Page 94 of The Last Warrior

Whatever it was, Suzette feared it was nothing good for either of them. “Black Lion, I do not like this. There may be so much trouble that… Alas, I fear for you personally. There is prejudice there, and I am afraid people may act against you first and ask questions later.”

“I am aware of this. However, there is no choice but for me to go forward. My friends are in trouble, my enemy awaits. What would you suggest? Running away? You know I cannot run from this danger.”

“No, not running away, but perhaps I could go down there first—before you, if only to ensure you might be able to proceed without harm.”

He scoffed. “Are you suggesting I hide behind a woman’s skirt?”

“No, only that I could make the others understand the particulars of our situation first.”

He pulled a face. “If I were to let you do as you suggest, I would be committing a most cowardly act. No, we will go there together.”

She sighed. “Very well. Then let us form a different plan in case there is trouble.”

“The plan we have is a good one, and I see no reason to change it.” He raised an eyebrow at her, as though a thought suddenly occurred to him. “Do you intend to alter it?”

“Well, yes, actually I do. I understand you need to find your friends and warn them, but what I still don’t understand is why you are demanding I go to Irena’s tent instead of remaining with you.”

“I would have you be safe.”

“But will I be safe there? What if the Thunderer comes to Irena’s tent and you are not there with me? Has he not already threatened me in my dreams?”

“Hau, but I am the one the Thunderer wishes to harm, not you.”

She shook her head at him. “I don’t know. It is a mistake, I think. The danger is not in being with you, for, as you say, you will be there to protect me. The danger, I feel, is in being alone.”

He frowned.

It was a small reaction, but it was enough to make her press her point. “I do believe I could be of help. The Thunderer fears me. Therefore, there must be some danger from me. Pray, keep me with you.”

Again, he frowned. “If I agree to this, do you promise you will not deliberately antagonize the Thunderer? That you will stay out of the way, regardless of what he does to me?”

“I… I… How can you ask such a thing of me?”

“Easily.”

Above them, lightning flashed in the sky, the rumble of thunder following.

She said, “I cannot promise you this. And you cannot ask it of me. You have no right to send me away, either. I am a part of this. He came to me in my dreams.”

When Black Lion remained mute, she sighed. Speaking to this man when his mind was set was like endeavoring to talk sense into a stubborn bull. But she was not so easily persuaded either. “I am safe only as long as I am with you. Perhaps you should revise your plans, for this is how it will be. I will remain with you.” She folded her arms across her chest.

He drew in a deep breath, sighed, then pointed forward. “There, can you see it?”

Their horse had climbed to the top of the rise, and in the valley below, stretched out across the Plains, were the rambling structures that made up the Wild West Show. Fences, barns, tents, tepees, canvas-covered bleachers and an enormous arena met her gaze.

At present, it appeared as if the show were engaged in the segment of the program called “Cowboy Fun,” for she could see, down in the arena, the tiny figures of the cowboys riding the wild, bucking horses.

As she watched, she saw also a cabin being set up center stage, in preparation most likely for the “Attack upon a Settler’s Cabin” scene. On the outer perimeter of the arena, several Indians were on standby, waiting behind the scenic backdrop for their cues.

As the cowboys retreated and the pioneers took center stage, the Indians began to creep up to the cabin.

“You and I did that scene once,” she commented.

“I remember it well. How much easier it would be if I could, like my ancestors, steal you and put you in my tepee and keep you there.”

She shook her head. “I would still object, and you, I fear, would be required to listen to me complain.”

Though their situation was desperate, he grinned at her. “There are times when I think you are as stubborn as a wild pony.”