Grayson, Elizabeth by Color of the Wind

Author:Color of the Wind
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-11-20T22:30:55+00:00

Ardith didn't realize Durban hadn't returned to camp until she left Khy in China's care to get a bite of supper. That Durban had ridden off angry with Baird and had stayed out so long worried her. That dusk settled so quickly here in the mountains added to her concerns. She wandered to the edge of the encampment and stood staring out into the twilight. Had Durban holed up to sulk, or was he lost? Would he be back tonight, or were they going to have to search for him in the morning? She pressed her palms to her lips to hold back a sigh. Sometimes it seemed like one worry leaked right into the next when it came to these children.

Jubal must have sensed her mood because he came for her, eased her back toward the firelight, and put a plate of supper in her hands. Ardith was just finishing her coffee when two riders loomed out of the darkness. One was tall and wore a shirt that shivered with fringe; the other was a sullen, half-grown boy.

Baird shot to his feet and was halfway across the compound before Cullen McKay could swing out of the saddle.

"I'm glad you're back," Baird said, bypassing McKay to address his son. "Your Aunt Ardith has been worried about you."

"I found him wandering the ridges out south of here," Cullen interjected. "That's damned rough country for a boy to be riding by himself."

Baird stiffened at the censure in the other man's tone.

Ardith approached them. "Good evening, Cullen. We certainly do appreciate you seeing Durban safely home."

Cullen dipped his head in acknowledgment. "The only reason he came back," he confided, "was so he could see his little brother."

"Then you'll be glad to know Khy's better," Baird said, speaking directly to his son again. "Why don't you get down from that horse and go look in on him?"

With that news, relief flickered across Durban's face, but he didn't move.

"Khy asked for you a little while ago," Ardith offered, easing nearer.

The boy looked down at her, his expression hopeful, but his eyes were still filled with uncertainty. "Did he really ask for me?"

Ardith nodded and stepped close enough to lay her hand on his pony's neck. "Go on. Go in and see him," she urged.

Durban shied a glance in his father's direction, then looked to McKay. Cullen gave an almost imperceptible nod, releasing Durban to jump down off his horse and run into the tent. That deference frightened Ardith more than she could say.

"I'm glad Khyber's better," McKay murmured, watching him go.

"We were worried about him this afternoon," Baird allowed.

His cousin's gaze swung back to Baird. "Durban says it's your fault the child got hurt."

Baird paled at the accusation, and Ardith did her best to intervene. "Khy sneaked away while he was with me. So I guess if you're assessing blame, it's my fault Khy was hurt."

"His horse got spooked, is all," Lem Spivey observed laconically from where he sat whittling by the fire. "The minute I saw that rabbit break cover, I knew the boy was in trouble.

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