now.
Jamie leaned over and kissed her lips, and she looked into his eyes.
'It's time,' he told her.
He rose and dressed quickly, and she followed his example.
They did not leave with the dawn, for Nalte wanted another conference
with Jamie. His sister, Little Flower, came to Tess to say goodbye. Tess
had learned very little of the language, but she had been grateful for
Little Flower's shy kindness. It seemed that Nalte was bestowing gifts
on Tess-- she was given a new outfit in which to ride, in pale buckskin,
with fine tin cone pendants and beautiful beadwork. There was a long
overdress that fell nearly to her knees, and beneath it, soft trousers
so that she might ride easily. She was given boots at last, fine boots
with rawhide bottoms and soft leggings to cover her calves. She thanked
Little Flower as best as she could for the gifts, then kissed the young
woman on the cheek.
Nalte came to her then. Little Flower fled, and Nalte watched Tess for
several moments before speaking.
'You 255 will take the dress, too. Slater has told me that it will
always be special to him.'
She flushed.
'Thank you. Thank you for the gifts. I've nothing to give you in
return.'
He shrugged.
'I have gotten what I wanted from Slater. And I give you the gifts in
his behalf. In our courting ritual, we exchange gifts, as I have told
you.' She smiled and lowered her head, wondering what Jamie had given
him.
'Most of all, Nalte, I thank you for my freedom.'
He grunted and looked at her still.
'I understand that you are a warrior yoursell~' ' A warrior?' she said,
startled.
'You take on men's battles.'
'I didn't really intend to. I just--I had to fight back.' She paused.
'This man had my uncle murdered. Do you understand?'
'Yes, I understand. I will pray that the sph'its will be with you.'
He left her then.
Jamie returned soon after.
'They are ready to ride,' he told her.
'Let's go.'
She nodded and hurried after him. There was a small roan mare set aside
for her use, and she silently accepted Jamie's help to mount the saddle
less creature.
She was startled to see Jamie mounting a large paint gelding. She stared
at him and said softly, 'Jamie, your own horse' -- 'He's Nalte's now,'
Jamie said curtly. 'Your horse! But you loved that horse. Why on earth
would you want to' She broke off. He hadn't wanted to give Nalte the
horse. The horse had been the negotiation.
'I'm sorry, Jamie.'
'It doesn't matter,' he said, and, turning his back, he rode ahead to
