Page 25 of Shoshone Sun

Flying Arrow’s gaze softened, a quiet understanding passing behind his eyes. “I can.”

Jane glanced at Paul, “Do you think he’s ready?” She was referring to Flying Arrow’s health.

Paul gave her a solemn nod. “He’s strong enough. If anyone can help Peter, he can. You know I wish I could pitch in, but I can’t leave Mary.”

Jane knew Paul’s decision to stay home was firm, even if it had been a difficult one to make. “I understand. Then it’s settled,” she said, her voice steady, though her heart was heavy with worry at leaving Mary. “Flying Arrow and I will go with Peter. You stay here and take care of your wife.”

Paul hesitated, a deep frown creasing his brow. “Are you sure you want to go along, Jane? It’s a hard trip in this weather.”

“Unless you need me here to help with Mary….”

“No, no. We’ll be fine on our own. Mary will likely recover soon.”

“I’m sure, then” Jane replied, giving him a determined look. “I can’t let Peter and Susan face this alone. And you’re right. You can’t leave Mary. It’s the best we can do.” The thought of seeing her sister and nephew again excited her.

Paul’s mouth twisted in frustration. He couldn’t help worrying about Jane enduring the difficult winter trip, but he didn’t argue further. He sensed she was determined to go. “God speed to all of you. And be careful. Every trip through this territory during winter is dangerous.”

The morning after Peter’s arrival, Jane and Flying Arrow saddled two horses and set out with Peter for his homestead, leaving Paul behind to care for Mary. The snow was thick on the ground, the world around them plain and cold, but Jane felt an undeniable sense of determination as they continued.

The trip took several hours, and by the time they arrived, the sun was low in the sky, casting long shadows over the land. The homestead was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of animals muted by the cold and the wolves that had been circling for days.

Susan greeted Peter and Jane at the door. Her face bore a haggard look and her eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep. But she broke into a wide smile as she let them inside the cabin, where Jane immediately saw the signs of desperation. The pantry was nearly bare, and the fire in the fireplace had long since died down to embers.

After hugging her husband and sister, Susan was overcome with emotion.

“I’m sorry that we fought, Jane,” Susan said to her sister as Peter gathered Petey up into his arms as eagerly as if he hadn’t seen him in months.

“I am also,” Jane replied.

At that moment, the cabin door opened, and Flying Arrow carried in the sack of supplies that had been sent by Paul.

Susan gasped, her mouth hanging open. “He’s still alive … and he’s here!” she said.

“It’s all right,” Jane said quickly. “He’s going to help us. And then he’ll leave right after he does.”

“Umm…” Susan didn’t seem to know what to say.

“Is that all right?” Peter asked. “You needn’t worry. He’s a good man.”

“Yes,” Susan said, gulping. “It’s fine.”

Peter cleared his throat. “Susan, meet Flying Arrow. Flying Arrow, my sister, Susan.”

Flying Arrow bowed. “Jane has told me about you and has explained your fears to me. But you needn’t be afraid of me. I want nothing more than to help you.”

“I’m sorry,” was all Susan could mutter, no doubt realizing this man now knew that she had wanted to turn him out.

As Flying Arrow set the bag of supplies on the kitchen table, Peter spoke, urgency in his tone. “We’ve got to do something about those wolves as soon as possible. They’ll be back tonight. I can’t lose any more animals.”

Susan sidled over to him. “We lost another goat last night,” she said, as if in shame.

“That’s not your fault,” Peter insisted. “The important thing is that you’re safe and that Petey’s safe, darling.” He handed the child back to his mother. “Now we have to get to work.”

Flying Arrow nodded, his face calm and measured. “Don’t worry. We’ll set traps for tonight. The wolves will learn fast to stay away.”

With those words, he turned and headed toward the door. Jane followed him outside, watching as he quickly assessed the area around the homestead. The cold wind bit at her cheeks, but Flying Arrow remained unfazed, his eyes sharp and calculating as he studied the tracks in the snow. He pointed to a spot just beyond the barn.

“They will come there,” he said quietly. “We will set a barrier. We will force them into a trap.”

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