Dakota Dreams (Historical Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

known that he was a friend of the war chief, Two Moons, so he passed among the people unmolested.
    As his horse moved past the tepees, he was haunted by old memories. Had it been twenty-three years since he had returned to the cabin by the Salmon River to find the decomposed bodies of Holden and Cillia Remington? He remembered reading Lord Holden's last thoughts and carrying out his wishes to be buried with his wife.
    Levi had watched Dakota grow to manhood, and he knew the Remingtons would be proud of the man their son had become, even though it appeared his destiny was to become a great war chief of the Arapaho, not a tided lord in England.
    The years had deepened the respect Levi and Two Moons had for each other. Levi and Dakota had become close, and by now Dakota could read and speak English as well as Levi. The hunter used every opportunity to tell the young warrior about England and his grandfather who wanted him to take his rightful place as Viscount of Remington. Dakota, though unimpressed by his illustrious grandfather, had always been fascinated by England.
    Throughout the years, Levi had made two more trips to England to meet with the Marquess and advise him of the fate of his grandson. The fiery old man often demanded that Levi take his grandson by force if need be and bring him to London, a feat that Levi tried to convince him was impossible. Dakota was devoted to his Arapaho family. Dakota's skin might be white, but inside him beat the heart of an Indian.
    As Levi's mount moved slowly through the village, he received many warm smiles. Suddenly his eyes met and locked with the dark, hostile eyes of Two Moons' blood son, Black Otter. The young warrior had always been jealous of his adopted brother, Dakota. Levi had seen the jealousy in Black Otter's eyes long before it developed into open hatred, and he had always been fearful that Black Otter would one day do Dakota harm. Once Levi had even warned Dakota about Black Otter, but Dakota had only laughed and told him he was becoming suspicious like an old woman.
    Bringing his thoughts back to the present, Levi halted his horse before Two Moons' tepee. He was mystified as to why the War Chief had sent for him. Levi adjusted his buckskin shirt and smoothed his white beard before he called out to be admitted.
    The flap was immediately pushed aside by the medicine man, who beckoned Levi to enter. The heat was oppressive as Levi stepped inside. Even though the day was warm, a fire had been laid, making it even more unbearable. Levi knew something was wrong when he saw Two Moons lying on his robe in the middle of the day. He was stunned when he saw how frail and ill Two Moons appeared.
    "You have been gone from us for a very long time, Levi Gunther," the war chief said, beckoning him closer. "I began to think you would not return unless I sent for you." Two Moons' voice was so faint that Levi could hardly catch his words. Raising on his elbow, Two Moons gave the hunter a slight smile. "I would not want to pass from this world without you to disturb the tranquility of my last hours, my old friend."
    Levi dropped down on a reed mat and crossed his legs, while a worried frown creased his wrinkled face. As always, he spoke to the chief in the Arapaho tongue. "I can see that you are ailing, Two Moons. It is hoped you will soon recover."
    The war chief fell back on his buffalo robe, his face plainly showing the agony he felt. "It is the sickness in my breast that festers and worsens. I will not recover, old friend." His eyes turned sad. "One of the things I will miss of this world is matching wits with you, Levi Gunther. You have become a friend to me and to my son Dakota."
    "It saddens me to see you thus, Two Moons, but I know you will recover from this affliction and match wits with me for many years to come."
    "That cannot be, my friend." This was spoken without remorse. T have not felt at home in this world since White Wing left me to walk with the spirits." His eyes darkened