Chapter IV

Buck found himself sitting by a stream, lost in his thoughts. Confused by his dream, he had forgotten to have breakfast in the café. But it didn't matter, because he knew how to hunt for his own food. The sound of the stream seemed to soothe his rattled nerves. He found the sounds of nature peaceful; his mind drifting back to happier times. He propped himself up against a tree as his eyes became heavy with sleep. He couldn't overcome the lullaby Mother Nature sang to him.

Buck wasn't sure how long he had been asleep when the sound of hoofbeats woke him up, and he found himself staring at several men with rifles pointed at him. Instantly he felt his body stiffen and in a flash, the nightmare returned to him. He suddenly could see himself bound by the rope from the nightmare.

Buck did a quick count and wasn't thrilled with the numbers-twenty rifles pointed in his direction. No one uttered a word to him. As the group slowly drew closer to him, Buck slowly, but carefully inched himself up into a standing position. Keeping his back against the tree, he watched as one man on a gray horse approached him, all the while still pointing his rifle at Buck.

The man's icy, cruel stare told Buck he was calling the shots. "You've stolen cattle from me for the last time!" the man spat out bitterly. "Why can't you savages learn not to steal?" Steadying his rifle, the man cocked it and pointed directly at Buck's chest, right over his heart! Buck cautiously raised his hands, showing he wanted no fight with the man or the others. A million thoughts ran through his mind. Clearly this man has Buck mistaken for someone else.

He had never seen any of these men before, so why would they accuse him? He had to find out the truth behind this, otherwise he might find himself shot or hung! Taking a deep breath to collect his thoughts, Buck carefully glanced at each man, silently hoping and praying he could make these people realize he wasn't the one behind the deed.

"I'm sorry, but you have the wrong guy," he began. "I've only been in this area since yesterday." Buck glanced at the men, desperately wanting them to believe him. He could tell some of them were slowly realizing he wasn't the one stealing the livestock. "If I can help you in any way, I will." He pleaded. Buck let his gaze shift to the man closest to him, still noting the rifle pointed right at his heart. He tried another tactic, still hoping to get out of this alive. His arms were starting to ache and he wanted to drop them. But he couldn't with these men still keeping their rifles trained on him. "Does the Marshal know about the missing livestock?"

The man standing in front of Buck let out a disgusted snort. "Hickok? Oh, sure he would really care about cattle gone missing!" Buck couldn't keep the look of shock from registering on his face. Jimmy really was alive and in Dodge City! So the dream was true with that part. He wondered for a split second if the rest of it would come true.

The man noticed Buck's expression change at the mention of Hickok's name. "It doesn't surprise me to know you'd have run-ins with Hickok!" he spat out bitterly. He narrowed his cold, cruel eyes at Buck. "I say we string you up right here! Jail or a trial is too good for you savages!

Buck swallowed the hard lump forming in his throat. This is it! He could see himself dying a horrible death! Still taking aim at Buck's heart, Buck closed his eyes, unable to change the unfortunate fate. He felt the fear spreading through him like a cancer. But the shot never came. He slowly, with great caution opened his eyes.

What he saw was the cruel man, with such determination to kill him what now lying dead at his feet with a Kiowa war spear sticking out of his back. With wide eyes, Buck's gaze jumped from the body in front of him to the other men that had surrounded him moments ago. The others were nowhere to be found! Buck knew whichever warrior threw the spear he wasn't far away. As he cautiously made his way over to his horse, the sounds of hooves traveling over rocky ground caused Buck to slow his movement. He didn't know any of the Kiowa here, so extra caution would be in his best interest.

A group of Kiowa came into view now, and Buck breathed a little better when he saw it was a hunting party and not a war party. He showed them he meant no harm to anyone as he mounted his horse. One warrior on a frosted pony rode forward and paused in front of Buck. "I am Black Cloud," he introduced himself. "Tell me, Kiowa brother, why would these white men harm you? Have you been in their world too long?"

Buck was stunned by Black Cloud's casual and friendly nature toward him. He figured they would see him as a white man just like the people of Sweetwater and Rock Creek. "I'm Running Buck," he told Black Cloud. "The Spirits told me to come here from Rock Creek. They said I'd find what I'm seeking."

Black Cloud listened with interest to Buck's words. "We will speak with Chief Snow Wolf, Brother Running Buck," he explained as he led the group back to the village. "He will know what to do." Upon approaching the village, Buck noticed no one looked at him like they thought he was white. These ideas made Buck relax a little but not completely.

"Over here, Running Buck," Black Cloud, directed after they had dismounted their horses. The warrior led Buck over to an older man sitting in front of the largest teepee. Exchanging greetings, Buck took his place on the blanket before Chief Snow Wolf. "You have traveled from far away, Brother Running Buck," the chief stated in Kiowa. Buck nodded in reply. "You are most welcome to stay with me and my people for as long as you wish."

"Thank you, Chief Snow Wolf," Buck said in Kiowa. "The Spirits told me I'd find acceptance here in Dodge City." The chief nodded in understanding and agreement. "I have a friend here; I hear he's the marshal."

"Yes you are correct and he's very supportive of us."

Buck nodded, impressed with this news. He knew Jimmy might have a short temper and was quick to use his guns. But he also knew the man had a kind heart. "I haven't seen Marshal Hickok around town but I know I'll find him or he'll find me." He acknowledged.

"You shall join us for supper, Brother Running Buck." Snow Wolf invited. The offer was too good for Buck to pass up. Quickly he agreed and stood when the chief got to his feet. Just then a young maiden in a beautiful buckskin dress joined the men. Snow Wolf smiled broadly. "Ah, my daughter, there you are."

Buck had never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. Immediately he began checking his appearance. He didn't want to give the chief's daughter a bad first impression of him. "Brother Running Buck, this is my daughter, Little Fox." Snow Wolf introduced the young maiden. Little Fox stepped closer to Buck. "Little Fox, would you show our Kiowa brother where ye'll be staying?"

Buck found himself lost in Little Fox's dark eyes. They were like his but softer, gentler and not unsure of themself. He would happily follow Little Fox anywhere. Gathering his things, Buck followed Little Fox to a different teepee. "This is Yellow Hawk's," Little Fox told Buck as they entered and placed Buck's things in one corner. "Yellow Hawk's my uncle, he has no woman and it would be good for you to keep him company while you are here, Running Buck."

Buck thanked her in Kiowa as he settled on his bed roll. He couldn't help noticing the slight blush creeping up in her delicate neck. In the dim light of the teepee, he noted not all Little Fox's features were Kiowa and he wondered if her mother had been white. Not wanting to pry into someone's business he decided not to ask. Little Fox felt Buck's liquid brown gaze on her. She blushed even deeper as her eyes met his. "You're very beautiful," he told her softly in Kiowa. Buck mentally kicked himself for telling her something like that, now she probably thinks he's lost his mind. Little Fox probably already has a chosen one. Memories of Little Bird flashed through Buck's mind. But then the horrible memory of Kathleen quickly reminded Buck to use extra caution.

Little Fox smiled at him and he noticed the cutest little dimples in her cheeks. "Thank you, Running Buck." She reached over and smoothed a lock of hair away from the most handsome face she had ever seen. The simple gesture sent waves of emotion running through him. His heart pounded in his chest, taking his breath away.

"You're quite welcome, Little Fox." He reached up to cover her hand with his. Little Fox ducked her head shyly, blushing a bit pink. Buck lifted his other hand to tilt her chin up until her gaze met his. "Tell me, Little Fox," he said as he stroked her cheek with his finger. "Your mother wasn't Kiowa, was she?" Little Fox shook her head. Buck let go of her chin, even though he didn't want to. But she still had her hand in his hair and it felt wonderful to Buck.

"No, she wasn't Kiowa," she confessed. "My mother was Comanche, called 'Shining Smile'. She was killed in an attack by the Cheyenne many moons ago. I was very young when it happened." Buck instantly knew how Little Fox felt. "Please, don't be sad for me, Running Buck," she begged. "I have my father, and brothers to fill the empty place in my heart left there by my mother's death."

Buck instantly let go of her hands. "What brothers?" he asked, a little anger entering his voice. Little Fox pulled back, surprised by the sudden disapproval in this man before her. "Why Two Dancing Ponies, Singing Coyotes, and Flying Eagle, of course!" She hesitantly reached out to touch his hand, but stopped when Buck moved away from her. "You're angry with me," she guessed. No, he wasn't angry with her; he was angry with himself.

Both of them looked up when they heard footsteps outside the teepee. Yellow Hawk entered and let his wise eyes take in the scene. Buck felt uncomfortable in this man's presence like this. He felt like he was being accused of bad manners. He was a guest in this village, not a member of this group.