Previously:  This plan was good and would have worked for all if Jack's Father, had not been there. The Indians laughed as they watched the white men split up to chase several Indians, tiring their horses, and giving up soon after. Though they did not have much food when they returned several hours later to their camp. All laughed about how they had outwitted the white man, until that is they noticed that one of them had not returned. Black Wolf was missing.

Yes, Black Wolf was missing and after waiting for a few hours (under his father's instructions), White Stag and a larger group went to find him. What they found back where they had camped did not bode well for Black Wolf. For they found blood and the camp itself was wrecked. White Stag sent out scouts on fast horses to follow the white man's tracks and find where they had gone, but in his heart he knew Black Wolf was not well. If only he had not tarried those few hours. For the scouts returned saying that the tracks led to the fort. The party returned to the village with heavy hearts for they knew that no good could come from having Black Wolf at the fort. They had found blood but no body, so in the hearts of those who cared for him, there was a chance Black Wolf was alive. What they did not know was how badly Black Wolf was hurt. 

Yes Black Wolf was at the fort, but before he got there he was beaten by the white men who had shot his horse from under him, and thus chased him on foot, into the forest where capture was a forgone conclusion even for Black Wolf. Why had they beaten him, well to the white man the reason was simple. He was a Indian, who would not talk, and thus was beaten again and again by several of the group. They wanted information on why their boys had been killed, and when he did not answer them they hit him, kicked him when he fell to the ground, and all the time they laughed and demanded the information they wanted. None of them asked why he did not cry out when he was hit or why when they asked the questions, he opened his mouth and shook his head. To them he was just a savage. A stubborn savage who would not talk and therefore deserved what he got. They continued until the blood poured  from his mouth, and they feared that his jaw might break for as I said they wanted him to have no excuse for not talking. So then they aimed their blows at his chest and ribs. All the time he was blindfolded and had his hands tied behind his back. It was only when a gun shot rang out that the beatings stopped and the white men who held him up let go. As the group of soldiers out scouting had approached the camp, they had heard angry shouts and the sounds of a fight, but it was only when they fell upon the camp and their captain fired that the true horror of what they heard was found out. 

It was lucky since they where a group out on a training exercise, they had a doctor with them and he was ordered straight to help the Indian, by the captain, while the white men themselves where rounded up by the trainee soldiers. It had to be admitted that some of the soldiers did not like the decision their captain had taken. Seeing the Doctor head towards the Indian who was now slumped on the floor, some thought that they should have allowed the questioning, as the white men called it, to continue. Some had joined because they had lost brothers in the past few months and they viewed the Indian as a savage and possible as their brother's killer. He was part of the Apache tribe as he not. It was when the doctor turned Black Wolf round that they started to feel guilty for their feelings. But true guilt comes with knowledge and understanding and this came when the doctor started examining the already blackening bruises on Black Wolf's chest. 

Doctor, spoke gentle to what he thought was a wounded Apache "I don't know if you can understand me, but I am here to help."

Black Wolf nodded and hoped that this time the voice understood him.

Doctor, "Alright, then. Tell me if this hurts." He touched his chest and watched as the Indian stiffened at his touch. "Do your ribs hurt?"

Again Black Wolf nodded.

The Doctor sighed, "It would be better if you just maybe said ouch."

Black Wolf bent his head sideways, as if trying to understand what the doctor was saying.

The Doctor looked worriedly at the Indian in front of him and asked, "You do understand me don't you." Other soldiers where now turning their heads towards them. One even came up and hesitantly spoke a few Indian words, he had learned, trying to say them in a calming manner. After which he turned slightly red though embarrassment when Black Wolf smiled and started to laugh. Immediately stopping, when his breath became short and labored as his chest and ribs pained him every time they moved. It was then that the Doctor thinking his chest could be bruised, placed his hand on the side of his ribs and pressed gently. The result was immediate. Black Wolf caught by surprise screamed, well to be more accurate he opened his mouth wide and his chest heaved trying to draw air back in, but no sound was made. The doctor quickly removed his hand and allowed Black Wolf time to recover. 

The Doctor, "You can't speak." 

Black Wolf shook his head slightly up and down but his head hurt and he was starting to get dizzy. The next words the Doctor said he did not hear and when he felt a tug on the blindfold, and it being loosened, the dizziness increased as removing the blindfold moved his head. He never felt himself slump into the doctor's arms or saw the panicked look the doctor gave him when he had removed the blindfold and seen the condition of his eyes. He never felt the journey to the fort, nor saw the guilt on the faces of the men who had beaten him, when they finally understood that he was mute, and thus could never answer their questions. He never heard the doctor explained to the fort's resident doctor, about his ribs, his eyes and the loose of blood he had suffered due to the beating, or the fact that the beating had been very bad. So bad that the doctor did not know if when the swelling came down, the indian would still be able to see or if he would be blind. All he know was the gentle touch that had awakened him as a damp cloth was placed over his eyes. It was when he went to reach out to it though that he found he was chained and he panicked upon seeing only darkness, and feeling only the hands that held him down, now upon the bed where he lay. It was at this time that he discovered he was still a prisoner of the white men. Then his strength was gone as suddenly as it had come, and again a deeper darkness and dizziness claimed him, and he wondered if his tribe knew where he was. Where they coming for him or would the tribe think him dead. He sunk into the darkness leaving the voice (who now sort to calm him) far away, for it was hard to listen to and harder to understand. His last thoughts where later, he would listen later.

Though he did not know it, five days passed before he woke again. Again he woke to darkness and chains, but again there was the touch that seemed so like Manawa's touch and yet so different. It was not till a voice spoke that he know, the voice belonged to someone he knew and loved and yet could not place. The voice was kind and sounded familiar to his ears like a distant dream that he remembered and yet could not hold, for it flew from his grasp. He wanted to open his eyes and yet still they would not open, so all he had was his ears and what his touch could tell him. So he reached out and felt a face and hands and white man's clothing and listened as the voice told him not to be scared and that food was coming, but still his eyes would not open and Black Wolf feared he would never see again. For he knew that if he could not see, he could not work, and his master would order his death. What he did not know was that now his master was far away, and he too worried for the fate of Black Wolf.

Next:  -  What Happened next and what happens when Black Wolf returns to the tribe.

Previously:  So the next day the Apache left, leaving the Blackfoot and the Sioux to stay a few moons more, to give the white man the illusion of Indians still around. For they knew, only the smart ones could tell a Apache from a Sioux or Blackfoot. So this would ease the mind of white man, who would think that all was right and forgotten, for the Apache where still around, weren't they. The Apache chief smiled and said goodbye to the chiefs of the other tribes. He watched as Black Wolf said goodbye to Manawa and cried for her lose. For White Feather had decree that Manawa had to leave with the Apache. His braves though did not like this, for though she had grown in the hearts of the Apache and they fondly wanted her to stay, they argued that her place was by the side of her sons Black Wolf (especially) and Running Deer. But White Feather would hear none of it. Red Moon argued to, that White Feather was punishing where no crime had been committed, but he said that this was the agreement made, Manawa would leave and stay away. It was no surprise that Dark Eagle agreed with him on this, for it was well known that he hated Black Wolf for many reasons and sort his punishment and death. To end the argument White Feather decree that Manawa's son Running Deer should also leave, then he would not be taking a son from his mother, just keeping what was his. Manawa agreed on one condition, she promised she would never again bother White Feather on this. White Feather was no fool, and Manawa realized she had agree too quickly for his liking. She explained that she merely wished to give Black Wolf a gift to keep as his own. Seeing Red Moon about to start arguing again and knowing that soon the apache had to leave, White Feather nodded, and left to his tent and supper. Manawa hugged Black Wolf who's eyes still flowed with silent tears on her leaving. Then she waved for someone to come forward bringing the gift. She smiled and Black Wolf's eyes grew large and he shook his head, and tried to place the reins back into her hand, but she shook her head NO. The gift was his and has Running Deer rode away he smiled wickedly on seeing White Feather grit his teeth. Of all the gifts that she could have given, this was the one that Black Wolf needed the most and the one that would cause White Feather the most unhappiness. Impala was back where he belonged. 

For the next few months, everything went on as normal for Black Wolf, except for the fact that he had been ordered not to go within a day's ride of any of the surrounding white man towns. When he was allowed to go hunting, it was always with others, so that his movements could be known. Other times he spent days waist deep in the nearby river, fishing always under careful watch by a warrior known to dislike him. White Feather was making sure that Black Wolf had no chance to sneak into the towns, for he had fear that Black Wolf heart would lead him away and that he would stay with the white man. He did not know why, but he did know, (as all the camp knew), that Black Wolf each night would sit and watch the sun fall and the night come, and always he looked towards the white man town. Sometimes tears where seen, other times, his head was lowered and his arms raised in pray. White Feather did not like this, and one night as Black Wolf was sitting, watching, his master came up behind him.

White Feather, "It is true then, what the black foot say. You do dream of your life before. " White Feather was angered by what Black Wolf did and also slightly hurt by it, though he did not fully understand why, he felt like a son was betraying him.

Black Wolf shook his head, No.

White Feather, turned his back on him, "Then why look always towards the white man town, if you do not regret your promise."

Black Wolf stood up and moved to face his master. He pointed to himself, and then his eyes and then in the town direction. White Feather stood silent and watched trying to understand what Black Wolf was saying. Then Black Wolf pointed to his hand, and showed the scare to him. Then he pointed in the town direction. Now White Stag understood and remembered, but did not want to believe. Grabbing Black Wolf's arm, "You are not joined. No matter what scare you have done."

Black Wolf shook his head. White Feather watched as he lowered his hand to the ground, and waved his arm as if shaking a stick. A sign he had developed to mean medicine man.

White Feather, "No, this cannot be. You where too young to be joined when my son died. No medicine man would join you."

Black Wolf shook his head saying yes. White Feather, "Who Then."

Black Wolf waved his hand in the air and blew out a breath. White Feather, recognized the sign for wind but the only medicine man he knew of, whose name was wind, was Quiet Wind. "You say Quiet Wind did this. Did any others see this." 

Black Wolf nodded. pointing to the moon and then pointing in the direction the Apache had gone and putting his fingers behind his head to look like feathers, signifying chief. White Feather paused, Red Moon. If what Black Wolf had signed was true and he had understood it correctly, there was good reason for him to dream of the white man town and the people there, but this watching, upset the tribe and White Feather decided that he would no longer allow this to continue.

White Feather, "It does not matter. You will not be allowed to enter the white man towns." Black Wolf bowed his head, going back to his knees. "Furthermore this watching, is not to be done again." Black Wolf raised his head and his arms putting his hands together palm up, towards his master. "No! When you offered a life for a life. Your old life and all that went with it, was over. There is only the now. You are my Termiqui and there is no other life for you. You will not do this again ever." Then White Feather turned and left, leaving Black Wolf crying silent tears, thinking that truly, he would never see Sarah again.

And yet the white men say God moves in mysterious ways, so why should not the Great Spirit also move in whys that are not clearly understood. After that night, Black Wolf never looked in the direction of the white man town, and a part of him died for it. The camp settled and the white men settled. Both staying away from each other. Both watching for treachery and attack. Each night some would go to bed wondering if tonight was the night that the other attacked, but no attack ever came, and the hunting parties that went searching for horses and food, though they saw the soldiers and other white men, did not go near. You could say that a fragile peace was created with neither party wishing to break it. Such peace though is fragile and strained and it only takes one misunderstanding to tear it apart. That misunderstanding came several months later as winter started to turn into spring and the earth warmed under the rays of the sun.

Far away from the town and the land where the Sioux had made their temporary home, two bodies where found and the Sheriff of the town telegraphed, the sheriff of New Stand with the news. News that sent several  ranches, and the town, into an uproar. News that shattered the peace that had existed between the Indians and the town. News that the boys had been murdered by Indians. Of that the sheriff was sure. Even though the bodies where found on the rocks near the bottom of a waterfall. It was clear they had been murdered. The telegraph, he sent, told of how a month before the Indians settled in the area and how the townsfolk did not like it, so the tribe was moved on. It was after they had gone that the bodies had been found. Obviously the Indians had wanted them to be taken by the river, but unknown to the Indians, the water had not raised far enough to dislodged the bodies. So it was clear that one had been burnt alive and the other cut to ribbons. It was actually Greg's mother who had made identifying the bodies so easy. Knowing how drunk her son could get, she had embroidered his name and the town on the inside of his shirt collar. Without his knowing of course. And then there was the buckle which Greg had made specially with his name engraved on it. So identification was actually pretty easy for one of the bodies, but the other carried only a description of height, probable weight and hair color, and that was enough to identify Jack. Much to the relief of Greg's parents, it was not Billy, and much to the unhappiness of Jack's parents. Now the whole town knew the Indians where behind the various disappearances that had occurred and they wondered how the bodies had been left so far away, while the Apaches where still in the area. Still to that date they thought as the Indians had wanted them to think, that the Apache never left.

Thus it was that the town's people grew angry and in need of revenge. But even now, there where voices that called for calm and these voices where not liked for many remembered the sons and fathers that had vanished over the months. It got so bad that Henry, the Towns Doctor (remember), sent Sarah away for a few weeks, hoping the town would calm down. Sarah was one of the strongest voices calling for calm and patience and understanding. Now the Local priest also called for calm and got away with it. He was the priest and peace,  love and turning the other cheek, was what God was all about, but Sarah had no such protection and the store had been broken into and windows smashed. Thus she left New Stand for a few weeks to settle her nerves and time for the town has I have said to calm down. Unfortunately this later hope was not happening. People where angry and now looking for answers and preferable a fight. It all came to a head, when a group of ranch hands and town bullies being led by Jack's father spied a group of Indians near a wooded area hunting for game. The Indian group only number four maybe five, and the Jack's father, thought that this was a opportunity to learn the truth about what happened to his son and why the Indians had been so cruel and unforgiving. He had eight men with him and looking at them know they where all in agreement. They would follow him. So leaving the wagon hidden behind a slight raise, they dismounted and crept up on the Indian group. Unfortunately for them, they where not as quiet as they thought and they where heard approaching. The Indians not wanting a fight because they where few and did not know how many where hunting them, decided to break camp. In a quick movement they mounted horses and split into different directions away as the leader figured this would be the best plan of escape for all of them. He figured that in this way, the white man would be confused and chase after all of them, instead of focusing on one. It was insisted that he have the best and fastest horse though it's owner, Black Wolf, for it would guarantee that he, White Stag, the leader of the hunt that day, would escape. It also guaranteed that many of the white men would try to catch him, for the horse was much admired. This part was not liked but with this horse White Stag would not be caught and would lead any white men that followed far away from the other Indians. 

This plan was good and would have worked for all if Jack's Father, had not been there. The Indians laughed as they watched the white men split up to chase several Indians, tiring their horses, and giving up soon after. Though they did not have much food when they returned several hours later to their camp. All laughed about how they had outwitted the white man, until that is they noticed that one of them had not returned. Black Wolf was missing.

Next:  -  What Happened and where or how is Black Wolf Now.

OK Thank God the hiatus is over. Here are the clips to the latest episode " Sam, Interrupted". Enjoy. By the way, the next chapter of Winchester West should be up soon.

	Supernatural Sam, Interrupted - The Problem
	Supernatural Sam, Interrupted - Martin
	Supernatural Sam, Interrupted - Wraith
	Supernatural Sam, Interrupted - Sam
	Supernatural Sam, Interrupted - The Truth

Previously:  That was how the bandits that had been hiding in the hills where found out and captured, and why the town breathed a collective sigh of relief, for now they thought it over and done with. But the children still went missing and no evidence of who had done this was found. Only the bodies where found. All left where nature would disguise how they died. 

The towns around, and including New Stand had all suffered. Children missing, newly wed husbands gone. Talk was of the Indians and how the people had blamed them, and people started to wonder. Sarah started to wonder herself, for among all the towns around, only her family knew just how savage Indian justice could be. All of them had heard of the disaster at the camp months before and of how there was nothing the sheriff could do. Not that he did not try, but with no names and no proof as to guilt, how could he arrest anyone. Then the Apache had moved camp and now though all had heard that not one, but two tribes where moving towards the New Stand area and remembering that the apache where still in the larger area, People where getting worried. One or two families even sold up and moved away. Both Greg and Jack suggested that their families should do the same but they both had stubborn fathers, who had been in the area for several Generations. Greg's own grandfather was one of the people who had decided to re-settle and start the town up again, and their family was not about to give that up. Greg was not happy. Anyway, his father told him clearly no-one was going anywhere until Billy was found, dead or alive. Jack faced the same problem, his family had moved here just after the town had been reformed and they where not about to be chased out by some savages. His father was the local blacksmith and had a good trade set up especially with the Winchester horse ranch and the fort. So both Greg and Jack where stuck, and many a bar fight started over when the boys where becoming so yellow. The fights where always broken up in the same way by Hellcat by shooting a bullet or two in the air, but even she had noticed that the boys seemed scared of their own shadows now. So when one day they both vanished, nobody real thought anything about it. They had wanted to leave, so they had. Their horses where gone and so where the saddles and some provisions. The fathers shook their heads and went on with their daily work around the blacksmiths and the farm and thought no more of it. Not that they where bad father's but they both knew that Greg and Jack wanted to leave and they figured that one day they would get a letter from somewhere telling them that their boys had finally settled down and made a life for themselves. Either that or they would find the bodies. So when no bodies where found, they waited for a letter that explained everything. How wrong they where, for Greg's and Jack's fate was being decided now, just a few days ride away at the Indian gathering where three tribes would see fair justice for the crimes that had been committed.

The Blackfoot had arrived at the Apache camp ten days before Greg was taken, and the Sioux had arrived just 5 days later. Now all the chief's discussed how to capture the leaders and more importantly what was to be done with them. There was bad blood between the tribes and some warriors had not liked calling for aid, but their chief had commanded it. So some apache stayed in their tents and did not talk to the other tribes, but there was also for some great happiness. For on entering the camp, Black Wolf was ordered with others to settle the horses. All had marks upon them so mixing the horses with those of the Apache was no worry. It was then that his heart leapt for upon helping to lead the horses in, he saw a horse with no marks, he saw Impala. The horse came over to him, upon seeing him and he wrapped his arms around it's neck as it laid it upon his shoulder. Apache warriors grew concerned and started to come over only to stop when the horse raised it's head and snorted at them and then replaced it on Black Wolf shoulder. At that point one of them motioned to the others to draw back, as he went to get Impala's owner instead of trying to separate the Indian from the horse for by then, all Apache warriors knew that Impala had a temper and was still wild for he had killed the only Indian among them stupid enough to try to ride him, without the permission of his owner. A mistake that was never repeated. It was when Manawa came and placed her hand on his shoulder that Black Wolf raised his head, and on seeing her wrapped his arms around her and finally let the tears fall, that had threatened to since he first saw Impala among the Apache horses.

Quietly she explained how she had moved to the forest down the river from the white man town, and how the apache, who where already hunting quietly there, gave her sanctuary and aid. She smiled and looked at Black Wolf, now that the tears had stopped, she wondered why he still had not spoken a word to her. She put her hands on each side of his face and forced him to look at her instead of at the ground, "Black Wolf, this is a happy day. We are together again. It will be as before." Black Wolf turned to look at Impala and cocked his head as if thinking. She laughed. A sound filled with light and happiness. "Do not worry. Impala is mine though he has two foals on the way." The Apache had never heard her laugh and it drew their attention and that of his master, White Feather. He came to stand behind Manawa and both she and Black Wolf stiffened at his arrival. 

White Feather, "Manawa. What are you doing here."

Manawa, "I live among the Apache, and give council and aid where I can."

White Feather, "Black Wolf, go help with putting up the tents and the gathering of wood."

Manawa, looked sad suddenly as Black Wolf hurried away to do as he had been told. He paused only to wave goodbye to her and smile in her direction. Manawa though turned savagely to White Feather, her face filled with anger. "Then it is true, You took his voice even though you promised not to. What good is your word when you break it so easily."

White Feather actually moved a step backwards, "I kept my word."

Manawa, "Yet, his voice is gone."

White Feather, "I did not take it. He gave it."

Manawa, "What." It was then that the medicine man stepped into the argument trying to make peace between them, or at least put the shouting to an end. For it was during attention from all the Indians near by and he could see that not only was the Apache chief shortly to arrive but the Blackfoot chief himself was clearly on his way towards them. He really did not want a all out war to start. For the Apache Chief would side with Manawa and the Blackfoot Chief would side with White Feather, due to the fact that he married his daughter and thus there was a blood bond between the tribes, however much they disliked each other. The marriage was meant to bring a lasting peace but it was in reality (as all peace agreements are), fragile and easy to break.

Medicine Man, "It is true. Black Wolf gave his voice for another."

Manawa, spat "Who, as if I did not know." Then another voice spoke. It was the voice of White Stag and he said simply one thing, "Me". He had arrived at the same time as the Apache chief, (who now stood beside Manawa), but from another direction. The Blackfoot chief also arrived and smiled for he saw a opportunity that he had long looked for. "Another argument over the Termiqui." he asked innocently. "The boy should be punished for causing his master so much grief."

Manawa was too stunned to answer but the Apache chief (Red Moon), was not. "You would kill him for any reason, and all know why. For that, in this matter, you are not allowed to speak."

Blackfoot Chief (Dark Eagle), "He killed the son of my daughter. He should not have lived past his sixth moon and if he where my Termiqui, he would not have. His master is too kind to him." Then with a cruel smile, "Even now he will not punish him for this. "

White Feather was unhappy at hearing this, as Dark Eagle knew he would be, but he paused and thought before speaking, which when last they had met he would not have. Then he had a idea and spoke, "He is loyal and this is not his fault, therefore there is no need to punish."

And for once in his life Dark Eagle found himself speaking without thinking, "Loyal, He is White. He is not loyal. He will never serve you as a true Termiqui. He still dreams of his life among the white men. If he where mine, his body would feed the fire long before now, for I would condemned him to it., He will never be loyal."

White Feather, "I will prove his loyalty. (and he raised his voice so that all could here) A Warrior is needed to lead the attack, to capture these white men who have killed so many. I wish my Termiqui to lead that hunting party. He is good at hunting, and has knowledge of the white man ways. In this way he will prove his loyalty."

Dark Eagle, "If he refuses."

White Feather, "He is my Termiqui. He will do as I say." With that he walked away leaving several people stunned, and a Black foot chief, who was already planning a magnificently painful death for Black Wolf. For he was sure that the Termiqui would not obey his master, for was he not White.

It is sad to say that White Feather was also planning on Black Wolf's death for he too did not think Black Wolf would obey. He thought that the prisoners would escape or die, under Black Wolf's hand. So he smiled and went to tell Black Wolf what had been decided. Soon he thought, Black Wolf would no longer be a problem. Even to his family though he acted as if he had total confidence that Black Wolf would succeed in his mission.

Thus that night it was Black Wolf who led the attack on Greg's family ranch and later silently on the Blacksmith's. Though it was not like any attack an Indian would ever do. There where no flaming arrows, and no cattle or stores where damaged or taken. His plan as he laid it out slowly to the rest of the hunting party was simple. They would fight only if necessary. The Indians had watched the ranch and Greg went out onto the porch every night and then went round to the barn to check on the horses. Black Wolf ordered that there was to be no noise and that Greg was to be taken along with his horse, when he checked the barn. Silence and surprise would be their weapons. The Indians learnt that night just how good a hunter Black Wolf had become and they understood, why he did it this way. You take the man, and his horse, and all will think that he has left of his own will. Not that he was gagged and bound, and then led quietly away. It was slightly different at the Blacksmith's, for there they had truly to become shadows against the walls of the houses. But they got what they came for, Jack was taken out of his bed, when the lights in the house had gone out. Again silently, his horse was taken from the stable, for as I said the Indians had long watched the men and knew their horses well.

During all this, his only regret happened in the town, when he looked at his store and felt in his heart that Sarah was there. For the briefest moment he wanted to crawl in, just to touch her, just to look at her once more, so that she would know he had been there and was still alive. But he knew this could never be, for his master had told him to do nothing else other then the hunt. So he turned away and led the party quietly out of the town. So Black Wolf thought all had gone well when he and the hunting party arrived back at the village. To say that White Feather on seeing the hunting party return with the prisoners, was happy wouldn't really be the words I'd use, and he wasn't the only one surprised that Black Wolf had actually brought them back. For you see well before the hunting party returned, word had already spread throughout the villages that no fires had been started. No guns had been fired. I.E. the normal Indian attack strategy had not been used and the Blackfoot chief really looked forward to hunting Black Wolf down, and then he returned with the prisoners. This infuriated the black foot, but there was nothing he could about it. To all three tribes Black Wolf had proved his loyalty. White Feather too had swallowed his pride, and smiling congratulate Black Wolf on a job well done. Now before the Apache left, there was only one thing to do. They had to decide what was to be done with the prisoners, all three of them and they had to decide what to do about the coming child. So really there where two things to be done, and council was sort with both of these problems, from the chiefs of the present three tribes. The Blackfoot for their understand of the law and their knowledge of what was to come. For all knew that the Blackfoot chiefs where blessed with the eyes of the spirit and thus could see glimpses of the future. The Sioux because of the fairness in deciding matters so that all seem to have what they want and of course the Apache because they where the aggrieved party. This was the reason that the tribes had joined together so that justice could be served and not revenge taken.

So that was how, to all the warriors surprise, that Black Wolf found himself kneeling by his master at the council meeting. It was his job that evening to keep the fire going and to ensure that empty bowls where cleared and the chiefs had water to drink, should they wish it. This was in fact a great honor for black wolf, for usually only the bravest warriors or the chief's family where allowed to serve and thus be allowed to listen to the council meeting. This was his master's way of showing him that, he was proud of him and in truth a part of him, quite a big part was proud. He realized that after he found himself congratulating Black Wolf earlier, that in truth he was proud of him. He found that a small part of him truly wished to give the termiqui a better and more rewarding life, then he had, and that scared him a little. In fact, when the Blackfoot chief sneered in contempt and argued that some other warrior (preferable Blackfoot of course), should be present, it was his master who said that the termiqui deserved the right, since it was he who had captured two of the prisoners. At this the Dark Eagle looked to the Apache chief for support in his argument, but found that he too was agreeing that truly Black Wolf deserved this honor. 

They started with the child. The Apache thought the child was born of bad blood and would bring nothing but trouble to the tribe. Though they did not wish to kill any innocent especially one so young, here they would make a exception. The Blackfoot agreed with the Apache, they too thinking of the violence and death that surrounded his creation, thought him to be bad medicine, but they warned that killing one so young might anger the spirit, so they said that both the father and mother should be killed slowly to appease the spirit. The Apache argued that the mother was innocent of any crime, and thus the arguments went on, with the Sioux chief listening as the Apache and the Blackfoot put forward different solutions. Ranging from waiting till the child was born and then killing it, to killing both mother and child now, to releasing them into the desert with no food or water either now or when the child was born. Everybody agreed that the father, would die. They just did not agree on how, but they favored blinding him and leaving him tied in the desert, to die slowly. After about three hours of discussion, the only suggestion that seemed favored was made by Dark Eagle of the Blackfoot. It was simple, the child's fate would be left to those who's blood was linked to the child, i.e. the parents and the mother's brother. If they wished to raise the child, then the child would be raised, otherwise when it was born, it would be left in the desert for the vultures to feed upon. This choice was favored for two reasons. One was that both the Apache chief and the Sioux chief thought that no parent would willingly allow their child to die. And the second reason was that when it was placed out in the desert, if all did not want the child, then it would be up to the great spirit to decide the child's fate. Does it was decided and the father, mother and Indian uncle (for lack of a better word), where ordered to come before the council. 

Billy knew decisions on their future where being made. After months as a prisoner of the Apache, all he was hoping for was a quick death instead of the fiery end that he had been forced to watch others suffer. The worst death he feared was being left in the desert tied, blindfolded and alone. He had been forced to watch this once, but thankfully only once. It was only when two Apache came into the prisoner's tent and untied Greg, that he worried that none of them would see the morning, but then they only untied Greg and his brother worried even more for his brother.  Maybe it was the way he struggled, and tried to talk, that made an apache come over to him, "Do not fear, none of you die tonight. Tonight the child's life is decided."  Billy's eyes went wide. The Child, he thought, no they would not kill a child. With that thought in mind, Billy struggled even more, even trying to stand, which caused the ropes to pull at his shoulders. He did not get even half way before he was struck back down by one of the Indians, "Stay put, or I will save the council the trouble of deciding anything in your case."

It was then that Greg made what he was later to think was his biggest mistake. "You ignorant savage, you leave my brother alone." all three Indians turned to look at Billy, laying bound on the floor of the tent. Blood drying on his face where the Indian had hit him. They looked at each other, "Brother", one said. "Bring him too."

That was how the council found out that Greg and Billy where brothers and how they suddenly faced not three but four people, each having a blood claim to the child not yet born. The chiefs where confused by the sudden revelation of brotherhood but it was accepted by them.

Apache Chief (Red Moon), "Let us begin with the mother. Where is she."

Brother to Pregnant Girl, "There is no need to question her. We all know the child is bad medicine and must be destroyed."

The Blackfoot chief (Dark Eagle) shook his head, "It does not matter what all know. We must hear it from the lips of the mother. I too wish the child dead but the mother herself must be heard. Your word however right cannot be taken in her place. Fetch her."

When the girl arrived, she confirmed what her brother had said, "I do not wish to bear this child. It is born of death, blood and vengeance. That can only lead to more blood being spilt, when he is grown. I agree with my brother. The child must be destroyed." Her brother nodded in agreement to her words, but the Sioux chief (White Feather) seemed upset and the Red moon also worried, for the death of a child in itself was bad medicine, and thought by many to be a punishment for the family that bore it.

Then the chief turned to Greg. As the father, he could claim the child but sadly they found that he too wanted nothing to do with it. To him, it was a half-cast and not fit to live among decent white people. (This was the standard opinion of the day among whites that is.) But his brother Billy had different feelings on the matter, and this was shown when the chiefs asked him.

Sioux Chief (White Feather), "So the father and mother do not wish the child. Take the father away. He motioned to the mother to be taken away too. Then he looked at Billy. What do you say."

Billy, "I want the child. You have not right to kill it. It carries no fault in it's making. It is not bad medicine. It is a child and innocent of any crime. You have no right to take away it's chance of life. I will take care of it. Treat it as my own. If you are not really the savages so many of my people think you to be, then you will give me a chance to raise it. I am the brother of it's father, you say I have a right to the child. All I am asking is that you allow the child to live."

Dark Eagle, "You lie. You have no wish to raise the child. You see it as a way of escaping your fate."

Billy was annoyed by the point Dark Eagle had made and raising his voice, "That is not true. The child is my nephew and I cannot see him destroyed just to serve your petty revenge."

White Feather, "Petty." He looked to Black Wolf to explain. Black Wolf thought and then put a hand close to the ground and raised it up and lowered it. Pointing to it when it was near the ground. "Ah, small." Black Wolf nodded. "Our revenge is not small. It deals with the death of many women and children. You consider that a small matter."

Billy anger cooled at White Feather's words, "You are right. I am sorry. But the child is not at fault. He is...." Billy was about to continue when shouts and fighting where heard. The chief's stood and Billy was grabbed and dragged away by his guards, shouting that he had not finished speaking.

It was then that two warriors came forward. They explained that when returning the father to the prisoner's tent, they had been attacked by the third man (Jake), and both the father and Jake had vanished into the night. Immediately search parties where sent out, to capture them back, hopefully alive but they where ordered to bring back their bodies if dead. Then the apache could arrange the bodies to be left along the way at places where they would not be found, or places where nature would disguise the way they died. As they had done with the others.

It was about three hours later that the search parties returned. Jake was dead, but Greg was still alive. Cut and bruised but alive and the apache where waiting for him. There would be no appeal. The decision was made when they tried to escape. The Apaches where leaving in two days and all three where going with them. As part of the punishment Greg and Billy where tied together to a Large Travis. The Travis would carry Jake's body. When the Apache found a good place to leave it. They would leave not just Jake but Greg also. Both Billy and Greg listed as their fate was explained. Greg would be killed slowly, cut to ribbons, while still alive, and then his body would be dumped with Jake's. As if they had rode off together and met the same fate. Billy would live until the child was born, then both their fates would be decided. To the Indians this seemed fair, since Billy was the only one who wanted the child, their fates should be linked. Greg was upset. He had figured they would kill him immediately, but to know that you will die for certain, slowly and painfully, and yet not know the time was torture to him. Which is exactly why the Indians did it. They thought the white man feared death above all and rightly knew that for a white man knowing his death is certain and yet not knowing the time, was worse then the death itself. 

So the next day the Apache left, leaving the Blackfoot and the Sioux to stay a few moons more, to give the white man the illusion of Indians still around. For they knew, only the smart ones could tell a Apache from a Sioux or Blackfoot. So this would ease the mind of white man, who would think that all was right and forgotten, for the Apache where still around, weren't they. The Apache chief smiled and said goodbye to the chiefs of the other tribes. He watched as Black Wolf said goodbye to Manawa and cried for her lose. For White Feather had decree that Manawa had to leave with the Apache. His braves though did not like this, for though she had grown in the hearts of the Apache and they fondly wanted her to stay, they argued that her place was by the side of her sons Black Wolf (especially) and Running Deer. But White Feather would hear none of it. Red Moon argued to, that White Feather was punishing where no crime had been committed, but he said that this was the agreement made, Manawa would leave and stay away. It was no surprise that Dark Eagle agreed with him on this, for it was well known that he hated Black Wolf for many reasons and sort his punishment and death. To end the argument White Feather decree that Manawa's son Running Deer should also leave, then he would not be taking a son from his mother, just keeping what was his. Manawa agreed on one condition, she promised she would never again bother White Feather on this. White Feather was no fool, and Manawa realized she had agree too quickly for his liking. She explained that she merely wished to give Black Wolf a gift to keep as his own. Seeing Red Moon about to start arguing again and knowing that soon the apache had to leave, White Feather nodded, and left to his tent and supper. Manawa hugged Black Wolf who's eyes still flowed with silent tears on her leaving. Then she waved for someone to come forward bringing the gift. She smiled and Black Wolf's eyes grew large and he shook his head, and tried to place the reins back into her hand, but she shook her head NO. The gift was his and has Running Deer rode away he smiled wickedly on seeing White Feather grit his teeth. Of all the gifts that she could have given, this was the one that Black Wolf needed the most and the one that would cause White Feather the most unhappiness. Impala was back where he belonged. 

Next:  -  A few months of normality, but then the White Man enters the picture again.