Hello everyone. I’m continuing my MacCallister boys-to-men story in my blog today. Previous last line: “…he missed the stealthy approach of the Indian braves slipping soundlessly through the night.”
The McCallisters
Charlie didn’t realize they’d been found until a brave jerked him to his feet and another had Rob secured. A third Arapaho warrior straddled Sam, holding a knife at his throat, as he fisted a handful of hair.
“This will look fine hanging in my lodge,” the Indian crowed as he jerked on Sam’s blond mane.
“Black Hawk, cease.” The guttural rebuke came from the brave holding Charlie. “Lozen wants these watchers brought to her alive.”
“Apache brothers, we’ve come to parlay,” Charlie answered in Kiowa, greeting the Indians as kin and ignoring the precarious fix the McCallisters were in.
Rob had tensed up for a fight, but Sam, pinned on the ground with a knife at his throat, grinned. “Sharp blade you got there, Black Hawk. Maybe we can make a trade,” the kid muttered in Apache as good as Charlie Wolf’s.
A Few More LInes
The only answer to Sam’s overture was a trickle of blood running down his neck. The brave holding him, abruptly stood and jerked his captive to his feet.
Evidently Black Hawk was intent on being first with his prize and holding onto Sam, muscled his way to the front of their line. Though Robert looked as docile as a sheep going to slaughter, Charlie understood his cousin was controlling his inclination to lash out at the Apache shoving him.
Every step he took on their way into the gathering, Charlie Wolf felt the call of death. This was not what he’d intended. He’d just wanted to see his father’s people up close in parlay again. The fact that he’d dragged his white cousins along now seemed momentously stupid.
None of them had a chance to make a move before they were pushed in front of the witch woman. During this moment of utter stillness, the night and sounds had receded, leaving only them, the flickering flames, and Lozen.
Charlie swayed on his feet, the pounding of his heart steadying to match the low throb of sound at the periphery of his senses. Funny, he hadn’t heard the drum from the cliff above, but now the pulsing beat smothered his clamoring thoughts. Boom…boom…boom…
%$$$&#
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week!
gem
Sounds interesting, I will have to find it. Thanks Gem.
Uh oh! Sounds like they’re in a lot of trouble again.
Arrrgh! How do you do this? You capture my interest in these scenes.
Every
Single
Time
Well done.
There is a lot of intensity in this scene.
A dangerous situation and well built up.
No. No. Can’t leave us hanging like this.
Why does Lozen want to them alive? Captured my attention. Great snippet. So alive.
He didn’t exactly think this through, did he? Lucky for them Lozen is interested in them….maybe?
Very dramatic excerpt today…can’t wait to see what happens. I have a feeling the witch may exact a price for their spying on her. The drums seem ominous…
Things seem to have gone from bad to worse. I’m hoping then they get to the witch woman she’ll be more compassionate with their plight. Great excerpt!
Nothing like knowing your captors’ language to help the situation, even if they’re still in a real fix.
This situation is frightening!
Oh my, that does not sound good. great snippet!
Is this book out yet? I just ordered some more of your books, and I’m actually reading again, when I have time. Thanks.
Hey Tiss. No. This was a short short story I included in a newsletter long ago. When I ventured back into the Eclipse world and read through previous books, this story popped up and teased my imagination. It is developing and I’m enjoying the work of uncovering the beginnings of the McCallisters. I’m glad you are enjoying it too. 🙂
Ok, thanks Gem.
An intense scene. Sam seems like a gutsy chap.
Incredible building of tension.