Chapter Nineteen
Red Bear announced the reason for the festivities. “My brother has returned and is healing nicely and is thinking about staying with us to start a family; his friend has provided us with fresh meat and has asked to call on Sky Chaser. She has agreed, so we also celebrate the end of her mourning.” He smiled at his daughter as she dropped her gaze to hide the blush that crept into her cheeks.

Buck smiled at Ike as Red Bear made the unexpected announcement. Ike also dropped his gaze to hide his red cheeks. While Buck waited for Ike to look at him, he noticed that Laughing Crow did not seem pleased by these announcements. As he congratulated Ike, Buck wondered which part of the statement had upset the other warrior. He decided to do his best to find out before anything happened; he didn’t want Ike to be injured because Laughing Crow was jealous.

Red Bear then indicated that the women should begin serving. He had them serve Buck and Ike first. He made sure that Little Fawn was the one serving Buck while Sky Chaser waited on Ike. He smiled as he watched over the proceedings.

As the evening wore on, Red Bear managed to get Silver Fox over to speak to Buck. When Buck saw them approaching, he asked Ike to help him stand so he could greet the older man appropriately. Buck did the best he could to hide the pain his back was causing; he didn’t wish to ruin the celebration.

Silver Fox came to a stop in front of Buck. Ike excused himself, and Buck addressed the older man. “I am sorry that I could not call on you in the appropriate manner.”

Silver Fox nodded.

Buck continued, “I wish to talk to you about making an offer of the hand of Little Fawn. If no one has done so, I would like to offer three horses – two brood mares and one stallion. They are from Red Bear’s stock so you know they are good animals. I can show them to you if you like.”

Silver Fox shook his head. “I know they are good animals; Red Bear has only the best animals.” He glanced past Buck to where Little Fox and his friends sat enjoying the meal. As he talked, he moved so that Buck could see them. “I have only one concern,” he said.

Buck followed the older man’s gaze. “What is that?” he asked with a slight nod to let Silver Fox know he understood that he was to watch the group.

“What happens if you decide to leave the village?” He paused before adding, “I’m not sure another will desire Little Fawn if…”

Buck nodded. “If you allow this to happen, and I decide to leave the village, I would want Little Fawn to go with me as my wife.” He hesitated before continuing, “I promise I will not leave before we could be properly wed.”

Silver Fox smiled and relaxed just a bit. “That is good news,” he said. He then turned so that his back was to the group of younger men. Without speaking, he told Buck, “You will need to be wary of Laughing Crow; he has approached me before, but Little Fawn told me she would kill herself before being given to him.”

Buck nodded as if the man were discussing details of the arrangement. He let Silver Fox know that he understood, and then asked, “Would it be allowable for me to bring my offering to you in the morning?”

Silver Fox nodded and clasped Buck’s hand. “That will be fine,” he said. “I look forward to seeing you at my home in the morning.” He then turned and made his way back to where his family was seated.

Red Bear joined Buck. “Things went well?” he asked as he helped Buck sit down.

Buck nodded. “I am to take the horses to him in the morning.”

Red Bear noticed that Buck seemed concerned about something instead of enjoying himself. “So why are you not happier?”

Buck looked past his brother to where the other warriors his age sat. “You didn’t mention that Laughing Crow was interested in Little Fawn. Silver Fox seems to think there may be some trouble.”

Red Bear’s smile faded. He looked at the threesome that in Buck’s memories had always seemed to be around. “I will take care of it,” he said as he moved to stand.

Buck reached up and touched his arm. “Don’t,” he said. “I do not wish to cause trouble if there is none. Perhaps since you know the truth now, they won’t be as daring.”

Red Bear settled back next to Buck. “Perhaps,” he said. He moved his gaze from the threesome to Buck. “Promise you will tell me if they try something.”

Buck nodded. “I promise,” he said.