It took everything within Kills Many not to jump or act startled. He'd purposely fallen asleep against a tree so that he would be awaken at the slightest noise but clearly had been too far into sleep when his brother came up behind him.
He sat up straighter and opened his eyes fully "I won't just let her go"
Red Fox sat down next to his younger brother "there are too many trails to follow"
"but they will all eventually lead to one place" Kills Many realized.
"perhaps" Red Fox replied "but these people are Crow, they are skilled also"
"there was nothing to indicate who they were"
"they are crow" Red Fox said finally and Kills Many knew not to argue with him further. There were times when he just knew things.
Kills Many had to think. Why the crow.
"you have not forgotten already?" Red Fox asked
"no" Kills Many answered remembering something that happened well over a year ago. He had been much more hot headed then and given the same choice now it probably would not have happened.
Many Horses hadn't been willing to risk another dress this time figuring that he would not provide another one. She did however wrap herself completely in the robe and fell asleep that way. Much later the robe was pulled gently from underneath her and a warm body was at her back. He waited until she'd fallen asleep again then began something that would continue over the next several nights, testing her and pushing her ever so slightly each night until the fight within her began to diminish.
It had been a week since the incident and she'd been allowed to sit outside the lodge only leaving if Blue Raven came for her. Today however Walks Far came for her handing her a pouch and waiting while she looked inside. It was as if her entire inside had lit up and she hurriedly searched through each item or set of items. Here was everything she would need to quill and the amount if hide he held in his hands was enough for two good shirts.
He held out his hand as if she should come with him and after putting the items he had given her away stood, taking his hand and walking with him. They walked parallel the creek until a natural bridge was spotted. One at a time they crossed and at that moment she realized he was taking her to the horses. Immediately several raised their heads as if in greeting or just realizing she was there and she responded touching and stroking several warm muzzles, feeling their breath upon her hands. Walks Far came to her leading two horses by rope bridles and helped her up on one. She knew trying to run was pointless because he would just catch her. He would be angry too and probably confine her to the lodge once again.
Walks Far had caught the momentary sadness in her eyes and knew she was thinking of Kills Many. None of this was fair to her and he knew it. She did not know the man that she had been about to marry however, perhaps very few knew that side of him.
He led her off towards a small copse of trees that stretched into seemingly endless prairie. They rode for several hours just talking when she finally broached the subject that had been bothering her.
"why do you hate Kills Many?"
"I do not hate him" Walks Far replied "He has done many unforgivable things, but I will not waste my soul to hate him"
"what has he done?"
"you would not believe me, you are still in love with him"
The words, spoken plainly, were the truth.
"then let me go back to him"
"no" was his simple answer before riding on and expecting her to follow. She nudged her horse ahead but not before lowering her head and wiping furiously at the tears that would not stop.
"we will not talk of this again"
When they returned she immediately jumped from her horse leaving Walks Far to take it and walked back to the lodge alone ignoring the watchful eyes of those around her. Eagle Cries would again be posted outside though as of late he had become careless, talking and laughing with friends who came to keep him company.
She searched through Walks Far's things eventually finding a spare shirt and leggings. She'd had enough with being convinced there wasn't any way she could escape. She had to.
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