Women hurried to take the warriors' horses. A young woman hurried to Many Deer, touching his face, chattering at him. He looked entirely smitten. Logan laughed and looked away, knowing full well who ran Many Deer's tepee.

"Logan !"

Impossible. That was Sarah's voice. Logan's head shot up as he tried to locate where her shout had come from. He turned and she launched herself at him, crying, laughing. He picked her up, holding her tightly. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice gruff.

"No. I'm fine. Swift Elk tried to claim me as his prize, but when he brought me to this camp Cloud Walker's men said I belonged to you and that they would not dishonor their friendship with you." She pushed away to get a better look at him. "Swift Elk has become an enemy of his people. He is held in a tepee apart from the others, awaiting judgment. Eugene, too."

She looked at him critically, gently testing the wound at his temple. "The way he hit you, the way you went down, I was afraid he'd killed you."

Logan pulled her into his arms. "When I woke and you were gone, I thought I would never see you again. I promised to keep you safe, and I failed you."

"You didn't fail me. You thought Swift Elk was finished. And Eugene was under guard in a locked stall."

He curved his hand around her neck, slipping his fingers back beneath her hair. Her skin was warm. Her heartbeat steady. "No matter what, Sarah, it ends here."

"What happens to us now?"

"There will be a trial. I killed five of Swift Elk's men."

Sarah shot a glance around at the large Sioux village. "No. How will you ever get a fair judgment here?"

"The Sioux are a proud and fair people, Sarah. They will hear the truth, and they will make a fair decision. I would rather be tried by a Sioux council than a white court."

One of Cloud Walker's wives came and took Sarah's hand. "You must come with me now," she ordered quietly, never once looking at Logan.

A path cleared in front of Logan, leading directly to Cloud Walker. Silence blanketed the village. Many Deer, his second in command, spoke in a loud voice that carried across the camp. "This man who stands before you is Shadow Walker. He has been a friend of our people for many years."

Many Deer looked around at the faces of the people. "But this week, he killed five of Swift Elk's warriors."

Hushed conversations started up as all eyes turned his way. Logan looked neither to the left, nor the right, but kept his eyes fixed on Cloud Walker, as if he were the one speaking.

"There has been much trouble all across our lands. Some of the trouble has come from the man Yellow Moon first called husband, a man so cowardly and evil that Swift Elk took his scalp so that all would know him for the bad man he is. Some of the trouble has come from Swift Elk himself and some from our new friend, Shadow Wolf.

"The council will meet tonight to discuss the trouble and to determine a judgment. Tomorrow, the judgment will be carried out."

Riders approached, coming in fast. Logan turned to see who appeared. Two men. Sager and Declan. They pulled up on the slope near the village, a respectful distance away. Many Deer conferred furiously with Cloud Walker. Logan could just make out what they were saying. It was well known that Logan's brother had been raised by the Shoshone. Shoshones often acted as scouts and guides for the white soldiers, helping them track Sioux warriors who had stepped outside the treaties. That Sager had brought a lawman with him to the village was proof of his hostile intentions, Many Deer felt.

"Cloud Walker," Logan said, holding up a hand to stop the discussion before it went too far. "Sager is my brother. He does not come to you with a bad heart."

"He has brought a lawman with him. He is a scout for our enemies," Many Deer said angrily.

"The man who was Yellow Moon's first husband was under Sheriff Declan's custody. The sheriff was taking him to Cheyenne to be tried for his crimes. Swift Elk released him from us and brought him to you." Logan looked at the men gathered around, noticing they had edged the women, children, and elders back farther in the crowd. "Swift Elk's heart has blackened with hatred for his enemies and with sorrow for his people. He has brought to your people a man whose heart has never been good. My brother and the lawman come not as your enemies, but to take evil back with them. They will aid you in the justice you seek."

Cloud Walker spoke, choosing his words carefully, speaking quietly, forcing the crowd to settle so that they could hear him. "Yellow Moon's first husband, whose name will not be spoken, has been captured by us. He will meet our justice first. The rest will be determined by the council."

"Will you permit my brother and my friend to stay here to await the justice you promise?"

"If they will surrender their weapons to me, I will allow this."

Logan nodded to him. He turned and raised a hand, inviting Sager and Declan to come into the village. As they neared the path into the village, one by one, people began to turn their backs to the newcomers. Logan watched the motion, fury building deep within him at the insult.

Cloud Walker and Many Deer turned to leave the gathering. "Cloud Walker!" Logan's roar stopped him. "What have I done to be given such an insult?"

"It is not you they object to."

"I am insulted nonetheless. I asked you to welcome my friend and my brother. And this is the welcome they receive?"

"You asked us to admit enemies into our homes. It is you who offer us insult."

"My brother has taught me everything I know about the greatness of the people of this land on which we stand. He seeks only to know that his brother is well treated. The sheriff is a great warrior and a great keeper of the peace. He seeks only to know that justice is served. They are not your enemies." He looked at Cloud Walker. "Unless I am also your enemy."

Cloud Walker stared at Logan, his weathered face set in hard lines. He called to two of his wives to see to the ponies of Logan's family, indicating that the two were to be treated as his guests.

The women hurried forward and took hold of the reins, but did not take the horses away. Declan frowned at them, uncertain what was expected.

"Leave your weapons with your saddles. If you have a knife, you may keep it," Logan explained. "It is a condition of your visit."

The men slung their bedrolls and saddlebags over their shoulders, then unbuckled their gun belts and draped them over their saddle horns.

Sager eyed Logan critically. "That was some powerful talking."

"What happened to you two? Where is Sarah?" Declan asked.

"She's here. We went for a run this morning. Swift Elk broke Hawkins out and crossed paths with us. They took Sarah and came here. But they did not find the asylum they'd hoped for." He told them what he had learned from Many Deer on their ride to the village. "One of Swift Elk's men survived the battle and brought word of Swift Elk's treachery to the village. Cloud Walker and his men came looking for Swift Elk and found me." He looked at both men. "There will be a council meeting tonight. Hawkins, Swift Elk, and I will all be judged and sentenced."

Sager's brows lowered. "Why you?"

"Because five of Swift Elk's warriors died when they fought me."

"We have to get you out of here," Declan said, low so no one could hear.

"I do not fear their justice. I have lived among the Sioux much of the time since I left the Circle Bar. I trained and hunted with them. I built trading posts near the agencies to help them. I will not leave. And if you try to go, you'll be killed. The council decision will be what it will be. Just promise me that you will take Sarah back with you if I'm unable to go with you."

Sager gave him a hard stare. "If it comes to a fight tomorrow, let me stand in for you."

Logan studied his brother's pale eyes. "What kind of man would I be if I let my brother fight my battles for me?"

"Jesus, Logan. You're beat all the h.e.l.l up. Let me do this for you. I couldn't stand to think how Sid would react if I let anything happen to you."

Logan sighed, feeling the same way about Sager. "You do me a great honor. But if it goes as I expect it will, I'll face the two devils who destroyed Sarah's life. I will not turn aside from that challenge."

Declan clapped his hands once, then rubbed them together as if he were looking forward to the coming fight. "Then let's get our boy fed, watered, and rested so he can do what he has to do when the challenge comes." He slapped a hand on the backs of both men as he turned them toward the woman who was waiting to show them to the chief's tepee.

Chapter 18.

Sager and Declan flanked Logan's woman in the fringes of the outer ring of observers as the council session began. The sun was dropping behind the distant ridge of mountains, casting long shadows over the prairie. The circle of men was so thick that Sager could only see Logan's features by the light from the small fire.

Three men sat in the innermost area, closest to the firea"Logan, who faced Chief Cloud Walker sitting at the head of the main ring of men, and down from him, Eugene and Swift Elk, who faced each other. The next circle was comprised of the village's elders and main councilmen. The ring beyond that was of young men who would soon become full warriors or hunters. All around the outer circle stood women and children and others, including Sager and Declan.

The silence was so thick in the tight gathering that the snap and crackle of the fire seemed loud. He looked down at Sarah, standing next to him. One hand was wrapped around the other in a white-knuckled hold. Her eyes were locked on Logan. While he watched her, she spared not a single glance for her first husband, or for the devil who'd abused her so terribly for the year she was his captive. She took up little s.p.a.ce, holding herself utterly silent while Cloud Walker spoke.

Declan bent close to her. "What is he saying?"

Sager was adept at reading the sign language that accompanied the chief's speech, so he had a fair understanding of what was being said. Still, he found himself listening to Sarah's soft recital of her first husband's d.a.m.ning crimes against Cloud Walker's people. Most important of the complaints was the fact that Hawkins had caused Sioux warriors to act against the rules of their people as well as the white man's treaties in exchange for money, horses, and whiskey.

Listening to her whispered recital, Sager felt his rage build. What kind of d.a.m.ned fool woman took up with a man like Hawkins? She deserved what she'd gotten. And d.a.m.n her eyes for bringing Logan into her h.e.l.l.

He crossed his arms and glared at his brother, on his knees in a circle of some of the fiercest warriors the Sioux people had ever produced. He hoped his fun with Sarah had been worth it, because it was entirely likely Logan would be giving his life for the woman.

Hawkins was allowed to speak to defend himself. He looked around the gathering, his eyes a little white-rimmed. He spoke in English, offering riches in money and horses to Cloud Walker's band if they would release him. No one met his look. No one spoke or in any way indicated they heard his words. After a time, two warriors pushed him back to a seat on the ground.

Cloud Walker asked if anyone would speak in defense of Hawkins, "the man whose name would not be spoken." No one did.

The council deliberated. Hawkins's punishment was told to Cloud Walker, who announced it to the gathering: Hawkins was to face a warrior in a fight to the death tomorrow.

The next man to face an accounting of his crimes was Swift Elk. Sarah began to tremble. The edge of her sleeve rippled with the tension in her body. She held her hands higher against her chest as she translated.

Cloud Walker told of the many great deeds Swift Elk had done for his people, battles won and lost, wounds received in gallant acts of bravery, about how his anger at those who would make peace with the white men and move to the agencies led him to form his own band of warriors, his own village. How his band had broken with the tribe in taking white women captive and causing the soldiers to come hunt all the Sioux. How they had done this and other acts of men with bad hearts, all for money. How he had allowed great warriors who held him in high regard to sell themselves as slaves to the one whose name would not be spoken in exchange for whiskey. How he had caused the deaths of all of his men in service to their white owner at a time when the Sioux needed all their warriors whole of heart, focused on the purpose of saving their people.

Sager looked at Sarah. Twin paths of tears streaked her cheeks. Her eyes were unfocused, as if she looked inward at untold atrocities. She held her head high, her shoulders back, but he could tell she bore a weight that would break a much stronger person.

His gaze shifted back to Logan. He saw his brother look at Sarah, then glare at him. His gaze was unblinking, demanding. Sager fought the command in his brother's look. Because of the woman who stood so solemnly next to him, Logan was on trial for his life. He'd be G.o.dd.a.m.ned if he offered her support. By G.o.d, she would stand as he stood and watch the results of her choices condemn Logan.

Logan did not blink and did not look away. Sager cursed silently, his resolve wavering. Right or wrong, this was probably the only aid he could offer his brother.

He reached an arm out to Sarah and pulled her against his side. She shook like a frightened bird and was just about as fragile. She did not lean into him, did not accept his strength. Something in Sager bent.

Snapped right in half.

How would he feel if it were his wife, Rachel, here instead, watching Sager take a punishment he didn't deserve? Who the h.e.l.l was he to judge his brother or the woman he loved? Sager himself was living proof that love made no sense. It came when it wished, changing everything in its path, and lasting forever.

Or at least, for as long as either lover lived.

He pulled Sarah closer, holding her with both arms. He kissed her forehead. "Be calm, little sister. I bet Logan's been in worse situations and lived to tell," he whispered against her temple. At that, a sob did break free. She pushed her face into his chest and cried softly.

He watched while Cloud Walker received Swift Elk's judgment from the council. He announced to the gathering that the proud warrior was to leave and never return to the people of this village, or any Sioux village, for the rest of his life.

At last, the focus turned to Logan. Sarah straightened and resumed translating for them.

Sager smiled. They called Logan "Shadow Wolf." It was a strong name. The chief said that while Shadow Wolf was a new friend to him and the village, he had been a friend of their people for many years, teaching them the language of the white man, making generous trades with their artisans, many of whom were women who had lost their husbands and sons and had no way of contributing to their people other than through the work of their art. He listed a few very harsh winters when different villages were camped near the agencies but were not fed. Logan's trading posts had provided food in exchange for furs that were to be taken the next season. Often Logan had acted as translator and defender, standing between a village and soldiers who came to kill. Shadow Wolf was a friend of all the Sioux people.

Sager looked at Declan and shook his head, stunned by the list of Logan's deeds. He looked back at his brother, wondering who the h.e.l.l he had become. He was proud of the man he saw kneeling in the council ring, watching the chief without fear, without any emotion whatsoever.

Cloud Walker continued telling about the crimes Logan was accused of, saying that Shadow Wolf had killed five warriors of Swift Elk's band when they broke the peace and attacked his camp, that he had committed the ultimate treachery of scalping the defeated warriors of a people Logan said he loved.

This last crime was so heinous that whispers broke out in the a.s.semblage.

"It's not true!" Sarah hissed. Sager laid a restraining arm on her to keep her from interrupting the proceedings.

When asked if he had anything to say in his defense, Logan stood and glanced once around the entire ring. He took his time with his words, as befitted such a solemn occasion.

"In many of the Sioux villages I have visited, the people have opened their homes to me, shared the stories of their families, fed me when I was hungry, healed me when I was injured. If I have helped them in any small way, my heart feels joy. I regret having to take the lives of such brave men as Swift Elk's warriors, but I do not regret protecting my wife. When Swift Elk's men stopped fighting me, I stopped fighting them. I left Swift Elk to see to their wounds or to carry their bodies home. I did not scalp any of them."

Swift Elk jumped to his feet and waved his hand toward Logan. "He is a white man. He lies like all of them do. Lies are all they can say. I fought him bravely. I knew he would bring trouble to the people. He has brought a Shoshone spy and a lawman. He is as false as any white man!"

Cloud Walker gestured and two warriors pushed Swift Elk to sit again. He asked if anyone would speak in Shadow Wolf's defense. Silence blanketed the a.s.sembly. At last, one man stood. Swift Elk saw the reaction of the council members. He turned to see who defended Shadow Wolf.

Sarah sent Declan and Sager a worried look. "That is Red Tail. He's one of Swift Elk's men." She looked at Sager. "There was a survivor that day." He told the story of the battle, including how Swift Elk had told them they were to find papers in Shadow Wolf's wagon, and that if they met Shadow Wolf or Yellow Moon, they were to kill them. When Yellow Moon and Shadow Wolf had walked toward the camp, he and another warrior had fled, thinking they were ghosts. When they realized the others had not followed them, they returned, but still watched from a distance. Seeing there was only talking and that Shadow Wolf had started to prepare food, they started to rejoin their party. Swift Elk and his men attacked Shadow Wolf suddenly, all of them coming at him. He and his friend had ridden hard to join the battle. Yellow Moon fired at them from under the wagon. His friend was killed, but Red Tail had his horse shot out from under him, pinning him, his gun thrown away from his grip. He pretended to be dead so that Shadow Wolf and Yellow Moon would not see he was defenseless. When the battle ended, Shadow Wolf took his own horses only and pulled his wagon out. The warrior watched as Swift Elk checked each man. Stabbing and scalping the ones who lived, scalping the ones who were already dead. By that time, Red Tail had freed himself from his horse's body. He hid so that Swift Elk would not find him. He watched while Swift Elk built a fire and burned their scalps, then left their bodies there to rot in the sun. Red Tail was the one who returned their bodies to their village.

Silence met this terrible news. No warrior would have levied so terrible a complaint and risked his own death by judgment of the council if it were not the truth.

Cloud Walker looked at Swift Elk. "Did you do this to your men?"

Swift Elk lowered his head, the gesture his only answer.

The men of the council began quiet discussions. Eventually, one approached Cloud Walker with their findings.

Sarah sent Sager a worried look. He and Declan moved a little closer to her.

"Swift Elk," Cloud Walker announced. "The council has determined that you cannot be released into the world. You will pay for your crimes tomorrow. You will face a challenger in a fight to the death.

"Shadow Wolf," he addressed Logan. "Tomorrow, you will challenge these two who have become enemies to our people."

Animated discussion broke out among those gathered. Sarah concentrated on breathing in and out. A curious numbness was starting up her body. Logan's brother still had an arm around her shoulders. As if she'd sobbed aloud, he drew her into his arms. One hand patted her back in a conspicuous show of support.

"It's going to be fine, honey, just fine." He bent his head to her and whispered into her ear, in a voice meant not to be overheard. "You're a Taggert now, and we take care of our own. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you or Logan. If things go bad, we'll get you both outta here. When the fighting begins tomorrow, bring our horses, including the ones Hawkins stole, out near the fight, saddled and ready."

"With our guns, if you can get them," Declan leaned near to add.

Sarah straightened. She swiped the tears from her face and brushed her hair back. She wasn't alone. Logan wasn't alone. He faced a Herculean challenge, and he was still so terribly injured, but Plan B was in place. And no matter what, the two men who had done so much harm to her would never be able to harm another person after tomorrow. She didn't regret that.

The crowd thinned out now that the council meeting was concluded. Swift Elk and Eugene were taken to different tepees.

Logan approached Sarah as Cloud Walker and the rest of the council moved away. Her heart caught in her throat. He looked weary, bruised, and utterly determined to see his task through. He crossed the field toward them, stopping when he was merely a few feet from her.

"I did not want this, Logan. It is too much to ask of anyone," she said, heedless of his brother and the sheriff, who stood so near.

"When I claimed you, I claimed your troubles, too. I knew what I did."

"It was wrong of me to get you into this mess. This is not your burden."

He moved closer. "No matter what, you gotta put the mad dogs down, honey, whether they're your devils, mine, or anyone else's. It is a just sentence. I would not have accepted anyone but me being their challenger. Tomorrow, they will pay for what they did to you. No one will ever lay a hand on you again. Ever." He opened his arms as he gave her a look that told her exactly where he wanted her to be. She closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around his waist, careful with his bruised ribs.