Red Bird's Song Read Online Free PDF Page B

said, and rested the little girl among the leaves.
    Emma considered him. “How is it a reckless adventurer is cradling a child?"
    "The poor lass rushed at me the instant she saw me."
    Pity softened the antagonism in Emma's face. “Perhaps you remind Lily of her father. You're the same height and both handsome—similar in appearance,” she hurriedly amended.
    "I'm also the only white man here. No matter. Children may be just the thing to settle me.” He gave Emma a crooked smile and reached down to take her hand. “Let's have you up."
    She groaned as he pulled her to her feet, and rubbed her lower back. “I might have fared better walking."
    "Never,” Charity said. “Your mother feared you would tire yourself out nut gathering."
    Emma winced and her rounded figure sagged under the weight of emotion.
    Remorse crossed Charity's expressive face. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken of Aunt Mary."
    Waupee enfolded Emma and held her to him. “She got away, darling. Likely she'll seek refuge with your brother Robin and his family."
    Emma blinked at tears. “Are you certain they weren't also attacked?"
    "Their homestead lies beyond the targeted area. Your mother is a tough woman, Emma. She will survive this."
    "I pray so,” she whispered.
    "As for James, the boy will stay with us. Wake up, lad. Breakfast,” Waupee said, summoning the sleepy child.
    James hopped up from the leaves, having wriggled off his blanket in the night. Awareness drove all drowsiness from his green-gray eyes. Plucking leaves from his blond curls, he ran his widening gaze over the cave. His small lips puckered and he turned to Waupee. “I don't got a Papa no more."
    Waupee closed one arm around the boy's slight shoulders. “I'm sorrier than I can say, lad. How about helping me with your sister? Take her hand.” James clutched Emma's fingers and Waupee tucked her other arm through his.
    "You have another child to settle you,” she sniffed.
    "And one yet unborn."
    "What of its father? Will I ever know Edward's fate?"
    Waupee's chin jutted at an unbending angle. “All I know is that a young man fitting Edward's description was injured, but whether he lives or dies, I'll never surrender you."
    Emma lifted glistening eyes. “You may have to, sir. Captain Buchanan may leave you no choice."
    "Much as I admire Captain Buchanan, he has me to reckon with before he can take you back.” With that, Waupee led them from the cave.
    Wicomechee wondered about this formidable militia leader and the Long Knives under his command. Just let these Scotsmen try to reclaim Charity. They'd rue the day, he determined, getting to his feet. In imitation of Waupee's civility, he bent down and reached out his hand to her.
    "I will help you to the spring."
    She eyed him coldly. “No thank you. I can manage."
    Her icy refusal drove a shaft of indignation through him. She'd been compliant enough when addressing his brother. “Go to Waupee. You will accept his aid, I think."
    He swiveled on his moccasins and stalked from the cave.
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    Chapter Three
    Wicomechee had scarcely disappeared from sight before Charity repented of her rash outburst. His abrupt departure had left her in the cave with warriors and no guardian at hand. Thankfully, the rowdy assembly didn't seem to be taking any notice of her. Some who'd imbibed too freely reeled outside. She must hasten past them to reach Colin and Emma.
    She rose stiffly and took a tentative step. Despite the soreness in her knee, she quickly limped toward the opening.
    "Where you going?” a husky voice asked from behind her, his words slightly slurred.
    She froze, almost too paralyzed to speak. “To Mister Dickson—I mean, Waupee,” she squeezed from her throat.
    Chaka seized her shoulders and spun her toward him. Everything about him seemed larger than life, nightmarishly so. His black eyes swept her with a hungry gleam in his broad face. “Why such haste? Eat. Drink."
    She recoiled from the