White Wind by Susan Edwards Read Free Book Online Page B

sleep.
    Deciding to follow the river, she pulled gently on the mare’s reins and turned, again quelling the strange feeling that she was not alone.
     
    Golden Eagle’s excitement faded as he followed the unsuspecting girl, and his brows drew together as suspicions returned. What was wrong? What was she up to? He’d seen tears glistening on her face, had resisted the urge to offer comfort. But where was she going? And more importantly, why?
    He pondered her direction. White soldiers had what they called a fort in the direction that lay ahead. He and several warriors had once scouted it to see what threat it posed.
    Did she go to get white soldiers to protect the murdering whites? He closed his eyes briefly, thinking. Besides the fort, there were only small trading posts run by whites who spoke what they called “French” and some scattered villages of Arikara Indians, enemies to his people.
    His features firmed with resolve. She must be headed for the fort, he decided. He must stop her. It was too risky for her to bring white soldiers back with her. His people were vulnerable while traveling on the open plains. Guiding his horse deeper into the surrounding trees to conceal his presence, he followed her fast pace. He had plenty of time to see if she met up with the whites.
    The sun ruled high overhead, sending fingers of warmth to caress the land below, warming the gentle breeze that cradled bits of white fluff lazily traveling across the clear blue sky.
    Sarah wiped her forehead, flapped open her cloak to let the breeze cool her heated flesh and wished she dared to remove the heavy cloak that hid her hair and womanly figure.
    Stopping in the cool welcoming shade of the cottonwoods that lined the banks of the river, she slid from her mare. Raising slim arms high overhead, she stretched her cramped, tired muscles.
    Strolling toward the flowing stream, she allowed Black Lady to drink her fill before kneeling to rest on the mossy bank. Scooping handfuls of fresh sweet water, Sarah drank thirstily from the snow-fed stream.
    Splashing the revitalizing liquid on her face, she shivered as the icy coldness stung, bringing a rosy flush to her unnaturally pale cheeks, soothing the bruise starting to darken one side of her face.
    Pushing her hood down to cool her face and neck, hair freed to the rays of the sun, she sat back on her heels, staring straight ahead. A frown marred the smoothness of her features as she contemplated her situation.
    “Black Lady,” Sarah said to her companion, “am I doing the right thing? Should I have stayed and fought Willy?” Black Lady snorted and moved downstream, searching for tender shoots of greenery.
    The first feelings of misgivings assailed Sarah. Heading off on her own had seemed the only thing to do in the bleak, dark, despairing early hours. But now, in the light of the day, she felt overwhelmed at the vast wilderness she was crossing.
    “I hope we make it to the trading post by nightfall, Lady.” Actually, she thought, I hope we make it without getting lost.
    She was relying on the memory of when she had gone with Ben and Mary for fresh supplies. But there were so many twists and splits along the rivers, she was no longer sure if she was headed in the right direction.
    Rising gracefully to her feet, Sarah replaced the fur-lined hood of her cloak and turned to retrieve her mare, who had stopped a short distance away. “Time to go, Lady. We’ll eat later,” she called.
    The horse nickered softly, flicked her tail high, pawed the ground and tossed her head as she stared at something beyond her mistress. “What is it, girl?” Sarah asked, whirling about.

Chapter Five
    Her eyes widened and her mouth opened, letting form a shrill scream that pierced the air sending birds, squirrels and other four-legged creatures scurrying for cover. Gloves fell forgotten in the water as her hands flew instinctively to her throat.
    She was rooted to the spot, and terror as she’d never known kept