As Sharon looked up and across the campfire, she caught the eye of Strikes Fast, the man who had so recently twice become her hero. As she gazed at him, she was stunned again at how handsome this man was. Funny that he was Indian, if only because she had always thought the American Indians taken together as a whole were wild and, like any wild animal, could maim or kill without any regard to right or wrong. Considering this—were it found to be true—it would have made any Christian woman consider them to be ugly.
However, it was very strange to bear witness to the true nature of these people; contrary to the lies she had been told, these Indians were not wild and they were not immoral. True, they warred with other tribes, but even Christian men considered it their duty to kill those who would maim or kill their families or tribes.
No, these people had shown her, by their actions, to be a people who were kind—even to strangers—and generous almost to a fault. And, in truth, it was Strikes Fast who seemed to manifest all the good qualities a woman might hope to find in a man.
But, because of their differences in beliefs, this man was off-limits to her, just as she was forbidden to him. And, this was, perhaps, good.
Sharon sighed and glanced away from Strikes Fast. It would be favorable to return to the fort with as much speed as possible, even though there might be trouble ahead. Once there, she could make all the necessary arrangements to leave this western land.
However, she also realized it was not to be accomplished so quickly. There was no denying there were problems at Fort McKenzie, and perhaps those problems might adversely affect them all.
She caught her breath and stirred uneasily. How long would she and David have to be here?
Briefly, she recalled the early hours of their ride over the prairie. They had ridden through the night and had arrived here—on a high ledge which was situated within the sand and clay bluffs overlooking the Marias River.
Suddenly, Amelia glanced up and squealed. Reaching out, she took Sharon's hand and squeezed it. "Do you see?"
Sharon frowned. "I fear I do not."
"I think it is my husband coming here. But, since they seem to be mere specks on the horizon, I could be wrong. As you know, as soon as we were safely encamped here, he went to investigate why he thinks there is some danger in returning to Fort McKenzie. But, if I am correct, I think he has returned. I am almost certain I saw him out there only a little distance away."
"How wonderful," said Sharon.
Suddenly, Amelia sprung up and ran to the edge of the ridge. But, she didn't attempt to climb down. Indeed, Sharon was well aware it was too steep to safely step down from the ridge, and it was also too far to the ground for Amelia to attempt jumping down.
"Sharon, come here. I think my husband brings my sister with him as well as her husband, and it looks like my sister has brought their son, also. Oh my, I am so excited. But, why do you think my sister and her husband have left the safety of the fort to come here?"
"I don't know," answered Sharon as she joined her friend at the edge of the ridge. Then, as if her hero would know the answer, Sharon glanced briefly to where he had been sitting. But, he was gone.
Right then, as the sun began to shoot its rays up over the eastern horizon, the group came into view: the three men—Gray Falcon, Eagle Heart and Strikes Fast— who must have gone out to greet them—Amelia's sister, Laylah, and her son, Ikoan. Happiness practically exploded within their tiny camp; the sisters ran to each other and embraced while Sharon and Pretty Woman first greeted the newcomers, then left to make preparations for yet another lodge—one that would house Laylah, her husband, Eagle Heart, and their son. For many hours, their tiny camp burst with exhilaration and bliss.
It was later in the day when a council was held, but because the only language spoken in the council was sign language, and because Sharon hadn't yet become thoroughly proficient in the language, what the others discussed remained largely unknown to her. She caught a few gestures she recognized, but for most of it, she remained ignorant of what was discussed.
After the council, both Amelia and Sweet Woman relayed to Sharon what had been said, telling her more exactly what the trouble was at the fort: a very bad man had come into Blackfoot country and was causing great conflict. And, since this man's actions adversely affected both Laylah and Amelia, as well as their husbands, something had to be done about it.
No sooner had the council ended than both Eagle Heart and Gray Falcon left to journey again to the fort, their quest—according to Amelia and Laylah—to free the girls' parents from this very bad man.
To free the parents? Are my friends to be perpetually fighting one conflict after another?
Before leaving, both Gray Falcon and Eagle Heart had asked Strikes Fast to stay, to guard and protect the women. And, Sharon was certain Strikes Fast possessed more than enough strength—were it required—to defend the welfare of the four women and one small boy.
However, after the two men had left again, Sharon observed that Amelia and her sister had become antsy and on edge, the two of them nervously pacing about the encampment instead of sleeping during the rest of the day.
Upon further inquiry, Sharon discovered from Amelia that the sisters' father was near death and it was, in part, due to the evil man.
Then, from out of the corner of her eye, Sharon saw Strikes Fast approach Laylah, and Sharon was glad she had recently asked Amelia to give her more lessons in the sign language. Watching the two of them speak, she could follow along a little with what was being said.
Speaking in Blackfeet as well as in sign, Strikes Fast said, "I am leaving camp to climb up onto the cliff." He pointed to the position. "I would ask you to tell the others to stay where you are and not to venture anywhere for the rest of the day, as well as tonight. I will give the alert if I spot an enemy coming toward our camp. And, if I raise an alarm, I ask you to tell the others to be completely quiet and as still as possible." His motions, even though slowly accomplished and exaggerated, still took Sharon several moments to interpret.
Laylah answered him using sign, and he nodded. However, before he left to set up his watch, he gazed casually towardher. And, she wasn't certain, but it seemed to Sharon as if there were a look of wistfulness within his gaze.
It reminded her of her need to speak with him. Indeed, she was alive now only because of this man's quick actions, and until recently she hadn't really known how to say thank you. But now, thanks to the ease of sign language, she might be able to thank him at last. Perhaps tomorrow she would do so.
