FAMILY AFFAIRS - CLEARING SKIES

hapter 51

"My orders were to prepare the camp for an immediate leave and await the captain's return, sir, and that is what I intend to do." The lieutenant straightened his back and refused to look Teaspoon in the eyes. The older man sighed.
"You've told me your orders, lieutenant. What I'm looking for now is some answers. Where did he go?"
"I'm not at…"
"…at liberty to say, I know. We've heard that before. Now I'm telling I'm tired of this game. Your captain had I had an agreement to head back to Sweetwater, and I wanna know what's keeping him from keeping that. Furthermore, and this is for your knowledge, we're on Kiowa grounds right now and they sure as hell doesn't take kindly to the army setting up camp. It's only a matter of time until they discover us, and when they don't take kindly to someone, they got a very obvious way of showing it - they kill you. Now for the last time, where is captain Bennett?"
The lieutenant had paled slightly under Teaspoon's speech, but still he stood stiff as pole.
"The captain specifically told me…"
"Damn it, son, haven't you heard a word I've been saying?"
"It ain't no use, Teaspoon," Jimmy said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, "the lieutenant here had his order. Getting his men killed is obviously a part of it, so he says, and I'll guess he won't change his mind. How about we leave them to their destiny and head back ourselves?" Jimmy had opposed Teaspoon's idea of returning from the beginning, but he had slowly accepted the thought. He wasn't ready to give up on Rachel, but maybe this was the wrong way. Besides, if they all went home, he could make good on his promise to Lou, and that meant a lot to him too.

The others riders were leaning or sitting next to one of the few wagons the army had brought, all of them ready to leave, although it were with mixed emotions.

Had he had the option, Kid wouldn't have left. There had to be a way to get Rachel back, and maybe the army way was the best way. He had slowly come to realise that Katy was probably lost to him and the feeling of loosing his beloved horse created a black hole in his chest. It was the first time he ever had felt a real urge to own something, to call his own and he had fought hard to earn her. And now he had lost her. Part of him harboured a impossible dream that she might get loose and find her way back, but in his heart he knew those stories only were found in Cody's dime novels about the trustworthy and loyal horse friend of the lone heroes of the plains. He stretched slightly and groaned inwardly at the slight pain the movement caused on his sore muscles.

Teaspoon had been right, he pondered, he wasn't fit to stay out here. He needed to rest and the plains were not the place to heal. He glanced over to where Buck was sitting, but his friend had found a spot on the ground to stare at and didn't raise his eyes. Not that it matter, Kid didn't have to see his face to know that Buck was in a worse condition than he was. He had wanted to talk to him about his brother, and maybe even ask I Buck thought there was any chance of getting Katy back. If they intended to trade for Rachel, then maybe, just maybe, there was a slight hope anyway. But Buck had shut everybody out since the arrival of the army and his brother's death. Knowing his own feelings when Jed was killed, Kid could not blame him for it. He raised his eyes and glanced over to the back of the wagon. Two soldiers with the rifles ready was standing there, trying to look casual and failing miserably. Every one of the riders knew why they were there - to keep an eye on Buck. Teaspoon had objected to their presence, but the lieutenant had been equally adamant not to remove them, claiming it had been the captain's order. They would be relieved of their duty as soon as they had travelled away from the Indian surroundings and were closer to Sweetwater.

Buck was unaware of Kid's questioningly look, or he didn't care. He had even ceased to be irritated over the constant watch the captain had placed over him. Teaspoon's decision to leave had woken conflicting emotions within him. He was happy the army would leave as well as it meant the threat towards the Kiowa would be gone. But Rachel would be forced to stay. Buck desperately hoped that she was all right, but there were too many uncertainties for him to feel sure. A female captive would generally be better treated than a male, but she would be considered a slave, unless taken as a wife by one of the warriors. However, if she was considered an enemy, her fate might as well be that of torture and death. There was no way Buck could know what had happen to her. Had his brother been alive, he would have hoped that he would have protected her if he had found out that she was a part of Buck's white family, but now… Buck was scared Red Bear's death had caused the Kiowa to turn on their prisoners. In that case, then Teaspoon's decision to leave was the only one. There wouldn't be any hope in saving Rachel and to risk more lives for nothing… Buck had not told anyone of the others of his fear, not even Ike. He couldn't, he didn't want his friends to feel the same fear as he did. He didn't want to tell him of the torture Kiowa used to break down their enemies before they were killed. If Rachel was dead, she was dead. There was no point in telling his friends of how she might have died. It would only lead to more distrust and anger. The riders probably distrusted the Kiowa already, and if his friends distrusted the Kiowa, then there was a fair chance they distrusted him too. Anyway, he had decided not to test that theory, should it be true. There was another reason as well, but he hardly dared to think it. Maybe he had lost his trust in his friends. He took a deep breath and grimaced at the pain it caused. He had never felt so divided as he did right now. He understood the anger and fear that had driven his friends to join forces with the army. He also understood the reasons for the actions of the Kiowa. The problem was that he couldn't make either side see it. All he wanted was Rachel back safely and the Kiowa out of harm's way. He wished he could turn back time. He wished that his brother still would be alive. The pain of the loss still weighed heavily upon him. It was almost as if he couldn't believe it. He would never see Red Bear again and the full impact of that had yet to strike him. He dreaded that moment and he closed his eyes at the thought. A light pressure on his shoulder made him open his eyes and look up. Ike smiled weakly at him from his position behind him and Buck gave him a nod before returning to stare at the spot on the ground.

The smile died on Ike's face and gently he let his hand slide off his friend's shoulder. Buck had refused to talk to him ever since he had been better and Ike could partly understand. Buck had lost his brother. Ike expected Buck to grieve, but he had not expected to be shut out. He had a feeling that Buck blamed all of them for Red Bear's death and Ike didn't agree. Red Bear's death had been an accident. Besides, Ike was Buck's friend. He wanted Buck to share his feelings, he wanted to be able to help his friend, but Buck wouldn't let him.

"What happens now, Teaspoon?" Jimmy asked angrily. "Do we wait until the captain return or do we head out now?"
"I'm not sure," Teaspoon replied, deep in thoughts. He looked at his riders. "Strictly speaking, I should _____
"What the hell?" Jimmy muttered as he took a step forward. Teaspoon held him back by placing a restraining hand on his arm.
"Wait here," he ordered briskly, and started walking

Buck froze as he stared at the arriving troop. A young girl was swiftly hauled of one of the horses and hurled over to one of the wagons. As soon as she was safely inside, an order was barked and several men placed themselves as guards around it. Buck had not had the time or opportunity to see her face, but the dark skin, the black hair and the doeskin dress told him she was Kiowa. Slowly he rose to his feet, as did the other riders. They had all noticed the odd girl among the soldiers and while Buck might have missed it, they also noticed the two horses, which had returned without their riders.

Buck didn't know what he should do. Part of him wanted to rush over and tear the young woman away from the soldiers' and another part, more logical, realised that there was nothing he could do - absolutely nothing. He turned in anger towards the captain only to hear Teaspoon ordering them to stay put. Slowly Buck sank down on his uncomfortable place, hoping that he could restore his faith in the old stationmaster enough to let him take care of things. He had enough sense to realise that the moment he did anything to help the girl, he would be struck down like a dog, or even with less consideration. Clenching his fists in frustration he lowered his head, though failing to notice Ike's attempt to communicate. At the sight of his friend's rigid back, Ike slowly lowered his hand. Buck would not speak to him, and he was not sure if he should try. Suddenly he felt lonelier than he had done in years. So much had happen during the last month that he no longer felt sure that his new-found family would survive - or if he would, for that matter.

The captain barked out his orders and a wounded man was helped off his horse and carried of to where the field medic had set up temporary quarters, as Teaspoon walked up to him. The captain noted his arrival and slowly pulled off his gloves and placed them in his belt before turning to face the visible fuming marshal.
"What can I do for you, marshal?" he asked lightly.
"What do you think you're playing at?" Teaspoon asked.
"Playing?" Bennett turned in controlled anger towards Teaspoon. "You're accusing me of 'playing'? Those savages have been rummaging this part of the country for too long, murdering and attacking innocent people. It has to stop, and the first step is to get Mrs. Dunne back." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Now, listen marshal, this is how we're going to do this. If the Kiowa wants that girl back, they will have to deliver Mrs. Dunne to us, unharmed, by the end of the day after tomorrow. That's the only message we're going to send them and I expect you will help us in doing that. I want your half blood to write the Kiowa a message to that extent. I hope you will not let us down?" The last sentence was said haughtily and Teaspoon did not fail to see the implied threat in the words.
"I'll talk to him," he replied darkly, "but I will not order him to do anything."

"What's going on Teaspoon?" Kid asked as the stationmaster returned to them.
"The captain made an attempt to get Rachel out yesterday. He didn't find her, but instead he found that girl. Now he's holding her until the Kiowa give up Rachel."
"You think that will work?" Jimmy asked with a frown.
"I don't know," Teaspoon murmured. "Maybe it will, maybe it won't. But either way it looks like we'll be staying here for a few more days. You boys better find a place to sleep, although I don't want you to unpack too much. We might have to be ready for a swift leave. Buck, I need to talk to you."
The last words made the others turn to face Buck. He'd been so silence that they had almost forgot his presence. Now they all remembered he was there, and what more, was the one most likely to hold the key to what could happen.
"You want us to stay?" Jimmy asked, eager to be involved and to know what might happen. His question covered the others, who hesitantly stayed, eager to know more, but also certain that Teaspoon had the intention of speaking with Buck alone.
"You go and find somewhere to camp," Teaspoon retorted curtly. "I'll talk with you later. Oh, and make sure the horses are taken care of."
Disappointed, the others slowly dropped off to do as he had told them. More than one eye was cast on the marshal and the young half blood as they walked away. When they were out of eavesdrop, Teaspoon sat down next to Buck.
"What do you want from me?" Buck asked curtly without looking at the stationmaster.
Teaspoon was tempted to reply "a better attitude", but thought better of it and stared out over the camp before he replied.
"What will happen now?" he asked. "I know you can't know exactly what will happen, but I would appreciate your opinion."
Buck shook his head. "Your guess is as good as mine," he muttered.
"Don't think so, son. I didn't grow up with the Kiowa. What will they do?"
"They'll try and get her back - and they will seek revenge. Wouldn't you?"
"What if they knew that all they had to do was send Rachel back?"
Buck pondered the question. "Maybe they would trade," he said slowly. "And then seek revenge."
"I thought so too. In any way, this will not be the best place to stay."
Buck shrugged and looked away. Teaspoon suddenly realised he had never looked at him. It took the older man a few seconds to realise what the boy was looking at.
"Do you know her?" he asked, knowing that Buck would know what he meant since his eyes rarely left the wagon in which the girl was kept prisoner.
"I didn't recognise her."
"Could that be of importance? Who she is?"
Buck shrugged again. He didn't know what to say. If the girl was of a nobler family and she was important to her father, then maybe the Kiowa would react in one way - if she was of poorer family, then maybe her safety was of less importance. In the end it didn't matter - revenge for the kidnapping would be demanded in both cases. There was just one way of solving this...slowly he turned to face Teaspoon.
"Let me take her back," he said softly. "Maybe they would let me return with Rachel."
Teaspoon hesitated. He knew what Buck was aiming at. They would recognise him, some of them probably also know him, which made his chances of persuading them to release Rachel better than anyone else and definitely much better than the army. Still he hesitated.
"I don't know," he confessed. "I know what you want to do Buck, but there are too many uncertainties. I do not wish to loose both you and Rachel."
"If you let this continue, there might be more death than just two," Buck pointed out. "If you force the Kiowa to go to war..."
"It will be a disaster - I know that Buck. But we're a long way from that now. All I want now is to see Rachel and that young Kiowa girl back were they belong as soon as possible and without any bloodshed. And all I want from you is to know the likelihood of that happening."
Buck hesitated. "I don't know," he said finally. "If my brother..." He silenced for a few seconds. "If my brother had been war chief then I would have said no."
"No?" The answer surprised Teaspoon. He had always figured Buck's brother to be reasonable and less prone to anger.
"Red Bear would never have negotiated with the army."
"But he negotiated with me. Why?"
"You're not the army, and besides, you are part of my 'white' family. He trusted you because I did."
"But never with the army?"
"No." Buck shook his head. He couldn't remember how he knew this about his brother, or why he never had trusted the soldiers. All he knew was that it was the truth. Red Bear would never have trusted a man dressed in a uniform. "He never did."
"Why?"
"I don't know why. He didn't trust them."
"How many of the others felt like he did?"
"Some. He was considered a strong leader. Many of the people followed him."
"And the others?"
"Some argued for a full-out war. Others wanted to be more cautious. Maybe even talk about peace."
Teaspoon frowned. It was as he suspected. The Kiowa was divided and the side that held the best argument at the moment would simply decide whose opinion would win.
"You think there's any chance of getting in contact with those who might be interested in a peace?"
"Without me going there?" Buck looked suspiciously at Teaspoon.
"With me going there."
"They would kill you."
"Maybe. But I'm an old man - and I don't carry a uniform. And the old warrior who was with your brother might recognise me. They know I'm true to my word."
Buck suddenly saw Teaspoon's point but still he shook his head.
"Black Hawk would not trust you. Not now, not when my brother is dead."
"Family?" Teaspoon asked with a glance on the boy next to him.
"Black Hawk is my uncle."
"So there's nothing we can do," Teaspoon muttered.
"Let me go." The request was firmly made in a low voice and there was no doubt about the honesty in it. "Maybe I can talk to Black Hawk - his words carry a lot of weight with the Kiowa."
"Your uncle? Would he be willing to help you?"
Buck wanted to say 'Yes', but the word sounded too much of a lie for him. "Maybe," he replied softly.
Teaspoon looked doubtful at him. There was something in Buck's voice that betrayed the insecurity he felt and Teaspoon had noticed it.
"What is he to you? Apart from your uncle."
"I spent a lot of time with his family. He taught me how to use a bow and arrow." Buck shrugged as if the words were not important.
"Why don't you like him?" Teaspoon asked carefully, not sure he had found the reason for Buck's hesitation, but willing to try. Buck quickly turned his head in surprise and looked at Teaspoon for a second. Then he turned away as if he was afraid the stationmaster would see something in his eyes.
"He was a hard man to please," he mumbled in reply, before changing the subject. "You have to let me go, Teaspoon. You have to convince the captain to let me take the girl back and I promise I'll do everything to get Rachel back."
"I know, son." Teaspoon knew only too well what the boy was willing to sacrifice to make amends, both for what the white people had done to the Kiowa and what the Kiowa had done to the white people. If he let Buck head out on his own, he might even take the blame for what happened to his brother, and that was more than Teaspoon was willing to allow.
"I know you would, Buck, but not this time."
"You're going to let the army handle this?" Buck looked aghast at Teaspoon.
"For now. We're playing a high game here, son, and with the cards as they is, it is time to call the others hand. With winter coming and all, the Kiowa might be ready to negotiate."
"And if they're not?"
"Then I doubt we would have found Rachel alive anyway. As for us, I hope we'll be safely on our way back when that happens."
Buck just looked at him and without another word, he rose and walked away. Teaspoon didn't try to stop him or follow him. He knew he had let the boy down again, and although it broke his heart, he couldn't see what else he could have said and done. There were no winners in this game, only losers. The only thing that mattered to Teaspoon was to get all of his family out of this mess alive.

Buck carefully avoided the horses where he knew the others would be and finally settled for a hidden place behind a deserted wagon. He tried to ignore the presence of the army soldiers who carefully had followed him when he had left Teaspoon, but the constant watch over him was starting to get to him. He was angry at Teaspoon, but as he sat there replaying the conversation in his mind, anger slowly gave way to fear and alienation. He had thought Teaspoon, if anybody, would understand him. Teaspoon had lived with Indians, even married one, and Buck had always relayed on the older man to see things from both sides. Now he knew he was mistaken. Teaspoon was no different than any other white person. For all his words about understanding the Indians, he had done very little lately to stay true to those words, as least in Buck's mind. Teaspoon would not help him. If he wanted something to change he had to do it on his own. Buck glanced over to where his guard had sat down by a tree. There was just one soldier keeping an eye on him now, he noticed. Maybe he had a possibility to change things from becoming a disaster. Trying to ignore the constant pain in his body and the aching cough in his lungs, he slowly begun working out his plan. Maybe, just maybe, he had a small chance of setting everything right.

One of the longest days Jimmy had experienced finally made it into dusk. There had been a tense feeling in the camp and everything has been arranged to expect an attack from the Kiowa. He hadn't seen Teaspoon for some time, but he figured the older man had his own trouble to think about. Jimmy was sure that Teaspoon would have done anything to have the riders out of the camp and on their way back home at this moment, just as equally as he knew that the stationmaster would stay here as long as Rachel was held captive. He had not once believed that Teaspoon would have returned with them to the station and no matter how much he, Jimmy, disliked the situation; he would stick to Teaspoon's side. He owed the old man that and so much more. Or at least that how he had planned it when he by accident had passed by the wagon where the army held the Kiowa girl and he had managed to seen a glimpse of her face. He had not intended to look for her, it was just luck that a soft wind had lifted the fabric covering the wagon at that moment. He didn't believe she had seen him, though. He still remembered the feeling of complete surprise when he in fact had recognised her. Hers was a face he wouldn't have forgotten. She had saved his life when held captive by the Kiowa and now his people held her. He had tried to ignore it by telling himself that she was not his concern, but the memory of the fear and frustration he had felt alone in the wilderness and the hope when she had appeared told him something different. She had looked scared, and not at all like the confident young woman who had laughed at him in the desert and shown him the way to survive. Her fear had tugged at his heart and although he knew he could mess everything up, he could not let her be. He owed her. It was as simple as that. He didn't know what the consequences would be nor did he care. Slowly getting up he left the others. To his relief none of them seemed interested in where he was going and nobody asked. As if in deep thought, he strolled over to the horses. In the shadows next to them he waited until the fires had almost died down and a hushed silence settled over the camp. Taking a deep breath, he quickly moved over to the wagon where he had seen the girl. When he came closer, the guard stopped him.
"What are you doing here?" he asked suspiciously.
Jimmy held up his hand deprecatingly. "Got a message for the captain," he said lightly, before turning his face into, what he hoped, a curious look. "She's in there - the girl?"
"Yeah," the soldier replied, relaxing a bit when he recognised Jimmy as one of the riders.
"Quite something to look at, he?"
"Guess she's all right for an Indian."
"Auuw, come on, you saw her! She's a looker, ain't she?"
The man smiled nervously and shrugged. "If you're into that kind of things," he stated with a frown.
"Can I have a look?" Jimmy smiled. "Ain't gonna do nothing."
Now the man was openly suspicious. "Captain said not to let anybody touch her," he said while lowering his rifle.
"Who said anything about touching? I just wanna have a good look at her that's all."
"No, the captain's order were…"
"You ain't curious?" Jimmy teased. He had to get the guards attention away from him if he would be successful. "Come on, just take one peak - maybe she's asleep." The guard looked hesitantly at him, but Jimmy just merely smiled and shrugged. The guard looked around.
"I'll keep an eye out," Jimmy promised. The guard looked pensively at him then he nodded.
"A quick look won't hurt, now would it," he said with a grin, that made Jimmy feel a bit nauseate. He hated using the girl like that, but he didn't know any way to get the man to loosen his guard. The man nodded and turned around to climb up on the wagon. As soon as he turned his back on Jimmy, Jimmy grabbed his gun and using the butt he hit the guard over the head. The man slumped to the ground without a sound and Jimmy quickly grabbed him and dragged him under the wagon. He had no time to tie him up, so he merely let him lay there. He rose and threw a quick glance around him. When he didn't see anything he quickly climbed inside the wagon. It was dark inside and it took him a few seconds to get use to the light. The young girl lay curled up in a corner, clutching a worn out blanket that she had used as cover. She must have fallen asleep, but Jimmy had no time to gently wake her up. He placed a hand over her mouth to prevent her from screaming and as soon as he touched her she opened her eyes. She stared in fear at him before her arms tried to push him away. Jimmy grabbed her flawing arms and leaned over her.
"Shhh," he whispered. "I'm trying to help you. Do you remember me? You help me when I was captive with the Kiowa. I'm a friend." He wasn't sure she would understand, but apparently some of it got through to her, because she calmed down and stared at him.
"I'm gonna take my hand away from your mouth, but you have to stay silent. Do you understand?" Jimmy looked at her and after a few seconds, she nodded. Relieved, Jimmy removed his hand and helped her to sit up. She didn't say a word, but her eyes looked questioningly at him.
"I'll try to get you out of here," Jimmy said shortly and carefully raised the cover over the wagon. The man he had knocked out was still lying under the wagon and to his joy, he didn't see anyone else nearby. He quickly jumped to the ground and helped the girl down after him. Grabbing her hand, they quickly covered the open grounds until they found some hiding under the shadows of the small shrubbery which separated the camp from the horses. Jimmy stopped for a second and turned to look at the girl.
"If I get you a horse," he whispered hoarsely as the impact of what he had done finally hit him, "do you think you can get out of her on your own?"
The girl frowned at him and Jimmy realised she hadn't understood everything he had said. Well, it was all he could do, so he hoped she would understand his intentions as soon as she saw the horses.
"Come on," he whispered and pulled her with him as he slowly made his way towards the horses.
Suddenly he was pushed to the gun by a dark shadow and he heard the girl gasp in horror. With a grunt of alarm he pushed the man of him and scrambled to rise, but before he could do so the dark form had flung itself on him again and borne him to the ground; a vicelike grip closed over his neck, forcing his face into the dirty ground. In another moment, in spite of his desperate struggles, a bandanna was being wrapped over his face, almost suffocating him. With a final act of desperation, he managed to place his hands under him and pushing himself off the ground, he managed to throw his assailant off. Bewildered by the ferocity of the attack, and gasping for breath, he turned and sat up, wondering what had happened and prepared for a renewal of the assault.
"Jimmy!" breathed a voice. Jimmy stared at the face of the man who stood bending over him. It was Buck. His eyes was wide with wonder and his expression one of utter disbelief.
"Jimmy," he stammered. "What are you doing here?"
"Apparently the same thing as you was thinking of doing," Jimmy muttered and rubbed his neck. "Getting the girl out of here."
"Why?" Buck asked, his voice unable to hide his suspicion.
"Why?" Jimmy spat back. "I know you don't think very highly off us right now, but you better snap out of it. I'm trying to get the girl back to her own people before the camp is awake." A sound behind him reminded him how true his words were. Another guard appared.
"Is this a free fight?" he inquired humorously.
"Yes," answered Jimmy. "You're just in time."
There was a crack as his fist met the guard's jaw, and the man, unprepared for such a reception, went over backwards, the rifle flying from his hand.
"There's another guard about somewhere," Buck whispered.
"He's probably gone back to his post." Jimmy stared around him, when a soft moan from the ground told him the man would not be out for long.
"You take the girl," he murmured at Buck. "Get her out of here now!"
Buck pulled himself together and turned to the girl who had watched the whole event in silent fright. Jimmy stared over to the camp, scared that anybody else had heard the tumult. He heard Buck say something in Kiowa, and turned back. He grabbed Buck by the arm just as he was about to leave.
"You plan to get Rachel back?"
Buck nodded and Jimmy let go of his arm. "Don't miss this," he concluded sternly, but then he could almost be blown to the ground as the girl passed close to him and whispered, "Thank you," in English as she followed Buck into the shadows. Jimmy stared after them until he realised that they were gone. then he quickly turned back to the camp. There was going to be some fuss once the army realised the girl was gone, but right now his primary task was to make sure that didn't happen too soon. Buck and the girl could use every minute he managed to get them. Unfortunately he was not so successful. He hadn't more than taken a few steps towards the camp as he heard a shout from the horses. he rushed over just in time to see the girl with Buck's help swing up on a horse behind Buck and an army soldier raising his rifle to fire at them. Jimmy had no option. He couldn't shoot the soldier or could he risk the man killed Buck or the girl. Without stopping he rushed straight into the man, knocking him to the ground. He more heard than saw Buck urge the horse into a gallop. When Jimmy got to his feet he managed to in the corner of his eye see the horse disappear in the darkness.
"What the hell where you doing," the soldier on the ground grunted as he too managed to get to his feet. "They're getting away, you idiot!" Then he looked closely at Hickok. "Hey," he muttered as his eyes turned to slits. "You're one of the Express riders - you helped them, didn't you?"
Now Jimmy had enough of this. He shrugged and before the soldier could realise what was going on, Jimmy's fist connected with his jaw. The man took a tumble and fell backwards. Hoping this was the end of things, Jimmy turned his back to the man. However, this soldier was not so easily defeated and before Jimmy had taken a step, he was struck to the ground. The weight of the man almost made him loose his breath, but he managed to roll over and tear himself free. It only lasted a second as the other was over him like a fury. A fist connected with Jimmy's nose and for a second he saw stars before his eyes. He could feel blood running down his nose and into his mouth. The man was heavier than him and in the end Jimmy knew that would be held against him, but still he fought the soldier with every ounce of strength he had. The longer he could fight, the more time would Buck have to get out of the vicinity. It was as simple as that. Jimmy was about to give up when the end came in the form of the captain's voice.
"What's going on here?"
The captain and a few others, including Teaspoon stepped into the clearing. One of the soldiers were holding a lantern who shredded some light on the situation. Both Jimmy and his adversary got to their feet. When Teaspoon saw the bloody face of his rider he frowned, but before he could comment, the soldier took to words.
"She escaped, sir, the girl got away."
"What are you talking about?" The captain looked at the man.
"I saw her, sir, she and that half-breed stole a horse. I was about to stop them, when he," he pointed at Jimmy, "stopped me."
"You were about to kill them, you mean," Jimmy muttered and wiped his nose on his sleeve as he defiantly met Teaspoon's look.
The captain looked in the direction the soldier had pointed, when sergeant Grimes cleared his throat behind him.
"They're gone, sir. Ain't gonna catch up with'em in this darkness."
Realising the truth in the veteran's words, the captain darkened and turned to Teaspoon.
"You said you vouched for your riders," he muttered to Teaspoon.
"Yes, but that was before you started using people," was the stern reply. The captain looked at Teaspoon, but eventually he realised he didn't want to have an argument with the marshal in front of his men.
"I'll see you in my tent," he said bluntly and walked away. His men followed him looking at the riders with dark eyes. Only one man nodded and offered a look of sympathy and that was the weathered veteran, sergeant Grimes. Teaspoon sighed as he watched them walk away before turning to Jimmy.
"Would you care to tell me what happened here?" he asked as the others gathered around them. Jimmy shrugged.
"Guess Buck decided to take things into his own hands," he said carelessly.
"Don't give me that," Teaspoon growled. "Buck didn't do this without help."
"I just happened to be here," Jimmy stated defensively. "You wouldn't have me just standing there, letting that man take aim at Buck?"
"No. You don't happen to know what Buck hoped to accomplish now, do you?"
"I couldn't say," Jimmy said slowly, "but I wouldn't be surprised if he returns with Rachel."
"If he returns at all," Teaspoon murmured. "I'm gonna talk to the captain now, but when I get back I wanna have a long talk with you." Teaspoon turned and looked at the others. "As for the rest of you, you should get back to bed - we might have a lot on our hands tomorrow."

The captain paced irritated outside his tent when Teaspoon walked up to him. The frustration was visible in the officer's face as he turned to the older marshal.
"You realise that the half-breed just spoiled every chance we had of getting Mrs. Dunne back, don't you?" he said accusingly.
"Or he just saved her," Teaspoon retorted.
"What do you mean?"
"I think he did what he thought would solve the problem - without any bloodshed."
The captain pondered the words for a few seconds.
"You think he has a chance?"
Teaspoon thought about the last days, about Buck's stubborn insistence that he could help and his own doubts. He knew he hadn't wanted Buck to go to the Kiowa, simply because he believed there was a strong risk the boy would not return. But there was nothing he could do about it now, and he knew that.
"He might have a chance - at least he believed it strongly enough to risk his life."
"And what do you believe?"
"That he's a taking a great risk."
The captain sat down and looked at Teaspoon. He bit his lip and Teaspoon could only imagine what was on the officer's mind. Teaspoon knew the man was breaking his orders, knew that he was put under a lot of stress due to the loss of his men and probably also of guilt over the attack. The captain had also claimed he held feelings for Rachel, but how deep those feelings were and in what manner they directed his actions were hard to guess. However, Teaspoon had a feeling that pride was a stronger motivator than love in this case. With a shrug the captain turned to Teaspoon again.
"What do you suggest we do?"
Teaspoon exhaled with relief. He had been afraid the captain would opt for a direct attack at the Kiowa village, which would have resulted in disaster.
"We wait for a few more days, three at the most, then we move out of Kiowa land and wait for another couple of days. If we haven't heard or seen anything in more than a week, we go home and hope that the sergeant's idea will work," Teaspoon stated subtly. The captain nodded and looked to the east.
"Sun would be up soon," he said pensively. "Guess we could lay low for a while."
Teaspoon nodded and rose. The captain was right, a new day was dawning and a grey dusk was now taking possession of the land. For unknown reasons an seemingly endless wedges of wildfowl winged overhead to an unknown destination. Their raucous cries filled the air with clamour, and some of the soldiers on guard raised their guns in hope of seeing one of the birds fall to the ground. It must have been for this reason that other sounds, which otherwise would have been audible, were not noticed for some time. The shots woke up the camp and slowly people rose and stretched when the calm scene changed in a second. A high pitched scream broke the silence left in the birds' wake, followed by the sounds of approaching horses and sporadic firing. Emerging from the grey mist over the hill streamed a line of war-painted Kiowa braves towards the army camp.

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