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Our Wagon Train saga continues, in the aftermath of the tragic accident, the train pushes forward. As Nathan continues to fight his feelings for Katie, some changes occur as some new settlers join the train at Fort Halleck. New relationships and problems will arise, as the Wagon Master tries to keep order and keep everyone safe...
Her mother had Mr. Tanner, or 'Lucas' as he wants her to call him to lean on, whom did she have? She looked up at Seamus into his kind, attractive face. "Hope you don't mind I am playing with him again Seamus. I don't mean to keep him all to myself..."
Seamus looked down at the sad young girl. "It's ok Cheri-Sue, I understand, besides, Dublin loves attention. Play with him all you want." Cheri-Sue ran to Seamus and hugged him tight. She began to cry softly. "Oh Seamus, I feel so sad! When is it going to stop hurting so much? I feel like I want to cry all the time!"
Seamus patted her back. "You go ahead and cry all you want lass. I am here for you. No one understands more than I what you are feeling, we will help each other, Ok?"
She nodded her head vigorously and held Seamus tighter. Only Seamus understood, it was if her mother had all but forgotten her father, for the sake of peace she accepted Lucas Tanner, but it was hard. Cheri-Sue wiped her tears. "I love you Seamus..." she said tremulously. "You are my best friend, the best one I have ever had. Thank you."
Seamus patted her shoulder and walked away.
He felt all warm inside, never had he had such a good friend either, he could talk to Cheri-Sue about anything.
And in their shared loss, a bond had been formed, a bond stronger than either of them realized. The wagon train stopped at Fort Halleck for a few days, to take on some needed supplies and also as directed by the Overland Stage Company, a few more passengers.
Nathan will interview the people in question and decide whether they are up to the journey.
Over the years Nathan has become quite adept at reading a person's character, at least until lately he had. Nathan set up shop in the fort's mess hall to do the interviews.
He could not believe his eyes when a brazen saloon girl walked boldly up to his desk.
"Before you even speak, I must tell you the answer is no, you cannot join the wagon train." Nathan said firmly. "We don't take your kind." Lucinda Moore snorted derisively. "My kind? Just what do you mean? I have money, good money earned honestly! I can pay my way!" She looked down at her mode of dress. "Obviously I will not be wearing this on the trail!"
Nathan shook his head. "What I mean is I do not allow single women travelling alone on my wagon train. That is all." Lucinda was livid. What exactly did that wagon master take her for? Lucinda saw the look of distaste on his face!
She only worked in the saloon to raise enough money to continue her way West, now because she was alone and a woman she was going to be penalized! The social prejudice she has been subjected to!
She suddenly spotted a man making his way toward the mess hall where Nathan was holding the interviews. She motioned him over. "I beg your pardon, but are you applying to join the wagon train?" Lucinda inquired.
The man put his hands on his hips, and looked at her quizzically. "I might be, what is it to you?"
"I have a proposition for you, I want to head West, but the wagon master will not allow a single woman, I was wondering if I could join your party, I will pay you!" Lucinda said urgently. The man snorted and looked her up and down. "You?? Is this some sort of joke because 'lady', and I use that term loosely, I am not amused."
"How dare you sir!" Lucinda snapped. "I don't care much for your tone at all! I am making a legitimate business proposition! Regardless of my attire, I am a respectable woman! How ungallant of you to make assumptions about my person!" For all Lucinda's outrage, inside she was deeply hurt; she has had to put up with these prejudices ever since she took the job at the saloon.
Suddenly Corey Callahan felt some regret over his snide remark. "Wait a moment," he called out to a departing Lucinda. "I am willing to hear your proposition."
Inwardly he thought, I could use the money, no mistake! "Name is Morgan Harding." The man said quietly. "I have a wife and 2 children. We have a farm nearby but...well events accumulated and we need a fresh start. I don't have much money..." his voice trailed off.
Nathan looked at the man's face, it was tired; stress and hardship deeply etched in his features. He felt a pang of understanding and sympathy for the man and his family. He liked the look of the man; despite his hardships, he looked proud and stoic. "Mr. Harding, I will take you on, I may be able to save you some money, there is a man Lucas Tanner that may be willing to sell you his wagon at a reasonable price. I can try and help you get a good deal on some supplies as well if you wish it."
Morgan gulped deeply. "That is most kind Sir."
"Do you have any experience tracking?" Nathan asked.
"As a matter of fact, I do. I was a scout attached to Fort Edward some years back, before I got married." Morgan stated.
"Excellent, I can hire you as our scout, you can earn a wage as we cross the terrain. Deal Harding?" Morgan left the wagon master. He sighed, his breath ragged and full of fatigue. He really did not want the job offered, but his family had to eat. They were near starved out now, hardly any possessions left, most sold off to try and keep the farm going.
Well, the contracts were signed, the deal was done.
Now he just had to convince his wife that heading further West was going to improve their situation. Corey stood before the wagon master. He explained he was a recent graduate from medical school and was heading to California to set up a practice in one of the many newly created towns. He explained his spinster sister would be travelling with him.
Nathan looked the man in eye and decided to take him on, they could use the skills of a doctor on the rest of the trip, it would take some of the worry off his own back. "All right Callahan, you can join us the rest of the way to California. I will be asking you to see to the medical needs of the other passengers, don't worry, I will see the Overland Stage Company pays you a small stipend for your services. It will be good practice for you...agreed?"
Corey nodded a little nervously. "Yes, agreed."
"Fine, we pull out in three days, be back here with a wagon and here is a list of supplies I recommend." Nathan handed him a piece of paper. Corey came back outside. "He bought the story, so we will split the cost of the wagon and supplies and you will pay me 200.00 now and 200.00 more when we reach our destination, agreed?"
Lucinda laughed shortly. "That sir is highway robbery! I am not rich! You are taking unfair advantage, I must protest!"
Corey shrugged. "I am not unreasonable, let's say 100.00 then each way. Meet me here tomorrow and we will make our purchases. I told him you were my sister, Lucinda Callahan."
Lucinda spit in her hand and held it out. "This is how we seal the deal Mr. Callahan."
He looked a little disgusted, but shrugged again and spit and shook. He walked off. The next day, Corey waited patiently for Lucinda Moore to join him. A young lady in a red calico dress walked up to him, he glanced at her briefly and looked away.
"Mr. Callahan, you do not recognize me?" Lucinda said in an amused tone.
Corey looked again. Good Lord, it was she! What a difference with all the face paint taken off! She actually had a fresh pretty face! And her hair looked, softer somehow.
"You best call me Corey if we are to pull off this sibling act, All right Lucinda?" "Ok Corey, brother dear..." she laughed heartily. Corey smiled, such a transformation! She did not look at all like the trollop he spoke to yesterday.
"Shall we go and make our purchases Lucinda?" he said.
Lucinda nodded. She never really looked at Corey closely before, he was very pleasant looking and had soft kind eyes. Maybe they could become friends... "Ah, Sergeant Fincher! There you are, we have been waiting for your arrival for a few days now. Came in with the wagon train, I see. I have some news for you. I would hope you consider it good news, first, you have been promoted. Congratulations Lieutenant Fincher!"
Jeb saluted Colonel Seth MacKinnon. "Thank you sir."
"Your welcome Lieutenant, also you have been transferred effective immediately." Jeb smiled slightly. "Back East Sir?" he asked hopefully.
"No Lieutenant, you have been transferred to the Arizona Territory to Fort Bravo, there you will serve under Colonel Smithson. He's a good man, and he looks forward to your arrival. You can travel with the wagon train a bit further before you head south. It is in an isolated area, but I am sure you will do fine, Dismissed Lieutenant." The Colonel smiled.
Jeb struggled to hide his disappointment, further West and South? That is not where he wanted to go! Jeb saluted. "Thank you, Sir." At the Harding farmhouse, Morgan's wife Marie and his son Jacob are having a bite. "Eat up Jacob, this is the last of the flour," Marie said wearily. "Save some for your sister."
"Will Dad be able to buy us a wagon?" Jacob said in between bites of flapjacks.
Marie sighed. "Who knows Jacob, if so we will head back East. We have had enough of farming!"
Morgan walked in the cabin and motioned to Marie to join him in the next room. "Well? What's the verdict?" Marie said, her voice dripping with distain.
"I got us a wagon and a place on the Overland Trail heading toward California." Morgan said quietly.
"WHAT??? You are a brainless, foolish man, Morgan! We should be heading back East, back to my family in Ohio. They can put us up until we are back on our feet! I don't want to go further West!" Marie screamed, folding her arms in defiance. "I am not going back to your family as a failure!" Morgan barked. "This is a chance for a fresh start for us all! Things have been so bad for so long, espically between us. California is a land of opportunity! This is a chance for us to be a family again!"
Marie scoffed. "I don't love you anymore Morgan, I haven't for a long time. I am so weary of pretending!"
Those words sliced Morgan deeply, for he still loved Marie, in spite of the vitriol she spat at him. "It is done, the wagon and supplies are bought, I was hired on as a scout." "Then you will be going to California alone Morgan. I am taking the children and going to Ohio. I have had enough of digging through dirt, scraping for every bite, watching Jacob and Emily go hungry! I have already written my parents, and they are sending train tickets to me."
"You can't do this, you cannot take away the children from me..." Morgan said softly through clenched teeth.
"I can and I will. Go to California Morgan, there is nothing for you here..." Marie walked away.
Morgan's heart split in two, the woman he loved...rejecting him and taking away his beloved children. The emotional devastation was complete. "Well, this is a treat MacIntyre, you can cook as well? A man of many talents!" Jeb laughed.
"Did I tell you how glad I am you will be travelling a little further with us Sergeant..." Nathan sneered.
"No, but I am glad to hear it, nonetheless! And it is Lieutenant now. But seriously, I would prefer if you called me Jeb, I am just another passenger."
Nathan cleared his throat. "Yes, well...fair enough Jeb. And Nathan will suit me. Enjoy your breakfast." Nathan put the plate in front of the soldier. Lucas had grabbed a plate of flapjacks and sat next to Jeb. "So I hear you are going to be with us a while longer Lieutenant. Perhaps you can inform me where on this trail a man might get hitched?"
Jeb paused thoughtfully. "You and the widow Roseland? Well, I think there is a preacher at Fort Bridger. It will be some weeks before you reach it. Can you wait that long?" Jeb teased. Nathan came over to clear the plates. "What's this Tanner? Marriage? I never would have believed it if you told me at the beginning of this trip..."
"Maybe it is something you should consider, you should grab that spitfire Irish girl and tie the knot. Maybe it will make you more human!" Lucas laughed.
Jeb began to snicker good-naturedly.
Nathan glared at them both. "Mind your business!" He roared.
Nathan walked away listening to the two men laugh at his expense. Finally, restocked and supplied, with new passengers and fresh horses, the wagon train continued on. The terrain was going to get rougher, more mountainous. Getting the wagons through such ground was going to be a challenge. Also there was the chance they would run into snow in the higher elevations, especially at the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains.
There would also be less water and hotter dryer conditions. Morgan Harding did buy Lucas Tanner's wagon, as Lucas was now travelling with Dorothy Roseland and her daughter. Morgan was alone. Marie was adamant in her declaration, so Morgan sold back some of the supplies and presented himself to the Wagon Master.
Nathan raised an eyebrow at the man being solo, but he figured it was none of his business.
When Nathan needed Morgan to scout ahead, it was agreed that Lucas would drive his wagon for him. Morgan has hardly spoken a word since joining the wagon train. He eats alone and keeps to himself during the evenings when they are making camp.
He still felt miserable and lonely, his heart shattered into bits over his family being torn apart. But he was determined to make something of himself, then maybe Marie would see sense, and join him later when he had made a proper home for them all. At least, that is what he told himself. Doctor Corey Callahan had his own worries and concerns. He noticed the wagon master looking Lucinda up and down with a quizzical look, like he had seen her before, but the moment passed thankfully. After their initial harsh words, he found Lucinda to be passable company, even if she was a saloon tramp. She did her fair share of the work; he admired that.
Now if he could just get over his nervousness at practicing medicine...he silently prayed no one got seriously injured or sick on the wagon train.
Jeb rode with Nathan most days, they talked quite a bit and grew to like and respect each other a great deal. Jeb learned some of Nathan's past, but there still was a part he sensed Nathan kept hidden from everyone.
Jeb was not a man who made friends easily, in spite of his sly wit, nor was Nathan for that matter, but the men soon found a friendship blossoming between them nonetheless. A few days later, Jeb went over to the chuck tent to get some fresh coffee. The pretty Irish girl was stoking up the fire to cook some breakfast. Jeb had noticed the young lady when he was introduced to her, she was attractive no doubt about it, but he also noticed how she looked longingly at the Wagon Master. Nathan in turn avoided her gaze for some reason.
Jeb wondered what was going on between the two.
His curiosity would soon get the best of him. "Good Morning Miss O'Toole! Lovely start to the day, but I feel it is going to get a little hot later in the afternoon." Jeb said politely.
"Good Morning to you Lieutenant, what can I fix you for breakfast? It would be my pleasure." Katie said.
"Hmmm...something with meat and heat to it would be just the ticket." Jeb replied.
Katie laughed. "Sit down Lieutenant and I will see what I can do." Katie put some bacon in the fry pan and got a cup of coffee and also joined Jeb at the table. She cast sidelong glances at him, he had wonderful dark good looks, and those grey-blue eyes were penetrating and appealing. She also enjoyed his dry wit, and the frank and open way he dealt with people, as she was soon to find out.
"Miss O'Toole, I hope you don't take umbrage about what I am going to ask, but I sense something between you and MacInytre, is it anything I can assist you with?"
Katie took a sip of coffee. The gall of the man! But she looked at his face, and saw he was genuinely concerned for her. "Call me Katie, Lieutenant. I thank you for the asking, but Nathan has made it very clear he wants nothing to do with me. I will have to accept it."
Jeb shook his head. "I knew the man was stubborn, but I never would have thought him stupid as well. He told you this?"
"In so many words yes, though his actions have spoken differently." Katie pressed her lips together, she felt uncomfortable talking about this with another man, especially one she did not know very well. "Call me Jeb Katie. My advice is don't give up on him, I spent 3 days and nights on the trail with him and I have also been talking with him quite a bit and I have got a sense of his character, he is greatly troubled about something from his past. I am a fine one to give advice about love never having been in it, but I see the way he looks at you, and you at him. Seems a shame to let it pass by."
Katie just nodded, letting Jeb's words sink in.
Nathan again clenched his fists as he watch Katie in intimate conversation with a man. Why did his blood race every time he looked her way? Why did his blood boil every time she spoke to another man? That night, with the camp set up, all was quiet except for insects chirping and the odd coyote howling mournfully. Lucas and Dorothy share a private moment beneath the stars.
"The Lieutenant says there is a preacher at Fort Bridger, we shall get married there, if that is OK with you. Not much time to be the grieving widow out here on the trail..." Lucas whispered.
"No..." Dorothy said breathlessly. "I want to be married to you Lucas, the sooner the better. I want us to be together, in all ways."
Lucas kissed her nose affectionately. "I'd better get to my bedroll before you tempt me further." Early the next evening, Lucinda had noticed the way Morgan Harding kept to himself. He looked so sad all of the time. She decided to invite him to eat a meal with her and Corey, to break the ice.
"Good evening Mr. Harding. My brother and I were wondering if you would join us for supper, it is not much, but it's brown, hot and lots of it!" she smiled at her own little joke.
Morgan looked up into Lucinda's face. "I...I don't think so, but thanks." he mumbled. "Mr. Harding, you should not stay so much on your own, come now, a little conversation will do you no harm. I promise I will not pry into your personal business. My brother is about your age, he can be quite talkative once he gets going!" Lucinda smiled sweetly.
Morgan cleared his throat. "Thank you anyways, but I must decline."
"Perhaps tomorrow evening you will be more inclined..." Lucinda said politely but firmly.
"Tomorrow morning I am going out scouting ahead of the train, I will be gone for a few days." Morgan stated.
"Then you shall have supper with us upon your return, I will not take no for an answer Mr. Harding! I bid you good-night." Lucinda walked away.
Morgan watched her walk away very closely, his jaw working furiously. He did not know what to make of the attractive young woman.
Cheri-Sue just celebrated her 14th birthday, and Seamus could not get over the difference in her appearance. Gone were all vestiges of girlhood, she was a young lady now.
Seamus for reasons he could not fathom, was feeling strange in Cheri-Sue's presence all of the sudden. His heart did a flip in his chest whenever he saw her. The easy way he could converse with her had all but disappeared. Cheri-Sue also felt a little different in Seamus' company. Her girlish infatuation had grown into something more complicated. To look into his glorious face near took her breath away. But she hid it as best she could "Good evening Seamus..." Cheri-Sue whispered softly.
"Good Evening Cheri." Seamus suddenly was at a loss for words, all he could do was stare into her big brown eyes. "How are you doing Cheri, feeling any better about your Pa?" Seamus asked kindly.
Cheri shrugged. "I dunno, it is hard, but it hurts a little less each day..."
Seamus impulsively hugged Cheri close. "It will hurt less, but your Pa will always be with you inside, just like my Da is with me, you'll see."
They stood together in the embrace for some time. Finally they parted. As Cheri walked away, Seamus felt a pain stab him squarely in the heart. He may be young, but he recognized that he was developing deep feelings for Cheri-Sue Roseland, feelings that went way beyond friendship.
He suddenly felt a sense of loss, for at the end of the trail, he would never see her again, and that filled him with an overwhelming wave of remorse.
He hung his head in sadness. Morgan rode out ahead, and after 2 days of riding and scouting, he came across a small cluster of buildings out in the middle of nowhere. He dismounted and was about to investigate when a young Indian woman emerged from the log structure.
"Good Day, can I assist you?" she spoke in perfect English. "I am Morgan Harding, scout with the Overland Stage Company. There is a wagon train a couple of days ride behind me. And you are...?" Morgan asked formally.
"I am Running River, and this is the St. Bartholomew Mission, or what is left of it. There is just my brother and I and Sister Mary Frances and Sister Veronica left." She stated somewhat sadly.
A young Indian man stepped out and greeted Morgan. He said his name was Scar, and it was apparent why, he had a large gash on his cheek. He was Running River's older brother. He also spoke English well, no doubt taught by the nun's here at the mission, Morgan surmised.
Scar explained that Cholera had decimated the mission some months back, wiping out almost the entire Indian population staying there. The very few that survived had left; only the two of them remained. Sister Mary Frances, the mother superior came out and introduced herself and the younger nun, a novice.
He explained who he was, and asked if the train could camp at the mission for a day or two.
"We don't have much, but what we have we will gladly share." Said the older nun. "Do you think we could join your wagon train? We want to get to our mission in Chino, California there is nothing left for us to do here..." her voice trailed off sadly.
Morgan nodded. 'When I ride back to the train, I will put your proposal to the Wagon Master." Nathan made his way back toward the wagon train, after a day and a half, he found them stopped at a waterfall, filling up the barrels with the fresh water.
"There you are Harding! I was wondering where you got to, what is your report?"
Morgan filled Nathan in on the sad state of the mission and it's occupants and their request to join the train all the way to California. Nathan rubbed his whiskered jaw. "I will decide when we get there, I will talk to the nuns. Come, help us with the water...Lord knows when we will come across another fresh source." After arriving at the mission, and seeing to the other settlers, Nathan sought out the Mother Superior, Sister Mary Frances. He listened intently to her tale; she stated there would be her, a younger nun, and two Indian siblings. Nathan drew a sharp intake of breath. Indians were genuinely frowned upon as passengers, not by him as much as the company. The other settlers may object as well.
Nathan explained to the nun the unofficial rule. Sister Mary Frances was crushed. She thought for a moment, then said, "But they are half white! Doesn't that count for something? I cannot leave them behind, they have been with us for years, ever since their father the late Chief Sachem left them in my care!"
Nathan saw the look of desperation on the older woman's face. "I make the ultimate decision in these matters, if you can guarantee they will be no trouble, I will allow it." Sister Mary Frances was elated. "They are wonderful, well behaved young people Mr. MacIntyre, there will be no trouble."
"I might as well tell you right now some of the settlers may not like it, they can hold a meeting of the Association and demand they be not allowed to join. You best prepare yourself for that eventuality. I have a young Doctor travelling with us, I want him to examine you all before we pull out." Nathan said in a firm, but kind voice. Later that afternoon, Sister Veronica was looking around the mission to see what they could take with them, when she saw a man emerge from the woods. It was an Indian. She squinted into the afternoon setting sun, it couldn't be him...he left months ago after the cholera outbreak; he said he would never return! Veronica's heart skittered madly in her chest. As he strode closer, she could make out the breadth of his shoulders, it had to be him! Veronica began to run toward the man, and impulsively jumped into his arms. "Flying Eagle! I thought I would never see you again!" She embraced him affectionately.
Flying Eagle smiled broadly. "I could not stay away..."
He twirled Veronica around in his arms, they both laughed.
Veronica sighed contentedly. Just being in his arms made her forget everything else. At last they parted. Flying Eagle felt his heart soar for the first time in months, he was so happy to see Veronica. "I tried to forget you...it did not work." he said quietly.
Veronica looked into his handsome face. "I could not forget you either..." she whispered.
Flying Eagle took a step closer. "Your...your vows, did you take them?"
Veronica looked at her hands. "No, not yet. I will not be able to until I get to the Chino Mission."
Flying Eagle pulled Veronica close. "I came back for you. My life empty without you...we can be together. Great Bear is camped not far, we can leave now!" he cried passionately.
Veronica stroked his strong jaw line. Every fibre of her being was screaming at her to run away now with this splendid man, abandon her life of service.
Ever since he and his brother and mother came to the mission 2 years ago, she had been attracted to him, she fought it, but to no avail.
When Flying Eagle's elderly mother died in the cholera outbreak, he and his brother left, heartbroken. She remembered the empty feeling she had as she watched him ride off, she did not want to feel that again. However Veronica pulled away from Flying Eagle; her emotions were in turmoil. "I...I don't know what to do!" she cried. "I need to think about it, please give me a day or two to consider, that is when the wagon train pulls out for California."
Flying Eagle looked deeply disappointed. "I will come back tomorrow for answer..." He turned and walked away.
Veronica felt tears form in her eyes, what was she to do? To be with him she would have to give up the only life she had ever known, live rough, travel the prairies, what would they live on? Nathan informed the Association of the new passengers, there was a lot of grumbling, and Mr. Thompson shouted his objections, but ultimately it was decided they could join, but they would be on suffrage. First sign of trouble, and they would be cut loose.
Nathan began to whip up some of his flapjacks in the mission kitchen, he sighed deeply, the struggles continued.
The nuns and the Indian siblings attached themselves to Morgan Harding's party. Scar would drive the wagon as he scouted. Corey was informed by Nathan to examine the new members as soon as possible. He found Running River reading a book. He stopped, frozen in his tracks. She was breathtaking.
Running River looked up from her book and drew a sharp intake of breath. Her cheeks began to flush from his intense look.
"I...I...I..." What was the matter with him, he could not get a sentence out! He cleared his throat and started again. "I am Doctor Callahan, and I need to examine you."
Running River stood before Corey, her clear blue eyes looking at him intensely. "Why?" she asked simply.
"The Wagon Master requested it, to make sure you are not bringing any infectious diseases to the train."
Corey stared into her eyes, strange for an Indian to have blue eyes. They were clear and intelligent, and if he were to be honest, clear as a pristine lake. Corey found the young woman attractive, but he could not get past the fact she was an Indian. He could never have feelings for a savage! Corey's underlying but visible prejudice was showing in his face, and in his manner.
Running River sensed the change in his regard almost immediately. It is something she has had to deal with her whole life. Even other Indians looked down on her and Scar, having white blood in them. She slowly nodded her assent to the examination and followed Corey into the next room. Katie had not talked to Nathan for many days, she found him alone in one of the empty buildings. She hesitated in the doorway; then decided to enter anyway. If he wanted to run away from her presence, he could do so.
She did not know how to reach him, how to break through the ice barrier around his emotions.
Dare she bring up the fact she knows he was married before, and that it came to a tragic end? "Good Evening Mr. MacIntyre." Katie said, her voice devoid of emotion.
"What happened to calling me Nathan, have we regressed that far?" Nathan said quietly.
"If you insist, Nathan. We are ready to depart tomorrow morning I take it. Cheer up, won't be long now I'll be out of your hair. Won't that be grand?" Katie scoffed. "It is not like that and well you know it." Nathan assured her, his voice low and thick.
"Then accept my apology!" Katie said gruffly.
Nathan stared at her for the longest time before speaking. "Apologize for what, making my blood race every time I get near you? It is something I have to learn to live with over the next several weeks."
"Until you can be rid of me..." Katie laughed shortly. "Yes, to be blunt, until I get you safely to your destination, which is what you and all these people have hired me to do." Nathan stated.
Katie moved closer to Nathan, but he did not move away from her.
"You don't give up, woman, do you?" Nathan looked at her with a look of admiration.
"No, I do not..." Katie grabbed Nathan and planted a kiss on his lips before he had time to react. Never had she acted so boldly in her life, after the initial shock, Nathan returned her forceful kiss. Katie opened her eyes to find Nathan's were gazing at her with a hooded intensity. "Lord, you make me want you," he murmured.
Nathan's words burned. She felt as if she was blushing from head to toe.
"I...I don't know what came over me, saints preserve us!" Katie squeaked out. "Shameful behaviour, I never..."
Nathan silenced her by returning her kiss, it was deep and thorough, an eternity passed, and still they were in each other's arms, neither really wanted it to end. It was more glorious than the first kiss they shared so many weeks ago.
This kiss went far beyond physical attraction, it was a kiss shared by two people in love, though neither would dare admit. At last, they broke apart. "I'll not give up on you Nathan, I am strong, as strong as any man on this train. Men may have the brawn to wrestle with this 'West' of yours, but women have something more important--the will."
Nathan's eyes suddenly darkened in memory of his dear wife Alice. All alone in that cabin...the guilt and remorse washed over him afresh. "Having a strong will doesn't always save you from disaster."
"Brawn doesn't either." Katie said firmly. Nathan fell silent. He backed away from Katie; the ice barrier was back up. Katie sensed it immediately.
"I should not have done that, taking advantage of a female alone in the wilderness. This is the reason there are rules about single women on the trail. You have no protection against bounders like me." Nathan replied in a cool tone.
Katie gasped. "So this was all a show, to prove how helpless I am? How cruel!"
"Did I succeed?" Nathan said coldly.
"Yes!" she cried, the hurt and pain washing through her. "You have succeeded in showing me I have to choose my company more carefully!"
Nathan turned on his heel and walked out. As soon as he was out of earshot, Katie let the tears come. How did it come to this? All the next day, Veronica waited. No Flying Eagle. The wagon train was pulling out at dawn tomorrow, what if he doesn't come before then? If she were to be truthful to herself, she still really had not made up her mind; she wanted to talk to Flying Eagle more, how would they live? How would they overcome the differences in culture, religion?
How can she live with her decision to turn against the life she chose, of service and sacrifice? Surely it was not a sin to care for a man so completely. Veronica went into the mission to pack her bag. Scar stopped her. "Sister Veronica..." his deep voice rumbled. "I saw you with Flying Eagle yesterday..."
Veronica immediately began to blush furiously. "Yes, he came to see me."
"You know he only took English lessons to be near you, to communicate with you. He only stayed on here to be with you. When his mother died, he wanted to ask you then to leave with him, but he could not. There was too big a chasm between you, it is there still..." "You would have to adapt to his ways, his culture. It is not an easy life." Scar said quietly.
"I know..." Veronica whispered. "He wants me to go away with him, he said he would be back today, but he has not come. I do not know what I will say when he arrives, if he does."
"I feel for you both, I am sorry." Scar said, his voice fill of gravity.
Looks like she will be leaving with the wagon train.
Her heart ached with an intensity she thought was not possible. That first night camping out under the stars, a horrific thunder and lightening storm appeared on the prairie. The rain was torrential. Nathan made sure everyone was battened down and the wagons and horses secure. Lucas and Jeb helped him out going from wagon to wagon.
The thundered rumbled ominously and the lightening lit up the sky like it was the middle of the day. "I don't like this Lucas, this is one of the worst storms I have seen. We had better stay on alert." Nathan said worriedly. All of the sudden bolts of blue forked lightening tore from the dark clouds above and struck two of the covered wagons. It immediately started a fire, even though it was heavy rain, the dry wood and canvas was soon alight, roaring with a furious intensity.
The screams and cries of the settlers could barely be heard over the storm. As the lightening lit up the stormy sky and accented Nathan's scarred face, to his ultimate horror, he recognized the wagon that was burning out of control, it belonged to Katie and Seamus.
Not again, not more loss of life...not Katie!
"NOOOOOOOO!!!!" Nathan howled in agony.
~~TO BE CONCLUDED~~
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64 Comment(s) posted so far
On Feb 20, 2008 drewsoltesz wrote:
A few notes: continuity problem with Nathan's shirt in the last two panels, oops. Scar is played by my creation 'Clive Owen', Morgan Harding was seen in another story of mine, he played Fred Derry in 'The Best Years' A lot of the outfits are from "All About Style" Horses and wagons from MTS2. Sim game age transition is a little jarring, Cheri-Sue grew up fast! LOL! Conclusion coming soon...
On Feb 21, 2008 atangki wrote:
GREAAAT!! LOVE THIS STORY!
On Feb 21, 2008 Deedee09 wrote:
kool --x
On Feb 21, 2008 Daishi wrote:
On Feb 21, 2008 maxi king wrote:
On Feb 21, 2008 rover202 wrote:
A long waited for story, glad to see it back!!
A lot of heartbreaks, so sad ... and the young doctor, he put himself in a hard spot! Very intense story, looking forward to the next one 
On Feb 21, 2008 katlin194 wrote:
Very nice!
On Feb 21, 2008 mangooo1 wrote:
Amazing part, I don't know why but I like Lucinda, hope she will can get over her "saloon girl past"
And I also hope you won't do any harm for Katie in that storm, she has to get Nathan at the end! 
Can't wait to see the next part! 
On Feb 21, 2008 OCIKITTEN wrote:
On Feb 21, 2008 Earcat wrote:
Yikes! I hope Katie and Seamus will be ok. Your story keeps getting better all the time. I hope Morgan can be reunited with his family somehow.
Your waterfall is lovely. It looks so cool and inviting, I wish I could reach in and take a drink.
On Feb 21, 2008 qvisn wrote:
Oh my goodness, NOOOO! dont let it be this way, i cant bear it, Poor Nathan may have lost his chance forever, This is going to be the worst waiting period ever.
Great part.goes to hide in a corner and cry.
On Feb 21, 2008 panda_bears1 wrote:
Wow, yet another great part! I hope everything is all right with Katie
Maybe if she does make it, Nathan will have learned his lesson and let her love him
On Feb 21, 2008 captainlicious wrote:
Katie and Seamus will be alright, won't they? great job, though!
On Feb 21, 2008 ulis wrote:
Great story and great job!
On Feb 21, 2008 Zayury wrote:
On Feb 21, 2008 alley1800 wrote:
On Feb 21, 2008 Ivka99 wrote:
On Feb 21, 2008 SongChild99 wrote:
I don't know why..But I found the part between Katie and Nathan to be a little humorous. I think it was the - "..saints preserve us!" Katie squeaked out. - that got me. LOL. Looking forward to the next part. ^.^
On Feb 21, 2008 eshuff wrote:
REALLY REALLY GOOD! Every character has a distinct personality and different issues and problems. Plus they're all gorgeous! Love the scenes with Nathan and Katie, and Veronica and Flying Eagle. The shot with the lightning strike is perfect! Well all the shots are perfect but that one had to be hard to do. I love the new characters. And I love the ending. Nathan faced with loss of someone he loves, yet again. Wonderful work!
On Feb 21, 2008 spicylove wrote:
wow...im left speechless i hope that katie wasn't in the wagon during the time of that fire.same with seamus i really hope they both are okay. the photos are amazing i really love them they look so realisted so great you really did a great job on each screen shot in detail to what you was basing your story parts on i love it great job i cant wait for another update this is getting very interesting and i'm very concerned about the others i just hope they are alright poor nathan
On Feb 21, 2008 dealer_day wrote:
Great chapter, thanks.
On Feb 21, 2008 katty007 wrote:
It was great! Really! And so many nice new characters
But I can't believe that the story is going to end soon...
On Feb 21, 2008 Devalyn wrote:
wow, your shots are perfect, you create some amazing settings
I enjoyed the story very much, it must be hard to keep track of that many characters, but I love how they're all different and interesting 
and the men...they're so hot!
Where did you get Morgans hair?
On Feb 21, 2008 sweetcharming wrote:
...wow...
I really don't know what to say...everything is already said by our dear Zayury!
Anyway, wonderful continuation, I'm really curiouse how the story will continue! Awesome job!
On Feb 21, 2008 jaundyce61 wrote:
What a cliffhanger, and what a screenshot! I also love the new characters, esp. Morgan! Lucinda has spunk, I like that, and Scar...wooof! I agree with the others, you are amazing at juggling plots and characters, what a great installment! And Cheri-Sue and Seamus are sweet! Really, you could do individual stories on all these characters!
Love it!
On Feb 21, 2008 S.Cains wrote:
Thanks for telling me this was out again, not that I needed telling, since I saw it on the front page. I love all of the new characters... and know, from my own experience, how hard it is to figure out how they will all end up in the end.
The most important sub-plot of yours, Katie and Nathan is sure to end happily, but I actually am worrying about her being in that caravan that's on fire! I hope she isn't injured too badly and that the Doctor overcomes his fears and brings her back to full health - so that she and Nathan can get married.
On Feb 21, 2008 candy820 wrote:
Such a awesome story. I loved it.
On Feb 21, 2008 VictoriaGrace wrote:
What?! Fire?!!!! You can't end this chapter yet! LOL What a great story Karen!
I'm really enjoying it! I got your PM about the other stories too, just haven't had a chance to go check them out yet! Thank you for keeping me posted though! I'll get back with you soon, Victoria
On Feb 21, 2008 cariadbach wrote:
On Feb 21, 2008 binky13 wrote:
Oh wow
this is too much suspense. 
I hope the next part comes out soon.
On Feb 21, 2008 GFitz wrote:
Karen thoseshots during the storm were incredible! There is so much going on here...your shots and their depth and perspective are wonderful! It's killing me how Nathan is treating poor Katie but I am so hoping he'll get over it. As always your attention to detail makes this wonderful story even more satisfying.
On Feb 21, 2008 DragonessGirl wrote:
Oh my goodness, what a cliffie!!!! Please update soon and let us know how things go! I loved the story, new additions certainly make things itneresting, and I think it's great that you handle that many characters without the reader becoming confused about who's who. But please save Katie and Seamus. I love the budding romance between Seamus and Cheri Sue.
your story! //Dragoness
On Feb 21, 2008 Earcat wrote:
Today, Feb 21 is my son's 13th birthday, and it certainly seems like he grew up just like that!
On Feb 21, 2008 thekewlestnerd wrote:
Very cool story! Gosh I just looove those outfits!
On Feb 21, 2008 iluvhorses13 wrote:
Oh no! I can't wait for the next part.
On Feb 21, 2008 wrote:
Oh, no...you wouldn't kill Katie! I don't know if you'd kill Seamus though, and I'm very fond of him too...wow, there was even more emotional drama and hot sim men.
I loves it! And I love the new characters, especially Lucinda - she's a lot of fun. I'm really enjoying your Thunder Valley blog, too - can't wait to read more of both!
On Feb 22, 2008 SIMcredible! wrote:
Still clapping!
Great chapter! Thanks for the invitation 
On Feb 22, 2008 KatCat wrote:
Wonderful!
Love the cliffhanger...when is the next chapter coming out? 
On Feb 22, 2008 happyb8888 wrote:
Wow! This story is getting better and better. Very well written! Can't wait for chapter four!!!
Today is my birthday...what a great gift!
On Feb 22, 2008 Deanna73070 wrote:
Wonderful chapter, Karen! I'm still pulling for Nathan to abandone his stubborness where Katie is concerned and just admit that he loves her, but I hope that everything turns out ok in the next chapter concerning the fire, or there won't be a relationship between them (very sad). I'm anxiously waiting for the next one! Fabulous story!
Deanna
On Feb 22, 2008 leifofdel wrote:
On Feb 22, 2008 wrote:
Katie and Seamus had better be alright!!!!!!!
I love this story, can't wait for the next part
On Feb 22, 2008 aaaaaaac wrote:
On Feb 22, 2008 BoodaMae wrote:
Great job! So much happened, and the CC and screenshots are wonderful! Oh, and you can call me Sarah, not Boodamae! Well, I wish my stories could be as good as yours! It won't let me rate, but if it did Id give you a 5.0! AWESOME!!!
On Feb 22, 2008 sandybvv wrote:
OMG You Mate are Great!!! WOW!!! I'm lost for words, I just can't tell you how much I enjoyed this chapter, you have done such a wonderful job like always, I love your writing and your pictures are breathtaking like always and your characters Gorgeous!!! I'm so in love with this new character Morgan, gosh, I haven't seen as sim as handsome as he is, I feel I love him already!! Great new characters and the old characters are evolving in a very interesting way... So many lives and choices that I can't even pick a favorite couple anymore! great job Mate! Amazing, fabulous, Lovely, incredible!!
YAY I can't tell you how much I love this story!! 
On Feb 22, 2008 tasha4ever92 wrote:
OMG WHAT A CLIFF HANGER! i absolutely love this story and I cant wait till part 4
On Feb 22, 2008 BBKZ wrote:
Everytime I read your stories I don't know what to say. You are the best storyteller here at TSR
Thank you for sharing 
On Feb 22, 2008 evetsangel wrote:
Thank you for such a wonderful story!
On Feb 22, 2008 wrote:
Great cliffhanger as always, also the new characters flow into the story seamlessly, amazing! I like that you keep me guessing, I thought for sure Jeb would be interested in Katie, but you didn't take that road, cool. Nathan is a ultimate romance hero, the tortured hunk! Well done!
On Feb 22, 2008 estatica wrote:
Oh noo!! The ending caught me completely by surprise, I really hope nothing has happened to Katie or his brother!
I really liked to know all these new characters, they all have such an interesting background! I can't wait to see what you make of them. Great job, as always! 
On Feb 23, 2008 cpyle822 wrote:
On Feb 23, 2008 md198 wrote:
Another great episode, looking forward to the next one. Thanks again
On Feb 23, 2008 katty007 wrote:
I have reread the story once again! I just can do nothing until I find out, what happened next...
:
On Feb 23, 2008 terriecason wrote:
Ah man...I was hoping that we could at least find out if the people in the covered wagon got out all right. Oh well.
BTW you have a very attractive cast. Were did you get Morgan Harding? Better yet, where did you get his hair?
On Feb 25, 2008 primavera77 wrote:
wow....very beautiful job
On Feb 25, 2008 hazabaza1 wrote:
On Feb 25, 2008 Hordriss wrote:
Poor old Morgan Harding.
Hard to see how he can find a truly happy ending from this point, but (as you make abundantly clear) life was no bed of roses back then. 
I like the new characters, and I'm glad to see that you're putting Seasons to effective (to say nothing of dramatic) use. That is quite a place to leave a plot hanging... Confederate Hat will be ready soon, BTW. 
Keep an eye on my minisite.
On Feb 26, 2008 Little Seer wrote:
Excellent continuation. I'll be sweating it out worried about all your characters until the next installment. Cheers and thanks for letting me know you had it posted. You're so thoughtful.
On Feb 27, 2008 OpheliaNival wrote:
Well, well, miss Cliffhanger, another great chapter that ended way too soon
As always the setting and story is immaculate, How you manage to do this is beyond me! All these people with their own stories to tell and relations between them, I never realized untillnow just how much work you must be doing! A great thing about introducing characters this "late" in the story is that there are only a few new faces and pasts to get to know, which is good for the whimsy readers like myself! Great job! 
On Feb 27, 2008 loverien wrote:
Great story! And there's so much going on! I hardly know who to cheer for! I can hardly wait to hear what happens next!
On Mar 5, 2008 Melody Curious wrote:
Love the new characters and the return of an old one. When is Nathan going to realise he'll hurt himself more if he carries on this way?
On Mar 8, 2008 Kenvjo wrote:
Conclusion coming soon? Seems like things are just getting started! Great job
On Apr 1, 2008 sallyhails wrote:
OMG I hope katie and seamus are going to be ok, I like them both very much and would love to see them happy, great writing as always, off to read the conclusion now
On Mar 30, 2009 omik79 wrote:
OMG i am gonna cry they better be ok!!!! *HUGS* great story!