Timecachers (57 page)

Guwaya turned the discussion to more serious matters, specifically the need to rescue his mother from her captivity. Sitting in the purple darkness of the copse they considered their options while enjoying the delicious entrees Woyi brought up from the cave.

“We can be assured that the compound will be well guarded,” said Yonah. “We must find a way to communicate to her whatever plan we devise. She needs to be aware of our efforts, and be prepared to escape. Perhaps we can get a message to her.”

“As far as I know,” said John Carter, “none of us has ever been inside of Fort Cummings.” He scanned their faces and received nods of agreement from everyone. “Lack of knowledge of the stockade layout will compound our difficulties. We may be able to discretely breech the stockade wall, but selecting an appropriate spot from the exterior may be impossible.”

They considered, and quickly dismissed, having someone voluntarily turn himself in to get a look at the inside of the fort. “That would still leave us with the problem of communicating with our man on the inside,” John Carter pointed out. “What we need is for someone to get in and back out again.”

They pondered the problem, silently ruminating as they finished off the remains of the meal. Tom, just about to take a bite of biscuit, stopped midway to his mouth and thoughtfully stared at it. “Isn’t it true that the military used to, uh, I mean they allow traders to enter the stockades,” he asked, “to bring in supplies—food and stuff—to sell to the Cherokees being held there?”

“That is true,” John answered. “They even allowed the sellers of whiskey to sell their poison there, a practice they finally agreed to prohibit when it proved to cause them much trouble.”

“In that case,” said Tom, “why couldn’t I enter the fort as a trader, of something other than whiskey of course, to speak with Ahni and do some reconnaissance? That would seem to solve most of our problems.”

“It may do just that,” said Yonah. “As a trader, you could enter and exit the fort with impunity. You will certainly not be mistaken for an Indian. You do understand that there is still an element of risk, don’t you? If it is discovered that you are not really a trader, you are likely to be detained and questioned, possibly even imprisoned. And you would be on your own in there.”

“He might be taking a risk,” said Sal, “but he won’t be on his own. You ain’t a-gonna leave your ol’ hunting buddy behind,” he said to Tom in his countrified accent. “I’ll be right there with you, dude.”

“Hold on,” said Tom. “It would be less conspicuous for just one of us …”

“You hold on,” Sal interrupted adamantly. “I’m a heck of a lot less conspicuous as a trader than you. Remember when we had those extra concert tickets to sell? You’d still be standing in the stadium parking lot holding them if it weren’t for me scalping them for us. You know Ahni, and she will recognize and trust you, so you can get the message to her. While you’re doing that, I can hawk knickknacks and scope out the stockade at the same time.”

Tom had to admit, Sal probably would play the part of a vendor better than he. “Okay, I suppose you’re right,” he agreed reluctantly. “Just go easy on the Gomer Pyle vernacular.”

“Gaawlee! No sweat, Barney,” Sal quipped.

“Then we have a plan,” said Guwaya. His face turned somber as he regarded Sal. “Just one question, Saloli-man; did you really scalp someone?” The others gazed skeptically at Sal and Tom, anxious to hear his reply.

“Sal would be more likely to bite someone’s head off than to scalp them,” answered Tom. Seeing their astonished stares, he clarified. “Not literally! Let me explain about ticket scalpers…”

Chapter forty-seven

A
s usual, Captain Martin left home before sunrise, reporting for duty just as dawn was breaking over the southern end of the Chattahoochee Mountains. He paused briefly before passing through the gate to savor the serenity of the view, giving himself a moment to complete the transition from civilian to army officer. The rising sun was ruby red, illuminating the flat-bottomed lenticular clouds, stacked like pancakes over the mountaintops. The deep scarlet was reflected in the river below turning it into a flowing ribbon of crimson. Combined with the ruddy Georgia soil, it appeared as if the entire valley was drenched in blood. Martin hoped it was not an omen of the days to come.

Just about the time Captain Martin was receiving his orders of the day, his wife and their two guests were making plans of their own to visit the fort.

“I think it is important for us to be there,” said Alice, “even if for no other reason than for a show of support.”

“I’m not saying we shouldn’t go,” Adam said. “I’m just not sure how useful it will be. How much good will our show of support do at this point? How is our being there going to help the situation?” Adam was concerned that their presence in the fort could be misinterpreted. It could appear that they were flaunting their freedom to the Cherokees.

Alice did not agree. “You go to visit a friend when he’s in the hospital, don’t you? Even though there isn’t much you can do for them, your visit lets them know you care. On top of losing just about everything they own, these families have gone from a busy life full of farming chores to sitting idle inside that filthy stockade. We can at least help relieve their boredom.”

“Indeed,” said Constance. “We can also take the opportunity today to examine the situation and determine other ways to be of service. Perhaps that will mean bringing in food and other supplies or running an errand for someone. I have no doubt we can be useful in many ways.”

Adam nodded, acquiescing to their argument, although he couldn’t completely shake the feeling that they should do something more important. He could not imagine that there wasn’t a more significant purpose other than to relieve someone’s boredom after having been transported into this situation across decades of time. Adam was tempted to mention this, but then discarded the thought when he considered the likely outcome of telling Constance they were time-travelers. They would at the very least lose their elegant accommodations, if not find themselves relocated to one of the fort’s brigs. Unable to come up with a better plan, he agreed to accompany them to the fort.

The sun was a full hand-span above the mountain peaks by the time Adam, Alice, and Constance arrived at the fort. Captain Martin had already left to continue his part in the Cherokee roundup. All three latecomers were granted entry through the main gate, and on into the inner stockade without challenge or comment, although the guard at the stockade gate shared a sneer with his companion as they passed. Whether his scorn was directed at Adam because of their confrontation the previous day, or at Constance, who had not made any attempt to hide her feelings about the Indian Removal, was not clear; nor did it matter. All three ignored the soldier completely, irritating him more than if they had reacted.

They heard Benjamin call out to Adam as they entered the jam-packed stockade courtyard and shouldered their way in his direction. Adam introduced Constance, whom Benjamin eyed suspiciously but greeted cordially. Constance cordially returned his greeting without pretension or aloofness. Benjamin appeared much his usual self, revealing only a hint of weariness from his night of incarceration.

“Is your family doing okay this morning? How are Rebecca and Jimmy?” asked Alice.

“As well as can be expected. Rebecca of course is feeling pain from her ordeal, but she is much better than yesterday. Even Jimmy seems more himself today; the improvement in Rebecca’s condition has also improved his demeanor. Catherine spent the night with her, and has told me that although Rebecca’s sleep was fitful, she was able to get some much needed rest. This morning Catherine is looking after Sally, who woke up feeling sickly, probably due to yesterday’s unsettling events. Billy is with his mother, and they found a quiet, shady place for Sally to rest.”

In spite of Benjamin’s assurances that Sally would soon be fine, Alice insisted on going to check on her immediately. She took off in the direction Benjamin indicated with Constance in tow. Adam and Benjamin maneuvered through the crowded courtyard to where Jimmy and Rebecca were camped. Reaching them, Adam was relieved to see both of them offer him a faint smile in greeting. It did indeed appear that some of the warmth and cheerfulness he was accustomed to from the Deerinwater couple was beginning to return. Their resilience was remarkable; it was amazing that so much healing had occurred in only a single night. Regardless, Adam thought it best to measure his words carefully. It had only been a day since the horrific ordeal and even a slight careless remark could be misunderstood.

“How are you feeling, Rebecca?” Adam asked.

“Like I was thrown from a horse and trampled, but much better than I would have been if not for you. Thank you for coming to my rescue.”

“I think Captain Martin is the one you should thank,” Adam said humbly. “If not for him …”

“If not for you,” said Jimmy, “he would not even have gone to her rescue.”

After his evening with the Martins’ Adam was certain that wasn’t true. He thought it best not to contradict Jimmy. “I only did what anyone would have done. If only I could have prevented this terrible attack completely.”

“That was not within your power,” said Rebecca. “It is irrational to wish you had accomplished something beyond your brave and selfless actions. Be content to know we are appreciative of what you did. There is no doubt we are all the better for having you as a friend.” She took Adam in her arms and kissed him on the cheek. Adam felt himself flush at the show of affection. Not knowing how to respond to her compliment, he grinned foolishly.

Jimmy took his hand and shook it, breaking the spell of Rebecca’s kiss. “Adam, I know that I said some unkind things to you in anger. That was thoughtless of me, especially since you had just risked your life to rescue my wife. I should never have allowed myself to place blame upon you for the actions of those others. I hope you can forgive me.”

“As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing to forgive. You had been beaten, your property was stolen, and your wife was attacked and brutalized. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had the experience of such a horrific assault against a loved one. Your reaction was certainly understandable, I know it wasn’t personal.”

“It is too easy to use that as an excuse,” said Jimmy earnestly. “Having those incongruous thoughts about a good friend because of actions by members of his race shamed me. I acted no better than those who are bigoted against my own people. I am appreciative of your forgiveness.”

Jimmy’s expression suddenly turned grim. “But while I do not hold an entire race accountable for the actions of a few, I will hold malice in my heart for those contemptible individuals who committed the transgression against my wife. I pray for the chance to mete out retribution.”

The hatred in his voice startled Adam. Jimmy had every right to feel entitled to revenge, but Adam hoped he could control his rage enough to avoid bringing even more trouble on himself. Their friendship having just been reinstated, Adam chose his words carefully before speaking.

“I don’t doubt that I would feel the same if a member of my family had been attacked,” said Adam. “Where I come from, it is a crime to take the law into your own hands; law enforcement and the courts must determine and impose the penalties for criminals. I believe those laws also exist here—not that I have much hope that you can expect justice from what I have seen. Still, I hope you will keep in mind your duty to your family.”

Jimmy misunderstood Adam’s meaning. “That is exactly what is in my mind,” he retorted. “Have I not just told you that?”

“Yes, I heard your commitment to vengeance. You must also remember your obligation to your family’s future.”

“What about their future?”

“They will need you to be part of it. I hope you’ll not be so narrow sighted in extracting your revenge that you put yourself in jeopardy of being taken away from them. Your child is going to need you with him, not locked away in a jail cell. “

“I see what you are getting at,” said Jimmy. “But what child wants a coward for a father?”

“Coward?” Adam shook his head. “Who is braver, the man who satisfies his own need for vengeance, or one who swallows his pride for the benefit of his family? What would you advise your own child to do if the roles were reversed?”

Jimmy ran his fingers through his hair, stealing a glance at Rebecca as he pondered Adam’s words. “You make a strong argument. That’s some pretty wise counsel from a white man.”

Adam smiled, relieved that Jimmy was receptive to reason. “It’s not so much wisdom as common sense, Jimmy. I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful father, and I’d hate to see you do anything to mess that up.”

“I will remember your common sense advice, Adam. I will still look for an opportunity to settle the score, and I will keep in mind that the white government’s laws may work against me. In times not so long ago, our law, blood law, would support my seeking retribution and my honor would demand it. I believe that law is still held true in the hearts of righteous men. That must be true even in your future world. It is unnatural to depend upon others to right the wrongs committed against one’s family.”

“You may be right about that, Jimmy. I can’t deny your right to defend your honor. However unlikely, I hope that the law, or perhaps fate, will provide a justice that will satisfy you. I believe your sharp mind and wit will provide you with a rewarding life. Sometimes success can be the best revenge against those who would try to destroy your dreams.”