"Weare not going to Fort McKenzie any time soon." Gray Falcon's words were clipped.
"But, I thought… Didn't we only a moment ago speak of contracts and what is specifically in the document my mother brought with her?"
"We did."
"And, don't you need someone to be with you who can read English?"
"Saa. You and your sister have already put the feathered pen to paper. You have told us what the words are and their meaning that you wrote on that paper, and I have it in my possession. I need nothing else."
"But, I thought I was going with you."
Briefly, Gray Falcon shut his eyes and tried to keep his temper from manifesting itself to one and all. Standing as he and his wife were within the circle made by the five wickiups, he was certain everyone present could hear what he and his wife were saying. It was demeaning to him to have his friends witness what should have been a private conversation. Nevertheless, she wasnotgoing with him.
Opening his eyes, he observed the others around him—his sister; the woman, Sharon; Eagle Heart and Eagle Heart's wife—all pretending to not be listening. Inhaling deeply in order to bring a moment of calm to himself, he at last said, "You arenotgoing there with me. Why would I take you to a place where you could be stolen away from me? Do you not realize if I were to bring you with me, I would be doing you a great wrong?"
"Why would it be wrong? You're putting yourself in danger. You are risking your freedom and possibly your very life to go there. If you can do it, why shouldn't I be able to?"
"Because I am a man. It is my place to defend you; it is not your duty to do this. I realize we have been raised differently, but I can hardly believe I am having to educate you on the duties and differences between a man and a woman."
A few chuckles were heard within the camp, but she only responded with the words, "Oh? I think I know the difference."
"Do you?" he asked. "If you know this, then surely you realize a woman's duty is to raise her family, and by her very generous nature to bring her man into the knowledge of who he is, and, by doing this, bring him closer to the Creator. How can you accomplish this if you come with me and end up being stolen by the evil one?"
"I willnotbe stolen by him."
"This is true, becauseyou are not going with me."
"Oh!" She stamped her foot.
He almost responded to her with angry words, but instead Gray Falcon suddenly found himself grinning. He didn't want to laugh; he simply couldn't help himself.What a woman was his wife!
"Do not smile at me."
"I smile at you because I admire you," he said.
"You do?"
"Of course I do."
"Then, I can go?"
"Saa,you may not go. But, I still admire you."
"It doesn't matter. I am coming with you. Do you not understand, I need to be with you? I swear I will watch you like a hawk, and where you go, I will go, also."
He sighed. "Now hear me. I am the man in the family."
"I am aware of this."
Again he grinned. "I am glad you realize this. Now, it is my wish for you to stay here. What kind of warrior would I be if I let my wife walk into danger?Saa, it will not be, and this is my final word. Follow me all you wish; watch me carefully. But, if necessary, I will tie you up in our little hut so you cannot come with me."
"Oh! You wouldn't."
"If you try to come with me, I will do exactly as I have said," was all he uttered before he turned his back on her and walked away as calmly as he possibly could.
However, an image of his wife and his sister trailing after him only days ago caused him to stop, to turn around and to say, "No one is to aid my wife in following me to the fort. No one."
"Husband, no! This is not fair!"
