Jeremy and the Sapphire Wolf
Jeremy Bolt was returning home after a two week business trip to San Francisco. He had missed his fiancé, Candy and his two brothers.
As the Shamus O'Flynn docked in Seattle, Jeremy looked for Candy and his brothers. He saw Josh coming in the distance.
When Jeremy left the ship, Josh walked up to him.
"Hello, Jeremy. I have something to tell you." Josh looked tired and worried.
"What's wrong, Josh"? Jeremy was nervous.
Josh put his arm around Jeremy.
"Jason has been seriously injured." Josh told him. Josh had tears in his eyes.
"J-J-J-Jason? No, Josh, not Jason! W-w-w-where is he"? Jeremy was frightened.
"He's at Lottie's" Josh said.
Jeremy ran as fast as he could to Lottie's.
Lottie was behind the bar.
"Where's Jason, Lottie"? Jeremy asked.
"He's in Room ten."
Jeremy ran upstairs to his brother's room. He went inside.
Dr. Wright and Candy were with Jason.
Jeremy dropped to his knees beside the bed. He looked at Jason. Jason was pale and deathly still. Jeremy had never seen Jason like this.
Jeremy held Jason's hand. Jeremy tried to speak. His mouth would not form the words. Jeremy tried again to say something. He couldn't talk. Jeremy put his face down on the side of the bed and sobbed. His brother needed him and he couldn't even speak.
Candy hurried over to Jeremy. She knelt beside him putting her arm around him.
"It's alright, sweetheart, it's alright." She whispered.
Jeremy put his arms around Candy's neck. He cried heartbroken sobs.
Joshua came in. He knelt by Jeremy putting his hand on his brother's back.
"I'm here, Jeremy. I'm here." Josh said quietly.
Slowly, Jeremy was able to stop crying and regain his composure. He stayed between Candy and Josh for a few minutes catching his breath.
Jeremy stood up.
"Thank you, Candy. Thank you, Josh. Let me see if I can speak to Jason now." Jeremy said.
Jeremy knelt by the bed again. He held Jason's hand.
"I'm here, Jason. It's Jeremy. I love you. Please get well. We need you." Jeremy said quietly. Jeremy felt Jason's forehead. He was burning up with fever. Jeremy was frightened.
Josh and Jeremy sat down in chairs on opposite sides of the bed.
"What happened, Josh"? Jeremy asked.
"Two days ago, Bart Shorter crashed The Ladies Tuesday Afternoon Tea at Lottie's. He had an axe. He was drunk. He started swinging the axe threatening the ladies with it. Biddie slipped out the door. She ran to Stempel's. Jason and Stempel were there. They rushed to Lottie's. They couldn't reason with Shorter so they started getting the ladies out. They got all of them out except Lottie. She was behind the bar. Jason told Lottie to come on out. When she came out from behind the bar, Shorter aimed the axe at her. Jason lunged at Lottie pushing her out of the way. When he did that, Shorter hit him in the back of the leg with the axe. He has a very bad wound." Josh said in a shaky voice.
"Yeah, Jason's got a high fever too." Jeremy said.
"I ordered a new medication called Coneflorasulfate from the druggist in Shelbyville. It will be here on the noon stagecoach tomorrow. " Dr. Wright told the brothers and Candy. "We were fortunate to find it. The druggist said this is the last of it that he has. It will take six weeks for him to get more."
"The new medication should bring down Jason's fever." Dr. Wright said.
"What if it doesn't help, Doctor? What will we do then"? asked Jeremy.
"I feel fairly certain that the medication will help, Jeremy. It's very unlikely that it won't make a significant difference in Jason's fever." Dr. Wright tried to reassure him.
"I don't doubt your expertise, doctor. I'm just scared we will lose our brother." Jeremy said tearfully.
Josh nodded in agreement.
"I understand." Dr. Wright said. " I have to change the dressing on Jason's wound. Do you two want to see the wound"? She asked the brothers.
"Yes, I want to see it." Joshua answered. " How about you, Jeremy"?
" Yes, I want to see the wound." Jeremy replied.
"Candy, would you help me, please"? Dr. Wright asked.
"Certainly ." Candy was concerned about Jeremy's reaction to the terrible wound his brother had suffered.
When Dr. Wright removed the bandages from Jason's leg, Jeremy gasped and staggered back a few steps.
"Are you alright, Jeremy"? Josh asked catching him by the arm.
"Y-y-y-yeah, J-J-J-Josh." Jeremy replied.
Candy and Josh exchanged a quick glance. They knew by Jeremy's stuttering that he wasn't alright.
Jeremy gulped as he looked at Jason's wound. It was big. It had about twenty five stitches. It was red and ugly. It smelled horrible.
When Dr. Wright began removing dead skin from the wound, Jason cried out in pain. That was the two younger brothers undoing.
Joshua and Jeremy hugged each other as tightly as they could. They cried like babies.
After a few minutes, Josh and Jeremy sat down.
Dr. Wright and Candy continued to take care of Jason's injury.
The doctor was about to bandage Jason's leg when Jeremy suddenly stood up and looked toward the door.
"NO! JASON! Don't go! You can't leave us! We need you, please, Jason"!
"Jeremy, what is going on? What are you doing"? Josh asked.
"Joshua, Jason won't listen to me. Make him stay, please. Tell him he can't go." Jeremy begged.
"Jeremy "? Asked Josh looking at his younger brother.
"Joshua, our brother wants to leave us. Please help me convince him to stay. He's not listening to me." Jeremy's breathing had become labored.
Josh walked over to Jeremy. He gave Jeremy a hug. Jeremy's heart felt like it was about to explode.
"Jeremy, you have to calm down. Your heart is racing much too fast." Josh said calmly.
Jeremy looked at Josh. " Make Jason stay and I can calm down."
Josh looked at Jeremy in confusion. Suddenly, Josh felt compelled to look toward the door. He did so. Josh did not see anyone or anything.
Jeremy spoke. "Jason, please! I'm begging! I can't make it without you. You know how I am. You don't want to leave Josh by himself to cope with me."
Jeremy bent his head to the side. He smiled a little impish smile and said "Alright". Then he took a deep breath and sat down.
Dr. Wright finished bandaging Jason's leg. As a doctor, she had seen a lot. However, she was having a difficult time believing what she had just witnessed.
Josh sat down in the chair next to Jeremy's chair. He knew Jeremy was very upset about Jason. Maybe that's the reason he said the things he just said, Josh made a mental note to keep an eye on his younger brother.
As Candy was getting ready to leave, she gave Jeremy a kiss on his cheek. "Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you. See you tomorrow."
"I love you too. Pleasant dreams. See you tomorrow, darling." Jeremy replied.
Candy and Josh exchanged a concerned glance right before she went out the door.
Dr. Wright left to go home. She gave the two brothers strict instructions to contact her if there was any change in Jason. The two Bolts assured her they would let her know immediately of any changes.
Josh and Jeremy settled in for the night. Lottie sent up two plates of food with orders for them to eat. Neither Joshua or Jeremy had any appetite. They pushed the food around with their forks for a minute. Then the plates were put aside.
"Jeremy, what happened earlier when you said Jason was trying to leave"? When Josh spoke these next words, his voice was gentle. "And by leave, I figure you meant he was dying."
Jeremy took a deep breath. He looked at Josh. "Yeah. I know this sounds crazy, Josh. But, I felt Jason leaving the room. And I just couldn't let him go."
Josh thought for a moment. "I guess I can understand that."
Jeremy and Josh took turns during the night watching over Jason. He seemed to sleep peacefully during the night.
The next day, Josh and Jeremy waited anxiously for the stagecoach from Shelbyville. At noon, Jeremy went to meet the stagecoach. It was late. Jeremy waited until 12:30. The stagecoach did not went back into Lottie's and asked Ken to keep an eye out for the stagecoach. Ken agreed. Jeremy needed to get back to Jason.
Jeremy went upstairs to Jason's told Josh and Dr. Wright the stagecoach was late. Dr. Wright said she would wire Shelbyville if the stagecoach didn't arrive by 1:00.
At 1:00 pm, there was still no sign of the stagecoach. sent a wire to the Stagecoach office in Shelbyville. They wired back that the stage had left on time and they had no information regarding any delays.
Dr. Wright told Josh and Jeremy the information from the stagecoach office.
"I'll go look for the stagecoach. There must have been some type of trouble and no one has been able to notify the home office. Jason has got to have that medication." Jeremy said.
"Jeremy, it could be dangerous. I'll go if you want." Josh said.
"No, Josh. I can do it. I'll be back as soon as I can." Jeremy told him.
Jeremy knelt by Jason's bed. "I love you, Jason. I'm going to get your medication. I'll be back soon." Jeremy patted Jason on the head.
Jeremy and Josh shared a brief hug. "Be very careful." Josh said.
"Okay. I love you, Josh." Jeremy said .
"I love you, Jeremy" replied Josh.
Jeremy left riding Brownie toward Shelbyville.
About ten miles outside of Shelbyville, Jeremy found the stagecoach. It had been robbed. Three men were lying in the road. Jeremy checked for a pulse on the first two. They were dead. They had been shot. Jeremy did not know the two men.
The third man was the stagecoach driver. Jeremy recognized him. He was Mr. Jack. The Bolt brothers had known Mr. Jack for many years. He helped Jason get the logging business started right after their father died. Mr. Jack provided food for them when he found out that Jason was going hungry so his younger brothers would have enough to eat. Mr. Jack surprised them with a turkey and gifts their first Christmas after the death of their father. He gave Josh and Jeremy their first pocket knives. He gave Jason a hand carved sign that read Bridal Veil Mountain Logging Co. Bolt Brothers, Prop.
Jeremy dropped to his knees next to Mr. Jack. He lifted Mr. Jack's head very carefully.
"Mr. Jack, it's Jeremy Bolt. Mr. Jack, can you hear me"? asked Jeremy.
"Jeremy, what are you doing here, son"? Mr. Jack asked hoarsely.
Jeremy held his canteen to Mr. Jack's lips. Mr. Jack drank a little water.
"I came looking for the stagecoach because it didn't make it to Seattle. There was some medicine for Jason on the stage." Jeremy explained.
"The medicine was in the saddlebag with the money. The robbers got it. There are three of them." Mr. Jack gasped in pain. One of the robbers had shot him in the stomach. "One of the robbers is on a paint horse." Mr. Jack said.
Jeremy got the extra shirt from his saddle bag. He tied it around Mr. Jack using it as both a bandage and a tourniquet for Mr. Jack's wound.
"Mr, Jack, I'm going to take you to Seattle. We have a doctor there. She will take good care of you. " Jeremy said as he was looking at the stagecoach. If the stage was drivable, Jeremy would take it so Mr. Jack could lie down inside the coach. Jeremy could tie Brownie to the back of the stagecoach.
"Jeremy, it's too late for me. You go and get that medicine for Jason. The robbers went toward Shelbyville. The medicine is in an envelope in the saddlebag with the money. You and your brothers are fine young men. I was blessed to have known the three of you." A raspy breath escaped Mr. Jack's lips. His eyes closed. Mr. Jack was gone.
Angry tears burned Jeremy's eyes. "Mr. Jack! No! Oh, Mr. Jack! You were such a good man, why did this happen to you"?!
Why did it happen to any of these men Jeremy thought. It happened because some thieves wanted something that wasn't theirs.
Jeremy inspected the stagecoach quickly. It was in good shape. Jeremy wrapped each of the deceased men in a blanket from head to toe. He tied each blanket securely. Jeremy loaded the bodies inside the stagecoach. He fed and watered all of the horses. Jeremy tied Brownie to the back of the stage.
Jeremy climbed to the driver's seat on the stage. He found Mr. Jack's pistol and rifle on the seat. He checked them. Both were loaded.
Jeremy headed for Shelbyville. He kept an eye out for the robbers.
When Jeremy arrived in Shelbyville, he went to the sheriff's office to report the three murders and the robbery. The sheriff said he would get a posse out after the robbers soon. The sheriff told Jeremy he would go talk to the Stagecoach office manager immediately.
Jeremy went to the Blue Moon Saloon in Shelbyville. It was getting late in the afternoon. There were not many people in the saloon. Jeremy asked the bartender if there were any strangers other than him in the saloon. The bartender said no he knew everyone in there except Jeremy.
Jeremy left the saloon. He rode Brownie through town twice. He didn't see any sign of the robbers. He did not see a paint horse.
Jeremy left Shelbyville riding toward Rosalee Crossing. He knew that Rosalee Crossing was close to Indian territory. Jeremy and his brothers had always heard that the Indians in that area were friendly.
Just before he reached the turn to Rosalee crossing, Jeremy heard men's voices. He slowed Brownie and approached the area cautiously.
When he got a little closer, Jeremy saw a paint horse. It was the robbers. Jeremy had brought Mr. Jack's pistol and rifle with him.
Jeremy saw the robbers just off the road down in the woods. They had stopped to make camp for the night even though there were a few hours of daylight left.
Jeremy got off of Brownie. He tied Brownie to a tree just off the road. Jeremy got the rifle. He crept slowly and quietly toward the robbers's camp.
When he got close enough to be heard, Jeremy said, "Hands up! Where is that medicine that was in the saddlebag with the money? That's all I want. I'm not interested in the money. You can keep it. I need the medicine for my brother."
One of the robbers turned his head to look at Jeremy. He had the medicine in his hand. "You mean this"? He asked.
"Yes, let me have it. You don't need it. My brother needs it. He will die without it." Jeremy replied.
"You know what? I don't care what your brother needs. I don't care if your brother dies." The robber laughed like he was out of his mind.
Jeremy cocked the rifle. "GIVE IT TO ME"!
The robber tore open the envelope. He turned it upside down and poured the medication on the ground. The robber smiled a big ugly smile.
Jeremy screamed, "NO! Now my brother will die"!
Jeremy was blinded by his anger. He threw down the rifle and lunged at the robber. Jeremy grabbed the man. He began punching him in the face with his fist. He punched him in the stomach. He kneed him in the groin. The robber screamed in pain. Jeremy grabbed the robber by the throat. Just as Jeremy was closing his hands around the robber's throat, Jeremy heard a gunshot from behind him.
Jeremy felt a searing pain in his left shoulder. His hands fell from the robber's throat as Jeremy fell to the ground. Jeremy had been shot.
As he lost consciousness, Jeremy gasped "I'm sorry, Jason. Please forgive me."
The robbers immediately broke up their campsite and left. For some unknown reason, they left Brownie tied to the tree.
Approximately an hour later, Pacer Burton was on his way home from Shelbyville. He and his family had recently moved to Washington Territory from Texas. His mother was Kiowa. They moved because his mother's tribe relocated to this area.
His father was white. Pacer had a half brother from his father's first marriage. They didn't think in terms like half. Clint and Pacer were brothers.
Pacer was getting close to the turn to Rosalee Crossing. He saw a beautiful brown horse tied to a tree. Pacer did not see a person who could be the horse's owner.
Pacer rode up to the brown horse. Pacer got down from his horse. He looked around. He called out "HELLO! Anyone here"? Pacer listened. He heard a man groaning in pain.
Pacer realized the sound was coming from the woods. He made his way through the pine thicket. It didn't take him long to find Jeremy.
Pacer knelt down by Jeremy. He saw that Jeremy had been shot. Pacer felt Jeremy's neck for a pulse. His pulse was slow.
"Hey, can you hear me? Can you tell me your name"? Pacer used his handkerchief to try to stop the bleeding.
Jeremy moaned in pain. "My name is Jeremy Bolt". Jeremy opened his eyes and looked at Pacer.
"I'm Pacer Burton. How did you get out here and in this shape"?
"It's a long story." Jeremy said.
"Well, don't use your strength trying to tell me now. My family lives close by. I am going to take you home with me. My mother will take good care of you." Pacer told Jeremy.
"Thank you. Is Brownie alright? He's my horse." Jeremy said,
"Yes. Brownie is fine. He's the reason I found you." Pacer answered.
"OH! JASON"! Jeremy cried out. "He is my brother. He is seriously sick. He will die if I don't get his medicine to him."
"Don't worry. My family and I will help you and your brother. I've got to get you to Ma first. You have lost a lot of blood." Pacer said.
"Thank you." Jeremy replied.
Pacer tied Jeremy's hands to the front of his saddle. He tied Jeremy's feet in the stirrups. Pacer led Brownie next to his horse. Pacer was able to ride fast even leading Brownie. They were at Pacer's house soon.
Pacer called out for Pa and Clint to come help him. They came out of the house fast. The three men got Jeremy inside quickly. Mrs. Burton told them to put Jeremy in the spare bedroom. The men got Jeremy's clothes changed. Pacer's clothes were a bit large on Jeremy, but they would do fine.
Mrs. Burton examined Jeremy's shoulder. "The bullet is still in there. It must be removed. My son, Clint can do that. I will assist him. I'm afraid it will be very painful, Jeremy."
"Nettie, you be sure that Clint gives Jeremy several shots of whiskey before he starts removing that bullet." Sam told her.
""Yes, I will, Sam." Mrs. Burton told her husband and her sons' father.
Mrs. Burton talked to Clint and Pacer about removing the bullet. Clint got everything ready. Pacer gave Jeremy five shots of whiskey.
As Jeremy drank the shots, Pacer told him, "I'm gonna hold you down during the operation if you need me too."
"That won't be necessary if I drown in all of this whiskey." Jeremy chuckled.
"One more"? Pacer asked holding up the bottle.
"Yes, thank you." Jeremy winced from the pain in his shoulder.
"Pacer, I'm very grateful for all that you and your family are doing for me. But, if something happens and I don't make it. I usually get a dangerously high fever when I get sick or injured. Please wire my brother Joshua in Seattle and let him know what happened with Jason's medicine and me." Jeremy told him.
"You are going to be fine, Jeremy. Clint is going to Rosalee Crossing in the morning to send a telegram to your brother, Joshua. Are there anymore of you Bolt brothers"? Pacer asked.
"No, just the three of us. Jason, Josh, and me." Answered Jeremy.
Clint and his mother had everything ready for Jeremy's surgery.
"You ready, Jeremy"? asked Clint.
"Yes" Jeremy said. He looked at Pacer.
"I won't forget, Jeremy. Now, you lie back. Ma and Clint are gonna fix you up good as new." Pacer said kindly.
Jeremy laid down and closed his eyes.
Mrs. Burton and Clint began the surgery. When Clint made the incision, Jeremy gasped. Pacer had his hands lightly on Jeremy's legs. He was ready to hold Jeremy down firmly if necessary. Jeremy moaned a few times as Clint probed inside his shoulder for the bullet.
When Clint had to dig fragments of the bullet out of a muscle, Jeremy cried out in pain. He lifted his head from the pillow. Pacer moved fast to the head of the bed. Pacer got a firm hold on Jeremy's right shoulder. With his other hand, Pacer gently touched Jeremy's forehead. Pacer laid Jeremy's head back on the pillow.
"Take it easy, Jeremy. You can't be moving too much. You don't want Clint to cut off your ear." Pacer said with a soft laugh.
"Pacer! Now is not the time to be teasing your brother. Surgery is very serious." Mrs. Burton gave Pacer a reproachful look.
"I'm sorry, Ma. I was just trying to help Jeremy feel a little better." Pacer apologized.
Pacer was now sitting in a chair at the head of the bed. Jeremy was still, but his breathing was very labored.
"Ma, maybe you better take a look at Jeremy. He's not breathing too good." Pacer was concerned.
Mrs. Burton went to the head of the bed. She looked at Jeremy. She listened to his breathing.
"He's alright, Pacer. Jeremy is breathing that way due to the pain. Clint is almost finished with the surgery. Jeremy will be fine." Mrs. Burton walked back to Clint.
"Okay, Ma. You know more about this sort of thing than I do. I just wanted to be sure he is alright. Oh, Ma, Jeremy told me that a lot of times when he gets sick or injured, he gets a dangerously high fever."
Pacer felt Jeremy's forehead. Jeremy had no fever.
"Thank you for telling me, Pacer. I will keep a very close watch on Jeremy for any sign of fever." His mother said.
Clint continued to remove bullet fragments from Jeremy's shoulder. When Clint was working on removing the largest bullet fragment, Jeremy screamed.
Pacer stood up from the chair immediately. He had a hand on Jeremy's right shoulder and a hand on Jeremy's forehead like before to keep Jeremy from moving.
"Clint, you almost finished? I don't think Jeremy can take much more." Pacer was worried for his new friend.
"Yes, I'm almost finished. I tell you, Jeremy is some kind of strong. A lot of men would have passed out right in the beginning." Clint replied as he dropped the largest and last bullet fragment in the basin with a thud.
"I don't know about strong, Clint. But, I'm pretty stubborn. All of us Bolts are. Thank you, Mrs. Burton, Clint, Pacer. I know it's not much of a thing to say for what you did, but I mean it." Jeremy whispered.
"You are most welcome, Jeremy. We are proud to help you. Now, you must rest, sweetheart. After Clint stitches your shoulder, Pacer can give you a few more shots of whiskey for the pain." Mrs. Burton said as she stroked Jeremy's hair. She touched his forehead checking for fever. No fever so far.
Clint stitched Jeremy's shoulder. Mrs. Burton bandaged his shoulder. Pacer gave Jeremy four shots of whiskey. Jeremy went to sleep. He had no fever at that point.
That night, Nettie and Sam Burton sat up with Jeremy. Clint and Pacer slept in their bedrooms.
During the night, Jeremy developed a high fever. Nettie kept cold cloths on his forehead to try to lower the fever.
Nettie and Sam were sitting in chairs on either side of Jeremy's bed. Jeremy woke up. His fever was still high.
Jeremy looked at Nettie. "Mom? Why am I in so much pain"?
"Sweetheart, you had surgery on your shoulder last evening. That's the reason for the pain. Do you want to take some Laudanum? We have a little. We were trying to save it to see if you absolutely had to have it." Nettie replied.
"No, I don't think I need the Laudanum, Mom. I just didn't know the reason for my pain." Jeremy reached for Nettie's hand.
Jeremy looked into Nettie's eyes for a long moment. "I love you, Mom."
Nettie smiled at Jeremy. She clasped his hand tightly. "I love you, Jeremy."
"Where's Jason?! I remember how I was shot. I went to get medicine for Jason. Some robbers got the medication. I went after them. One of the robbers poured out the medicine. I was beating him for wasting it. Then another one of the robbers shot me. Josh found me. He brought me home. Jason's not dead is he?! Oh, Mom, please tell me where Jason is." Jeremy was gasping for breath. He tried to get up.
Sam caught ahold of Jeremy's right shoulder. "Whoa there, son. You can't get up. Jason is alright. I'll go get him and Josh. They will be glad that you're awake. Now, you lie down. Take it easy."
Jeremy laid back on his bed. "Okay, Dad."
Sam woke up Pacer and Clint. He told them that Jeremy thinks that they are his family due to his high fever.
Pacer and Clint went into Jeremy's room.
"Jason! I'm so glad you are alright! I have been worried about you." Jeremy said looking at Clint.
"I'm fine, Jeremy. Don't worry about me. You concentrate on getting well, brother." Clint told him.
"I wasn't just worried, Jason. I was scared that you had died because I didn't get the medicine that you needed. I tried, Jason. I really did. I'm sorry I failed you." Jeremy began crying.
Clint knelt by the bed. "Hey, I don't want to hear any talk about you failing me because that's not true. You did all you could to try to get that medicine. You risked your life for it. You did not fail me, Jeremy. Alright"? Clint smiled at Jeremy and tousled his hair.
"Alright, Jason." Jeremy answered with a ragged breath.
"Josh, thanks for finding me and bringing me home." Jeremy held his hand out to Pacer.
Pacer held Jeremy's hand. "You're welcome, Jeremy. That's what brothers are for. You rest now, okay? We want you to get well. It hurts us to see you sick."
"Okay, Josh." Jeremy smiled.
Jeremy looked at Nettie and Sam. He looked at Clint and Pacer.
Jeremy looked back at Nettie. "Mom, I like it when all of us are here together. It makes me feel safe. It makes me feel loved." The love and trust in Jeremy's eyes almost made Nettie cry.
"You are safe, sweetheart. And you are most dearly loved. Go to sleep, sweet Jeremy." Nettie whispered as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Okay,Mom. I love you all." Jeremy sighed as he went back to sleep.
When Jeremy woke up the next morning, his fever was much lower. He no longer thought that the Burtons were his family. He was in a great deal of pain with his shoulder. Nettie gave him a small dose of Laudanum. It eased the pain somewhat.
Jeremy told the Burtons about Jason, the ConeFloraSulfate, the stagecoach, and the robbers.
"Jeremy, my sister, WillowLace is a medicine woman. She makes ConeFloraSulfate. I'm sure she would give you some for your brother, Jason." Nettie told him.
"That would be wonderful, Miss Nettie. I am willing to pay or to trade with your sister for the medication." Jeremy said.
"WillowLace doesn't expect anything in return, Jeremy. But, if you would like to help, food in the winter would be most appreciated." Nettie replied.
"My brothers and I will be happy to do that, Miss Nettie." Said Jeremy.
Later that day, Clint traveled to Rosalee Crossing. He sent a wire to Joshua to let him know about Jeremy and about Jason's medication. Clint asked if Jason's condition is improving. Joshua replied that Jason is holding on.
The next morning Jeremy wanted to go to the Kiowa Village to get the ConeFloraSulfate. Nettie told him he should not travel so soon after his surgery. Jeremy said he realized that, but he was too worried about Jason to wait any longer. Pacer said he would go with Jeremy and watch out for him because of his surgery. This made Nettie feel better. She wrote a letter to her sister asking her to help Jeremy. She gave the letter to Pacer. She also gave Pacer a box of food items to give to WillowLace.
"Ma, Jeremy and I will be back tomorrow evening. Don't worry. I'll look out for Jeremy. He seems like he has recovered pretty well from the surgery." Pacer said.
"A person does not recover from having a bullet removed in two days, Pacer. Jeremy, sweetheart, I know you are worried about your brother. But, you must take care of yourself too. I'm sure your brothers wouldn't want anything to happen to you." Nettie was very concerned about Jeremy.
"Now, Nettie, Jeremy is a grown young man. He knows how he feels. And sometimes, Nettie, a man has something he has to do in spite of how he feels. Isn't that right, Jeremy "? Asked Sam.
"Yes, sir, Mr. Sam. I'm okay, Miss Nettie. You and Clint did a great job getting me patched up. Thank you for everything. I'll see you tomorrow evening." Jeremy replied.
Pacer and Jeremy left on their horses traveling to the Kiowa Village. They waved goodbye to Clint when they rode along the edge of the Burton's pasture. Clint was many yards away in the pasture preparing to brand some new cattle. He waved back.
Jeremy and Pacer arrived in the Kiowa Village about noon. Before they could dismount their horses, children were running up to them.
The children yelled, "Pacer! Pacer! Did you bring me anything "?
Pacer and Jeremy got off their horses. They tied them to trees. Pacer opened the food package his mother prepared for her family. Nettie had sent cookies for the children.
Jeremy and Pacer passed out the cookies to the children. The children laughed and smiled as they received the cookies. Each child ate his or her cookie eagerly. Pacer and Jeremy laughed and smiled too. They were glad to be able to make the children happy even in a small way.
Pacer and Jeremy met with WillowLace. She gave Jeremy some ConeFloraSulfate in a pendant. She had put the pendant on a thin piece of leather so he could wear it around his neck.
"Thank you, WillowLace. You have saved my brother's life. The Bolt brothers are in your debt. " Jeremy told her.
"You and your brothers are welcome, Jeremy. My sister said you will help us in the winter with some food. That will be a great blessing to us." WillowLace replied.
"Yes, we will be very happy to help you and your people. Please feel free to call on us for help at anytime not just during the winter." Jeremy said. He was happy and relieved that he had the medicine for Jason. Jeremy didn't have to be frightened of losing his beloved brother anymore.
Pacer and Jeremy had a late afternoon meal with WillowLace and some of her family. Some of the male relatives asked Jeremy how he and his brothers made their living. Jeremy told them about the logging business. He talked to them about Bridal Veil Mountain. Jeremy explained how important the mountain is to him and his brothers. Not only for their business, but as their legacy from their father.
"So" one young brave said, "tradition and family history are just as important to some white men as it is to Indian men. Is that right, Jeremy"?
Jeremy was honored that the young brave called him by his name.
"Yes, tradition and family history are very important to us"…?
"Running Bear." The young brave answered.
"Running Bear." Jeremy smiled. He offered his hand to Running Bear.
Running Bear looked at Pacer perplexed.
"Jeremy wants to shake your hand. It is a sign of friendship." Pacer explained.
"OH"! "I am happy to be your friend, Jeremy." Running Bear took Jeremy's hand shaking it vigorously.
"Thank you, Running Bear. I am happy to be your friend." Replied Jeremy.
As Pacer and Jeremy were getting ready to leave, they were given blessings for safe travel. Many goodbyes were exchanged. WillowLace said she would like to meet Jason and Joshua one day soon. Jeremy said he and his brothers would like that as well.
As Pacer and Jeremy rode away on their horses, many of the children ran after them shouting goodbye. Jeremy and Pacer looked back waving at the children until they were out of sight.
"You made a good impression on our people, Jeremy. They like you. That is not always the case especially with white men. No offense ." Pacer said.
"None taken. Your people are kind. I can't tell you how much it means to my brothers and me that your aunt gave me the medication." Replied Jeremy.
"Your brothers are very important to you aren't they"? asked Pacer.
"Yes, they are. They have been my whole life since I was nine years old."
Answered Jeremy.
Jeremy told Pacer about his mother's death when he was five years old. He talked about how he began stuttering at her funeral. Jeremy told Pacer about some of the difficult times he had because of his stuttering. He added that his father and his brothers were always supportive, loving, and encouraging to him. Jeremy told Pacer how hard life was for his brothers and him after the death of their father. Jeremy talked about how hard Jason worked to take care of two young brothers and start a family business when he was a very young man all alone in the world.
"Gosh, Pacer. I'm sorry. I don't usually talk so much about me and my family. I guess the stress of worrying about Jason has gotten to me." Jeremy apologized.
"You're fine, Jeremy. Don't apologize. I was glad to hear about your life. You and your brothers had a pretty rough time for a few years." Said Pacer.
"If you don't mind me saying, I imagine your life has been hard at times too, hasn't it"? asked Jeremy.
"Yeah, it's been tough being half Indian and half white. But, like your family was for you, my family was always supportive and loving to me." Pacer said.
"Both of us are blessed." Jeremy said thoughtfully.
"Yes, we are." Pacer replied with a smile.
They rode on in silence for awhile.
"We're getting close to the Comanche Burial Ground, Jeremy. We have to be careful not to cross any part of it. The Comanches would hand us our heads in a basket if we did." Pacer held up the lantern to try to see how close they were to the Comanche's sacred ground.
"Yeah, I've heard stories about the awful things that supposedly happen to people for violating the burial ground." Jeremy was looking around to trying to determine how close they were to the site. He held a lantern high in the air.
Pacer and Jeremy proceeded slowly on their horses still looking for the burial ground. Brownie whinnied. Jeremy and Pacer almost jumped out of their skin. Both men chuckled when they realized it was only Brownie.
"Be quiet, Brownie"! Jeremy whispered.
"I think we are there, Jeremy." Pacer was also whispering.
The men stopped their horses. They looked ahead with the lanterns.
"The road ahead looks okay to me. What do you think, Pacer"? Jeremy was squinting even though it was dark trying to see as far ahead as he could.
"It looks alright to me too. Let's keep going real slow and looking." Pacer said.
"Okay." Jeremy said. Then he sat up very straight in his saddle. "Did you hear something "?
They were beside the burial ground now.
"No, I didn't hear….wait…." Pacer turned his head toward the burial ground and listened.
Pacer heard a small sort of mewing sound. Was it a cat?
Then, Waaaaaa! Waaaaa! That was the sound of a child crying. It was coming from the burial ground.
Jeremy went to the very edge of the sacred site. He held the lantern as high as he could searching for the crying child.
"Be careful, Jeremy! There are always warriors in these woods guarding the burial ground." Pacer warned.
" I see her! Pacer, there's a little girl about two years old out there in the burial ground. How did she get out here? Surely, someone is looking for her." Jeremy was astonished.
"Jeremy, she didn't get out here by herself. Someone put her out here. They left her out here to….to die." Pacer said sadly.
"WHAT"?! Jeremy turned his head to look at Pacer.
Pacer nodded. "They think there is something wrong with her."
"Well, I'm going to get her." Jeremy got off of his horse.
"Now, Jeremy, remember everything we were saying about how the Comanche don't like for anyone to set foot on their burial ground. Remember what happens to people who violate their beliefs." Pacer reminded him.
"We can't leave that child out there. Why don't the Comanche believe in taking care of their children"? Jeremy asked. "You don't think this is okay, do you, Pacer"?
"No, of course not." Replied Pacer.
"Well, we can't leave her." Jeremy was standing with his back to Pacer looking at the child.
"Let's go get her." Pacer sighed as he got down from his horse.
Jeremy and Pacer moved quickly. They tried to avoid stepping on any graves. But, it was impossible because the graves were so close together.
Jeremy reached the little girl first. He picked her up. He and Pacer turned around. They rushed back to their horses.
As they were riding away with the little girl, Pacer heard a noise. He motioned for Jeremy to stop. Jeremy stopped. He listened.
Just as Jeremy was about to say that he didn't hear anything, six Comanche warriors came upon them. One of them tried to grab the little girl away from Jeremy.
Jeremy held tight to the child with one hand. He punched the warrior in the face with the fist of his other hand.
"STOP! Or he dies"! One of the warriors shouted.
Jeremy turned to look. The shouting warrior had a knife to Pacer's throat.
The warriors took the men and the child to their village. It was daylight when they arrived. People in the village were starting to wake up. Jeremy looked around. He noticed one very pretty young woman paying particular attention to him.
The little girl was given to some of the women for them to take care of her. Jeremy was worried that they would return the child to the burial ground.
Pacer and Jeremy were brought before the Tribal Council.
The warrior in charge was Slithering Snake. He glared at Jeremy and Pacer before speaking.
"You men have violated the sacred Comanche burial ground. For what reason"? He asked.
"To rescue the little girl who was left there to die." Replied Jeremy.
"And if it counts for anything, it was my idea to rescue her not his. Let him go"
"You are correct. What you say does not count for anything. It is unimportant who first thought to violate the sacred ground ." said Slithering Snake.
Slithering Snake and the other warriors on the Tribal Council went into another tent for a private conversation.
When the Tribal Council returned, Slithering Snake paced around the tent as the other warriors took their seats. When all of them were seated, Slithering Snake stopped pacing. He walked over to Jeremy and looked him up and down. Then he did the same with Pacer.
Slithering Snake stood in front of the council table. "These men have been found guilty of violating the sacred beliefs of the Comanche people. Therefore, that makes them an enemy of the Comanche Tribe.
We cannot allow our enemies to rise against us. Therefore, these men will be tortured and then killed. So says the Tribal Council.
Jeremy and Pacer were taken to separate Sauna Tents. This was one of the tortures. Extreme heat that could cause any number of illnesses, hallucinations and dangerously high fevers which Jeremy was susceptible too. .
Jeremy and Pacer were taken to the sauna tents. They were chained to tent pegs by their hands and their feet. They had to lie on the ground in the dirt.
That night, Jeremy was in a great deal of pain from his shoulder. The heat in the tent was miserable. Jeremy had not had any water in several hours. His arms and legs ached from being in one position for so many hours.
Jeremy wondered how Jason was doing. He was supposed to be going home to Seattle tomorrow to take him the medication. At this point, Jeremy didn't know if he would ever be able to get the medicine to his brother.
Jeremy had a terrifying thought. What if he and Jason both died? What would that mean for Josh? The thought of Josh being all alone in the world made Jeremy want to cry. Please dear God, get Pacer and me out of this mess. Please let us get home to our heal Jason's injury. Amen. Jeremy felt a little better after praying.
In the other sauna tent, Pacer was miserable as well. He was wishing that his family had stayed in Texas. He thought about his mother and his dad and brother. Pacer prayed that he and Jeremy would survive and make it home.
By the next evening, Jeremy was having an hallucination. "JASON! JASON! HELP ME!" He cried.
"Jeremy, I'm right here. You are going to be fine." Jason said.
"Fine?! How can you call this fine, Jason"?! Jeremy demanded.
"I said you will be fine not that you are fine, brother." Jason explained.
"Oh, well I hope the being fine happens soon. Wait, a minute. How am I talking to you? Are you dead, Jason"? Jeremy was confused.
"No, I'm not dead, Jeremy." Replied Jason. " And before you ask, you're not dead either." Jason assured him.
"Well, I'm glad we aren't dead. You're here to rescue Pacer and me, right"? asked Jeremy.
"No, I'm not here for that. I'm here to tell you something important. Something that you don't know, Jeremy." His oldest brother said.
"Can't you tell me and rescue us too"? Jeremy questioned.
"No, I'm afraid not, Jeremy. But everything is going to be alright." Answered Jason.
"What did you want to tell me, Jason"? asked Jeremy.
"According to our grandmother's journal, Jeremy, you are a Comanche Prince. Your Indian name is The Sapphire Wolf." Jason said.
"REALLY, JASON?! I'm being tortured and you're making jokes"? Jeremy was angry.
"I'm not joking, Jeremy. Our grandmother's great grandmother was a Comanche Princess. And somehow that along with our father's Scottish ancestry makes the third son of the third son, a Comanche Prince and that's you, Jeremy." Jason explained.
"A Comanche Prince! Sure, I am. That's why the Comanche's have me chained to the ground torturing me." Jeremy was disgusted with his brother.
"Actually, it might be the reason they are torturing you, Jeremy. You and a Comanche Princess named Starlight Moon are predicted to have a son who will play a significant role in making the Comanches a peaceful nation. Those who don't want peace could very well be trying to keep you and Starlight apart." Jason said. " In fact, it's possible that Bart Shorter was sent to kill me so I couldn't make you aware of your Royal Indian heritage."
"You are really serious about this aren't you, Jason"? Jeremy was a little less skeptical now.
"Yes, I am very serious, Jeremy. You are going to be alright. Don't worry. I'm going to be alright too. Oh, let me give you some of that ConeFloraSulfate that you have. It will help prevent another of those awful fevers that you get. I don't have any water, but putting it on your tongue will work. Your body will absorb it." Jason said.
Jason opened the pendant around Jeremy's neck. He dipped his finger in the medication. Jeremy stuck out his tongue a little. Jason placed the medication on his brother's tongue.
"Thank you, Jason. I love you. I miss you. I want to come home." Jeremy said sadly. "Hey, you need to take some of the medicine too, Jason."
"You're welcome, Jeremy. I can't take the medicine now. I love you too, brother. You will make it home. I have to go now." Jason tousled Jeremy's hair before he left the tent.
Wow, that was some hallucination Jeremy thought. Wait, how can a hallucination put his finger on my tongue? Jeremy definitely felt some of the powdered medication on his tongue.
Jeremy didn't know what to think. He closed his eyes to try to get some rest.
In his sauna tent, Pacer was hallucinating that he was in a saloon beating up a man for calling him half breed. Pacer saw the glass of cold beer on the bar. He stopped fighting so he could go drink the beer. He was so thirsty. Pacer tried to walk toward the bar but his feet would not move. How could he move when fighting, but not be able to move to get the beer?
Pacer closed his eyes to try to get some rest.
Jeremy was asleep. He woke up startled to find a lovely Indian girl kissing him. She placed her hand on his heart. Jeremy's heart was racing.
The Indian girl whispered, "Its alright, Jeremy. It's alright. Don't be afraid."
The Indian girl unlocked the chains around Jeremy's wrists and ankles. She helped him stand up.
"Come with me, Jeremy." She led him out of the tent.
It felt so good to be out of that awful heat and in the fresh cool night air. Jeremy took a deep breath.
"What is your name"? He asked the lovely girl.
"I am Princess Starlight Moon." She answered.
I must be dreaming Jeremy thought. He pinched his arm. "Ouch"!
"This isn't a dream is it"? Jeremy asked.
"No, Jeremy, it is not a dream." Princess Starlight Moon told him.
Starlight took Jeremy to her tent by the river.
"Would you like to take a bath"? She asked Jeremy.
"Yes, I would." Jeremy answered.
"Go bathe in the river here. I will go bathe in another part of the river. When we are finished, we can meet in my tent. Wait just a moment."
Starlight said.
She ran inside her tent. When she returned to Jeremy, she had a robe for each of them. She gave one of them to Jeremy.
"Put this on when you finish bathing." She told him.
"Okay." Jeremy replied. He watched her walk away from him to another part of the river. She is so beautiful he thought. His heart was racing again but not from fear.
Jeremy walked a few feet down to the river bank. He shucked his clothes. He went into the river. It felt great to wash away the dirt, grime, and sweat.
Jeremy put on the robe and went inside the tent. There was a huge thick pallet on the ground. Jeremy sat down on the pallet.
A few minutes later, Starlight came into the tent. She was wearing her robe.
Starlight sat down on the pallet with Jeremy. She looked deep into his eyes.
"You are the third son of a third son with Scottish and Indian ancestry aren't you"? She asked
"Yes, my grandmother was Cherokee, my great grandmother was a Comanche Princess, and my father was Scottish." Jeremy replied.
"You are the Sapphire Wolf. You are a Comanche Prince." Starlight said.
Starlight gave Jeremy a deep passionate kiss. He kissed her too. Jeremy did not understand it, but he was in love with Princess Starlight Moon.
"I want you to give me your child, Sapphire Wolf. You are my intended. My grandmother told me about you when I was a child. It is our destiny. Our son will be a great warrior. He will help the Comanche nation to be a peaceful nation as we have wanted to be for many generations."
"I love you, Starlight." Replied The Sapphire Wolf as he removed her robe from her lovely body.
Princess Starlight Moon whispered softly, " I love you, Sapphire Wolf."
Starlight removed the robe from Sapphire Wolf's strong muscular body.
The Sapphire Wolf made love to Princess Starlight Moon. She was enchanted with him. At times, he growled a low deep growl. Other times, he gave a precious whimper like a little boy.
Together they experienced the sweet release of their passion. Each of them cried out the other's name with a breathless declaration of love.
Starlight held Sapphire Wolf in her arms as he slept. She stroked his hair and listened to his deep even breathing. She prayed that his child was inside her now.
After awhile, Sapphire Wolf stirred a little. He looked at Starlight's lovely face. "I love you Starlight." He whispered softly.
Sapphire Wolf put his head on her shoulder. He gently nuzzled her neck giving her a little love bite with his teeth. Starlight sighed.
Starlight thought back to her grandmother telling her about Sapphire Wolf. Grandmother said that she would love him. But, Grandmother didn't say that her love for him would be a consuming fire. And Grandmother failed to tell her that she would ache to her very soul for Sapphire Wolf and that she would never want that ache to end.
Later when Sapphire Wolf woke up, he was starving. Starlight gave him some food. After he ate, he said it was time for him to go.
"Sapphire Wolf, you do not have to be tortured anymore. Since you are a Comanche Prince, you can command that Slithering Snake let you go." Starlight told him.
"Why didn't you come to rescue me sooner"? Sapphire Wolf asked her.
"I could not rescue you until the night when our son was to be conceived which was last night. I have kept close watch on you and your friend since the torture began." Starlight explained
"When I realized you were hallucinating last night, I was worried about you." Starlight said. "It was not your brother who came to see you. It was me."
"So you gave me the medication." Sapphire Wolf replied.
"Yes, your fever was dangerously high. The medication worked quickly to bring it down." Starlight said.
"I must get home soon to give the medicine to my brother. He is seriously ill." Sapphire Wolf was worried about Jason.
"Will you go home with me, Starlight? I love you. I want to marry you." Asked Sapphire Wolf.
"Yes, I will be honored to go to your home. I love you. I want to be your wife." Starlight said with tears in her brown eyes.
Starlight gave Jeremy some clothes to wear. He was surprised that they were just like the work clothes he wore at home. A brown plaid shirt and tan color cords plus boots.
Jeremy and Starlight went to Pacer's sauna tent. Jeremy unlocked the chains around Pacer's wrists and ankles. Pacer was grateful but surprised.
"What's going on, Jeremy"? asked Pacer.
"Well, Pacer. It seems that I am a Comanche Prince. I can command Slithering Snake to let us go." Jeremy said.
"Now, Jeremy, if you don't want to tell me. A simple none of your business, Pacer will do." Pacer looked at Jeremy like he was crazy.
Jeremy and Starlight laughed. "I am telling you the truth, Pacer. I didn't know it until last night."
"Who is this young woman? Your Princess"? asked Pacer.
Jeremy smiled. "Yes she is. Princess Starlight Moon may I introduce my friend, Pacer Burton."
Pacer shook his head and smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Princess Starlight Moon."
"Thank you, Pacer. It's nice to meet you as well." Starlight said.
Jeremy went into the Tribal Council Tent. Slithering Snake looked shocked.
"How did you get loose"? he asked.
"I know who I am, Slithering Snake. I command you to release me and Pacer." Jeremy said.
"Your Royal Highness, you and Mr. Burton are released." Obeyed Slithering Snake.
"I also command you to never again abandon anyone to die. If someone is sick or injured, take care of them properly." Jeremy said.
"Yes, Your Royal Highness." Obeyed Slithering Snake.
Starlight left the Comanche village with Jeremy and Pacer.
Not long after they left the village, they met Josh and Clint on the road.
"Hello, Joshua. How is Jason"? Jeremy asked nervously.
"He is okay, Jeremy. Clint and I got together to come looking for the two of you since we haven't heard from you for days. How are both of you"?
Joshua asked.
"We are fine, Josh. We had some trouble but it's over now." Jeremy replied.
"Hey, Clint. Thanks for coming to help us. You fellas won't believe how we got away." Pacer smiled because of the look Jeremy gave him.
"We are relieved that both of you are alright, Pacer. Is someone going to introduce us to this lovely lady"? Clint tipped his hat to Starlight.
Starlight smiled at Clint.
"Yes, I will introduce you. Princess Starlight Moon this is Pacer's brother, Clint Burton and my brother, Joshua Bolt. Gentlemen, this is Princess Starlight Moon." Jeremy said.
When they arrived at the Burton home, Jeremy introduced Starlight to Pacer and Clint's parents. Jeremy had not yet told anyone other than Pacer about his Royal status.
Joshua, Jeremy, and Starlight left the Burton home headed for Seattle. Jeremy was glad to be going home. He was eager to see Jason and give him the medication. But Jeremy dreaded trying to explain things to Candy. He cringed at the thought of having to break their engagement.
It was dark when they reached Seattle. Jeremy got Starlight a room at Lottie's.
Jeremy went to see Jason. Jeremy gave the medication to Dr. Wright. The doctor administered the medicine to Jason.
Jason was sitting up in bed. He was so glad that Jeremy was home.
"I have missed you terribly, Jeremy. Thank you for going after the medicine for me." Jason said patting Jeremy on the shoulder.
"I have missed you too., Jason. I am so relieved that you are alright." Jeremy told his oldest brother.
Joshua didn't tell Jeremy how many times Jason came close to dying while he was gone. Dr. Wright had told Joshua that the day that Jeremy was trying to talk Jason into not leaving, Jason was actually dying. When Jeremy begged Jason to stay with them, Jason suddenly improved.
"And thank you, Josh for going after Jeremy." Jason told his middle brother.
"You're welcome, Jason" each of his brothers said.
Dr. Wright left to visit other patients. She said she would return later.
"Well, Jeremy. Have you told Josh yet"? Jason asked with a somewhat devilish smile.
"Apparently not. What is it, Jeremy"? Josh inquired.
"Awe, Jason. Look what you've done. Josh will drive me crazy until I tell him." Jeremy said exasperated.
"You have to tell him. You might as well do it now, Jeremy." Jason grinned.
"Josh, I have just found out that I am a…" Jeremy hesitated.
"A what, a bad cook? We already know that." Josh laughed
Jeremy gave Josh a smirk.
"Just say it, Jeremy." Jason advised
"Ok, Josh, I am a Comanche Prince. My Comanche name is The Sapphire Wolf." Jeremy said quickly.
Josh looked stunned "Wait, you're a WHAT?! A Comanche Prince? And your name is THE SAPPHIRE WOLF?! Come on, Jeremy. Be serious."
"He is serious, Josh. It's the truth. Jeremy is the third son of a third son. That plus our Indian ancestry makes him a Comanche Prince." Jason explained.
"Wow"! Josh exclaimed. So, Starlight is your Princess."
"Yes, and she is expecting my son. He will be a great warrior. He will help the Comanche nation become a peaceful people." Jeremy told his brothers.
"Jeremy, are you in love with Starlight"? asked Josh.
"Yes, I love her with all my heart. I know what you're thinking. What about Candy? I love her too. I wish I could marry them both. But, I can't." Jeremy frowned.
" You should talk to Candy as soon as possible, Jeremy." Jason told him.
"You're right, Jason. I think I'll go talk to her now." Replied Jeremy.
Jeremy walked to the dormitory. When he knocked on the door,Candy opened it.
"Hello, Jeremy. It's good to see you. I heard that you got the medicine for Jason. I'm so happy he is going to be fine now." Candy said.
"Hello, Candy. It's nice to see you too. Thank you for your concern about Jason. Candy, I need to tell you something. It's not going to be easy to hear." Jeremy said.
"Let's go for a walk." Candy suggested.
"Okay." Jeremy agreed.
They walked out into the woods to their favorite spot. They sat on the boulder.
Jeremy told Candy all about him being a Comanche Prince and about Princess Starlight Moon and their baby. He apologized over and over saying he never meant to lead her on or to hurt her. He promised that he truly loved her and that he still loves her. Jeremy said if he could have two wives, he would marry them both.
Jeremy broke down. He cried heartbroken sobs. Candy held him in her arms as he cried.
"Jeremy, sweetheart, it's alright." She whispered softly. "This is not your doing. Some people have a destiny. It has to be fulfilled."
Jeremy continued to sob. "I don't want to hurt you, Candy. I love you. I can't marry two women."
"No, you can't. Don't be so upset, sweetheart. I will miss you, but I will be okay." Candy replied as she rubbed his back.
Jeremy cried until he couldn't catch his breath. His heart actually hurt.
"Jeremy, hush, sweetheart, hush. Try to take a deep breath. That's right. That's good. Candy whispered as she continued to hold him.
After Jeremy took a few deep breaths, he was able to talk.
He and Candy stood up.
"Thank you, Candy for being so understanding. I will love you forever."
Jeremy whispered.
Jeremy kissed Candy on the lips. Tears began flowing again from his eyes. Candy cried too. Her heart was broken. She gave Jeremy her engagement ring. He put it in his pocket.
They walked back to town in silence. The only sound was Jeremy taking a ragged breath every few minutes.
Time went by. Jason made a full recovery. Starlight was pregnant. She and Sapphire Wolf returned to the Comanche Village for a Comanche Wedding Ceremony. Jason, Joshua, Lottie, and Clancy went with them.
Jeremy and Starlight also had a wedding in Seattle. Jeremy invited Candy. But, she declined. She said she would be visiting friends out of town that day.
Jeremy did not see Candy around Seattle much anymore. He figured she was avoiding him which he could understand.
The Bolt brothers and some of their friends built a fine cabin for Jeremy and Starlight high on Bridal Veil Mountain. Starlight loved the cabin. She and Lottie spent many happy hours decorating the new home. Starlight wanted to make everything perfect for Jeremy.
Finally, the time came for the son of The Sapphire Wolf and Princess Starlight Moon to be born. Jeremy noticed that Starlight had been calling him Sapphire Wolf for the past several days.
One evening when Jeremy got home from work, he found Starlight in bed.
"Starlight, is it time for the baby"? Sapphire Wolf asked as he held her hand.
"Yes, Sapphire Wolf. I am in labor with your son. Sapphire Wolf, we must be very careful. Slithering Snake will try to kill the baby and me. He doesn't want peace for our people." Starlight began to cry.
Princess Starlight Moon screamed from the pain of a contraction. Sapphire Wolf sat on the bed. He held Starlight in his arms.
He kissed her hair. Sapphire Wolf whispered "I love you and our son, Starlight. I will protect both of you."
"I'm going to get Dr. Wright and Lottie. I will be back soon."
"Alright." Starlight said. "Be careful. Slithering Snake could be anywhere.
Sapphire Wolf gave Starlight a pistol to keep with her. This was in case her brother came while he was in town.
Sapphire Wolf went to Seattle and returned with the two ladies as fast as possible.
When the ladies and Sapphire Wolf went into the cabin, the ladies started gathering items needed for the baby's birth.
Sapphire Wolf was walking toward the bedroom. "Jeremy! Jeremy! I need you, please"!
Jeremy entered the bedroom. He gasped. Jeremy was shocked. Candy was in the bed instead of Starlight. Candy was nine months pregnant. She was in labor.
"CANDY! What is going on"? Where is Starlight"?
"Please come here, Jeremy. It is my turn to explain." Candy gasped.
Jeremy knelt by the bed. He took Candy's hand in his. He couldn't help wondering whose baby Candy was going to give birth to.
"Oh, Jeremy, please don't hate me. I didn't want to deceive you. I had to protect the baby from Slithering Snake." Candy said tearfully.
"I don't understand Candy. Why would you need to protect your baby from Starlight's brother. Where is Starlight? She is in labor too." Jeremy replied.
"Jeremy" Candy said softly looking into his eyes, "I am Princess Starlight Moon. I couldn't take a chance on Slithering Snake finding out so I couldn't even tell you. Please don't be angry at me. I know how you hate dishonesty, but I had to keep my secret to save the baby. And we still might lose him." Candy began to sob.
Jeremy was still in shock. "Oh, Candy. I'm not angry and I don't hate you. Don't worry, sweetheart, the baby will be fine. You're really Princess Starlight Moon aren't you? So, when I was in the sauna tent, that was you who rescued me. And when I made love to Starlight that was you."
"Yes, Jeremy it was all me. When you thought you were talking to Jason in the sauna tent it was me as Starlight." Candy said. Another pain made her gasp.
Jeremy gave Candy some ice chips. He wiped her face with a cold cloth.
"Everything is going to be alright. Don't worry, sweetheart." He said.
"Oh, Candy, I am so happy that you are Princess Starlight Moon. I missed you so much. I was heartbroken thinking that I had hurt you. Thinking that I had failed you. How long have you known about us being Starlight and Sapphire Wolf"? Jeremy asked as he gently stroked her cheek with his finger.
"When my grandmother told me I am Starlight when I was a child, she also told me that I would recognize The Sapphire Wolf the moment I saw him. She was right. The first time I saw you and your brothers in the Fire Department in New Bedford, I knew that you were The Sapphire Wolf." Candy told Jeremy. She reached up and brushed his bangs to one side. They smiled at each other.
Jeremy remembered how shy and insecure he felt back then and how severe his stuttering was then.
"I'll bet you thought, this guy is supposed to be a Wolf, a Prince"? He said.
"Oh, Jeremy. Of course not. I thought that's him! I have found my Prince! Your eyes, Jeremy. Your gorgeous Sapphire blue eyes took my breath away. They still do. But even more than your eyes, your sweet soul so full of love, kindness, honesty, and caring, touched my heart. I knew I was the most fortunate woman in the world." Candy had tears in her eyes.
There were tears in Jeremy's eyes too. He gently kissed Candy on the lips. Candy cried out in pain.
"I think our son wants to be born soon." Candy told Jeremy.
"It looks like it." Jeremy replied.
Suddenly, a big thunderstorm began. It was raining hard with loud thunder and lots of lightning.
"Jeremy, this storm means that Slithering Snake is here. He will kill the baby and me if he can. Jeremy, you have to stop him." Candy said frantically
"Can I command him to go away like I commanded him to release Pacer and me"? asked Jeremy.
"No, Jeremy. That won't work. You have to kill him. It's in defense of me and the baby, Jeremy. He will kill us. He is evil. He wants war for our people for all generations."
"Okay, sweetheart. I'll get my rifle and go find him." Jeremy agreed.
"No, Jeremy. You have to shoot him in the heart with an arrow with a Sapphire tip to kill him." Candy explained.
"Candy, I don't have an arrow with a Sapphire tip. I don't have a bow either." Jeremy said.
"Joshua made you an arrow with a Sapphire tip. He and Jason are on their way here with it. There is a whalebone bow in my trunk." Candy replied.
"Alright, then. I'll get the bow out of the trunk." Said Jeremy.
Jeremy gave Candy a kiss on the cheek. "Everything is going to be alright, sweetheart. I love you." He said gently.
Jeremy went to get the bow out of the trunk. Lottie and Dr. Wright went in the bedroom with Candy,
Just as Jeremy found the bow, there was a knock on the door. Jeremy closed the trunk. He went to the door and opened it.
"Hey, brother"! said Jason. "Josh is tending to the horses. Here's the arrow Josh made for you.' Jason said handing it to Jeremy.
"Thank you, Jason." Jeremy looked at the arrow. "Where did the Sapphire tip come from"?
"From our great grandmother's Sapphire necklace. I went to the old family cabin last week. I found the necklace in Mom's jewelry box.
Josh came inside. "Hi, Jeremy."
"Hi, Josh. Thank you for the arrow." Jeremy told him.
"You're welcome." Josh replied.
"JEREMY! COME QUICKLY"! Dr. Wright yelled.
Jeremy raced into the bedroom. Candy was in terrible unrelenting pain.
"HE'S KILLING US, JEREMY! HE'S KILLING US"! Candy screamed.
"Oh, my God! Candy! I'll get him"! Jeremy was frantic.
"Jeremy, the contractions are more fierce than normal even for this stage of the birth process. Also, the umbilical cord keeps wrapping around the baby's neck. I can reach and remove the cord, but it keeps coming back so to speak and wrapping around the baby's neck again." Dr. Wright told Jeremy.
"Like a snake." Jeremy was furious. "I know what to do, Dr. Wright. Everything will be alright."
Jeremy got the bow and arrow. He told Jason and Josh what was happening. The brothers went outside.
It was still storming badly. The brothers looked around for Slithering Snake. They did not see him. They could hear Candy screaming inside the cabin.
Suddenly, the Bolt brothers heard what sounded like an insane war whoop. Then they heard a second maniacal war cry.
"HURRY, JEREMY, HURRY "! Dr. Wright yelled from inside the cabin.
Jeremy looked back at the cabin. He had to move fast.
" I think Slithering Snake is across Jenny's Valley." Jeremy told his brothers.
Both brothers agreed with him.
"Jeremy, go to Jocelyn's Peak. You know that's the highest point on Bridal Veil Mountain. The peak overlooks Jenny's Valley. You will be able to see Slithering Snake from there. We will go with you if you want." Jason said.
"No, thanks. I have to do this myself." Jeremy said.
"Be careful, Jeremy." Jason told him.
"I will, Jason." Jeremy replied.
Josh put his hand on Jeremy's shoulder. "We love you, brother. And Candy and the baby."
"I love both of you too. And Candy and the baby." Jeremy replied.
Jeremy got on Brownie. He rode away fast.
Just as Jeremy arrived at Jocelyn's Peak, he heard Slithering Snake again.
Jeremy dismounted his horse. He tied the reins to a tree.
The Sapphire Wolf walked close to the edge of the peak. He looked across the valley. He could see Slithering Snake on the opposite peak.
Sapphire Wolf looked at his arrow. He said, "I Prince Sapphire Wolf command this arrow to find it's mark in the heart of Slithering Snake."
Sapphire Wolf loaded the arrow on the bow. He took aim at Slither Snake's heart across the valley. Sapphire Wolf released the bow. The arrow flew across the valley shimmering in the rain and the moonlight.
Sapphire Wolf heard Slither Snake's death cry when the arrow found it's mark. Sapphire Wolf saw Slithering Snake fall to the ground dead.
'I love you, Princess Starlight Moon." The Sapphire Wolf howled at the moon.
When Jeremy returned to his cabin everything was alright. Candy's labor had returned to normal. There were no more problems with the umbilical cord.
The son of Princess Starlight Moon and The Sapphire Wolf was born about ten minutes after Sapphire Wolf got home. His Indian name is The Wildfire Wolf. He is Indian Royalty just as his parents are.
Candy and Jeremy named their son Jasper Wildfire Bolt. He weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. He was 20 inches long.
Jasper's uncles were so proud of him. They slapped Jasper's father on the back numerous times congratulating him.
"Jeremy, may I ask you a question "? Josh asked.
"Sure, Josh." Jeremy said.
"When you were up on Jocelyn's Peak, did you howl at the moon"? asked Josh.
"Why yes I did, Joshua. Anything wrong with that"? Jeremy questioned.
"No, not a thing. I was just wondering." Josh answered.
The three brothers looked at each other. All of them laughed and slapped each other on the back.
Later, Jeremy was with Candy and the baby.
Jeremy was so proud of his son. " Candy, I love you so much. Thank you for making me a father." He kissed her gently on the lips. He kissed the baby on the top of his head very softly.
"I love you, Jeremy. Thank you for saving the baby and me. Thank you for making me a mother". Candy smiled. She had tears in her eyes.
"You are welcome, Mrs. Bolt and Princess Starlight Moon. Thank you for saving my life in the village." Jeremy replied.
Six months went by. Jasper grew strong and healthy. He was a happy baby. Candy and Jeremy were more in love everyday. They visited their Comanche Village regularly as Prince Sapphire Wolf and Princess Starlight Moon. The Bolts helped the Kiowa Village regularly. The Bolts and the Burtons saw each other often. They remained friends.
One night when there was a beautiful full moon, it was late. Jasper had woke up crying. Candy was rocking him in their bedroom. Jeremy woke up.
"Is everything okay"? he asked in a whisper.
"Yes, sweetheart. Everything is fine. The baby is just a little restless." Candy told him.
Jeremy got out of bed. He squatted by the rocking chair. He touched the baby's chest very softly. Jeremy could feel the baby's heartbeat. Jeremy's eyes filled with tears. He looked up at Candy.
"I love both of you more than I can say. I love you more than my own life." Jeremy's voice was husky.
.
Candy took a deep breath. Her heart was so full of love for Jeremy and the baby that she thought it might burst. She smiled at Jeremy with tears running down her face. She caressed his cheek with her hand.
"I love you with all of my heart and soul, Jeremy. Princess Starlight Moon loves The Sapphire Wolf too." She said with a little wink.
"Well, The Sapphire Wolf will be waiting after Starlight puts Wildfire back to bed." Jeremy said with a grin.
A little while later, Wildfire was back in his bed.
Princess Starlight Moon went into the bedroom she shared with her husband.
Prince Sapphire Wolf showed Princess Starlight Moon how much he loved her.
Later as the lovely full moon shined brightly on Bridal Veil Mountain, a loud "Owoooo"! could be heard all the way to Seattle.
"I'm so sorry, Jason. I have done all I know to do. His fever was just much too high this time." Dr. Wright said. It broke her heart to have to tell Jason this.
Jason sat by Jeremy's bed with his face in his hands. He looked up at the doctor.
"I can't live without him, doctor. What am I supposed to do? What is Joshua supposed to do? Or Candy? Or his baby boy who will never know him"? Jason asked
Joshua had been sitting in stunned heartbroken silence when Dr, Wright had given them the awful news. Jeremy was dying.
'If only, I had been the one between Lottie and Bart Shorter instead of Jeremy. It would be me dying instead of Jeremy. I should have looked out for him. I should have protected him. That's what brothers are for."
Joshua said as he broke down crying gut wrenching sobs.
Jason got up from his chair. He put his arms around Joshua. He hugged him as tight as he could. Jason sobbed too. He had failed them both. After so many years of giving all he had to protect them. He had failed. Jeremy was dying. Joshua was heartbroken.
Jason and Joshua sat down on either side of Jeremy's bed. They looked at their precious brother. He had been unconscious for a week ever since Bart Shorter hit him in the back of his leg with the axe. Jeremy had saved Lottie's life. Lottie was out of her mind with grief.
Candy came into the room. Dr. Wright had talked to her. Candy knelt by the bed.
"Oh, Jeremy. Please, sweetheart, don't leave us. We love you so much. We need you. I need you. Jasper needs his father. Your brothers need you." Candy said as tears streamed down her face.
Candy held Jeremy's hand, She stroked his hair. She traced his cheek lightly with her finger. She burst into uncontrollable sobs. Candy dropped her face on to the side of the bed.
Suddenly, Candy felt someone stroking her hair. She raised her head. Candy found herself staring into Jeremy's beautiful blue eyes.
"Oh, dear God! JEREMY! You are awake, sweetheart "! Candy cried.
"Why are you crying, Candy"? Jeremy said in a whisper. "Are you alright"?
"Yes, sweetheart. I'm fine now." Candy smiled at him.
"I'm sorry I had to be gone so long. I had to get the medicine for Jason." Jeremy said.
Jason grinned at his youngest brother. " I didn't need the medicine. Jeremy, you needed it. You have been very sick, brother. We have been so worried about you." Jason teared up. "I love you, brother."
Josh knelt by the bed. He had a cup of water. Josh lifted Jeremy's head gently from the pillow. He put the cup to Jeremy's lips. Jeremy drank a little of the water. Josh put his brother's head back on the pillow. "I love you, Jeremy."
Dr. Wright came back in. She examined Jeremy.
"The fever broke. He's going to be alright." She said.
Jason, Joshua, and Candy cried joyful tears this time. Lottie came rushing in. She kissed Jeremy's face about ten times.
"I love you, sweetheart! Thank you for saving my life! Thank you for staying here with us"! Lottie told him.
"You're welcome, Lottie. I love you too." Jeremy replied.
Candy was still kneeling by the bed. "I love you, Jeremy. Wait until you see Jasper. He has missed his daddy."
"I love you, Candy. I can't wait to see Jasper." Jeremy replied.
"I love all of you so much. Thank you for loving me and for taking such good care of me. Wait until you hear about this crazy dream I had. I dreamed that I was a prince and Candy was a princess. She had this evil brother…" Jeremy was saying.
"You go back to sleep, Jeremy. You need some more rest." Candy said softly giving him a kiss on his cheek.
"Alright, but, I'm gonna tell you about my dream when I wake up. It was a doozie "! Jeremy said.
Jeremy felt much better now that his fever had broken. He was happy being surrounded by the people he loved.
As Jeremy drifted off to sleep, he heard a wolf far off on Bridal Veil Mountain.
Owooooooo!
The End