THE NIGHT OF THE MISSING CHILDREN
By Andamogirl
WWW
ACT THREE
The next morning
Whistling gusts of wind blowing loudly outside woke White Crow.
She felt unusual warmth against her front, something solid, large, a body… and realized that she was lying spoon-shaped against Strong Bear, holding him tight.
She kissed the nape of his neck and Artemus stirred a little. He rolled onto his back, hair tousled from sleep, mouth slightly open, his breathing still even. He tugged the blanket up to his chest in a reflex, huffing, but remained fast asleep.
Propped on one elbow, White Crow ran a finger over her companion's pectorals and then on to his throat, circling his Adam's apple, thinking. It was the first time she had spent the night in a man's arms, kissing, talking and cuddling, and finally sleeping, holding each other, since her husband's death.
It felt good. It felt very, very, good. 'It's also the first time you spent the night with a white man… but he's no ordinary white man… He's Strong Bear, a Comanche warrior, a man who has been marked by the dúuptakoische, sacred messenger between Akbaatatdia the One Who Has Made Everything – Maker of All Things Above and people. A man that Akbaatatdia is protecting.'
She trailed her finger on the visible part of Artie's chest, playing with the coarse hairs there, still musing: Strong Bear was a handsome man, and he was a great warrior, like her, and she was attracted to him, would love to claim him… but he wasn't for her, because he wouldn't stay here, but he would leave to continue his work which he considered a sacred mission: to protect the president of the United States from his enemies. But it had triggered desire in her – something she had completely pushed to the side since Bear Paw's death – focusing on her task, closing her heart. It was perhaps time to open it again in order to find love again. Red Fox, her first warrior was tall, broad, strong – the stronger of her warriors. Not interested, she had always dismissed his attempts to get closer to her…
She ran her finger absently down Artemus's belly, circling his navel, still lost in her musing… Red Fox was interested in her. Maybe it was time for her to be interested in him.
She nodded, she would – after Strong Bear left.
He was too irresistible.
Smiling, White Crow slid an arm around Strong Bear's waist and moved closer to his warmth. Artemus mumbled something unintelligible and wriggled a bit before stretching out. Opening his eyes, he let out, "Hi. Good morning…"
Kissing Artie's temple, White Crow said, "Good morning." Then she moved her lips to the spot behind his right ear and kissed it.
She sucked on his ear, tugging gently.
Pressing White Crow against him, Artie murmured, "That's a wonderful way to wake up."
She tucked her head into his neck, into the juncture where Artie' neck met his shoulder, nuzzling, sniffling. Then she placed delicate kisses along Artemus's collarbone.
The skin was soft there. "Mmmm… you smell good." She scooted her body even closer to his and nibbled his shoulder with her teeth, and was rewarded with a moan low in his throat.
Artie smiled. "I could spend the day here, with you in my arms. That feels so good, but..."
White Crow kissed Artie's nose playfully. "But you have a mission," she said, her fingers tangling in Artemus's sleep-mussed hair.
He kissed her back, on her lips, tenderly. "Yes, I have," he said before deepening the kiss, feeling White Crow's fingertips brush against his tattoo.
He moaned in pleasure.
Suddenly the collapsible flap of the entrance hole of the big tepee was pushed aside and Black Wolf entered. He immediately grinned, pleased to see his mother and Strong Bear huddled under a blanket, both lying on a mattress of bison furs settled beside the dying fire.
They were kissing each other, moaning in concert, their fingers intertwined.
The young warrior took a step forward. "I'm sorry to bother you," he said. "But Black Bear has made his decision. He wants to see you."
Artie pulled away from the kiss, catching his breath, and White Crow was panting as well. He glared at Black Wolf.
Black Wolf chuckled, unimpressed. "Hurry," he said, and he left – not seeing his mother pull Artemus in for another kiss.
WWW
Later under Black Bear's tepee
Black Bear was sitting beside the fire which crackled and roared. He was cross-legged framed between his two grand-sons, with Jim standing on the left, when Artemus, dressed in his uniform and overcoat and White Crow wrapped in a long bison fur coat entered the tepee, covered with snow.
There was a tempest outside.
Smiling at Jim, Artie released White Crow's hand and joined his partner. White Crow came to sit beside Red Eagle.
Chief Black Bear looked up at his guests. "I have decided to accept your President's offer. When the storm ceases, Red Eagle will join the warriors waiting outside of the reservation and he will bring them here – along with Half-Moon." He lifted his hand, upset, furrowing his brow, his thick eyebrows knitting together, instantly stopping Red Eagle's protest before he could say anything. "This is my command! You will obey, Red Eagle."
Red Eagle nodded unwillingly. "Yes, Black Bear."
Lowering his hand the leader of the Crows continued, "But there's one condition. I want my grand-son Black Wolf to accompany you. You will need his help to find the children. He'll be under your protection outside the reservation."
Smiling Artemus nodded. "We accept."
WWW
Later, in the mountains
It was the end of the afternoon when the wind and snow began to die down to tolerable levels – and when they reached a small steep-sided valley.
Black Wolf halted his horse and pointed at a town, nestled there. "We never searched here…, " He said. "Look! The valley is well protected as well as the town."
Pulling his field spyglass out of his coat, Jim said, "You have very good eyesight… I didn't know there was a town here… " Then he observed the place. He spotted guards with rifles here and there perched on boulders. "You're right, armed men are guarding the town entrance… and I can see several mine entries."
Scratching his beard pensively, Artie said, "Yesterday evening, while I wasn't sleeping ..." And he ignored the looks full of suggestion from Jim and Black Wolf. "I had an idea through mentally referring again to the maps of the region I consulted before leaving the Wanderer…" He touched his temple. "I have a photographic memory. I have memorized every single town of the region, even the smallest, like this one called Devil's Pit. They all possess a few mines. People here live isolated, see nobody, and for them it is very difficult, even impossible to find people to work in the mines... I think the children have been kidnapped to work in the mines… And they are being kept prisoners somewhere… perhaps in the mines themselves. Let's start with this town."
Jim nodded. "Another of your famous intuitions?" Placing his gloved hand on te butt of his Colt, ready for action, Jim said, "I always trust your intuitions, Artie. They are always right" Looking at Black Wolf Artemus nodded. "And seeing those guards… something tells me that we found the right town on the first try."
Artemus dismounted and opened his saddle-bags. "Yes." He pulled out a private's uniform jacket, a yellow striped cavalry pants and a pair of old boots. "Colonel Foster gave me this, in case I needed to change. You're going to wear this, Black Wolf. Something tells me that the people out there don't like Indians. But if you look like an Indian US Army scout they won't shoot you – especially if he's accompanied by an officer. But you will have to stay at my side."
Black Wolf complied in a hurry, as the air was freezing, and then Artie put the Crow warrior's clothes in the saddle bags, hiding them there.
Black Wolf looked at his legs and feet now US Army uniform-clad. "It's the first time I put white men pants on me and have boots, it's strange," he said.
Artie smiled. "I felt the same when I dressed myself in breechcloths the first time. I felt naked." He mounted PickLock again. "Let's go."
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Later, in Devil's Pit
Major Gordon, riding alongside Black Wolf, followed by Jim, entered the town half an hour later, framed by a group of armed guards.
It was a typical mining town Jim noticed, with some wooden houses covered with snow, a hardware store, a saloon plus rooms to rent, a stable – and nothing else. Plus a lot of mud.
His shiny boots covered with it, Artemus entered the smoky, dirty and noisy saloon first, Black Wolf and Jim in tow.
Miners gathered there immediately froze and gradually stopped chatting.
Silence.
Two men, bearded and filthy, built like mountains, intercepted them on their way to the bar.
The shortest one pointed at the Crow warrior. "No Indian is allowed in the saloon, officer. He's going to have to leave, the saloon and the town," he said, his hand resting on the butt of his gun.
Removing his hat, Artie brushed off the snow accumulated on it. "Black Wolf is a soldier of the US Army, a scout. He stays here, with me."
The tallest took a step forward. "What are you doing here, Major? Fort Brennan is located in the opposite direction."
A picture of coolness and composure, Artemus removed his soaked gloves. "I know that, I was heading there when I spotted your charming little town, and instead of sleeping in a cave, in the cold, I thought it would be a good idea to sleep in a comfortable bed."
The shortest man chuckled mockingly. "And your Indian will sleep on the floor, at the end of your bed, like a good dog."
In a split second Artemus, boiling with anger, decked the other man with a powerful punch square on his chin sending him flying against a table.
Jim un-hosltered his revolver as people stood up.
Once again calm and composed, Artemus looked at the other big, broad miner while smoothing a crease on his sleeve. "Next?"
The brute mumbled a curse, and then took a step back. Artie stepped over the man he had knocked out and headed toward the bar.
Black Wolf and Jim, Colt in hand, joined him there.
Placing 10 dollars on top of the bar Artemus said, "It's for the food, the beds and to take care of our horses. Add to that a pot of coffee and a bottle of whiskey, two glasses and a cup."
The bald and chubby man behind the bar pocketed the bill. "We have stew with potatoes, and one room left with two beds." He gestured toward a boy standing beside the door. "Lead the horses to the stable Sam!" and the boy left the saloon. Looking again at Artemus, he placed a bottle of whiskey on top of the bar and then two dirty glasses. "So… newly commissioned officer at the fort?"
Pouring two glasses of liquor Artie shook his head. "No, I'm on a special mission." He gave a glass to Jim and drained his to the bottom. Jim followed suit.
Intrigued the barman sat a pot of coffee and a cup on top of the bar. Jim poured coffee into the cup and handed it to Black Wolf. "Coffee?"
Black Wolf sniffed the dark liquid beverage and took a careful sip. He had never drunk coffee. He made a grimace. "It's bitter, but good," he said.
Pouring two more whiskeys, Artie continued, "Yes, I'm on a special mission. I have to find some missing Crow children, I should say * kidnapped * Crow children."
The barman froze (and everyone else in the saloon did too, Jim noticed) – and Artie could read a series of emotions on the other man's red and puffy face: surprise, anxiety and mocking indifference. "Kidnapped Crow children? Really?"
Now persuaded that his intuition was right – again, Artemus nodded. "Yes, really." He had thrown the hook, now he had to wait for the fish to bite, he thought downing his second whiskey.
WWW
Later, in a dingy but warm room
Sitting on a chair beside the burning stove Jim looked at his best friend, sitting in a chair at his side. He smiled. "You decked that man splendidly," he said. "Remind me never to upset you. God! He didn't see it coming!"
Closing his eyes, Artie smiled. "You know that I wouldn't harm a single hair of your head, Jim." He yawned and stretched like an oversized cat. "If I'm correct, they're going to do something tonight – like trying to kill us in our sleep. Because I'm sure now that the children are here - somewhere."
Patting his partner's shoulder Jim said, "Time to go to bed, Major. You have nothing against sharing your bed with me?"
Standing Artie yawned again. "It won't be the first time. You take the first shift." He looked at Black Wolf sitting on the other bed. The Crow was fascinated by the pillow. It was the first time he had seen one. Using his knife he had cut the ticking and spread goose feathers everywhere on the bedcover. "How many birds did you kill and plucked to fill that big pouch?" he asked.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door – a discreet one. Jim immediately headed there and opened it, revealing a petite red-haired woman.
She smiled. "I'd like to talk to you. I have information about the Indian children," she murmured looked around her to see if she was alone.
Gesturing for her to come in, Jim stepped aside and she entered the room.
He closed the door behind her. "My name's James West, I'm a special agent of the Government. This is Major Gordon and Black Wolf."
The young woman smiled. "Nice to meet you. My name is Amy Davenport; I'm the barman's daughter. I was in the kitchen preparing food when I heard you talking about the children. I know where they are, in the mine gallery number 8, working inside." She frowned. "Erik Ullman, the man who owns almost all the mines here, uses them as slaves to extract gold. He's planning to kidnap children from the Lakotas too…"
Black Wolf was furious. He jumped off the bed and said, "Slaves! We have to go and free them! Now!" and he bolted toward the door.
Moving in front of the door Jim stopped the warrior, placing his hand on Black Wolf's chest. "Hold on! Not so fast. We have to think about all this first."
Miss Davenport put her hand on the door handle. "I have to go now, before my father wonders where I am. Be careful. Save those poor children… knowing they're in the mine, working like slaves, breaks my heart." Then she left in a hurry.
Closing the door Jim glanced at Artemus sitting on the bed pondering what to do now. "Trap or not a trap?" he asked.
The older man sighed. "I don't know, Jim, but I do know that I tend to be wary of women… Since several tried to kill us while leading us into a trap."
Jim nodded. "And what is your intuition telling you?"
Major Gordon stood. "To be very careful. We're in hostile territory here. But let's take a look at that mine shaft number 8."
Smiling Jim headed toward the window. "We can leave our room using the window, and the night is dark. They're not going to see us."
WWW
Later in mine shaft number 8
The three men suddenly stopped in the mine gallery, hearing small scared voices – and children crying. Black Wolf's blood began boiling in his veins with rage.
Placing a calming hand on the Crow warrior's shoulder Artemus shook his head. "Calm down Black Wolf," he whispered. Then, his Colt in his hand he moved ahead, slowly, silently.
They reached a big subterranean room weakly lit by two oil lamps a few minutes later – discovering the children there. They were chained. They were scrawny, dirty, and their clothes were falling off.
Black Wolf rushed toward them – hugging one here and another one here, telling them they were going to be freed soon.
Frowning in worry, Jim said, "No guards? That's suspicious. I'm thinking about a trap. Do you think Miss Davenport planned all this?"
Artemus looked around him. "I would bet on that Erik Ullman. He probably owns everything and everyone here, our Miss Davenport too."
Impressed Jim said, "She's a good actress. Then she did send us into a trap…"
Suddenly there was a huge explosion. There was a loud deafening sound following the thundering blast and a split second later a huge crack appeared in the ceiling above them. There was a sudden cave-in and the children cried out in terror as heavy pieces of rocks and dust fell everywhere.
In a reflex gesture, Jim pointlessly brought his arms over his head and a big stone hit his left forearm – breaking it instantly. He let out a pained grunt sinking on his knees to the ground, the air knocked out of him, white hot pain radiating through him.
Several of them cascaded on top of Artie, smashing him to the ground, on his side, half-burying him. His cries of pain died in his throat.
The mine shaft gave one last violent shake and stilled.
The noise faded.
Enveloped in a cloud of fine dust, coughing, ears ringing, gritting his teeth, Jim crawled on the debris toward his partner's prone form, utterly still, wincing with each movement. "Artie? Artie?" he called with a raspy voice as tears spilled down his face, cleaning his irritated eyes. "Artie?" he tried again, very worried.
No response.
He paused half-way to his best friend's inert body, whose eyes were closed, looking as still as death, stayed still long enough to catch his breath then moved again.
He caught Artemus's limp hand then crouched beside his partner touching two fingers to his neck, feeling for a pulse. His best friend was still alive and he let out a sigh of relief. But he noticed a cut on the side of his head, blood trickling down his temple.
He slapped his face gently. "Artie, open your eyes, wake up buddy."
But Artemus didn't.
He managed to push the smaller stones off him but couldn't move a large, heavy one trapping his legs. "It's going to be alright, Artie," he said trying to reassure himself as a growing ball of anxiety was building in his tightening chest. "You're not going to die on me, right?"
He gasped and jumped feeling a hand land on his good arm. He looked up. "Black Wolf! You're alive! That's great! Are you okay?"
The Crow nodded, Blood dripping off of his nose onto his uniform sleeve. He touched his nose, wincing. "Not broken," he said.
Looking at Artemus again, Jim said, "Artemus is badly injured; help me to move that rock please."
Fortunately Artemus was unconscious when they did it.
Once the rock was gone from Artemus's legs, Black Wolf slowly and smoothly moved Artie on his back and used his knife to cut the older man's cavalry boots, pants and the bottom part of his long, warm, woolly underwear, to see the extent of the damage.
While the warrior did that, Jim looked at the children huddled together against a still intact rock wall, frightened and crying. Thankfully the lamps were intact. "How are they doing?"
Black Wolf moved aside the bands of bloodied fabric. "They're scared." He glanced at them and said something in his language. "I told them that we'll go away from here and return home." Then, frowning in deep worry, he looked down at Artie's legs. The right one had fairly sizeable gashes and bloody abrasions on it, from the foot to the calf, and the left one was already swollen and badly bruised. "It's bad."
Doing his best to keep rising panic at bay, Jim said, "Yes, it's very bad. I think both lower bones – the tibia and fibula – are broken but hopefully not displaced, so as to penetrate the skin from the inside." He observed the head injury barely discerning blood in Artie's dark hair and added, "He has a concussion and needs medical help, or otherwise he's going to die. I don't want to lose him." Distressed he brushed Artemus's hair matted with dust and tiny pieces of rock and added, "You're not going to die, Artie." He looked at Black Wolf. "We need to find a way out. We need to transport Artemus to Fort Brennan."
Black Wolf looked around him: the entrance to the mine gallery was obstructed by tons of rock and a few beams. It was impossible to go that way. "We're trapped here."
Suddenly a young boy of 10 years old headed toward Black Wolf and took his hand. "There's a well leading to the surface," he said.
He led Black Wolf there.
The warrior came back five minutes later, and knelt beside who Jim looking even paler than before with tears rolling down his dirty cheeks, leaving traces there. "Little Elk showed me the air well leading to the surface," he said. "I can easily climb up it. Once outside, I'm going to steal a horse and go to Fort Brennan to seek help. It should take several hoursfor the outward-and-return journey."
Mopping his wet face with his sleeve Jim nodded. "Yes, do that… but I'm not sure that Artemus is going to survive that long…" He sounded desperate.
Black Wolf pressed Jim's shoulder in a comforting gesture. "Don't worry. The One Who Has Made Everything – Maker of All Things Above protects him. He'll survive. I will bring a doctor and soldiers with me."
He stood then headed toward the children who were grouped together. He spoke to them softly, reassuringly then he headed toward the still intact mine gallery leading to the air well.
Shivers of dread wracking his body, Jim rested his forehead on Artie's head, and he whispered, "I hope you're right."
Black Wolf nodded, confidently.
Artemus's lashes fluttered and his lips parted. "J'm…"
Tbc.