Shadow Dancers by Suzie Clarke

Author:Suzie Clarke [Clarke, Suzie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635558302
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2022-01-01T03:38:18+00:00

Chapter Thirty-one

Rachel bent closer to Ash’s neck, catching the scent of hay and wood, and today she swore he smelled like chocolate. She wrapped her legs tighter around him and gave him his head, pushing him as fast as he could run.

Claire stayed close behind on the mare.

The Arizona dust kicked up from Ash’s thundering hooves, and the wind caught his mane and swirled gently against Rachel’s face. In that moment of sheer joy, she began to feel the stress ebb out of her. The blues of the sky, the white, billowing clouds, the sun-faded bronze, beige, and rust colors of the mountain range in front of them, the yellow-greens and sage on the sweeping hills all became more vivid as the smells and feel of the environment swept over her. It was good they were back on the reservation and their land. It was a balm to them both. They desperately needed its safety and comfort, and Rachel needed to be with family. Her aching soul needed relief from the constant tension of Yumiko’s sick game. Jack would be sweeping for devices and surveillance on the house while they were gone, which partially put her mind at ease.

Ash’s breathing became labored. She slowed him to a walk as Claire reined Łichíí, the chestnut mare’s coat glistening with sweat. Łichíí reared slightly, shaking her head.

Claire laughed. “She’s full of vinegar. She almost caught him.” She patted Ash’s rump, damp from sweat, as he breathed heavily. “Łichíí wants to go, but Ash has gotten fat and out of shape.”

Rachel reached down and stroked Ash’s neck. “He’s just had too much of the good life. He’ll be in great shape by the time we get back.” She wiped her sweaty hand on the leg of her jeans.

“Look.” Claire pointed in front of her toward the mountain as they turned. “There it is.” She pushed her heels into the mare and took off.

Rachel called after her. “You’ll have to walk her out if you run her much more before we get there.”

Claire slowed her horse and walked back to Rachel. “Isn’t this exciting? I can’t remember all of it, but I know it was wonderful.” She looked toward the mountains. “Everything looks so clear.”

Rachel took her hand as they walked their horses, watching the sun begin to sink over the far side of Gouyen Mountain. She surveyed the mountain range. “She’s fierce today.”

“What do you mean?”

She let go of Claire’s hand and pointed toward the mountains. “The sunset is spreading out over her ridges. See the deep colors of gold, pale green, and azure blue? Galmoreachee, the warrior woman of the mountain, is fierce—ready for battle.”

Claire smiled.

“She’ll protect us while we’re here this week,” Rachel said. When they crested the hill, she saw their teepee off in the distance.

“Rachel, look. There it is.” Claire reached over and touched Rachel’s shoulder. “We’re home.”

Rachel smiled. Home indeed. She loved that Claire loved it as much as she did. Before her injury and her memory loss, Claire had talked every day about the teepee and their honeymoon, but then she lost the memories.

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