Two Spirit Warrior by Ali Spooner

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

A soft, warm tongue against her face edged Sonta toward consciousness. Her head throbbed in pain as she attempted to remember how she came to be in this state. Sonta’s eyes began to creep open, but they refused to focus on the massive, dark figure beside her. She wasn’t conscious enough yet to move her limbs, but she felt something in her head, like a knocking on a door, different from the painful throbbing. It was familiar, but she hadn’t felt that sensation in years.

“You need to shift to heal, little sister.” She heard the voice in her head. “You’ve been shot.” The speaker was female. But not one she recognized. The voice repeated. “You need to shift to heal.”

For the last three years, Sonta had been employed by the United States Army as a tracker and scout. When her enlistment ended, Sonta was determined to find a place for a fresh start. She no longer felt at home with her tribe in North Dakota and was traveling to Utah. Her Army unit had tracked a band of outlaws into the deep canyons, and Sonta had fallen in love with the landscape. This would be her new home if she could find the right spot. She had used the bonus she received at the end of her duty to purchase a Henry repeater rifle. The modernized gun would serve her well and give her the advantage while hunting over her flintlock musket. It was a blessing but also the cause of her current predicament.

“Shift or die,” the voice commanded.

Sonta’s eyes finally focused on the figure. It was a large, female gray wolf staring down at her.

Sonta understood what she needed to do to survive. She willed her body to start the painful transition into wolf form. From fear of being exposed to the army, it had been years since she had last shifted. She felt her bones crack and stretch as her human form slowly disappeared. The pain was excruciating, especially since she was out of practice, but once the transformation was complete, Sonta felt a rush of adrenaline course through her body. Her body would heal much faster as a wolf than a human. She took a tentative step on wobbly legs. Her head turned, and she gazed into the amber eyes of the wolf beside her.

“I am Takina.” The voice spoke inside her head.

Sonta squeezed her eyes closed. “I am Sonta,” she answered.

“The bullet only grazed your head, but you’ve lost a lot of blood. You need to hunt and eat.”

Sonta’s eyes shifted toward the fire where she had been cooking the rabbit she had killed. The blackened carcass was evidence of how long she had remained unconscious.

“That is not an option. Come, we will hunt and catch another.” Takina trotted away from the campsite and turned her head to ensure Sonta was following.

With each step, Sonta felt her strength returning, and within a few minutes, she ran beside Takina. She had long forgotten the freedom of running through the wind, her powerful body racing through the desert in search of prey.

Takina picked up the scent of a rabbit but waited for Sonta to begin tracking the animal. Once Sonta’s keen sense of smell targeted the scent, she raced forward after the animal. Takina followed closely in support.

Sonta spotted the terrified rabbit who had seen her and bolted for cover. She knew she would have to catch the animal before it reached the briar thicket ahead and dove into a burrow, so she increased speed.

Sonta pounced. Her strong jaws clamped on her prey within a foot of the thicket. The coppery smell and taste of the fresh blood bombarded her senses. As a human, Sonta would have moaned with intense pleasure. Instead, a loud grunt issued from her muzzle. She bit a large bite and turned to look at Takina, watching over her. Sonta felt the strength returning to her body, and the throbbing in her head ceased.

“Water,” Takina said and turned, trotting away. Sonta followed, eager for a cool drink. Takina led her to a small pool, and Sonta drank her fill before following Takina back to the campsite. Sonta saw the air around Takina begin to shimmer as they both began transitioning to human forms.

Takina smiled when Sonta looked into her eyes. “I am Takina of the high desert Apache.”

Sonta returned her warm smile. “I am Sonta of the high plains Lakota.”

“You are a long way from home. How did you find yourself here?”

“I served as a scout and tracker for the army for several years, and now I am searching for a new home.”

Takina cocked her head with curiosity. “Not returning to your tribe?”

Sonta lowered her gaze. “I no longer feel a part of my tribe. I wish to make a clean start in Utah.”

“Do you remember what happened tonight?” Takina asked.

“I was cooking the rabbit I had hunted for dinner. I was leaning back against my saddle, gazing at the beautiful stars, when I heard horses approach. I vaguely remember two men and a woman. The man in the front shot me when I started toward my rifle. I went down in a pile. The men laughed as they admired my rifle and took my horse. I’m not sure what frightened them, but they rushed away at full gallop before confirming I was dead.” Sonta looked at the large stain in the sand that her blood had soaked. She looked back at Takina. “How did you find me?”

“I have been tracking them for a day. I ran across a burnt-out wagon and decided to follow. Two tracks led in, and three left, so I assume they took someone by force.”

“I remember seeing a woman on horseback, but I can’t say if she was a captive. Given the men’s behavior, I would assume you are right. So, it was you that scared them off?”

Takina simply nodded. “Are you feeling well enough to travel?”

“Yes, I believe so.” Sonta looked at her meager belongings.

“If we catch them soon, we can come back for your gear,” Takina said as if reading her mind. “We can travel faster on four legs.” Takina didn’t wait for a reply and began to shift.

Sonta braced herself against the pain and transformed beside Takina. They left the camp, noses to the ground, and their eyes and ears sharp for the sound of their prey.

 

†

 

Several hours had passed when they smelled the smoke of a campfire. Moments later, Sonta saw the fire glowing against the night sky. “Do we stay in wolf form to attack?” Sonta asked.

“It will prove more terrifying than two native women,” Takina replied. “Let’s move closer and develop our plan.”

The horses tethered away from camp picked up their scent and sounded off nervously.

“We need to approach from another angle.”

Sonta saw a blond woman with her hands tied and a cloth tied over her eyes and mouth. An obvious captive of the despicable men. At least her eyes would not witness the attack. The men were stretched out by the fire, and a nearly empty whiskey bottle sat between them.

Sonta searched to make sure there were only the two men present. She didn’t want to be surprised by others. When she was confident they were alone, she looked at Takina. “We creep in, and I’ll take the one on the left. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you to go for the throat. We can’t afford either of them reaching for a weapon.”

Sonta stalked slowly next to Takina until they parted. “Just let me know when.”

Takina nodded, and when they were close, she spoke, “Now.”

They lunged for the two sleeping men, jaws clamping around foul-smelling throats before a vicious thrashing of their heads ripped open the men’s throats. Their growling filled the air. One man reached for a gun, and Takina clamped onto his wrist, easily breaking bones, and held on until the man slumped over dead.

The woman heard the commotion, and Sonta felt she could probably smell the blood in the air. She struggled against her bindings, fearful she would be next. Sonta could smell her fear.

Sonta looked at the carnage around the fire and then toward the terrified woman. The last thing the woman needed to see was two blood-splattered wolves. The shimmering began, and both wolves shifted back to human form. Takina nodded, and Sonta knelt to remove the cloth tied tightly around her eyes.

“It’s okay,” Sonta soothed with a calming voice. “You are safe.”

The woman’s eyes were wild with fear as her gaze shifted past Sonta to the bloodied corpses of the men and back to the two native women standing in front of her. Sonta removed her gag and reached for a knife to cut the binding. “You are safe,” she repeated.

The woman nodded her understanding, still too frightened to speak. Sonta lifted a canteen toward her, and the woman drank deeply.

“Thank you,” she croaked as she lowered the canteen. She looked at the dead men and snarled, “What happened?”

“We took back what was mine and freed you from your captors.”

“They killed my husband and burned our wagon a few days ago.” The woman’s eyes filled with tears.

“I saw that,” Takina replied. “I am Takina, and my friend Sonta also fell victim to these men, but never again.”

The woman looked up at the two strong women. “I am Ann Morgan, and my husband was Amos. When we were attacked, we were traveling to join my brother and his wife in Ogden, Utah.”

Takina looked at Sonta and smiled. “My friend is traveling to Utah as well.”

“Yes, I am,” Sonta answered. She looked at Takina with a quizzical look. She realized she had no idea what Takina’s plans were. Deep inside, she hoped Takina would join her for an adventure, but there was no mention of that.

“Why don’t you collect your rifle and horse and return for your gear? We will break camp and be ready to travel when you return.”

“What about them?” Sonta nodded toward the men.

“I will drag them to the other side of those rocks. I have no tools or desire to bury them.”

“I agree with you,” Ann snarled. “Maybe the vultures will dine well.”

Sonta’s eyebrows raised at the petite woman’s remark. She picked up her rifle and smiled at Takina. “I’ll be back as quickly as I can.”

 

†

 

Sonta untied her horse and jumped onto his bare back. She could have used one of the men’s saddles but preferred her own. She cantered the path she had just traveled in wolf form, and the sun was beginning to climb when she reached her campsite. Sonta saddled her horse, placed the rifle in its sheath, and gathered the remainder of her gear. As she rode back, her thoughts kept drifting to Takina. She was a handsome woman and wolf. Sonta grinned. Takina had failed to mention where she was bound once they caught up with the men. Sonta guessed it was a five-day ride to Ogden. Maybe Takina would ride with them and join her as she traveled south? Sonta hoped to find out as soon as she returned to Takina.

When the campsite came into view, Sonta reached out to Takina. “Will you be going to Ogden with us?” she asked straightaway.

She could hear Takina’s soft chuckle. “I thought I might, to keep the little wolf out of trouble.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Sonta replied. “I’m almost there.”

“We have the horses saddled and are ready to go.”

When Sonta arrived, Takina handed her the gun belt from the smaller of the men. She noted another belt draped across her saddle horn. “We may need these on our journey,” she told Sonta as she mounted the horse.

Sonta draped the gun belt over her saddle horn. I’ll give this a good cleaning at my first opportunity.

 

†

 

They rode all morning until they reached a stagecoach trail that appeared to be heading west. They followed the path, and just before nightfall, they saw the lights burning in a small building. Takina slowed to a halt and looked at Sonta.

“It’s probably a stagecoach stop. Maybe we can get a hot meal and some grain for the horses. I’ve got some money. If we’re lucky, they may have a small bunkhouse for stagecoach guests.”

“A hot meal would be nice,” Takina said.

“Yes, it would, and even a bunk would be an improvement from the ground.”

 

†

 

A young man stepped out the front door of the building. “Howdy,” he said.

“Hello,” Takina replied. “We are looking to purchase a hot meal, grain for our horses, and sleeping arrangements if available.”

“The food and grain won’t be any problem, but all we have is a small bunkhouse for stagecoach guests when needed. They are not much, but they are dry and warm.” He smiled. “I’m Joseph. My ma and pa run the stagecoach station.”

A man had stepped onto the porch when he heard his son talking. “Good evening,” he said.

“They are looking for food and shelter for the night, Pa,” Joseph said.

“Tend to their animals, Son. I’ll see to some supper. Open the windows to the bunkhouse to let it air out a bit.” The big man looked at the women. “It hasn’t been used in a while. No luxury hotel, but better than sleeping on the ground.”

Takina and Sonta dismounted. “Thank you, sir,” Sonta replied. Ann stumbled during her dismount, and only Takina’s quick hands kept her from falling.

“Thanks. It’s easier to climb down from a wagon.” Ann blushed.

“You’ll get used to it,” Sonta promised.

“I’m Jacob, and my wife is Rebeca,” he stated as he led them inside the building. “I reckon you already met Joseph.”

“A very polite young man,” Ann stated.

“We’ve got three more hungry mouths to feed, Ma,” Jacob called out.

Rebeca emerged from the kitchen and stopped when she saw three women. “I was expecting men from the stagecoach to arrive early,” she explained. “You are definitely not that lot. Do come in.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Sonta said. “We’d like to buy supper tonight, maybe some breakfast and feed for the horses. I understand the bunkhouse is available, too.”

Rebeca smiled at them. “That will be three dollars.”

“Total?” Sonta asked.

“Yes, that includes everything. I can’t, in good faith, charge you for the bunkhouse.”

Sonta pulled out her pouch and gave Rebeca three dollar coins. “Thank you.”

“There’s a wash pot over there if you want to wash your hands. I’m about to set dinner on the table. Jacob, will you draw more water?”

“I’ll be right back,” Jacob answered.

“Go ahead, clean up, and have a seat around the table,” Rebeca said to start them in motion.

After washing and drying their hands, the three sat around the table. “Something sure smells good,” Sonta said. “Is there anything I can help with?”

“No, sit back and relax. Have you ridden all day?”

“Yes, ma’am, we have,” Sonta answered.

Jacob returned with a bucket of water, and Joseph skidded to a halt at the front door and calmly strolled inside.

“Take a seat. Jacob, will you bless this meal?”

Jacob said a short prayer and looked at Rebeca.

“Looks good, Ma.”

“Dried beans with a bit of meat and cornbread. Not fancy, but there is plenty, so eat all you please.” Rebeca passed dishes. “Fresh butter if you want it.”

“This is a fine meal,” Takina said.

“I hadn’t planned for guests, but I’ll make a big breakfast in the morning.”

“We appreciate you taking us in. I was getting tired of my own cooking,” Sonta replied.

Jacob cleared his throat. “I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but you seem an odd lot to be traveling together. Where are you headed?”

“Jacob, don’t be nosy.”

“It’s okay, ma’am. We are a mismatched group, but it’s a blessing we came together.” Sonta took a breath. “I recently finished an assignment with the army and am heading to Utah to start a new life. Ann and her husband were heading to Utah as well when they were ambushed by a pair of highwaymen. Her husband was killed, and she was taken captive. I was at my campsite last night when the men came through and attacked me and left me for dead.”

“Oh, my word,” Rebeca said.

Sonta nodded. “We were both lucky Takina was in the area. She was tracking the men after she found the burnt-out wagon, found me, and cared for my injury. The men stole my horse, my rifle, and nearly my life. When I was steady enough to travel, Takina and I hunted down the men, took back what was stolen, and we are escorting Ann to Ogden.”

“The men?” Jacob asked.

“They won’t be harming anyone else,” Takina replied.

Jacob nodded. “Good, we don’t need that kind roaming around.”

Joseph swallowed a bite of beans. “So that’s your Henry? That’s one fine-looking rifle.”

“I bought it with the bonus money I was paid by the army. It’s my pride and joy.” Sonta smiled at the young man.

“Ogden, huh?” Rebecca said. “If you had been two days earlier, you could have bought passage on the stagecoach, but they won’t be back through this way for at least another week.”

Ann smiled shyly. “Other than a sore backside, I’ve enjoyed traveling today.”

“It’s a good four-day ride from here,” Jacob said. “Another stagecoach station is two days ride, so you can stop and re-supply.”

“That’s good to hear. That should help get us into Ogden,” Takina said.

“My brother will feed you well and help you re-supply,” Ann stated. “He owns a general store and can get whatever you need.”

Sonta nodded and took another bite of the cornbread. “This is delicious.” She didn’t want to consider what would happen once they reached Ogden. She and Takina had a quiet conversation while riding, but Takina had not mentioned future plans. They had just met, but she felt a kinship with Takina.

“I’ll cook some flapjacks with ham slices in the morning. If we have eggs, we can add those too,” Rebecca said.

“If we eat all that, we won’t want to ride,” Sonta joked.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you wish,” Jacob replied.

“Thank you, but we’ll be moving on tomorrow,” Sonta answered.

 

†

 

After supper, Joseph led them out to the bunkhouse. “It’s clean, dry, and warm,” he said as he opened the door. “I’m going to check your horses and brush them down. I didn’t have time before supper.”

“I’ll come and help,” Sonta told him.

“I put your rifle and gun belts in the bunkhouse. I wasn’t sure if you wanted anything else. There are blankets on the end of each bunk if you get cold,” Joseph told Ann.

“Thank you,” Ann replied.

Sonta walked into the barn with him to check the horses. She picked up a brush and began stroking down the back of her horse. “You’re such a good boy,” she praised.

“So, you were in the army?” Joseph asked.

“I was a tracker and scout for several years,” Sonta told him.

“I bet you’ve seen some sights,” Joseph stated.

Sonta smiled at his excitement. “I have, but now it’s time for me to settle down.”

“Did you ever shoot anyone?”

“Only as a means of survival. I don’t cherish killing others even if they deserve it.”

“Like the highwaymen?”

“They are cowards that take from others who have worked hard for what they have. They won’t hesitate to kill. Stay away from them at all costs, and if they ever arrive here, be cautious.”

Joseph’s eyes grew wide. “Do you think we have anything to worry about?”

“I hope those were the only two in this area, but there is no end to desperate men.” She finished brushing down three horses as Joseph did two. “Thank you for caring for the animals.”

“My pleasure,” Joseph said. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No, I think I’m good.” Sonta pulled a soft rag from her saddlebag and walked back to the bunkhouse.

“See you in the morning for breakfast.”

“Goodnight, Joseph.”

Ann and Takina were stretched out on cots. Sonta picked up the gun belt beside her rifle and wiped it as clean as possible. She checked the Colt to ensure it was loaded and replaced it in the holster before blowing out the candle.

“Good night, little wolf,” Takina whispered in her mind.

“Good night. Rest well.”