Heart of a Warrior by Angela K. Couch

Author:Angela K. Couch [Couch, Angela K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome Novels, Religion and Spirituality
ISBN: 9781522398608
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2020-04-20T00:00:00+00:00

16

Towan tightened his hold on the rope, slowing the horse’s gait as they approached the village. Everything in him begged to rein the animal in the opposite direction, to not bear both the news and responsibility of Havne’s death. A man already waited for them, white hair mingled with black far past his shoulders. Towan swung from the horse and led the way, head tipped forward. It was easier to stare at the ground than into the face of an expectant father.

“What happened?” the man asked in Shoshone. He motioned to Towan’s bandaged head.

“A graze. There was trouble.”

His face tensed. “Havne follows?”

Towan glanced at his dark eyes. “No. Havne was killed.”

The man’s nostrils flared with emotion, the wrinkles on his face deepening.

“I—I…” What could he say? Towan looked at Christina still perched on Havne’s horse. The last three days had worn her thin, and the baby was beginning to fuss. “I will return soon and tell you all.”

As he moved away, Christina leaned down. “Who was that?”

“My mother’s brother. Havne’s father.”

“Your uncle?” She slumped over the horses withers. “Then Havne was your cousin?”

Towan’s feet paused. “You never understood that, did you? They are all my family. The only family I have known beyond my mother.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what? For not understanding, or for the death of my uncle’s youngest son? For my aunt, who will cry herself to sleep tonight and for many more nights?”

Wide-eyed, Christina straightened on the horse. She swung her leg over and slipped to the ground. Her mouth opened as if to speak. Nothing came. Without a word she turned and started into the grouping of wickiups but didn’t make it far before looking back. “I know my words mean little, but I am sorry. I know he wouldn’t have died if I hadn’t been foolish enough to go with those men. I should have listened to you and…what can I say…but that I am sorry.”

Towan stood silent for a moment, soaking up the earnestness in her large eyes as they glistened in twilight. Even knowing everything he knew now, he couldn’t say he’d not go after her if given the chance to rewrite the past. Even though it had cost Havne his life. Though, perhaps, if he were given that chance, he would convince Havne to show him the cabin and then stay back out of harm’s way. Guilt twisted his gut. He forced his jaw to relax. “You look like you’re waiting to say something more.”

A broken laugh spilled from her throat, and a tear trickled down her cheek as she waved at the wickiups. “I still don’t recognize which hut is yours. And I need Will. Sounds like he’s getting hungry again, and he’s probably wet.”

Towan pressed a smile and led the way with a motion for her to follow. He held the door-hide out of the way while she ducked in, met by his mother’s gasp.

“He find you. He find you.” She embraced Christina like a daughter, before looking to him. Her grin faded to sternness, and she switched to her native tongue.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.