Chapter 11 #2
“Do you think traveling by yourself would help you?” he asked, startled at the idea that she might think this would be secure. “Is not one alone easier for an enemy to conquer than one of many?”
She drew her brows together. “Of course you are right. But I don’t think I could stay here in this town until the culprit is caught.
Why this hotel, as dull and dirty as it is, is costing me a fortune.
I’m afraid my finances will not permit a long stay.
Besides, now that I have a guide...you, I only have need to stay here until the rest of our party joins us.
Yet if I continue on with this journey, don’t I risk putting the entire project in danger? ”
“Is it not already in danger?”
Her eyes met his, and there, within her glance, he could see clearly that she at last understood her situation.
He pressed onward. “Why not continue your trek to where you originally intended going? Haiya, it is the best way, for you are right. You cannot stay here. There is trouble here for you. If you leave immediately, it is true you might bring the danger with you. But it is also true that if this person means to take something from you, no matter where you go, the threat will go with you, also. At least here you have several people to defend you. Annisa, I am afraid that until you complete the task set before you, there will be much difficulty for you.”
“You may be right.”
“Aa, I believe I am. I think your best course is to go onward, as you have already planned. At least once you have finished the task set before you, all the facts will be out and revealed, for it is my belief your attacker will have no choice but to present himself. Then, and only then, can you once more live your life without fear of assault.”
She stared at him as though she were seeing him clearly for the first time.
“You present quite a persuasive argument, Mr. Hawk. But at the same time, I wonder why you champion so greatly going forward.” She hesitated.
“Tell me, I know why I am here—and at this moment, so do you. I have told you this plainly. It is your turn to share now. Tell me, what draws you here?”
Truth be told, Red Hawk had prepared for their meeting tonight and had braced himself for this very question, deciding his best defense was to impart at least a portion of the facts. However, he quickly revised his plan.
Genuinely, he might be tempted to tell her the details of his plight, for he had discovered he had feelings for her. This alone carried with it a tendency to trust her.
But he hesitated. Too much depended on his ability to discover what she sought, why she sought it and what she stood to gain from it. Besides, if he were completely honest, it was doubtful she would believe him.
So he evaded her question. Hoping to draw her attention onto something else besides him, he said, “It is true I desire you to continue to the Gates of the Rocky Mountains and that I wish you to succeed in your quest. ’Tis also true there are reasons why I am here and why I am giving you aid.
But I do not think you have been open with me with the facts as I see them.
Let me retell a few of the facts as I understand them.
Aa, you seek something, but your very profession proclaims this.
Whatever this is which you desire to find is valuable.
But the fact someone else is attempting to steal it from you would show me that what you seek, and what you have, is valuable. So do not think you have deceived me.”
“I am not trying to deceive you.”
“Are you not? And yet you have not told me what it is you seek.”
“Yes, but we made a pact, and I still know nothing about why you are here and are so interested in this valuable I carry. Is it not unusual for an Indian to have concern for such a treasure?”
“Perhaps.”
She paused. “Check. Once again we are at an impasse.”
He nodded.
“Mr. Hawk,” she began after a short while, “I…actually… Well, if you must know, I am caught. I am afraid to go onward. I’m also afraid to go back. And I cannot, nor do I want to stay here. What am I to do?”
He reached out to touch her, his fingers clasping hers. “I am here, and I will remain with you, no matter your decision. And though I think it wise to continue onward, I cannot tell you what to do—you must make this choice yourself. Know that whatever you decide, I will lend you assistance.”
“I… Thank you.”
Again, he nodded. “Perhaps, once on the pathway to the mountains, others will come to your defense as well.”
“Others?”
“Aa. Besides myself, our Mother, the Earth, will protect you.”
“Mother Earth?” She stared at him. “We’re not talking about a live being, are we?”
“All things are alive, even the air we breathe.”
Effie gave him a wide-eyed gawk. He ignored the look and went on to explain, “Does the air not nourish us? Can we live without it? Does it not impart life to us?”
“But it’s not…really…alive. I can’t talk to it, and it certainly can’t speak back—”
“Because you do not know how to listen. It is in contact with you every day. ’Tis all a matter of perception. Haiya, all things are alive, or were once alive, and all living creatures are a part of life’s circle and are able to receive and give communication.”
She frowned at him. “You are speaking of matters which I do not believe, and I—”
“Just as you have intuition, so, too, can every living creature sense whether or not another intends harm or good.”
“Maybe, but—”
“As an example, it has been told to me by my elders that there was once a tree that saved the lives of seven helpless people.”