Chapter 12: Treaty
It had taken Carlisle and Edward nearly six months to find a replacement doctor for the Cullen Clinic. With the people of Appalachia taken care of by a new doctor we made our move to Hoquiam, Washington.
We had shipped most of our belongings to the new house. The family with the exception of Edward and I had gone directly to the new home. We had taken a few small detours through the Midwest in the hopes of finding Peter. Sadly we had no luck in finding him or any trace of him.
When we reunited with the family, a few weeks later they had already setup the new home. Emmett had helped Esme with the renovations.
Upon entering the house you first noticed the grand staircase that was position in the center of the large sitting room. On the left side of the room Edward's grand piano sat on a slightly raised platform, it over looked the North Bay out a wall of windows. The windows had been custom designed by Esme and built by Emmett. They would allow the setting sun to shine into the large room. On the right side of the room were several sofas and chairs. The television and radio were also in this part of the room.
Behind the grand staircase was a hallway on either side that led to the kitchen and dinning room. There was also a bathroom, laundry room and small foyer that lead out to the back yard. The staircase climbed a dozen steps before it reached a landing and split into two staircases, one going east and the other going west. The back wall of the landing consisted of custom built in wall bookcase. The bookcase were filled with most of our books. There was also a ladder that gave access to the books that reached the ceiling of the second floor.
The entire second floor was open to the foyer below. From the east side balcony you could see the left of the downstairs sitting room and the windows out on the North Bay. This side of the second floor is where Carlisle's study and the game room were located.
The west side of the second floor looked down into the right side of the sitting room. This side of the house held Rosalie's bedroom, Edward and my bedroom with my study sat between the two rooms. At the front of the house, opposite the bookcase of the grand staircase, was another set of stairs. They rose a half steps from each side and met at a landing, then went up another staircase to the third floor.
The third floor was not opened to the floors below. This floor consisted of Carlisle and Esme's bedroom, Esme's work room and Emmett's room, those rooms over looked the North Bay as well. The east side of the third floor consisted of storage.
This house was considerably larger then the home we had in Appalachia. While the home there had been 'cozy', we were constantly 'tripping' over each other.
Esme had not constructed her green house yet. She was waiting for me to arrive and help with that project. There was also the project of converting an outbuilding into a garage for all the cars. We still only had the three cars, but we were building the garage large enough to accommodate more cars.
Esme had greeted Edward and me the moment we had arrived, and then proceed to give us a tour of the new house. I promised Esme that I would help her with the greenhouse after Edward and I had unpacked our belongings.
Edward took care of unpacking the bedroom items, and putting together the bed. I worked on my study. I started with my books. They were my most prized possessions. My collection was sorted by fiction, nonfiction, biography, and reference material. It was further sorted by subject matter and then finally by Author's last name. This system worked for me, but I was sure some librarian would probably have a problem with it.
I was halfway through unpacking my books when Rosalie knocked on my door. "Come in, Rosalie."
"Do you have a minute, Jasper?" Rosalie asked.
"Of course, what's on your mind?" I replied.
"We all went hunting up near Forks last week. Nothing bad happened, but I had this odd feeling of being watched. There was also this horrid smell like wet dog, only it was much stronger," Rosalie said.
My mind muddled over what Rosalie had said, but I came up with blank. My mind told me it was nothing to worry about, but my instincts told me something was wrong. I'd always been told to go with my instincts. Animals always trusted their instincts, while humans tended to trust their minds.
"Do you remember anything else?" I asked.
Edward entered the room at this point having overheard our vocal conversation and thoughts. He concentrated on what Rosalie was remembering.
"That's all I remember. Emmett noticed the smell too," Rosalie added.
I looked over at Edward and he just shrugged. "I don't know what it could be, but I think we should be cautious."
"I agree. Let's be sure that we all go hunting together until we figure this out," I said.
"I'll pass that along to Carlisle and Esme. Emmett wants to go hunting tonight. It's been a week for him, and he's feeling it1,." Rosalie said.
"Ask Carlisle and Esme to join us, and we can all go tonight. We can perhaps go to the same area and see if we can figure out what is going on up there," I added.
We returned to unpacking, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something just wasn't right with what Rosalie had told us. My first thought had been another vampire, but the smell didn't match up. Vampires have a pleasant smell to both humans and other vampires.
This mystery was really bothering me, but I continued to unpack. I was on my last box when something caught my eye. It was a dual picture frame, but instead of a picture inside it had a medal on one side and a letter on the other. 'This isn't mine, or is it?'
"Look at it more carefully, but it is yours1,." Edward said from the bedroom.
I looked at the object in my hands again. That's when I realized that the medal within the frame was mine. I remembered tossing it aside when I had gone through the items that Michaela had given me.
"Esme found it. She cleaned it up and put it in a frame for you. She recognized what it was immediately and felt you should be able to display it properly," Edward said from the door leading between my study and the bedroom.
I looked at the object again, and finally recognized the medal from a vague fuzzy human memory. It was the "Southern Cross", the confederate Medal of Honor. What I did not understand was why I had it. I had not been awarded this medal from what I could remember.
"Read the letter." Edward said.
March 5, 1863
Southern Cross Medal of Honor is hereby awarded posthumously to Major Jasper Monroe Whitlock IV for bravery and skill in preparation for the Battle of Galveston. The lives of hundreds of women, children and soldiers of the Confederate Army were saved because of the heroic efforts of Major Whitlock on the night before the battle.
Sincerely,
Jefferson Davis
President of the Confederate States of America.
"I was just following orders and doing my job. I don't think I deserve a medal for that," I said. I placed the frame aside. There was no point in displaying something that I did not feel I had earned. There were many men who died fighting for what they believed in, they deserved that medal more then I did.
Edward left me to my thoughts and returned to the bedroom to finish unpacking. I gathered up the empty boxes and took them to the storage room on the third floor. The sun had set not long ago, and I knew Emmett would be anxious to go hunting.
"Are you ready to go?" I asked Edward as I entered the bedroom.
"All done here," Edward said as he finished making the bed.
We met the rest of the family by the back door. "I suggest we hunt first then we can try and figure out this mystery that Rosalie has uncovered1,." I said.
"I agree," Carlisle added.
We took off together and headed north toward Forks Washington. Emmett had told us there were a number of grizzly bears and mountain lions in the area. Emmett had been correct, and we came across the scent of several bears and a few mountain lions.
Edward and I tracked down a couple of mountain lions and quickly drained them. We had finished disposing of the corpses when Edward turned his attention to the northwest where Emmett and Rosalie were hunting.
"Something's wrong." Edward began.
"What?" I asked quickly.
"Rosalie thinks she's being followed and they've just come cross the scent. She's thinking it's much stronger and that there are at least two distinct scents," Edward replied.
"That's not good. I think we need to regroup. I'm getting a bad feeling," I said.
"I think we should go meet up with them now. Rosalie is feeding on a bear, and Emmett is thinking they are being followed. He's caught a shadow moving at the end of his sight," Edward added quickly.
"Let's make sure we pick Carlisle and Esme up along the way," I suggested.
Edward nodded and we quickly began heading toward Carlisle and Esme, who were hunting just north of us. They had also finished hunting when we came upon them.
"We need to go meet up with Rosalie and Emmett right now. Something doesn't feel right," I said.
Carlisle gave me one look and nodded immediately. "Let's go. I've also got a feeling that something is amiss out here."
We headed toward Rosalie and Emmett. About half way there Edward movements stiffened slightly. "We need to hurry they have three large wolves closing in on them,"
We all took off running as fast as possible. I was pushing myself to keep up with Edward.
We tore into the wooded area that Rosalie and Emmett were hunting. I spotted them a short distance ahead. Emmett was crouched in a fight stance with Rosalie a short distance behind him, and three large wolves move in on them.
Edward and I quickly traversed the short distance and took up positions beside Emmett. Both of us feel quickly into a crouch. The wolves changed tactics slightly and moved to come at us at slightly different angles. We adjusted our stance to keep Rosalie protected behind us.
Carlisle and Esme joined us seconds later. Rosalie grabbed Esme and held her close to her while Carlisle crouched down just behind Edward and me. The wolves stopped their advance immediately.
"These aren't normal wolves," Edward whispered only loud enough for Carlisle and me to hear.
'I could have told you that, but I'm guessing there is more to your reasoning?' I asked in my thoughts.
"I can hear their thoughts. I think of themselves as werewolves," Edward whispered again.
"Not possible there is no full moon, and werewolves don't look like that," I replied in the same whispered tone.
"I know, but they are wolves and they also have intelligent thought," Edward added, again still whispering.
"What are they thinking?" Carlisle asked.
"They know what we are, and are concerned for the tribe. They think there are too many of us for them to take on, but they can't risk us getting to their tribe," Edward said.
"Do you mean a Native tribe?" Carlisle asked.
"Yes, it seems they are protectors of some kind for the Quileute tribe," Edward answered.
"Do you know if they would understand me if I spoke loud enough for them to hear me?" Carlisle asked.
"I think so, which is why I'm whispering," Edward said.
"Let see if we can end this stand off without a fight. Jasper, keep them calm if you can. Edward I want you to keep me apprised of their thoughts," Carlisle whispered.
We both nodded and watched as Carlisle slowly stood from his crouch. He raised his hands in a gesture of peace, and slowly stepped between Edward and me. "We mean you no harm, and we do not want to fight you," Carlisle spoke loud enough for the wolves to hear.
I could feel Esme worry as she watched Carlisle standing before the wolves. Rosalie was just as worried, but I could sense a determination from her. I was sure that if they hurt Carlisle that she'd be one of the first to make them pay.
The largest of the wolves, whose fur was russet colored turned his attention to Carlisle. Edward stood slowly and placed hand on Carlisle's left shoulder. He leaned in a whispered, "They don't trust you, but the leader wants to hear what you have to say."
"We are aware that you have had dealings with our kind in the past, but we are different. My family and I do not feed on humans," Carlisle gestured toward the corpse of the bear beside Rosalie. "We live off the blood of animals."
The russet wolf looked between the dead bear and Carlisle a few times then to the rest of the family.
"He's noticed that our eyes are different. He's telling his brothers that he is going to phase to his human form so he can speak with you," Edward whispered again.
The russet wolf back away slowly then stepped behind a tree. He emerged a moment later as a young Native male. He wore a pair of pants made fur and leather, and no shirt. He walked back and stood between the two wolves.
"My name is Ephraim Black. I am chief of the Quileute tribe."
"I am Dr. Carlisle Cullen, and this is my family." Carlisle replied.
"Doctor?" Ephraim said in disbelief.
"Yes. I've worked as a doctor for nearly a century." Carlisle said.
"How is that possible?" Ephraim asked.
"To answer your question I would need to tell you my story and how I was changed. If you wish to hear it, I will tell you my story, but before that I wish to offer a treaty between my family and your people," Carlisle said.
"What kind of treaty?" Ephraim asked cautiously.
"My family would stay off Quileute lands, in exchange we asked that your people do not reveal who we are to the humans. Our kind has strict rules on exposure. Humans must not know we exist," Carlisle said.
"How do I know that you have not deceived us? Perhaps you hunt humans away from here?" Ephraim replied.
"I give you my word that we do not hunt humans. It would be impossible for me to be a doctor if I did. We also do not allow others of our kind to hunt in our territory. We do this to protect ourselves from exposure, and because it allows us to connect with our humanity. None of us choose this life, and we have all worked hard to overcome our nature so that we can be more human," Carlisle said.
"I detect no deception in your words. I am willing to hear your story, and then I will decide on this treaty," Ephraim replied.
"Thank you." Carlisle said.
We all relaxed a bit. Emmet and I stood out of our crouches and I took up a place beside Carlisle. Emmett moved to stand with Rosalie and Esme.
"Let us sit and talk," Carlisle said.
Carlisle, Edward and I made the first move to sit. Ephraim sat down after we had, and the wolves sat down close beside him. The wolves keep their eyes on Edward and me.
"I was born sometime during the 1640s in London England. My father was an Anglican Preacher. He was also an intolerant man, and was quick to find demons were none existed. He was overly enthusiastic in his pursuit of the wicked," Carlisle began.
The wolves kept their vigilant watch over us while Ephraim listened intently to Carlisle's story.
"After my twenty-third birthday my father placed me in charge of the raids. I was not as quick to condemn the innocent like my father. I was more patience and eventually found a true coven of vampires hiding in the sewers."
Carlisle continued with his story and about his change. "I had hidden myself as far away from the humans as possible. I did not want to be a monster or kill anyone. I was growing weaker and I knew that I would not be able to resist if a human happened by my hiding place. Then one night I sprang from hiding place before I knew what I was doing. When I regained control of my mind and looked around me there was a large herd of deer, all of them dead."
Ephraim seemed very surprised but did not speak it aloud. "I decide then that I did not need to be a monster and that I could use my new abilities to help people instead of killing them. It has taken me over a century to learn the necessary control to work with humans as a doctor. Human blood has no effect on me," Carlisle said.
"What of your family? Does human blood affect them?" Ephraim asked.
"They are still new to this life. My son Edward, here, is the most controlled after me," Carlisle said as he gestured to Edward. "My family is still learning, but we are good at this life."
Ephraim sat and thought for a moment, then spoke. "I will agree to this treaty you propose, but I wish to add one other item to it."
"What would you like to add?" Carlisle asked.
"So long as you are in this area, you and your family are not to bite any humans, regardless of whether it is to change them or to feed," Ephraim stated firmly.
That part of the treaty concerned me. I touched Carlisle's shoulder and he turned to me. "I don't like that addition. If one of us slips, we'd be in breach of the treaty," I said.
Carlisle nodded then turned to Edward. I only made out a few words of what Edward said, but it sounds like they would not agree without this addition to the treaty. Carlisle was deep in thought for a moment. Our superior minds allowed us to process things at a much quicker pace then humans.
"I agree to your addition. My family will stay off your land, and we will not bite any human while we reside in this area. In exchange your tribe will keep our secret," Carlisle said.
"Agreed," Ephraim said.
Carlisle stood and extended his hand to Ephraim. Ephraim stood and after a moment shook Carlisle's hand.
After figuring out the boundary line on a map we parted ways. Edward and I were the last to back away from the meeting. After they were out of sight we turned and ran to catch up with the family. The journey back to Hoquiam was silent.
When we got back to the house, we all filed silently into the dinning room. We were going to have a family meeting.
"Well that ended better then it started," Carlisle said.
"We were lucky that Ephraim was willing to listen. His brothers do not agree with this treaty, but they have no choice except to follow it," Edward said.
"I don't like it. Staying off their land is easy enough, but we can't be sure they won't accidently expose us. There is also the risk of one of us slipping and causing a breech of the treaty," I said.
"I think it would be best if we moved on as quickly as possible," Rosalie added.
"I have to agree with Rosalie. It's too dangerous to stay here long. They are willing to keep the secret, but if we mess up they will look to take us out one by one if necessary," Edward added.
"We just got here and I can't leave the hospital just yet. We're going to need to tough it out for a few months. In the meantime we should look at moving again soon," Carlisle said.
"I think it might be best to move to New England instead of somewhere north in Canada. I know you've been there in the last sixty or so years, but if we are careful we can still find some place remote," Edward said.
"Let's look at New Hampshire. Perhaps some of you may want to attend University." Carlisle suggested.
"I'll start looking for houses in New Hampshire. Let's make sure that we hunt in groups of three or more, and be extra careful. I'll start dropping hints of a sick aunt in a month, and that will give us the excuse we need to leave a couple of months after that," Carlisle said.
We ended the meeting on that note. Edward and I headed up to our room for some alone time. I sat on our bed with my back propped up against the headboard with several pillows in between. Edward laid down on the bed with his head resting on my chest and his arms wrapped around me. I had my left arm wrapped around Edward's back and my right hand played with Edward's left.
Edward was humming a tune, as we just enjoy the feeling of holding each other. These were the moments I enjoyed the most. Our alone time was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," I said.
Emmett entered the room and quickly closed the door behind him. He had this intense look of concentration on his face.
"Interesting," Edward said. He must have been reading Emmett's thoughts.
"So how can we help you with what you're thinking about?" Edward asked.
"Well I'd need one or both of you to go with me to Jewelry store," Emmett said.
"I don't think any Jewelry store here will carry something that Rosalie would like. We'd best to go to Tiffany's & Co. in New York," Edward said.
Emmett frowned. "I'm not sure I can afford anything from there."
"I wouldn't worry about it. All you need to do is let Esme know what you want to buy and she'll make sure you have the money," Edward said.
Emmett frowned again. "I kind of wanted to buy her ring on my own."
Edward was silent for a moment. "Edward and I could lend you the money and you could pay us back," I suggested.
"I'll even charge you interest if that would make you feel better." Edward laughed.
Emmett thought about it for a moment, "Okay. Also, could we keep this between us. I don't want Rosalie finding out before I'm ready to propose."
"Of course, our lips are sealed," Edward said.
The following few weeks flew by quickly. The family hunted once a week as one large group. We had not crossed paths with the wolves while hunting since the day we made the treaty. However, Ephraim and his brothers had shown up at the house less then an hour ago.
One of their tribal members had gone missing. Ephraim did not believe that we had anything to do with the missing girl, but his brothers were not convinced. They had come to see if we had violated the treaty. Carlisle had assured them we had not, and that if we had our eyes would show. They would turn red immediately with the fresh human blood, and would take weeks to turn back to gold.
They relaxed a bit when they noticed our eyes were all gold. "I apologize for having jumped to conclusion, Carlisle," Ephraim said.
"It is fine, but let us return to the topic of your missing tribal member. When was she last seen?" Carlisle asked.
"A few hours ago near the beach. Quil, here, picked up the scent of a vampire. I knew it was not the scent of your family," Ephraim said, giving his brothers a stern look.
I assumed he had only come here to appease them. He had no doubt believed we were not involved. Edward who was standing beside me nodded his head just slightly. We had learned over the past few years to communicate silently through my thoughts and Edwards movements and emotions.
"Did you follow the scent?" I asked. It had only been a few hours ago, but there was a small chance she may still be alive.
"Yes, but they crossed the Sol Duc River at several locations and we lost the trail," Said the one named Quil.
"We can help you try to find her," I offered.
"No, absolutely not! They cannot be trusted, Ephraim!" Said the other brother.
"Silence Levi," Ephraim said in a demanding tone. "They have not harmed anyone in the area, and have offered us the help we need to track down Claire," Ephraim said.
"Edward, fill a backpack with medical supplies. You and Jasper will come with me," Carlisle said, and then turned to Emmett. "I need you to stay with Esme and Rosalie. Keep them safe."
Emmett nodded. I knew he'd want to go, but it was safer if he stayed here. Edward flitted away and was back within a minute with a backpack filled with medical supplies.
"You can't be seriously considering letting them track Claire," Levi said.
"That is exactly what I intend to do. We might be able to find her before it is too late with their help. If she is hurt, perhaps Dr. Cullen will be able to help," Ephraim said. His voice left no room for argument.
We all headed out and the wolves disappeared into the forest for a moment to phase. Ephraim appeared a moment later and we followed after him and his brothers. It took us thirty minutes to reach the scent trail left by the vampire and Claire.
I crouched down by the river bank and examined the scent trail. There were very light foot prints in the soil. "We're dealing with a male. The scent trail is not old, and the human female was still alive at this point," I said.
"We'll need to cross the river," Edward said.
"Leap together," I said. "On three, one, two, three," we all leaped across together. The wolves watched in amazement, but quickly followed us as they crossed the river. I picked up the scent trail again.
"He's heading north," I said.
We headed north running as quickly as we could without losing the trail. We crossed the river four more times before the trailed turned of toward the northwest. The only thing in that direction was the Pacific Ocean.
"The scent is stronger here," Carlisle observed after another few miles. We entered a clearing that was backed by a sheer cliff wall directly ahead of us. The scent was fresh and very strong here.
"Be careful. I don't like this at all," I said.
We spotted the human female near the cliff face in the dark shadows. I did not see the vampire, but I knew he was close. I could sense his emotions. He had plans for the human female. He wanted her for more then just her blood.
I turned to Carlisle and explained what I was reading from the vampire who was in some unknown locations near the human female. Carlisle turned to Ephraim speaking in a whisper, the coordinated their plan.
The wolves would deal with the vampire. It was our goal to get to the human female and get her to safety. We moved off to the right to come around behind the human. The wolves entered the clearing to draw the vampire's attention. It took several minutes but it worked. The male vampire dropped down from the cliff above. He had feed recently, and his eyes were bright red.
He had not noticed us nearby, and his attention was focused solely on the wolves. As soon as the Wolves attacked, we moved in to rescue the human.
Edward picked her up since he was the fastest runner. "Stay calm. I'm not going to hurt you. We're here to help."
I used my power to keep her calm. Edward took off running, Carlisle and I followed soon after. We could hear the vampire trying to fight off the wolves. When the sound was all but faded away we stopped.
Edward placed the young woman down beside the river. Carlisle came over to examine her.
"She has a broken arm and several bruises," Edward said.
"Jasper, find me four small thin branches I can use for a splint," Carlisle said.
I found a tree with several small branches that would work. I broke off the branches easily and returned to Carlisle.
Carlisle was finished wrapping her arm when the wolves returned. Ephraim phased and came quickly to Carlisle said.
"How is she?" He asked quickly.
"Her arm is broken, and will need to be placed in a plaster cast. You will need to take her to a hospital for that. I've treated her bruises, and given her medication for the pain." Carlisle said, and then handed a small bottle to Ephraim.
"What is this?" Ephraim asked.
"More pain medication. Give her one or two tablets when the current medication wears off." Carlisle said.
"Did you burn the pieces?" I asked Ephraim.
"Yes," He replied.
"Good, don't need this guy coming back to cause more problems."
"Thank Dr. Cullen. We may not trust each other, but you have proven to be a man of your word," Ephraim said.
"I am happy that my family and I were able to help you. If you are unable to find a doctor at the hospital in Forks to help Claire, please bring her to Hoquiam and I will treat her for you," Carlisle replied.
"Thank you, again," Ephraim said. He picked up Claire and then headed off followed closely by the Wolves.
"Let's head home," Carlisle said.
