Excerpt from chapter 22
It was still early so the trail to the river was quiet. The sun was barely breaking over the ridge and mist still hung close to the water’s surface. Katy hunkered down at the bank and dunked the basket into the cold water and watched as the water rushed in. The chill of the air and water caused goose flesh on her skin. When the basket was full, she stood up. She had an uneasy feeling but quickly dismissed it. The whole affair concerning Red Horse bothered her and she knew worrying about it wasn’t going to solve anything.
She heard something splash in the river so she narrowed her eyes against the rising sun to see where it came from. On the other side of the river, close to the bank was a flock of ducks, about a dozen of them. Katy watched them for awhile. She was reminded of the story of the ugly duckling. Her father read it to her many times when she was a small child. In many ways she felt like that ugly duckling, but because of Jesse she was finally seeing herself as the beautiful swan. Now she was feeling like that ugly duckling again because one man didn’t want her there. It was her mother and William Carlton all over again. She was like a blemish in their perfect world, and in Red Horse’s eyes, a pollutant threatening to mar the purity of a people untouched by outsiders. They were already touched, however. Man Of Light came before her and countless others before him as evidenced by the iron pots some of the people used for cooking. Jesse’s mother even had one. Katy has even seen wool blankets, steel knives, and a few articles of white man’s clothing.
She knew Red Horse harbored a great deal of hate for white people. Has he ever fought against any and perhaps even killed some? Katy shuddered to think of the possibility. She decided it would be in her best interest to avoid the warrior at all costs. If she were to ever confront him, she would not even know what to do or say. Her fear would surely get the better of her.
She turned away from the river and climbed up the bank. That uneasy feeling was still there but it was more intense now, as if something bad was going to happen. Katy walked on and began to pray for protection. She bowed her head for only a moment, and a moment was all it took before she collided with someone standing on the trail.
He didn’t see her at first and she didn’t see him. Embarrassed, she looked up to apologize. Her breath caught in her throat when she realized it was Red Horse. He looked down at her with fiery eyes and a face of stone. Right away she knew she was in trouble. They were far enough away from camp to be out of anyone’s sight. Brush and trees were thick along the trail so there was nowhere she could run but back to the river which would put her further from the safety of the village.
Katy’s heart beat hard against her chest. Beads of sweat broke out on her forehead and she began to pant. Red Horse seemed amused that he was arousing fear in her. He smiled slightly and raised his hand which caused her to back up a step and her eyes to widen.
“You have nothing to fear from me,” he said. “I do not plan to harm you.”
Katy looked at him with wide eyes. Red Horse was in awe of how blue they were. For a white woman she was beautiful but he would not allow her beauty to weaken him.
“Do you not understand?” He raised his voice and leaned into her. “I will not hurt you!”
Katy staggered back and tripped on her own feet. She fell backward and landed hard. Water sloshed out of the basket. Red Horse tilted his head back and laughed.
“What kind of woman are you?” he asked. “You are not worthy to be a Maidu wife.”
Katy frowned and narrowed her eyes.
“Oh, did I offend you?” Red Horse asked.
Katy pressed her lips together into a tight line and she stood up. She looked directly into the big Indian’s face.
“Know I am stronger than you mind!” she said angrily. “My talk is not good but I love him, Running Elk, and I love you!”
Red Horse gave her a funny look. “You love me?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Did your god tell you to?”
“Yes,” Katy replied. “He did!”
“Your god is a fool!” Red Horse was in her face again, but this time she did not back down.
“No…you angry…too angry and hateful to see God’s love.”
Red Horse shook his head and laughed.
“I have no use for a white man’s god,” he said as he waved his hand at her and strode off.
Katy watched him go then let out a ragged breath. She stood there for a moment then went back to the river to refill the basket.
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