Usual disclaimers. blah!
Sorry that this is the last chapter tonight.. my husband has been annoying me, watching over my shoulder and putting me off... don't you just hate men sometimes!
***
Isaac Blanche sighed in relief as the lights of the Lact household came into view. Exhausted and dizzy from the knock on his head, he staggered into the light. "Halt! Decl... Jesus, Blanche!" To his relief he found himself hurried through the courtyard and into the house, collapsing in a leather chair. Louis Lact dashed into the room, a dressing gown wrapped around him, hair dishevelled from sleep.
"Isaac!" He stared at his mine manager in disbelief. "What has happened?"
"Indians Monsieur! They've hit the mine... and fired it. Everybody is dead and all the captives escaped..."
"All?"
"Oui, including the pirate Sparrow."
Louis Lact frowned. His brother was not going to like hearing the news, but he had the feeling that Isaac still had more to tell him.
"They have Madame Duras. The savage that escaped held her hostage whilst they attacked the mine and then the pirate took her with him - to keep him warm, he said..." He shuddered at the memory. "She went with him to save my life... Monsieur Lact, we have to rescue her!"
Although he was worried about Catherine, he was more concerned about the mine. If the savages had fired it then the coal would be burning and all would be lost. His only hope was to flood the mine to extinguish the fires and then to pump the water out - but that would mean over a year before mining could re-start. Eventually he made his decision and nodded, wondering how and why his world was falling apart. He rang for Nicolas who quickly entered. "Send for the native scout Dark Crow!" he ordered. "We leave at first light! And send a message to the fort for men - we have to flood the mine!"
***
Jack watched worriedly as Catherine changed back into her ruined golden dress, the bandage yet again covering her tattoo. "Yer don't have t' do this luv..." He stroked her back, holding her to him before sighing heavily, lacing her up. "Lofty Eagle wants t' tempt 'em deep into Chickasaw territory before wiping 'em out... it'll be like a red - no mercy!" He held her tightly, kissing her with an urgency tinged with fear. "You come back safe - promise me!"
Catherine broke away slightly so that she could look up at him. "Jack, I will be fine. I will be with Little Feather and the other warriors will be there too." Standing on tiptoe she kissed him. "I'm only there as bait... will you stop worrying!"
Jack did not answer, but kissed her back, pressing her against the wall of the cabin as his hands roamed her body.
"Crazy Bird," Little Feather called from the doorway.
Jack continued kissing.
"Crazy Bird!"
Regretfully Jack released her. "Time t' go luv," he whispered taking her hand and leading her outside. He recognised a few that were going - Grey Owl, Silent Wolf, Red Cloud and a number of others from the mine that he did not know the names of. He helped her climb up onto Little Feather's horse, his friend's hands gently holding her waist as she steadied herself. "Keep safe," he pleaded, before turning a beady eye on Little Feather. "An' watch those roving hands of yours, mate!"
Little Feather laughed as he put his heels to his horse, cantering after the rest of the warriors, eager for the chance to strike back at the French.
***
Dark Crow frowned, looking at the tracks. The French had no idea of the danger, insisting that the woman be found and rescued from the Chickasaw. "Some riders went this way, and then returned. The woman's tracks are here..." He pointed to a small print of a western-style heeled shoe. "And those head northwards."
"We follow the northwards tracks then!" Isaac insisted.
Louis Lact frowned. "It could be a trap. Why let her down when they knew her tracks would show? Unless they want us to follow?"
"But if that is where they have taken her then that is where we need to go..." Isaac insisted.
Louis Lact sat quietly upon his horse, thinking carefully. "I don't like it - it smells like a trap!" he declared. "I'm going back to the house..."
"But..." Isaac gasped. "You cannot abandon her!"
Louis shrugged. "The trappers will stay with you under your command, as will the rest of the men and Dark Crow. I am needed at the mine if all is not to be lost." He nodded to Philipe. "If at all possible, otherwise..."
Philipe nodded at the unspoken instruction. One way or another they would not leave her with the Chickasaw.
***
Dark Crow tracked them for three days, deeper and deeper into Chickasaw territory - although they never saw a soul. The further they went the more Dark Crow was sure of the trap, but the fool Isaac pushed them harder and harder. They were catching, to be sure, but catching what he did not like to say.
***
Little Feather waited quietly at the top of the hill, his men spread hidden around him. Catherine wriggled, still uncomfortable without a saddle. "Hold still," he hissed, drawing his knife across her throat as he spotted the French and their Kickapoo guide below.
"Go back!" he threatened. "We are keeping the woman!"
"Catherine!" Isaac shouted, pushing his horse past Dark Crow.
"Isaac, no!" she screamed.
"This is your last warning! Go back!"
Isaac continued to ride forwards, pushing his horse to a gallop as he tried to reach her. Catherine shut her eyes, knowing what was coming. A lone shot rang out, the force of it throwing him from his saddle. He hit the ground - dead.
Little Feather wheeled his horse around, taking Catherine out of range... but not in time. Philipe had taken aim whilst Isaac rode, his shot sounding only a few moments later. Catherine slammed backwards against Little Feather, suddenly going limp, a small, soft gasp escaping her lips.
"Little Fox!" He was shocked to see blood on his hands. "Little Fox!" Her head lolled lifelessly against his shoulder. Furiously he shouted to his men. "Kill them all!"
Dark Crow's fears were proven true when the Chickasaw poured from their hiding places, pistols firing into the French. Taking advantage of the confusion, he put his heels to his horse, fleeing back down the trail, but Little Feather had prepared for such and he rode straight into another ambush. None survived to warn Louis Lact of their fate.
***
Red Cloud looked up at Little Feather, shocked to see blood pouring down the side of his horse, red vivid against its creamy hide. "Little Feather!" Frantically he ran up the hill. "Little Feather, are you alright?"
Dazed Little Feather nodded. "I cannot move - I will drop her. Help me!" Red Cloud moved to take the limp form of Catherine. "Is she..."
Red Cloud laid her on the ground, checking for a pulse. "She is alive... but only just! How do we explain this to Crazy Bird?" Both men knew how much the pirate loved his wife. Little Feather cut the dress beneath her arm revealing the bullet hole. The bullet had hit near her heart... if he had not wheeled away when he did it would have been through her heart.
"We camp here - do what we can. Grey Owl! Ride to the village and bring Crazy Bird and Running Elk... now!" Little Feather fretted, knowing that the nearest healer was over a days ride away across rugged countryside.
Grey Owl took one look at him before running to his horse, the beast already running as he mounted, disappearing over the rise. He snatched the reins of another horse so that he could travel faster.
The two warriors looked down at her worriedly. Although the Chickasaw knew how to use the weapons that the English gave them, they were unsure when faced with the often shocking injuries that resulted. Wherever the bullet had gone, there was no exit wound. Little Feather took his shirt off, tearing it into strips. "Bind it!" he ordered. "We must at least stop the bleeding!"
***
Grey Owl galloped into the village shortly after dawn, the horses dejected and exhausted. It grieved him to abuse the animals in such a way, but he knew that Little Fox's life depended upon his speed. The manner of his arrival brought the tribe running. "Running Elk!" he shouted. "Where is Running Elk?" He saw her push her way to the front of the crowd. "Get your herbs, Little Fox has been shot!"
Jack was only a few paces behind Running Elk. "What!" he exploded.
Exhausted he slid off his horse, handing the reins to a nearby warrior. "Little Fox was shot by the French... long rifle... it is bad - you must come!" He turned to another warrior. "Get me three horses... now!"
Oran pushed his way through the crowd to stand next to Jack, placing his hand on his shoulder. "I'm coming too!" Jack looked surprised. "You'll need somebody to hang onto Captain!"
***
The pace back was more sedate as Jack could not cling onto Oran at anything faster than a canter. He cursed his inability to ride, desperate to reach Catherine, fearful of what he would find. At last they reached the camp, a carefully screened campfire barely visible in the darkness.
"Crazy Bird!" Little Feather stepped back sharply at the anger in Jack's eyes. "It is alright - she lives!" He nodded towards a small body wrapped in blankets near the fire. Jack's anguished face made him feel even more guilty.
"Kitty!" He crouched down next to her, touching her skin. He breathed a sigh of relief that she was not fevered and looked up at Little Feather. "Has she woken?"
He shook his head, nearly falling as Running Elk pushed him aside. "Out of the way, both of you!" She tutted as she cut the bandages away. "Did you take out the stone?" Little Feather looked confused. "The metal stone - did you take it out?"
He shook his head. "We couldn't find it... but we stopped the bleeding..."
"Boil some water - we need to find the metal stone..." She was relieved to see that Crazy Bird was already looking closely at the wound, his hands running across his wife's skin. He drew out his dagger, cutting just below her right breast to reveal the bullet lodged between her ribs. Running Elk nodded, realising that he knew what he was doing and started to mix the herbal paste to cover the wound.
Oran looked away, wincing, remembering the last time he had seen Catherine half-naked and bleeding. He walked a short distance away, breathing the night air deeply and staring at the stars. It was not until he felt a gentle hand on his arm that he realised they had finished. "Come Oran, we have prepared food..." He followed her back to the fire, surprised to see Jack sitting cradling Catherine in his lap even though she still looked unconscious.
A smile played across his lips as he stroked her hair away from her face. Jack looked up, sensing somebody watching him.
"How is she?" Oran asked.
"She'll live," he smiled. "Although she woke up when I was stitching her and swore like... well, it made Running Elk blush!"
Oran laughed, helping himself to the large pot bubbling over the fire before finding a quiet place to sit. He was surprised to find Running Elk come and sit next to him.
She frowned. "You care for Little Fox?"
He sighed. "Yes, more than I should." he admitted. "She is my Captain's wife, but for the last six months it was as if she was mine..."
"But she is not..."
"No, and she never will be."
"You should gift a girl some fabric," she smiled. "Oran Green-Eyes should not be alone..."
He frowned. "Sorry?"
"You should find yourself a woman, a wife as you say. It is not good to want what you cannot have."
Oran smiled ruefully. "Well, it's a long way back to Tortuga so I guess I'll just have to wait."
"You have a wife in Tor... Tort..."
"Tortuga." He smiled, surprised that she looked disappointed. "No, there are, um..." He looked at her, unsure how to phrase his words. "Ummm, women who will love a man in exchange for money... not wives..." Frantically he tried to change the subject. "What did you mean about giving fabric?"
She smiled, allowing herself to be sidetracked. "If a Chickasaw man wishes to take a wife he presents cloth to the father and mother of the girl he wishes to marry. If they accept him then they give the fabric to the girl." She eyed him appreciatively. "Then he and the father have supper and the man goes to the bed with the girl... then they are married."
"Oh." He looked at her carefully, cautious of the meaning behind her words. "Should I be remembering that?"
She blushed, heading for her blankets. "Perhaps..."
***
Sorry that this is the last chapter tonight.. my husband has been annoying me, watching over my shoulder and putting me off... don't you just hate men sometimes!
***
Isaac Blanche sighed in relief as the lights of the Lact household came into view. Exhausted and dizzy from the knock on his head, he staggered into the light. "Halt! Decl... Jesus, Blanche!" To his relief he found himself hurried through the courtyard and into the house, collapsing in a leather chair. Louis Lact dashed into the room, a dressing gown wrapped around him, hair dishevelled from sleep.
"Isaac!" He stared at his mine manager in disbelief. "What has happened?"
"Indians Monsieur! They've hit the mine... and fired it. Everybody is dead and all the captives escaped..."
"All?"
"Oui, including the pirate Sparrow."
Louis Lact frowned. His brother was not going to like hearing the news, but he had the feeling that Isaac still had more to tell him.
"They have Madame Duras. The savage that escaped held her hostage whilst they attacked the mine and then the pirate took her with him - to keep him warm, he said..." He shuddered at the memory. "She went with him to save my life... Monsieur Lact, we have to rescue her!"
Although he was worried about Catherine, he was more concerned about the mine. If the savages had fired it then the coal would be burning and all would be lost. His only hope was to flood the mine to extinguish the fires and then to pump the water out - but that would mean over a year before mining could re-start. Eventually he made his decision and nodded, wondering how and why his world was falling apart. He rang for Nicolas who quickly entered. "Send for the native scout Dark Crow!" he ordered. "We leave at first light! And send a message to the fort for men - we have to flood the mine!"
***
Jack watched worriedly as Catherine changed back into her ruined golden dress, the bandage yet again covering her tattoo. "Yer don't have t' do this luv..." He stroked her back, holding her to him before sighing heavily, lacing her up. "Lofty Eagle wants t' tempt 'em deep into Chickasaw territory before wiping 'em out... it'll be like a red - no mercy!" He held her tightly, kissing her with an urgency tinged with fear. "You come back safe - promise me!"
Catherine broke away slightly so that she could look up at him. "Jack, I will be fine. I will be with Little Feather and the other warriors will be there too." Standing on tiptoe she kissed him. "I'm only there as bait... will you stop worrying!"
Jack did not answer, but kissed her back, pressing her against the wall of the cabin as his hands roamed her body.
"Crazy Bird," Little Feather called from the doorway.
Jack continued kissing.
"Crazy Bird!"
Regretfully Jack released her. "Time t' go luv," he whispered taking her hand and leading her outside. He recognised a few that were going - Grey Owl, Silent Wolf, Red Cloud and a number of others from the mine that he did not know the names of. He helped her climb up onto Little Feather's horse, his friend's hands gently holding her waist as she steadied herself. "Keep safe," he pleaded, before turning a beady eye on Little Feather. "An' watch those roving hands of yours, mate!"
Little Feather laughed as he put his heels to his horse, cantering after the rest of the warriors, eager for the chance to strike back at the French.
***
Dark Crow frowned, looking at the tracks. The French had no idea of the danger, insisting that the woman be found and rescued from the Chickasaw. "Some riders went this way, and then returned. The woman's tracks are here..." He pointed to a small print of a western-style heeled shoe. "And those head northwards."
"We follow the northwards tracks then!" Isaac insisted.
Louis Lact frowned. "It could be a trap. Why let her down when they knew her tracks would show? Unless they want us to follow?"
"But if that is where they have taken her then that is where we need to go..." Isaac insisted.
Louis Lact sat quietly upon his horse, thinking carefully. "I don't like it - it smells like a trap!" he declared. "I'm going back to the house..."
"But..." Isaac gasped. "You cannot abandon her!"
Louis shrugged. "The trappers will stay with you under your command, as will the rest of the men and Dark Crow. I am needed at the mine if all is not to be lost." He nodded to Philipe. "If at all possible, otherwise..."
Philipe nodded at the unspoken instruction. One way or another they would not leave her with the Chickasaw.
***
Dark Crow tracked them for three days, deeper and deeper into Chickasaw territory - although they never saw a soul. The further they went the more Dark Crow was sure of the trap, but the fool Isaac pushed them harder and harder. They were catching, to be sure, but catching what he did not like to say.
***
Little Feather waited quietly at the top of the hill, his men spread hidden around him. Catherine wriggled, still uncomfortable without a saddle. "Hold still," he hissed, drawing his knife across her throat as he spotted the French and their Kickapoo guide below.
"Go back!" he threatened. "We are keeping the woman!"
"Catherine!" Isaac shouted, pushing his horse past Dark Crow.
"Isaac, no!" she screamed.
"This is your last warning! Go back!"
Isaac continued to ride forwards, pushing his horse to a gallop as he tried to reach her. Catherine shut her eyes, knowing what was coming. A lone shot rang out, the force of it throwing him from his saddle. He hit the ground - dead.
Little Feather wheeled his horse around, taking Catherine out of range... but not in time. Philipe had taken aim whilst Isaac rode, his shot sounding only a few moments later. Catherine slammed backwards against Little Feather, suddenly going limp, a small, soft gasp escaping her lips.
"Little Fox!" He was shocked to see blood on his hands. "Little Fox!" Her head lolled lifelessly against his shoulder. Furiously he shouted to his men. "Kill them all!"
Dark Crow's fears were proven true when the Chickasaw poured from their hiding places, pistols firing into the French. Taking advantage of the confusion, he put his heels to his horse, fleeing back down the trail, but Little Feather had prepared for such and he rode straight into another ambush. None survived to warn Louis Lact of their fate.
***
Red Cloud looked up at Little Feather, shocked to see blood pouring down the side of his horse, red vivid against its creamy hide. "Little Feather!" Frantically he ran up the hill. "Little Feather, are you alright?"
Dazed Little Feather nodded. "I cannot move - I will drop her. Help me!" Red Cloud moved to take the limp form of Catherine. "Is she..."
Red Cloud laid her on the ground, checking for a pulse. "She is alive... but only just! How do we explain this to Crazy Bird?" Both men knew how much the pirate loved his wife. Little Feather cut the dress beneath her arm revealing the bullet hole. The bullet had hit near her heart... if he had not wheeled away when he did it would have been through her heart.
"We camp here - do what we can. Grey Owl! Ride to the village and bring Crazy Bird and Running Elk... now!" Little Feather fretted, knowing that the nearest healer was over a days ride away across rugged countryside.
Grey Owl took one look at him before running to his horse, the beast already running as he mounted, disappearing over the rise. He snatched the reins of another horse so that he could travel faster.
The two warriors looked down at her worriedly. Although the Chickasaw knew how to use the weapons that the English gave them, they were unsure when faced with the often shocking injuries that resulted. Wherever the bullet had gone, there was no exit wound. Little Feather took his shirt off, tearing it into strips. "Bind it!" he ordered. "We must at least stop the bleeding!"
***
Grey Owl galloped into the village shortly after dawn, the horses dejected and exhausted. It grieved him to abuse the animals in such a way, but he knew that Little Fox's life depended upon his speed. The manner of his arrival brought the tribe running. "Running Elk!" he shouted. "Where is Running Elk?" He saw her push her way to the front of the crowd. "Get your herbs, Little Fox has been shot!"
Jack was only a few paces behind Running Elk. "What!" he exploded.
Exhausted he slid off his horse, handing the reins to a nearby warrior. "Little Fox was shot by the French... long rifle... it is bad - you must come!" He turned to another warrior. "Get me three horses... now!"
Oran pushed his way through the crowd to stand next to Jack, placing his hand on his shoulder. "I'm coming too!" Jack looked surprised. "You'll need somebody to hang onto Captain!"
***
The pace back was more sedate as Jack could not cling onto Oran at anything faster than a canter. He cursed his inability to ride, desperate to reach Catherine, fearful of what he would find. At last they reached the camp, a carefully screened campfire barely visible in the darkness.
"Crazy Bird!" Little Feather stepped back sharply at the anger in Jack's eyes. "It is alright - she lives!" He nodded towards a small body wrapped in blankets near the fire. Jack's anguished face made him feel even more guilty.
"Kitty!" He crouched down next to her, touching her skin. He breathed a sigh of relief that she was not fevered and looked up at Little Feather. "Has she woken?"
He shook his head, nearly falling as Running Elk pushed him aside. "Out of the way, both of you!" She tutted as she cut the bandages away. "Did you take out the stone?" Little Feather looked confused. "The metal stone - did you take it out?"
He shook his head. "We couldn't find it... but we stopped the bleeding..."
"Boil some water - we need to find the metal stone..." She was relieved to see that Crazy Bird was already looking closely at the wound, his hands running across his wife's skin. He drew out his dagger, cutting just below her right breast to reveal the bullet lodged between her ribs. Running Elk nodded, realising that he knew what he was doing and started to mix the herbal paste to cover the wound.
Oran looked away, wincing, remembering the last time he had seen Catherine half-naked and bleeding. He walked a short distance away, breathing the night air deeply and staring at the stars. It was not until he felt a gentle hand on his arm that he realised they had finished. "Come Oran, we have prepared food..." He followed her back to the fire, surprised to see Jack sitting cradling Catherine in his lap even though she still looked unconscious.
A smile played across his lips as he stroked her hair away from her face. Jack looked up, sensing somebody watching him.
"How is she?" Oran asked.
"She'll live," he smiled. "Although she woke up when I was stitching her and swore like... well, it made Running Elk blush!"
Oran laughed, helping himself to the large pot bubbling over the fire before finding a quiet place to sit. He was surprised to find Running Elk come and sit next to him.
She frowned. "You care for Little Fox?"
He sighed. "Yes, more than I should." he admitted. "She is my Captain's wife, but for the last six months it was as if she was mine..."
"But she is not..."
"No, and she never will be."
"You should gift a girl some fabric," she smiled. "Oran Green-Eyes should not be alone..."
He frowned. "Sorry?"
"You should find yourself a woman, a wife as you say. It is not good to want what you cannot have."
Oran smiled ruefully. "Well, it's a long way back to Tortuga so I guess I'll just have to wait."
"You have a wife in Tor... Tort..."
"Tortuga." He smiled, surprised that she looked disappointed. "No, there are, um..." He looked at her, unsure how to phrase his words. "Ummm, women who will love a man in exchange for money... not wives..." Frantically he tried to change the subject. "What did you mean about giving fabric?"
She smiled, allowing herself to be sidetracked. "If a Chickasaw man wishes to take a wife he presents cloth to the father and mother of the girl he wishes to marry. If they accept him then they give the fabric to the girl." She eyed him appreciatively. "Then he and the father have supper and the man goes to the bed with the girl... then they are married."
"Oh." He looked at her carefully, cautious of the meaning behind her words. "Should I be remembering that?"
She blushed, heading for her blankets. "Perhaps..."
***