Passion's Series (23 page)

Chapter Twenty-eight

The bright spring sun warmed the small cove that was no longer New Moon's private place but rather New Moon's and Panther's private place. The air filled with the sounds of laughter and splashing water as Panther played with Sparrow and Buffalo.

New Moon removed a deer hide from the top of her basket and took out four tin bowls. She held one up and admired how the sunlight reflected from its shiny surface. Panther had brought them to her from the post.

He had brought many things to her. Pots and pans of every size, plates, cups, knives, forks, and spoons now occupied one whole wall of their lodge. So numerous were her treasures, that he built shelves and pegs for their storage.

She remembered all the things Gentle Rain had been given by Bow. She had been jealous of all the things she had, but not anymore. Now all the other women in Chota were jealous of her.

New Moon heard Sparrow cry out in frustration and she looked up. Buffalo was splashing Sparrow without mercy.

"Panther, don't let Buffalo pick on Sparrow. He should be learning the ways of a warrior."

All eyes turned her way and three faces broke into grins simultaneously. New Moon slowly lowered the bowls and then gave a startled squeal as Panther bounded from the water.

Sparrow cheered for New Moon and Buffalo raised his voice for Panther who gave chase as New Moon ran with surprising agility. She darted, ducked, and changed direction with expert precision.

"Nobody can catch New Moon," Sparrow said smugly as she cocked her head in Buffalo's direction. "You are wrong, look!"

New Moon screamed out as her foot slipped on wet grass and she dropped heavily. James, unable to slow himself in time tumbled on top of her. Wrapping his arms around her he started them rolling one over the other down the bank toward the water.

"Stop it, Panther," New Moon slapped weakly at his chest.

Panther pulled a long face, "You tried to get away from me, Wa-sa," he quipped pitifully and New Moon giggled.

"You only caught me because I slipped."

"Oh, is that so? I let you stay ahead of me." He dug his fingers into her ribs and tickled her.

New Moon kicked and bucked and laughed until she had no strength to fight any longer.

"Do you give up, Little Wa-sa?" His fingers gave two quick digs and then stopped.

"Yes, yes, I give up. You are the mighty warrior, Panther, wise in all things, quick and sure with your aim and fearless in battle."

Panther grinned, "Ah, your words make my heart sing, Little Wa-sa."

"And merciless in your treatment of your wife." New Moon shoved at his shoulders and tried to squirm away. James took hold of her wrists and pinned them to either side of her head as he slide himself to cover her body.

"Keep this teasing up, woman, and I will be forced to beat you."

"Panther?"

They both looked toward Sparrow. They had completely forgotten about the two youngsters.

"Yes, Sparrow." Panther said with a groan, and New Moon giggled.

"You would not really beat New Moon would you?"

He was surprised to see the concern in her eyes.

"Of course not, Sparrow." He reluctantly crawled off New Moon and sat beside her. "Surely you know me better than that."

New Moon scrambled to her feet and Sparrow grinned. "Of course I do."

James realized the trickery too late as New Moon took Sparrow by the hand and they ran into the water. He sat and watched the two splash and play.

"They tricked you. You should beat them both." Buffalo complained as he shook the water from his arms.

Buffalo had grown a great deal in the last year. His young body was thin but well built. And though he strutted and posed, his heart was good. James couldn't have been more proud of his development if he'd truly been his own son. Thankfully, neither he nor Sparrow suffered the severe scarring from the small pox.

-

James looked longingly at the still filled basket. "Come. Let's set out the food. I'm starving."

Now Buffalo was truly shocked. "First you let women trick you, then you do their work for them? I cannot believe this is coming from the great Red Panther."

"Oh, yes, you can. Race you to the basket!" James jumped up and sprinted off Buffalo close on his heels.

New Moon and Sparrow stopped their play when they heard Panther call to them. Sparrow sighed heavily, "Do you think I will find a warrior like Panther?"

New Moon shrugged, "I know you will find a warrior that you will love very much. Is it good to only look for a warrior like Panther?"

Sparrow turned a thoughtful look to her aunt.

New Moon grinned, "If you saw a warrior and fell in love with him, but he could not love you because you were not just like his mother or his aunt, how would you feel? Would it make you any less because you are not like someone else?"

The cloud lifted from Sparrow's face. "I understand, Aunt, but I will still look for a warrior like Panther."

"Ladies, please, come out of the water." Panther put a hand over his heart, "These two warriors are perishing for lack of food."

A few hours later, the meal finished and the basket loaded with dirty dishes, the four prepared to return to the village.

"I will carry the blanket, Buffalo, you carry the basket." James held the basket out toward Buffalo who backed up a step.

"We are going to the village, Panther. Doing woman's work here where no one sees is one thing. I cannot carry for them," he jerked his head  in New Moon's and Sparrow's direction, "where others will see and make fun of me."

"He is right," New Moon spoke up in Buffalo's defense."

"He will face the test of manhood soon. It is important that he not look weak to the council." She reached out and took hold of the basket handle but James didn't turn loose.

"Here, you take the blanket, it's not as heavy. I will carry the basket. Unlike some young braves, I am not afraid of those who would be foolish enough to call me weak."

The three walked past Buffalo who hung his head and followed several paces behind.

As James and New Moon walked through the gate Dancing Cloud met them. "Panther, you must come to my lodge. You have a visitor."

New Moon gave him a troubled glance before she walked on with Sparrow and Buffalo.

***

James bent low and stepped into the dark interior.

"I am glad that you have finally returned from your outing Col. Fitzgerald." Captain. Ingram didn't bother to rise. "The good chief here would not tell me where I could find you."

James raised a brow before turning to Dancing Cloud and offering him a nod of gratitude. "I thank you, Dancing Cloud. I would truly have hated to be interrupted." He turned back to the Captain. "Tell me, what brings you to Chota. Oh, and by the way, since you seem to have forgotten, I am no longer a Colonel in the King's service."

Captain Ingram was flustered and showed it. "I'm here on business for the Governor of South Carolina. He requests your immediate reply." He held up a brown satchel.

James walked casually to a cane backrest opposite the Captain and lowered himself to sit cross-legged. Cloud sat down beside him.

"Like I told you, Captain, I am no longer in the service. Why would the Governor be sending me messages and why would he expect an immediate reply?"

"If you will just take this and read it, I'm sure you will understand, Col. Fitzgerald."

James raised a menacing brow. He took the pouch and removed the papers from inside and read carefully. "It appears that the Governor wants me to lead a band of Choctaw on a raid against the French. The last I heard, Captain, the Choctaw nation was divided on this issue."

"They still are, but more and more of the towns are siding against the French. With our help, they will be able to reinforce that trend. England has need of easy relations with the Choctaw in that area of the continent."

James stuffed the papers back into the bag and tossed it back to the Captain. "Tell Governor Glen that I will go and talk to Chief Red Shoes. If he needs or wants my help I'll give it, but it will not be as a Englishman in an Englishman's army."

James rose easily to his feet and left the lodge. New Moon would be upset. She wouldn't want him to go.

As he approached the lodge he spotted her working in the garden and memories of the first time he saw her there flooded his mind. She was thinner than she used to be, but not unpleasantly so. She had been through a lot since his arrival into her world.

She looked up and smiled and his body reacted the same way it always did when she looked at him that way. He indicated their lodge with a tilt of his head and her grin broadened. She rose to her feet and followed him home.

By the time New Moon stepped through the doorway he stood in the center of the lodge, his clothes off and in a small heap to one side.

She reached back and pulled the tanned hide flap over the doorway. "What must everyone think to always see our doorway covered?"

James grinned, "They think that we are very unfriendly and never want guests."

She smiled, "There is something I want to tell you, but it can wait." Her hands lowered to the hem of her dress.

Panther watcher as she slowly pulled her dress up and over her head. With a sensuous motion she lowered her arms and let the dress drop to the floor.

Panther's gaze traveled the length of her, lingering on the places he liked best. She ran her fingers through her hair and let it fall in a cascade of ebony about her shoulders. Her breasts peaked out from beneath the strands that fell past her waist.

"You take too long to come to me, Wa-sa." James ground out in a half moan.

She came to him then and he wrapped his arms tight about her. "I need you," he rasped harshly. Bending down, he slipped an arm beneath her legs and lifted her into his arms. He carried her to the sleeping furs and laid her down.

He stretched out beside her. He ran a finger along the curve of her lips and then let it trail down her neck. New Moon arched her back and moaned. His control was slipping. He wanted to go slow, to make every stroke last forever.

Her fingers slid through his hair and grasped his scalp. He was nearly blinded by his need. He made love to her then, and as she clung to him and they rode the wave of their passion he knew it would always be like this for them.

James rolled over on his back, bringing her with him till she lay on top of him. She rested her cheek to his chest and closed her eyes. Slowly their breathing returned to normal.

New Moon hated to break the silence, but she knew she must. "There is something you need to tell me?"

Panther stroked her hair and down her back. "I will visit Red Shoes."

"The Choctaw War Chief?"

"Yes. Governor Glen wants to enlist me. He wants me to supply the show of English support for the Choctaw to break ties with the French."

New Moon nuzzled his chest. She could feel his heart beating beneath her cheek. "Are you going to do this thing?"

"Red Shoes is my friend. I must go to him and find out for myself what this is all about, but no, I will not re-enlist. If I choose to stay it will be for my friend Red Shoes. I will take a stance of advisor only for the English."

New Moon felt the feathery flutter of her unborn baby. She had not told Panther. Now she could not. "Will you be gone long?" she asked.

"Only as long as I have to be. I will come back to you, Wa-sa," he promised.

New Moon raised her head and looked into his eyes. "I know you will. And if you do not come back soon enough, I will come after you."

James laughed, "Now that I do not put past you, little darlin'."

She slid up his body and traced her tongue along his lips. His mouth once more consumed hers. When she thought her heart could no longer hold back her growing fear she heard him whisper into her ear, "You are a part of me, Wa-sa. There is nothing that can keep me from you, not even death."

Chapter Twenty-nine

New Moon scrambled to her feet at the sound of Hunting Bow's voice. He asked permission to enter. Panther had been gone for eight moons and she hoped for news of him as well as rejoicing to see her friend again.

"Yes, you are welcome," she called out as she rushed forward. He stepped through the doorway and she threw her arms about his neck. He squeezed her hard and then let her go as the baby within her thumped in protest.

Holding her at arm's length he looked down at the round belly straining against her buckskin dress. "That was a warrior's punch if ever I felt one."

New Moon laughed and placed a hand to her belly, "This baby is big and strong." Her smile slipped, "I try not to worry where her father is."

Wanting to see her smile again, if even for a short while, he gave her a look of pure skepticism, "Oh, a girl is it? How can you be so sure?"

She took him by the hand and led him toward Panther's chair. "I have my ways. Come now and sit on Panther's chair. You must tell me why you are here." A thought struck her and she looked anxiously into his eyes. "Rain? Is Rain well and the children?"

Beau hastened to reassure her, "Rain and the children are fine. Here, let's sit down." He waited for Moon to settle herself before he sat down on the homemade chair she pointed him toward.

New Moon felt pride at knowing she could offer her guest a chair he would find comfortable. She and
Akachee
were quite happy to use the traditional furnishings even though James had made enough chairs to accommodate several.

She noticed
Akachee
scowling at Bow. "What is the matter,
Akachee
?" She reached for the moccasin she was decorating for Panther.

Akachee
sniffed, "Panther will not like the way you ran into this man's arms."

New Moon bowed her head to hide her smile while Beau shifted uncomfortably. "
Akachee
," New Moon looked at her from beneath lowered lashes. "Will you stay with us during this meeting?"

Akachee
visibly flinched. New Moon knew the old woman would now have to stay because New Moon asked her to. How could she speculate on what the two were doing if she were right there? New Moon smiled at having tricked the other woman.

"Good," New Moon cooed and turned back to Hunting Bow. She wasn't angry with
Akachee
; the two of them had reached an understanding and were actually getting along well.
Akachee
just loved to gossip.

"Why are you here, Bow?" she asked.

Beau wriggled in his chair and wouldn't meet her gaze. New Moon recognized it as a sign of uneasiness and her suspicion grew.

"I was requested by Governor Glen to come to the Cherokee Nation and request warriors to go to the aid of the Choctaw."

"This is ridiculous. The Cherokee will not aid the Choctaw. This is their battle, not ours." New Moon protested.

Beau brought his hands up, palms outward, to show his helplessness. "I can only do as I am requested by the governor."

"Why? Panther does not run to the governor's bidding. He went only to help his friend."

"Panther," Beau let out with a sigh, "does not live alone with his family on the frontier."

New Moon lowered her head in understanding. "Why did they send you? Why did he not request Panther to convince our people and to take a party with him when he went?"

Beau shrugged, "The situation was not as grave then. Also, I do not believe Fitzgerald, ah...Panther, would have agreed to ask that of the Cherokee people at that time. But like I said, the situation is becoming serious. Remember, Panther is in that camp. He may need help."

New Moon's spirit stirred with uneasiness. She did not feel that Panther was in danger, but she understood the situation could change. "You are right. He would not have asked at that time. It is a question that must be asked when the council is gathered." New Moon laid a hand to her belly. "I will not be allowed in."

"I will ask it."

All eyes turned toward
Akachee.

"I am now allowed to enter the council meetings. I am a member of the village," she declared with an air of indignation. "All questions must be asked. I will ask it for my son."

New Moon smiled. "Thank you. Your son will be proud to know that his mother will not let him be forgotten."

Akachee
smiled happily.

Bow reached down and took New Moon's hand. "Now I have a favor I must ask of you, New Moon."

He looked shyly into her face. "I could not leave Rain and the children alone on the frontier while I was away..."

"They are here? They are here and you left them outside?" New Moon scrambled to her feet and dashed, as fast as her belly would allow to the door. There, sitting on the bench that Panther had made for her, was Gentle Rain.

Sleeping peacefully in her arms was a very chubby little boy. Girl and Two Bears were playing excitedly with the older village children.

New Moon sat down beside Gentle Rain. "Let me see your son, Rain."

Rain turned to face New Moon. New Moon sensed Rain had worried it would hurt New Moon to see Rain's baby strong and healthy after her own had not lived, so she worked to make sure Rain knew her worries had not been warranted.

"He is beautiful, just like his mother." New Moon cooed as she caressed a plump cheek and then ran a finger along his tiny shoulder and arm that was creased with roll after roll of baby fat. "He did not get this beautiful glow of health from that skinny husband of yours."

Both women laughed happily together as Bow escorted
Akachee
to the council house.

***

Several hours passed before Hunting Bow and
Akachee
returned.
Akachee
did not bother to call for entrance before entering the lodge and bringing Bow in with her. New Moon helped Gentle Rain tuck in the children for the night. Dinner for the adults stayed warm on the low fire in the center of the room. By the expression on Bow's face she could tell things were not as favorable as she had hoped. He walked to the pot of deer stew and helped himself to a large portion before he sat in a chair. New Moon was used to Panther helping himself in just that sort of way. Loneliness filled her heart.

"I have news." Bow stirred his stew while he waited for the three women to fill their bowls and join him. "The people have chosen not to  join in on the war between  the Choctaws and the French."

Though New Moon knew this was the best decision for her people, she worried about here husband.

"George was also at the council meeting."

New Moon felt a twinge of hope. "Yes, I knew he was in the village." Of the two traders Panther owned the trading post with she liked George the most. He did not come to the village often. He mostly went into French territory and sold goods to the tribes who preferred the better-made English products to those of the French.

George spoke perfect French and, with his smaller build and dark complexion, he easily passed as French. New Moon suspected that when Panther still worked for the king, George was what Panther called a contact. She didn't know whether or not George still worked for the king but she was sure, if need be, he would go in search of Panther.

Bow chased a piece of meat with his spoon. "The governor is opening this area up to unlimited trading. The agreement with Panther for going to the Choctaw, even if he didn't re-enlist, was to extend Panther's monopoly for three years. But Panther has been gone for so long without reporting in that the governor does not feel he is obligated to honor that agreement with Panther's partners."

Beau looked at the women and could see they were confused. "Panther owns a large merchant operation along with his partnership in the post."

New Moon shrugged, "I know these things." She knew that in white men's terms her husband was very wealthy. She also knew that wealth was not more important to him than his life with her people.

Beau took a big bite and chewed a long time while he looked thoughtfully in his bowl. "He supports many employees," he tried again, "traders, warehouse and ship crews because of the trade in this area, yet he conserves the wildlife by restricting the number and type of skins per season. Unlimited trading would deplete this area of its wildlife."

New Moon sat her bowl down. "I understand. This is why George is here?"

"Yes. He wants to convince the chiefs not to trade for goods other than those they can get from Thomas until he and Panther can return."

New Moon looked up expectantly. "I knew it. George is going to look for Panther? This is good news. My husband will return home soon."

New Moon saw the glance that passed between Beau and Gentle Rain. "It is true that Panther has been gone a long time, but he is well. I would know if it were not so."

Later that night New Moon's labor pains began. She pushed herself up from her sleeping skins. The pains had started shortly after dinner and progressively grew stronger.

"
Akachee
?" she called out softly. "It is time." The older woman immediately came to New Moon's aid. So did Gentle Rain.

New Moon gripped Rain's arm as another pain pressed  in on her. When it eased she spoke to Rain, "I will not ask you to come with me, Gentle Rain. I know that Bow plans to take you home in the morning."

"Then you know wrong." Rain scolded. "We talked about it last night. If you will allow it, I would like to help you with the birth of your daughter."

Rain helped New Moon wrap a heavy robe about her shoulders. New Moon placed a hand over Rain's as she adjusted the robe. "I am honored that you will be there with me. I am sure
Akachee
will also welcome your help."

"What help?" Rain giggled. "You will be doing all the work."