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He came to sit beside her and stared at her for a long moment. His glance was hooded, as he studied her.
Gently he reached to raise her foot in his big hands and before she knew what he was doing, he began rubbing something all over them. It came from a small sack he carried at his waist.
"What is that?" She shrieked. "It smells terrible."
"It will make it heal." He told her. "Medicine is never pleasant."
He smeared it all over the bottom of her feet. His touch was gentle and a time or two he stared into her blue eyes with a faint glint. However, the way he touched her had her squirming.
"I've got to get out of here; I've got to find Matthew!" She cried out. "I'm so afraid for him."
"Matthew is fine. He came with me…"
"He's alive?" She cried, the relief in her voice echoing.
"Yes." His smile was warm and enchanting.
The relief on her face said everything. "Oh, thank God. I was so worried. But, where is he? Didn't he come with you?"
"I could not bring him into camp; they would take him from you and raise him as their own. He is safe, in the forest."
"Oh but…"
Hawk laid a hand on her shoulder, with a faint hint of humor; he twisted his head at her. "He is fine. I gave him instructions on how to handle any enemy. He listens well."
"But he's just a child; he can't take care of himself." She fretted.
Hawk looked into her eyes now with a quiet that belied control.
"He is no longer a child. His father has been dead two years…He is becoming a young man now. You must see this and act accordingly. Your son has been forced to grow up faster than others. He is wise. He learns easy."
She looked at him, "How come you speak English so well?"
"Went to missionary school, and then joined the army." His smile entranced her. "You pick up a lot if you listen wisely. And I read…"
"Oh…" She blushed. "You read…" she gasped, it never dawned on her that an Indian would read.
The old chief peeked inside. His glance found them easily.
"You trade, what you trade for woman?" He asked boldly now. "You say you trade, what you trade?"
Hawk was at a disadvantage because he had nothing they might want. He thought a minute. "I will bring you many blankets and food for the tribe."
The old chief nodded, "You have now?"
"No, I must go get them…"
"Tomorrow you leave, woman stay here until you get back." He said in sign language. "If you get back."
Hawk nodded. "I will be back." Hawk assured him.
When the old chief left, she came closer to him. He was leaving and that scared her witless. "We can't leave with you?" Her voice barely withheld the hysteria she was feeling.
"No," His voice held no room for argument now. With one curled finger, he turned her chin around so she would look at him. "I do not want to leave you here either. I must think on it." He told her, but if she knew what he was thinking, she might try to escape, so he kept quiet. "Leaving you here like this is very dangerous. You are a captive and…"
An old squaw came in with food and shared it with them. The baby was still asleep, she had walked half way by herself and she was so tuckered. Exhaustion had claimed her. Her little cheeks were flushed red and she was sound asleep with a light snore. Hawk looked down at her suddenly and smiled.
Night fell, but the squaw did not leave. Hawk knew what he had to do, but it wasn't something he relished doing. At least not yet. It was not time. The woman knew him, but she wouldn't be ready to submit to him, of that he was sure. It was simply necessary. He knew also that she would not like it.
