Red Bird's Song by Beth Trissel Read Free Book Online Page B

glance and addressed the warriors in Shawnee. Her dread intensified with each alien word he spat out. He was passing a harsh sentence.
    Posetha inserted himself between Charity and Outhowwa and pleaded with the incensed chief. That much was evident in his impassioned tone and face. Unspeakably grateful for his presence, she strained to discern the impact he'd had.
    Outhowwa's scornful gaze raked him, and her heart sank.
    Again, Posetha appealed to the menacing figure.
    Some of the surrounding heads nodded, but Outhowwa eyed Posetha as he might a squashed toad. He hissed a reply.
    Posetha colored and opened his mouth.
    " Puckechey !” Outhowwa barked, and pointed at the trail.
    With agony in his face, Posetha firmed up his grip on the dog and ran with him back toward the cave. Charity watched his retreating figure in dismay. He couldn't possibly bring Colin in time to appease such fury. She was as good as dead.
    Slumping to her knees, she pressed her cheek against Rob's bloodied shirt. His back was warm beneath her, but he didn't move. She could barely speak. “God help us, Rob, or we shall perish together.” It seemed the height of irony to die for the suitor she'd badly wanted to evade.
    "Charity?” he murmured, and drifted away again.
    She envied Rob his unconscious state. Her senses prickled with the awareness of glowering warriors and the chief poised behind her ready to strike. She clutched Rob's limp hand, but found no comfort. She must face Outhowwa alone and lifted her eyes to his narrow gaze. “Have mercy."
    Outhowwa's grim features made it clear he would grant none. “You did what is not done.” He lifted his club.
    She squeezed her eyes against the death blow. She'd soon be reunited with her brother and father, she told herself, and uttered a final petition. “Have mercy on my soul, O Lord."
    "Outhowwa! Naga !"
    Her eyes flew open at Wicomechee's voice. Hope rose in her like a bird fleeing the hunter's snare. “Mechee!"
    Wicomechee's chest pounded beneath his shirt from his race down the ridge. Charity's anguished shrieks had sent cold dread knifing through his heart, unlike anything he'd ever imagined. She must be in dire peril to call out to him. Her name for him swelled in his ears. She still lived.
    He glimpsed her crouched over a fallen figure. Her wealth of red hair covered them both, but he didn't dare look into her face. Rather, he kept his eyes on the irate chief. “This woman belongs to me, Outhowwa,” he said in English so Charity could follow the exchange.
    Outhowwa regarded him coldly, but lowered his arm. “You? Posetha is her captor—"
    "Posetha?” Where had Outhowwa gotten that idea? “No. I took her captive."
    Outhowwa considered this new twist, his lips pressed together in a hard line. He pointed at Charity. “Look how she holds to my captive."
    Wicomechee swiveled his head to see her clinging to the Long Knife. Jealousy and annoyance assailed him. Outhowwa wouldn't tolerate such willfulness for an instant, never mind that she was young and beautiful. The mature warrior despised redheads. “Charity, take your hands from this man now."
    She panted so hard she could scarcely speak, but did not peel back her fingers. “Wait—what will happen to Rob?"
    Outhowwa rounded on her. “This is not for you to say. You do not interfere with his punishment."
    Her pleading eyes passed between them. “Don't kill him."
    "He is dead to you. You must learn respect,” Outhowwa growled, and raised his arm over her head once more.
    She ducked with a shudder.
    Wicomechee sprang forward and seized Outhowwa's wrist. “Let me discipline her."
    "Your eyes hold softness for this woman,” he scorned.
    Wicomechee locked him in an unyielding stare. He was equal to Outhowwa if it came to that, although he hoped it wouldn't. Nor did he know if any of the braves looking on in tight-lipped scrutiny would back him up.
    "I will do as I must, Outhowwa."
    He snorted at his reply, but made no move one way or the