Tykota's Woman(62)

The closer he got to Biquera, the heavier became his heart. Soon he would have to let Makinna go, and it wouldn't be easy. He was a man in love, a man who had found the perfect mate for him, and yet he must let her go. Makinna thought she loved him, but surely by now he had killed that love, or infatuation, which was probably what she'd felt for him. As soon as men from her own race began to pay homage to her, she would forget all about him.

"Why?" he whispered into the unrelenting desert wind. "Why must this be?"





It was the last day of the journey. The Perdenelas warriors rode tirelessly behind their chief, a silent band rapidly making its way through the desert. By nightfall, they would reach Biquera Ranch.

At midday, they encountered a calvary patrol. The handsome Indian chief kept his gaze straight ahead, but the major who rode at the head of his troop was clearly startled to see a white woman in the other procession. He called for the Indians to halt, advising his men not to draw their guns but to stay alert. He spoke quickly to his secondin-command. "The woman is dressed like an Indian, but, as you can see, she's white. Be ready for anything."

The young officer rode up to Makinna, touched his hat, and spoke guardedly, eyeing the Indian beside her, who looked like none he'd ever seen before. "I am Major Halloway, ma'am. Are you in any trouble? Do you need our assistance?"

Makinna smiled at his concern. The major was handsome, blond, and tall, with bright blue eyes and dimples that showed themselves when he spoke. "I'm Makinna Hillyard, Major, and I can assure you that I am in no need of assistance." She turned to Tykota. "These Indians are escorting me to Biquera Ranch."

The major looked astounded, and then relieved. "We have been searching for you, Miss Hillyard. We heard what had happened at Adobe Springs and feared you might be among the dead."

"This is Tykota Silverhorn, Major. He rescued me from the Apache raid. He saved my life."

"I saw your name on the Butterfield passenger log, Mr. Silverhorn, and assumed you were also dead." His eyes narrowed. "I did not know that you were an Indian."

Makinna, aware of Tykota's temper, spoke up quickly. "I owe my life to this man, Major. If it wasn't for his quick thinking, I would not be here today. He would have saved the others as well, if he could have."

Major Halloway glanced back to Tykota, then ran his gaze over the other Indians. "I am not familiar with your tribe, Mr. Silverhorn, but I do know a Mrs. Silverhorn at the Biquera Ranch. Are you connected with her in some way?"

Again Makinna spoke before Tykota could voice his anger. "Mrs. Silverhorn is his adoptive mother, sir. She is also a friend of mine, which is why they are taking me to her ranch."

"Are you aware that your sister came in on the stage a week ago and is staying at Biquera Ranch?"

Makinna was shocked. She had not expected her sister to come looking for her. "My sister? Here?"

"That is why I took the patrol out to look for you. She believes you are still alive, but I admit I doubted the possibility." He smiled, and his cheeks dimpled. "I am glad to be wrong."

Makinna now felt an urgency to get to the ranch as soon as possible. "Thank you for your concern, Major Halloway. I will be happy to be reunited with my sister."

The major leaned closer to her and spoke in a low voice, glancing warily at Tykota's angry expression. "Would you like us to escort you to Biquera, Miss Hillyard?"

"Thank you, no. I am sure Mr. Silverhorn will want to see his mother. As I told you before, I am in no danger."

The young major tipped his hat. "Then I will not hold you up any longer." He looked into her eyes and smiled. "I hope you are going to be staying at Biquera for a while. I have been invited there by Mrs. Silverhorn. If you are there, I shall certainly accept her invitation. I would like to hear all about your adventures."

"Then I shall see you there, Major Halloway."

She watched the troop of uniformed soldiers ride away. Her sister at Biquera-she had not expected Adelaide to come to Texas. She turned her gaze to Tykota. "I can't wait to see my sister."

The expression on Tykota's face was fierce. "That white man wants to see you again."

"Do you think so?"

"He admired you."

Makinna blinked her eyes in astonishment. Tykota was jealous! She smiled inwardly as she said, "I look forward to seeing him again. He seemed very nice."

Tykota kicked his horse in the flanks and rode forward. It had already started, he thought. The first white man she encountered was touched by Makinna's beauty. He had wanted to challenge that bluecoat for daring to look on his love with such open pleasure, but he did not have that right. "Like flies to the honey pot, they will come," he muttered in his own language.