Tykota's Woman(54)

"Come, Tykota," Coloradous said, rising. He led them past the grazing horses. "I want to show you something."

Tykota followed Coloradous around the bend of the river and stopped, staring in awe at what he saw. There was a small earthen dam, not enough to keep the river from flowing down to the valley, but enough to feed ditches that led to a thriving field of corn.

"This," Coloradous said with pride, "is the way I have been spending my time. This can be done in the valley, and we can grow our crops even in years of drought."

"I saw something like this in England, but I never thought to apply it to our valley." He stared at his brother. "You are truly a man of vision."

Coloradous seemed pleased by the praise. "My vision tells me right now that I am in need of food. Come, my brother, we dine on fish and corn cakes."

Tykota's heart lightened. It was like old times to enjoy the companionship of his brother. He only wished that Coloradous was a bit less reserved. But Tykota knew that his brother was showing respect for his chief. He would have to become accustomed to such treatment not only from his Coloradous but from the rest of his people as well, no matter how alone it made him feel.

The first time Inea took Makinna about the village, the white woman received many curious stares. But as the days passed, people seemed to accept her and would even nod and smile at her. At first, she was embarrassed at how little clothing the men and male children wore, but she gradually became accustomed to it.

Makinna and Inea had been riding for hours through the countryside, and Makinna was enchanted by what she saw. Farmland, nut and fruit trees, and pastures rich with cattle.

It was almost sundown when Makinna reined in her horse and glanced up at the magnificent cave dwellings that had been masterfully carved out of the mountain.

"Inea, I never would have thought any civilization could exist in such perfect harmony with nature. I can see why the Perdenelas would want to guard their way of life from the rest of the world. You have everything you need here: crops, game, tranquility. It's like a paradise."

"Other than the summer I spent with Mrs. Silverhorn, this is the way I have always lived. But I saw many wondrous things in your world. Your roads and carriages, your wooden houses and split-rail fences, your dresses and suits of woven fabrics, your furniture and fireplaces."

Makinna nodded. "Our worlds are very different," she said, realizing just how deep the divisions were between her world and Tykota's.

They rode a little farther, and Makinna halted to gaze into the river. The water was so pure and clear that it reflected the valley on its smooth surface. She glanced up at Inea. "When am I to see Tykota?"

"I do not know. He has many people who need his advice."

"I... should speak to him about leaving." Makinna's gaze went to the cliff dwellings dug out of the mountain. Some had porches and open rooms attached. Wooden ladders and stone steps made them accessible. She wanted to remember everything about Tykota's valley, to bum it into her mind. "Will you tell Tykota that I'm ready to leave?"

"I wish you-" Inea broke off and smiled. "Look! You can speak to my brother yourself. He is riding toward us."

Makinna turned to see two Indians on horseback emerge from the woods. She had not seen Tykota since the night he had taken her to the medicine woman. She wondered if he had been trying to avoid her, or if he was really as busy as his sister believed.

Tykota halted his horse beside them. He was no longer dressed in white man's clothing. He wore buff-colored breechcloth and knee-high moccasins. His long dark hair was circled by a wide leather band with a golden eagle. He was all Indian. And he was so handsome that her heart pounded in her breast.

"Makinna," he said, giving her a smile that would melt any woman's heart. "You are looking well." He glanced at Inea. "How are you today, little sister?"

"I am well, thank you." Her eyes went to the other man, and she cried out in joy. "Coloradous! Tykota has brought you home. I was sure he would."

Makinna looked at the second Indian, startled by how much he resembled Tykota.

Tykota introduced them. "Makinna, I would like you to know my brother, Coloradous. I am sorry, but he speaks very little English."

Coloradous smiled slightly and inclined his head. He spoke to Tykota in their own language. "Brother, if you do not want this woman, I will take her."

It was meant in jest, but Tykota's eyes glinted dangerously. "Ride on with our sister. I will remain to speak to Makinna."

Inea and Coloradous exchanged glances, surprised at their brother's jealous possessiveness of the white women.