Red West III.

Chapter twenty eight - Constraint

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Sitting with his back leaning over the tall spruce, Kame grimly watched as Nayati re-bandaged his broken leg. It seemed it was no longer at risk of inflammation and his body temperature kept at its normal. The dull drums disappeared from the back of his head as well, and his stomach was just eagerly processing baked fish, which they had for modest lunch.

Treatment, food and rest. He could ask for no more in the middle of wilderness. Yet, the Crow Indian kept taking care of him without a word or reaction on his questions and it was getting on Kame's nerves.

His right leg tingled and ached, the cuts on his hands itched and his muscles were stiff, but otherwise, he felt well rested and fully sane. Carefully and with Nayati's help, he was able to move around, as when he took a pee or rinsed in the river under the swashing waterfall. That was also why he was getting more nervous with each hour from just sitting here on his ass.

"Thank you," he said flatly, once Nayati finished his work with the healing wrap.

The Indian straightened up and went to add more wood to the fire.

All right... Kame took a breath. Since the polite attitude brought him absolutely nothing so far, he decided for another approach.

"I need you to take me to the city."

Nayati just sat down by the fireplace, not reacting.

"I know you have a horse nearby, so you can ride me there," Kame continued persistently. "Somewhere close to the first buildings will be enough."

The Indian figure resembled a statue.

Kame stared at him. "If you have some objections, just tell me."

Still nothing.

"Fine," he snapped, pulled back the covers, which protected him from cold and reached for the long, strong stick, which he had looked up in advance.

Ignoring Nayati's derisive look, Kame took a few deep breaths. He knew it was going to hurt, but it could not be worse than through what he had been already.

Relying on his unhurt leg and the stick, he stood up slowly. His weak legs were trembling, but he managed to remain standing. Taking his time, he prepared to take the first step. The stick slammed hard against his hand, as he leant on it with all his weight, but he did it. It seemed he would need at least two of these temporary crutches to move properly. He would find the other later then.

Breathing hard, Kame made another step away from the fire and then another. He staggered, already feeling tired.

So what, he told himself. Of course, it would be hard and slow, but still better than doing nothing at all. He just had to...

The tall figure stood in his way before he could make another strenuous step.

Kame looked up and glared at the Indian's stony face. "If you don't take me to the city, then get out of my way."

Nayati shoved him back. Only gently, under normal circumstances Kame would not have moved an inch, but being in the state he was, he staggered back, almost losing his balance.

"You no power," Nayati stated harshly.

"If you think you can discourage me from going, save your breath," Kame barked at him.

The Indian smirked and approached him again.

"Stay away from... Hey!" Kame protested when Nayati snatched the stick out of his shaking hand.

Trying to find balance on one leg, he eyed the Indian with contempt, which rose inside him suddenly. "Coward," he snapped.

Nayati's expression hardened. He grabbed Kame's shoulders, pushing him back to the campfire. Upset by own incompetence, Kame fought back and naturally tripped, falling down to the ground and taking Nayati with him. The impact of his broken leg with the ground sent hundred stars into his brain and the fall of Indian's body on his chest made him gasp.