Chapter Fourteen
That evening found Buck, dressed in a quickly altered breechcloth, enjoying the meal around Red Bear’s fire. He and Ike both liked the change of scenery and the fellowship. Red Bear was in a good mood at his younger brother’s change. “I am pleased that White Buffalo made us sweat,” he said. “It did you much good.”

Buck nodded. “I am glad he suggested it too,” he said. “It has helped me to rest easier knowing I do not have to be afraid.” He glanced at his brother before adding, “I am sorry that you had to see some of that. I know it pains you that…”

Red Bear cut him off. “I should have seen before,” he said. “Things could have been so different if I had. Maybe you would not have felt the need to leave us if I had been more observant.”

Buck nodded. “That may be true,” he said, “but then I would not have met Silent Wolf, and your daughter would still be mourning the loss of her intended instead of thinking about finding another.”

Red Bear laughed. “You noticed that also?”

Buck nodded. “I am glad for them both,” he said. “They make a good couple, don’t you think?”

Red Bear once more nodded. “I have also noticed that one of our young women seems to keep finding herself in the position of being the one who has to tend to you. Is that interest returned?”

Buck hesitated. He remembered his conversation with Ike just hours before, but decided that he needed to know. “Is it allowable?” he asked.

Red Bear nodded. “Her family would consider it an honor that a warrior from our family finds her of interest. Her father has spoken to me since she is being a bit forward in her actions. He asked if she should be punished or…”

“Don’t punish her,” Buck said. “She hasn’t done anything wrong; she hasn’t even talked to me except to explain her duties.

Red Bear smiled. “I will be sure to tell her father that she is not to be punished and that you enjoy her company.”

“Thank you,” said Buck. He glanced to where Ike sat talking to White Buffalo while watching Sky Chaser. He decided to venture further into the possibility of a relationship between his friend and niece. “What would Silent Wolf need to present you to get Sky Chaser’s hand?” he asked quietly.

Red Bear turned his gaze to where his brother’s friend sat. The boy had proven himself to be brave and loyal. He wondered what he had to offer in exchange for a wife. “I do not know,” he said. “If he was a member of the village, I would say at least four horses, but…” he paused not wishing to insult his brother, but not knowing what was accepted in this other world.

Buck nodded. “If I tell you that what he offers is comparable in his world to four horses, will you accept it?”

Red Bear nodded. “Do you have any idea what you could offer for Little Fawn?”

Buck shook his head. “I’m not even sure I want to make an offer,” he said. “I’m still not sure I’m staying here; much will depend on how Silent Wolf and I are treated.” He paused just a bit before confessing, “I wasn’t going to talk to you about either of us and the girls until we knew, but…” he once more looked at Ike, “he’s so much happier since we’ve been here. I think she is good for him.”

Red Bear smiled his agreement. “I am glad you approve. Hopefully you will both wish to stay.”

They were interrupted when the women brought them their food. Sky Chaser served White Buffalo and Ike, Red Bear’s wife, Gentle Dove, attended him, and Little Fawn tended Buck. “I am glad you are able to get out,” she said as she handed him his bowl of food, “but I shall miss getting to see you.”

Buck blushed a bit at her suggestiveness. “You can possibly still see me,” he said softly. “I will still need someone to help me; I’m not able to walk just yet.”

She leaned in close to him as she released his food bowl. “I will be happy to attend to any need you have,” she whispered as she let her lips brush against his cheek. She then turned and walked back to the cook fire and once more began tending to the task of feeding the other men in the village.

Buck raised his hand to his cheek. He watched her go and hope that no one had noticed their exchange. He was concerned for her safety. If her father deemed her behavior unseemly she could be punished despite what Buck said.

The rest of the meal went by without incident and soon Ike was helping Buck back to the teepee they now shared. They managed a few steps before Buck started to fall; Ike caught him and picked him up effortlessly. He carried him across the village and set him down outside the dwelling. Buck managed to enter the structure and undress unaided. He lay on top of the robes and waited as Ike prepared for bed.

When Ike was stripped to his long johns, Buck asked, “You need anything before bed?”

Ike shook his head. *I think I’ll be alright,* he said. He glanced at Buck before adding, *It’s not like I have far to go if I get upset.*

Buck nodded. “Just know that I’m here for you,” he smiled. He shifted so that one of the skins was available to cover with if it should cool down during the night.

Ike settled in across the fire area. *Do we need to light this?* he asked.

Buck shook his head. “I think we’ll be fine.” He grinned as he paraphrased Ike’s comment from earlier, “Besides, it’s not like we have far to go if we get too cold.” That said he turned onto his side and closed his eyes.

Ike lay down and willed sleep to come. It had been since before Emily’s death that he’d had a good night’s sleep alone except for the few evenings here in the village when Sky Chaser had given him some tea to help him sleep. She’d offered again this evening, but he’d turned her down. It was time to try and do this alone. As he drifted off, he glanced across the teepee to where Buck lay. He hoped he wouldn’t need Buck to hold him; Buck needed his rest as much if not more than Ike did.