Disclaimer: All Twilight related material belongs to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note: I first off want to apologize. I realize it's been more than six months since I have posted a chapter and I realize I have probably lost a lot of readers because of this. However, to those of you that stuck around THANK YOU! I tried to this this chapter out before I left but it wasn't in the shape I wanted it to be. For the last six months I have been studying abroad and had virtually no time to write. But now that I am home for the summer I hope to get chapters out in a more timely manner. I want to specially thank Dutchgirl01 for her faith and support in this story and all her lovely PMs. More fun stuff at the bottom.

The italics at the top here is a recap from chapter 20 so you know where we left off with Bella! FINALLY onto Chapter 21!

The Trail

Chapter 21

Wyoming

August 1842

BPOV

I looked over at Edward and saw despair in his eyes, the unmistakable guilt.

"DO YOU DENY IT?" James screamed at him.

"No."

"My brother will have his vengeance." James whispered as he raised his gun and fired it at Edward's chest.

Time seemed to slow. My ears rang from the gunfire. I watched in horror as Edward crumbled and fell to the ground unmoving. No. No. NO!

"EDWARD!" I yelled in agony. "No! Edward!" I tried to run towards him but James dragged me and threw me on his horse. The other two men followed us, leaving Edward lying there.

James flicked the reins and we started to gallop away. I stared back at my love's body. Pain was overcoming me. No, this couldn't be real. Edward, he couldn't be. No, he couldn't be…dead.

With every jolt of the horse I felt like a knife was going right through my heart. I had to go back. I had to be with him. He needed me. I had to go! Without thinking I threw myself from the horse onto the hard dirt ground. I barely registered the pain that shot through my side as I rolled on the ground coming to a stop. I could hear James shouting at me. But none of it mattered. I had to get back there!

Fighting back the crippling pain in my heart I pushed myself to my feet and began to run back towards Edward. I could hear the thundering hooves behind me, gaining on me. But I pushed myself.

"Stop her!" I heard James yell as I looked over my shoulder to see the younger man gaining on me. He was only a few feet behind me. Coldness swept through the pit of my stomach as I realized I wasn't going to make it to my love. Tears streamed down my face, blinding me. My feet tangled up in my skirts and I fell to the ground hard. I didn't bother getting up. It was over. I was completely and utterly defeated. Rough hands grabbed my arms and yanked me to my feet.

"Stupid bitch!" The dark-haired man yelled before slapping me across the face. I tasted the blood but did not feel the pain.

"Don't damage the merchandise Laurent." James laughed cruelly. I tried to free myself from Laurent but he held on tightly. I felt my sadness harden, like hot metal beginning to cool. My anger grew cold, hard, unforgiving.

James sauntered over towards me, giving me a smirk I wanted to wipe off his face. "Well aren't you a beauty. Don't you think so Riley?" He called to the younger looking man behind him who was holding the horses' reins. Riley shrugged, not answering James.

James tried to stroke my cheek but I flinched away from his touch. His smile seemed to widen. "Ah, yes a wild horse." He looked up and down my body and leaned in. "I'm looking forward to taming you."

I spat in his face. "Murderer!" I hissed. He took out a small handkerchief and wiped his face. I was satisfied to see a small bit of blood from my cut lip had made an appearance.

"Laurent." James said. I felt Laurent's hands leave my arms before I felt a sharp pain to the back of my head and then only darkness.

~T~

"When do ya think she'll wake back up?"

"You bored or something, Riley?"

"No." I heard some shuffling. "Just wondering."

"I'm going to go and get some more firewood. James won't want the fire to go out. You good to watch her?" Laurent asked.

I opened my eyes and Laurent's retreating form came into focus. There was a dull ache at the back of my head but other than that I seemed to be unharmed. I shivered a little as the cold night air picked up. I was lying on the cold ground, my hands tied together behind my back. I saw Riley staring into the fire beside me, seemingly lost in thought. I shivered again and realized I needed to get closer to the dying fire. I tried to sit up but slumped back down quickly without the use of my hands.

"Oh, you're awake." I looked up to see Riley staring back at me. "Here, let me help you." He saw me struggling and helped sit me upright.

"Thank you." I murmured. Riley's eyes widen before he quickly looked down away from me. I scooted closer to the fire trying to feel its warmth.

"Are you thirsty? I have some water." Riley held up his small canteen.

I nodded and he offered the canteen to me. "I can't –" I started glancing behind me at my tied hands before he realized his error.

"Oh, of course." He quickly moved over to me and held the canteen to my mouth. I water was cool and refreshing against my tongue. I took a few swallows before he offered me more. I shook my head as he capped it and sat back down.

"Are you cold?" he asked. I was once again shocked as I nodded.

"Here," he offered taking the blanket from his back and shrouding me in it. I immediately felt the warmth begin to set in.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked quietly.

"Doing what?" He asked sitting closer to me but returning his gaze to the fire.

"Being so kind to me?"

He looked back at me shocked, as if he too did not know why.

"And Sleeping Beauty has awakened!" I didn't need to turn around to know James had rejoined the group. He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek to which I flinched away, almost falling over.

James let out a boisterous laugh. "Oh you tease!" He sat down on the other side of the fire. "Did you awaken the fair lady with a kiss Riley?" Riley stared at the fire saying nothing. James looked at me noting the blanket. "Or maybe something more?" James chuckled to himself as my anger at him burned ever brighter.

Laurent came back moments later with more firewood and he and Riley added it to the fire. I stared at the burning flames feeling their heat.

"Now that we are all together again we must discuss our plan." James took out a small bottle of what looked like whiskey and took a sip before passing it to Laurent. "As you've become aware our looting has afforded us some of the necessities we will need in California. Once we have claimed our land we will then send for Riley's sister Victoria," James nodded towards Riley, "and we will be able to start our business. I have good feelings about California and as word of this trail takes off more and more settlers will be coming there. With Victoria running the business and us taking the profits we will be in fine shape lads, fine shape indeed." Laurent toasted James' speech and took a sip before passing it to Riley. Riley barely sipped it with a small grimace before handing it back to Laurent.

What was this business they were talking about? Why did this Victoria need to run it? Why couldn't James or Laurent or Riley for that matter? It was very odd that a woman would ever run a business when there was a male available and up for the task. The bigger question was where did I fit into all of this? If they were going to kill me why didn't they just do it to begin with? Why make me their prisoner?

"What do you want from me?" I stared at James who just smiled menacingly at me.

"Well isn't it obvious? A whorehouse must have whores to work it." My jaw dropped open as what he said dawned on me.

Laurent chuckled at my reaction as he took another swing of whiskey. Riley continued to stare into the fire, emotionless.

"So rest up my dear, for you're going to need it when we get to California." Laurent and James laughed as they continued to drink their whiskey toasting their luck and their future success.

I laid back down onto the cold ground fighting the coldness that was sinking through me that had nothing to do with the warmth of the fire. I'd rather die than be one of James' whores. I was Edward's and he was mine. I'd never have another. I wiggled my fingers and felt the soft string on my left ring finger symbolizing our love.

I glanced up to see Riley staring down at me, a frown evident on his face before he got up and walked into the woods. I snuggled more under Riley's blanket feeling my new resolve. I knew what I had to do.

I was going to escape.

~T~

I knew I would only get one chance to escape James and his men. I needed to bide my time though. I knew we were still weeks away from California. This gave me precious time to figure out how to ensure my success. I would not fail.

I felt a glimmer of hope when we crossed the South Pass in Wyoming. There was a small cottage where I saw a farmer and his wife working the land.

"Maybe we should rest here for the night?" Laurent asked James. It was already getting close to dusk and we would need to stop. James pulled his horse and trotted toward me and Riley. I was riding with Riley today and I sat in front of him in the saddle.

"Your name is Victoria and you are Riley's sister." He glanced over to Riley. "Untie her." He ordered turning away. I immediately smiled at the relief of having my hands untied. I rubbed my wrists against the slight rope burns. "One more thing," James said. "If you try anything I will not hesitate to kill not only you but these people too. Their blood would be on your hands, Isabella." He said cruelly as he rode back up to the front, a broad smile on his face as he approached the couple.

We followed behind James and watched him smooth talk the couple telling them about our weary travels asking for some hospitality and showing them some coins in his pocket. The man waved the money away and motioned us forward.

"Thank you sir, you are most kind." I heard James say smoothly as we came into earshot.

"Please, call me Peter." said the husband and motioned to the young woman beside him. "This is my wife Charlotte." She nodded her bonnet covered head at James. The couple seemed young, they must have been newlyweds. I felt a familiar pain in my chest as once more my thoughts turned to my Edward.

"Please don't try anything stupid." Riley whispered in my ear before jumping off the horse, helping me down after him.

James did all the introductions and I nodded my head as he introduced me as Victoria. I would have to wait for my opportunity. I needed to see if I could trust this young couple.

"Pleasure to meet you. You can take your horses into the barn. There's a loft up there where the men can sleep." The husband turned to me. "We have a small spare room that you are welcome to use Miss…?"

Instinct took over as I quickly replied, "Swan." I could feel James' heated gaze on me but refused to meet his eyes.

"There will be no need for that. I'm sure the Swan sibling will be happy to share a room. Isn't that right Victoria?" I could feel the burn of James' glare as I nodded.

Peter looked at our interaction curiously before he told James that supper would be ready soon and that we should settle in for the night. Charlotte and Peter then retreated inside.

James waited for the door to be shut before he ordered Riley and Laurent to take the horses into the barn. I started to follow but James grabbed my arm and yanked me back.

"Oh no. Not you Miss Swan." He sneered and led be behind the house out of sight. He threw me against the house and my back banged against the rough wood. I winced visibly and cowered as James threw his hand back about to slap me.

"James no!" Riley yelled grabbing James' arm.

"How dare you!" James seethed at Riley.

"If you mark her they will question us." Riley said quietly releasing James' arm. James instead gripped my face in his hand and yanked me towards him. His grip hurt as I tried to move away but he held fast. "Consider this your only warning." He threatened before walking away to join Laurent in the barn.

I touched my sore jaw and glanced up at Riley who was watching James' retreating form, avoiding my gaze. "Thank you for stopping him."

Riley looked back at me. "I didn't do it for you." He said quietly before following James towards the barn. Riley was such a mystery to me. He would show me these small acts of kindness but then return to being James' puppet. I walked back towards the front of the house, ready to play my part as Victoria.

~T~

"This is quite delicious Charlotte, thank you." James nodded towards Charlotte, his charm rolling off him in waves. Riley and Laurent both grunted their approval of the rabbit stew as they scarfed it down. We were an awkward bunch sitting around Peter and Charlotte's wooden rectangular table. James was sitting to my right and was trying to make conversation with Peter who sat at the head of the table. Riley and Laurent were sitting across from me and James ate their stew in silence. I could feel Charlotte's eyes on me as if she could sense that something was amiss. I so wished to give her some sort of signal but I feared by doing so I would draw James' attention.

"So California?" Peter asked.

"Yes, we hope to start a tavern there for all the worn travelers." James took another bite of food. "To do God's work and give them some comfort from their travels, as you and your wife have kindly provided to us."

"You feel a calling to do God's work?" Charlotte asked.

"Why yes," James smiled. "I feel in these changing times we must spread God's love and remove all the savages and heathens from His earthly kingdom."

"They are not savages." The table fell silent as everyone looked at me. I stared down at my food. I wouldn't let them speak cruelly of the Indians. Not the ones that showed me such kindness. There was an awkward pause before James burst out in humorless laughter.

"You must excuse our young friend here. She is foolish and does not understand the ways of the world." James said gripping his knife and giving me a warning look.

"No, let her speak her mind. The Indians have attacked us before, why do you think them a peaceful people?" Peter questioned me.

I glanced up and saw Riley subtly shake his head. Maybe this was my chance? My only chance of escaping my future.

"I have met them. They are a kind people. They only want to protect what is rightfully theirs."

"They are no more than barbaric wolves. They murder and destroy our towns. I, myself, have seen it happen many times. It was one of the reasons I left my home in North Carolina." James smoothed over.

"And what of the wolves among us? The ones dressed in sheep's clothes. Are they not just as barbaric?" I stared at James as I saw a fire lighting in his eyes.

"Riley, my dear friend, I think your sister here is weary from traveling. Why don't you take her to her room. I'm sure we can discuss this more in the morning." James ordered Riley and who stood up and grabbed me by my forearm.

"Come, dear sister. I think you've had a tiring day." I stood hastily glaring back at James.

"One cannot help but grow tired of the injustices of the world. When murderers are allowed to roam the earth." I seethed as Riley pulled me from the room. I saw Peter and Charlotte exchange a look with each other as if they were silently communicating.

"You must excuse her. She has quite a vivacious mind. Has probably read too many novels. So you're from Texas?" James quickly changed the conversation as Riley dragged me down the hall into the bedroom, slamming the door from behind him.

"Have you completely lost your mind? What were you trying to accomplish angering James?" He ran his hands threw his hair, gripping it harshly. "Do you want him to kill those people?"

"No! I –"

"No, Bella," He pushed me onto the bed and towered over me. "You weren't thinking. You never think. You just act and damn the consequences." The anger seemed to leave him as he sat on the bed beside me.

"Will he kill them?" I asked quietly realizing the danger I put the young couple in.

"I do not know." He mumbled staring at his folded hands as he leaned forward.

"Why do you follow him?" I placed my hand on his shoulder. "You're better than he is. You're not a monster."

"Don't pretend to know me." He shrugged off my hand and stood up. "You should get ready for bed. I'll be back in a few minutes." He walked towards the door but stopped and turned back to me.

"Please don't try anything stupid." He stared at me pleadingly before he walked out of the door and locked it behind him.

I laid back on the bed. Maybe Riley was the chance I was looking for. Maybe I could win him over and he could help me to escape or at least give me the opportunity to do so. I'm sure James had Peter and Charlotte wrapped around his finger at this point. I stood back up and quickly changed into a nightgown that Charlotte had provided. She was a little taller than me so the gown hung past my feet. I had folded my dress at the base of the bed and begun to plait my hair when the door unlocked and burst open.

James strode in, anger evident on his face. He didn't waste a moment before slapping me hard across my face, the force of the blow causing me to fall to the floor.

"You stupid whore!" James raged at me. I curled into a ball. I cried out in pain as I felt his boot kick my back.

"I'll cut your pretty little throat!" He grabbed my hair and pulled me to my knees. I felt the cold knife against my throat. I closed my eyes thinking that this was the end. He would finally kill me.

Edward, I love you.

A gunshot rang out and I felt the coldness of the knife leave my throat. Another fire and the door to the bedroom burst open.

"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!" Laurent yelled at James. James let me go and I slumped to the floor, gripping my throat. I felt a small gash where James had started to cut me. I cried out as the glass shattered in the window as an arrow shot through. Finally everything clicked. We were under attack from some Indians.

My chance to escape had arrived.

~T~

RileyPOV

I had only just sat back down at the table when I saw James excuse himself from the table. I moved to stand back up but shook his head and thrust an empty bowl in my hand.

"You don't have to do that." Charlotte objected as Laurent and I brought the empty bowls to her small sink.

"It's the least we can do." Laurent said. Peter was staring out the window into the darkness.

"James didn't go outside did he?" Peter asked quietly.

"No." Laurent replied questioningly. Then we heard it. The gallop of horses.

"Didn't think so." Peter said as he grabbed his rifle by the front door, quickly loading it. "Charlotte." Was all he said before she dropped the dishes and ran towards the back of the house arriving seconds later with two pistols.

Peter quickly opened the window and aimed his rifle through it before firing.

The sound of the gun sent Laurent and I in motion. All our weapons were out in the barn! We needed to get them before the Indians got any closer.

"Riley, go and get the guns. I'll meet you out there. I need to warn James." Laurent said before running down the hall.

"I'll cover you!" Peter yelled as shot again before he cracked open his front door.

I took a deep breath before sprinting towards the barn. I was fast but not fast enough as I felt an arrow graze my arm. I cried out in pain but continued to run. I heard a shot ring out before a dull thud behind me. Peter must have got him. I ran into the barn and quickly grabbed my pistol as I could hear two savages chasing me. Turning quickly with the loaded pistol in my hand I fired two shots quickly, hit each one squarely in the chest.

The horses were whining from their stalls, anxious of all the noise happening outside. I made quick work of getting the guns. I threw the rifle over my shoulder and stuck some extra bullets into my pockets. Reloading my two pistols I eased the barn door back open, checking to see if the coast was clear.

Shots continued to fire from the house as more and more Indians ran from the woods towards the house, arrows flying. I even saw a few Indians on horseback riding around the house. I reclosed the barn door. There were too many of them for me to try and make it back on foot. I glanced up to the hayloft, inspiration hitting me.

Putting the pistols in the back of my pants I quickly made my way up the ladder seeing the open window at the far end. From the window I could see the house and had a better view of the oncoming attack. I took the pistols out of my pants and loaded the rifle. Taking aim I shot down three Indian before they realized where the attack was coming from.

I ducked down as a few arrows were shot towards the barn. Slowly rising up to look back at the window I saw something that made fear run through me. Bella was leaning against the side of the house, peeking around the corner. Then she was sprinting towards the woods!

"BELLA!" I yelled at her. Firing once more at an Indian that was running towards her I ran back towards the ladder, climbing down it as fast as I could. My heart was pounding in my chest as I threw open the barn door and started firing, to hell with my own safety. I had to get to Bella.

She saw me running towards her and picked up her pace.

"Bella stop!" I yelled pausing again to fire my pistols. Why wasn't she stopping she was going to get herself killed!

Yet she kept running towards the trees. If she got there I'd lose her! An Indian ran at me and I didn't get my pistol up in time before he was on me. He brought his hand up a knife in it and raised to strike me with it. I ducked the blow but he knocked my pistol out of my hand. He swung the knife at me, and I once again dodged it but not before I fell to the ground. He took this opportunity to jump on top of me, pulling my head up preparing to scalp me. I cried out but his weight fell off of me. I looked up to see James standing over the Indian, a pistol in his hand still smoking. I quickly looked back towards the woods to see an Indian hoisting Bella's limp body onto his horse before galloping away. They were retreating.

"No!" I called out to Bella moving to get up but James' foot came down on my torso forcing me back to the ground.

"She's gone. Get back to the house." James ordered me before walking away and shooting a wounded Indian on the ground. I glanced back at the glassy-eyed Indian beside me and then back towards the forest.

Was she really gone?

I got up and ran over to wear she fell. I saw something in the grass. Bending down my fingers found a small wooden circular object. Bringing it up into the moonlight I saw it was Bella's necklace. I couldn't mistake the strange swirls that I remembered her fingers always toying with. Staring out into the darkness of the trees I faced the truth.

She was gone.

~T~

BPOV

I woke to the sound of a crackling fire. My head ached. I touched my forehead and felt a bandage there. I slowly opened my eyes and saw I was in a teepee. There was a small bowl beside me with a bloody rag inside. I was still dressed in my nightgown but there was a fur blanket draped over me. I tried to sit up slowly but I immediately felt dizzy and laid back down. The drape of the teepee was raised and I saw a young Indian woman come through. She looked around my age, maybe younger, with long black hair braided down her back. She glanced up at me and I couldn't help but gasp. She had a nasty scar running from her temple towards her chin and down her neck, disappearing near her collarbone. She touched her cheek, the scar beneath her hand. Her eyes filled with a deep sadness

"Yes, many are shocked when they first see me. But no matter. How are you feeling?" she asked me.

"You speak English?" I could not hide my surprise. She sat beside the small bed of furs and wrung the cloth in the bowl.

"Yes, I had a very close friend teach me. The same one who saved me from this." She motioned towards her scar a small smile on her face.

"How did I get here?" I asked.

"One of our warriors saw you fall and picked you up. He saw that you had been beaten and brought you back here." She glanced up at me. "Did those people hurt you?"

I nodded as I thought back to what had happened. I touched my cheek and felt the tender bruise beneath my fingertips. James had hit me. But when he left I had escaped through the window. I remembered running and Riley coming after me. I remember tripping near the trees but nothing after that.

"Thank you for taking care of me." I said not wanting them to go after Peter and Charlotte. They were innocent. James was the guilty one.

"Did they kill everyone?" I asked quietly staring up at this woman's brown eyes.

"No, our warriors were fired on first. They were out to fight another tribe. Your people were caught in the crosshairs." She moved back to the fire, prodding it. "You should rest. There is food by your bed in case you get hungry."

"Thank you for your kindness."

"It is only right to share the Mother's gift." She moved towards the exit of the teepee.

"Wait," I called out to her. "What is your name?"

She smiled at me softly and answered, "Dhara."

Woah! Does anyone remember who Dhara is? Specifically who brought her up to Bella? (Hint: Chapter 16)

I'd love to know what you thought of this chapter! Please leave a review if you can!

Thanks for reading and sticking with me!

See you next time!