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At this moment in his life, he felt blessed, for of late everything good had been happening for him and the Blackfoot of his village.
The only thing that worried him was his father's failing health. He was suffering a slow descent into a strange, debilitating illness which would quickly take from him the ability to think or remember where he was or who he was.
These episodes had begun to be more frequent, giving his father cause to tell Spotted Eagle that soon he would be chief instead of Chief Gray Bear. Spotted Eagle was saddened over his father's need to give up his title of chief because of the reason it was going to have to be done, yet he knew that it would be necessary if his father's mind ceased to function as a leader's mind must.
Spotted Eagle was ready to lead his people.
He had been an astute student of his father's teachings!
Something sparkling beneath the beating rays of the sun in his path drew Spotted Eagle's eyes. He smiled broadly when he recognized what the object was. It was an I-nis-kima buffalo stone. This was the Blackfoot's strongest medicine. It gave its possessor great power with the buffalo. One who found the stone was regarded as very fortunate.
''Twice in one day I have received good signs," he whispered to himself, stopping to bend and pluck the buffalo stone from the rocky terrain.
Smiling, circling the stone in one of his hands, Spotted Eagle continued on his way, then stopped and gazed guardedly at an approaching horseman. When he recognized the man in the Indian saddle as White Mole, a warrior of Spotted Eagle's neighboring village of Blackfoot, he relaxed his shoulders and awaited his arrival.
White Mole drew tight rein beside Spotted Eagle. He gave Two Ridges, who sat on his horse only a few feet back from Spotted Eagle, a quick, knowing glance.
"What brings you here?" Spotted Eagle said, drawing White Mole's full attention to him. "Do you wish to join the expedition? If so, you are welcome."
"No," White Mole said. "I have come for other reasons."
"Tell me then the true reason," Spotted Eagle said, stiffening as White Mole did not offer a smile, only frowning as if his news was anything but good.
"It is your father," White Mole said, not meeting Spotted Eagle's gaze. "He is ailing. He has asked for you. He wishes you to come to him quickly."
"Father?" Spotted Eagle said, fear rising insi
de him that perhaps his father was more ill than he had thought. "How do you know this?"
"While journeying toward Fort Chance, I came upon a warrior from your village," White Mole said, the lie slipping easily across his lips since it was being paid for with two horses. "This warrior whose name I do not know asked if I would bring the message to you. I saw that he was eager to return to your village, so I said that I would do this deed for you, as a friendly gesture from my village to yours."
"That is most kind," Spotted Eagle said, reaching a hand to White Mole and tightly clasping his hand as it was extended to him. "Somehow I will return the favor."
White Mole smiled smugly, slipped his hand from Spotted Eagle's, gave Two Ridges another quick glance, then wheeled his horse around and rode quickly away.
Spotted Eagle was torn, not wanting to leave Jolena's safety in the hands of anyone but himself, yet knowing that his first loyalties were to his father. He slowly opened his fingers and stared down at the buffalo rock, having only moments ago felt that much luck was his today, especially after having also seen the fox.
Two Ridges rode up and dismounted. He placed a hand on Spotted Eagle's shoulder. "What news did White Mole bring?" he said, pretending concern. "It is in your eyes that something has pained you."
" Ni- nah-ah, my father," Spotted Eagle said, his jaw tight. "I must go to my father. You are now in charge. Keep a sharp eye out for the Cree or any other renegades that might be stalking the expedition."
"It is done, my friend," Two Ridges said, dropping his hand down to his side. His insides glowed warm with glee as he watched Spotted Eagle glance at the copper princess, not realizing that when he returned, she would no longer belong to him!
His ploy was working, Two Ridges gloated to himself. Tonight he would finally have his lusts satisfied beneath the moonlight, as Spotted Eagle had the previous night. Just thinking how soft her skin must feel all over was setting small fires inside Two Ridges' loins.
Spotted Eagle's eyes lingered on Jolena, then he turned his eyes back to the rock. Without further thought, he went with proud shoulders to Jolena.
"I did not hear what the warrior said to you, but the news seems to have disturbed you," Jolena said, before he had a chance to say anything to her. "What is it? What's happened?"
She had watched with intense interest as the strange warrior relayed a message to Spotted Eagle that had sent quick alarm and concern into his dark eyes.
"I must leave you," Spotted Eagle said, his voice drawn. He paused and looked at Kirk, his spine stiffening when he saw that that bit of news made Kirk smile. It took every bit of Spotted Eagle's will power not to lash out at the brother of his woman and tell him that he could feel as smug as he wanted now, but Spotted Eagle would return. He would never allow himself to stay far from his womannot after waiting a lifetime for her!
Jolena was jarred by the news. "You must leave?" she gasped, her eyes widening. "But why? Where are you going?"
"My father is ailing," Spotted Eagle explained. "He beckons me to his bedside. This devoted son responds quickly to his request. I leave now, but as soon as I see that everything is being done for my father, allowing me to leave him again, I shall return and be your humble guide."
"Two Ridges will do just fine in that capacity," Kirk quickly interjected. "So don't worry about how long you are gone. In fact, Spotted Eagle, I'm sure we'll get along just fine without you. I haven't seen any signs of the Cree." He frowned. "Nor of butterflies. I'm beginning to wonder if you invented the story, perhaps to win approval from Ralph McMillen when you reported it." Jolena's heart skipped a beat, and she stared wide-eyed at her brother, who had just insulted Spotted Eagle. This wasn't like her Kirk. In Saint Louis, he had been a kind and gentle young man who never made an enemy.
