Chapter 10: A Ghost Amongst The Living

Weeks passed and the hot sticky summer days dragged on. This night was particularly stifling. There was no breeze blowing, cool or otherwise and the humidity hung stagnant in the air. Its heavy oppressive weight leaving a disgustingly wet film across everyone's bodies. Deciding it was far too sweltering to sleep inside, the children had all agreed that the outside air was by far the better option and gathered around the charred stone that encompassed the the small bonfire that they had lit only for the sole purpose of having a bit of extra light while they all conversed amongst themselves.

Iris watched as the yellow and orange flames of the bonfire fought violently against one another, each color vying for the honor to burn brightest. She could hear the crack and pop of the wood succumbing to the wicked heat it was encased in, flickers of crimson ash sparking from within as a new piece of wood was defeated by the blaze. Iris sat nestled against Matto's chest, her body fully encased around his legs and arms, as she stared mesmerized into the fire before her.

Iris peered around the small bonfire, quietly observing her family. Keme was sitting next to Matto and herself, the pair speaking in hushed tones clearly deep in conversation. Next to them were Jonas and Winnie. Iris softly chuckled as she watched the two youngest intertwine flower after flower, creating a long beautifully smelling and vibrantly colored necklace. She always appreciated their genuinely sweet natures, often looking after them as if they were both her own little brother and sister. Her smiled widened as she watched Winnie help instruct Jonas on the proper way to tie the flowers together. Taking his hands in hers and carefully maneuvering them around the fragile flower stems. Until the tiniest of knots was made and the long necklace was finally complete and then the pair skipped over to Lydia, placing the long necklace around her slender neck.

Iris watched as Lydia beamed up at them and pulled them both into her embrace. Lydia was sitting in a similar fashion as herself and Matto were, encased in Gabriel's arms. They had announced only this morning their plans to marry and Iris, as well as everyone else, was overjoyed for them both. They were and excellent match and not for any other reason then the simple fact that they were completely mad with love for the other. Though, Iris was quite certain that Gabriel knew he had his hands full with Lydia. She was after all every bit a spitfire as their Mama was. Uncle Natty had laughed out right at the announcement, stating the irony that Jack's son should marry Pru's daughter and referencing how the apple had not fallen far from the tree. Iris mused to herself before continuing on with her gaze.

She swiveled her head around to her right to watch Rebekah as she quite mercilessly tease Robin about something or another. They had always been the type of twins that could finish each others sentences or predict what the other was doing at that exact moment. Iris found it extremely ironic that she was the one considered to be a witch, a distinction made solely based on her physical features. When here in front of her was true witchcraft at work in her cousins uncanny abilities. Regardless, she did take a secret joy in watching Rebekah, as the eldest sibling, push around her younger twin brother. Iris huffed softly in laughter and turned her attention to her own brothers, who were seated directly across from her.

Elijah sat legs extended in front of him and palms leaning way back in the dirt. His dainty wife, curled sweetly around his long form. Tabitha's arm was draped casually across his chest and her bare feet were gently nudging Elijahs'. Such a simple action that silently held so much meaning for Iris. It showed that Tabitha had acclimated perfectly to their free lifestyle of uninhibited bliss, so much so that she felt comfortable enough to be only wearing her white shift, along with all the girls in their own attempt at a reprieve from the heat. Iris found herself saying a silent prayer for them, quietly willing for them to have a baby. As she stared at them together she could think of no two people more deserving of a family than them.

Last in her sights were Gideon and Ash. The two sat side by side, Ash listening intently to whatever Gideon was saying. Iris was always a bit more at peace when Ash was home. They had always been close, very close. When she was injured, she ran to Ash. When she was teased, she ran to Ash. When she was excited, she ran to Ash. Iris remembered how her heart broke the first time he went away from the farm. She had cried for days after he left, weeping all over the forest. She remembered how before he left that first time, Ash had knelt down before her and promised that no matter where he was or what he was doing he would always come home to her on her birthday. So that she would know for certain that she would always see him then. A promise he had never faltered on. Iris's thoughts were interrupted when Elijah laughed heartily across from her and instantly drawing her attention.

"Look at our family now!" Elijah boasted. "I sit before you a married man." He said squeezing Tabitha against his chest and continued, "Iris and Matto have found their way together and Lydia and Gabriel will soon become one! What a wondrous year this has been."

"Before we know it, it will be Robin, Rebekah and Keme's turn to find love in the world." Matto joked from atop Iris's head.

"What about Ash?" Rebekah countered, "Or Gideon?"

"Gideon is far to like Ash. They are wanderers, explorers, men who live for the moment and the moment lives for them." Elijah said with wide grin and continued, "I'd be shocked to find that my little brother has ever even had a woman, as he is such a solitary man!" Elijah said jokingly and nudging his little brother with his elbow.

The rest of the family, laughed and giggled at Elijah's innocently placed jest. Though not Iris. She stared across at Ash who broke the faintest of smiles across his face at their brother's light heartedness and merely tossed another stick into the fire. She watched how the curve of his mouth only slightly lifted then fell almost instantly. While the others moved on to different subjects, Iris tilted her head at him curiously. She narrowed her hawk like eyes and began to peer deep into his soul. Iris's mouth fell open as she realized that her brother had had a woman, a special woman no less. A woman he was not prepared to share with the rest them. Someone he kept tightly to his heart. Iris stared in disbelief at her big brother. His woman was indeed someone special, someone he still felt the need to protect and keep secret. Iris's mind suddenly raced with questions. What was her name? What did she look like? Where was she now and why was he not with her?

Iris furrowed her brows at him and said from across the flickering light of the bonfire, "Ntàpi xansati." She spoke in Mohican, as that was just what naturally flowed from her lips at that moment. Even though she knew everyone present, with the exception of Gabriel and Tabitha, could fully understand should they be listening. Though, a quick glance around showed her that no one was.

Ash stared into his little sister's eyes, silently speaking so much to her with only a mere lingering glance. He gently nodded his head towards her, so lightly that it looked like nothing at all. Iris smiled softly back at him, before Ash diverted his eyes away from her and into the flickering orange of the bonfire light, lost no doubt in a precious memory.

Just then, as though sensing something shift within her, Matto wrapped his arms around Iris's chest and pulled her even tighter into his embrace. "Are you tired?"

Iris snuggled against him, nuzzling her face into his neck, "Hmmm, a bit."

"Shall we sleep here or would you prefer somewhere else?" Matto asked.

Iris reached up and caressed his cheek, "Here is just fine."

Matto immediately laid backwards against the grass and gently pulled Iris down atop him, carefully placing her head on his chest. He tugged lightly on her leg, encouraging her to sleep exactly as she liked and as she liked was usually with both her arm and leg around him. Her body almost completely on top of him and he loved it. Her feel, her smell and even the weight of her limbs pressing him down further into the earth, Matto loved all of it. He peered around him to see that several of their cousins were now laying in the grass preparing to sleep. Noticing that only Elijah, Ash and Keme were still awake and talking in whispered tones as to not disrupt anyone else. Matto laid awake awhile, his eyes looking upward into the pearly white circle that floated effortlessly in the night sky and quietly listening until Iris's breathing was steady and even. Only when he was certain she was asleep did he take one last look over at Keme, seeing even though they were at their home, that he had taken first watch. Did Matto let his tired eyes fall shut and his dreams run wild.

Iris and Rebekah sat swaying back and forth in the rocking chairs atop Iris's porch, a full basket of mending at their feet and each with a worn shirt splayed across their lap. Both girls had worked methodically on the task at hand, stitching, hemming and basting. They had been sewing since the sun came up that day and their nimble fingers were beginning to lose a bit of sensation at the tips.

Rebekah glanced down into the basket to see that a reasonable dent had been made in the mending and resolutely tossed the shirt she had been working on back into the basket, needle and thread still punched through into a seam. She pulled her legs up and rested them against the porch rail. The effort causing her body to naturally scoot forward and hunch slightly over in the chair.

Iris turned to her cousin, eyeing her small rebellion and said, "The work will still be here tomorrow if we do not finish it today, you know."

Rebekah twisted her head to face Iris and said, "Work will be here tomorrow whether we finish or not. We may as well enjoy the rest of our day today!"

Iris laughed her cousins logic and threw the shirt she had just finished mending directly at Rebekah's face and said, "Well then, what shall we do?"

Rebekah turned her head to the left, watching as her Father, Uncle Uncas and Ash began preparing the wagon with furs. She remembered her father mentioning at supper the night before that he was going trading in town for a bit today. "Hmm, we could go to town with Papa and Uncle Uncas. They will be doing some trading and picking up a few supplies for the farm." Rebekah eyed Iris curiously, noticing that her attention was directed absently towards the forest. "Unless you worry that Matto will be upset that left."

Iris quickly turned her head back towards Rebekah and shaking her head at her said, "Of course not! As you can see cousin he has already left to do who knows what!" Iris hopped to her feet, extending a hand to her cousin and said, "Shall we?"

Rebekah took ahold of Iris's palm and jumped from her chair. The two girls quickly stumbled down the cabin steps and ran hand in hand over to Nathaniel and Uncas.

"May we go with you Father?" Rebekah asked in her sweetest sing song voice, even mockingly fluttering her eyelashes.

Nathaniel turned to the girls after throwing another hide up to Uncas who stood atop the wagon, creating individual piles amongst the furs. "I suppose. Though, we do not plan to return until supper or possibly even later. If that does not suit you then it's best you stay here. And stop fluttering your eye lashes like that! You like you need medical attention!" Nathaniel said with a mocking huff.

Rebekah narrowed her eyes at him and giving him a sharp scowl. A look that Nathaniel had not missed and to which he raised his eyebrows at her. Just as quickly as Rebekah's rebellious nature had shone through was it quickly subsided as she felt Iris's fingers pinch the side of her skin, indicating for her to knock it off. So Rebekah quickly replied, "Oh, no Papa…that suits us just fine!" And smiled widely up at Nathaniel, quickly climbing up into the back of the wagon.

Iris made to make her way as well but was completely startled and squealed as Ash picked her up from behind casually tossing her into the back of the wagon. Making certain she landed directly atop a large pile of furs. Ash put his hand on the wagon and hurled himself into the back, nestling himself comfortably between two different piles of furs. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, determined to block out the musings of his little sister and cousin.

"Do you think Matto will notice your absence?" Rebekah asked.

Iris huffed out a laugh and said, "Of course he will!" She twirled around the fresh braid that Matto had put into her hair just that morning, while they were bathing together in the lake. Iris closed her eyes at the memory of his hands upon her skin, tracing all her soft curves and feeling his lips still suckling against her body. As the memories flooded her senses she could feel her breathing begin to quicken ever so slightly, until she unknowingly sucked in a large gasp of air and was readily smacked in the arm by Rebekah. The force immediately jolting her back to the present.

"Really cousin! Papa and Uncle Uncas are sitting just there and you and I know perfectly well that Ash is not asleep!" And just for good measure Ash cracked the smallest of smiles, though utterly refused to open his eyes to them. Rebekah eyed Iris once more, catching the change in color of her cheeks and the slight twinkle in her eye and said, "Though, I should surely like to feel whatever it is that forces you to catch your breath and turns your cheeks crimson!"

Iris sighed once more, getting her bearings and smiling widely at Rebekah and said, "I have no doubt that one day you will!"

Matto rode Pillan hard through the forest, determined to reach town in a reasonable amount of time. He had gone off with Keme just after parting with Iris at the lake to secretly try and find the perfect place that he and Iris could possibly build themselves their own cabin. He was tired of never truly having any privacy with her. They could only acquire it if they slept outside alone or tucked away in the hayloft. It was not the worst situation to be in. Though, it was still the summer months and once the cooler temperatures set in it would become completely unattainable and Matto simply would not accept that. He had spent the entire morning, once he had finished bathing, with Keme scouring the farm. He wanted the spot to be a little majestic, somewhere hidden away within the forest, but still on the farm's property.

After hours of trudging about, the brothers had unconsciously wandered into the clearing where Iris nearly lost her life. Matto walked over to the spot where he first held her in his arms, where they had been so close to kissing only to have their passion interrupted. Matto laughed to himself that this very excursion was exactly so their passion would not ever have to be interrupted again and sat down crosslegged.

Keme was quick to join him, sitting similarly and said, "This would be a nice spot. The trees have naturally cleared themselves and there is a small stream just to the north, so you would not have to rely on the lake for water. It is still close to the other cabins, should you want or need anything. Though far enough away that you would have complete privacy."

Matto huffed to himself and said, "Funnily enough this is where Iris almost lost her life to that bear."

Keme turned his head to his brother, his eyes widening and said, "Really?"

Matto nodded and continued, "It is also where we almost kissed for the first time. When she told me she knew what yellow yarrow meant."

Keme laughed out loud and said, "Well brother, it would appear that this is the perfect spot for you to create a home for yourself. The Great Spirit must have guided us to this very spot on purpose."

Matto smiled at his brother's logic and could not help but think that perhaps he was right. He leaned back on his palms and stared up into the bright yellow sun, deciding right then that with all the meaning this specific spot held for them and the fact that it was indeed an ideal location for what Matto wanted, that The Great Spirit may have indeed been guiding them in this direction all day.

"I think you are right brother." Matto said with his head tilted backwards and his eyes closed against the sun's vibrant rays. "I think this is the perfect spot and more importantly, I think Iris will agree!"

Keme smiled, mimicking Matto position and tilted his own head back against the sun. Both brothers satisfied that they had accomplished their task for the day.

Focusing his attention back on the road before him, Matto pushed Pillan slightly harder as his excitement to show Iris the spot which would become their future home was now at the for front of his mind once again. He leaned forward whispering in Mohican and just like that Pillan seemed to almost fly through the remaining forest, his sturdy legs carrying Matto closer and closer to Iris.

Iris and Rebekah leaned against the rough wooden wall of the local cobbler shop, arms folded across their chests as they watched and listened to several soldiers with the Continental Army speak about joining the fight against the British in their pursuit of freedom. Iris looked on, thinking that if anyone here was going to convince the local lads to join up it would certainly be this man. He spoke so clearly, so passionately that it was hard not to be enthralled with the idea of losing ones life to the cause.

"This man could even convince me to join up." Ash said sardonically, coming up from the side of where they were standing.

Iris turned in his direction, her brows furrowed and said, "Bite your tongue brother! Don't you dare get yourself mixed up in this war." And she smacked him hard across his chest.

"Ouch!" Ash yelped and began somewhat distractingly rubbing his chest while most of his attention remained on the uniformed soldier atop the stage. As Ash stared in the direction of the solider he could clearly see Matto trotting towards them on Pillan. "It looks like Matto missed you." Ash said with a mishchzevious smile on his face.

Iris immediately leaned up on the tips of her toes trying to see past the many heads in front of her. Ash noticing that Iris could not see, cupped her chin and turned her face in the direction of Matto. When her face curled up into a wide smile he released her chin and went back to listening to the soldier speak.

Matto easily dismounted Pillan, walking him over to a long wooden fence and tying his leather reins around it and began making his way through the crowd and over towards Iris, Ash and Rebekah. He slid seamlessly through the vast gathering of people, gently weaving in and out until he was standing directly next to Ash. Matto patted him on the shoulder in hello and slipped behind him so he could lean his back against the wooden wall and pull Iris up against his chest. He turned his face towards Rebekah, nodding his head in hello and rested his chin on Iris's shoulder. "What is all this?" He softly whispered into her ear. His breath on her neck sent chills down her spine and a flash of heat rose to her cheeks. Iris pinched her eyes tightly, forcing her focus on his question and away from the tingle that was beginning to spread throughout her body and said, "The soldiers are recruiting for war. They are making death by bayonet sound incredibly desirable. Just look at Ash's face if you do not believe me!" Iris mockingly said as she dipped her head in Ash's direction.

Matto gazed over just in time to see Ash casually roll his eyes at her words. Matto huffed out a laugh and turned his mouth back into Iris's ear. "You did not tell me that you were going to town."

"You were not around to be told." Iris said with a smirk, not bothering to look at him.

Matto laughed and took ahold of her earlobe with his mouth, nibbling down on it for the briefest of moments before turning his attention to the stage as well. The man was truly enthralling, the way he spoke and carried himself. Matto could see why so many people had gathered around to listen to him. After listening intently for a few moments, Matto turned once more to Iris and said, "I have something I want to show you…and ask you."

Iris turned her whole body around pressing herself flush against him, not caring whether anyone was looking at them and asked, "What is that?"

Matto instantly forgot what he was going to ask her, as she snaked her arms tightly around his back and pulled herself closer into his body. "Ummm…"

"Am I distracting you?" Iris asked in a whispered tone.

"Yes." Matto said without hesitation and equally at quietly.

"Should I stop." Iris teased him.

"No."

"Are you sure?"

Matto shut his eyes as she slid her hand up under his shirt and began caressing his back with her finger tips. It took all of his will power but he was able to pull gently away from her and whispered into her ear, "Come with me."

"Uncas and Uncle Natty will miss me."

"No, Ash and Rebekah will tell them. Right Ash?" Matto asked as he tapped him on the arm.

Ash merely waved them off and nodded his head yes. Iris turned to Rebekah and grabbed her hand. "Do you mind?"

Rebekah smiled and said, "Not at all, Ash will keep me company." Once again Ash nodded his head and began physically moving the two of them further away from the crowd."

"Go on then, I will tell them." Ash said and rejoined Rebekah against the wall.

Matto walked hand in hand with Iris over towards Pillan, drawing several looks from nearby people. Stares they knew that they would be receiving for the rest of their lives. Though both were aware of the multiple eyes upon them, neither one felt the need to address it and so continued on their path. Matto knelt down, offering Iris his cupped hands and as she stepped into his palms he gently hoisted her up onto Pillan's bare back. Then he grabbed ahold of Pillan's mane and flung himself up behind her. Iris placed her palm softly atop Matto's thigh and looked once more towards Ash and Rebekah, smiling and waving a sweet goodbye. She scanned the crowd once more, still astonished by the large mass gathered and intently listening to the soldier. Scoffing to herself as she began to draw her eyes back towards Pillan when she was struck by the face of a ghost staring back at her from amongst the crowd. The broken and bruised reflection of Linus had suddenly appeared, his eyes transfixed upon her. He was way past Ash and Rebekah, an outlier to the crowd and he bore is eyes into hers. A look seething with anger and resentment. A chill went coursing through her spine and with it a feeling of utter dread. She wanted to turn away from him, to somehow escape his enraged eyes but rather found herself mesmerized by the injuries Matto had caused him. He looked horrible, not at all like she remembered his face from before. Linus's nose was still crooked, a sure sign that no one had treated it and the bruising around his cheeks and neck had gone from deep purple to a mixture of green, yellow and blue. The hideous mixture of colors made Iris's stomach turn.

Iris was tempted to point him out amongst the crowd to Matto, but reconsidered as she was certain Matto would jump from Pillan and finish what he started. If that were to happen here, there was no telling what would happen to Matto. He could be taken away and beaten or worse. Frightening images began creeping into her mind, images of a life without him. Images of a world without him. Iris's whole body flooded with uneasiness and forcing her eyes away from Linus she grabbed the leather reins from Matto's hands and began leading Pillan off in the direction of their home…off in the direction where she was certain Matto would be safe.

Linus watched as Iris silently panicked at her notice of him. He watched as her face fell ashen and she quickly began leading the horse away from town, away from him. He found instant pleasure in her apprehension and so titled his head and smirked as she and the Indian trotted casually away. Linus bent down, picking up his tattered travel bag and began walking...walking in the same direction as Iris and the Indian. A small group of fellow travelers trailing closely behind him.

Author's Note: This is mainly a transition chapter. I wanted to have look again at all of the cousins and how sweet is it that Lydia and Gabriel are getting married! Ahh a Poe/Blackwood and a Winthrop sitting in a tree...that by the way was always part of my original plan! I chose not to address it between the sisters as I did not want it to be too similar to Cora and Alice.

Then there is the moment between Ash and Iris...much more to that story still yet to be told...

And yes...Linus is an unrelenting villain. As much as I would love to say more, I think it's best you all read it for yourselves!

** Ntàpi xansati means I am here brother in Lenape

Thank so so much AsterLaurel, ELY72, BlueSaffire, MohawkWoman for your continued support! It truly does help keep me moving along!

Thank for reading :)