Tykota's Woman(37)

"And I loved and honored them both."

"I know you did, Ty. But both of them asked too much of you while they were alive. When you were but a child and uncertain of your own goals, Valatar made you feel responsible for the Perdenelas. And George brought you into his world with all its expectations and had you walk a path that was both rigorous and unfamiliar to you. Neither afforded you many choices." Her eyes filled with tears. "Ty, I love you, and I would rather see you walk away from this ranch and the Perdenelas if it meant you would find happiness and peace for your restless soul."

His gaze softened with affection. "No one could have had a better, more loving mother than you. But you must understand my life is not mine. It never has been. As Valatar taught me, I was born to lead my tribe, to walk in his shoes."

She shook her head, touching his cheek softly. "I suspected you would, still feel that way. But I want you to know that if your path gets too hard, and you find you cannot go on, Biquera Ranch will be here waiting for you."

"Thank you, Mother."

She leaned back and watched his face. "Tell me about the woman."

"There is nothing to tell."

"I see the way your eyes follow her, Ty. She is a very beautiful woman, and it would be difficult to... be with her as long as you have and not feel something for her. You care for her, don't you?"

He drew in a deep breath. "It would not matter what my feelings were, Mother. She has her life, and I have mine."

"How does she feel about you?"

"I believe she may fancy herself in love with me. But when she returns to her world she will realize it was not love...."

Hannah looked into Tykota's eyes. "The two of you were alone together for a long, difficult time."

He met her gaze. "I did not act dishonorably with her, Mother. She is still chaste."

Hannah shook her head. "I was not questioning your honor, son. I was asking how you feel about Makinna."

He was thoughtful for a moment before he answered. "I never knew love could be so deep or hurt so much."

Hannah felt tears bum behind her eyes, and her heart went out to her son. "Because you think you must let her go?"

"We cannot have a life together. I am chief of the Perdenelas, and the law says that the chief cannot marry outside his tribe."

"Your father made that law because of the betrayal by his Apache wife. You are a chief now. You can change the law."

"It is law meant to protect the tribe. I cannot change the law to suit my own needs. The tribe's welfare is what matters."

Hannah knew Tykota would always deny his needs and desires if he thought it was for the good of the Perdenelas. "When the time comes, can you walk away from her?"

Tykota stood and begin to pace. "I must. What choice have I?"

She placed a hand on his arm. "Oh, my dear son, with all our good intentions, what have we done to you?"

Tykota went to the door. "I must speak to Mangas."

Hannah nodded. "That dear man has waited patiently for your return. But he is old, Ty, so see that he gets his rest."

Tykota moved out of the house, reflecting that within its walls he had known much happiness. But he would soon need to leave this part of his life behind forever.

Makinna sank into the soft mattress and sighed contentedly. She had bathed and eaten and now wore one of Mrs. Silverhorn's soft cotton nightgowns. A cool breeze filtered through the open window, and she closed her eyes, welcoming sleep. She dreamed that she and Tykota walked together; she belonged to him, and he belonged to her. Then she fell into a deeper sleep and did not dream at all.





Makinna awoke to the sound of voices filtering into her room. She nestled deeper into the soft pillow and smiled. No more running from danger or going thirsty. The long ordeal was over. She and Tykota were safe.

She stretched her arms over her head and watched a warm breeze stir the lace curtains at the window. It felt good just to rest her tired body.

Suddenly she sat up, her heart pounding. Suppose Tykota had left her there without saying good-bye?

Makinna shook her head. Tykota would not leave without telling her.

She slid quickly out of bed and looked around for her tattered dress. It was gone, and so were her shoes. Draped across a chair was a pink gown and soft leather shoes to match. At the foot of her bed, she found undergarments, and she smiled with delight when she saw a comb and brush on the bedside table.

After fastening the corset, she slipped the dress over her head and found to her delight that it fit. She brushed her hair until it crackled, then ventured out of the room.

As she descended the shiny wooden stairs, she met Mrs. Silverhorn coming in the front door, a basket of wildflowers hooked over her arm.