Tykota's Woman(77)

"No!" cried one brave.

"You are our chief!" said an Old One.

"It was your fathers wish that you lead us," Mangas said, standing. "You were raised to do this. Would you go against your father's wish?"

Tykota held up a hand for silence. "Know this. I would die for my people, but it has become clear to me that I cannot live for my people."

Mangas shook his head. "Do you say this because you want to be with the white woman?"

"No, old friend. The white woman has gone from my life forever. But it was she who made me see that I am more like the white race than I am like the Perdenelas. I want what is best for all of you and your families. Coloradous is the best man to stand where I stand."

There was a murmur among the warriors and the Old Ones. At last, Batera, the most senior of the tribe, spoke. "We have waited a long time for a wise chief to lead us. By your actions today, you have proven that you are both wise and worthy. It is you we want to lead us. We believe that as the years pass, you will become less white and more Indian."

Tykota was touched by their loyalty. "I honor each of you. I wish I could be the chief you deserve. But that man is my brother.'-'_

Tykota walked among the council and spoke to each one individually, convincing them that Coloradous, and not he, was the one they should honor.

Sadness hung heavily in the chamber when at last Tykota spoke to the guard at the door. "Bring in my brother."

Coloradous had not been in the council room since the night his father had stripped him of all honor. He did not know why he had been called now. There was a worried frown on his face as he stood before Tykota.

"I have questions to put to you, my brother. I will ask you to answer them with a true heart."

Coloradous nodded.

"Will you always put the good of the people before any wishes you might have for yourself?"

Coloradous was more puzzled than ever, but he did not hesitate. "Yes. Always. Why do you ask?"

"Think carefully before you answer me, Coloradous. Would you be willing to stand in my place if it was for the good of the Perdenelas?"

Coloradous shook his head, his gaze pained. "No, brother. I have never wanted to stand where you stand. I am content to do what little I can to help our people, but not as their chief."

"If it fell to you to lead the people, would you do it with truth and wisdom? Would you make any sacrifice in your life for their good?"

Coloradous frowned. "What are you asking of me? I love you, my brother. I would never do anything to harm you."

Tykota reached up and removed the leather headband with the golden eagle and slid it over Coloradous's head. "It is my wish, and that of the council, that you become chief of the Perdenelas."

Coloradous reached up and removed the headband, handing it back to Tykota. "No, never! It was our father's wish that you be chief. I honor my father, and I honor you."

Tykota clasped his brother's arm. "You may very well be one of the wisest chief's the Perdenelas will ever have."

Coloradous was stunned into silence as the warriors and the Old Ones gathered around him.

Tykota smiled. "Have I your word that you will look after my sister and see that she becomes the wife of the warrior who has her heart?"

"Yes-but-"

Tykota placed the headband of the chief around Coloradous's hair once more. "I honor you as chief. Your word is law, and I will obey."





Makinna watched the servant pack the last of her clothing and close the trunk. She glanced around to make certain she hadn't forgotten anything, but the room was as clean as it was impersonal, and she had left nothing behind.

She and Adelaide were moving to a hotel until they could decide what they were going to do.

Going down the stairs, Makinna saw her sister close the front door. Adelaide's face was ghostly white as she turned to Makinna and held out a folded piece of paper.

"It's a telegram for you. They always mean bad news. The last telegram I received was that my husband had died."

Makinna was afraid to reach for it for fear it did contain bad news. "You read it. I can't."

Adelaide's hand was shaking as she unfolded the paper, and her voice trembled as she read.

Please come. You are needed.

Adelaide raised her head. "It's signed Hannah Silverhorn."

Makinna placed a hand to her heart to stop the furious beating. "Something is wrong with either her or Tykota." She took the telegram and read it as if it would reveal its secrets to her. "Oh, something is terribly wrong!"

"Let us make arrangements to return to Texas at once. Mrs. Silverhom would never have sent such a message unless she needed you desperately." She ran through the house, calling for the housekeeper. Then she turned back to Makinna. "We will send her a telegram telling her we are coming, and we will take the noon stage tomorrow."