Page 81 of Red Hawk's Woman

“Ha!” Red Hawk cried out in futility, raising his shield high into the air, as if in challenge. “I have had to walk away this time, but there will be another time. This I promise you.”

Even as the words left him, Red Hawk knew he could not do it until his people were freed, if that were to ever happen.

Trying to calm himself, Red Hawk allowed his pony to slow to a trot. If not battle, then what was he to do? To do nothing was wrong, for he could not allow the Thunderer to terrorize Effie and the others.

Glancing up into the sky, he let out another groan, opened his arms wide and shouted, “Omaopaat!”

An idea came to him. Perhaps the awareness was a gift from the Creator. Mayhap the realization occurred because, in his frustration, he could suddenly think clearly. Whatever was the cause, he knew what he must do.

When in doubt, cleanse yourself in the right way, and seek out your spirit protector.

So had spoken his old, wise grandfather.

In this moment, Red Hawk needed guidance. He would have to seek out and find the sea dog again.

To this end, he rushed off across the prairie.

“Indians. You can’t trust them,” complained John Owens.

“The man is obviously irresponsible, leaving us alone when he was hired to guide us,” added Fieldman. “But he’s not to blame, I dare say. Can’t help what’s in his blood.” The man raised his nose in the air.

“That’s unfair,” Henry spoke up. “We all felt the brunt of the attack—Red Hawk most of all. He was injured, and yet he went off to fight the enemy alone, saving us.”

“A likely story.” Owens snickered. “He has left us on the prairie to rot.”

“He has not,” said Effie.

“Father, really! That was unnecessary,” admonished Lesley.

“Be thankful he didn’t require you to go with him, Mr. Owens.” Carl’s tone was more than a little antagonistic. “But I swear if you keep this up, we might leave you here—to rot.”

Piqued, Owens blew out a breath. Yet the threat seemed to quiet him, at least temporarily.

“Well, good, I’m glad that’s settled,” Effie continued. “Now, we will wait here for him to return, as I assure you he will. There is plenty of water, we have enough food, and we are in the friendly country of the Crow. We can afford to wait…at least for a few days.”

“I don’t like it,” Owens stated with a sneer.

“Father! Hush!”

“You’re in the minority here,” Carl reminded him.

“We will wait for Red Hawk here,” said Effie in a voice that allowed no debate. “And unless you and Fieldman would like to lead us out of here and defend us on the trail as well, I suggest you both keep your opinions to yourself.”

“Hear, hear!” came the hearty response of Carl, followed by similar approval from Henry.

Owens and Fieldman, however, were not to be persuaded. With a round of disgruntled mumbling, Owens turned away, followed by Fieldman.

“Well done, Miss Rutledge.” Carl was smiling.

“Yes,” Henry joined in. “Couldn’t have expressed it better myself. Though he is my father-in-law, I heartily disagree with him, don’t you, Lesley?”

Lesley nodded.

While Madeline placed a sympathetic hand on Effie’s arm, Lesley voiced, “Please excuse me, Effie. I need to talk to Father.”

“Yes. That would be good.” Effie heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank you for your defense. It is much appreciated. But now, if you would excuse me, I am so behind in my work…”

“Of course,” agreed Madeline, while the two men nodded.