They mount up and move out once more. Bronnah begins to feel dizzy, and she stares in horror around her as the medicine takes effect. "You drugged me," she whispers and falls into an exhausted sleep.
Much later, the pounding of drums wakes her. To her shock, she's resting untethered on a fur on the ground. A fire is burning close by providing heat and next to her head is a water bowl and her knife!
Bronnah rolls over and gasps in pain, clutching her ribs. The room spins, and she fights back the urge to pass out. "I have to get to Chase," she moans and grabs the knife. Once the room stops spinning, she tries to stand up. It goes better this time as she slowly stands. Unable to straighten up fully, she listened and looked around for more weapons, anything that will make her escape easier.
The flap of the tepee is thrown open, and a gust of frigid air causes the fire to flicker. Bronnah faces the three warriors as they step inside the tent. Determined to have her freedom she clutches at her ribs and lifts the trembling dagger. “I’ll be leaving now.”
“Careful now, she may look like an angel, but she has the soul of a warrior,” Chase says with pride as he steps inside behind them.
Trembling with pain and fear, she can hardly believe her eyes. “Chase?” she gasps, and her knees fold up beneath her. He catches her before she crumples to the ground and her sobs are caught in a gentle kiss.
“You're safe, my love. I’ve got you.” He sweeps her up and carries her back to the furs.
"I don't understand, how did you find me?" Before he can answer the three Indians with Chase leave. "Chase, your family! They're in trouble, Cleveland said that the Ranch was surrounded by Chen," his hand covers her mouth, and he whispers in her ear.
"I know. I'll explain everything, but first, we will see to your wounds." Chase insists that she lay back and two older women enter with salve and bandages. "Bronnah, I need you to listen to me, carefully. Do you remember when I told you about the tribe of Indians who live on our land?"
"Yes," she stares up at him, and her eyes fly open in understanding.
“They rescued you. We’re safe here, but I have to meet with the Chief. Can you trust me and let them tend to your wounds?”
Bronnah sits up and ignores the flash of pain, “No, you have to get to your family!”
“They’re safe. Lay down,” he gently pushes her back and covers her with the fur. “The truth of the matter is that the Chen never stood a chance, no one sneaks onto River’s land without us knowing about it.”
“Why is that?” she asked leaning into the hand he presses to her face.
“We share the land with the Shoshone. They tracked them for days and waited to see their intentions. Once it became clear what the Chen were up to, they took action.” Bronnah shivers and Chase speaks to one of the women in her language.
"I will explain everything to you, I promise, but first I need you to let them tend to you while I go meet with the Chief. Promise me, you will stay here," he demands. Tears fill her eyes, and she nods, not trusting herself to speak.
“Good.” After a quick kiss to her cheek, he’s gone once more. Bronnah looks at the three women and sits up with help.
"Drink," she offers Bronnah another cup of foul-tasting liquid, and she frowns and tries to say no. A young woman around her own age smiles at her.
“I am called Kimani, this is my mother, Mitena and her sister Nashca. You’re safe.” Bronnah is shocked by her fair coloring. Light, wavy brown hair, and exquisite green eyes flecked with orange.
“Thank you, Kimani, but I don’t need it.”
“It will help you heal faster,” Kimani encourages her.
Bronnah grimaces and takes the cup with a small thank you, then shoots it quickly. Coughing, she hands the cup back to them and wipes her bruised mouth.
Nashca speaks to Kimani, and they begin to heat water to cleanse her wounds. Kimani lifts a dress and moccasins and offers it to Bronnah. "We would be pleased if you would accept these gifts."
Bronnah fights back the tears. "Thank you," she whispers as she accepts the exquisite clothing. The heavy leather is surprisingly warm. Bronnah stands up to remove her tattered, stained dress with assistance. The women gasp at the bruises on her porcelain skin. Gently they cleanse and clean her wounds, braid her hair, and dress her in the leggings and dress made of deerskin.
“White man did this to you?” Kimani snaps even as they rub a salve over her ribs. Mitena shakes her head and presses along Bronnah’s ribs, checking for fractures. Bronnah gasps and fights back a tear.
“Yes, but I broke his nose for touching me,” Kimani grins and repeats what Bronnah said. Mitena nods her head in approval as she finishes binding her ribs with a soft cloth and they help dress her.
Her body no longer feels cold, heat, or pain as the tea hits and works its way through her empty system. “What’s in that tea? I feel better.” Bronnah sits quietly now by the fire as they brush her hair, splitting it into two braids and lacing beads in it. She runs her hands over the soft leather, enchanted by the beadwork and tassels that run over her dress.
“This is perfection. I’ve never
