Tykota spoke at length to Mangas in their language, then led Makinna toward the huge ranch house.
"What did you say to him?" she asked.
"I told him to be alert because the Apaches may track us here. And I asked him to take our horses into the barn for a good rubdown and extra feed."
As they walked toward the ranch house, the clouds moved away from the moon, bathing the dwelling in light. "This house could easily be in New Orleans, Tykota," Makinna exclaimed. "It's so lovely." The house had wide galleries on both the upper and lower floors. There were wide pillars on the veranda, and wrought-iron railings on the balcony. "I never thought to see anything so grand in this rustic setting."
"The house was modeled after a French chateau," Tykota explained. He led her up the steps to the front door. "You will find many things here that might surprise you."
"Do you know the people who live here well?"
"Yes. Very well."
Without knocking, he opened the door and ushered Makinna inside. A small, white-haired woman was bent over her sewing. She glanced up, and her face brightened with joy. In her excitement, she dropped her needlework, propelled herself out of the chair, and met Tykota in the middle of the room. "Ty, my son, you are safe! I was so afraid when Mangas told me that the Apache drums talked of you."
She spoke with a soft English accent, and Makinna realized she must be Mrs. Silverhorn, Tykota's adoptive mother. And this was Biquera Ranch.
"I've been so worried about you, Ty!"
His arms engulfed the tiny woman, and he kissed her cheek. "Mother, it has been too long since I saw your face. But Father now rests in peace in his native land."
She placed a trembling hand lovingly against his cheek. "You have been away so long, Ty."
"I had to see that everything was done properly, and there were much I had to settle for you."
Remembering her manners, Mrs. Silverhorn turned her attention to Makinna. "And this is?" she asked, smiling.
"Mother, meet Makinna Hillyard. She was with me when the Apaches attacked Adobe Spring. She was on her way to her sister's home in San Francisco."
The woman took Makinna's hand. "My dear, I can only imagine what hardships you have suffered! But you are here now. Your ordeal is over."
Makinna smiled, almost forgetting her exhaustion and bedraggled state in the face of Mrs. Silverhorn's warmth. "I am happy to meet you, Mrs. Silverhorn, and glad to be here. And please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband. Tykota has spoken so highly of him."
"Thank you, dear."
"I am sure Makinna would welcome a bath and a soft bed, Mother."
"And so she shall have them. Immediately. Come with me, my dear." She began to lead Makinna away but glanced back at her son. "And you could do with a bath and a change of clothing, too." The smile on her lips softened her words. "You seemed to have misplaced your shirt. Do hurry to put yourself to right. I want to hear all about your awful adventure."
It was quiet except for the squeaking of the rocking chair that Hannah Silverhorn kept in motion. Seeing her son now safe and sitting in her husband's chair filled her with happiness. She knew that even though he seemed to be resting, he was aware of every sound around him.
"Will you stay this time, Ty?" she asked with hope in her voice.
"Mother, you know I cannot. I have duties that call to me."
"But this is your ranch, your home. Your father wanted you to have it when he died. I am old, Ty, and I cannot run a ranch as big as Biquera for long."
He leaned forward and put a hand on hers. "Mother, you know an Indian cannot own land in the state of Texas."
"I know that, but there are ways around it."
"Please understand that I must go to my peo ple. I am obliged to do so by my promise to my Indian father. And the tribe has been without leadership since Valatar died."
She nodded, knowing he would attend to his duty as he had been raised to do. "It will be difficult for you, Ty. You have lived so long away from the tribe. And Mangas told me that you still have enemies, those who have been pursuing you and Makinna."
"Yes, I know." His eyes grew hard. "My brother will live long enough to regret his actions. I do not know why he still hates me after all these years."
"Mangan says it is because of the shame. And his ambition."
"That is so. I always thought that Valatar was too harsh with my half brothers. I had hoped to see Sinica and Coloradous back with the tribe and their honor restored."
"Ty, you know I could not love you more if I had given you life, and that is why I feel I must say this to you." She grasped his hand in both of hers, and her eyes sought his. "You have called two fine men Father."