However, carefully training his features into a stoic countenance, he urged his pony into a run. Amusing though she might be, if they were to survive this storm, quick action would be in order.
Bolting across the distance between them, Swift Hawk reined in his pony as soon as he became level with her. Leaning down over the pony’s neck, he asked her directly, “Are you having trouble?”
“Oh!” She glanced up at him. “It’s you. This darn mule won’t go anywhere, and now I’ve caught myself on this bush.”
“Haa’he, I see.” He smiled. “The dress will have to come off, I fear.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Do you not feel the wind around you, the grass and dirt being blown through the air? Have you not heard the crash of lightning? Felt the breath of the Wind Spirit on your neck?”
Her look at him was more than a little condescending. “I am not going to take off my dress, so set your mind to something else.”
He shrugged. “You may have to abandon your mule too.”
“I willnotabandon my mule. Are you aware of how much he cost me?”
Swift Hawk’s look at her was nonchalant. “I am sure he was expensive, but to pay for him with your life seems a little excessive.”
“Oh, would you stop lecturing me and get down here and help me?”
“I will, but if I come to your aid, I will cut away your dress.Do you not see that it is caught, not once, but many, many times? So much is it ensnared that it looks as if the bush is wearing your dress.”
“Very funny. Now, I tell you, the dress will come away, I’m sure of it.”
“Haa’he, perhaps it might, if I had the entire day to unravel it. But it would take much time—time we do not have. Or have you not noticed that you stand close to a tree, on a hill?”
“So?”
His gaze at her was surprised, and he coaxed, “In the middle of a lightning storm?”
“Yes?”
He sighed. “The tree will attract the attention of the Thunderer, I fear.”
“Pshaw! The lightning is still very far away. We have time.”
As if to give emphasis to Swift Hawk’s words and make her a liar, a streak of lightning flashed above them, the instant crack through the atmosphere so loud that both Swift Hawk and Angelia recoiled from it. Swift Hawk leaped off his pony and ushered Angelia to the ground, the bush straining against her dress.
As soon as the danger was over, she glanced up at him and sat up. “Very well. I see your point. Would you please cut the dress away?”
In an instant, Swift Hawk was up on his knees, and drawing his knife, he stripped away the outer material of the garment. Even that wasn’t enough. Her petticoats had become entangled with the thorns, as well.
“Swift Hawk, you must hurry.”
“Haa’he.I know.”
“No, you don’t understand. That last strike of lightning—I think it struck this tree, for the top of the tree is on fire.”
“I know. I hear it.”
“Then please, do hurry.”
“I am. Perhaps it would be easier if you simply stepped out of these petticoats.”
“I…I…I am afraid that modesty would not…” she stammered. “Just hurry.”
“Haa’he.” He glanced up at her. “Brace yourself.”
