Inea looked hopeful but frightened. "If only we could do that."
Makinna nodded with assurance. "We can. Listen to me, and do exactly as I say. Tomorrow, Tykota and several of his warriors will be escorting me to Biquera Ranch. I would not be surprised if Santo is among them. This is what I want you to do..."
Makinna awoke feeling heavyhearted. Today she would leave Valle de la Luna, never to return. She would go to her sister in California and try to forget all that had happened to her since the raid on Adobe Springs.
She was about to put on the pink gown when Huara came to her, carrying a deerskin dress over one arm. She held it out to Makinna, saying something Makinna could not understand.
"You want me to take this dress?" Makinna asked.
The old medicine woman nodded and pushed the doeskin dress toward Makinna. Her pink gown was now ragged, and she was tempted to wear the soft Indian garb. She leaned forward and kissed Huara on the cheek, and the Indian woman looked pleased. She handed Makinna a pair of matching moccasins and smiled.
"Thank you so much!" Makinna said. "I wish I could make you understand what your kindness means to me."
Huara gathered up Makinna's tattered pink dress and motioned for her to put on the other.
Laughing, Makinna slipped out of her chemise and pulled the soft garment over her head. It felt wonderful against her skin. She sat down and slipped into the moccasins, delighting in the freedom such clothing gave her.
After she had eaten the corn cakes Huara brought her and drunk the sweet fruit drink, she hugged the dear woman and told her good-bye. "I will never forget your kindness," Makinna told her.
She hurriedly left, knowing she would miss this Indian woman with the hands and caring heart of a healer.
She descended the stone steps to the valley floor and found Tykota and Santo already standing beside their horses. She greeted them both with a mere nod, noticing the way Tykota was staring at her. Well, let him! she thought. Huara gave her the gown, and she was going to wear it, no matter if he approved or not.
She looked into Santos eyes and felt an instant dislike for the brave. With his burning gaze boring into her, he appeared to be much more arrogant than Tykota, and she knew she would not like to meet him alone. She could see why Inea was frightened of him.
Though she no longer needed such assistance, Tykota stepped forward to help her mount. His strong hands went about her waist, and he lifted her onto the blanket. It seemed that his hands lingered about her waist, but she could be mistaken, for his manner was stilted and cold.
"This time our journey will not be so difficult, Makinna. We will not have to forage for food and water," he informed her.
She felt cold inside at his impersonal tone, and she hoped she appeared cold to him. "I have learned to thrive without creature comforts, Tykota. But I am ready to get back to civilization."
His eyes looked almost sad. "You will be there in no time at all."
She watched him mount his own horse, and she fell in beside him when he started off. As they rode along, several other warriors joined them. Apparently, they were going to have all the protection they would need.
Soon they were approaching the part of the village where Inea was supposed to be waiting with Kachee according to the scheme Makinna had hatched. But now that the time was upon her, Makinna was having doubts. What if she made everything worse for Inea by interfering?
She nervously glanced ahead, wondering if Inea had changed her mind. But then she saw Inea and her warrior beyond a group of women heading down the trail to go work in the fields. Kachee's arms were around Inea, and she was gazing up at him lovingly.
Tykota reined in his mount and glared at his sister. And before Makinna knew what was happening, Santo bounded off his horse and ran toward the couple. Chaos broke out as the other women crowded closer to see what was taking place.
Makinna quickly dismounted and ran toward Inea. Tykota followed her.
Santo grabbed Kachee and slammed him against the tree. When Inea tried to stop him, he shoved her away, and she landed hard on the ground. Makinna helped Inea stand, placing herself protectively between Tykota's sister and the threatening Santo. Makinna could not understand what the angered suitor was saying, and she was taken by surprise when Santo tore her away from Inea and shoved her to the ground, knocking the breath out of her.
Stunned and fearful for Inea, she tried to rise but could not.
Tykota stepped between his sister and Santo. "You will explain what you are doing, Santo. You dare to treat my sister and Makinna in this manner. Tell me now the meaning of your actions."
Santo spun around and pointed an accusing finger at Makinna. "That woman you brought among us is the trouble. She has planted ideas in Inea's head that are unbecoming in a Perdenelas maiden."