Page 75 of The Last Warrior

He nodded. “I understand. We can leave with speed—as soon as you are ready—if it be in your mind to go after her.”

“It is. Please wait here. It will take me little time to pack some clothes, some food and other items I must take with me.”

“You cannot take any of these with you.”

“What?”

“Do you not recall that not only is Irena obligated to stay here with the show, so, too, am I. Plus there are some people in this country who say all Indians caught off the reservation should be exterminated.”

Suzette gasped. “Surely not. You must be exaggerating.”

“I do not lie or stretch the truth. No, if we are to go, we will travel through a kind of country where there is no path, for we must go in such a way as to ensure we cannot be found. Not only by any white people who might see us, but by scouts the Long-haired Show Man might send against us.”

She frowned. “Do you really think this is possible?”

“Hau, it is. We must, however, travel as scouts, and this requires you to take nothing with you.”

“Nothing?” She arched a brow. “But what about a change of clothes? Or feminine articles I need?”

“We will find these needs you require from the earth. But you cannot go about the countryside in this dress you wear now. Have you another which does not tear easily and is comfortable? Also, we will travel on foot, so your shoes should be well-made.”

“On foot?”

“There is no other way to scout. To go by horseback announces our presence.”

“But we’ll never catch them in time to save Irena.”

“We have a chance to find them, for they will have to travel in the same way we do.”

“Irena…walking hundreds of miles? And at her age?” Suzette turned a wide-eyed stare at him. “We really must find her soon. I will go change…quickly.”

“Waste, it is good. But change only your clothes, not yourself.” Though he said it seriously, and his expression was sober, there was still a light in his eye.

Suzette nodded, but she didn’t smile. It would take much more than a pun to make her laugh again.

Black Lion saw little to be gained in seeking to change Suzette’s mind—not when her grandmother was missing. True, Black Lion believed his friend, White Claw, would do nothing to harm the Song Bird, Irena. But, were his and Suzette’s places reversed, Black Lion knew he would leave nothing to chance; indeed, he knew he would act as his wife was doing.

However, leaving the show behind them would not be without danger. Any journey ventured at this time of year would be hard on his wife, especially in her condition. Therefore, in addition to following White Claw and endeavoring to catch up with him and Irena, Black Lion must commit himself to keeping Little Blue Eyes and her babe safe.

There were other dangers as well. Since both he and Irena had signed contracts with the show, it was possible their absence would not go unnoticed, particularly when it could appear to the white men that both women had been stolen, not simply the one.

Alas, he could foresee many dangers and many duties ahead of him on this trip. But it didn’t also follow that their journey together was not to be without…pleasure.

They would be in constant company with each other. This he desired very much. It would allow him opportunity not only to come to know his wife better, but to also persuade her of the truth of his love for her.

Perhaps, if he were lucky, there might even be other pleasures to be found. But he dare not think of any of these now. At present, it would be enough to consider he might be able to persuade his wife to believe in him.

Suzette emerged in record time, dressed in a bicycle ensemble of deep-green velveteen. It was the height of fashion, with bloomers resembling Turkish trousers disguising her legs so well that, for the moment, her conscience was eased. Leather boots, which extended up over her calf muscles, would protect her legs and feet. A deep-green velveteen jacket completed the apparel. Over her shoulder, she carried a purse which contained every feminine article she could have possibly crammed into it.

There were some particulars a woman could not do without.

Black Lion nodded at her in approval. “We must leave immediately. Already it is the darkest part of the night, and dawn awaits. If we are to make good time, we must go now.”

She bobbed her head. “I am ready.”

“There is one other detail you should know. When on the trail, you must do as I say, without question, for if we are to travel without arousing suspicion, we must remain undetected, and not always will I be able to talk freely to explain myself. Do you think you can do this? Obey without question?”

“Yes, I think so. But you must also keep in mind that I am with child.”