town myself.”

Nathan shook his head as Buck then JD both caught up to him.
“I don’t think that such a good idea Buck, The girl’s Josiah’s God
Daughter, and she’s not use to bein around folks like us.”

“God daughter!” JD exclaimed

“If she ain’t use to bein around folks like us what are you doin going
over to the church right now then?” Buck huffed

“Cuz I met her a few years ago, there was some folks in her village that
needed some doctoren, Josiah asked me to look in on em.”

JD started to say something else and Nathan held up his hand

“Just go on about your business, Josiah’ll tell you everything when he’s
good and ready, now let em’ be for now.”

With that Nathan left both JD and Buck standing on the board walk
watching him stroll off.

“C’mon JD you can buy me a beer”

Cheyenne kept her eyes on the ground before her while following a step
behind Josiah as they made their way to the general store. She carried
the empty basket for the things they would buy close to her side.
Josiah tipped his hat and greeted two women in fine dresses with ruffled
bonnets adorning their heads.
“Good morning Miss Adelaide, Mrs. Jenkins, fine morning isn't 颈迟.” he
smiled.
Both women greeted Josiah with a friendly grin until they set their
sights on the young woman clad in the traditional Indian clothing
walking next to him. Their smiles turned to scowls as they rushed off
with scarcely a glance the Indian girls way.
Josiah proudly took his God daughters hand and positioned it inside his
elbow holding his head high as the two-woman passed by.
A young man with braided hair and stubble on his face stood leaning on a
nearby post watching them. He stood straight and removed his hat holding
it over his heart as Josiah and Cheyenne came closer.
“Good morning. beautiful” he greeted the young Indian girl speaking in
Lakota dialect and giving her a small bow without so much as a nod to
Josiah.
Hearing her native language Cheyenne immediately turned and glanced his
way then quickly reverted her gaze back to the path before her.
“Blue eyes!” he whispered under his breath “Beautiful blue eyes” She
most defiantly was not only Sioux as he had surmised by her dress but
like him, she was half white. This made him even more captivated as he
watched her walk passed him, He wondered if the older man she was with
was her father.
“Hey High Wolf!” came brusque voice from across the street, “get your
Indian ass on a horse boy! Royals gonna skin us alive as it is, we
shoulda been back last night.”
The young man set his hat back on his head and watched as Josiah and
Cheyenne passed without acknowledging him.
“Until we meet again pretty blue” he muttered still speaking Lakota.
Then sprinted off and leapt from behind onto his mount with an Indian
shriek of accomplishment.
The Three men with him laughed.
“Looks like ya done found a little squaw eh boy” The dark-haired cowboy
on the red roan scoffed.
The one they called High Wolf road up next to him giving him a rattle
snake smile before raising his leg and kicking the cowboy off his horse.
“Don’t call her that Ames you hear me don’t you ever call her that!”
“Woah, Indian, a might touchy there ain’t ya” Ames retorted standing and
brushing the dust off of his clothes before getting back on his horse.

“Both of you settle down.” An older man with a greying beard and a dull
light-colored hat interrupted before the altercation escalated. “We got
ridden to do or we’ll all be lookin for another job. Now get goin!” he
ordered giving his horse a kick and riding out ahead of them followed by
the other cowboy who looked like he’d had way to much drink the night
before and could use a good bath and some fresh clothes.

Ames looked over at High Wolf, “You heard the man Indian, lets ride!”
With that he slapped the boy’s horse on the rear causing it to break
into a gallop and rode out after him.
Cheyanne spared a quick look behind her just in time to see the young
man ride away.
“You pay him no mind” Josiah warned “He ain’t keepin the best of
肠辞尘辫补苍测.”
The quiet girl said nothing only a look that told him she understood.
As they began to pass the livery, they found the area crowded with
people and children, One little boy that could not have been more than
six or seven ran up to them stopping wide eyed in front of Cheyenne and
looking her up and down “Are you a real Indian?” he asked excitedly
Cheyanne glanced at Josiah silently asking him to translate, He repeated
what the boy had asked in her native language. She smiled and looked
down at the child and nodded.
“Wow” the little boy exclaimed.

"Matthew? Matthew,"
A young red-haired woman with a baby on her hip rushed up to the little
boy.

"Look, Molly," the boy pointed up at Cheyenne.

"She is not the fountain in Central Park to be gawked at. What would
Sister Mary Francis say?" the boy lowered his arm and his gaze,
shuffling his feet he muttered something.

"Matthew..." her tone held warning but wasn't cruel.

"She'd say I was being impert...imperrtarent...," he said, looking up at
the woman.

"Impertinent," the woman said. "And then some."

"I'm sorry," the boy said. She put her hand on his head and directed him
back to face Cheyenne. He took his cap off his head and swept a bow.
"I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss. I'm Mr. Matthew
Carlson and this is Miss Molly Crowley."

"And..." the woman quietly prompted him.

"And I'm sorry I gawked at you like the fountain in Central Park. Though
you're much more interesting..."

"Oh Matthew," the woman sighed and took a hold of the boy's hand.

Josiah chuckled and turned to Cheyenne translating what was said.

Cheyenne looked at the little boy and pointed to herself.

“Cheyenne” she told him “please met-you” her French/Indian accent making
her broken English even harder to understand.

“what she means son” Josiah looked down at the little boy “Is she’s
pleased to meet you.” He smiled at the young woman and tipped his hat.

“Josiah Sanchez ma’am and my God daughter Cheyenne Pasquinel”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance I’m sure” Molly gave a small curtsey.
But the baby on her hip was becoming impatient. Molly apologized and
quickly took the children and disappeared back into the crowd.

Josiah and Cheyenne shared an amused smile and continued on their way to
the general store.

“your English needs a little work” Josiah teased.
“Not so much as your Lakota” Cheyenne stifled a giggle.
A well-dressed blond woman accompanied by an older man who quickly
scurried passed them. The man seemed to be worriedly looking for someone
as he kept on as if he had not noticed them.
“Mornin Mary” Josiah tipped the brim of his hat
“Josiah” the pretty blond woman stopped as she greeted him. “I’m afraid
Mr. Cole is in a bit of a hurry to meet the group from the stage, you
see his niece is arriving today and I think he’s worried.” For the first
time she seemed to notice Cheyenne who stood quietly at Josiah’s side.
“and who is this?” she inquired rather intrusively.
“This is my God daughter Mary, Cheyenne Pasquinel.”
Mary looked a bit taken back as she eyed the girl.
“Uh, Your, god daughter?”
“Cheyanne’s father and I were good friends, close as brothers you might
蝉补测.”
“I see, well, it’s nice to meet you Miss, Pasquinel is it?”
Cheyenne looked up at her godfather and he translated Mary’s words.
Mary looked confused.
“Her English is a bit rusty, but giver her time she’ll get used to 颈迟.”
he explained.
Cheyenne eyed the woman cautiously managing a guarded smile.
“Yes, I’m sure she will, if you’ll excuse me Josiah.”
Josiah tipped his hat again as the woman went on her way.
“cha `ota tuw`awa”
“English Cheyenne practice your English” Josiah encouraged her.
“S, so m, ma, muh many, wh, whi,” she became frustrated and spoke the
word in her own language “wasicu ” (white people)
Josiah let out a hearty guffaw “Oh just wait until you see it on a
Saturday when all the farmers and cowboys are intown.”
Cheyenne looked at him for a translation.
“we really need to work on your English” he grinned.
***

As they reached the mercantile Josiah took Cheyenne’s basket and set it
on the counter while giving Mrs. Potter instructions on the supplies to
fill it with. Curious, Cheyenne walked about the store intrigued with
the many things there were for sale. A young blond girl clad in men’s
clothing complete with duster and a hat that hung on her back stood at
the counter next to Josiah while she paid for her supplies. Cheyenne
watched as Josiah politely greeted her then went about helping the
storekeeper to fill Cheyenne’s basket with the things she had requested.
The girl politely nodded as she passed Cheyenne on her way out.
Cheyenne eyed her cautiously before returning to Josiah’s side.
“Is this all you need?” Josiah asked
Cheyenne looked over the contents of the basket then pointed to the cook
pots hanging behind the counter.
Josiah chuckled “alright then, one cook pot Mrs. Potter.”
The older lady behind the counter raised a questioning eyebrow then
reached up and lifted one of the iron cook pots from its hook setting it
on the counter.
“That’ll be an extra fifty cents Josiah.”
Fumbling through the coins in his pocket Josiah paid for the purchases.
Cheyenne took the basket from the counter and followed Josiah as they
made their way back down the boardwalk toward the church.

It was a beautiful fall day and unusually warm for the time of year as
Cheyenne made her way from her room behind the church to the livery.
While Josiah had decided breakfast at the saloon suited him. Cheyenne,
still feeling a bit uneasy in a town full of white strangers, had opted
to go out for a ride.
After reaching the livery and finding Wind in his stall she went over to
the horse and held out her hand. In it was a ripe red apple. The paint
gobbled the sweet fruit up without hesitation.
It had only been two days since she had arrived here in this town with
Josiah, still she wondered why her grandfather had sent her so far away,
especially to a place full of wasicu (White men).
He had told her he wanted to keep her safe as war had come to the Sioux
nation and more and more villages were being destroyed by the white
soldiers and forced to the reservations. Since Cheyenne was of mixed
blood, he felt she would be safer in the white world with Josiah. Yet
Cheyenne could not fully understand why, as far as she was concerned,
she was Lakota and Lakota alone.
Cheyenne reached over and took Winds halter from where it hung next to
his stall and easily bridled her horse then led him from the stall and
out into the open. Taking hold of his mane she swung up onto his back
and road out of town.
****

Josiah pushed the saloon doors open and walked in, he glanced around
until he saw familiar faces sitting at one of the tables across the room
and made his way over to them, pulling out one of the chairs he sat down
and slid his hat so that it hung on his back.
“Mornin boys”
“Mornin Josiah” Buck grinned
“Josiah” Chris nodded
“How is Cheyenne settling in?” Nathan asked before picking up a strip of
bacon from his plate.
“It’s a work in progress” Josiah answered as the bartender stepped up.
“Breakfast Josiah?” he asked.
Josiah nodded.
“So when do we get to meet this God-daughter of yours?” Buck asked with
a twinkle in his eye.
“You, probably never” Josiah quipped.
Buck looked offended.
“She’s having a rough time getting use to things here.” Josiah went on
“she went out for a ride this morning.”
“Alone?” Nathan looked concerned.
Josiah nodded and sat back as the bartender brought his breakfast over
and sat it down on the table in front of him.
“She’ll be alright, she’s use to doing thing things on her own. I don’t
think I could keep her cooped up if I tried.”
“Still a woman out there alone just doesn’t seem right.” Buck mused “A
lot of scoundrels out there just waiting to pounce.”
Josiah took a fork full of food thinking thoughtfully to himself,
wondering if maybe Buck was right.



Cheyenne set Winds reins over his neck and whistled a short musical
whistle. The Paint followed along behind her without hesitation as she
walked along the edge of the prairie searching for sweet grass, sage and
any other herbs or roots she thought useful. Her wonderings throughout
the morning taking her farther into the trees.
The sun gleaming down in bright colored rays through the tall aspens
reminded her of home. She reveled in the solitude and the sounds of
nature giving her solace from the noise and bustle of the town.
Her moccasin feet brushed against the foliage, she paid no mind to the
sound of crunching leaves and sticks beneath them, until, she stepped,
and a loud metal clank broke through the stillness causing her to scream
out in pain and fall to the ground dropping her medicine bag. She looked
down to where the steel jaws had closed in on her foot just above the
ankle. Blood began to stain her moccasins. Metal teeth held tight
keeping her from moving less she cause herself even more agony than she
felt already. Still, she braved the pain and fought to release herself
from the metal jaws to no avail. Tears spilled from her eyes, she
screamed out as loud as her voice would carry even though she knew there
was no one to hear her. Her ever faithful companion Wind stood
helplessly nearby. Cheyanne tried again to remove the trap that held her
captive, unable to stand the pain any longer she leaned back against the
white aspen tree and tried not to move praying Josiah would find her and
soon. Her foot throbbed and the blood continued to flow as she did
her best to stay motionless so as not to cause herself more discomfort.
She sat with her head against the tree and closed her eyes against the
suffering praying for help. Wind nickered, then she heard it, another
horse and footsteps rustled in leaves. Her tear-stained eyes popped open
mirroring the fear that consumed her.
She tried to back away from the stranger as he came closer but with
every move pain shot from her torn flesh.
“Now just hold on there girl, I’m not gonna hurt ya. I’m gonna help.”
Came a deep raspy slightly southern drawl.
Cheyenne eyed him cautiously, her breaths coming labored and heavy,
partly from the agony in her leg partly from her distrust of the man
trying to help her. She had seen him before; he had spoken to her in
town and Josiah had warned her against him. He was dressed in tan
trousers, a light-colored shirt, suspenders and a dark brown coat. His
hat band was beaded like the one most men of mixed Indian and white
blood wore, his long hair was worn in two braids. He smiled and winked
at her trying to sooth her fears, give her courage, and keep her calm
“Just take it easy and I’ll have you outta here in two shakes,”
Cheyenne listened carefully to his words; She was still trying to master
her English. She’d spoken it very little during her life. Using it only
when Josiah would visit, her understanding of the English language had
been getting better with practice but she was still far from proficient.
The stranger examined the trap and tried to assess how badly she was
caught finally looking up at her sympathetically.
“I’ld like to tell ya this ain’t gonna hurt, but I can’t. its gonna hurt
like hell.”
Looking around the area close by he found a stick picked it up then
breaking it in half he wiped it off the best he could and handed it to
her.
“Bite on this”
She didn’t have to understand the words to know what he meant. Still
wary Cheyenne conceded and took the stick from him. She knew he was
right, if the pain she felt when the trap closed in on her was any
indication, it was bound to be just as bad coming out, if not worse. The
stick would keep her from biting her tongue. Putting the stick in her
mouth she watched and waited.
“Don’t look at this, look at me” the young man insisted using two
fingers to point toward his eyes.
Cheyenne looked up at him.
“That’s 颈迟.” he looked at the trap once more and positioned his hands.
Using his foot he centered it near the release.
Cheyenne watched him and winced even though he had not touched the metal
jaws yet.
“Hey hey, Look at me. Not that”
Cheyenne looked up at him again her delicate features masked in dread.
“That a girl” he said speaking softly with a smile that lit up his face.
“Did I ever tell you that you have the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve
ever seen.” He told her in Lakota.
As she was momentarily distracted by the compliment with one fluid
motion, he stepped on the trap release and jerked open the jaws
releasing Cheyenne’s foot. Cheyenne did her best not to scream but to
no avail she bit down hard on the stick then cried out closing her eyes
against the pain as she felt the teeth of the trap tear out of her
ankle.
The man ripped the trap out of the ground and tossed it angrily aside
before he took closer inspection of Cheyenne’s wound.
He carefully removed Cheyenne’s moccasin boot from her injured leg.
Tears ran down her cheeks from the pain the movement caused.
“The names Jonah High wolf, what’s yours?” he asked nonchalantly as he
got up and went to his horse taking his extra shirt from his saddle bag
and tearing it to make a bandage.
“Cheyenne” she responded gritting her teeth as Jonah knelt in front of
her and began tending to her wound.
Jonah smiled “Talks Different eh, must be cuz of that French accent you
驳辞迟.”
“You speak Lakota” Cheyenne stated more than asked foregoing trying to
answer him in English instead speaking in her own language.
“yup, my mother was Lakota.” He answered in the same dialect”
“My mother was also Lakota” she tried to smile but the pain from her
wound was making it hard.
Jonah tightened the makeshift bandaged around the wound and Cheyenne
cried out.
“Sorry, it’s got to be tight to keep it from bleedin to much, wounds bad
I gotta get you back to town. I don’t think you can ride so come one” He
reached out for her.
Cheyanne backed away.
Jonah smiled “I’m not going to hurt ya, and you can’t walk on that, so
come on and let’s get you back to town.”

He held his arms out for her. After a moment of hesitation Cheyenne
finally took hold of his hands and let him pull her to her feet. Once
he had her standing on one-foot Jonah swept her up in his arms and
carried her to his horse and set her on his mount side saddle then swung
up behind her. “We’ll go easy so as not to juggle your ankle to much.”
Cheyenne whistled the musical whistle and Wind followed behind them as
they made their way back to town.
*

It was nearly mid-morning when Josiah walked out of the saloon and
headed back toward the church. Horses coming into town caught his
attention. As they came closer, he could see it was Cheyenne cradled in
front of the rider. He didn’t have to wait to find out what happened
before he shouted out her name and ran toward them.
Weak and pale from loss of blood and the excruciating pain in her ankle
Cheyenne was nearly passed out.
“Cheyenne!” Josiah called to her as he ran up to them.
Jonah stopped his horse in front of the church as Josiah reached them.
“What happened?” He growled over at Jonah,
“She got her foot caught in a trap.” Jonah explained as he helped to
hand Cheyenne down to a waiting Josiah who took her in his arms.
“Ride down to the saloon ask for Nathan Jackson and send him to the
church and tell him to hurry!” a worried Josiah ordered sternly as he
carried Cheyenne up the stairs, kicking the door to the church open he
rushed her inside.

Nathan finished wrapping Cheyenne’s foot and ankle in clean bandages as
she slept. The pain medication he’d given her had mercifully knocked her
out as he took care of the painful wounds.
“She’ll be able to walk wont she Nathan?” Josiah asked worriedly
“She’s lucky she didn’t lose her foot.” The ex-slave told him as he went
over to the basin and washed his hands “That young man out there
probably saved her from 颈迟.”
Josiah looked over at the door “Guess I owe him a debt a thanks”
Nathan nodded “She’ll need to stay off that foot a few days, you might
want to see if Mrs. Travis can find a woman to help her out until she’s
able to walk.”
Josiah looked over at his sleeping god daughter, “She be alright while I
see to it?”
Nathan smiled “She’ll sleep for a while yet. Go on I’ll sit with her”
Josiah affectionately smoothed the sleeping girls hair before he turned
and left.
As he opened the door from Cheyenne’s living area and stepped into the
church pulpit a lone figure sat in one of the front pew’s his hat in his
hands. He looked up when he saw Josiah.
Josiah walked over to him “I want to Thank You, for helping my God
Daughter, Nathan says you might very well have saved her foot”
The young man stood “wasn’t anything anyone else wouldn’t have done, she
gonna be alright?”
“Soon as her foot and ankle heal up I imagine she’ll be out riding
补驳补颈苍.”
“good, glad to hear it” the young man half smiled as he gave Josiah a
nod and turned to leave
“What’s your name boy”
Jonah hesitated before he turned back to face him “Jonah, Jonah High
奥辞濒蹿”
“High Wolf?” Josiah asked stepping off the podium “Indian huh”
“on my mother’s side” Jonah answered somewhat guardedly
“and your pa?”
Jonah looked at the preacher cautiously “Dead” he answered simply then
turned again and walked to the front doors opening them he left without
another word.
Josiah watched the boy leave still not completely trusting him.

A few minutes later found Josiah at Mary’s Travis’s Newspaper. Mary
looked up from her desk as Josiah entered and smiled.
“Morning Mary” Josiah greeted her as he removed his hat.
“Good morning Josiah, is there something I can help you with?”
“As a matter a fact ma’m there is, you see my god daughter, Cheyenne,
was out wonderin this mornin and stepped into a wolf trap.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, is she alright?”
“Well yes ma’am, Nathan’s with her. But he says she’s gonna be off her
feet for a few days and I was wondering if you might know of a woman
who’d be able to help her out just until she gets back on her feet.”
Mary thought for a moment then looked up at him “You know, as a matter a
fact I may have just the very woman you are looking for. Her name is Eva
Weathers, I’m told she’s had some nursing experience, I think she would
be the perfect candidate. She’s staying with her Uncle over at the
hotel. If you like I’ll get in touch with her and see if she’s
补惫补颈濒补产濒别?”
“Yes Ma’am that would sure take a load off my mind.”
Mary smiled and stood “I’ll go see her right now, when would you like
her to start?”
“The sooner the better” Josiah smiled “Just send her over to the church
when she’s ready, Thank You Mary”
“Of corse Josiah, I’m happy to help” With that Mary walked over and took
her wrap from the hook and followed Josiah out.

While Josiah made his way back to the church Mary started toward the
Hotel.

Cheyenne woke to an empty room. She managed to scoot up to a sitting
position and called out for Josiah.
Josiah smiled as he entered “Your awake”
“I am tired of being in this bed” Cheyenne grumbled
“I thought you might be, so I made these for you” he held out two long
wooden object in his hands.
Cheyenne looked at him curiously
“They’re crutches, to help you walk” he explained
Cheyenne smiled and removed the quilt that covered her and began to get
out of bed.
“Hold on” Josiah insisted as he leaned the crutches against the wall and
went over to the bed to help her stand.
Once she was steady Josiah reached over taking the crutches and showed
Cheyenne how to use them before he let her give it a try.
“That’s it, slowly now, give yourself time to get use to them.” He
encouraged her
Cheyenne nodded her understanding as she leaned on the crutches and
smiled. She was able to make a few successful steps in the small room
until she suddenly wavered. Josiah reached out to steady her. “Alright,
that’s enough for now back into bed with you.”
Despite her protests Josiah managed to get his god daughter settled back
into her bed.
“Nathan said a little at a time, we can try again later if you feel up
to 颈迟.”
“I feel up to it now” she insisted
“Maybe so, but we go at this slow or not at all” Josiah told her in an
authoritative tone.
Cheyenne let out a defeated sigh.
“That’s better” Josiah grinned, “now tell me, how are you getting along
with Mrs. Weathers.”
“It is good, her French is better than mine.”
Josiah laughed “It’s probably better than mine. But you need to practice
your English more understand.”
“Yes” Cheyanne mocked in English

** Back at the Royal Ranch***

Guy Royal stood on the porch of his home and watched as one of his hired
hands made their way past him.

"your late Indian.... where were you..." He chastised the young man.

“Had somethin to take care of” the boy answered bluntly

"your responsibility is here not off somewhere else..." Royal scolded

“I get my work done “Jonah smirked “My free time is my own”

Guy Royal glared "next time you're late don’t bother coming back..."


Jonah gave him a short nod “yes sir”

With that Royal turned and went back inside slamming the door behind
him.

One of the other cowhands standing nearby looked at the young Indian
"you get yourself a girl ...." he smirked

“That any of your business?” High Wolf growled as he headed over toward
the coral where the new horses were waiting to be broke

"touchy..." the cowhand chuckled as he followed him.

Jonah ignored him as he walked over to the coral and stood leaning
against the fence “hey Parker that grey ready to be broke yet? “

Parker walked over and leaned up against the fence next to him "yep you
game to start?"

“Not the way you cowboys muck it up, I’ll show you the right way, Indian
飞补测”

Parker held up his hands "go head..." He smirked

Jonah gave him a sideways grin and took the saddle blanket off the fence
then slowly began to walk over to where the grey Gilding was being held
by another man, he began by rubbing the horse with first his hand then
with the saddle blanket all the while making soothing sounds “sshhhht,
蝉丑丑丑丑丑迟”

Parker watched intrigued by what the boy was doing.

Jonah brushed the horses on his back, his neck , his sides over and over
all the while talking to him low and soothingly in his native Sioux
tongue , he leaned over the horses back as if he intended to mount him
several times distributing his weight so that the animal got use to him,
It seemed like hours before Jonah finally carefully laid the blanket
on the horse back and climbed first onto the fence then slowly lowered
himself on to the horse’s back while the other cowboy who had been
holding the horse steady handed him the reins. Jonah kept talking
comfortingly to the horse petting him along his neck until he motioned
for the other man to let go.
Once free the horse began to buck a few times.
But Jonah stayed mounted until finally the gilding slowed and began to
walk around the corral easily.

The other cowboys who had gathered to watch all whooped and hollered
with approval, impressed at High Wolfs expertise.
Jonah road the horse around the corral for a few minuet before he
dismounted. He led the grey over to the fence and grinned.
“狈别虫迟?”
*

The sun barley up over the horizon the sounds of rustling hey and
scrapping came from the stables at the ranch of Guy Royal as ranch hand
Jonah High Wolf busied himself mucking out the stalls.
“You’re up early boy” came the voice of ranch foreman Hank Conley as he
made his way into the stables and began to saddle his horse.
“Was hopin to get done early and ride into town later” Jonah told him as
he kept on with his work.
“Can’t promise ya that, might need you to ride herd later, seems we got
a cat or a bear out there killing cattle. I’m thinking about sending
some of you out to keep an eye on the heard tonight.”
Jonah stopped what he was doing and leaned on the rake he was using as
he looked over at Hank.
“Why not go hunt it down now?”
Hank finished cinching up his saddle “Well I was thinking about doin
just that”
“I’m a fairly good tracker. Mind if I come along?” Jonah asked
hopefully.
Hank lifted his hat and scratched his head thoughtfully before setting
his hat back on his head.
“Tell ya what. You finish what you’re doing then saddle up and be ready
to go in twenty minutes, Bring your rifle.”
Jonah grinned “Yes sir”
He watched as Hank lead his horse from the stables and quickly began
finishing his chores.
*** Back in Town***
Chris sat leaning back in the chair inside the jail contemplating what
he had just heard from Jack Porter, a local rancher whose ranch was
several miles south of town. The rancher was just leaving as Vin made
his way inside. Vin gave the man a polite nod as he walked past him
Porter seemed to be too preoccupied to return the greeting and simply
walked out.
Vin shut the door behind him and looked over at Chris.
“What’s eaten him?” he asked motioning toward the door.
“He just lost his prize Bull; something drug it off.”
“Drug it off?” Vin raised an eyebrow “Mountain Lion maybe?”
Chris shook his head “This was a thousand-pound bull, Porter thinks it
might a been a bear.”
“Bear? What’s a bear doing down this far?” Vin questioned as he walked
over to the stove and poured himself a cup of coffee.
“You got me, but we best go check it out, seems a couple of the other
ranchers have lost livestock too. Some of them set out trapes and I
don’t want anyone else stumbling onto em the way Josiah’s God Daughter
诲颈诲.”
Vin nodded his agreement.
“We’ll leave Josiah and Ezra to keep an eye on things here while the
rest of us go Check things out with the ranchers” Chris finished as he
stood and set his hat on his head before heading for the door.
“I’ll head over and let Josiah know, I’ll meet you at the livery.” Vin
told him as he set his coffee cup down and headed out.

*** Back at the Church***

Cheyenne leaned on her crutches as she hobbled from her small living
area to the door that led into the church. She struggled a moment with
the latch.
On the other side Josiah was busying himself with repairs on the church
when he heard someone struggling with the door from Cheyenne’s living
area. Deducing it was his god daughter on the other end of the threshold
he quickly made his way behind the pulpit and slowly opened the door for
her.
“What are you doing up?” He chastised as he helped her make her way into
the church.
“I am tired of lying in the bed” She spoke in her native Sioux language.
“English Cheyenne” He reprimanded
“English, English” Cheyenne mocked “Why? I only talk to you and you
speak my language”
Josiah stifled his laughter, “You talk to Mrs. Weathers, don’t you?”
Cheyenne made her way over to one of the pews as Josiah helped her to
step off the pulpit
“She speaks fran?ais” She smirked light heartedly as she sat down.
“础苍苍颈别” Josiah’s tone turned more serious. “You live in the white world
now; you need to start using your English”
Before Cheyenne could say anything more the door to the church opened.
Both she and Josiah turned toward the sound as Vin Tanner entered.
“Mornin Vin” Josiah greeted him
“Josiah” Vin returned the greeting as he walked up the isle
Cheyenne took hold of her crutch with one hand and Josiah’s arm with the
other as she pulled herself from a sitting position to standing next to
her god father. She smiled as her eyes beheld the handsome ex bounty
hunter.
“Cheyenne” Josiah took hold of her arm to help steady her “This is Vin
Tanner, one of the peacekeepers in town I told you about”
Vin tipped his hat “haa’ahe It’s nice to meet” he greeted her in her
native togue.
Cheyenne’s eyes sparkled “You speak my language”
“Yes ma’am, I spent some time with the Sioux back when I was hunting
buffalo.” He told her reverting back to English “Picked up their
language. Haven’t’ spoken it for a long time.” He responded again in
Lakota “Kinda nice to do it again”
“you speak it well” Cheyenne complimented him
“What brings you to my house this fine day Vin? Or did you come just to
meet my God daughter?”
Vin gave Josiah a sideways look that told him he knew better than that
before he answered him.
“Seems some of the ranchers are complaining about something killing
their livestock, Chris thinks we should go out and take a look. Some of
them have put out traps like the one your god daughter stepped on. He
thinks we ought to maybe warn folks to stay close to home until we can
find out what’s going on, he wants you and Ezra to keep an eye on things
here in town.”
“Alright, Ezra know?”
“I think Chris’s taken care of that. Told me to meet him at the livery”
Josiah nodded “you fellas watch your back.”
“Always do” Vin gave him a nod and tipped his hat to Cheyenne before
making his way down the aisle and out of the door.

Greeting to all our readers,
We would like to inform you that the Ladies of the Magnificent Seven Group has gone on Hiatus for the extended future.
We have how ever been hashing out a new idea for a new Magnificent Seven RPG. Nothing is up and going yet its in the very early stages.
But if you would like to read our stories please let me know and I will send you an invite. as soon as things get up and running.
Thank You and have wonderful day
Linda
*List Owner*

Ok here it is such as it is. I"m sorry it seems a bit rushed, but I wanted to get it to a good enough place that I can leave it for a bit. Unless I get a wild hare and decided to add more to it I have decided to take a sabbatical, I need a good long break. If y'all want to keep going your free to do so but I have run out of gas. And will be taking a leave from writing for a bit. I've left my other two RPG groups, V The Unseen Resistance I have put on hiatus and Planet of the Apes I left the group. It just seems the longer it takes for posts and the more the story drags the less interested I get in it and it's hard to write. I feel like my muse is just old and tired.? So I am taking a break .? I'll just be leaving Josiah,Vin and Cheyanne where they are for the time being.
Have a great day y'all any comments or concerns feel free to email me off list.
Until we meet again
Linda


Josiah:Part two

Belle hurried from the telegraph office back to Nathans. Most of Josiah’s friends had gone for the time being choosing to wait elsewhere. She pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders more out of uneasiness than cold. She tapped lightly on the door to Nathans room and wondered if it would be Nathan or Cheyanne that would answer. She was relieved when Nathan appeared in the doorway.

“How is he?” she asked in a small unsteady voice

“He’s holden his own m’am” Nathan answered giving her a hopeful smile.

Belle took in a heavy breath then slowly let it out “Would it be possible for me to see him?”

Nathan thought for a moment before he answered “I suppose so, but he he’s still unconscious ma’am”

“I promise I won’t stay long, please Mr. Jackson” she begged “I need to see him”

Nathan hesitated then nodded giving his permission and moved aside to let her enter.

Belle entered the small room and going over to Josiah’s bedside she sat on the chair next to where he lay, tears trickled down her cheeks as she reached over and gently took his hand.

“I’m so sorry Josiah, if you hadn’t been protecting me none of this would have 丑补辫辫别苍别诲.”

Josiah slowly stirred, his eyes began to open and he tried to smile when he beheld the woman he was beginning to care for “Belle” his voice weak and raspy.

“Hush don’t try to talk,” she answered holding back her emotion.

“Not, yo-ur f-fault.”

“Shh” Belle insisted “Rest now.” She looked over at Nathan.

“That bullets still in there Josiah,” Nathan told him “You got to stay still, no more talking, We sent for the doctor,”

Josiah looked over at Nathan, “An-nie”

“I expect her any minuet. Now will you take it easy; you need your strength.”

“Vin- ne-need- to ta-talk to- Vin” he queried <>

“He’s gone for the doctor, lay stay still now” Nathan repeated more strongly “I don’t want that wound to start bleeding again”

After giving Nathan a weak nod that he understood Josiah attempted to speak again then closed his eyes and mercifully lost consciousness.

Belle tenderly set his hand down and bent over and kissed his cheek.

“I’ll be back to check on him later.” She told Nathan and with one last look to Josiah she quietly left.

**

Cheyanne raced from the church back to Nathans arriving Just as Belle reached the bottom of the stairs. Their eyes met for only a moment before Cheyanne scurried passed flashing a vile glare Belles way as she rushed up the stair way.

*

Quietly Cheyanne opened the door to Nathans room and went inside. Her eyes immediately fell on the wounded Josiah. Her worry unmistakably written in her furrowed brow.

“He came to a few minutes ago, he was asking for you.” Nathan offered

Cheyanne slowly went over to where her benefactor lay sleeping. She knelt by the bedside and took his hand. “I am here Josiah.”

She stayed for a long moment there at his side until finally she stood going over to the bundle shed brought with her she began to unravel it.

Nathan watched as Cheyanne unwrapped the small bundle she had brought with her and set the contents out on the table. He’d seen her do this once before When her Friend Emma had been shot, he stayed quiet and looked on as she began her ceremony.

She lit the bundle of sweet grass and gently blew on the glowing embers until the smoke rose from the bowl using her hand she softly waved the smoke over first her heart, then her head and around her shoulders. She reached over and from her bundle of objects retrieved two feathers and began using them to fan the smoke from the smoldering herbs inside the bowl around the room and over Josiah as she spoke in her Cheyenne language.“Great spirit I ask not for myself but for this man who would be my father. Give his spirit peace, give his body strength to heal.”

**Later**

The hours seemed to tick bye slower than normal. Cheyanne had taken up vigil at Josiah’s bed side. The smell of sweet grass and sage still lingered in the small room from the healing ceremony she’d done earlier. The sun had given into the darkness and Nathan lit the oil lamp in the corner of the room before settling into the chair on the opposite side of Josiah’s bed to better watch over his patient.

A knock at the door broke the unending silence and Nathan quickly moved from his chair to the door and opened it reveling the familiar form of Shawna Larrabee.

“I brought you both some food” she said softly “I thought you might be hungry.”

“Yes ma’am” Nathan smiled as he reached for the tray. “Thank You”

Shawna returned his smile “it’s the least I could do.” Her smile gave way to a more solemn <>expression

“How is Josiah doing?”

“well” Nathan glanced back at his friend still lying motionless in his bed, then returned his gaze to his guest. “He’s hanging in there, how I don’t know, but he is.”

“And Cheyanne?”

Nathan tipped his head and shrugged “As well as to be expected I suppose.”

“Would you mind if I spoke with her?” Shawna asked looking over to her friend who had yet to acknowledge her presence.

“I guess that’d be alright, maybe you could get her to eat 蝉辞尘别迟丑颈苍驳.”

“I can do that.” Shawna smiled as she followed Nathan inside.

Stepping inside Shawna set the tray on the small table just inside the door then made her way over to Cheyanne.

“Hello Cheyanne?” she greeted her simply “I brought you something to eat.”

Cheyanne looked up at her and braved a small smile. “I am not hungry”

“You have to eat something, please, I’ll sit with Josiah while you have some dinner.”

Again Cheyanne refused

Shawna knelt in front of her friend then put a comforting hand on hers.

“Listen” she began gently “I know how worried and frightened you must be, but you can’t take care of Josiah if you are to weak to take care of yourself. Now Please, have something to eat.”

Finally giving in Cheyanne gave her a small nod. She didn’t eat much but enough to satisfy Nathan and Shawna.

Shawna picked up the tray after they had finished then looked to Nathan “If either of you needs anything don’t hesitate to call on me” she offered

Nathan opened the door for her “Thank You, I think right now all that’s needed are prayers.” He said solemnly.

Shawna managed a smile before she nodded in agreement and left.

**

Sometime during the night Nathan had fallen asleep in the chair. He had made a bedroll For Cheyanne on the floor but she could not sleep. Instead she kept watch at Josiah’s side, dosing off once or twice only to awaken again with renewed vigilance.

****

Belle wrapped the quilt from her bed snugly around her as she walked over to her bedroom window pulled back one side of the curtains and looked out. The sun had set hours ago, the town was quiet and still she could not sleep. Her thoughts were on Josiah, She prayed silently that her father had gotten her telegram and that the doctor would make it here in time to save Josiah’s life.

A sudden Thunderous rapping at her door down stairs broke the peaceful silence of the late-night startling her so that an involuntary scream ripped from her lips. She momentarily felt cemented in her spot until the pounding came again. A horrendous fear flowed through her body and the first thing that came to mind was that something had happened to Josiah. Willing herself to move Belle raced from her room and rushed to the front door of her store. She quickly removed the lock and chain took in a deep breath calming herself before she slowly opened the door.

“Sorry to wake you Miss Chandler” Jase Redman the telegraph operator apologized He was clad only in his pants, boots and undershirt with one suspender over his shoulder and the other hanging loosely. It was clear he had just gotten out of bed.

“But this just came in from a Colonel Chandler and it said Urgent.” He went on as he handed her the telegram.

Belle took the folded paper from him and quickly opened it.

/*Camped outside of Blue Creek. stop. received your telegram. Dr Adams on his way, will meet your rider on the trail. Stop.See you in a few days. All my Love Dad . Stop*/

Belle clutched the note to her chest, closed her eyes and heaved a heavy a sigh of relief. “He’s coming, Thank God he’s coming”

A smile crossed her lips as she thanked Jase and closed the door then returned to her room to dress. There would be no sleep for her tonight and She wanted to get over to Nathans and give him the good news as soon as possible.

*

The sun was just barely starting to rise as Cheyanne reached over and felt Josiah’s head. He felt warm, fever was a sign of infection and her concern grew. Going over to Nathans workstation she mixed more of the herbs and medicine to make a poultice in hopes that it would help to bring the infection out. As she finished and began to remove the old bandage and apply a new one Josiah’s eyes slowly opened. He gave her a weak smile “础苍苍颈别”

Cheyanne managed a small smile of her own “Yes Josiah, you must not speak, save your strength”

“Vin?” he asked taking in a deep breath. Every word he spoke was a struggle.

“He has not yet returned” she answered him as she finished with his bandage. “Lay quiet”

Nathan woke and rubbed his neck. Sleeping in the chair had not been a restful sleep. He had been up several times during the night to check on his patient. Since Cheyanne had refused the bedroll he had taken the opportunity to get a couple hours of more soothing sleep. Unfortunately, his concern for his friend had ultimately hindered his rest. That and Belle had come by late last night to give them the news that her father’s surgeon was on his way.

Going over to Josiah he felt the warmth of his head and looked at Cheyanne clearly troubled, she met his gaze with the same expression.

It was the sound of horses outside and rushed footsteps clambering up the stairs that took their attention toward the door. There was a soft knock and the door slowly opened.It was Vin and at his side an older man in a cavalry uniform. But unlike the others she had seen this man carried with him the familiar black bag she had often seen doctors with.

“This here’s Doctor Adams” Vin quickly introduced the stranger with him “Miss Bells fathers private surgeon.”

Doctor Adams waisted no time in going over to Josiah and examining him then at once began insisting on the things he needed with an urgency in his tone that meant business.

“And taker her out of here” he continued “You” he looked at Nathan “You’re the healer I was told about?”

He glanced at Vin before he answered and Vin gave him a quick nod

“Yes sir, Nathan Jackson”

“Fine, I’ll need your help, I need more light can you find more lanterns and pull those curtains back.” Doctor Adams ordered

Nathan smiled hopefully and quickly began doing what the Doctor asked.

“Vin” Josiah’s weak and raspy voice called to his friend

Vin stepped over to the bed next to Cheyanne

“The doc here’s going to fix you up Josiah, don’t you worry about a thing”

Josiah reaches over and took Vins hand, he reaches for Cheyanne with the other as she in turn reached over and took his hand in hers.

“If..I” Josiah began still struggling for his words “don..Don’t make, it. Annie, you Ta take.. care of..her, she’ll be.. alone, wi will need,,you.”

“Awe com on Josiah don’t talk like that, your gonna make it”

Josiah weekly shook his head “P Promise, Promise me”

The Doctor continued to set up his instruments then looked over at Vin

“If you two don’t get out of here you will most definitely will end up being this girls guardian, do as he asks and let me try to save this man.”

Vin turned to Josiah, “You know I’ll look after her, no matter what happens, I promise you Josiah, she won’t ever be alone.”

With that Vin took hold of Cheyanne’s shoulders “Come on, Blaze could use some lookin after,”

Cheyanne tried refusing to leave but with some encouragement Vin managed to get her out the door.

***

Belle had been busying herself in the store just after dawn when she heard the horses ride in. There had been no time for pleasantries as she saw Vin and the Doctor ride straight for Nathans. She longed to go over there herself and offer her services but she was unsure of Cheyanne’s reaction. So she kept to herself and tried to keep her mind on her work. Still she worried and she prayed.

***

Vin and Cheyanne lead Blaze back to the barn. And tended to him. The horse was exhausted but he had “ran with heart.” As Vin had put it. Cheyanne and Vin worried that it had been too much for the paint. And although he had lost a shoe and was favoring his left front leg. All in all he seemed not so worse for the ware.

***

It was hours after their return to Nathans before Doctor Adams finally emerged from the room followed by Nathan with a towel as he dried his freshly washed hands.

A crowd had gathered as they waited for news. Chris, Ezra, JD and Buck had all made an appearance to check on the wellbeing of their friend and partner.

Doctor Adams said nothing as he leaned against the railing and took in a heavy breath of fresh air and surveyed the town. He turned looking into the faces of those who stood and waited for him to speak. Cheyanne, the Indian girl he’d been told was his patients ward, looked especially worried and fearful.

Chris never one for waiting looked over at the healer “Nathan?”

“He’s alive” Nathan finally confirmed “He’s lost a lot of blood but he made it through the surgery”

Sighs of relief seemed to emanate from those standing there.

“He’s a strong man” Doctor Adams finally spoke “It’s the infection that has me worried. But he’s a fighter. I’ll give him that.”

“That he is” Chris stated with a smile as he started for the stairs. He was in need of a drink. The waiting had drudged up an ample thirst.

Love it!!!

Okay here it is... I had a major mental block in trying to write this (just blocked creatively with all my writing right now).
Emma straightened the length of fabric out on the table. It was deep blue satin that would become a dress for Lily. She had ordered lace to go with it that should have arrived on the day’s stagecoach. She debated going to the mercantile to check now or wait till the afternoon. Gunshots and a woman’s scream stopped her thoughts. Emma opened the shop door and stepped on to the boardwalk. People were running. Men emptied from the saloon. Ezra was suddenly at her side.

“Get back inside and lock the door.” He gave her a gentle shove. She nodded mutely and did as he instructed. Emma checked the back door to reassure herself it was also locked. From her hiding spot in the back room she could not see what was happening outside. There was yelling and commotion. Time seemed to stand still.? It was several minutes before a furious knocking on the front door.

“Emma, open up.”? It was Ezra. She opened the door and he grabbed her hand. “Mr. Jackson has requested your presence.”

“I-I don’t understand.”? She followed in his wake. “What is happening?”

“Two gentlemen decided to rob the mercantile. Our Mr. Sanchez was shot in the altercation.”

“Shot? Is he....” She found she couldn’t say the words.

“He is still with us.”



“I’ll come for you as soon as Nathan says it’s okay.”? Emma knew her words would be little comfort for her friend. Once the door was closed she looked to Nathan for direction.

“Wash up yer hands and then we gotta get this bleeding stopped.”




Lily hung back at the end of the boardwalk.? People had gathered in twos and threes at the bottom of the stairs to Nathan's talking in low voices.? Chris was standing with the young woman that Lily had come to know was his sister.? They had not been introduced even though she'd been in Four Corners for some time.? Lily had not asked about her, beyond noting that she'd heard his sister was in town.? Their relationsip was not conventional and she wondered if his sister would approve.? As if sensing her watching, Chris broke away from his sister and made his way to Lily.

"How is Josiah?"

"Don't know yet.? Shot in the chest."

"Buck said that Emma is assisting."? Chris nodded.? "Well then, I'll go back to the saloon."

"Lily," he grabbed her hand, "I sh-." His words stopped almost abruptly. He shook his head.? "Nevermind."

"Alright." She tried to smile but found the act too difficult.? "If there's anything I can do, please come and get me."




It could have been hours or days, Emma lost track of time as she worked with Nathan.? The air in the room was thick with the scent of blood.? Nathan sat down on a chair and hung his head. “Don’t know what else I can.”

Emma rinsed out a washcloth in the water basin. She sat next to Josiah. “So what do we do?”

“Maybe if we can get a doctor from Eagle Bend. I don’t dare try to remove the bullet. It’s so close to his heart.”? Nathan stood. “I need to tell everyone what’s happening.”

Emma stayed behind cleaning up the room as best she could. She didn’t want to leave Josiah alone. The door opened a few minutes later; Ezra entered behind Nathan.

“I can’t thank you enough for your help Ms. Emma.” Nathan gave her a tired smile.

“I don’t feel like I was that much of a help.”? Emma sighed. She suddenly felt exhausted. “And now what?”

“To start,” Ezra reached out a hand to her, “I believe we should get you cleaned up.” Emma looked down at her dress. Blood stained much of it.

“What about Josiah?”

“Our Mr. Tanner shall be departing shortly to find a surgeon.” He explained that Belle was sending word to get her father’s private surgeon.

“I can stay and help till then.”

“I appreciate the offer Ms. Emma, but nothin’ more to be done right now.? Nothing but wa颈迟.”



Emma felt like she was sleepwalking as Ezra lead her back to the saloon.? He took her through the kitchen entrance knowing that the state of clothing may cause a commotion even among the daytime drinkers inside.? Lily was in the kitchen when they entered.

"Oh cherie," she took hold of Emma's hands.? "How is Josiah?"? Ezra relayed the information about Belle sending for her father's surgeon.? "We must get you cleaned up.? I'll have Henry start bringing in water for a bath.? Ezra, why don't you take her upstairs."

They were barely through the door to Ezra's room when Emma collapsed in tears on the floor.? Ezra lowered himself with her holding her shaking body to his.? He'd seen a fair number of men die, some horribly.? But he doubted Emma had ever been this close to seeing death before.

"It's okay." He stroked her hair trying to soothe her.

"No, no it's not." She shook her head.? "I was useless.? All the blood... I wanted to throw up.? I've never seen..."

"According to Mr. Jackson you were most helpful.? And I do not believe he gives out praise lightly."? Ezra stood and crossed to the other side of the room.? He dipped a washcloth in the basin on the dresser and came back to sit with her.? Gently he took her hands in his cleaning the blood from each finger.? "Unfortunately, I'm not sure even our laundress could save your dress."? He tried to joke.? Emma looked down at the soiled and stained dress. ?

"I don't think I could wear it again, even if she could."

"Let's ponder that another time.? Now let's get you undressed and ready for that bath."

Loved it!

Molly stood outside the door to Lily'sroom working up the nerve to knock on the door. She'd gone over whatshe'd planned to ask Lily several times in her mind. Lily had provento be liberal with her views on a lot of different topics includingmen and women. She had encouraged Molly's relationship with Buck andwhere most at this point may be urging marriage, Lily understood whatMolly's Independence meant to her and the price she'd paid for it.But if anything might test the true nature of Lily's acceptance,Molly's request might be it. Deciding she had nothing to lose, shefinally knocked on the door. It opened nearly immediately.

"Good morning, chere," Lilygreeted cheerfully. She wore a simple day dress of cream and blue buteven a simple dress on Lily was worn with an elegance most womenwould envy. "I was wondering when you'd bring yourself toknock," she stepped back and allowed Molly to enter the room.?

"You know you never have tohesitate at my door," she said, taking a seat at her vanity shebegan to unwind her hair from the braid it was in. Molly set herschool things down on the table near the door and pulled off hergloves.?

"Yes, well, I have aquestion...more like a request and I'm not quite sure how to ask it,"Molly said, walking up to the vanity. She picked up Lily's brush andpulled it through her hair. Lily sat up straight and looked at Mollythrough the mirror.

"I would suggest the directapproach might be best,” Lily responded. Molly nodded as shedivided Lily's hair into several sections. “You also know I neverexpect you to...tend to me when you come see me?”

“Of course I know that. I don'tmind.” Molly focused her attention on her task for a couple ofminutes.

“Is your request to quit teaching andbecome my lady's maid?” Lily teased. “Because it would be verydifficult to say no.”

“It's about Buck,” Molly said,“About Buck and I. We've only been...together...one night. Thenight we were at Mr. Larabee's house. It's been...aggravating to nothave any privacy. The time we've been able to find alone is hardlyever enough to be conducive to...” Molly placed the last hairpin inplace and Lily turned on the vanity seat to face her. “He won'ttake me to his room...”

“I should hope not,” Lily respondedand stood up. “I may have an idea,” she walked to the door andled Molly into and down the hallway toward the back staircase Mollyused when she came to visit so she wouldn't have to go through thesaloon. She stopped in front of a door Molly had always assumed was acloset and opened it. Except for several crates stacked at one end ofthe room, it was empty. “It simply needs a bed.” Molly felt herface heat as she crossed the room to a window that looked out on tothe alleyway.

“How would you explain that?” Mollyasked, turning back around.

“This is my place, chere, I owe noone an explanation.”

“What about Buck? What would hethink? Maybe this isn't a good idea...” Lily crossed the room andtook Molly's hands in hers.

“Buck would be charmed. I know it.He's waited this long to be with you again, he's taken care to seethat your reputation has been kept up and he's taken care to be sureto see how very special you are to him. Leave this to me. Give me afew days and then this is your space.” Molly embraced Lily, sothankful to have found a friend in her. They walked out the room andback toward Lily's when a noise stopped them both. Molly reached forand grabbed Lily's hand.

“Was that...?” The pair hurriedtoward the front stairs to see several men exit the saloon. Molly wasabout to start down when Lily pulled her back.

“Wa颈迟.” The pair stood for whatseemed to be hours while more gunfire and shouts and screams filledthe air. Molly was thankful it was still early enough that herstudents wouldn't have begun making their way to the school yet.Finally, it seemed to be quiet and the pair cautiously made their waydown the stairs and out the door.

Buck hurried across the street to them,holstering his gun and a chill ran through Molly.

“Nathan asked for Miss Emma but hemight need you both too,” he said. The trio made their way down thestreet toward Nathan's clinic as Buck explained what happened; therewas an attempted robbery at Belle's Mercantile that resulted inJosiah being shot. Molly kept vigil helping where she could andattempting to calm and comfort Cheyanne who was nearly hysterical atthe thought of losing him. Belle was able to arrange for a surgeonand Vin was sent to bring him back. Molly set to work as she had withhelping after Emma had been shot knowing the only thing she could dowas not make herself a hindrance and to pray.

Ok here it is and as usual I have attached the word version for better reading and paragraphing. Hope it was ok including your characters as I have.? and tag who ever is next. Colleen? Sam?


Josiah: Part one

The Wind blew, the clouds parted, and out came the sun. Josiah smiled to himself remembering when Buck had said that very same line over three years ago in a small Indian village a day’s ride from the town that had become their home. Of course Buck had meant it in a slightly different context than Josiah did right now.

It was a beautiful warm and sunny day in Four Corners. Winter had passed fairly uneventfully, and Spring had finally arrived. Josiah was in high spirits today, his budding romance with Belle Chandler looked to be going well, and Cheyanne seemed to have finally recovered from the torments of her past and the sorrows of the last year. He doubted she would ever ‘really’ be over it all, but she had learned to overcome it. She still kept Vin Tanner at arm’s length, but it look as though they too had been socializing more. Josiah had to admire Vin’s persistence and patience. He surmised that Vin must care very deeply for Cheyanne to stand by her and wait so patently for her all this time. It gave him much comfort to know that Vin would be there for his surrogate daughter should, God forbid, something happen to him.

Josiah stepped around the corner of the church just as Cheyanne walked out of the barn with Blaze, her wolf pup who had become her constant companion followed close behind then lazily laid down nearby.

“础苍苍颈别”

Cheyanne fed Blaze the carrot she had in her hand and upon hearing her name turned to see Josiah coming toward her.

“I’m going to the mercantile do you want to come along?” he asked as he reached her.

Cheyanne shook her head no and with the curry brush she held in her hand began brushing Blaze along his back.

“Alright then, do you want me to bring you anything?”

Turning back to look at her benefactor she nodded “Carrots for Blaze, and sugar cubes.”

Josiah chuckled “with all the sweets you feed that horse it’s a wonder he can run the way he does.”

Cheyanne smiled, “You are only jealous because you did not win our race yesterday.”

Josiah laughed, “I want a rematch, the wolf got in my 飞补测”

Cheyenne’s Christmas present from Vin had grown substantially in the last few months, his thick grey coat was taking on a more white hue and he seemed to be growing more and more by the day, he was already standing knee high to her, he had the stealth of a cat and was proving to be quit the guard dog.

“You got a name for him yet?” Josiah asked nodding toward the sleeping wolf pup.

Cheyanne nodded “Ghost”

“Well it Suits him. I’ll be back soon, you sure you don’t need anything else?”

“I am sure” Cheyanne answered before resuming her task. Her thoughts lingered on Josiah and the storekeeper Belle. She was glad to see Josiah so happy. It had been a long time since a woman had put such a twinkle in his eye.

This Belle Chandler seemed pleasant enough, but Cheyanne sensed there was more to the woman than was visible, she held a secret. What it was Cheyanne had no way of knowing. But there was something, something that kept her from trusting completely. And that something is what kept Cheyanne from trusting her as well.

****

“Good morning” Belle greeted Josiah when the bell over the door jingled as he entered the store.

Josiah removed his hat “Well good morning Miss Belle and how is the most beautiful storekeeper in town doing this fine day?”

Belle blushed. She had come to enjoy the preacher’s flirtatiousness and found it amusing.

“I am well, thank you Josiah. And where is your ever-constant ward this morning?”

The girl Cheyanne was usually with him when he visited the store. She was a noticeably quiet girl, she seemed very shy and never said much.Belle had started to become more at ease around her. She had heard about the trouble with the bounty hunter last year. The girl had stuck up for her innocent friend and taken the blow for her actions.Belle knew how hard that must have been for her. She had also found herself in that sort of predicament some years ago. She admired the girl for sticking by her friend no matter the cost. And she was also glad Cheyanne’s friend had left when he did. Hawk McCloud was part Sioux and he made her nervous, he stirred memories inside her from a time she desperately wanted to forget.

“It seems Cheyanne would rather spend time with her beloved horse than with me this morning.” Josiah feigned disappointment.

“I see.” Belle smiled “Well tell me what it is I can help you with today Josiah”

“Well let’s see, I’ll need a couple boxes of cartridges, a pound bag of nails, a bag of carrots and a bag of sugar cubes”

Belles puzzled expression did not go unnoticed.

“For the horse” Josiah offered with a grin.

“Of course” Belle chuckled handing him the cartridges she walked over to one of the jars and filled a small bag with sugar cubes and set them on the counter near the ammunition. Once she’d filled a bag with Carrots she set that on the counter with the rest of Josiah’s order and began to tally it up on the cash register.

“Is that all I can get for you today?”

“Well, there is one more thing.” Josiah grinned sheepishly

“And what would that be?” Belle asked coyly

“The day is sublime and I was hoping that I might entice you into taking a buggy ride with me this afternoon?”

Belle beamed but before she could give him her answer two young men burst through the front door with guns in hand.

Josiah quickly reached for his own gun but before he could retrieve his weapon the two boys had him in their sights.

Josiah could do nothing else but take his hand from his firearm and hold his arms up. One of the boys took Josiah’s revolver and tossed it aside. The other boy who could not have been more than 16 or 17 quickly went to the cash register and ordered Belle to open it. When he had taken all of the money and stuffed it into his pockets he pointed his gun at her.

“Get over there.” He motioned for her to stand beside Josiah.

She did so noticing that the other boy had pulled down the window shades and locked the door before he began filling a gunny sack with food.

“Hurry up Shad”

“I am damn it, just keep them covered.”

When his sack was full the one called shad spied the cartridges on the counter and scooped them up as well.

Looking over at his younger brother Jessie, Shad nodded toward Belle.

“We better take her with us, we might need a hostage.”

Josiah took Bells arm and gently pulled her behind him. “I don’t think that’d be a very smart boy’s, the lady stays with me.”

“I said she’s coming with us” Shad growled and proceeded to grab Belles arm in the same instance Josiah made his move for the boy’s gun.

Before he knew what was happening the boy pulled the trigger a loud pop rang threw the air,

Belle screamed as Josiah fell to the floor.

***

Cheyanne stood motionless, a horrible dread suddenly erupted inside her, her stomach felt as if it had fallen to her feet, her heart began to race causing a rapid rush of panic to wash over her. Josiah’s image flashed in her mind, his expression a mask of shock and pain.Something was wrong, she could feel it.Ghost suddenly stood up and his ears perked. Then she heard it, a gunshot rang from down the street. The curry brush fell from her hand as She called out “Josiah!” and bolted toward the mercantile.



Chris, Buck and Vin sat immersed in their card game with Ezra. As usual Ezra had the upper hand and was winning.

“To rich for me” Vin declared tossing his cards on the table “I fold” at the same moment the cards hit the table the sound of gunfire rang out and a woman screamed. All four men in unison were out of their seats and rushing for the door.

**

The boys stood stunned, no one was supposed to get killed, they just wanted the food and money.

Belle rushed to Josiah’s side and tried to use her apron to stop the bleeding from the wound so close to his chest.

Pulling himself from the ordeal Shad thought quickly and shook his brother “get the bag, go on Hurry up”

Still stunned Jessie did as he was told while Shad grabbed Belle’s arm and jerked her to her feet. Then both boys made a mad dash out of the door with Belle in tow.

Nathan stepped out of his room his gun belt slung over his shoulder. He could have sworn he’d heard a shot echo through the stillness of the morning.

JD rushed from the livery. He had been saddling his horse so that he could ride out and ask Casey to go fishing with him when he heard a Gunshot.

As soon as Chris, Vin, Ezra, and Buck reached the mercantile the boys Emerged from inside with their captive. Chris Shot into the air to get their attention.

Jessie returned fired resulting in Chris and the others taking cover behind whatever they could find.

The second shot ringing out sent JD and Nathan running towards it.

Chris shot into the dirt in front of the boy carrying the gunny sack in hopes it would stop them from going any further. It worked and the boys stopped just as they stepped off of the board walk.

“Let the woman go!” he called out. “We can end this peacefully”

“Chris” JD shouted as he and Nathan reached the scene.

Chris turned toward them and motioned for them to try and circle around back.

Ezra and Vin took up positions on either side.

“Let us go or the woman dies” the older boy shouted out.

“That’s not an option, your surrounded, you’ll never make it out of town, drop your guns now.”

Nathan and JD stealthily entered through the back door of the mercantile.Josiah lying motionless on the floor bleeding from his wound was the first thing they saw. Nathan immediately went to his side.

“Is he?” JD could not finished his question afraid of what the answer might be.

“He’s alive” Nathan told him. “He’s in bad shape, we got to get these two under control right now so’s I can get him up to my room.”

“You just take care of Josiah; I can do this” JD told him.

The confidence in his voice made Nathan worry. The boy could be overzealous and therefore cause the situation to worsen. His first instinct was to stay and try to stop Josiah from bleeding to death but if he didn’t help JD first there could be more bloodshed.

Doing what he could for Josiah at the moment Nathan quickly moved with JD and slipped behind the assailants.

Neither boy was prepared to shoot the woman, they hesitated and for a split second dropping their guard as they searched for a way out of their predicament. Shad’s grip on Belle momentarily loosened just enough that she was able pull free and run back into the store falling to her knees at Josiah’s side. At the same time JD and Nathan saw their opportunity and rushed up behind the inexperienced boys.

The next thing Jessie and Shad felt were gun barrels jabbing at their backs.

“Better drop those guns boys or we’ll blow a hole clean through ya.” JD threatened. Defeated the two thieves dropped their guns and the merchandise they had stolen on the ground

“Someone help Please! Josiah’s been shot!”Belle screamed out.

Nathan was already rushing back threw the mercantile door he knelt next to his fallen friend as a crowd began to gather outside. While Ezra and Buck and escorted the two boys to the jail.

Vin and Chris hurried inside followed by JD.

“Vin, JD, get these people out here” Chris ordered

“How bad is it Nathan?”

Nathan glanced up “Bad” He answered worriedly

Looking over at a still frightened Belle he quickly asked if she was alright and she nodded that she was.

“I Need bandages, sheets anything you can find ma’am I need to get the bleeding stopped.”

She gave him a quick nod that she understood and hurried off to find what the heeler asked for.

Cheyanne raced down the board walk franticly calling out for Josiah.

JD, seeing her first nudged his friend “Vin, you best stop her She don’t need to see this.”

Cheyanne pushed her way through the crowd still calling out for her mentor. Instead of being stopped by Vin he assisted in helping her make her way through the crowd.

“Where is Josiah?” she shouted

“In here” Vin answered as he took hold of her arm and escorted her into store.

Once inside Cheyanne stopped, momentarily frozen in her spot. Her blood ran cold, memories of her father lying dead slumped over the pile of wood he had been chopping blood dripping from the wound in his back, flashed in her mind. Slowly willing her feet to move she walked over to where Josiah lay dropping to her knees at his side.” Josiah?” Tears streamed down her face her whole body trembled “闯辞蝉颈补丑?” She looked at Nathan for confirmation. He put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “He’s alive”

“Vin, get some help we need a littler to get him to my place and hurry.”

Vin didn’t hesitate as he hurried to find something they could use as a stretcher to carry the wounded Josiah enlisting in JD’s help while Chris took over dispersing the crowd.

“He cannot die Nathan, please do not let him die” Cheyanne sobbed

“I’ll do everything I can” Nathan assured her. He prayed it would be enough.

Within minutes Vin returned with a stretcher followed by both Buck and Ezra who helped get the wounded Josiah up to Nathans.

“Ezra” Nathan turned to the gambler once they had finally reached his room. “Would you ask Mis Emma come give me a hand?”

For a moment Ezra seemed a bit taken aback. It was usually Cheyanne that helped Nathan with his doctoring, but he quickly understood and hurried off to find Emma.

Cheyanne was sitting at Josiah’s side when Nathan came into his room.He quickly began to set up the things he needed to help save his friend. Then he gently put a comforting hand on Cheyanne’s shoulder.

“You need to leave now Cheyanne.”

Cheyanne looked up at him confused “No I will stay”

“It’s best you wait outside, let me do what I can. Your too close to this to be of any help to me this time”

Nathan told her more sternly as he began to check the wound in Josiah’s chest hoping the bleeding had stopped.

“No,” She objected “I will not leave him, you need my help”

Nathan looked over at Vin who had been quietly standing near the door, He went to her putting his hands gently on her shoulders and helped her to her feet.

“Come on Cheyanne, let’s give Nathan some room”

She jerked free of him “No! he needs me” tears streamed down her cheeks. “Josiah needs me.”

“It’ll be alright, we can wait outside” Vin soothed as he comfortingly took hold of her arms and steered the reluctant Cheyanne toward the door just as Emma walked in.

She looked over at Josiah’s still form lying in Nathans bed. She had no way of knowing yet how serious Josiah was hurt but by the blood soaking his clothing and the blankets and the fact that Nathan had sent for her instead of Cheyanne told her it was bad.Emma looked back to her friend and gave Cheyanne’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

“He’ll be alright,” she tried to sound comforting “I’ll come for you as soon as Nathan says it’s okay.”

It took more than a little urging but Vin finally managed to get the distraught Cheyanne outside.She could not keep the tears from spilling down her cheeks, her hands trembled as Vin tried to comfort her. Terrified she would lose the man who had become her father, her mentor, and her protector, and her best friend. Cheyanne turned to Vin for support laying her head on his shoulder as she sobbed. Vin held her close, smoothed her hair, and tried to convince her as well as himself that Josiah would pull through.

Outside Nathans the rest of the seven along with Molly and Shawna, who had found out from Buck what had happened, waited for confirmation that Josiah would recover no worse for the ware. Buck stood next to Molly offering her comfort, Ezra sat in a chair leaning back against the building as he fumbled with a deck of cards, it was just his way of dealing with things. Chris and Shawna stood off to the side immersed in their own sibling conversation as they too lingered. Time seemed to slow; minutes became hours as the group waited for Word.

The sound of someone coming up the wooden stairs unexpectedly made everyone turn towards them.

“Is there any news?” Belle asked when she reached the top

“No Ma’am” Buck answered solemnly.

Cheyanne lifted her head from Vins shoulder glaring threateningly at the storekeeper. Rage flashed from her dark eyes. It was an anger none of them had ever seen from her before and it caught them off guard.

“颁丑别测补苍苍别?”Vin probed cautiously

Cheyanne suddenly lashed out shouting in her mother’s native Cheyenne language, Although Vin was the only one who knew what she was saying her intentions were clear as her voice became louder and angrier with every syllable. She left Vins embrace taking a hostile step toward Belle who stood confused and frightened. Cheyannes shouts became screams blaming Belle for being the reason Josiah had been shot, threatening her if he did not survive.Vin grabbed Cheyanne around the waist as she lunged at Belle. Ghost stood and was quickly on his guard watching after his mistress. Shawna and Molly both moved to try and calm Cheyanne until Chris and Buck both took their arms and advised them not too. Still each one tried to persuade her to calm down.

“Cheyanne, stop” Shawna called out

“Please Cheyanne” Molly begged “don’t do this”

“Simmer down Cheyanne” Vin urged “It’s not her fault, none of it”

Cheyanne slowly stopped struggling and gave into Vin. her tear stained eyes still staring daggers at the woman.

Belle stood frozen in her place. Cheyanne’s outburst had frightened her to the bone. The meek and mild girl that often-accompanied Josiah to her store had turned into someone to be afraid of. That is not how she intended their relationship to develop, she had hoped to befriend her. Belle tried to tell herself the girl was just afraid for Josiah and had thrashed out in fear and not anger. Josiah had once told her that he had known Cheyanne since she was a child and that she had been through some sort of hell. What sort of misery he had not elaborated on. But he was the only family the girl had left.Even though she was concerned for Josiah, Belle thought it best to remove herself from the situation for the time being. But before she had a chance to leave Nathan walked out from his room. The look on his face was not encouraging as everyone held their breath and waited for him to give them some sort of good news.

“Nathan?” Cheyanne asked worriedly. The look on his face spoke volumes. Cheyanne could feel the tears forming in the corner of her eyes again.

“He’s lost a lot of blood, but he’s hanging on” Nathan answered woefully “The bullet is close to his heart, I just don’t know enough, he needs a real doctor, in fact he needs a surgeon.” He looked sympathetically at Cheyanne “I’m sorry, but if we can’t find one in the next twenty-four hours..” he let the rest of the sentence drift.

“I know someone” Belle anxiously spoke up, “I think he can get here by tomorrow if someone leaves now.”

Everyone turned toward her.

“My father’s personal surgeon, his regiment is coming this way, from the last telegraph I received they should only be a day’s ride from here. Someone with a fast horse could reach him and get him back here in time.”

“I’ll go” Vin stepped up

“I’ll need to send a letter for my father with you. Meet me at the mercantile.” Belle insisted as she hurried down the stairs.

Vin looked over at Nathan “Look after Cheyanne”

“You know I will”

Vin reached out and gently wiped away a tears from Cheyanne’s cheek.

“Don’t you worry, I’ll have that Doctor here before you know it”

Cheyanne nodded that she understood and watched as Vin hurried after Belle. Suddenly Cheyanne bolted down the stairs. Molly and Shawna tried to stop her but it was no use she was already gone.



Vin saddled his horse faster than he had ever done before and quickly lead him out of the livery. He was heading for the mercantile when he heard Cheyanne call his name. He stopped and turned to see her running up to him with her horse in tow.

“You must take Blaze” she implored

“Cheyanne I can’t take your horse he doesn’t let anyone ride him except you.”

“He will run for you” She insisted shoving the reins toward him

“Cheyanne, I’m gonna need to ride hard and fast, I don’t know if he can take 颈迟.”

“Blaze is strong and he is fast, Please Vin, I trust you, Blaze will trust you.”

Vin was still hesitant

Cheyanne urged the horse to lean his head down while she whispered something into his ear. When she was finished the horse whinnied.

Vin shook his head “I swear woman”

“Go quickly”

Still hesitant but with no time to argue Vin took Blazes reins. The black and white paint neighed and stomped at the ground as if he too were anxious to be off. Vin climbed into the saddle. He made one last stop at the mercantile where Belle gave him the letter for her father. Then raced off.

Once Vin was on his way Belle hurried to the telegraph office praying her father would get the telegram and respond even faster.

After seeing to Vins horse. Cheyanne returned to her room. Taking her medicine bundle from the top of the bureau she hurried off back to Nathans. Her faithful wolf at her heels,

Loved it!!

:-[ thanks Shawna

ok here it is such as it is. But just wasn't into it I guess, sorry its kinda lame but it will do. Its about all I could think of.
Tag Shawna your it

Cheyanne stood and wrapped the quilt tighter around her shoulders as she tried to stretch out the kink that had formed in her neck. She had spent the night sitting in a chair in Nathans room so that she could look after the girl who had fallen ill the night before. Nathan had taken up a bedroll at the church.

The embers in the fireplace still burned red hot as Cheyanne poked at them with the fireiron before she put another log in. Once the log began to burn Cheyanne moved over to the bed where the girl still lay sleeping.

Shawna stirred and her eyes fluttered open. It took a few minutes for her to get her bearings and remember what had happened the night before.When the memory finally came into focus she looked over to see a familiar face looking down at her.

“颁丑别测补苍苍别?”

The half Indian girl gave her a small smile

“Do you remember me?” She asked as she tried to sit up

Cheyanne moved to help her “Yes, I remember you. It has been a long time.”

“I never expected to see you here, where’s Josiah? You still traveling with him?”

Cheyanne nodded “He is at the church”

Shawna’s eyes widened “The church!? He take up preachin again?”

Cheyanne nearly laughed at the girls surprise “Josiah held a Christmas service, but I do not think he will be doing such things all of the time. Maybe sometimes if his heart tells him.”

“Sure wish I could have seen that” Shawna giggled

From what she remembered of Josiah he may spout the bible but as he once said, he had a hard time turning the other cheek.

Cheyanne set a kettle on the stove to heat.

“Are you feeling better?”

“A little “Shawna answered “My head is still throbbing some”

“I will fix you more of the herb tea. Do you have a place to stay?”

“Not yet, do you know of a place in town?”

The tea pot whistled and Cheyanne removed it from the stove, she sprinkled some of the herbs from her pouch into a cup and poured the hot water into it before handing the hot brew to Shawna.

“Yes, We will take you there when you are dressed. Josiah will be here soon.”

An hour later a knock at the door broke the silence and nearly startled both girls. Shawna took notice at how uncharacteristically nervous Cheyanne seemed to be until she saw Josiah. She was unaware of the turmoil Cheyanne had been through the last year or how much she had accomplished since then. It had been a long while since they had seen each other. But she was happy to reconnect with her friends again.

“Well now” Josiah greeted the girl as he and Nathan entered the room. He immediately recognized the girl clad in men’s clothing complete with duster and hat, as the young woman that he and Cheyanne had met on the trail some time ago. The young woman had taken ill and fallen from her horse when they came upon her. Cheyanne had used her knowledge of Cheyenne medicine to help her get back on her feet. They had ridden together for a few days until finally their paths lead in different directions.

“Miss Shawna? Is that you?”

Shawna smiled “Hello Josiah”

“Shawna is in need of a place to stay Josiah.” Cheyanne spoke up. “I told her we could take her to the boarding house.”

“Lead the way ladies”

“Now hold on” Nathan interrupted “you sit right back down there young lady; You aren’t going nowhere until I have a look at you”

Conceding to Nathans wishes Shawna removed her coat and sat on the nearby chair.

Once Nathan was satisfied the girl was well enough to leave he warned her to take it easy for the next few days before she departed.

Josiah, Cheyanne, and Shawna made their way toward the boarding house. The morning air was crisp and cold. Cheyanne pulled the hood of her cape over her head in an effort to keep warmer, she pulled it tight around her neck and kept her eyes focus on the ground as she did her best to keep in step beside Josiah.

“Good morning” a friendly voice called out to them.

Cheyanne looked up to see Emma and Molly standing at the doorway to Belles Mercantile. She smiled and greeted them both warmly.

“We were just on our way to see you” Molly said as she greeted her friend and tried inconspicuously to hide the small wrapped gift she had in her hand. Emma did her best to do the same as she greeted Cheyanne with a quick embrace.

“We missed you at dinner last night.”

“I am sorry, Nathan needed my help” Cheyanne apologized

“These are my friends” she announced turning to Shawna then back to the other girls “This is Emma and Molly”

They each greeted her politely.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Shawna, Shawna Larrabee”

“Larrabee?” Josiah questioned “Any relation to Chris Larrabee?”

“He’s my brother” Shawna answered, the forlorn expression she held gave them the sense that the sibling relationship was an estranged one.

“Is that right. Well now, maybe we should head over to the saloon and see if Chris is there”

“He’s here? You know him?”

“Yes ma’m everyone here knows who Chris is.” Josiah answered her eagerly “Why I’ll bet he’s at the saloon right about now. C’mon I’ll take you.”

“No please,” Shawna stopped the burly man before he trudge off with her in tow. “If it’s all the same to you Josiah I’d rather get a room and lay down for a bit first”

“If that’s what you want” He politely tipped his hat to Emma and Molly.

“尝补诲颈别蝉”

“Good day Josiah” Emma smiled

“Cheyanne will you be home later?” Molly asked

Cheyanne nodded

“It’s alright Cheyanne,” Shawna spoke up not wanting to keep Cheyanne from her friends. It was obvious they had Christmas gifts for her“ you can go on It’s cold out and I’m sure your anxious to get back indoors where it’s warm. Josiah can take me the rest of the way. I’ll see you later on”

Cheyanne handed her a small pouch. “You should rest, If the pain returns make a tea with this.”

Shawna thanked her before continuing on toward the boarding house with Josiah.Cheyanne, Emma, and Molly hurried off toward the church.

Okay ladies here it is. Sorry so delayed, I really need to get my mojo back (plus I have terrible tendinitis in my arm which makes writing difficult).
?


Lily greeted folks at the doors. She’d invited a handful of people for supper at the saloon after Josiah’s service. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d sat through a church service. It had been long since she’d felt comfortable inside a church.

“Josiah,” Lily smiled at the older gentleman, “it was a lovely service.”

“Thank you.” He ducked his head, his cheeks turning warm. Josiah motioned to the woman at his side. “You’ve met Ms. Chandler?”

“I have not.” Lily extended her hand. “Our new mercantile owner, correct? It is nice to meet you.”

“Thank you. Nice to meet you as well. I hope that I’m not intruding,” Belle gestured toward the long table set up in the saloon.

“Absolutely not. You are most welcome to join us.”



“Josiah seems enamored by our new mercantile proprietress.” Ezra remarked as he removed his boots.

“I noticed that.” Emma looked at him in the mirror reflection. She sat brushing her hair. “I wonder how Cheyenne feels about that. She is quite protective of him in her way.”

“You are missing your family tonight are you not?” Ezra had seen her it in her eyes.

“I suppose I am.... I do miss my brother. I hate thinking of him believing that I’m dead.”

“While I can do nothing to about that,” Ezra pulled a white box from the wardrobe; a dark blue silk ribbon wrapped around it. “Merry Christmas.”

“Oh Ezra,” Emma slowly undid the ribbon and opened the box. Under delicate white tissue paper sat gorgeous pale blue silk brocade fabric. “I.... this is beautiful.”

“Lily assisted me in procuring it from a dressmaker she knew in New Orleans. I made the assumption that you prefer to make your own dress with 颈迟.”

“It is the most beautiful fabric I’ve ever seen.” Lily pulled a small box from the pocket of her robe. She handed it to Ezra. “I’m not sure this compares to your gift but...” Ezra took the box and opened it. Inside sat a pair of gold cuff links inset with a dark green stone. Emma sat next to him on the bed. “They were my father’s.”

“Emma... I...,” Ezra found himself speechless; something that rarely happened.

“I never wanted to give them to...” she was unable to say her husband’s name. “But I want you to have them.”

Hi all! Just wanted to say that I am working on a part. Sorry for the delay. It’s been crazy at work the last couple of weeks (we’ve had to furlough folks and we all had to take a pay cut - and I had to send out the emails telling folks their new pay rate). But by the end of the week I’ll have something put.

Sent from the TARDIS

Welcome and thanks for joining us! I'm looking forward to getting to know Shawna and reading more.

I think Sam is going to go next to finish up Christmas and then the plan is to jump ahead a few months -

Cheers and happy weekend (for whatever that's worth right now) :)

Colleen :)

Awe gee,
Thank you
:)

Thank You both so glad you liked it!!!

Loved it!

Sent from the TARDIS

I loved this!!!

Colleen

Christmas Eve:

Cheyanne finished brushing her long dark hair then pulled the sides up and back securing each side with the tortoise shell hair combs Vin had given her months ago. She then stood back admiring her new gingham dress. The color was a light blue, The small yolk and cuffs on sleeves were white and a thinblack ribbon outlined the yolk and tied in a small bow around the neck. Tiny black buttons accented the white cuffs and down the front of the yolk.

Josiah had insisted they exchange their Christmas gifts before the service so that she could wear the new dress he’d gotten her. He had sent for it all the way to Kansas City and had enlisted Emma’s help with the measurements. It was a perfect fit.

Before she left her room Cheyanne glanced over to the little box at her bedside. Her wolf pup slumbered peacefully in his blanket. She hoped he would sleep soundly until her return.

Leaving her living quarters Cheyanne went into the church and over to the room off to the side of the pulpit that Josiah occupied. The door was slightly ajar.

She tapped lightly on the door as not to surprise him. “闯辞蝉颈补丑?”

Josiah was nervously fumbling with the top button on his black shirt when he answered.

“Annie can you help me with his, my fingers don’t seem to want to work at the moment.

Cheyanne quietly stepped inside and assisted him with the last button. He thanked her then removing his prayer beads from where they hung over the bed post he slipped them over his head.Taking in a heavy breath and letting it out He tried to calm himself.

“Well, what do you think?”

Cheyanne gave him a small smile “très beau**(Veryhandsome)”

Josiah’s tension was getting the best of him as he walked over to the window and peered out.

“Awe Annie, what am I doin? I’m no preacher anymore”

Cheyanne went over to him and put and comforting hand on his arm. “Then do not preach, feel what is in here” She touched his chest “Share what is in your heart. It will tell you what to 蝉补测.”

Her understanding and encouragement touched him and he took her hand in his giving it a loving squeeze.“You know that dress suits you, you look absolutely beautiful.”

Cheyanne smiled “merci beaucoup Josiah”

A soft knocking made them both turn to see Vin standing at Josiah’s doorway.

He politely removed his hat. “I’m sorry if I interrupted.”

“Not at all, Is it time?” Josiah asked nervously.

Josiah’s anxiety was obvious and Vin tried not to be amused by it.

“No, you got a few minutes yet. I just came ta see if I could escort Cheyanne to church.” He turned his attention toward her. “You look mighty pretty tonight Cheyanne.”

Cheyanne blushed and quietly Thanked him.

Josiah smiled inwardly. He’d never known Vin to be much on religion. He presumed the man’s interest tonight was more for Cheyanne than the enlightenment of a spiritual nature.

It did Josiah’s heart good to see his Annie beginning to come out of the darkness that had robbed her of her spirit. The last several months had been rough with everything that had happened. The kidnapping, the massacre of the Sioux, the death of Blue Leaf, the trouble with Hawk, and Cheyanne remembering her tragic past. She had been withdrawn and isolated from everyone and everything she ever cared about for months now, except for him.

But recently he’d began to see a slight change in her.She seemed to be coming out of her depression more and more and it made him happy to see her smiling again. He hoped and prayed she would continue to heal, maybe this is why he had felt the need to conduct this Christmas Eve service. It was his way of giving thanks.

“闯辞蝉颈补丑?”

Cheyanne’s gentle voice broke him from his thoughts

“Will you be alright?”

“Yes, yes,” He answered her with a grin and an approving nod. “You go on now, I’ll see you after the service.”

Vin held out his arm “Miss Beaujeax?”

Cheyanne timidly slipped her hand around Vins outstretched elbow as he led her from the pulpit to a seat in the front row next to the isle as Josiah closed the door behind them.

Not long after more people slowly began to trickle into the church. Molly and Buck were one of the first to arrive and chose to sit next to them. Ezra and Emma soon followed sitting just behind them.

As the church began to fill more quickly the congregation began whispering amongst themselves until Josiah stepped out of his room and up to the podium.

The voices quieted. He scanned the room and saw Belle Chandler sitting toward the back, Mary Travis and Billy were seated next to her. Casey, JD and Miss Nettie were on the other side, Chris and Lilly sat close by. Nathan was next to them. Several People Josiah knew by name, and several he didn’t. Josiah felt his palms begin to sweat and he nervously wiped them on his pant leg and cleared his throat before he began to speak.

“Good evening”

He paused all of a sudden at a complete loss for words until his eyes looked down upon Cheyanne in the front pew.She gave him a small smile and inconspicuously brought her hand up to her heart making a slight tapping with her fingers. Josiah inhaled a heavy breath and let it out with a surprising confidence starting to overcome him he smiled back at her and continued.

“I hope you all are faring well this fine Christmas Eve. I guess your all wondering why I decided to conduct a sermon, after all I haven’t been much of a preacher for a lot a years now. But this years is different; we have much to thank our lord for and I guess the best way a doin that is by worshipin in his church. So to start things off I’ll read this passage in the bible I’ve picked out…”

Belle Chandler listened intently as Josiah read the bible passage and then went into telling the story of Christmas. He had a wonderful story telling voice and she marveled at how he captured the attention of even the gruffest of men. There was a gentleness about this man that she found captivating. When he was finished with the story the services ended with a word about how precious family was then a Christmas Carrol.

Josiah stood at the doorway as people began to file out. Belle was one of the last ones to leave.

“I enjoyed your service very much Mr. Sanchez”

“Why Thank You Miss Chandler, and may I say you are looking even more lovely than usual this evening.”

Belle blushed. “Well, Thank You, and Merry Christmas to you”

As Belle started to leave Josiah suddenly stopped her.

“Miss Chandler, Miss Lilly is having a small gathering over at the saloon tonight, I was wondering if you’d care to accompany me?”

Lilly was caught off guard at the invitation and she stammered for an answer.

“Oh, I, uh I don’t know, I don’t know anyone I hate to impose”

“There is no imposing.” Josiah insisted “You will be more than welcome, no one should be alone on Christmas. And I would enjoy the chance to get to know you better.”

Belle was quiet. She had hoped that her father and brother would be able to come and spend the Holidays with her. But that had proved impossible and she was not looking forward to spending Christmas alone.

“well, if you’re sure?”

Josiah took her hand “I am quite sure.”

“All right Mr. Sanchez I accept your kind invitation.”

Josiah positively beamed.