The Cabin

A very short chapter.

Part Six

The Cabin

Sam and Light Feather were about eight days out. According to Light Feather they couldn't be more than three days from Pueblo.

“Town that way,” she said, “not far, three days... maybe.”

She spoke with authority. She had grown up in this area so she knew it well.

She spoke softly with ease. She talked about many things. Sam's calm demeanor drew her closer. Sam felt it too.

They came upon an old abandoned hut probably left by some enthusiastic prospectors hoping to find their fortune. Huts like these were scattered here and there as more and more came looking to become rich. It rarely worked out and they would abandon their dreams and head back east, or maybe seek a new life out west.

“We stay, tomorrow hunt. Big winds come.” she said, inspected the hut.

“Light Feather teach you trap rabbit, squirrel, big bird too, maybe.”

The big winds referred to the snow storm heading their way.

Sam lowered his head and grinned, wondering what Light Feather could teach him that he did not already know.

“Okay,”he smiled.

He gathered whatever wood he could find and stacked it near a rustic fire space. It was enough to keep them warm.

Throughout the night the wind howled like a lone wolf. Rafters shivered and shook.

Sam and Light Feather snuggled underneath a buffalo hide the woman had taken from her father. It was the one he used until the soldiers had wiped out the family. Being so young, Light Feather was not harmed much.

Together Sam and the squaw shared each others warmth.

Light Feather whispered into Sam's ear, “ Spirit coming soon.”

He uttered something then drifted slowly into a deep sleep.