The Stormy Mountains by Nick Storming

Author:Nick Storming [Storming, Nick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fractured Press
Published: 2019-11-22T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

“I am Anwee,” she said in accented English once we sat in a warm quiet space, “and we are all that remains of the Endiho tribe.

“I am Elenore,” I said nodding slightly to her, “and we are from Colt’s wagon train, free citizens.”

The woman was hard, and her words terse and to the point. I liked her immediately. She had no desire to give up what her son had found as she put it. But she would trade some of it for the two braves, nephews of hers, and the horse. She didn’t care about the knife and said it had been her late husbands and it deserved to be with the best warrior. Then she tried to trade her son and the nephews for Colt. Saying we would have greater need of the many men over the one. I laughed at her suggestion, saying we would never part with Colt, could not. He was our guiding light and at that the woman paused, eyeing the young man again. Her handsome face softening slightly in spite of herself, and I saw the effects my boy had on women, happening even to these natives here.

"You're people are starving," I said finally as the negotiations came to an impasse, "that is why you can't give it back," the woman didn't refute my words, and as I looked around at the Indians I saw the evidence of their long deprivation in sunken eyes and hollowed out cheeks.

“I have one final proposal for you,” I said, “and I pray you accept it. We split the dry goods between us evenly. We give you back all we have taken save the knife, and as a sign of the goodwill between our groups we gift each other something close to our hearts."

“What gift?” The woman asked, suspicious.

I reached behind me and pulled out the rifle that had been taken from one of Captain Peckering’s men. I laid the rifle before me and saw the woman’s eyes widen, the warriors behind her taking a half step forward, avarice on their faces.

“Three rifles with ammunition,” I said.

“What will you take for this priceless gift?” Anwee asked and I already knew she was sold on it. Her people could really use the grain, but the rifles would improve their ability to hunt in these mountains during the winder by leaps and bounds, as well as providing them with security.

“Colt took the weapons off men who tried to rob us and kidnap me and several women,” I said my back straight, “they are his by rights. So, what do you offer him for them?”

The handsome older Indian woman glanced at Colt where he stood off to the side, his arms crossed over his wide chest. Her gaze grew speculative and she turned to the other woman and spoke softly in their language. The younger woman glanced at the older woman, her face blushing and she gave one fierce nod. The older women smiled at one another and glanced up

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