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The Major dumped his ashes in a tray on his desk and put his hand behind his head and leaned back in his chair. "So, you think we'll automatically have peace now?"
"Well," Aiden sighed heavily. "The Sioux are still stirred up over Custer. If Custer will leave them alone, there's a chance this will be the end of the wars, at least with the Cheyenne. But the bad news is that Sitting Bull is ready to fight."
"And you blame Custer?"
"Sir, if you don't stop Custer, there will be a war. I saw them mourning their dead. I saw them sending smoke signals to other tribes. I think they are gathering for something big. No sir, I don't think there will be peace until there is an end to Custer. They want revenge, and I can't blame them after what he did."
"Custer is on our side, Aiden. Whose side are you on?"
"That's what is between you and I, isn't it? You think I'm siding with the Indians. Well, when it comes to Custer, maybe I am. I saw their burial ground, it was full, and those weren't warriors Major, they were women and children."
"No doubt Custer has some renegade ways but he fights for us. And Washington is in the processes of heading three different attacks at Sitting Bull as we speak. The Colonel will be back this week to explain all the tactics." He studied Aiden for a moment. "But you are in great danger, Aiden of being hung yourself for siding with an Indian!"
Aiden stood up now and leaned over the desk at him. "When women and children are killed on either side, holding a white flag, that's murder not war!"
"What are you talking about?" The Major insisted, moving his cigar to the other side of his mouth.
"Custer raided the Sioux village several months ago, killing, women, children and old men. He could see very well that there were no warriors in camp. But he charged them anyway. They aren't too happy with him. There will be some kind of retaliation for that sir. And I fear it won't be anything small. And in case you don't realize it, I live here at the fort too, so my life is in as great a danger as yours."
"War is inevitable with the Indians, Aiden. You know that as well as I."
"I know when two sides are both prideful, and their opinions don't match war will often follow, yes. But in the Indians defense treaties are never honored by us."
"Aiden be careful how you speak. One might think you guilty of sedition."
Aiden began sizing the Major up for what he was, a greedy, promotion hungry leader who might just lead them into the bloodiest war of all time with the Indians. "I've done my job. I've done what you asked. What more do you want?"
"I wanted the White Silver Fox, now it's too late, thanks to your bumbling attempt to save her. And even the child, you didn't get her either. Your trip was a waste of time."
"For your information everyone wanted the White Silver Fox. Well, it's over now. And I'm resigning. She's dead, and I'm resigning." Aiden said and turned to leave.
"I don't believe you Aiden."
"What?" Aiden turned at the door to see the Colonel grit his teeth.
"She might be dead, that much I could believe. But your attitude, and the things you've just said, tell me I have reason to doubt your loyalty. Guards!" he shouted. Two soldiers came in.
"Arrest this man."
Immediately they took Aiden to the stockade.
Angus saw him and saw the soldiers take him to the stockade. He followed. "What are you doin'?"
"He's under arrest, sir." One of the soldiers told Angus.
"For what?"
"Treason!" Aiden shouted.
"Treason, are you crazy?"
"Just doing our duty, sir." The soldiers glanced at Angus and walked off.
"What happened?" Angus asked him in a whisper.
Aiden waited until the two soldiers locked him up and walked off before he told him.
"I told them Lucy is dead?" Aiden whispered.
