Scout, p.15
Scout, page 15
“Anoki, Otaktay, me learn together.” She let out a pained breath. “Better days.”
“I imagine,” I murmured. “Hopefully, the dwarves can cure you.”
She snorted softly and gave me a wry smile. “When I found lump, I know I die soon. I accept. Otaktay does not.”
“He loves you,” I said. I thought about Ma and how I hadn’t wanted her to die of consumption. I’d tried to get her to do everything she could, but there wasn’t much. I’d cried both when she passed and often in the weeks that followed. But as a new orphan at fifteen, I’d been too busy trying to stay alive to mourn for long.
“Yes. Too much.”
I wondered how that was possible, but didn’t know how to ask. Instead, I looked at Anoki, whose eyes were haunted.
“We want medicine for others,” she continued. “Too many Sioux die that should not. We want them all to live.”
“Even if it means giving up claims to the land?” I knew Otaktay didn’t want to do that.
She shrugged dismissively. “Dwarves build in place with no trees. It’s all dead wood.”
“I like the ring to that,” Jeremiah said. I hadn’t seen him walk up to the fire, but he’d obviously been standing there for a little while. “‘The Deadwood Dwarves.’”
“Yeah,” I said with a laugh. “I can see it in one of your books already."
Washta gave Jeremiah a look I’d seen from my mother many a time, the “be quiet now” look. Apparently, it worked on him too, because his grin was replaced with a more serious expression.
“Dwarves build where land not good. Town can stay, for medicine.”
I nodded, but then realized she’d referred just to the town and not the surrounding land the dwarves had claimed. I’d seen enough of that to know that once you got away from the town itself, the area away from the deadwood was good for hunting and logging.
“Well,” Jeremiah said, “we’ll have to see everything the medicine does. We’d best find out soon.”
“Was there anything else you wanted?” I asked Washta.
“Yes,” she said with a firm nod. “I do not care about medicine, like others. I care for Anoki.” She gave him a warm smile, and he sheepishly hung his head. Then she faced me again, and the iron was back in her eyes. “When this done, you let Anoki leave army. He come home. Be where he belongs.”
I nodded solemnly. “I will do my best.”
“More than your best. You succeed.” She flicked one hand in the direction of our tipi “Go. We leave very soon.”
Somehow, it felt right to bow when I stood, so I did. Then Jeremiah and I headed off to pack.
The Sioux war band surrounded me, Jeremiah, and Washta as we rode across the plain. They brought extra horses, and we switched often. We only stopped briefly for water and the occasional bite to eat. The cold morning gave way to a warm noon and an even warmer afternoon. But we made good time and were back to the original Sioux campsite, the one we’d met the Crow in, about an hour before dusk.
We paused there to let the horses drink and to have some food ourselves. Washta had to be helped off her horse. She looked on the edge of collapse, and I was shocked when I realized she’d tied herself to her mount. When Anoki and Otaktay did help her to the ground, she staggered and nearly fell. Otaktay helped her to a small fallen log while Anoki brought her water and pemmican.
Jeremiah came to my side as we watched the two hulking warriors care for the woman as if she were a delicate flower. Jeremiah looked at them and shook his head with a small sigh.
“Did you ever find out why he left her and joined the army?” I asked him.
“Anoki? No. I actually asked, and he said it wasn’t a story he wanted to tell.”
“Huh.” Given how much he clearly loved Washta, I couldn’t imagine him leaving her on purpose. But then I also couldn’t imagine being in love like that. I’d found some girls back in Golden City pretty, but I didn’t know how to talk to them. I was too poor and too intent on learning to shoot and do whatever else I needed to be able to ride with Cassidy, anyway.
And where had that obsession gotten me?
Cassidy was dead. I was stuck in the army. I wasn’t a boy anymore, even if they still called me “Kid.” I could shoot well, I supposed. And after that…? After that, I’d have to think about it.
But it didn’t look like I’d get much thinking. A Sioux brave raced into our little group and ran to Otaktay. They spoke animatedly, and then Otaktay gave orders to the rest. Soon everyone else was remounting their horses while he and Anoki helped Washta back to her horse.
“Let’s help,” I told Jeremiah. We hustled over. Jeremiah took the horse’s reins and held them steady while the two men lifted Washta up. I took Anoki’s place steadying her while he raced around to the other side and helped her get settled.
Then I turned to Otaktay. “What’s happening?”
“Crow scout,” he spat. “Saw us, ran. We go now before they all come back.”
I swallowed hard. With this big of a group, there was no way we’d be able to give them the slip.
Twenty-One
I thought fast. As Otaktay and Anoki finished getting Washta settled, she tied herself to her horse once again. I got Otaktay’s attention as soon as they were done.
“Let’s run for the town,” I said. “The Crow can’t follow us inside, and we’ll be safe.”
He nodded and called to his men. Meanwhile, I ran for my pony. It wasn’t as fast as the Sioux’s horses, so I hoped it could keep up.
We raced through the woods to the grove of stumps and then down the road toward the town. Once again, Washta rode in the middle. I lagged behind, but Anoki and two warriors dropped back with me. If the Crow showed, I wouldn’t be alone.
We didn’t see the Crow. The town’s stark walls came into sight, but we didn’t slow. Instead, it seemed the horses quickened their gait.
Then maybe a thousand yards from the gate we heard yells. I turned my head to see Crow horsemen thundering up the road from the west toward us.
Again? We were gonna have a fight at the gate again?
But, I realized, they were a lot further off. We’d arrive at the gate just as they got to the edge of decent rifle range. If the dwarves let us in, there’d be no fight.
My pulse raced. Would they let us in? Or would we be trapped outside? They’d let me in, but I was in the back of the pack. Oh, God! The dwarves wouldn’t see me!
I started yelling, “Let me through! Let me through!”
At first, the Sioux ahead didn’t hear or understand. I kept yelling and spurring my pony harder, and finally some of them looked around. Their horses parted, and I dashed between them.
Distant gunshots sounded, but I barely blinked. If the Crow were closer than I thought, there was nothing I could do.
I rode through the mass of Sioux, but the leaders were still far ahead of me. I soon caught up with Washta, who had bent over so she was all but hugging her horse’s neck. Jeremiah had drifted off to the side.
Of course! I didn’t need to be out front—just far enough from the others that the dwarves on the town walls could recognize me. I yanked the reins to the right and spurred my pony harder until I’d left the Sioux and the road and was almost riding straight at the near corner of the wall itself. I started yelling and waving at the wall instead of the Indians.
Soon, I was close to the foot of the wall. They’d built a little ditch that ran along the length which didn’t cross, but instead rode alongside, down toward the gate. The Sioux stretched out ahead and behind.
I prayed the dwarves would open the gate. I hoped for it hard. Then I let out a sigh of relief when I saw the doors slowly swinging open.
The Crow were still a ways off, but getting closer every moment. As the lead Sioux neared the gate, the Crow slowed their own charge and continued shooting. The Sioux, fortunately, kept riding. The first two reached the gates and dashed through
But then one of the horses screamed and went down. Its Sioux warrior jumped free just in time and rolled in the dirt. Those behind were too close, moving too fast. They dodged him and the downed horse and kept on their way. More Sioux made the shelter of the gates.
I raced toward the thrown warrior. More gunshots rang out, and I did my best to ignore them. The screams of the downed horse were harder to block. Instead, I tucked myself low, against my pony. It strained and huffed, but didn’t slow.
The thrown Sioux was on his feet, but limping. His horse kept trying to struggle to its feet with no success, but it shielded him from the Crow. One of the other Sioux still on horseback pulled up on his reins and raised his rifle. He started returning fire. I didn’t look to see if it was doing any good.
Instead, I closed the distance to the downed man and slowed up enough to extend him a hand. He nearly pulled my arm out of my socket as he scrambled up behind me on the pony, but as soon as he did, I raced for the gate. Other horses blurred by and I caught a glimpse of Jeremiah’s blue uniform up ahead. Then we were through the gate and I was bringing the pony to a halt and I—
I paused. The little courtyard on the inside of the gate was ringed with dwarven archers, each with nocked arrows pointed at me and the Sioux.
The gates screeched as they closed behind us. The Sioux on the horse with me tried not to lean against my back, but his balance was off. I looked around and didn’t see a single familiar face among the dwarves.
Slowly, I raised my arms.
Dwarves holding torches appeared behind the archers. Dusk was further along than I’d realized, and I was surprised at how much brighter the torchlight made the courtyard. The Sioux’s horses shuffled and shifted, but the warriors kept them under control. I looked for Washta—but only caught a glimpse of her in a crowd of others. Everyone seemed to be waiting for something.
With a deep breath, I realized it was me.
A jolt of fear ran up my spine. Me. They were waiting for me. I almost wanted to throw up. I even felt lightheaded. I felt more scared than I’d been in battles.
But I needed to do what had to be done.
I dismounted. Then I strode to what I sensed was the front of the crowd. My knees wavered, but held.
The crowd quieted and all eyes turned to me.
“Where is Vestri?” I asked loudly. “Vestri?”
The dwarves murmured and one ahead of me frowned and shook his head.
“Alviss, then. Take us to Alviss.” I pointed at the cluster around Washta. “Them. Me. Take us to Alviss.”
The murmurs increased.
“Alviss! Take us.” I pointed at myself and the Sioux again. “To Alviss.”
A dwarf pushed between the archers. I let out a relieved sigh when I recognized him. He’d been the officer when we’d first arrived and had summoned Vestri.
“Me, them. To Alviss.” I pointed again, and realized that Otaktay had broken away from the crowd and was now approaching on foot. I gestured directly at him. “At least take him and me."
The dwarf said something I didn’t understand and motioned for us to follow. When some of the other Sioux started forward, the archers aimed their bows at them. I frowned, as did Otaktay. He said something to his men, and then he and I followed the officer. A troop of dwarves fell in behind.
We were led down to the large building where we’d met with Alviss before. The guards at the door stood alert and regarded Otaktay with some curiosity. He didn’t give them more than a glance. Our guide didn’t slow either. In a fast minute, we were inside the large room with the big table.
This time, chaos filled the room. Dwarves dashed in and out. Most ran to one of two clusters at each end of the table. The room echoed with the din of all the conversations and it stank of sweat and smoke.
The group at one end parted, and Alviss emerged. He looked worried, very worried, as he made his way over to us. Two heavily-armed bodyguards trailed in his wake.
“We’re here,” I said in English, “to make a deal. This is Otaktay of the Sioux.”
The dwarf next to Alviss murmured something in his ear, and the dwarf leader turned to gaze at Otaktay. He carefully looked him over from toe to head, as if memorizing every detail about him. Alviss frowned and called something back to the table. One of the dwarves in a leather jerkin perked up and replied. A moment later, two dwarves ran off and two others carried chairs toward Otaktay and me. I sat, and after a deep frown, Otaktay did the same. Another dwarf brought a chair for Alviss and placed it a few feet in front of us. Once Alviss sat, his bodyguards took up posts behind him.
Then we waited.
The bustle around the table continued. I glanced at it from time to time, but my gaze kept getting drawn back to Alviss. There was something magnetic about his eyes. Something about the way he held himself. This was not someone to be messed with, I realized.
After about fifteen minutes of uncomfortable waiting, three people bustled in. I let out a relieved breath at the sight of the tallest—Maria. Her blue dress was splattered in dark stains, but she looked okay. If it was blood, it wasn’t her own. The dwarf closest to her wore brown robes with similar stains. The third wore no beard, and I had to look twice to realize that dwarf was a heavyset woman.
Once they’d made their way over to us, the two dwarves stood beside Alviss while Maria made her way to me.
“Are you okay?” I gestured at the stains on her dress, which I confirmed were blood now that she was close.
“I’m fine. So are the others. Tell you later.” She nodded her head toward the female dwarf. “Eira speaks English well.”
The female dwarf waited until she had my attention and then looked to Alviss. He said a few words and then she turned to us.
“Welcome, McCarty of the army and Sioux honored guest,” she began.
“Otaktay,” I said. “His name is Otaktay.”
She bowed her head. “Welcome Otaktay. You have come to discuss our request?”
I blinked. Her English was much better than Vestri’s. Why hadn’t we met her before? And where was Vestri, for that matter?
Otaktay’s familiar scowl returned and he glanced at me.
Okay, so it was up to me. “The Sioux are considering your desire for the land. They wish medicine in return, if it is truly powerful enough. They wish to see a demonstration.”
Eira conveyed my comments to Alviss, and they conferred for a bit before she turned back to us.
“You may visit our hospital and see the effects.”
“We want to see if it works on one of the Sioux,” I said. “A sick woman. She has… a lump that’s made her sick.”
“Oh, no,” Maria murmured.
While Eira and Alviss conferred, I raised an eyebrow in a silent question to Maria, asking if she knew anything, but she just shook her head.
“We do not know if we can cure her,” Eira said at last. “If we can, do the Sioux agree that this is our land now?”
“No!” Otaktay’s scowl had deepened, and the muscles in his shoulders and arms tightened, but he didn’t spring out of his chair.
I held up a calming hand. “What he means is, they do not give up the claim to all land within a day’s ride. It must be smaller than that.”
Alviss frowned after Eira conveyed my words. He stared at Otaktay and then at me. I set my jaw and stared back.
“Let’s see if the medicine works before we figure out the land,” I said. “Besides, we also need to deal with the Crow.” I jerked my thumb in the direction I thought the gate was. I couldn’t help wondering if they were still out there or if they’d gone somewhere else.
For that matter, where were McNab, Brody, Zeke, and Vestri? Maria’s words were a bit reassuring, but shouldn’t they be here?
“Will the Crow accept our claim?” Eira asked.
I thought back to my conversation with Cheéte, remembering how he wanted to control the trade. That meant he didn’t mind them being here, right?
“They agree to your town being here,” I said. “They have other conditions.”
Otaktay gave me a sharp look.
“Which are?” Eira asked.
“We will have to discuss that with them.” I sat up straight and put my hands on my thighs. Then I stared straight at Alviss. He was intimidating, but no more so than my commander, Captain Mercer. So, I refused to show any fear.
“But first,” I said emphatically, “we need to cure the Sioux woman.”
Our staring contest continued for a long minute before I couldn’t help but blink and look away.
Alviss snorted. Then he said something to Eira, whose eyes went wide with surprise. She asked a quick question, and his answer came in emphatic tones.
“We will give your woman medicine,” Eira said. “Your men will stay in the quarters we show them. Then we talk more.”
I looked at Otaktay, who nodded. Then to Alviss and Eira, “Agreed.”
The dwarf in brown robes, who’d been standing silently next to Maria this whole time, stepped forward and said something to Alviss in Dwarvish. After a quick exchange, he glanced back at Maria, but then hurried off.
Maria let out a long breath and visibly relaxed.
“What’s that about?” I asked, “and where’s McNab and the others?”
“They’re fine,” she said quietly, so that Eira couldn’t hear. “Well, mostly fine. Our team is confined to their quarters. But Vestri is dead.”
My gut clenched. Dead? I couldn’t imagine that tough dwarf getting killed.
“How?”
“Ask McNab when you see him. They’ve kept me apart from them.” She gestured toward the dwarf in brown robes. “He’s been my… keeper. He goes everywhere with me and we treat all the patients together. I think his job is to keep me from learning anything they don’t want me to learn.”
“Well,” I asked, equally quietly, “have you?”
She pursed her lips and glanced at Eira, who’d started into a long quiet conversation with Alviss.
“They have too many wounded,” she said, “and too many freshly wounded.”
