Savage Conquest (36 page)

As Brody left, he encouraged Lucas to hasten his
trip to Fort Lincoln, telling him there was much
more going on in that area for the reporter to record.
Lucas told him they would be along in about three
weeks and politely refused Brody's escort this trip.
Brody responded with courtesy but felt annoyance.
He told Lucas he would notify him if a mission
called him back this way.

Miranda had learned many facts about her
mother's people and other Indian tribes from Brody.
He had made no secret of his hatred for several
warriors, chiefs, and leaders: Sitting Bull, Crazy
Horse, Gall, Red Hawk, Bloody Arrow, and Blazing
Star of varying Sioux tribes, and Two Moons of the
Cheyenne. She listened intently, learning all she
could about these men.

Two names in particular had brought fiery lights
of rivalry and antagonism to Brody's hazel eyes: Crazy Horse and Blazing Star. Several times Brody
had made comments about the feud between those
two men. Brody had seemed to think that if Crazy
Horse did not exist, Blazing Star would be war chief
under the direction and influence of the imposing
and powerful medicine and spiritual chief, Sitting
Bull. Brody had laughingly remarked one night that
he hoped they killed off each other over the chief's
bonnet. Brody had not seemed to fear those powerful
warriors, but he clearly respected and envied their
skills and ranks.

After Brody departed, Miranda gave him a good
deal of mental study. Now that he was no longer
present to use his charms and good looks to sway her,
she mused on his personality and disarming appeal.
He was unlike most men she knew. But she realized
something she hadn't noticed before; Brody had a
beguiling way of making a person feel a particular
way about him-his way. It was as if he possessed a
magical power of suggestion. Now that he was gone,
she could see certain things more clearly.

She thought about the way Brody had handled
himself, and treated others, and she was astonished to
conclude that Brody was arrogant and obsessive but
covered such traits when it suited his purpose.
Visibly, he was a man used to giving orders, to
having his way or else. Qualms filled Miranda as she
decided Brody could be pleasant when he gained his
way or was after something, but she sensed he could
be dangerous if crossed or denied. She felt sure Brody
had shown his real self that last day and she shuddered as she found herself comparing Brody
Sheen to Weber Richardson.

Miranda didn't mention her concern to hercousin,
but she was glad Brody was gone: She didn't trust
that contradictory man. Besides, her thoughts were
claimed by another, as were her dreams. A strange
loneliness and hunger chewed at her, and a feeling of
loss assailed her warring senses. Slowly the truth
dawned on Miranda, and she chided her foolish
behavior. Perhaps she had given Brody the wrong
impression-that she truly cared for him. Had she
unknowingly been using Brody as a needed diversion? Had he perceived her loneliness and genial
overtures as romantic signals?

Again, she pressed Lucas to help her reach her
grandfather. Lucas was working on a safe solution to
that problem with Calamity Jane, as she knew this
territory, its people, and its dangers.

Three days had passed when word arrived by
special messenger from Brody. Two days from Fort
Sully, near the Cheyenne River Agency, his troop
had joined his notorious leader who was waiting
there before heading west to Fort Phil Kearny. There,
a meeting was to take place of the commanding
officers from this immense area. The entreating letter
informed Lucas of the possible historic importance
of this talk, for General Terry, Colonel Gibbon, and
General Crook would be present-three of the most
successful and destructive officers in the cavalry.
Colonel Custer had left Captain Benteen behind to
guard his fort and had ordered Major Reno to ride with him. But the name which irresistibly drew
Lucas was Philip Sheridan-he, too, was alleged to
be heading for this parlay.

Lucas read the message over and over, his
excitement mounting each time. He was so eager that
his hands shook, causing the paper to crackle noisily,
and his green eyes danced with elation. Unable to
restrain himself, he gave a whoop of victory and joy.
He was mentally applauding his good fortune when
Miranda entered from the other room to question his
merry behavior.

He revealed his incredible and exhilarating news,
but it did not have the same effect on her. Her smile
faded and her heart skipped several beats, for she
knew he would accept the invitation to ride along
and her dream would be forced to yield to his.
Miranda could not share his exuberance and zeal, but
she comprehended what a priceless opportunity had
been dropped into her cousin's lap. She was too
dejected to care about his work, too nettled to
consider its importance for history or the South. For
weeks, everything had gone her cousin's way; was it
selfish to demand time for her dream, to obtain her
desires? They were so close to her mother's people;
the new fort would put them hundreds of miles from
her goal.

Miranda also realized that if she tagged along as
invited, she would be in the company of untrustworthy, cunning Brody Sheen and many squadrons
of rowdy men. Evidently there was no peril in this
trek, or she would not have been invited. She wondered how Brody had gained approval for her
presence from Custer.

Caught up in his own world, Lucas did not notice
the staggering effect this "golden opportunity" had
on his cousin. A resentful shadow dulled Miranda's
brown gaze; anger enticed little creases around her
mouth and near her eyes. Defiance began boiling
within her.

Lucas turned to ask, "How soon can you be packed
and ready to leave, Randy? Brody sent a written order
for an escort to take us to meet him. There won't be
any danger," he stated smugly.

With a clear and calm voice, Miranda replied
nonchalantly, "I know, because I'm not going. I'm
staying here. If at all possible, I'll find a way to get to
my grandfather. You go along with Major Sheen. I'm
sure you'll obtain enough material for several
books."

Shocked by her icy demeanor and incredible
announcement, he shrieked frantically, "You can't
go into a Sioux camp alonel Be patient until this trip
is over, then I'll take you there. I promise, Randy."

"I have been patient, Luke, patient and unselfish,"
she declared accusingly. "Do you realize how far
away this parlay is? Afterward, we'll be forced to
remain with those troops for safety. They could ride
in any direction and for any length of time. It could
be months before we return here. By then, my people
could be gone to their winter grounds, out of my
reach. Besides, with all of those infamous killers
joining forces, it could be a conference to plot a new war against the remaining Indians. If so, the Sioux
won't let a white within ten miles of their camp, or
they'll go into hiding until spring. I can't risk losing
this chance, Luke. I'm sorry, but I'm not going with
you. If I can't find a path to grandfather, I'll be fine
here in our cabin."

"I can't let you stay here alone," Luke stated
obstinately, believing he could change her mind.
"This is the moment I've been waiting and working
for, Dandy; please don't take it from me," he
beseeched her.

"I can say the same thing, Luke," she told him
sadly. "Please don't ask me to leave when I'm so close
to my people. I wouldn't ask you to sacrifice your one
path to victory. I have plenty of company and
protection here, and I promise I won't leave the fort
unless I know it's safe. At least by remaining here, I
might have the chance to send word to grandfather. If
I leave and trouble begins, my dream could be lost
forever. Jane told me sometimes Indian chiefs or
leaders come to forts for talks. If I leave, I could miss a
visit. Don't you see I have to stay?"

"This is dangerous and crazy, Randy. I could be
gone for weeks or months."

"I know; that's the problem. Time could be
against me, Luke. Besides, why would I want to tag
along with countless men. Surely you realize what
kind of harsh conditions I would face on such a
lengthy journey? In some barren spots, there would
be no privacy at all. It's no place for a woman-a
lady. I should wait for you here where I'll be comfortable and happy."

Lucas noted that defiant glimmer in her eyes, that
fierce determination which told him he could not
change her mind. Either he had to leave her here
alone or remain himself. Neither choice was pleasing. After all, he could not force her to ride with him.
And in a way, she was right about being safe here in
the rented cabin. But he tried one other approach.
"Brody Sheen would be your protector."

"That's another reason to stay behind," she
answered. "Perhaps the best one," she added sullenly.

"What do you mean? He's loco about you, Randy.
I'd bet he's asked me just so he can see you again. I
thought you liked him," he stated probingly, eyes
and ears alert.

"He's your friend, not mine. I don't like him or
trust him. And I can think of nothing more
disagreeable than enduring his company and paw-
ings for weeks on end," she brusquely announced.
Wisely, she didn't say he reminded her of Weber; for
she didn't want to refresh that threat in Luke's mind.

"You mean you were just pretending to be
friends?" he asked, that revelation coming as a
complete surprise.

"I was merely being polite to your company. You
made it clear he could be important to your work, so I
did nothing to offend him. I was delighted when he
left and I prayed he wouldn't return. In case you
didn't know it, I had to scold him severely that last
day when he practically forced his intentions on me.

I'm surprised he's asking for another chance to be
rejected. If he issued his invitation because of me,
then he is out of luck. I see you failed to notice that
streak of ruthlessness in him. Didn't you see the look
in his eyes or hear the coldness in his voice when he
boasted of bloody victories, when he vowed to tack
the scalps of Crazy Horse and Blazing Star on his
wall? He's dangerous and conniving, Luke. If I were
you, I would guard my back around him. Most
assuredly I would guard my journals. If he or Custer
even slightly suspected what you were after, you
would find them more of a threat than ... Sherman
was to Georgia," she panted breathlessly, having the
wits to alter her comparison from the grizzly. She
didn't want Lucas recalling the warrior who might
have trailed her for days; after all, he was long gone.

They debated their dilemma until both were
weary and depressed. Neither would give in to the
other. Realizing he might never have another chance
such as this one, Lucas could not bring himself to
refuse it. And knowing each of Miranda's arguments
was valid, he still encouraged her to go with him but
with less conviction. The matter was settled when
Calamity Jane came over with some news of her own,
news which would displease Lucas and delight
Miranda.

Jane revealed she was "unrollin' my bedroll in the
rear of the sutler's shed," and she would be staying
around for several weeks. She told them she would be
working with a friend and fellow scout, Tom TwoFeathers Fletcher. The two had been assigned to check on the camps of Indians who had refused to
sign treaties or live on reservations, several of which
were Sioux and Jane thought might be of interest to
Lucas and Miranda.

Before Lucas could relate his new plans, Jane told
them about the other scout. Tom was half white and
half Cheyenne. He had scouted for the cavalry for
years but refused to join any troop. He came and went
as it suited him, or when he needed money for
supplies and weapons.

When Jane settled her roughly dressed and ample
figure in a chair, Lucas told her about his plans and
Miranda's refusal to accept them. Jane, who was in
her early twenties but looked forty-five, glanced from
one person to the other as she mused on their conflict
of interests. She felt she could protect and assist
Miranda while Lucas was away, and, besides,
Miranda appeared a woman of mettle.

Jane removed her floppy. hat and dropped it to the
table, shoulder-length dark hair tumbling from its
confinement. "Don't you be worryin' none, Luke.
I'll watch'er like a mother hawk. She won't git three
feet without me tailing her backside," Jane vowed
fondly. "Me and ole Pete will guard'er," she added,
affectionately patting the butt of her pistol in the
holster swinging from her thick waist.

"You don't know her like I do, Jane. She could
talk a bandit out of his weapon if she had the mind to.
She's willful and stubborn. I'm not sure I should
leave her here to get into mischief," he protested.

"Watcha gonna do, Luke? Hogtie'er and throw'er cross yore saddle," Jane teased mirthfully, winking
at Miranda. "She don't wanna ride with them
ruffians. Ain't narry a good man 'mongst'em; at
least, ain't a one who can outride er outshoot
Calamity Jane. Miss Miranda's a lady, Luke, my boy.
You git'er out there where they ain't no trees and
rocks fur miles; how's she gonna shuck her bloomers
and have privicy? And ya knows she cain't go fur days
with no bath like us'en."

Lucas threw up his hands in a gesture of surrender.
"All right, you two. Randy can stay here," he
acquiesced reluctantly. "But I'll warn you now; one
speck of trouble and I'll hightail it back and redden
two behinds. Savvy?"

That was Lucas's last warning before packing and
riding off under the escort of five men from Fort
Sully. It would require several days for the small
group to catch up with Custer's regiment and for
Brody to learn of Miranda's startling rebuff. Once
there, Lucas would be in for many surprises and
perils.

Jane and Tom ate supper with Miranda that night.
They planned their outing for the next day, telling
Miranda they needed to ride out at dawn to avoid
being noticed by the commander of the fort. He
would not have approved of her spending time with
the scouts.