The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 73

Adelaide curled up in the center of a soft down-filled mattress. In comparison to the furs she had slept on for a year, it felt like laying on a cloud and yet, she couldn't remember the last time she had felt cold right into her marrow. Her heart ached painfully, or perhaps it was her chest that was tormenting her with no means of relief.

Missing Torris was the last thing she had expected. These past weeks she had half expected they would not remain together. After all, he belonged to the past - a part of history that could never be changed. She wasn't a fool - Gavin was a jealous man and wouldn't welcome another man's baby into his life with open arms. She'd come to grips with it before she left her husband and yet...what had changed?

The one thing Adelaide had never planned on. There was no returning to the future. Regardless of who she remained with, Adelaide was trapped forever in the past. Torris could never be brought into the future, but to be torn from her arms while she remained, it was unbearable.

And yet...it wasn't about Torris at all. Gavin hadn't reacted the way she had dreamed of. He did not seem happy at all to see her again. Their reunion was less than ideal and far from romantic. A slap in the face. Within minutes, she came to the realization Gavin had moved on and she had sacrificed her entire new life and the love of Chief Long Knife for a dream that had never been real. What a fool she had been!

When Anne slipped unnoticed into the room, adding more logs to the fire. Adelaide was fast asleep, her cheeks stained with tears. The sight could break the hardest of hearts.

****

Morning Dew took a moment to silence the wailing infant before turning to the warrior who stood in front of her, back turned to afford her privacy. His legs were akimbo, listening for the slightest sound that was out of place. He had screwed up royally in the past and yet, luck seemed to shine upon him giving the young man an opportunity to redeem himself. It was not something he was going to take lightly.

"I don't think we will be able to travel quickly with the infant. I fear he won't survive the journey. To risk the health of a chief's son…"

Morning Dew didn't need to continue. The warrior shifted, a slight acknowledgment that he had heard her, the sound of greedy suckling assuring him he could not yet turn around.

"Then we will return to the camp and I will speak to Chief Red Hawk. He will instruct us on what is the best approach. Is the baby nearly finished?"

"No, not even close," Morning Dew smiled down at the dark silky head resting against her breast. She had been given a great honor to be trusted with fulfilling the little heir's needs.

Darkness was settling and the warrior was getting restless, wanting to move before nightfall.

"Can you cover yourself and continue to walk?" He inquired. "I wish to reach the camp before dark," he motioned to the sunset painting the sky. Time was not on their side.

"Yes…" a soft rustle of he wasn't sure what followed by, "I am ready."

The warrior nodded, reaching out to steady Morning Dew, slowing his pace to match hers. Ever alert to their surroundings and any potential danger, he ensured the woman's path was cleared and there was nothing in front of her that she might trip on.

"Are you alright?" he asked so frequently she stifled a chuckle. She wasn't made of porcelain by any means, however, it was rather flattering although his concern was only for the baby in her arms.

Unaware of the humor she was seeking to conceal, he abruptly swept her up in his arms, carrying both against his broad, sinewy chest, his strides long and sure. Carried, they made faster progress. It wasn't long before the encampment came into view.

"Is everything alright?" Chief Red Hawk looked up from where he sat at the entrance of their makeshift wigwam.

The warrior gently lowered the woman in his arms, indicating that she should answer the chief's inquiry.

"The baby is frail, still a newborn. I do not believe he can make the journey back to his father - not at the pace your warrior needs to make. We would seek your counsel and wisdom on how to proceed, for the sake of the chief's heir."

"You were wise to return," Chief Red Hawk nodded, assessing the situation. "Morning Dew, you will continue to care for Torris tonight. Bring him to your sleeping quarters with your children. I have already spoken to your husband about the matter." He paused, watching a moment as Morning Dew followed his instructions before turning the warrior before him. "Come with me."

Chief Red Hawk led the young man to where horses grazed behind their encampment.

"Take my stallion. Ride through the night and don't stop until you reach Chief Long Knife. I fear what will become of his wife now that she is among the pale faces. The baby will remain with us in safety until we receive word from his father."

The warrior mounted the jet-black stallion, soothing the beast as it reared. With a brief nod, the sound of hoofs thundered against the ground as both disappeared from sight.

"We will remain in this camp longer than I had planned," Chief Red Hawk informed his men after he returned to the wigwam. "Chief Long Knife's wife is here and I will not leave her at their mercy. We await word from Chief Long Knife, but until then, you will remain vigilant. I do not trust our allies."