Earth Bear waited for us out by the horse enclosure with four horses secured by their reins in his hands. The rest of the equines stretched into the distance, numbering in the hundreds.
“Grey Feather has asked that we gift you these horses. The horses you brought are white people’s steeds. They are not as swift and sure-footed as ours.” Earth Bear beamed.
“Thank you! Tell Grey Feather thank you, as well.” My throat became clogged with emotion. The people of this tribe, especially the great chief and his son, had been most gracious with us. I wanted them to know how deeply I appreciated their kindness, so I took a risk and clasped Earth Bear’s hands.
He blinked as if surprised.
“You have touched my heart with your generosity,” I said.
A warm glow spread across his cheeks.
“We shall instruct your horses in the ways of our people and teach them to be trustworthy rides,” he said.
“I’m deeply honored. Tell Grey Feather his kindness shall be returned ten-fold,” I said, reaching for the reins Earth Bear extended to me.
He handed over a horse to Emily then his gaze flicked behind me. He lifted his hand and said, “A-ho, brothers!”
“A-ho,” Roman called.
As always, my heart surged with joy at the sight of Roman.
He strode toward us with purpose and power.
“Grey Feather has gifted us these steeds,” I said, reaching for Roman’s hand.
He took it, kissing my knuckles, then turned his attention to Earth Bear. “Your chief’s generosity is great, Earth Bear. Please convey our gratitude.”
“Return to us safely,” Earth Bear said.
Roman turned to me and lifted me up to mount my horse.
Marcellious did the same for Emily.
Eyes wide, I blinked in disbelief. Marcellious doing a kind turn for anyone? This was a rare moment.
Roman and Marcellious both leaped onto the backs of their rides, and, after giving our farewells to Earth Bear, we were off.
We had to rely on Emily’s guidance, as we didn’t know where Weston Hills was.
“It’s in South Carolina.” She gave more directives, and Marcellious frowned.
He trotted his horse next to her. “You’ve got to give us more clues than that.”
Her face flushed as she said something to him that I couldn’t hear.
They chatted back and forth before Marcellious announced, “I think I’ve got it.”
The sun blazed as we crossed the plains, heading southeast. My grief lessened slightly the further we got away from the tribe. It was as if I couldfeelthe sorrow and rage emanating from the teepees. But traversing through endless miles of prairie grass, I let my woes fall from my shoulders.
At a creek, we all dismounted and allowed the horses to pick their way through the stone-lined stream to drink.
Holding the reins in my left hand, I squatted in the middle of the creek and scooped some water into my hand. There were no water bottles, and we could not carry the precious liquid.
Emily rummaged around in her satchel and found the pemmican, then broke off a piece for each of us.
We all stood, munching on the bison fat, berries, and herbs. I looked at Roman, desire filling my heart. It had been too long since we’d shared a sexual encounter of any depth. We’d had a rushed, frantic experience in the Hypogeum, where Roman had been held prisoner. I missed touching him with abandon.
He turned to look at me, and the world fell away. I felt safely enveloped by our love.
