Eye for an Eye

Big Valley, February 1897

Runs with the Wind sat in the back of the lead wagon on the way to Hanging Dog Ranch in Big Valley, West Elizabeth. As usual, he was tied at the wrists and was accompanied by Abe, one of the Wyatts’ guards assigned to keep tabs on him. Bruises adorned his wrists where a rope was always tied to keep him from running away in between meetings, and he worked to try to loosen the ropes to give him some relief.

They were headed there to meet up with one of Samuel’s brothers, James, who owned the ranch. In the morning, Runs with the Wind would go with James, Samuel, and their men to meet up with a tribe of natives at Blackbone Forest. It would be the usual meeting; Samuel would try to convince them to give up their land and if they refused, Runs with the Wind would step in and work with them to strike a deal.

It had been six months since Samuel Wyatt had captured him, and six months of hell he endured working for him. Runs with the Wind was weak. For six months he was fed just enough to stay alive. He longed for something substantial; for food that would make him full instead of leaving him hungry. He was getting thinner by the day and had no strength left in him.

In the first couple months Runs with the Wind fought back any chance he could; charging at the guardsmen, trying to escape, trying to ruin deals. Anything to cause hell for the Wyatt family in hopes that they would either let him go or kill him. At that point he hadn’t really cared which outcome he would see. Anything would be better than being a slave to the Wyatts. Even death. They had broken him down and now he was just a shell of the man he once was.

Runs with the Wind learned, however, that neither of those two options were available. When he would disobey or defy the Wyatts, he would be beaten just to the brink of death. But they always made sure he lived. They needed him to carry out their plans and weren’t going to give up so easily.

Eventually, Runs with the Wind stopped pushing back. His body couldn’t take another beating, he was already bruised enough. As much as it pained him, he knew his only option was to obey their commands and ride it out until they either grew tired of him or he could make a clean escape.

As the wagon train approached Hanging Dog Ranch, they were met at the gate by James Wyatt. James had dark hair just like his brother, but sported thick side burns instead of a mustache.  He was dressed smartly, more like he was a banker instead of a ranch owner.

They pulled the wagons over next to the barn and Runs with the Wind was released from his ties. He was ushered out to help unpack the wagons as Samuel and James barked orders.  Once the wagons were unloaded, Abe grabbed Runs with the Wind and led him into the barn. Once they were inside, he was shoved into one of the stalls and his hands were once again tied. They went to great lengths to make sure Runs with the Wind was uncomfortable every step of the way and they did their job well. It had been months since Runs with the Wind had slept on anything other than a dirt floor and just as long since he had slept without his hands bound together.

At suppertime Samuel brought Runs with the Wind a small bowl of stew, just enough to slow his hunger. He was untied just long enough to eat the stew as Samuel watched him.

“You’ve become our greatest asset, my boy.” Samuel said as Runs with the Wind finished his stew. "You’ve made my family very wealthy, and that wealth will only grow larger. Once we’ve moved this tribe off their lands we’re heading west to New Austin. That state has been run by outlaws and bandits for far too long. Full of uncivilized folk like yourself ruining great lands.”

Runs with the Wind scoffed at the sound of Samuel calling him uncivilized.

“Don’t you get smart with me, boy!” Samuel said, raising his voice.

Runs with the Wind hated being called “boy,” now more than ever. Six months he had been held by Samuel Wyatt in all that time Samuel had never learned his name. He only referred to Runs with the Wind as “boy.” It was dehumanizing.

“Now you’ll do your job tomorrow and you’ll do it well. These people won’t be so easy to crack, they’re a resilient bunch. But once we crack them, it’s smooth sailing from here on out. And if you do this well, who knows. Maybe you’ll be upgraded to something other than a dirt floor to sleep on.”

Samuel smirked as he said it. It was an empty promise and Runs with the Wind knew that. Just an incentive to ensure that things go well tomorrow, Samuel had no real intentions of giving him upgraded sleeping quarters.

“Now get your rest, boy. Can’t have you looking so disheveled for our meeting tomorrow.”

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Runs with the Wind was suddenly woken up by the sound of gunfire and shouting. The guard that was assigned to watch Runs with the Wind ran over to the barn door and opened it slightly to see outside.

“It’s an ambush, we’re under attack!”

The guard and the other men who had been sleeping in the loft of the barn quickly grabbed their guns and rushed outside into the hail of gunfire, leaving Runs with the Wind tied up in one of the stalls. Runs with the Wind worked hastily to try and free himself. He wasn’t sure if the people attacking the ranch were friend or foe and he didn’t want to be a sitting duck.

As he tried to free himself, a group of men burst through the door. They were a mix of white men and natives, presumably men who had all had their land taken from them by the Wyatts.  The men split up to check the barn for anyone who might be hiding, when one of them came across Runs with the Wind.

“Hey Black Elk, you better come see this.” One of the white men said, gesturing to a young, native man.

Black Elk came over to Runs with the Wind and he let out a small chuckle.

“You must be the man we’ve been hearing so much about. Samuel Wyatt’s Native ally.”

“I’m no ally, I’m a prisoner. Runs with the Wind barked back. “If I were a true ally, do you think they would have me chained up in the barn?” He pleaded with the men, hoping they’d free him. “Samuel Wyatt has held me captive for months for making an attempt on his life. I’m no threat to you, but of no use either if you keep me tied up here.”

Black Elk thought for a moment then gestured to one of the other men to cut Runs with the Wind loose. When he was freed, Black Elk tossed him a rifle.

“Don’t make me regret this.”

Runs with the Wind rushed outside to see the chaos unfolding. He saw many of the Wyatts’ men laying lifeless on the ground, while the others feverishly tried to fight off their attackers. Runs with the Wind knew that this was his moment to escape, to get far away from the Wyatts. He looked around to quickly figure out an escape route. He looked around him to see some of Wyatt’s men fleeing into the valley, that wouldn’t work. Then he looked behind him toward the mountains.

“There.” He thought. It was the perfect route, no one would be crazy enough to follow him into the mountains in the middle of winter.

Runs with the Wind made his way to the main house, dodging bullets and guards and shooting anyone who got in his way. If he was going to run to the mountains, he needed supplies. He frantically rummaged through the house picking up provisions and ammunition and putting them into a satchel he found in the bedroom. Once he felt he was stocked enough he made his way out the front door.

As he exited the house and was headed to the hitching posts to fetch a horse, he tripped over something and fell to the ground.

“Oh no you don’t!” He heard a man shout.

Stunned, Runs with the Wind looked up to see the face of James Wyatt staring down at him.

“You’re not getting away from us that easily.” James said as he walked closer to Runs with the Wind.

The next few moments seemed to happen in slow-motion. Without giving it much thought, Runs with the Wind reached for his rifle and aimed it at James. He hesitated for a moment but pulled the trigger before James could react. In a flash, he watched as James fell backwards. Runs with the Wind shouldered his rifle and ran over to see James’ lifeless body laying in the mud, a bullet hole in his face.

As he stood over James Wyatt, he heard a man shout from across the ranch. It was Samuel.

“Shit.” He thought as he bent down to pick up James’ revolver from its holster and began firing. Samuel frantically tried to make his way over to James while shouting at his men to go after Runs with the Wind. Black Elk had seen what happened and he and the others provided cover fire for Runs with the Wind to make an escape.

“Go on, brother!” Black Elk shouted at Runs with the Wind as he made his way over to a chestnut and white horse. “We’ll take it from here, enjoy your newfound freedom.”

Runs with the Wind nodded at Black Elk as he grabbed a lantern and mounted the horse. He turned to look at Samuel, who was standing over his brother’s body.

“Now he knows my pain.” Runs with the Wind thought to himself. James wasn’t his intended target, but it still hurt Samuel all the same and he figured this would slow Samuel down.

“Hyah!” Runs with the Wind shouted as he pushed his new mount into motion. He jumped the fence and headed for the path that led up the mountain.

Runs with the Wind was soon followed by a group of men who began shouting and firing at him. Runs with the Wind pushed his horse to go faster and began weaving in and out of the trees to make him a harder target to hit. As he moved further up the mountain snow began to fall and he began to distance himself from his pursuers. Eventually, the men gave up.

“Leave him, he’ll die up there in the cold anyway.” One of the men had said.

Runs with the Wind didn’t look back, he only kept pushing further north. It wasn’t long before he came across a series of old buildings hidden among the trees and cliffs. Runs with the Wind slowed his horse as the buildings came into better view and he saw that it was an old mining camp.

When he reached the buildings Runs with the Wind dismounted and grabbed his lantern and rifle. He searched the buildings for signs of life but found none. He hitched his horse to the side of one of the buildings and took refuge in a small dilapidated shack. He decided this place was as good as any to rest for a while. He so desperately needed rest if he was going to survive up here. The shack had a small stove and a bed, two luxuries he hadn’t had in a long time. He found some firewood and matches in one of the other buildings and brought them over to the shack and lit a fire in the stove.

He sat close to the stove and pulled out a small box of biscuits from the satchel he had stolen. It had been a long time since he had felt the warmth of a fire. He could feel the fires slowly breathing life back into him, relieving his fingers and toes from the numbness he had felt from the cold. After sitting by the stove for some time, Runs with the Wind began to feel the exhaustion creeping in. For six months he had barely slept. Between the uncomfortableness of sleeping on the dirt with his hands tied and not knowing if or when they would beat him next, it was enough to make him restless. He could feel the heaviness in his eyelids more and more and moved over to the bed to lie down.

He had endured hell for six months, wishing each day that they would grow tired of him and end his life. But now, he no longer wished for that. Now, he was free at last. He closed is eyes and soon drifted off into a deep sleep.

Meeting at Citadel Rock Pt. 2

Meeting at Citadel Rock Pt. 2

Heartlands, 1896

When the wagon train pulled up to the meeting place near Citadel Rock, they were met by a group of tribal men and women. Everyone in the group looked either solemn or angry and Runs with the Wind’s heart ached for them. He knew these people would be losing their land today with the help of him. He was there to make the deal seem sweeter, but Runs with the Wind had never felt more bitter. He wanted to run; to tell these people to keep strong and fight for the land that was rightfully theirs. But it was too late. The wagons slowed to a stop and Samuel once again turned around to Runs with the Wind.

“I want you to listen to me very carefully, boy. The only things you are allowed to tell these…kind people are that they’d be better off findin’ land elsewhere. We’ll be payin’ them a generous sum which will be more than enough money. If they express any doubts, you are to reassure them that this is what’s best for them. Tell ‘em anything you can to get them to agree to this deal. Remember, your life…and now their lives are depending on you.”

Samuel laughed as he stepped down from the wagon and came around to the back. He knew what he was doing was wrong and he loved every minute of it. Runs with the Wind felt the sting of the words Samuel said. The lives of these poor people were in his hands now. If they didn’t hand over their land they’d surely be killed.

“Alright now we’re gonna untie you. Can’t have you lookin’ like a hostage in front of them.” Samuel and the man that had been with him in the back of the wagon both snickered at the remark. “You try to make a run for it and rest assured you’ll be sorry.”

Runs with the Wind was led out of the wagon and untied. It was the first time in almost 3 days he had been free of his ties.

As Runs with the Wind was led over to the tribal members, Samuel’s brother Thomas and his men arrived. Thomas was younger than Samuel, with shoulder-length hair and a clean-shaven face. He dressed differently than Samuel as well. Samuel dressed in suits while Thomas dressed like a rancher. He wore a pair of worn-out blue jeans and his boots had seen better days.

“Thomas, good to see you.” Samuel said as he shook Thomas’ hand. “Ready to get on with it?”

“No time like the present, Sam.” Thomas replied.

Thomas went over and greeted one of the older tribal men of the group.

“Sam, this is Chief Standing Bear, the leader of this tribe.” Thomas said as Samuel walked over to greet them.

“Thomas has told me a lot about you, chief.” Samuel said, shaking Standing Bear’s hand.

“Just as he has told me a lot about you, sir.” Standing Bear replied.

“Good good. Well I hope we can reach an agreement today.” Samuel remarked. “The sooner we get things moving along, the better.”

“Right, well…my people and I have talked things over and while your offer is generous, we just can’t give up our land. Our ancestors lived on this land and some are buried on this ground. While the land we own here is small, it means a great deal to us.” Standing Bear insisted.

Standing Bear spoke like a true leader of his people. He spoke calmly and with authority and made it very clear what his intentions were. Standing Bear reminded Runs with the Wind of Charging Bull, the chief of his own tribe. He cared greatly for his people and would do whatever he could to protect them.

“I was afraid you might say that.” Samuel replied, sounding disappointed and slightly irritated. “The money we have offered you is more than what this land is worth. It should be more than enough to help your tribe find new land and get back on your feet.”

“The money you have offered us matters little! Money cannot replace the memories, the stories, or the life this land holds. It’s not your land to take!” One of the other members charged back.

“That’s enough, Blue Feather.” Standing Bear replied to the young woman. “We must not let our tempers get the best of us.” Standing Bear then turned his attention back to Samuel. “I’m sorry sir, but you will have to purchase land elsewhere.”

Samuel was growing visibly frustrated. He knew the Indians would be insistent on keeping their land, but he wasn’t expecting them to refuse all their offers, no matter how much money he threw at them.

“I understand your concerns, I really do.” Samuel replied, trying to think of anything he can to get them to consider his offer.

“We have a young man with us that might be able to help you see our side of things.” He said as he motioned for Runs with the Wind to come forward. “This young man is a great ally to us. He understands what you are goin’ through. His people struck a deal with us a long time ago and now he works for us.”

Runs with the Wind fought to control his urge to laugh at Samuel’s remark. He had expected Samuel to tell some lies to make a sale, but he had never expected Samuel to use his own people as a pawn. To make it seem like his tribe had willingly given their land to the Wyatts was absurd and it made him sick. The longer he was in Samuel’s presence, the more he hated the man.

Samuel must have known what he was thinking, as he gave Runs with the Wind a cold, stern look.

“Now boy, don’t be shy.” Samuel said as he patted Runs with the Wind on the back. There was a forcefulness in the pat that warned Runs with the Wind he was on thin ice. “Why don’t you tell these fine people why they should sell us their land.”

Runs with the Wind walked up to Standing Bear and shook his hand. He was nervous. He was afraid that Samuel would turn on him and kill them all right there where they stood. He was afraid that he might accidentally say something Samuel didn’t like and be killed for that too. He knew he had to talk to the tribal members in private, where Samuel couldn’t hear.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Chief.” Runs with the Wind said as he nervously shook hands with the other members of the tribe.

“So…you work for the Wyatts?” Standing Bear asked, understandably confused by the concept.

Runs with the Wind briefly turned back to look at Samuel, who looked him dead in the eye with a cold expression. He turned back to Standing Bear and mustered up a reply.

“Yes, Chief.”

“Interesting, indeed.” Standing Bear replied, a questioning air about his voice. “Well then, do you agree that we should sell you our land?”

Runs with the Wind hesitated for a moment, trying to carefully compose his words. He wanted to appease the Wyatts without disappointing the chief. After a few moments, he turned back to Samuel.

“If I may, could I speak with the tribal members in private?”

He knew it was a bold question to ask, but he wanted to be able to talk to Standing Bear and tell him the real reason he should sell the Wyatts his land.

Samuel stood up straight, clearly taken back by the bold request. He seemed to ponder the question for a few moments which made Runs with the Wind nervous, but he wasn’t expecting his reply.

“I’ll allow it.” Samuel replied, much to everyone’s surprise. “But you stay within our sights, and no funny business you hear?”

“Yes, sir.” Runs with the Wind replied as he led the tribe a little ways away to keep out of earshot. He couldn’t believe Samuel had been so trusting. He hoped his plan would work.

As Runs with the Wind lead Standing Bear and the rest of the tribe away, the men that were with the Wyatts began to grab for their guns, assuming Runs with the Wind was trying to make an escape.

“Hold on, now.” Samuel replied, motioning the men to halt. “He can’t really be that stupid as to lead these people to their deaths. I want to see how this plays out.”

Once Runs with the Wind was far enough away from Samuel, he turned to Standing Bear.

“Listen to me, you need to give the Wyatts your land. I know its an absurd request and I don’t agree with it myself, but you have no other choice.” Runs with the Wind pleaded with them, the desperation clearly visible in his voice.

“Now son, you’re asking us to leave everything we’ve ever known behind and let the Wyatts turn this land into an oil field. You of all people should know what a ridiculous-“

“They took my people’s land too.” Runs with the Wind interrupted. “They took our land right out from under us and sold it to Leviticus Cornwall, just like they’ll do to your land.”

“Then why are you-“ Standing Bear tried to cut in again but Runs with the Wind was insistent on making his point.

“They killed my brother. They’re ruthless, evil men who have no problem with murdering innocent people. I don’t work for them - they captured me and are holding me hostage to use me as a pawn. If this deal doesn’t work out for them, they’ll kill me. Just like they killed my brother. And they’ll probably kill you too if you don’t surrender your land. Please. I beg you to consider their offer.”

Tears were starting to form in Runs with the Wind’s eyes as he pleaded with them to take the offer. He needed them to see how important this deal was, even if it meant reopening old wounds.

“Don’t put your people through unnecessary turmoil. Take their offer and move far away from here, away from the Wyatts. My people left these lands and headed north; you could do the same.”

Standing Bear pondered for a moment, visibly moved by the testimony Runs with the Wind had given him. These lands were sacred to him and he hated to see them defiled by white men and their lust for money, but he knew he had no other choice.

“It appears that you are right, my son. I fear we have no other choice. Though we are strong, my people are few. We cannot fight for our land like we once could. It seems as though it is time for us to move on.”

Runs with the Wind wiped the tears from his eyes and reached out to shake Standing Bear’s hand.

“Thank you, Chief. And I’m sorry.”

“I am sorry too, son. But this world is changing, and our time is drawing short.”

Runs with the Wind led the group back to Samuel, where Standing Bear reached out to shake Samuel’s hand.

“It appears as though we have no other choice. We will accept your offer.”

“Wonderful news!” Samuel replied enthusiastically. He was surprised his plan had worked so well.

“Thomas has the papers and your money right over here for you.” He said as he gestured over to one of Thomas’ wagons. “We’re very happy we could come to an agreement.”

Once the papers were signed and everything was squared away, the men loaded back into the wagons. Runs with the Wind was led back into Samuel’s wagon, much to his surprise. He had expected them to let him go once the deal was done.

“You did well today, boy.” Samuel said to him, patting him on the shoulder. “You’re gonna make me a lot of money.”

“What do you mean ‘going to’? I did what you asked, now let me go.” Runs with the Wind demanded.

Samuel and the other men began to laugh.

“Did you really think we would just let you go once we were finished, boy? Do you think we’re stupid enough to just let you walk free and give you another chance to try to kill me again?”

Runs with the Wind was confused and angered. He had been taken for a fool.

“I thought you only needed me to help you with this deal, what more do you need me for?” Runs with the Wind asked.

“My boy, there are many other Indians out there just like these folks who are sitting’ on gold mines. There’s land all over this country to be bought and sold for profit; this is only the beginning!” Samuel smirked as he leaned closer to Runs with the Wind. “I don’t intend on stopping until every last Indian is off this land.”

Runs with the Wind felt his anger from the other night resurfacing. Without thinking, he lunged at Samuel and struck him, knocking Samuel to the ground. One of Samuel’s men picked up Runs with the Wind and threw him against the side of the wagon and held his gun to Runs with the Wind’s head.

“Don’t shoot him, we need him!” Samuel said as he picked himself up and brushed the dirt off his coat. He caught his breath and moved closer to Runs with the Wind until he was in his face. “Don’t you ever lay a hand on me again, boy!” He said raising his voice. “I won’t kill you, but you can be damn sure I’ll make your life miserable while you’re in my custody.”

“What makes you think I would ever continue to work for you?” Runs with the Wind replied through gritted teeth. Being thrown against the wagon had knocked the wind out of him, and that paired with his growing anxiety were making it hard to breathe.

“Funny you should ask. You see, I had a backup plan in mind in case things went sour. I’ve got a cousin who owns some ranches up north on the other side of the Grizzlies. When your tribe fled north last year, they passed through my cousin’s land and settled not far from him.”

A lump began to form in Runs with the Wind’s throat. After he was captured, he had figured that Samuel had been keeping tabs on him, but he hadn’t expected Samuel to be following the rest of his tribe.

“You do anythin’ to defy me and I’ll send word to him. Now he’s a bit of a wild man, not as civilized as us folk down here. At my command, he’ll slaughter your entire family and not think twice about it.”

Runs with the Wind couldn’t tell if Samuel was telling the truth or if he was just spinning lies to get Runs with the Wind to comply, but he didn’t want to take the chance. His people had found somewhere safe to settle and he didn’t want to be the one to ruin that.

“Alright, alright.” Runs with the Wind desperately replied. “I’ll do what you ask, just don’t hurt my family.” His breaths were drawing shorter and heavier and the sound of desperation was heavy in his voice.

“Good boy.” Samuel said, knowing he had won.

“Now, Clyde.” He said, speaking to the man who had accompanied Runs with the Wind in the back of the wagon. “Why don’t you men take this wagon and head over to Emerald Ranch. Thomas and I have got some business to attend to with Leviticus Cornwall. Once we’re finished, we’ll meet you there.”

“Yes, sir.” Clyde replied as he shoved Runs with the Wind into the wagon.

“And make sure that one is good and tied up. Can’t have our greatest asset escapin’ on us.”

“Don’t worry, sir. He won’t get away from us.” Clyde replied, grabbing a length of rope.

“Good. Now, get used to this boy, you’ll become very familiar with the back of that wagon.”

Samuel laughed as he climbed into Thomas’ wagon and they rode off toward Cornwall Kerosene and Tar.

Runs with the Wind was so angry he felt like his blood was boiling. The past three days had been hell, and from the sound of it this was only the beginning. He had worked so hard and come so close only to live out the rest of his days as a slave to the Wyatt family. He needed to find a way out somehow. He wanted now more than ever for every member of the Wyatt family and everyone associated with them to pay for the crimes they committed. He wanted every last one of them to suffer the way he and his people had. He knew he would do whatever it took to taste freedom once again. He just needed to be patient.

Meeting at Citadel Rock Pt. 1

Tall Trees, 1896

Runs with the Wind was woken up with the familiar punch to the stomach.

“Rise and shine, boy. We’ve got a long ride ahead of us.”

He hated that the kept calling him boy. He was more of a man than any of the men at the camp; he had earned the right to be called a man. His disgust must have shown on his face and it caught the eye of Samuel, who was standing by the fire sipping a cup of coffee.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Do you not like us callin’ you boy? Well then, let’s come up with somethin’ else.”

Samuel paused for a moment as he put down his coffee and began to walk towards Runs with the Wind.

“How about…savage. Would you prefer that? I mean…that’s what you are anyway. That’s what you all are!”

Samuel always spoke in a way that demanded an audience; like every word he was saying was the most important thing in the world. Maybe that was why he was so powerful. He could bend anyone to his will with the charismatic way he spoke. Perhaps that was why Runs with the Wind was crazy enough to agree to help him.

“With your primitive ways of life and lack of respect for authority you are nothin’ but a bunch of savages. You can’t see the world changing around you and soon enough the weight of the world will crush you all. Would you prefer us to call you savage? Because that can be arranged.”

Runs with the Wind didn’t say anything. He was too angry to speak, and he knew that if he said anything, he’d soon regret it. His eye hurt terribly from the night before and he didn’t want to bring any more pain upon himself.

“That’s what I thought.” Samuel replied. “Now, let’s get you some food. We’ve got a two-day journey ahead of us and we can’t have you dyin’ of starvation before we get there.”

The way Samuel spoke made it seem as if he was being so generous, allowing Runs with the Wind the luxury of food to eat. The longer he was in his presence, the more Runs with the Wind wanted to kill him.

Once the wagons were packed, Runs with the Wind – with hands tied behind his back - was placed in the back of Samuel’s lead wagon. He was accompanied in the back by the man whose punch he had become all too familiar with.

“Can’t have you escaping’ out the back of the wagon now can we.” Samuel smirked as he climbed into the passenger seat of the wagon.

Runs with the Wind didn’t fight being thrown into the wagon. He was exhausted and just glad to be able to lie down for a while. He had barely slept the night before. Sleeping standing up while tied to a tree wasn’t the most comfortable way to sleep and the sound of wolves running through the forest 

made him feel uneasy.

He had asked himself many times throughout the night why he had agreed to help Samuel. Why didn’t he just let Samuel kill him? All he could think about was his brother, that’s what kept him going. He wanted to be able to look Samuel Wyatt in the face as he took his last breath. Being Samuel’s hostage was by no means ideal, but it kept Runs with the Wind close to him. He was hoping to learn more about Samuel on this trip; to learn who he kept close and who his enemies were. Any information to take the advantage and make sure his next assassination attempt was successful once he was finished being Samuel’s pawn.

  

The journey to New Hannover was relatively smooth. Runs with the Wind was thankful to be able to finally get some much-needed rest, though the floor of a wagon wasn’t much of an upgrade from the tree. He had hoped to be able to overhear any plans or business dealings Samuel had going, but the trip had remained fairly quiet. Perhaps, Samuel knew he’d be listening and was careful not to give anything away.

As they crossed the Dakota River into New Hannover on the second day, the wagon train was met by a stagecoach accompanied by escorts. The wagons slowed to a stop and two smartly dressed gentlemen stepped out of the coach.

“Ah, Elias, William! Good to see you both.” Samuel greeted the men as he stepped down from the wagon. Runs with the Wind was ordered by one of the men to stay put, but he inched to the front of the wagon to try and get a better look.

“So, Elias. I trust everything is in order with Mr. Cornwall?” Samuel asked Elias, the older of the two gentlemen.

Runs with the Wind couldn’t get a good look at them, but from what he could see he could tell they came from money. The two gentlemen wore black suits with gold pocket watches in their breast pockets. Elias donned a top hat and William wore a bowler hat.

“Ah yes, everything is ready to go, assuming your meeting today goes as planned.”

This must have been what Samuel was talking about the other night. If the Wyatts buy the land at Citadel Rock, they must be selling right to Leviticus Cornwall.

Runs with the Wind had never met Leviticus Cornwall as he was just a boy when their land was taken from them to make way for Cornwall Kerosene and Tar. Cornwall had found their land to be the prime location to expand his business and wanted to acquire it by any means necessary. Cornwall had enlisted the help of George Wyatt who had talked Runs with the Wind’s tribe into giving up the land, making it seem like they had no other choice. Ever since their land was taken, his tribe was forced to move around, constantly running from the white man. Runs with the Wind hoped he wouldn’t have to meet with Cornwall after this was over. He just wanted his freedom.

“If this deal goes well you will make Mr. Cornwall a very happy man, and all of us richer beyond belief.” William chimed in. “Let’s hope those Indians know what’s best for them and surrender the land peacefully.”

“Don’t worry, William. We’ve got just the thing to ensure that they comply.” Samuel gestured over to the wagon where Runs with the Wind was sitting. “We’ll make sure he convinces them.”

Runs with the Wind moved back out if sight. He didn't want Samuel to see that he was listening in to the conversation, though he figured Samuel knew. 

Samuel and the two men said their goodbyes as the men stepped back into the coach and rode off toward Cornwall Kerosene and Tar. Samuel stepped up into the passenger seat of the wagon and turned around to look at Runs with the Wind.

“Alright, boy. You’ll do just as I say and nothing more. There’s a lot ridin’ on this deal and I don’t need you screwin’ it up, ya hear? You so much as take one step outta line and you’ll be shot dead before you can say freedom.”

Runs with the Wind looked Samuel in the eye, a twisted, angry look on his face. He wanted so badly to put a bullet in his head, but he knew any move he made would get him killed as well. He just nodded in compliance as Samuel turned back around.