Silent Heart : Chapter One : [ Finding Mila ]

It had been several weeks after Buck came back with Mrs. Grainger and

her baby in tow , after he'd taken some time by himself to process what happened to Ike. After he'd come back , Teaspoon and Rachel had kept a

close eye on him , but he seemed to be healing fast , and being back

to his old self again. It was a sunny day in Rock Creek , and Buck

had offered to take the first run. '' Are you sure you want to take this run , Buck'' ? ; Teaspoon asked as Buck prepared to mount.

As the Express rider rode in his direction to hand Buck the mail bag.

''Yeah , Teaspoon , I'm sure '' , ; Buck replied as he mounted his horse.

Alright , ride safe , Buck , ; Teaspoon said. And be careful out there , ; Teaspoon added.

Don't worry , Teaspoon , I will , ; Buck replied.

Here ya go , Buck , ride safe! ; the Express rider said as he handed

Buck the mail bag. Thanks , you too ! ; Buck called out as he rode away.

''It's good to be out here again''! ; Buck thought as he rode across the plains. And probably for the first time since Ike had died , Buck noticed what a beautiful day it was that day.

The sun was shining , birds were singing in the trees along the trail ,

the air was cool , and wildflowers and green grass were everywhere.

But , Buck kept his eyes and ears focused on the trail , too , because he knew full well that danger could very well be lurking just around the bend , even on a beautiful day like this.

'' I wonder how Mrs Grainger and little Thomas Ike are doing '' , ; Buck thought to himself , smiling at the thought of the little boy he'd helped to bring into the world. Even though he still missed Ike , it made Buck happy that there was a little boy somewhere with Ike's name.

As Buck rode along the trail to the next waystation , he could'nt help but smile when he saw little animals come out to stare at him.

These days , even the silly antics of both Cody and Barnett were amusing , Buck thought with a smile. '' I must be moving on like Teaspoon said I had to , if the antics those two get up to can make me laugh'' , ; Buck thought , remembering the night before when the riders played a humorous joke on an unsuspecting Cody.

'' I know Ike would'nt have wanted me to continue to grieve like I was doing'' , ; Buck realized as the waystation came in sight.

Here you go , Matt ! ; Buck called out as Matt took the mail bag from him. Thanks , Buck , have a safe ride ! ; Matt said as he rode away. You too , Matt ! ; Buck called. It was good seein' you , Buck ! ; Matt called from distance in a friendly voice.

Smiling to himself , Buck continued on his way.

'' I hope I get back to the station in time for a good meal '' , ; Buck thought , visions of Rachel's cooking coming into his thoughts. Smiling , Buck thought of the troubles they'd had in finding both a good cook , and a good friend , before they'd been lucky enough to find Rachel. Laughing to himself , Buck also thought of his friend Jimmy Hickok's attempts at cooking when either Emma or Rachel was away.

'' I sure hope Jimmy is'nt going to favor us with one of his meals again today '' , ; Buck thought as he rode back to the Rock Creek station.

When Buck came to the Rock Creek road , he became aware of someone either in front of him or behind him. '' That's strange '' , ; Buck thought as he looked behind him. '' I did'nt see anyone else on the road before '' , ; Buck thought as he rode on to Rock Creek.

'' Come on , boy , let's get home'' , ; Buck said to his horse as he rode on.

Passing a patch of bushes , Buck was surprised to hear a rustling sound coming from them. Whoa , boy ! ; Buck said to his horse when he shied at the sound. Cautiously , Buck drew his gun from his holster and waited for whatever , or whoever it was to show themselves.

Who's there ? ; Buck called out cautiously. Receiving no answer , Buck did not dismount. Whoever you are , it's alright to come out , ; Buck called again. I don't mean you any harm , ; Buck said in a gentle voice that he was well known for.

Then , all of a sudden , the bushes parted , and out came a young , obviously half - Indian girl who was covered in dirt and bruises , and whose clothing was torn in places.

Slowly , so as not to frighten her , Buck climbed down from his horse and approached her. Seeing Buck coming , the girl bolted and tried to run away. '' Please , don't be frightened , I don't mean you any harm'' , ; Buck said in a gentle voice when he managed to catch up to her.

'' I want to help you , whoever you are '' , ; Buck said as she looked him over. Judging from the expression on Buck's face , and his gentle demeanor and appearance , the girl relaxed , and she allowed Buck to lead her back to his horse. Speaking in sign , because he was'nt sure what tribe she was from , Buck said ; '' My name is Buck Cross , can you tell me yours'' ? Buck asked her.

''Mila '' , ; the girl said as her exhaustion took over.

It's nice to meet you , Mila'' ; Buck said gently. Speaking to Mila in sign talk again , Buck said ; ''Mila , I know a kind woman who will care for you and try to help you '' , ; Buck finished. '' Will you come with me ? '' ; Buck asked. '' I can't leave you out here by yourself '' ; Buck added softly.

Nodding her head in agreement , Mila allowed Buck to help her onto his horse , and then he climbed up behind her.

'' Don't worry , Mila , you'll be perfectly safe where I'm taking you'' ; Buck said gently as he rode away. As Buck rode off towards Rachel and the waystation , Buck smiled to himself when he noticed that Mila had fallen asleep against his shoulder.