More gifts arrived that morning, a handmade blanket, some trinkets, more fruits, and even a bowl of delicious stew. As she walked through the village, many called out to her in greetings. There were even though who stopped to greet and thank her for what she had done.
It was overwhelming. She had done nothing much. If they encountered a real doctor, she wondered what they would do.
“You have earned their trust,” Deer Fawn said, walking next to her.
She didn’t know why but she was happy that she had been accepted. Regardless of the circumstances that had brought her here, she had lived amongst these people and had a soft spot for them. She had partaken in their meals. She had learned their culture and traditions. She knew most of them by names. She knew their history. She knew the families that made up the village. Without even meaning to, without realizing it, she had become one of them. The thought made her freeze. Weeks ago, she had thought frantically about escaping. But with every day that went by, her desire to escape reduced. It was like she had accepted her fate, and slowly resigned herself to this life. The thought scared her. Would she really abandon her family because of this people? How had this even happened? How had she opened her heart to them?
Deer Fawn looked at her worried, and she flashed a smile at the woman, yet thoughts consumed her mind. She really didn’t know what to do now. Everything had become complicated.
She went to the teepee but couldn’t find Bear Claw there. She just wanted to be in his arms. She knew it would make her feel better. She turned around and walked right into Anika. The woman wore a confident smile. Hannah didn’t like it.
“What do you want?” Hannah asked in the native language.
Anika looked surprised. Hannah smiled. She had been learning fast.
“Your people have come for you,” Anika said.
It was like the world had stopped to exist at the other woman’s words. “My people?” she asked with a quiver in her voice.
“White devils come for you,” Anika spat next to her. “You leave. He mine.”
She walked away with her smile intact. Hannah’s entire body shook. She did not want to believe it. The woman had to be lying, but as she looked around the village, there was a stillness to it. The children and women were nowhere to be found. She could hear the birds clearly as they flew overhead. Anika had not been lying.
As she made her way through the village, it was silent, yet she could feel the eyes peeking, and the ears listening. Her heart pounded as she raced towards the gates. They were closed, mounting them were more warriors than usual. They blocked her way.
“Let me through!” she glared at one of them. He did not budge. “Let me through!” her voice was louder.
There was a ruckus out in the front and the gates were pushed open. She gasped as she stared into the face of a white devil, one of hers. It was true. They had come for her. Her eyes rested on Bear Claw who looked angry.
“Go back Hannah!” Bear Claw snapped. Why had the men let her through?
“Ms. Hannah Thornton?” the man asked. He was dressed like a constable.
“Yes, that’s me,” she said breathlessly.
“Hannah.”
Her face swerved and for the first time she was relieved to see her stepfather. The man had gotten plump since the last time she saw him.
“We heard reports that you were here, but the chief denied it,” the officer said, glaring at Bear Claw.
“This is my territory, you will leave now,” Bear Claw said with steel in his voice. His men stiffened at his words, ready to fight if they were instructed.
“We came for the woman. You cannot keep her a prisoner,” the officer said.
“She’s not a prisoner. Ask her,” Bear Claw said softly.
All eyes rested on Hannah. Bear Claw. The warriors. The officer. Samuel. And the other men in the party. Her eyes lowered. And she said nothing. For he was right, she was not a prisoner.
“Bollocks! She has lain with the savage!” Samuel spat with disgust.
Bear Claw reached for him in the speed of lighting, grabbing the man in his hold. Samuel’s face turned red, and delight leapt in Hannah as he stuttered.
“Let go of him. You will not lay your hand on any of us,” the official threatened.
“Please Bear Claw,” Hannah said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder.
He let go of Samuel, pushing him to the ground. The man glared at him and then at Hannah. “I should never have listened to your mother pleas to look for you. You are as good as dead.”
