The Vicky Series: Book 3: Living A Dream

Chapter 21 part 2

Slowly it became apparent that it was.

There were sixty that came stating simply through their translator that they were willing to go to the white man's fort. Bosque Redondo. Quin felt the heavy burden of guilt and sorrow as he walked through the camp to assess their needs. The people were in various stages of starvation and exposure. Many were very ill. Quin wished it had not come to this as he helped to carry a pregnant woman who was so ill she couldn't stand.

He was ashamed to see the resolve on their faces as they walked toward the camp, no doubt believing they were being herded to their deaths. He was proud of his men though, when he saw how careful they were to offer meat and blankets and help where they could. Lord, he'd seen enough of war in his life and this was nearly enough to break him.

Orders came through the camp. These sixty were not prisoners. They were to be sent back with extra food and blankets so that they could take word to the rest of the people. Return to the fort in ten days' time. A few were too sick to return. These Kit allowed to stay. In the morning the sick were set upon travois and returned with the men to Fort Canby.

Except for two companies of mounted soldiers that were ordered north through the canyon on a final scorched earth march. They were to destroy villages and crops, capture any animals, and peacefully accept the surrender of any willing Navajo they encountered. After four long days the fort came into view and a cheer went through the ranks. The fort never looked as good as it did right then to the exhausted men in the main column.

Two days later the Navajo started to arrive and within a week the Companies returned with their reports. Kit summoned Quin to hear them and when he returned to his quarters after doing so, he decided that Kit was right. There was nothing left to burn or capture. The trip had been a colossal waste of their time and resources. The only one that seemed pleased was "the general".

Quin stomped the snow from his feet before going into his room. He hung his hat and tunic to dry as it had begun to snow again and he'd no wish to wear a damp uniform. Instead he grabbed a small quilt Vicky sent with him last Christmas and threw it around his shoulders as he stuffed a log into the small pot-belly stove.

It wasn't near enough to warm the place. With a shake of his head he huffed on his fingers before rubbing them briskly together. While he could still feel his fingers he pulled out his writing things and sat down to write a long over-due letter to his family. He had no idea how long he'd be here before "the general" sent them on another "errand".

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Vicky's heart ached as she sat in her rocker and looked toward the mountain. She was so glad to be home again, nestled here on Arrow Q so close to her beloved mountain. But when she saw the snow on peaks her thoughts never failed to turn toward Quin. She sighed and pulled her quilt closer around her. She shouldn't even be out here.

The children were sick, and even with Bo and the man-of-the-house to help, well she was exhausted and decided to sneak out here for a few minutes alone without the sniffling and whimpering. At last they'd fallen asleep and she'd stolen away to the quiet of the porch. She always felt at peace here in this rocker watching the light dance on her mountain.

The dogs drew her attention to the road and the rider coming. It wasn't a rider. It was a team which means it was probably Pappy and Katie come to visit. She hadn't been to Church in near a month now since the children took turns being ill. Vicky hoped she'd stay a few days. Mama wanted her mother! With a smile she stood and leaned on the post while her hand slipped into her pocket...just in case she was wrong. She was delighted a few minutes later to be right.

"Daughter of mine, how are you doing?" Katie asked as she let Pappy help her down.

She turned her affections on Vicky with a hug and more questions. Slipping her arm over Katie's shoulders they walked toward the house while Louie and Pappy unloaded the wagon. Vicky knew there would be gifts for the children and lots of food. Katie always brought food. She smiled as she though how much Jebb would appreciate her Irish stew.