November 11, 1869

Wyoming. 

This afternoon I walked into the Cherokee village and talked with Fire, Standing Bear and Two Moons. I told her about how I had come to the village because I’d been hearing about the attacks and wanted to help the tribes stay safe from these attacks, since I knew some marshals. 

“Two Moons ask.. why you help the Cherokee?” the woman asked. 

“Because people like the ones in your tribe and in Hawk’s tribe have helped me so much... For months I ran from these same outlaws... but found solace in Hawk’s village. I still visit there when I know he will be around but when he’s not I come here... for peace and protection. The native people have been so kind and generous to me in their protection, I want to somehow help and keep things safer for them as well.”

“But you a paleface woman. These attacks on my people are by your kind,” the woman looked into the fire. 

“Not my kind. They are by evil men who do not have good souls,” I shook my head. “Not all palefaces are alike.”

“Two Moons, I have personally spoken with Chief Hawk and he vouches for this paleface woman,” Bear told her. 

“I honestly would not be alive today if it were not for Hawk’s protection.”

“But to palefaces.. all Cherokee alike. That not so?” she laughed. 

“Palefaces see Cherokee as violent people, no?” I looked at her. “I see them as warm, friendly, loving people who protect their own and just don’t want to see harm come to their people. I long for that same kind of warmth and compassion, which I do not always get from palefaces myself. Though, I do have friends who are marshals that have also protected me. I assure you that these people have no knowledge that I am in this area... the outlaws that have attacked me in the past. I moved to Nebraska to be near Hawk’s village so I could run there for protection easier... but it helps to have protection on both sides.”

“You wish for our Chief and our people to trust you? Many have suffered at the hands of your kind.” 

I looked at her, understanding her trepidation. “Two Moons I assure you... my only crimes were being in the wrong place at the wrong time, witnessing things I should not have seen. I no longer carry a weapon... and don’t intend to. I’m done with letting them force me into a life of violence.” I felt myself getting emotional and looked to the chief for help. 

“You know my heart is with out people and I would never do anything to put them in harms way. Usually I am not willing to give much trust to a paleface. With this one, I believe I see good in her spirit. I do not believe she speaks with two tongues. She carries no weapon, and she has been victim of very bad men and women.” 

“Two Moons, you can trust me. If you have any questions I’ll answer them but I have nothing to hide here.,” I promised her. “There is no hidden agenda.”

“If she can succeed in her design, maybe it result in less bloodshed and pain for our people,” Chief said. 

Two Moons looked from the chief to me. “I welcome you to our fire T.. Trin,” she smiled. 

“It is not without some risk... these men may look for her, and if they think she here in our protection... maybe they will attack us,” Chief said. 

“I am very grateful,” I smiled my thanks to her. 

“I have asked Great Spirit for a sign if this is not wise of me to give her protection and have had no sign. She has asked for nothing except a chance to try to stop some of the violence with the help of a few trusted marshals.” 

“We still need to speak with Despres about all this,” I looked at the chief. 

“We will speak with him.” 

“I heard about another attack just the other day. Betty’s camp in Iowa was attacked by Harley Buu. All rights say he was attacking them alone.”

“Two Moons, Last sun I told our people that this one could stay in one of our lodges... and share our food and that we would protect her,” Chief explained. “I have never offered this to another paleface, but Great Spirit gives no sign against it, my trusted friend Chief Hawk vouches for her... and I believe she speak from her heart.” 

“That wise thought..... Travel every sun not good for woman Trin,” Two Moons nodded. 

“Especially not for woman who is alone, Two Moons...” I said and looked into the fire sadly, nodding in agreement with her. 

“You must be careful when you leave the village to always be aware of your surroundings,” Chief looked at me. 

“Chief I was wondering...” I started. 

“Yes?” Chief looked at me. 

“The man last night who offered my protection as one of his own family members.. He seemed to be... attached with another woman here... So I’m guessing it wouldn’t be appropriate but... I was thinking that if I could have some sort of escort for going back and forth... Perhaps then I wouldn’t be alone for my journeys home. he path from Nebraska to Hawk’s village is very short so I’m not concerned about that trip. But if there was some way...”

“I think we could fine someone to do that... not good for woman to take such journey alone,” he 

nodded. 

“Obviously I can’t stay here every night... Sheriff Brent still has things for me to do in Nebraska.”

“The man who offered you protection last sun is honorable man. You do not need to fear him.” 

“But if he is attached to another woman I do not wish to allow for misconceptions of why we are walking alone at night together. I do not wish to bring that on her or his children.”

“I understand. I do not think his woman would see that as a threat to her but I understand your thought, says you are honorable woman.” 

“Other people would read it the wrong way, I’m sure,” I nodded, remembering the countless times Sayler had walked her home and how that had gotten him killed. 

“Trin, when you travel there, I will accompany you myself. I do no wish for you to take such risk,” Chief offered. 

“And when I travel here? From Nebraska? What shall I do then?”

“If Chief Hawk cannot accompany you, if you can get message to me I will come for you or sent warrior.” 

“That sounds acceptable,” I nodded. “Thank you, Chief. It’s not that I think they will come after me... But I don’t want to take any chances by giving them an easy target.”

“Do you agree I should travel with her so that she is not hurt or captured?” Chief asked Two Moons. 

“I agree but I worry about Chief traveling among the palefaces,” Two Moons looked up. 

“We will take the trails that most Paleface do not know. The distance will be a bit greater but much safer. Perhaps we travel in light of moon instead of daylight. Most paleface outlaws drink and dance at night so less chance they see us.” 

“This is very true,” I nodded. 

“We will watch for your return when you go,” Two Moons turned to me. “Paleface kill Chief... you come back to village.. you die.” 

“I told you... I will never carry a weapon. Chief has shown me nothing but kindness. I would not harm him or his people.”

“But other palefaces would harm him,” she said and I looked in the fire, knowing that was probably true. 

Little Sky and another lady came into the village and sat down with Two Moons at the fire. “Chief... is it too light out to make the journey home?” I asked him eventually. 

“Trin, it is nearly dark and if you go now you will be there safely soon. Safe Paths Trin,” he looked at me. 

I stood and nodded, “Safe paths all. Hopefully I will see you later this evening or in the morning time.”

I walked out towards the entrance of the village and saw a man and a woman talking with Howling Bear. “Greetings, my white sister,” he smiled at me. 

“I was just walking home while it was still light out,” I told him. 

“Brother are you in need of a healer?” Howling asked the man. 

“Yes. Was attacked by the boar and didn’t get out of the way.” 

“I know how that feels. Got attacked by a bison once,” I nodded. 

“I didn’t know what happened until it was too late.” 

“Than go to the village and see if Wind in her Hair is there if not there should be another there to help..” Howling said. 

“I just came from there. I believe she is,” I nodded. 

Jackson walked over and greeted us and I swallowed nervously, recognizing his voice. We talked for a bit and then I said I was going to head home. I waved to them and headed back towards Nebraska.