Tykota's Woman(39)

"As far as I know, my husband was the only white men ever invited to their hidden village." She leaned back, remembering what her husband had told her about his first meeting with the chief of the Perdenelas. "My George once saved Chief Valatar's life. Many years ago my husband came to Texas with some of his friends on a hunting expedition. On their third day out, he became separated from the rest of his party, and that was when he encountered a man being attacked by several Apaches. Later, my husband learned that the man was chief of the Perdenelas. When George came upon him, all of Valatar's braves had been killed, and the chief was pinned down in a gully, gravely wounded. My husband came at the Apaches with both guns firing. The Indians must have thought George crazed, because they promptly rode away."

"How amazing!"

Hannah's eyes softened. "My husband was an amazing man. He bandaged Valatar as best he could and made camp for the night.

Hannah took a sip of her coffee, wrinkled her nose at the taste, and added more cream before she spoke. "George remained with the chief for several days, tending to his wounds and nursing him back to health. When Valatar was well enough, he rode away during the night without a word to George."

"That seems a bit ungrateful. Did Valatar ever come back?"

"No. But when George finally made his way back to his friends, who had given him up for dead, and told them about his adventure, they were a bit skeptical until, one day, an Indian came riding into their base camp. He was tall like Valatar, and George knew he was from the same tribe."

"What did the Indian say?"

"With sign language and arm motions, he indicated that George was to go with him. He took him to the hidden village of the Perdenelas, in the sacred Valley of the Moon. Valatar wanted to reward him, and he also wanted George to teach him English."

"And did he?"

"Indeed. George remained with the tribe for over a year, learning the Perdenelas language as well, and when he was ready to leave, Valatar loaded him down with gold."

"It must have come from the legendary treasure!"

"You will not tell this to anyone?"

"Never." Makinna shook her head.

"George didn't want to take the gold, but Valatar insisted. And as it happened it allowed us to take even better care of Ty-buying this ranch and educating him in England. Valatar was a stubborn man. His son has that same trait."

"I know all too well about that side of Tykota," Makinna admitted. Then she hesitated. "He told me that you and your husband took him into your home because someone was trying to kill him."

Mrs. Silverhorn lowered her gaze. "And I fear there are those who still want him dead."

"Do you know who?"

"I have always suspected his half brothers and his stepmother."

Saber could better understand why Tykota was so secretive about his life. "I can only imagine how pained Tykota must feel, wanting to be your son and care for you, yet knowing he owes his loyalty to his tribe."

"My son walks in two worlds, belonging to neither. I pray every day that he will find peace within himself." Mrs. Silverhorn stood and began clearing the table. "Ty wanted to see you after you had eaten. He's in the study off the entry."

"May I help you with the dishes?"

Mrs. Silverhorn smiled. "You have not met our cook, Frances, since she has gone to El Paso for supplies. She barely allows me in her kitchen. But let's go into my sewing room first, and I will straighten you hair, and then you can go to my son."

As Makinna walked beside Hannah, the older woman placed a hand on her arm. "You won't tell anyone what we talked about this morning, will you?"

Makinna shook her head. "I would never betray your trust. Or Tykota's."

Tykota had just closed the ledger when a soft rap came on the door. He stood. "Come in, Makinna."

She opened the door and stepped inside. His long hair neatly tied back, Tykota was dressed in buff-colored trousers, highly polished boots, and a snow-white shirt that provided a sharp contrast to his bronzed skin. He was so handsome her heart raced at the sight of him. "Your mother said you wanted to see me."

He pulled out a chair for her. "Please be seated."

Tykota seemed so different in this setting, somehow at peace with himself.

"I like your mother, Tykota," was all she could think to say."

"Thank you. Everyone does."

He seated himself and studied her for a long moment. The pink gown made her skin glow and enhanced her delicate beauty. "Your skin is nicely tanned, Makinna."

She winced. "My sister will probably be horrified. It will take months to get rid of it."