Bride of the Wild (2 page)

A chorus of voices rang out, agreeing with him, as men jumped to their feet, throwing closed fists in the air. I felt a twinge of jealously then, knowing women would be excluded from this. I wasn’t a bad shot in the least. Everyone in my family knew how to handle a weapon. I had killed deer and coyotes my entire life, having learned how to hunt quite young.

“We can do this, men!” hollered an older man in a brown coat.

“Enough’s enough! We can’t have this another minute!” shouted a woman. “I refuse to live in fear. We’ve sacrificed far too many innocent people already. Haven’t the McAllisters suffered enough? How many more must die before we kill this abomination?”

Sheriff Palmer cleared his throat. “Something will be done then. I’ll organize a hunting party, but we have to bury the dead first. It’s important you listen to me about safety. Stay indoors at night, especially if you live near the woods. Barricade your windows and find something to secure your doors with … ”

He continued to talk, but pa indicated we should leave, and we shuffled past another family, who sat at the front of our pew. The room crackled with energy, as nearly every person in Fern Valley had gathered to listen to the pastor this morning. Now they had been called to action by the sheriff. I craned my neck, searching for Silas, but he seemed absorbed in the moment, his face alight with excitement, his blue eyes blazing with the thrill of adventure. Again, jealousy flared, because I would not be a part of the hunt, even though my friend, Megan, had perished, murdered by the mysterious creature that had plagued us for weeks. I wanted to avenge her death. I desired to search for her killer, but it would not be asked of me.

At the door, I came face-to-face with the Indian, Deer Runner, who looked quite fearsome at this proximity. Deep lines entrenched the corners of his mouth, while dark eyes flashed as they fell upon me. A cold shiver ran down my backbone. I disliked the natives, but I should not have felt this way towards Deer Runner, because we knew him. Some fears ran deeper than others, regrettably, and I could scarcely forget the events of our journey to the Kansas Territory. It had been nearly six years, but the memory of the attack on the wagon train seemed as if it had only happened a week ago.

My father, being jovial and sociable in most occasions, patted him on the shoulder. “How are you, Deer Runner?”

“I’m well, and you?” His voice was heavily accented.

We had moved outside, standing on the steps of the church, while a sudden gust of wind tossed my bonnet into the air. I had neglected to tie it around my throat, and, now, it tumbled down the steps, onto the dried out grasses and weeds that surrounded the building.

“Oh, drat!” I hurried after it, as the blue fabric caught in the prickly brambles of a bush. Before I could reach it, a hand came down and plucked it free. Startled, I stared at the man who had taken it upon himself to rescue my hat, finding inquisitive hazel eyes, surrounded by impossibly thick lashes. “That’s mine, sir.”

“It is.” He held out the item.

Never having seen this person before, I stared at him, wondering who he was. “Th-thank you.” His clothing looked well-worn, his boots dull and scuffed, while vestiges of a beard darkened his cheeks. Burnished brown strands of hair hung over his collar, and the belt around his waist dangled with a revolver on each hip.

Deer Runner seemed to know him, because he approached, grinning. “This is Micah Blaylock. You’ll have to forgive him. He’s not been in society for a good while.”

My father approached, with Amelia and Tom in tow, extending a hand. “Eli Fossett. This is my oldest, Saffron, and my youngest, Tom.” He nodded at my sister. “And this is Amelia.”

Staring at the proffered hand, Micah shook it, although he seemed nonplussed about it, shifting his feet awkwardly. “Hello.”

Having placed the bonnet on my head, I stared at Mr. Blaylock, finding him strangely fascinating, his rough appearance and behavior creating an air of mystery and danger. How long had he been in the mountains? What had he seen? Did he grow up alone? Where was he from?

“We’ve a hearty Sunday brunch in the oven, courtesy of my lovely daughters. Perhaps, you and Deer Runner would like to join us?”

“We would be happy to,” said the Indian, grinning.

Pa, ever sociable, approached me, smiling. “Don’t look so put out, Saffron. You know the house is clean. We’re more than prepared for guests.” He chuckled at my look of dismay, knowing my distrust of the natives. “They might just not be the kind of guests you were expecting, is all.”

Chapter Two

“Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind” (Psalm 26.2). This verse drifted through my thoughts, while pa commandeered the wagon, but we had not gone alone. Deer Runner and the stranger followed, trotting behind us on horseback. Irritated that I had not been able to say a word to Silas this morning, I cast scornful glances pa’s way, throwing daggers at him with my eyes.

“Stop it, Saffron.”

“Stop what?”

“You know what. It’s prudent and kind of us to invite people to our home for food.”

“I wished to speak to Silas.”

“You’ll see him soon enough.”

“I will not. He’ll disappear on a wild goose chase, going after the illusive monster.”

“That has yet to be determined.”

Tom, who sat in the back of the wagon, asked, “Can I go, Pa? I want to hunt it down. Please?”

“Like I said, nothing’s been decided yet. It’s pure folly romping around in the mountains willy-nilly. They’ll have to formulate a plan first. A solid one.”

I glanced at my father, noting a patch of gray hair above his ear. “Will you go, if they ask?”

“I’ll consider all options, but I don’t reckon it’s time yet to gather a war party and search for this thing. They should think of baiting it here first. Make it come to us.”

“That’s scary, Pa,” said Amelia. “How would they do that?” My sister had the bluest eyes in the family, the color of a morning sky.

“It’s something to discuss. Going off into the mountains should be a last resort.” He muttered, “It’s dangerous out there.”

“I find it exciting.” The fields on either side of the road bloomed; the weeds looked like miniature sunflowers. “I wish I could be a part of the hunting party.”

“You’re a good shot, Saffron,” said pa. “That much is true. They’d do well to have you, but I doubt they’d be too keen on a woman tagging along.”

I sighed, knowing this to be true. “I still wish.”

“I don’t want to go anywhere near that animal.” Amelia clutched her shawl. “What if it tries to kill us? What will we do, Pa?”

“We need to secure the windows later. I’ll make another plank for the door, like a second lock of sorts. It’s all I can think of at the moment.”

“And keep the weapons at the ready,” said Tom. “I’m sleeping with my rifle.”

The wagon trundled along, the wheels finding rocks and ruts. Our mare, Bonnie’s tail swooshed from side-to-side, while Deer Runner and his friend, Micah Blaylock, followed. I cast a glance over my shoulder, staring at him, but it seemed he had already been looking my way. Embarrassed, I turned forward, determined not to look back again.

Not far from town, our farm of nearly two hundred acres stood in the middle of Fern Valley, with grazing land for the animals and crops such as barley, wheat, and alfalfa. Tack barns and stalls for the draft horses spotted the landscape, along with a milk house, smokehouse, and a blacksmith’s forge. Our ranch hands, Wilber Ross and Sky Verlander slept in a small bunkhouse near the barn, but they had gone to town today, having Sunday free to do as they pleased. Living beneath the alpine tundra, we were able to keep an abundant kitchen garden, which Amelia and I tended, but, with winter approaching, we would have to preserve the excess vegetables in jars and store them in the larder soon enough.

The house had been my mother’s pride and joy and a labor of love, because she had waited nearly a year for all the building supplies to arrive, including the furnishings. The shingle style home featured a wide porch that ran around a two-story turret. My mother had come from money, inheriting a fortune from her grandmother, but, as rumor had it, the family disapproved of pa, not wanting her to marry him. Her stubborn streak won out, and she ran away with pa, essentially turning her back on her family and their wealth and connections. I had therefore never met my grandparents or aunts and uncles, wondering about people who were in my bloodline, but were complete strangers.

Our maid, Lucy, met us at the door, smiling and waving. “We have guests, I see.”

Tom jumped from the wagon, hurrying to help Amelia down. “Thank you,” she murmured. “Yes, pa went and invited some folks for breakfast.”

“I thought the Heffermans might join you.”

That was my thought too. “No, unfortunately.” My brother helped me alight. “Thank you.” Tom dashed into the house without another word, while pa freed the mare, leading her to the barn. Deer Runner and Micah Blaylock went with him. I glanced at Amelia. “I’m quite annoyed about that. I wanted to talk to Silas.”

“I’m sure you’ll see him soon enough.”

“At the funeral tomorrow.” I scowled. “That’s hardly conducive to conversation.”

“I’m not happy about it either. There will be several funerals now with the death of the Goldmans.”

Lucy overheard that. “What did you say, Amelia? Has there been more news? I knew I should’ve gone to church.” She limped then, reaching for the door. Having injured herself in a tumble down the stairs a few days ago, she lacked mobility. “This stupid leg.”

“I hope you haven’t been standing on it all morning,” said Amelia. “You need to go sit. Right this minute.”

My sister and I had taken over the added chores, helping our maid as much as possible. “Does it hurt still?”

“I was sitting. I’m fine.” She hobbled into the parlor, grimacing with each step. “You girls shouldn’t fuss over me. I should fuss over you.”

A sober portrait of my mother hung over the fireplace. “We will until you’re well,” I said. “We can’t expect you to work as you did before now that you’ve hurt yourself.”

“What news of the Goldmans? What’s happened?”

“There’s been another attack,” said Amelia. “The family … they perished.”

Lucy grasped the high, white collar around her neck. “No.”

I nodded. “It’s all anyone’s talking about. Join us for brunch, and pa will discuss it further. He invited Deer Runner and someone by the name of Micah Blaylock. Please don’t be alarmed by Deer Runner’s looks. He’s known to pa and everyone else in Fern Valley. He’s a friend of the settlers.”

“I’ve seen him before. I don’t fear the natives in the least. It’s the wild beasts roaming around that give me a fright.”

“Let’s put the food on the table,” I said, removing my bonnet and leaving it on an upholstered chair. “They’ll be here any minute.” Both the natives and the animals were cause for concern in my book. One could never be too careful.

“Don’t trouble yourself, Lucy. We can manage this.” Amelia strode through the parlor to the kitchen, as we followed. “Saffron and I have it all in hand.”

Amelia and I had made Eggs Benedict with toasted muffins and ham. I had set the table before we left for church, anticipating Silas would join us. We had been courting for nearly a year now, but, because I had been in mourning, we had agreed to wait before making any further commitments, so he had not asked for my hand in marriage yet.  Also, he needed to ask pa first, and, as of yet, that had not occurred.

It wasn’t long before everyone had gathered around the table, poor Lucy hobbling about on her good leg, while pa held the chair for her. “Thank you, Mr. Fossett.”

“I hope you get better soon, young lady, or I’ll have to take you to town and have Doc Walker look at you.”

“I’ll be fine. It’s just a sore muscle, is all.” She nodded at our guests. “I’m so clumsy. I had a fall on the stairs a few days ago.”

I sat next to Amelia, with Deer Runner and Micah at the other end of the table. Pa and Tom were on either side. “Let’s pray,” said pa. “Our heavenly father, please bless this food we’re about to eat. Keep us safe from harm and guide us in all things, so we may better serve you. Please help the McAllisters in this time of grief and pray for the Goldman family. Amen.”

“Amen,” I murmured. I opened my eyes to find Micah Blaylock staring at me, which struck me as peculiar. I could not fathom why, but I seemed to have garnered his attention.

“The girls said something about another attack,” said Lucy, reaching for a spoon. “What’s happened now?”

“That’s hardly suitable for a brunch discussion, Lucy.” Pa poured a glass of apple cider. “Would you like some cider?” He held up the pitcher, glancing at Deer Runner.

“Yes, thank you kindly.”

Everyone took a helping of the poached eggs, which sat upon a slice of ham over a toasted muffin. I had made enough for two servings a piece, cutting into my portion and chewing.

“How are you acquainted with Deer Runner, Micah?” asked Tom. “I’ve never seen you around here before.”

“I’ve known him for years,” he said, sliding a knife through a portion of egg.

“Micah’s a trapper.” Deer Runner grinned warmly, which wrinkled his face. Years’ worth of sun exposure had weathered his features. “He’s been trapping around these parts since forty-nine.”

“Didn’t you work the Santa Fe trail too?” asked pa.

Micah nodded. “My pa and I did the Bent’s Old Fort run before the place was destroyed. I get work wherever I can.”

“Maybe we’re all in the wrong business,” said Tom. “There are rumors of gold in Clear Creek, but nobody seems to want to talk about it much. Men get wild with talk of gold.”

“Exactly why I won’t be joining the insanity.” Pa had firm beliefs on this topic. “Farming is far healthier for a man and his family. It’s better than panning for gold in the hopes of a fast dollar. Even if they do find gold in abundance, it’ll eventually run out, but not before many die of greed and stupidity.”

Deer Runner nodded. “Seen quite a few good men go down that way.”

I had wanted to ask about the incident with the Goldman family, but I waited until after everyone had eaten, the men excusing themselves to go out for a smoke. I joined them on the front porch, standing, as they had taken the only available chairs.