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—ROBERT BROWNING
The procession was slow as it made its way down the mountainside. They stayed far enough back from John Shelton so that he was not aware of being followed. Fire Thunder had released him from captivity and handed him the reins of a burro, and John had realized that he was free to go. Kaylene had stood stiffly at Fire Thunder’s side watching John’s reaction. She could tell that he was suspicious of the release.
And he had the right to be, for although released, he was still somewhat a captive. If he did not lead Fire Thunder and Kaylene to the carnival, Fire Thunder would quickly confront him. If John Shelton suspected why he had been released, and refused to lead Kaylene to Anna Shelton, so that she could question her, John Shelton’s freedom would be short-lived. As it was, he was lucky enough to get a second chance at life again, once his use to Kaylene was over.
The sun was moving toward the zenith, as noon approached. Kaylene realized how long she had been on horseback. Eight hours.
They had risen and left before dawn.
And they might have to travel until the moon was high in the sky to finally reach the carnival. Several warriors had stayed behind to guard the Kickapoo village in Fire Thunder’s absence. Several more warriors were traveling with Fire Thunder, Kaylene, White Wolf, and Dawnmarie.
Kaylene was already weary from the journey, San Carlos having been left behind long ago. They had crossed the Rio Grande, and were now riding along its shore in Texas.
“We are almost at the departure point,” Dawnmarie said as she sidled her horse closer to Kaylene’s gentle mare. “It is sad that we have only met and become friends to then so soon say good-bye.”
“You said that you are going to return to Fire Thunder’s village from time to time to be with your people again,” Kaylene said, smiling softly at Dawnmarie. “Our friendship will strengthen with each of your visits.”
“Yes, we will return, should our health hold up and allow it,” Dawnmarie said, glancing at White Wolf, who was riding beside Fire Thunder, talking. She looked at Kaylene again. “You are getting a good man when you marry Fire Thunder. When do you think the marriage ceremony will be held?”
“Soon, so says Fire Thunder,” Kaylene said, thrilled at the thought of being with him forever. “I can hardly wait.”
“But you are smart to first seek the truth about your parents’ identities,” Dawnmarie said, becoming somewhat somber. “My life would have been more fulfilled had I found my true people sooner. Although I do not see how, since White Wolf has been so good to me, I am certain that I would have been happier had I made peace with my people long ago. Perhaps soon you will be able to make peace with your troubled heart.”
“But what if the names of my parents are never known?” Kaylene murmured. “What if my . . . if Anna cannot remember? What if she won’t tell me? What if my parents are dead?”
“Do not burden your heart with such concerns until you are given cause to,” Dawnmarie said, reaching over to gently touch Kaylene’s arm. “Have faith, much as I, and your wishes will come true. You will know your parents. You will then have cause to rejoice.”
Fire Thunder drew a tight rein. He wheeled his horse around and rode back to Kaylene and Dawnmarie, White Wolf beside him.
White Wolf edged his horse up closer to Dawnmarie’s. He reached over and gave her a soft kiss on her cheek. “Violet Eyes, this is where we must head homeward,” he said, gesturing toward the east. He then gave Kaylene a warm smile. “Kaylene, this is where we must say a farewell, but not a final one. As long as our bodies are able, I will bring my wife to Mexico to be with her people. Soon you will be Fire Thunder’s wife. When Violet Eyes and I return, you might even have a child to share with us.”
“Yes, I shall act as grandmother to the child,” Dawnmarie said, laughing softly.
“That would be wonderful,” Kaylene said, her insides glowing at the thought of having children with Fire Thunder, and of giving the child a true home.
Dawnmarie reached over and hugged Kaylene. “Be happy,” she whispered.
“Please be careful on the long journey that lies ahead of you,” Kaylene said, returning the hug.
Dawnmarie led her horse to one side while White Wolf came and gave Kaylene a hug, then clasped hands of friendship with Fire Thunder.
“May the Great Spirit follow you forever and keep you safe,” Fire Thunder said, his voice drawn.
Kaylene and Fire Thunder’s horses moved closer. They waved at Dawnmarie and White Wolf as they rode away.
They continued on their own journey, a scout having gone ahead to keep track of John Shelton.
They rode in silence for a while longer. Then in the distance, Kaylene caught her first sight of several tents, and many wagons that were spread out along the river.
“They have made camp, it seems, not knowing where to go, or what to do, without the leadership of your father,” Fire Thunder said. He nodded. “See now how your father is so close? Soon they will know that he has been released unharmed.”
“Surely the carnival men will become suspicious of his release,” Kaylene said, drawing a tight rein alongside Fire Thunder. They were far enough back, with several trees obscuring the view of the carnival tents, yet close enough to watch what was happening there.
Soon there was a flurry of activity as John was spied riding toward the campsite. Men, women, and children ran out to meet him.
Kaylene swallowed hard. Tears of regret filled her eyes when she saw the familiar figure of Anne Shelton come into view, hesitant, not appearing all that happy to see that her husband was alive.
And Kaylene understood. Surely being separated from him, had given Anna a peaceful heart if only for a short time.
