Wish Upon A Falling Star

Larkson/ Wish upon A Falling Star

CHAPTER {1}

SEPTEMBER 1834 {Moon of Drying Grass}

Lakota, Buffalo hunting camp

Northern Wyoming Territory

Gray Wolf could not believe their good fortune.

Not only were the buffalo plentiful, but they found a large cave in the side of the big hill. It had a fairly small opening, only big enough for a man to walk upright through, but once inside it was huge. It was big enough for all the hunting party to stay and work in comfortably.

The best part though was a natural hot spring just off the main chamber; it was like a small waterfall emptying into a large pool. At the end of a long day the pool felt very good on sore muscles. Gray Wolf couldn’t believe he hadn’t seen it before now, he had hunted this area many times in the past.

The buffalo hunting was going very well. They had been here for about half a moon now and already been able to send one full load of meat and roughly cured hides back to the winter camp of the people by packhorses.

The women were kept busy cutting meat and preparing hides from sunup to past sundown. There were about thirty in all in the hunting party, including his best friend Talking Eagle and Gray Wolf’s sister, the very pregnant Summer Wind Song.

{1}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

Morning Dove an old woman of the tribe had also come along; she did not want to stay behind for the move to the winter camp. She was all alone now since her sister Spotted Fawn had gone on to the ancestors one night during the last moon as she slept. Gray Wolf didn’t have the heart to tell the old woman she would be of little help, so he had brought her along.

This was the first buffalo hunt Gray Wolf was in charge of, normally his father, Laughing Elk would have been in charge, but as of late he had not been well, so the duty and honor fell to Gray Wolf.

It was late afternoon when Gray Wolf got his first glimpse of the white buffalo. The other hunters had already headed back towards the cave. Gray Wolf could not believe his eyes; a white buffalo was very sacred and rare. He decided to follow it, as it was separate from the rest of the herd. If he were able to capture and kill this magnificent beast, then a fine robe could be made for White Buffalo, the medicine man of the Lakota Sioux, from the hide.

Gray Wolf turned his horse around and followed. It was beginning to get cool this time of year so wearing only a breechcloth, Gray Wolf pulled his buffalo blanket out of his pack and placed it about his shoulders.

The Buffalo was heading west. Gray Wolf followed him diligently, but no matter what he did, he couldn’t seem to get any closer. The surrounding terrain was becoming harder to negotiate. Higher and higher he climbed, hour after hour, until Gray Wolf was beginning to believe maybe the white buffalo was not real, but a spirit. How else could it be explained, buffalo don’t usually break off from their herd and wonder off by themselves.

The hunter was beginning to feel as if he was in the middle of a vision. It was almost full night time now, the sun had all but set, but it was easy to see, as there was a large full moon tonight. Gray Wolf continued to follow the white buffalo, it was as if the buffalo wanted him to follow it, for it seemed to pause at times and wait for him to catch up. Soon the path became to steep and rocky for the horse, so Gray Wolf dismounted and followed on foot.

{2}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

The white buffalo disappeared over a ridge, and as Gray Wolf followed he was surprised at what he saw. The buffalo was no more, but below him Man With Two Faces was holding a white female child. She was trying to scream but the hand over her mouth prevented her from doing this. The camp was covered with bodies, both soldier and Indian. A soldier was pointing a gun toward another soldier who was running toward the child.

The soldier fired and the man fell. The child who was being held managed to get free for a moment, and screamed. “PAPA, OH GOD NOOO!” then she was recaptured and Man With Two Faces and the soldier were dragging the child away with them.

Gray Wolf had waited a long time to find Man With Two Faces; he would not let him get away this time. The white buffalo had led him to his enemy and now was the time for revenge; he would follow and kill the butcher of his wife and child.

The hunter watched as the soldier and Man With Two Faces disappeared into the brush. He would follow them and when they were not expecting it, he would kill them. He saw movement out of the corner of his eye, it was the man the child had called papa.

Gray Wolf didn’t want to delay, but he couldn’t just leave and not help this man if there was anything he could do. He climbed down the hill, and walked over to the man. The man opened his eyes and said, “Please help my daughter, don’t let them hurt her.”

The Lakota Sioux bent down and took the man’s head in his hands. This man was dying and his last thoughts were for his child. “I will find your daughter and I will take her away from the men who hold her.” The man’s hands were reaching for something. “Give her this,”

Shamus Obrian pushed his medical bag toward Gray Wolf. “Tell her I’m so sorry and I love her, I give her into your care.” The man spoke no more. Gray wolf could not tell if the man still breathed. “Go in peace my brother, I give you my word I will find and care for your daughter.”

{3}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

Gray Wolf was a proud warrior and hunter of the Lakota Sioux, he knew once an oath had been given, it could never be broken. He now had two oaths to fulfill the blood oath to kill the man who butchered his family and the oath to the dying man, to find and care for his daughter. Gray Wolf did not know what kind of father he would be, for his chance had been taken away from him five summers ago.

Perhaps this was the daughter White Buffalo had spoken off, but if it was then White Buffalo must have misunderstood what the wolf in his vision said. White Buffalo told him the girl would be daughter to White Buffalo and mate to Gray Wolf. Perhaps Wakan Tanka had said the gray wolf would pick the mate, yes that must be it. He would be a favored uncle to the little girl.

The trail was easy to follow as the two men didn’t expect anyone to be alive to follow it. They were headed southwest, deeper into the Black Hills. Gray Wolf was tired, he had a full day of buffalo hunting before he decided to follow the white buffalo and he wanted to get this done and go back to the hunting camp as quickly as he could.

The men in front of him were in no hurry, they didn’t need to be, so Gray Wolf knew he must be patient and wait for his chance. The only weapon with him was his hunting knife, his quiver was empty of arrows, he had used them all during the day. The men had guns, so Gray Wolf would have to use cunning if he was going to get the child away from them safely.

Gray Wolf back tracked to his horse and started after the trio. Slowly he followed them. Wanting to make sure he never lost sight of the tracks in the dust below his horse’s feet. The men in front were starting to slow and walk their horses as if they had all the time in the world. Gray Wolf hoped they would continue to be careless, it would make his job easier. He could feel the hatred for Man With Two Faces well up and course through his veins.

{4}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

She couldn’t breath, not only was the hold of the savage on her too tight, but the stench was horrible. She was terrified, not so much for herself, but for her father. She had seen Montigue shoot him and she just had to find a way to escape these fiends and get back to him. If he were just wounded than she could help him, if he were dead, no she would not even consider the possibility.

She would kill them; she would somehow get Montigue’s gun and shoot them both. She had never shot a gun, but she was sure she could figure it out. It seemed they had been riding for hours. Why hadn’t Montigue said anything to her? What did these men plan on doing?

Finally they stopped. They were deep into a ravine; it was so dark here even the moonlight could not penetrate. Man With Two Faces pulled her down from the horse and set her on the ground. Catherine’s hands were tied tightly behind her back and the savage ran his hand up the front of her and grasp one of her breasts squeezing it and making her cry out in pain.

Montigue yelled at him in a language Catherine could not understand and the animal released her. Montigue walked over and slapped her so hard she fell to the ground. “Get up you stupid little bitch, it’s time to pay the piper.” Montigue grabbed her hair and pulled her to her feet. Tears stung Catherine’s eyes, but she would not let this monster see her cry.

“Why have you done this thing, I thought you were our friend?” Montigue laughed, “That’s what I wanted you to believe, but no stupid bitch, or her very dead papa is going to treat me the way you did and get away with it, I’ve got plans for you.”

The mention of her father brought the tears she had been trying so hard to hold in. “Crying won’t do you any good, but if you are real nice to me and my friend here maybe I will let you live.” Catherine was furious, “You filthy pig! I would rather die than have you touch me,” and she spat right in his face.

{5}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

Montigue wiped his face with his sleeve and turned to the other man, “Go see to the comfort of our horses, I’ve a little business with the lady here and I don’t need an audience.” Gray Wolf was in the brush watching, he was waiting for his chance. Now it had come, the men had split up.

He had been surprised when he got close to them, the girl was no child she was a young woman and not bad to look at, though right now she probably wasn’t at her best. She didn’t seem frightened which surprised him; instead she seemed furious, just like a cornered wolf.

Gray Wolf was about to spring when the man she called Montigue stepped forward and ripped the girl’s dress down the front exposing one small perfect breast. It happened so quickly, later Gray Wolf wasn’t sure he had seen it at all. The girl brought her knee up and planted it hard into the soldier’s groin, he had a strange pained look on his face, then dropped to the ground like a stone.

Gray Wolf darted out from his hiding place, grabbed the girl and buried his knife deep in the soldier’s side, then disappeared back into the brush. He wanted to kill these men, but it was more important to get the girl to safety.

She was definitely a woman full grown, she was soft in all the right places, but right now she more resembled a wild animal. It was all Gray Wolf could do to hold onto this kicking, biting, trashing, ball of womanhood. He didn’t have time to stop and explain to her he was not a bad man and was trying to save her. He needed to get to his horse and get them away from here and to safety.

When Gray Wolf got to his horse, he tossed her over its back as if she weighed no more than a blanket. He jumped on behind her and took off at a gallop. The surprise would give them only a few precious minutes in which to make good their escape.

The ride was bone jarring for Catherine. She was mostly upside down across the back of a horse, being held down by a man she had not even seen. He was an Indian, she was sure of it, because he had no shirt on. If he had been a white man, he would definitely have been wearing a shirt because it was cold. It was so cold; she couldn’t help the shivers, which racked her body.

{6}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

With out slowing down, Gray Wolf pulled the buffalo robe off of the back of the horse and threw it over the woman. The warmth was nice, but now she could hardly breathe. After what seemed to Catherine like days, they finally slowed down. By the time they came to a stop in a small grove of trees, she was totally numb.

Gray Wolf dismounted and carefully lifted Catherine to the ground. She couldn’t stand on her own two feet, so Gray Wolf held her in his arms until the feeling returned to her limbs and she could stand. Gray Wolf couldn’t get over how small she was; yet she fit nicely into his six-foot frame. He expected her to be grateful to him for saving her and was looking forward to her thankfulness. That’s not what he got. Catherine pushed away from the stranger; there was anger in her voice and eyes.

“Who are you? Why did you drag me off? I was doing alright for myself. I wanted to kill them.” Gray Wolf was speechless, just who was this crazy female, didn’t she know what danger she had been in? He just stood there starring at her.

“Well say something,” Catherine demanded. She looked up at the Indian, he was tall and his shoulders were very broad and his eyes, his eyes held so much kindness and compassion Catherine felt guilty for her actions. “Please forgive me sir, I am not usually so rude, thank you for coming to my aid.”

“ I am Gray Wolf of the Lakota Sioux, what are you called?”

“I am Catherine Obrian, my father and I were traveling to Fort Bonniville.” Speaking of her father brought tears to Catherine’s eyes. “Do you know if my father is alright?” Instead of answering right away, Gray Wolf turned toward his horse and removed something from his pack. “He asked me to give this to you,” Gray Wolf said quietly as he held out the small black bag to Catherine.

Catherine’s fingers were trembling as she took the familiar medical bag into her arms. She looked up into the kind compassionate brown eyes of Gray Wolf and asked, “Is…is my father alive?”

{7}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

Gray Wolf put his large hands on Catherine’s small cold shoulders. He looked into the sky blue sad eyes of the young woman and said, “His last thoughts were of you, he asked me to find you and take care of you, he told me to tell you he loved you.”

Catherine could not control the sobs racking her small frame. Gray Wolf gathered her up in his arms and held her close, he wondered at the strength of his feelings of protectiveness toward this tiny white female.

He held her for long minutes then gently said, “We must leave here, the two men will be following and I must get you safely to the people.” Catherine hesitated, “I want to see my father’s body, can you take me there?” Gray Wolf just shook his head, “No I can not, it is not safe.” Catherine just nodded, there was no fight left in her. Gray Wolf preferred the fire he had glimpsed when Catherine had been angry, he hoped it wouldn’t be long before he would see it again.

Gray Wolf gently picked Catherine up and sat her on the horse; he mounted behind her and positioned her across his thighs. He took his buffalo robe and wrapped it around them both. He held her close to his chest, her head resting where she could feel his strong heartbeat.

Starting off toward the hunting camp, Gray Wolf could feel Catherine’s warm tears as they ran freely down his bare chest making a cool puddle at the top of his breechcloth. He just held her closer offering what comfort his arms could give.

It would take hours to reach the camp for they were many miles away. Before they had gone very far, Gray Wolf felt the rhythmic breathing, which signaled Catherine was sleeping. He looked down at the young relaxed face of the woman he held and spoke softly, “I will keep you safe from all harm, I will protect you with my life. Once an oath is taken it can never be broken.”

{8}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

Catherine’s tears slowed and she was left feeling numb. How had this happened? When had it started? How had things gone so wrong? Catherine’s mind drifted back too late fall of the previous year. It had been early November, the twelfth to be exact. It started the night the stars fell.

“Catherine, Mary Catherine Obrian where are you lass?” Seventeen year old Catherine looked up from her work. “I’m out in my garden papa.” She heard her father, Shamus Obrian heading toward the back door of their regulation army cottage. “Follow me,” he said to someone with him.

“There you are Cathy; I’ve got someone with me I want you to meet.” Catherine rose from her hands and knees in the dirt, she dusted herself off and turned toward her father. Her breath caught in her chest. Standing in front of her was the most handsome man she had ever seen. He was at least six-feet tall with hair as black as coal and eyes the color of warm amber. He was smiling at her and he had the most darling dimples.

“This is Corporal Montigue Fitzsimmons. He is one of the young men who are going to be escorting us to Fort Bonneville in the spring.” Catherine held out her hand then pulled it back when she noticed the ground in soil on her gloves.

“Please forgive me Mr. Fitzsmimmons. I’m afraid I am quite a mess.” The man smiled openly at her and Catherine couldn’t help but return his smile. “On the contrary Miss Obrian, I think you look just fine.” Catherine felt the annoying blush, which seemed to happen whenever she embarrassed herself. She turned toward her father. “Papa, dinner is ready perhaps Mr. Fitzsimmons would like to join us?” In her mind, she once more saw Montigue grin from ear to ear. “It would be my pleasure ma’am.”

Dinner was an enjoyable hodgepodge of conversation. They talked about everything from the upcoming trip out west to Fort Bonneville, to the newest medical techniques being used at the army hospital here in Chicago. Shamus Obrian was a surgeon at the hospital and could talk for hours about his work.

{9}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

Time passed quickly and before anyone realized it, it was quite late. Montigue made his farewells and rose to leave. Shamus shook the younger man’s hand. “Corporal, I hope you will vist us often before our departure in the spring.” Montigue had eyes only for Catherine as he replied. “If the company is half as delightful as it has been this evening, you will most probably grow very weary of my presence sir.”

Catherine found herself blushing once more as Montigue’s eyes locked with hers. “Yes Mr. Fitzsimmons, we would be very pleased with your company.” Montigue tipped his hat to Catherine and her father and took his leave.

Catherine and her father sat out on their front porch enjoying the evening and discussing their day. “Well Cathy what do you think of Corporal Fitzsimmions” Catherine smiled contently. “He seems quite nice papa, and very knowledgeable about Fort Bonneville. I was surprised though to find out there is so much Indian activity there, weren’t you?” Shamus shook his head. “No, not really, General Smith has already briefed me on the fort. He told me that as many as five different tribes do trading there. There are occasional disputes between the Indians, the fur traders and the soldiers so I could be kept quite busy.”

“Is it going to be dangerous there?” Catherine was very worried, but she knew her father wanted to comfort her and he took her small hand in his big one. “There will be plenty soldiers around to protect us. If you are afraid though, you could always stay here with your Aunt Matte.”

Catherine shuttered, “Papa, you know I don’t want to do that. I want to be with you. Besides, she would try to turn me into a fancy dressed scatterbrained lady just like poor cousin Victoria. Shamus shook his head and there was a frown on his face. “Catherine, you aren’t being fair to your aunt. She loves you very much and only wants the best for you.”

Catherine nodded, “I’m sorry papa, I know she loves me but I just can’t be what she wants me to be. I enjoy working with you.” Shamus sighed, “Catherine, you know women are not easily accepted as doctors.” Catherine smiled widely at her father. “You always told me that though dreams were sometimes hard to achieve, getting there can be the most fun.” Catherine knew Shamus had lost this argument.

{10}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

There was something else on Shamus’s mind and Catherine had been waiting, knowing in his own time he would talk about what was really bothering him. It didn’t take long to find out. “Catherine, I couldn’t help but notice the way you were looking at the corporal. I don’t wish to see you hurt lass. You are only seventeen and he must be close to thirty.”

Catherine giggled, “Oh papa, you don’t have to worry. He is very handsome, but he would never be interested in a plain bookworm like me.” Shamus didn’t agree. “There’s nothing plain about you lass. You are just as lovely as your dear mother ever was. Any man would be more than happy to get his hands on you.”

“Do you really think so papa?” Catherine’s eyes had gone all dreamy and her father was looking worried again. “Lass, I know you are of an age when girls begin thinking about marriage and starting a family. I made a promise to your mother that I would see you full grown before you took that step. Promise your old papa you will at least wait until you’re eighteen before you get married.” With complete sincerity Catherine said, “I promise papa.”

Catherine sat on the porch with her father in comfortable silence, each keeping their own thoughts. The evening was uncommonly warm for November so this was a real treat. Chicago was normally very cold and windy this time of year.

The sky was clear and awash with thousands of stars. Catherine was watching them when she saw one fall, followed quickly by another, and still another. She had never seen three stars fall at the same time, so she decided they must be very lucky. Catherine closed her eyes and made a wish. “Please let me find someone special to spend my life with, someone who will love only me. Let him be strong and handsome, brave and kind. Let him be a good provider and father. She felt goose bumps rise on her skin as she added, If it’s not to much trouble, make him a gentle passionate lover too.

{11}

LARSON/ WISH UPON A FALLING STAR

Catherine opened her eyes and she was in awe; hundreds of stars were falling from the night sky. “Oh papa look at the sky!” Her father looked up and his mouth dropped open, Catherine could tell he had never seen the likes of this in his whole life either. They were beautiful, falling stars filled the entire sky.

It was a long time that night before Catherine could fall to sleep. The falling stars had been beautiful, but it was her wish, which kept her awake. She knew she wasn’t as pretty as her cousin Victoria; her Aunt Mattie certainly told her so often enough. Victoria was gorgeous with long midnight black hair, eyes the color of Irish shamrocks and skin as white and blemish free as fine porcelain. She was tall for a female, at least five foot six, which was mostly legs. Victoria’s waist was tiny and her breasts were large.

Why couldn’t she look like that? Aunt Matte was forever telling her she was made more like a young boy than a lady. It wasn’t her fault she was built small. Catherine was always hurt by her aunt’s criticism. She knew she was small but her breasts were adequate. She didn’t have blemish free skin either. Catherine had been plagued by freckles her whole life. Though her father thought them endearing, Catherine would have preferred creamy white shin. Her hair though, it had to be the worst. It was a mass of long dark red curls. Though Catherine spent hours trying to tame it, it was no use.

Would she ever find a man who would love her just the way she was? Catherine glanced out the window. The stars continued to fall. “There must be someone out there meant only for me. Please let me find him soon.”

{12}

To continue reading, please buy the book! Return home.