While Ian tried to coerce Molly back onto the horse, Cheyenne stayed
mounted behind Josiah. She turned, her eyes searching the tree line
behind them for any sign of Jonah. Wheeler had called him Abe, she
wasn¡¯t sure why and she didn¡¯t care, all she did care about, was if he
was dead or alive. She prayed for the latter.
¡°I¡¯m sorry Cheyenne, he¡¯s not coming.¡± Josiah sympathized, instinctively
knowing who she watched for from behind.
¡°You left him!¡± Cheyenne shouted angrily half in English half in her
Lakota language. ¡°Why did you leave him? He was hurt! We should go
²ú²¹³¦°ì!¡±
¡°He gave himself so that you and the rest of us could escape, If we go
back now then he gave his life for nothing.¡± Josiah tried to explain.
¡°Is that how you honor him?¡±
Cheyenne was silent, tears trickled from her eyes and ran down her
cheeks as she slowly shook her head.
¡°Alright then, lets get you and Molly home.¡±
¡°We aint got time to stop, ¡°Chris looked over seeing that neither Molly,
Ian, nor Vin were on their horses. ¡°There a problem?¡± he asked noting
the looks transpiring between the three of them.
Vin shook his head no, even though he knew there would be a conversation
later, one that he was not looking forward too.
¡°You alright?¡± Chris asked Ian nodding toward the blood on his arm.
Ian nodded that he was, ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch.¡±
¡°Alright then. Don¡¯t know if they¡¯re following us or not. Now get on
your horses.¡±
Once he was certain everyone was accounted for. ¡°Lets Ride!¡± came
Chris¡¯s orders as he spurred his horse toward town followed by the rest
of the group.
It was after dark by the time they reached Four Corners. Most of the
residents and shop keepers had already returned home for the day. The
street fires were lit and a few cowboys mingled near the saloon.
Josiah reined his horse to a stop when he reached the church, he took
Cheyenne¡¯s arm and helped her to dismount. ¡°Go on inside, I¡¯ll see to
the horse and be right in.¡±
¡°I can do that.¡± Nathan offered as he rode up beside Josiah and watched
as Cheyenne made her way solemnly into the church. ¡°She needs you; go on
²Ô´Ç·É.¡±
¡°Thanks Nathan.¡± Josiah said as he dismounted and handed his friend the
reins before following Cheyenne inside.
***
Cheyenne stood at the window of the church looking out into the
darkness. The moon glowed atop the deep blackness that blanketed the
night. The dark sky sprinkled with shining stars that twinkled and
danced like a candles flame gave the ambiance of calm and serene
surroundings.
Josiah came up behind her putting his hands comfortingly on her
shoulders.
¡°You should eat something and get some rest.¡± He said softly.
Cheyenne shook his hands away, turned and headed toward the door that
led to her room.
¡°You¡¯re still blaming me, aren¡¯t you?¡± he asked just as gently. ¡°I
thought you understood.¡±
Cheyenne spun around to face him. ¡°I understand, I understand that you
left him,¡± she said angrily. ¡°Jonah need not have given himself for us.
You could have helped him.¡±
¡°Annie.¡± Josiah said soothingly. ¡°He was not who you thought he was.
His name wasn¡¯t even Jonah, it was Abe Wheeler, the man that took you
was his father or step father from what he said.¡±
¡°I do not care about a name!¡± Cheyenne shouted, ¡°Or who his family is! I
only¡.¡± Her voice trailed as the tears began to slip down her cheeks.
Turning away from him she opened the door to her room and walked in.
Before Josiah could speak again the door slammed shut.
Josiah let an exhausted sigh escape and let him self slip down into one
of the pews. Putting his elbows on his knees he rested his forehead in
his hands. ¡°Lord tell me what to do, give me the right wor
Linda Brown