{"id":12107,"date":"2002-11-01T10:59:22","date_gmt":"2002-11-01T15:59:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12107"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:50:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:50:15","slug":"a-final-goodbye-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12107","title":{"rendered":"A Final Goodbye (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 The final chapter.\u00a0 Joe sets off on an adventure to visit his old friend, Two Feathers.\u00a0 Not long after arriving at the Paiute village, Joe is told of a vision that the chief has had, one that spells disaster for the entire Indian village.\u00a0 When the vision becomes reality and Two Feathers dies while being held in the arms of his young friend, Joe, heart broken, must now face the future without his dearest friend.<\/p>\n

Rated: <\/strong>PG\u00a0 (13,100 words)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Tale of Two Feathers Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Tale of Two Feathers<\/a>
\nA Winter of Hope<\/a>
\nAn Old Acquaintance<\/a>
\nA Final Goodbye<\/a><\/p>\n

A Final Goodbye<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe hurried to toss what clothing he felt he would need into his satchel, not taking time to fold the shirts or trousers neatly. He wasn\u2019t taking much, just barely enough to keep himself presentable for his host and hostess.\u00a0 He hated dragging the satchel along with him, but his father had insisted.\u00a0 Ben had been insistently ordering his youngest son to take part of the articles, such as his heavy coat, long johns, extra shirts and pants, and his shaving instruments.\u00a0 Joe had laughed and tried to explain to his father that he was going to an Indian village, not to San Francisco, but Ben had been persistent and Joe had given in to his father\u2019s wishes, if for no other reason than to put an end to Ben\u2019s shouting.\u00a0 Joe took one glance at the determined look in the brown eyes that glared at him and feared that if he did not agree, his father might change his mind and not give him the much desired time off to visit his friend, Two Feathers, thus Joe conceded.<\/p>\n

It was with an impish smile on his handsome face that he looked at his father as he continued to stuff the clothing into the bag.\u00a0 Giggling when he saw his father wince, Joe stopped long enough to face his parent.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa, you know I\u2019m not good at this sort of thing, besides, I don\u2019t understand why I need all this stuff, I\u2019m only going to be gone a month,\u201d laughed Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but I would think that you would need more than one pair of trousers, young man,\u201d ascertained the older Cartwright in an authoritative voice that belied the smile on his face as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I might wanna wear one of those deerskin\u2026thingys that Two Feathers made me wear the first time,\u201d giggled Joe as he added one more pair of britches to the not-so-full traveling bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, really son,\u201d groaned Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I sorta liked it, that is except when I had to ride Cyclone.\u00a0 Man did that make my butt hurt.\u201d\u00a0 Joe faked a moan and rubbed his backside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you put one on this time, then your skinny little butt needs to hurt,\u201d Ben turned to leave the room and planted an opened hand swat to his son\u2019s backside.\u00a0 \u201cNow hurry up and get downstairs to breakfast, I don\u2019t want you leaving until you eat, got that?\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cOuch!\u201d giggled Joe, \u201cyou\u2019re gonna miss me ain\u2019t ya, Pa?\u201d asked Joe, his back to his father as Ben made his way into the hall.<\/p>\n

Ben stopped suddenly, his smile faded as he thought of the long lonely months that he had spent, nearly three years ago, when his youngest son had been missing, and then again the worry and fear that had nearly destroyed him when they had thought Joe murdered by renegades.\u00a0 Yes, he would miss his son, and he would worry, and he would pace the floor, lose sleep, all the things a father would do when his youngest child was gone for such a long time.\u00a0 Oh, Ben knew Joseph wasn\u2019t a boy anymore, at twenty-two, Joe was more man than he was a boy.\u00a0 Ben smiled to himself, man or not; Joseph would always be his baby.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Joseph, let it be known that your Papa will miss you, terribly I might add,\u201d said Ben and then moved to descend the steps where he planned on joining Adam and Hoss who were already at the dinning room table.<\/p>\n

Joe turned suddenly, but his father had already gone.\u00a0 He paused, his thoughts suddenly uneasy as his senses picked up on the unexpected change in his father\u2019s voice.\u00a0 Ben was worried; Joe sensed that.\u00a0 He knew his father had been hesitant about giving him the time off so that he might visit Two Feathers and his family.\u00a0 Joe understood why Ben had been reluctant to let him go, though Ben had not refused his request, Joe knew that if he decided not to go, his father would be relieved.<\/p>\n

Joe hurried to finish his packing and quickly joined his family at the table.\u00a0 Hoss glanced up at him and smiled, his mouth stuffed with whatever Hop Sing had placed on the table before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa look plum purty this morning Short Shanks,\u201d muttered Hoss as he swallowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty?\u00a0 Come on big brother give me a break.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t suppose to look pretty, now if you had said handsome, or charming\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had suddenly developed a coughing fit and Joe was interrupted by the noise.\u00a0 When he turned toward Adam, he could see the slight smile that tugged at his brother\u2019s lips and forced his face to dimple.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I am handsome and charming\u2026\u201d he began as he reached for the platter of eggs and began serving himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd conceited as well as egotistical,\u201d Adam smirked and then took a sip of his coffee.<\/p>\n

Joe cast wide eyes at his father, \u201cegotistical?\u00a0 What in blazes does that mean?\u00a0 Is he cursing at me Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben burst into a clamorous round of laughter and reached a hand out to place it on his youngest son\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cNo Joseph, not cursing, just implying that you sometimes tend to be self absorbed in yourself,\u201d Ben stated as his laughter dropped to a softer level.\u00a0 \u201cAnd, at times, I have to honestly agree with your older brother, though I don\u2019t always think you\u2019re in the wrong for being that way.\u00a0 It\u2019s part of your charisma that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy what?\u201d Joe interrupted for the second time since coming to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharm, little brother, charm,\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharisma, son\u2026it\u2019s what makes you draw people to yourself.\u00a0 Like your friend, Two Feathers, he was planning on killing you; I don\u2019t suppose I have to remind you of that.\u00a0 But after taking you as his prisoner, something about you stopped him from doing what he had originally planned on doing to you.\u00a0 It was\u2026\u201d Ben smiled and glanced at both Adam and Hoss and then back to Joe\u2019s face whose hazel eyes were studying his, \u201cyour charm\u2026your charisma and because of it\u2026it saved your life, plus changed the heart of a hardened man.\u00a0 In your case it was a virtue, not a vise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Joe and then looked over at his older brother, \u201cthanks Adam, I\u2019ll take that as a compliment.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two oldest Cartwrights began laughing, their eyes each locking with the others.\u00a0 Joe glanced from one to the other and then at Hoss who stared at all three members of his family.\u00a0 When his bright blue eyes met his youngest brother\u2019s questioning hazel ones, Hoss shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeats me what they\u2019re laughin\u2019 at,\u201d stated the big man, his fork halfway to his opened mouth.<\/p>\n

Ben followed his youngest son to the door and paused as Joe put his gunbelt around his waist and fastened it, tying the holster down to his left leg.\u00a0 When he reached for his hat and the satchel that he had set on the credenza, Ben opened the door for his son, giving Joe a bright smile that he hoped would be convincing, for in truth, his heart feared his son\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will be careful, won\u2019t you?\u201d Ben asked as he placed his hand across Joe\u2019s shoulders and walk out unto the porch with him.<\/p>\n

Joe cast his eyes sideways at his father, noting the anxious expression on his face and then gave his father a smile in return.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I know you would rather that I not go on this trip, but I promised Two Feathers that I would come, in the spring.\u00a0 He\u2019s my friend, I want to see him, and my namesake,\u201d laughed Joe and then continued.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, try to worry, I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tied his satchel to the side of his saddle and pulled free Cochise\u2019s reins from the hitching post, then turned to face his father for the second time.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes locked with his father\u2019s and Joe could see that Ben\u2019s worry had not faded.\u00a0 In the dark depths of the brown eyes that scrutinized his face, Joe could see all the fear from years before billowing upward from his father\u2019s heart, into the eyes that refused to become misty.\u00a0 Joe placed his hand on Ben\u2019s arm and gently squeezed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine, honest Pa,\u201d smiled Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI promise to stay alert this time and watch my back.\u00a0 I\u2019m not a kid anymore, I\u2019ve learned better,\u201d he told Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, you\u2019ve grown up the last couple of years.\u00a0 But Joseph, no matter how old you become, I\u2019ll always be your father, and I will always worry about you,\u201d Ben said in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe means it little brother,\u201d said Adam who had joined them to say goodbye.\u00a0 \u201cHe stills worries about me, and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure does Short Shanks, we still get the \u2018now be careful, watch your back, take care of yourself\u2019, lecture every time Adam or I have to go away.\u00a0 You deserve no less than what we have to listen too.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss and Adam laughed and then just as quickly hushed when Ben placed both hands on his hips and glared at both of them.<\/p>\n

Suddenly his face broke into a big smile and when he began to laugh, the tension seemed to dissipate and within seconds, all four Cartwright men where laughing.<\/p>\n

Joe rode for what seemed liked hours before finally stopping for the night.\u00a0 He slid from his saddle, rubbed his behind, which had started to tingle from so many hours of sitting astride his horse, and laughed to himself.\u00a0 He quickly pulled his saddle from Cochise\u2019s back and using the saddle blanket, rubbed the sweaty animal down as best he could.\u00a0 Once finished with the care of his horse, Joe soon had a roaring fire going and settled down to enjoy the warmth that radiated from the blaze.<\/p>\n

A twig snapped, causing Joe\u2019s eyes to pop open.\u00a0 His hand resting on his pistol, Joe carefully scanned his camp and giggled when an old mama opossum and her babies with them securely latched onto her back, waddled into the dim light.\u00a0 Joe watched for several minutes as the large rodent slowly worked her way through to the other side of his camp and disappeared into the dark shadows that circled the fading light of his campfire.\u00a0 Leaning his head back against his saddle that now served as his pillow, Joe\u2019s thoughts took him back to another night spent alone with nothing but his horse to keep him company.<\/p>\n

He had been weary, cold and hungry and the warmth of the fire then had lured him to sleep.\u00a0 When he woke, he had found himself staked to the ground, Two Feathers had slipped up on him while he slept and captured him.\u00a0 At first he had feared for his life, the Paiute had threatened to kill him, had tortured him to a degree but in the end, had become his protector, then his friend, as well as his surrogate father for the long months that he had been separated from his family.\u00a0 Though Joe\u2019s heart had longed for his family, he had, over time, learned to trust and depend on the hardened warrior and by the time that Joe had been reunited with his family, Joe had found it nearly impossible to say goodbye to his friend.<\/p>\n

The separation from his family and home had given the then nineteen-year old time to grow up.\u00a0 He had been granted a peek into the life of a man whose heart had been crushed and broken by white men.\u00a0 Two Feathers\u2019 heart had been hardened and filled with hatred of all whites, men, women and even children.\u00a0 Joe had learned why the Indian man\u2019s heart been turned against the white race, it had been a sad story, one that had touched Joe\u2019s young heart and had brought him to a better understanding of the Paiute\u2019s odd mood swings.\u00a0 With the death of his wife and son, Two Feathers had separated himself from his village, preferring to live his life alone in solitude, until the fateful day when his path had crossed with Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 From that day on, neither the warrior nor the young white boy\u2019s life had ever been the same, a friendship had developed and grown, a young boy had become a man, a hardened Pauite\u2019s heart had learned how to love again, forgive and had found peace for his tormented soul.<\/p>\n

Joe woke early the next morning.\u00a0 His fire had died down sometime during the night and he shivered slightly has he hurried to rekindle the flame.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take long, and in the matter of a few minutes, the water in Joe\u2019s coffeepot could be heard boiling.\u00a0 Bacon sizzled in his skillet next to the eggs that bubbled up from the heat, and in a short time, Joe was enjoying his breakfast.<\/p>\n

A sudden and loud movement behind him, cause Joe to drop his tin plate and whirling around, grabbed for his pistol.\u00a0 His hand slapped against his leg where the holster should have been strapped, but having realized that he had not yet put his sidearm on, Joe glanced at the tall Indian that stood before him.\u00a0 Feeling foolish for having yet again been caught off guard, Joe was stunned when the man before him began to laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will you ever learn?\u00a0 You must always be ready to face your enemy, lest you be caught unaware, as now?\u201d laughed the red man as he stepped nearer to the younger man and placed both of his large hands on both of Joe\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face broke into a welcoming smile as he placed his own hands on the arms of the mighty warrior who gave his shoulders a tight squeeze before pulling him into the folds of his strong arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is good to see you Little Joe.\u00a0 I was hoping that you would come soon,\u201d greeted Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you too, Two Feathers,\u201d smiled Joe.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you doing down this way?\u00a0 You\u2019re a long way from your village.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have come to ride with you, to my village.\u00a0 Nishka and Gray Fox wait in the forest for us.\u00a0 There has been trouble between my people and the Bannocks and it is not safe that you travel alone.\u00a0 We have come to make sure no harm comes to you, for you seem to have a knack for finding trouble where ever you may be,\u201d teased the warrior.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, \u201cyeah, Pa says the same thing.\u00a0 I guess that\u2019s why he\u2019s always telling me to be careful and stay alert.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two Feathers became serious, his long slender fingers tightened slightly around Joe\u2019s shoulders, \u201cYour father is a wise man, Little Joe.\u00a0 You must always heed his wisdom, for he fears for your safety in a land where a man\u2019s life can be taken from him in less than a heartbeat.\u00a0 He has seen it happen, as I too have seen how swiftly death can come to one who is caught off guard.\u00a0 Now come, let us go, Rising Sun waits for your arrival.\u00a0 She has good news for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood news, for me?\u00a0 What is it Two Feathers?\u201d giggled Joe as he began picking up his supplies.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers laughed, \u201cI was ordered not to tell you.\u00a0 That wife of mine would have my hide if I were to tell you of her surprise.\u00a0 You must wait until we return to my village to find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe emptied the remainder of his coffee onto the fire and kicked at the sizzling embers to be sure that the flame had been doused thoroughly before leaving.\u00a0 After packing away his meager belongings, it was only minutes before Cochise was saddled and Joe was ready to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou no longer ride the little roan, Cyclone?\u201d the Paiute asked, trying hard to hide the smile that threatened to give away his amusement.<\/p>\n

Joe swung onto his horse\u2019s back and turned Cochise so that he could face his friend.\u00a0 He noted the twinkle in the dark eyes that tried so hard to hide his merriment.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 It was short and too the point.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers could no longer hold back his laughter, and he didn\u2019t try.\u00a0 The roar that rumbled up from the pit of his stomach sent the tiny forest creatures scurrying to their burrows and the birds, which had balanced themselves on branches of nearby trees took flight.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have not mastered that animal yet?\u201d the Indian laughed, remembering what a difficult time that Little Joe had trying to stay on the little stallion\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

Joe twisted his neck around and stared at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose you find that funny?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know how many times that horse tossed me on my butt?\u00a0 Well I do, and I finally gave up and turned him out with the mustangs.\u00a0 He\u2019s happier there anyway, and I am too, it gave the bruises on my butt time to go away,\u201d laughed Joe, he to remembering what a terrible time he had trying to break the roan stallion that seemed determined not to give in to his young master.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sure that Cyclone is happier, he will make many fine colts.\u00a0 Perhaps you will have better luck with those,\u201d laughed Two Feathers as he urged his own horse into a trot, leading the way into the forest, Joe following close behind.\u00a0 Two Feathers could hear Joe mumbling under his breath and smiled to himself.\u00a0 It was good to be reunited with his friend, for he had missed the boy whom he had come to love as his own and looked forward to renewing their friendship.<\/p>\n

It was late into the second day before the small group reached the village of Two Feathers.\u00a0 As soon as they entered the clearing, they were surrounded by the dozens of children that flocked to greet their chief and tribal leaders, not to mention getting a look at the handsome white man who had been invited to share the fire of their chief.\u00a0 Joe smiled his greeting at several of the older boys that he remembered from having met when he had last been in the camp.\u00a0 His smile was returned as he dismounted and followed Two Feathers to his teepee and several times felt hands patting his back as he passed among the thong of greeters.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers raised the flap that covered the opening to his tent and slipped inside first, in front of his guest.\u00a0 Joe followed behind and stood for several seconds until his eyes became adjusted to the dim light given off by the glow of the campfire that warmed the interior of Two Feathers\u2019 home.<\/p>\n

Rising Sun stepped up to Little Joe and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome to our home,\u201d greeted the beautiful wife of Joe\u2019s friend.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes immediately took in the beauty of the young woman and smiled his greeting.\u00a0 \u201cThank you ma\u2019am,\u201d said Joe in return.<\/p>\n

The baby in her arms began cooing and reached his arms out at Joe.\u00a0 Joe glanced at Two Feathers, saw the pride shining in the warriors\u2019 eyes and carefully took the baby from Rising Sun.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis surely cannot be Joseph?\u201d Little Joe asked as he held the tiny child in his arms and tried to keep the toddler\u2019s fingers from poking him in the eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d beamed the proud father, \u201cthis is your namesake, Joseph Two Feathers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tickled the baby\u2019s chin and laughed when the little boy began to giggle and squirm in his arms.\u00a0 The child reached for Joe\u2019s nose and squeezed, next the excited child made a grab for Joe\u2019s hat, knocking it to the ground.\u00a0 Before long, Joe was forced to return his namesake to his mother, the baby being nearly more than Joe, who was unaccustomed to being around such small children, was used to dealing with.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to make a good chief someday.\u00a0 He sure is a busy little fella,\u201d laughed Joe who had taken his nose being squeezed, his eyes poked and his hair pulled, all in good fun.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my son will make a fine chief.\u00a0 He will lead our people in the ways that the Great Spirit directs his paths.\u00a0 I will teach him of the love that you have taught me, and I will tell him of whom he was named,\u201d beamed Two Feathers proudly.<\/p>\n

The days passed too swiftly for the two friends who spent their entire time, each one in the company of the other.\u00a0 As in the beginning, Little Joe became Two Feathers\u2019 shadow as the Paiute warrior showed the younger man the many changes that he had brought about to his village and to his people.\u00a0 Joe was impressed with the crops that the women had planted, thus providing food for the long winter months.\u00a0 Joe watched in amazement, the younger boys as their fathers taught them how to hunt and track, make bows and arrows and the quivers in which to carry them.\u00a0 He laughed at his own attempts when he tried to help.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like I forgot how to do this, I think it was easier the last time you showed me how,\u201d laughed Little Joe, his fingers becoming all thumbs.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers joined in the laughter with the boys who were trying to help Joe.\u00a0 The chief laid a strong hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, drawing the younger man\u2019s attention to the Indian\u2019s face.\u00a0 Two Feathers\u2019 dark eyes shone with amusement as he beamed down at his young friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome, let us walk among the forest trees.\u00a0 Rising Sun will soon call us for our meal.\u00a0 I think tonight she will tell you her secret,\u201d smiled Two Feathers, stepping aside so that Joe might join him.<\/p>\n

Joe and Two Feathers walked side by side as they entered the dark woods.\u00a0 The ground was covered with leaves and pine needles and their feet barely made a sound on the natural carpet that covered the forest floor.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced up at his friend who had suddenly become quiet and wondered at the faraway expression that the Paiute chief wore on his face.\u00a0 The dark brows above the equally dark eyes were draw downward, making an arch just above the bridge of the warrior\u2019s nose.\u00a0 Joe had seen that look many times in the passed and it warned him that the big man had many troubling thoughts bouncing around in his head.\u00a0 Joe could not refrain from commenting on this to the chief.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Two Feathers?\u201d asked Joe and was startled when the red man turned to face him and the hate that Joe thought had gone forever was now shining back at him in the depths of his Indian friend\u2019s chocolate eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe gulped, \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t mean to pry\u2026\u201d he stammered and was relieved when the expression on Two Feathers\u2019 face softened.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers\u2019 halted his steps and faced Joe, placing both hands on either side of Joe\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cYou only ask because of your concern for me and my people.\u00a0 It is I that am sorry, for frightening you.\u00a0 There is nothing wrong, Little Joe, at least nothing that you can help me with,\u201d Two Feathers explained and then began walking, once more seemingly lost in his thoughts.<\/p>\n

Joe stood where he was for a moment longer, watching the back of the tall Indian.\u00a0 Two Feathers stopped when he realized that Joe was no longer walking next to him, and turned to face Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy won\u2019t you tell me what\u2019s wrong?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you trust me anymore?\u201d Joe asked quietly.<\/p>\n

He knew that Two Feathers had asked him to walk with him, he could see the urgency in the older man\u2019s face that spoke of words that needed to be voiced.\u00a0 Yet once given the chance, Two Feathers had clamed up and refused to explain to him his desires.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d asked Joe coming to stand directly in front of the Paiute chief.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers sighed, giving Joe a small smile.\u00a0 \u201cI have always trusted you.\u00a0 Even when you ran away from me and I had to punish you.\u00a0 Something about you, some unknown thing within your heart spoke to me and told me that it was safe to trust you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be my charm,\u201d smiled Joe, \u201cor my charisma,\u201d he added, remembering the word that his older brother, Adam, had used.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers tossed his head back and laughed.\u00a0 \u201cOr could it be that you are just so innocent that it makes a mighty warrior such as I, love you as his own son?\u00a0 I think that is the case, for I believe that my white son, Little Joe, is much into himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Joe\u2019s turn to laugh, \u201cthat\u2019s the same thing my family tells me.\u00a0 Hmm\u2026must be something to it then if you feel that way as well.\u00a0 Now, old friend, are you going to tell me what is bothering you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Two Feathers became quiet as he studied Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cI am going to die soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was stunned; he could barely find his voice.\u00a0 After swallowing several times, he spoke.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean?\u00a0 Are you sick?\u00a0 What?\u201d he all but shouted at his friend.<\/p>\n

Joe was suddenly afraid.\u00a0 Had he come to visit this dear friend, only to find out that the man had been sick and may die soon?\u00a0 Two Feathers didn\u2019t look ill, didn\u2019t even act ill, just bothered about something.\u00a0 This couldn\u2019t be, thought Joe, not Two Feathers, not the man who had saved his life on more than one occasion, not the brave Indian warrior who had taken him as his hostage, only to find out later that they would become close friends, very close, thought Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me!\u201d demanded Joe in a troubled voice that reeked with unspoken fear that he might somehow lose this special friend of his.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers stepped close to Joe and with hands as gentle as his father\u2019s, raised Joe\u2019s quivering chin upward so that he might search the young face.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I am not sick.\u00a0 Have no fear of that, for I am as a young man in both body and soul.\u00a0 My spirit is troubled, that is all,\u201d explained Two Feathers in a gentle, but deep voice that reminded Joe of his father\u2019s own deep tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what?\u00a0 Why do you think you will die soon?\u201d questioned Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome, let us sit.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers found a spot covered in the soft pine needles and sat down, crossing his legs in the usual Indian fashion and waited for Joe to join him before continuing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have had a vision.\u00a0 A vision that has left me troubled, not for myself, but for my people, especially for Rising Sun and Joseph Two Feathers.\u00a0 I have seen in my dream, many men on horseback riding into my village.\u00a0 I cannot tell whether they are white men or red men, but they are trying to kill my braves, steal from us what is ours, and take our women and children as their prisoners.\u00a0 It is not a pretty site that vision.\u00a0 I see myself lying on the ground, my blood stains the dirt beneath my body and I die in the arms of a faceless man.\u00a0 I cannot see who it is that holds me, only that he is a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two Feathers looked long into the hazel eyes that stared in wonder at him and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cDo not look so unhappy, my son.\u00a0 I am not afraid to die, I\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was just a dream.\u00a0 I have crazy dreams all the time; even you should know that.\u00a0 How many times did I wake you up with my screaming?\u201d asked Joe, hoping that what Two Feathers had told him was just that, a nightmare of sorts.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany times, little one.\u00a0 But this was no dream it was a vision.\u00a0 You see, one day not so long ago, before I came to ride with you back to the village, I sat alone atop that hill,\u201d Two Feathers pointed to a grassy little knoll off in the distance.\u00a0 \u201cI was not sleeping, I was meditating, and the Great Spirit spoke to me and showed me this scene that I have described to you.\u00a0 It will happen soon, I fear.\u00a0 I just do not know when or why it will happen, but it will be, for the Great Spirit would not have revealed it to me if it were not so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe could not help but to squirm, for he knew that his friend believed the Great Spirit and it made Joe fearful for his friend and the ones in the village.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t understand, I won\u2019t even begin to try to know how you can be so sure.\u00a0 But what about your people, what about Rising Sun, and Joseph?\u201d asked Joe as he took the back of his hand and wiped away the moisture that had collected in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy wife and my son.\u00a0 They are the ones that I fear the most for.\u00a0 You see Little Joe, I fear for what will happen to them when I am gone, when they no longer have a husband or a father to care for them.\u00a0 That is why I am glad you are here, I have something that I want to ask of you.\u00a0 I want you to promise me, give me your word as my trusted friend, that you will honor my request,\u201d stated Two Feathers, all traces of seriousness embedded deeply into his dark features.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 I\u2019ll do anything I can to help you, you know that,\u201d Joe told Two Feathers.\u00a0 \u201cJust ask me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two Feathers head bobbed up and down and he almost smiled at his young friend\u2019s eagerness.\u00a0 \u201cI want you to promise me that once I have gone, that you will take care of my wife and young son\u2026\u201d Two Feathers saw the sudden shock that registered on Little Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want you to be sure that Rising Sun and Joseph Two Feathers will be taken back to her own tribe.\u00a0 There, she will be safe.\u00a0 Her father and mother will care for her and help with my son\u2026and the new baby that my wife carries within her belly.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers\u2019 smile broadened as Joe\u2019s face suddenly pivoted upward and gazed into his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew baby?\u201d he stammered.\u00a0 \u201cRising Sun is going to have another baby?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but you must not tell her I told you, it is her secret that she wished to tell you.\u00a0 My beautiful wife is praying to the Great Spirit for a daughter, so that she may have you for her son as well.\u00a0 You do remember that I promised you my daughter as your wife?\u201d laughed Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I\u2026I remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen it is settled, you will promise me that you will see my family safely back to her own people?\u201d questioned Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026sure\u2026but Two Feathers, couldn\u2019t you be wrong?\u201d Joe suggested and then seeing the look that sprung into the Paiute\u2019s eyes, added, \u201cjust this once?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not wrong my young questionable friend.\u00a0 I will die soon, Rising Sun will bear me a daughter, who will become your wife, and you\u2026Joseph Cartwright\u2026will tend to my family.\u00a0 I will hold you to that promise, agreed?\u201d affirmed Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head dipped downward; unable to stop the tears that had suddenly sprang into his eyes and clouded his vision.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath and willing away the tiny droplets, Joe raised his head and looked for several long seconds into the dark eyes of the man who sat across from him.\u00a0 At last he spoke, his voice smooth and even, belying the apprehension that coursed through his heart and forcing the beating organ into double time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise you Two Feathers that I will make sure that Rising Sun and Joseph get back to her people.\u00a0 I give you my word, as your friend,\u201d promised Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, now let us return to the village, for I am sure that Rising Sun waits for us.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers rose to his feet and extended his long arm outward to Joe, his hand opened in invitation.\u00a0 Joe accepted the help, and when on his feet, Two Feathers, still clinging to Joe\u2019s hand, pulled the younger man into a warm embrace, holding Joe for several moments before releasing the one whom he had come to think of as his own son.<\/p>\n

Rising Sun smiled down at Joe as she handed him the bowl of rabbit stew that she had prepared.\u00a0 Joe could not stop the smile that he gave in return, for the young mother\u2019s face glowed with her happiness.\u00a0 Joe watched, amazed at how the woman, who was not much older than he, managed to care for her small child as well as her husband and himself, and how she managed without all of the conveniences that even Hop Sing had at his disposable.<\/p>\n

\u201cRising Sun,\u201d said Joe as the woman stooped to fill his bowl for a second serving, \u201cTwo Feathers said you had a surprise for me,\u201d beamed Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Rising Sun shot her dark eyes in the direction of her husband and then back at Joe, who watched the exchange between his friend and that man\u2019s wife.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy husband is worse than a young boy who cannot keep a secret; for I can tell by the glow in your eyes and the way in which your lips ache to smile, that he has already spoken to you of the coming of another child,\u201d stated Rising Sun, and then smiled at both of them.\u00a0 \u201cI knew my man could not keep it from you, for he thinks that this baby will be a girl, but I know he is wrong, and he brags that he is never wrong, but in this, I am right.\u00a0 The child will be another boy, you will see,\u201d she laughed.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at Two Feathers and once spying the look on the warrior\u2019s face, broke into a round of giggles that brought the other man from his stupor and into a boisterous bout of laughter as well. Joe stood to his feet and hugged Rising Sun gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations, Mrs. Two Feathers,\u201d giggled Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI know that whatever the baby will be, it will be beautiful, just like it\u2019s mama, and wise, just like it\u2019s father,\u201d added Joe after seeing the mock frown on Two Feathers\u2019 face.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait, it means I get to come back for another visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe caught a glance at his friend\u2019s face, which had suddenly sobered.\u00a0 Two Feathers\u2019 thoughts had taken him to another dimension, for it was obvious to the younger man that his friend was deep in thought.\u00a0 Joe could only guess where those notions had taken his friend and realized that if what Two Feathers had told him, were to come true, it meant that the chief would in all probability, not live to see his second child born.<\/p>\n

The time passed swiftly for Little Joe and Two Feathers.\u00a0 Joe tried to force his fears into dormancy but the disturbing thoughts plagued his every waking hour even interrupting his sleep on a couple of nights.\u00a0 Joe had even started to notice that Two Feathers had begun to grow quieter, seemingly to be watching for something, especially when he thought that no one was about to see him.\u00a0 He would stand for several long minutes at a time, gazing off into the distance, studying the horizon, waiting it appeared.\u00a0 On one such occasion, Joe climbed the grassy knoll on which Two Feathers kept observation and stood next to his friend.<\/p>\n

After moments of silence, Two Feathers looked down at Joe, his face grave, his eyes dark and troubled.\u00a0 \u201cIt will not be long now, my friend.\u00a0 The end is near, we must be prepared, come let us speak with the village men and make ready.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers turned back toward his village but Joe, placing a tight hold on the Indian\u2019s arm, stopped the chief\u2019s retreat.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake ready for what? What are you going to do?\u201d asked Joe, concern sounding in his voice.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers glanced at the hand that had tightened on his arm and then into Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cI must make ready for the attack.\u00a0 But first, I must ask you to leave my village.\u00a0 Go home, to your family, to your father, where you will be safe from the danger that will come to this village.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not going anywhere.\u00a0 If someone is planning on attacking this village, then I will stay here and fight with you, I will not\u2026\u201d began Joe but stopped when Two Feathers grabbed Joe\u2019s wrist and in his anger, twisted Joe\u2019s arm until Joe released his own grip on Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will not disobey me.\u00a0 You will leave, go now and make ready!\u201d shouted the warrior, his eyes dark with foreboding.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I will stay here, with you until it is over, whatever happens,\u201d Joe snapped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you must, you gave me your word!\u201d growled Two Feathers.\u00a0 \u201cDid you speak an untruth to me then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I promised to take Rising Sun and Joseph to her people, but I want to stay and fight with you, if it comes to that,\u201d Joe said and wrenched his arm free from the tight hold that Two Feathers held on his wrist.\u00a0 Joe gently rubbed the stinging redness and looked long into the Paiute\u2019s dark eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI want to help you, you are my friend and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe silent little one and listen to me.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers voice had softened and he placed both hands on Joe\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cYou are to me as my own son of long ago had been to me.\u00a0 I cherish you as I cherished my flesh and blood son.\u00a0 I do not want to see what happened to Running Deer to happen to you.\u00a0 For the Great Spirit to require a man to surrender two sons in one lifetime is too much, even for Two Feathers, chief of the Paiutes.\u00a0 Please, go and take my family where all of you will be safe, it is the last thing I will ever ask of you, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe felt the tears sting his eyes but refused to allow his friend to see them.\u00a0 He turned his back away from the prying eyes and took a deep breath before finding the courage to face the red man again.\u00a0 When he felt his emotions under control, Joe turned and smiled at the worried face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will go, and I will take Rising Sun and Joseph Two Feathers to her people.\u00a0 I promise you Two Feathers, I\u2019ll protect them with my life if need be,\u201d promised Joe, the tears suddenly reappearing, unannounced in his hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you my friend, my son.\u00a0 Come, we must hurry to prepare, for danger is lurking nearby.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers led the way back to the village and ordered his people to prepare themselves.\u00a0 To his wife, Two Feathers ordered her to ready both herself and the young toddler for traveling.<\/p>\n

Rising Sun tried to protest, her objections bordering on begging as she argued with her husband.\u00a0 She insisted that she would stay with him, even if death demanded of her, her husband.\u00a0 Two Feathers\u2019 loud roars could be heard outside the teepee where Joe waited for the young woman and her child.\u00a0 At last, Two Feathers had convinced his loving wife that she must, for the sake of both Joseph and the unborn child, that it would be in her best interest to go back to her own people.\u00a0 Two Feathers had even gone as far as promising her that he would come for her as soon as the danger had passed.\u00a0 Rising Sun knew nothing of the vision that her husband had shared with their young visitor and Joe worried that one day soon, he would have to be the bearer of bad news.\u00a0 Little did he understand how soon that news would have to be carried to the young wife of the chief.<\/p>\n

Joe and Rising Sun had only traveled a few miles before having to stop so that the squalling child could be nursed.\u00a0 Joe dismounted first and was surprised to feel the earth beneath his feet begin to tremble.\u00a0 His eyes sought the eyes of the young woman whom he helped from her horse and when her dark eyes glanced downward at the ground, Joe noted the frightened look that suddenly appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has begun,\u201d she wept.\u00a0 \u201cThe enemies are heading to our village,\u201d she said softly, the tears billowing in the depths of her sad eyes. \u201cThe fighting will begin soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have watched the worry that my husband tries so hard to hide from me, but it is impossible.\u00a0 I know of his vision, for I have heard him speaking with the elders and I know that soon, I will be left without a husband,\u201d spoke the woman softly as she turned her back to Joe so that the baby could suckle at her breast.<\/p>\n

Joe, slightly embarrassed, turned his own back to the nursing mother and child to offer her more privacy. The baby had ceased his crying, soft, cooing sounds could be heard instead and Joe knew that the baby\u2019s hunger would soon be satisfied and then they could be on their way.\u00a0 It was vital to Joe\u2019 thinking that he do as he had promised his friend and take the chief\u2019s wife and child to a safe place.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s common sense told him to hurry, to leave the area so that the woman and child would be safe, however, his heart begged him to rush back to the village and help his friend.\u00a0 Joe, who rarely listened to what common sense told him, listened instead to his heart.\u00a0 He told himself that he would place the woman and child in a secure place and return to fight along side his friend and then when the battle was over, come back and collect his charges, then take them to Rising Sun\u2019s village.\u00a0 That was the thoughts that raced through Joe\u2019s heart as he anxiously waited for the nursing baby to finish with his meal.<\/p>\n

While Baby Joseph finished with his nursing, Joe scouted the area looking for a safe hideaway where he would be sure that Rising Sun and her son would be safe.\u00a0 He knew he should do as his friend requested, and take the woman and her baby back to her own people, but something tugged at Joe\u2019s heartstrings, drawing him back to his friend who desperately needed all the help he could get.<\/p>\n

\u2018I will come back, just as soon as I can and take Two Feathers\u2019 family to her own village,\u2019 Joe promised himself, the thought that something might happen to him, never entering his young mind.\u00a0 His thoughts remained on his friend and that special force that they shared pulled him to want to be with Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

It took only minutes for Joe to find the perfect spot just within the side of the hillside was a small alcove, protected on three sides by large sprawling boulders that hid the little alcove from view of anyone who might happen by.\u00a0 Joe quickly led the pack animal and Rising Sun\u2019s pony into the far side of the nature corral and made a quick camp for his friend\u2019s wife.<\/p>\n

Rising Sun watched as Joe scurried about.\u00a0 In her heart she knew that Joe had wanted to stay and fight with her husband and she could not help but to admire the young man for his devotion to her people\u2019s leader.\u00a0 When Joseph Two Feathers had finished, Rising Sun came silently up behind Joe, whose back was turned from her, and placed her hand on his shoulder.\u00a0 Joe turned, shocked by the smile that graced her beautiful face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will pray to the Great Spirit that you and my husband will return to me soon,\u201d she softly told Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be back Rising Sun, I promise,\u201d Joe said and then gathered the reins to his horse.\u00a0 \u201cYou wait until tomorrow this same time, and if by chance me or Two Feathers does not show up, you ride due east.\u00a0 It will take you about two and a half days, but you will run right into my father\u2019s home.\u00a0 The Ponderosa, you tell him I sent you and he will make sure that you and this little namesake of mine are safe.\u00a0 Do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising Sun stepped close to Joe and slipped her arms about his neck, pulling her head against his chest.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I will do as you requested.\u201d\u00a0 The young woman raised her head, releasing Joe from her embrace, \u201cbe careful my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pursed his lips tightly together and nodded his head, \u201cI will.\u201d\u00a0 Swinging up into the saddle and turning one last time to face Rising Sun, Joe touched his hand to his hat and bid her farewell.\u00a0 \u201cYou hightail it to the Ponderosa if I\u2019m not back by tomorrow night.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that Joe spurred his horse about and took off at a run, heading back to the village of Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

Joe could hear the shrill screams far before being able to see the village.\u00a0 As he rode, he kept within the outer edge of the forest, staying out of view of the raiding party that seemed to be reeking havoc on Two Feathers\u2019 people.\u00a0 Joe could hear the buzz of arrows as they darted through the air, and when one found it\u2019s intended victim, Joe could hear the cries of agony as the arrow buried its self deeply into that man\u2019s flesh.\u00a0 Joe felt his body tremble; he knew the feeling, he remembered it well, the pain that could be caused by the stone carved pointed weapon as it dug through layer after layer of a man\u2019s flesh until at last coming to a stop, having embedded its self deeply within one\u2019s body.\u00a0 Joe shivered again and pulled Cochise to sudden halt.<\/p>\n

He could not believe his eyes, the village was ablaze, and every teepee within sight had been set to fire, the dark smoke billowing upward, darkening the sky above the village.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes racked the scene, searching frantically for Two Feathers.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s heart bounded within his chest, he could not find his friend anywhere among the carnage that lay all about him, for there were bodies scattered everywhere his eyes searched.\u00a0 Fear coursed through his veins as the memory of the chief\u2019s words tugged at his heart.<\/p>\n

Joe slipped from Cochise\u2019s back and darted between the blazing teepees, running from one to the other, his eyes ever alert as he carefully kept himself from view of a rampaging Bannock.\u00a0 The Indians who where sworn enemies of the Paiute\u2019s seemed to out number Two Feathers people three to one.\u00a0 It was nothing short of a massacre determined Little Joe, who had suddenly become sickened by the sight of all the men, both Bannock and Paiute that laid dying or dead all about him.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s attention was diverted from the bloody scene, as he caught sight of two Bannock renegades that were suddenly baring down on him.\u00a0 They seemed to have come from out of nowhere and had nearly caught the young white man off guard.\u00a0 Joe met the first red man face to face as the Indian lunged at him from atop his approaching horse. Both men fell to the ground, seemingly to take turns flipping each other over and over as they struggled against one another on the ground.\u00a0 Joe had just drove the red man\u2019s own knife deeply into the man\u2019s chest when he felt the weight of the second Bannock on his back.\u00a0 The Indian, who was much larger than Joe, had wrapped his arms tightly about Joe\u2019s neck in an attempt to strangle him.\u00a0 Joe struggled, using all of his strength trying to free himself from the death like grip that the stronger man had on his throat.\u00a0 Soon Joe, whose head was beginning to reel from lack of oxygen, started to feel himself slipping into the darkness that sought to claim him.\u00a0 Suddenly, the Bannock released his tight hold and fell to the ground at Joe\u2019s feet, curled into a heap.\u00a0 Joe grabbed his throat, taking several large gulps of air to clear his head.\u00a0 He spun around, surprised to find Two Feathers standing behind him, an angry glare radiating from his dark eyes as he unexpectedly grabbed Joe by the arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d he shouted at the younger man.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I told you to take my family away!\u201d Two Feathers and Joe faced one another, the battle going on around them, momentarily forgotten as dark chocolate eyes glared at frightened hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to come back, Two Feathers, I just had too.\u00a0 They\u2019re safe, honest, I made sure\u2026please\u2026\u201d yelled Joe over the noise that resounded in the background.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers noted the frightened glow in Joe\u2019s eyes, and gently brushed the back of his hand down the side of Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cSomehow I knew that you would return\u2026for you are a stubborn little boy and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook out!\u201d screamed Joe shoving Two Feathers away from him, just in time to miss being struck by an arrow aimed at the center of his back.\u00a0 Two Feathers and Joe both fell to the ground, Joe landing on top of his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s take cover,\u201d snapped Joe, hurrying to his feet and offering a hand to his friend, who heartily accepted the offer.\u00a0 Both red man and white man ran for cover, arrows whizzing so close to their heads that Joe could feel the brush of the feathers that tickled his ears as they zinged passed his head.<\/p>\n

For another half an hour the battle raged.\u00a0 Paiute warriors and Bannock renegades fell, often falling on top of one another.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s bullets found their marks on more than just a few occasions, stopping the advancing enemy in their tracks.\u00a0 Two Feathers had moved to another position, and Joe had seen him in hand to hand combat with the red men from the other tribe.\u00a0 Joe stayed alert, his eyes trying to always keep track of where Two Feathers had moved, and praying the entire time that his friend would be all right.<\/p>\n

A bugle blared.\u00a0 Time stopped and it seemed that every Indian in the village froze.\u00a0 Joe looked up to the distant hills and what he saw caused him to smile. Galloping down the hill was the cavalry and in the lead was his father.\u00a0 Just behind the officer in charge were Joe\u2019s older brothers.\u00a0 The Bannock\u2019s, fearing that the tables had suddenly been turned against them, and seeing that now they were out numbered, scattered in all directions.<\/p>\n

Joe stood to his feet, and stepped into the opening as Ben\u2019s horse charged up to him.\u00a0 As soon as Ben was out of the saddle, he quickly embraced his son, wrapping his strong arms about his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, son, are you all right?\u201d demanded Ben, finally relinquishing his hold on the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but Pa, where did you come from?\u00a0 How did you know?\u00a0 I mean\u2026\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll explain it all to you later, where is Two Feathers and his family?\u201d questioned Ben, looking around at the Paiute men who had opted to allow the cavalry to chase after the retreating Bannocks.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo Feathers?\u201d\u00a0 Joe had suddenly realized that his friend was nowhere to be seen.\u00a0 Panic gripped the walls of his heart as he jerked his head around, his eyes seeking the last location where Two Feathers had been spotted.<\/p>\n

Joe felt his heart begin to flutter as he ran forward, frantically searching each face of the fallen for the familiar one that he had come to know so well.\u00a0 Joe stopped suddenly, his eyes staring into the ashen face of his Indian friend.\u00a0 Immediately, the rush of tears billowed as large waves on the ocean coast, into his hazel eyes.\u00a0 Joe dropped to his knees and gently lifted the wounded chief\u2019s head and allowed it rest in his lap.\u00a0 Two Feathers opened his eyes, and a smile creased his face as he gazed into the tear soaked face of his young friend.<\/p>\n

Deeply buried into the center of Two Feathers\u2019 chest was the knife of an enemy.\u00a0 Blood seeped from the deep wound and soaked into Little Joe\u2019s shirt as Joe cradled his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d screamed Joe loudly, unaware that his father and brothers had joined him at his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t die, please Two Feathers, don\u2019t die\u2026please,\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s arm had slipped around his son\u2019s trembling shoulders and as Joe held his dying Indian companion, Ben held on to his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not weep for\u2026me\u2026Lit\u2019tle Joe\u2026\u201dmuttered the Paiute chief, struggling to get his words out.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026don\u2019t die\u2026don\u2019t you know how much\u2026I\u2026love you?\u201d wept Little Joe, the tears dripping from the end of his chin and mingling with the red man\u2019s bright blood.\u00a0 He had never told the Indian of his deepest feelings for him, but it seemed natural once he had spoken from his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, Two Feathers,\u201d repeated Joe, his eyes never leaving his friend\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers\u2019 strength was dwindling quickly and it took all the will power he could muster to raise his hand.\u00a0 His blood stained fingers, gently caressed Joe\u2019s cheek, brushing at the tiny droplets of water that continued to roll down from the younger man\u2019s tear filled eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have\u2026never\u2026spoken the words\u2026to you.\u00a0 But now\u2026I must say\u2026them so that\u2026all that hear\u2026will know.\u00a0 I, Two Feathers, chief \u2026of the Paiute nation\u2026love you as well, my son\u2026\u201d Two Feathers took one last, deep breath, his eyes slowly began to close.\u00a0 His fingers entwined themselves in the material of Joe\u2019s jacket.<\/p>\n

\u201cTWO FEATHERS!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026love\u2026you\u2026Lit\u2019tle Joe,\u201d whispered the red man and shut his eyes.\u00a0 Two Feathers was dead.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s sobs could be heard above the hushed whispers that passed from man to man.\u00a0 Still holding the chief\u2019s head in his lap, Joe lowered his own head, covering the face of his friend as he rocked back and forth, unashamed of the tears that coursed downward, leaving tiny white streaks in the dust and dirt that covered Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Ben tightened his arm about his son, turning misty eyes up at Adam and Hoss who stood as if guarding the scene in front of them.\u00a0 No man uttered a word as Two Feathers\u2019 young friend wept out his sorrow.\u00a0 After several minutes of respectful silence, Gray Fox and Nishka stepped up in front of Ben and his son.\u00a0 Ben glanced up into their faces and saw the sadness that had clouded their eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will take our chief to prepare for burial,\u201d spoke Gray Fox softly.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head and gently applied pressure to his hands that rested on Joe\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d said Ben, his voice laden with unspoken emotion.\u00a0 \u201cWe have to let his people take him now,\u201d Ben whispered as he tenderly pried Joe\u2019s fingers from his friend\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

Joe acted as if he were dazed as he allowed his father to help him up from where he had been squatting with Two Feathers\u2019 head still resting in his lap.\u00a0 Quickly Nishka and Gray Fox picked up the chief\u2019s body and hurried out of sight, taking their fallen leader to the far side of the village, where one lone teepee remained unburned.<\/p>\n

Ben slowly pulled Joe to his feet.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s sad eyes sought his father\u2019s and seeing the sorrow that reflected back at him, Joe fell weeping into Ben\u2019s arms.\u00a0 Ben held Joe\u2019s head against his breast, and allowed the younger man time to rid himself of the aching that had pierced his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cI loved him\u2026Pa\u2026I really loved him,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you did son.\u00a0 And he loved you,\u201d reassured Ben, his lips pressed against the top of Joe\u2019s unruly curls.\u00a0 \u201cAnd he knew that you loved him, even though you told him so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe back from where his head rested against him and with one hand, brought his son\u2019s chin upward so that he could see into Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I don\u2019t claim to know how you feel.\u00a0 But I do know it hurts, and it will for a long time to come, but right now, you have to find Rising Sun and her child.\u00a0 She must know what has happened, you have to break the news to her,\u201d Ben stated.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head in agreement; \u201cI know where she is.\u00a0 I left her and the baby in a safe place.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go tell her.\u201d\u00a0 Joe wiped the tears from his face, and looked up at his father.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s going to have another baby, did I tell you that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, knowing nothing of the coming event, shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo son, you didn\u2019t tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said it would be a girl this time for sure, and that she was suppose to be my wife,\u201d Joe glanced at his father, \u201che really did expect me to marry her one day too,\u201d he said through his tears.<\/p>\n

Joe sniffed his nose and stooped to pick up his hat, which had fallen to the ground during the entire ruckus.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll never know now, whether it\u2019s a boy or girl,\u201d Joe said sadly, and turned to find his horse.<\/p>\n

Ben watched the retreating back of his youngest son and glanced at Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben called, following.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you mind if your brothers and I rode along with you?\u00a0 There might still be one or two renegades about and I\u2019d feel better if you had someone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe cast his eyes over his shoulder at his father who had approached him and then at his brothers.\u00a0 \u201cNaw, I don\u2019t mind, Pa.\u201d Sniffing a second time, Joe pinched his lips together, \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben slipped his arm about Joe\u2019s shoulders and with a nod of his head, signaled Hoss and Adam to follow along with them.\u00a0 It was nearing dark by the time that Joe led his family to Rising Sun\u2019s hide out.\u00a0 The young mother had built a small fire for warmth and had somehow managed to pull enough fallen limbs in front of the opening to the alcove that totally hid the entranceway.<\/p>\n

\u201cRising Sun!\u00a0 It\u2019s me, Joe Cartwright,\u201d Joe called out, not exactly sure in the fading light where the entrance was.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s okay, you can come out,\u201d he called again.<\/p>\n

There was a movement to the left of the three men, who had remained in their saddles, which caused all four Cartwrights to turn in that direction.\u00a0 Rising Sun could barely be seen slipping from the entrance as she approached Joe.\u00a0 With the fire to her back, Rising Sun could see the glimmer of unshed tears that had suddenly pooled in Joe\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Casting a quick glance at Ben and then Adam and Hoss, her eyes sought Joe\u2019s face once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember my father, and my brothers,\u201d he said softly as he stepped nearer to the silent woman.\u00a0 \u201cRising Sun\u2026\u201d began Joe, a lump suddenly wedging itself in his throat.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s head dropped, he didn\u2019t want his friend\u2019s wife to see his tears, for he feared it would add to her own grief.<\/p>\n

Joe gulped and swallowed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising Sun placed her hand on Joe\u2019s arm; Joe looked into her face and could see the tears that threatened to spill forth.\u00a0 \u201cDo not be sorry\u2026for my husband has passed from this life into the next.\u00a0 He died as the Great Spirit willed him to.\u00a0 My husband was a brave and courageous man, who died trying to protect his people.\u00a0 Do not be sad Little Joe, for now the burdens of this life have passed and he is free from all that, here, had brought him much unhappiness.\u00a0 He is not alone\u2026he is with Morning Star and Running Deer and he is now truly happy, for though I knew he loved me\u2026I also knew that his heart would always belong to her, first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know he loved you, he told me so,\u201d said Joe, somewhat confused by her statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is true, but one never forgets their first love, and Morning Star was Two Feathers\u2019 first love,\u201d explained Rising Sun.<\/p>\n

Ben had dismounted and stood just behind his son.\u00a0 Placing a strong hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, Ben added his wisdom to that of the young woman\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s right Joseph, even though I loved your mother and Hoss\u2019 mother, more than life its self, Elizabeth was my first love, my first true love.\u00a0 A man such as Two Feathers whose heart was once so pure, was capable of loving in depth not only Morning Star and Running Deer, but also Rising Sun and Joseph Two Feathers\u2026and you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd in his heart Little Joe, you were also his son.\u00a0 He would have died for you, had the need required.\u00a0 He loved you that much,\u201d smiled Rising Sun.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at both his father and Two Feathers\u2019 wife and forced a smile.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I was suppose to be comforting you, instead here you stand, comforting me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe both will grieve for the man, in our own way, and in our own time.\u00a0 My grief is much, my sorrow great, and my love for my husband will be forever more.\u00a0 Please, take me back to the village so that I may attend his burial.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head and then turned to his father, \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s getting late and much too dangerous to travel at night.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we all get some sleep and then in the morning we can return\u2026that is, if that\u2019s okay with you, ma\u2019am?\u201d stated Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that is wise.\u00a0 Baby Joseph must sleep and then after he has nursed, in the morning we will return.\u00a0 Come, all of you, warm yourselves by the fire.\u201d\u00a0 Rising Sun slipped through the limbs that she had placed in front of the alcove and disappeared from their sight.<\/p>\n

Joe stood rooted to the spot and only looked up when he felt Ben\u2019s hand gently squeeze his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cAre you going to be okay, son?\u201d Ben asked in a quiet voice, while Hoss and Adam began making ready their bedrolls and tending to the horses.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head bobbed up and down and then he turned and looked sadly at his father.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be fine Pa, honest.\u00a0 And Pa\u2026thanks for giving me the time off to come see him\u2026I mean\u2026if I hadn\u2019t of gotten to see him\u2026and then found out he had been killed\u2026well\u2026um\u2026thanks,\u201d choked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to thank me son, I\u2019m just glad that you got to spend some time with him again.\u00a0 You were very special to him, you changed his life, even his heart, and he trusted you more than he had ever trusted any white man,\u201d offered Ben, watching as Joe struggled with his raw emotions.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think so, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know so, Joseph, for he told me so the last time we saw him.\u00a0 Now come on, you need to get some sleep, you looked bushed,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am bushed, to be honest with you, I\u2019m drained,\u201d Joe responded.<\/p>\n

Ben was awaken by the soft whimpers that emitted from across the small alcove and pushed himself into a half sitting position, squinting his eyes trying to see who it was that was crying.\u00a0 Ben could barely make out the dark shadow of Two Feathers\u2019 wife and Little Joe, sitting closely together in the dim light.\u00a0 Joe had his arm wrapped about the woman\u2019s shoulder and Rising Sun rested her head on Joe\u2019s arm.\u00a0 Ben could not make out the soft words that his son was saying to the wife of his dear friend, but Ben was positive that they were words of comfort.\u00a0 The concerned father also knew that both Rising Sun and Little Joe would need the comforting presence of the other during the next few days.\u00a0 He knew that each would draw strength from the other, for their grief was as one, both had loved a unique man in their own ways and for different reasons.\u00a0 Ben lowered his head to his saddle and snuggled down into his bedroll, closing his eyes.\u00a0 Silently he prayed for both his son and the grieving widow.<\/p>\n

Early the next morning, Ben led the small group of mourners back to Two Feathers\u2019 village.\u00a0 The men of the village greeted Little Joe and his family in a warm way as they helped their chief\u2019s wife down from her pony.\u00a0 Rising Sun passed baby Joseph to a young maiden to hold while she went in search of Gray Fox and Nishka whom she knew would remain with her husband\u2019s body until it was ready for burial.<\/p>\n

Rising Sun slipped into the teepee where she was told that her husband lay.\u00a0 She had thought that she was prepared for this minute, but though she tried, her tears billowed into her dark eyes.\u00a0 It was not customary for Indian men to cry, but she knew that Two Feathers had often allowed his tears to trickle downward from his eyes, especially so after having met the young Cartwright boy a few years back.\u00a0 His heart had been touched, softened he would often laugh, as a woman\u2019s, he then teased.\u00a0 Rising Sun gave in to her grief and wept for her loss, the loss her people would feel and for the loss her children would have at never having known their father.<\/p>\n

From outside the teepee, Joe and his family could hear the soft death chant and cries that Rising Sun was offering up to the Great Spirit on her husband\u2019s behalf.\u00a0 The soft mournful sounds brought an unexpected well of tears into the eyes of the youngest of Ben\u2019s three sons.\u00a0 Ben noted that Joe had turned his head and said nothing when he witnessed the boy rise and walk away, heading for the edge of the forest where Ben knew that Joe would seek his solitude, and hopefully come to terms with what had happened the day before.<\/p>\n

Joe stood with his father and both brothers while Two Feathers was laid to rest.\u00a0 He watched silently as the customary burial objects were put along side of his friend.\u00a0 Joe noted the arrows, the finely honed stone knife and drill, and even Two Feathers\u2019 pipe was added to the small collection that would be needed by the great chief, once he had settled himself into his proper place among the living dead of his ancestors.\u00a0 A small bowl, crystals and stone pendants and ornaments were laid side by side with the other objects, and lastly, Two Feathers\u2019 headdress, chalked full with brightly colored feathers, was placed on top of the chief\u2019s body in a graceful manner.\u00a0 As Rising Sun, who carried Joseph Two Feathers on her back, placed the smaller headdress, containing three feathers, each symbolic of those that Two Feathers had loved and been loved by, Joe felt the rapid pounding of his heart as he fought to control the flood of tears that had suddenly clouded his eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe turned from the scene, Ben, Adam and Hoss all following the younger man\u2019s lead as Joe walked slowly away, leaving the tribe to finish with what had to be done.\u00a0 He stood silently, his forehead pressed tightly against the trunk of a large tree.\u00a0 Ben motioned for Adam and Hoss to give him time alone with his youngest son, and both brothers knowing of Joe\u2019s loss, granted him his privacy.<\/p>\n

As Ben waited, the soft sounds of his son\u2019s weeping pierced his compassionate heart.\u00a0 Tenderly he placed one strong hand on his son\u2019s back in an effort to provide the grieving boy a measure of comfort and reassurance.\u00a0 Ben kept his thoughts to himself, allowing Joe the time needed to work his way passed his present breakdown, knowing that soon, Joe would come to terms with the loss of his special friend.<\/p>\n

Several minutes later, Joe raised his head and turned to his father.\u00a0 Ben watched as his son took a deep breath and straightened his back.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m all right now, Pa.\u00a0 I know I will never forget him, he was\u2026special\u2026and I did love him.\u00a0 You know, when I first met him\u2026I was afraid of him.\u00a0 Seems strange somehow\u2026to love someone you once feared.\u00a0 I think a part of me still feared him\u2026to a degree.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo son, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s strange at all.\u00a0 Two Feathers was a man too fear, at least he was when you met him.\u00a0 His heart was full of hatred; he loathed the white man for what he had done to his family.\u00a0 It was only natural.\u00a0 But then later, he learned that a white man could be trusted, and he learned to love again.\u00a0 You taught him that Joseph; you did son, by simply being who you are.\u00a0 I don\u2019t even begin to understand why your path crossed with his, only that for whatever reason God had planned, a man\u2019s life was changed forever because of it.\u00a0 Don\u2019t remember your friend as a man to fear, but as a man, who loved deeply and was loved as much in return,\u201d Ben explained to his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019re right Pa.\u00a0 I just wish I had told him before\u2026how I felt about him,\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t have to say it with words, son.\u00a0 You said it by your actions, by coming to see him, by fighting with him, by holding him in your arms while he lay dying.\u00a0 He knew that your heart was speaking to him, there were no need for words,\u201d assured Ben, his hand moving up and down the middle of Joe\u2019s back, giving comfort to Joe\u2019s troubled soul, all the while studying Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed again and raised his eyes to look into his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe told me he had a vision that he would die soon, and that he would die being held in the arms of a faceless man.\u00a0 He said that he could not see the face, but that he knew it to be a friend, someone who loved him.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s voice cracked slightly, \u201chow\u2019d he know that, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know son, I can\u2019t explain it.\u00a0 I know that sometimes, God, or in this case, the Great Spirit father, assured Two Feathers that he would not have to die alone, unloved.\u00a0 It was God\u2019s way of telling Two Feathers that it was okay to go, to pass from this life into the next.\u00a0 That\u2019s about the best way I know to explain it to you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked into his father\u2019s dark eyes and saw all the love and compassion that he knew his father was famous for and offered a small smile.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad it was me then.\u00a0 Thanks Pa\u2026for understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you say we go and find Rising Sun?\u00a0 I have a promise to keep,\u201d smiled Joe as he plopped his hat back on, covering his dark curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go then,\u201d Ben smiled in return.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I will not go, Little Joe.\u00a0 My place is here, with my people, my husband\u2019s people.\u00a0 My son will one day be chief, his place is here, among the people of his father.\u00a0 Here, he will learn all that will be needed to make a good chief for our tribe.\u00a0 Here he will be among the ones who have suffered and learned from their wounded hearts.\u00a0 Here he will become a man.\u00a0 My husband was wrong to make you promise to take me away.\u00a0 I will not go, I will stay,\u201d Rising Sun argued with Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I promised him, don\u2019t you understand that?\u201d Joe all but shouted back to the headstrong young woman who was determined to over rule him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only understand that my husband made you promise something that he knew I would never agree too.\u00a0 My place is here, why can you not understand that?\u201d she restated sharply.<\/p>\n

Joe looked to his father for support.\u00a0 Ben smiled slightly at his son\u2019s dilemma and stepped between the pair, turning to face his son first.\u00a0 \u201cI think she is right Joe, no hush a minute,\u201d he said before Joe could protest his statement.\u00a0 \u201cI think she is correct that her son should be raised among his father\u2019s people, so that he can learn how to be a good chief\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, who will take care of her?\u00a0 Two Feathers said that, that was his main concern\u2026she has no husband now\u2026how will she get by?\u201d questioned Joe, all his worry showing in his handsome face.<\/p>\n

The flap raised from the opening and Gray Fox and Nishka entered the teepee before either could speak again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will care for her.\u00a0 Gray Fox has already taken a wife, but I have none.\u00a0 She was my brother\u2019s wife; it is my duty to care for her.\u00a0 Later, when her grief has passed, Rising Sun will become my wife, as I am to become chief now, it is our custom.\u00a0 I will remain as such until Joseph Two Feathers becomes of age to take his proper place,\u201d explained Nishka.<\/p>\n

Joe was shocked; \u201cYou are Two Feathers\u2019 brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is correct Little Joe.\u00a0 You are surprised?\u201d laughed Nishka.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I had no idea.\u00a0 I guess that explains why the two of you were always so close,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGray Fox is our brother as well, he is married to our sister.\u00a0 So you see, you have no fear of Rising Sun being unloved or not cared for.\u00a0 We will keep her safe, her life and that of her child, both the boy and the one she now carries, will be held in high respect.\u00a0 Do not fear for her,\u201d promised Nishka.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced up at his father and shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose that I have no choice, do I?\u201d he asked quietly of the group.<\/p>\n

Rising Sun shook her head, but smiled as she slipped close to Joe and placed a kiss to the side of his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have been a good friend to my husband, and to me.\u00a0 My people respect you and what you have done to help us.\u00a0 I will be fine, one day I will become the wife of Nishka, chief of the Pahrump Paiute Tribe.\u00a0 My son will follow in his father\u2019s footsteps, my life here, will be good.\u00a0 There is no cause to believe otherwise.\u00a0 You have fulfilled your promise to Two Feathers for I am among my people.\u00a0 Thank you Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe blinked his eyes to keep the tears at bay and smiled at his Indian friends.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re sure,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sure, go now, but please, come again someday,\u201d Rising Sun said as she followed the Cartwrights outside and into the bright sunshine.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will and you better send me word, when that baby gets here,\u201d laughed Joe, accepting his mount\u2019s reins from his father\u2019s extended hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be another boy, you need not worry about taking a wife, I promise,\u201d laughed the pretty woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorry?\u201d giggled Joe, \u201cNot me,\u201d he said as he slipped behind Rising Sun and planted a kiss on the top of Two Feathers\u2019 cooing baby boy.<\/p>\n

Joe swung into the saddle and turned Cochise so that he might face the group of men and women who had lingered outside the teepee to bid him farewell.\u00a0 \u201cGoodbye Rising Sun, take care of yourself,\u201d Joe smiled down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, you do the same Little Joe.\u00a0 Goodbye Mr. Cartwright, Adam, Hoss,\u201d called Rising Sun.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam both touched their hands to the rim of their hats and turning their horses galloped off, leaving Ben to wait for Joe.\u00a0 Joe nodded one last time at his friend\u2019s people and tossed his hand upward in a wave and then turned his mount in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

Ben rode side by side with Joe; both were quiet, and both reflecting on the events that had changed not only one life, but also many.\u00a0 Ben chanced a quick glance at his son and noted that Joe was smiling, really smiling, for the first time since joining him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant to share something with me?\u201d asked the father as he watched Joe\u2019s expressions change.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just remembering something that Two Feathers told me one night while we sat around the fire.\u00a0 It was freezing cold outside, cause it was winter, and he had just finished telling me about his first wife and son.\u00a0 He said, \u2018Love is like a man\u2019s life, eternal and nothing, not even death, can cut the ties that binds a man\u2019s heart to those he loves, for there is no real end to life, thus it is the same with love, both are endless and eternal.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was right son, I know that, we have both loved and lost those we cared deeply about, but that didn\u2019t stop the love we felt in our hearts for them.\u00a0 Two Feathers was a wise man who knew the true value of a friend and how to love that friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had stopped his horse beside of his son\u2019s mount and together Ben and Joe exchanged knowing smiles.\u00a0 Life goes on, both father and son had come to the same knowledge, Ben long before his son\u2019s realization, but just the same, they had arrived at the same conclusion both through knowing the love of someone special.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go home, son,\u201d Ben smiled as he looked one last time over his shoulder at the Paiute village far below them that could still be seen from the top of Two Feathers\u2019 little green knoll where they had stopped for one last look.<\/p>\n

\u201cHome,\u201d stated Joe following his father\u2019s gaze.\u00a0 \u201cThat sure sounds good to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

THE END
\nNovember 2002<\/p>\n

Epilogue:
\nMonths after coming home, Joe received word by messenger, that Rising Sun had given birth to a baby boy.\u00a0 The note, translated by the messenger from Two Feathers\u2019 village simply stated:\u00a0 \u2018Two Feathers\u2019 legacy will live forever in the hearts of his people, for on this day a son was born, Soaring Eagle, whose father was, for the first time, wrong\u2019.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 The final chapter.\u00a0 Joe sets off on an adventure to visit his old friend, Two Feathers.\u00a0 Not long after arriving at the Paiute village, Joe is told of a vision that the chief has had, one that spells disaster for the entire Indian village.\u00a0 When the vision becomes reality and Two Feathers dies while being held in the arms of his young friend, Joe, heart broken, must now face the future without his dearest friend.<\/p>\n

Rated: PG\u00a0 (13,100 words)<\/p>\n

A Tale of Two Feathers Series, links to all stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":8580,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1344,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12106,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12106","url_meta":{"origin":12107,"position":0},"title":"An Old Acquaintance (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"November 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Part three of Two Feathers. \u00a0Joe is reunited with his old friend, the Paiute chief, Two Feathers, in a most unusual way.\u00a0 This time, it is up to the Indian to teach Joe how to forgive and how to stop hating. Rated: PG13\u00a0 (13,600 words) A Tale of Two\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12104,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12104","url_meta":{"origin":12107,"position":1},"title":"A Tale of Two Feathers (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"October 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Part One of four.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe learns that compassion and understanding are the footnotes to love; 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