regale you with the exploits of a true cowboy hero who came to our family’s rescue when we needed him the most.”
“I can’t wait to hear.” She gazed at Reno’s handsome face, trying to determine why he fascinated her so.
“While I search, you take off those clothes and put them back where you found them. Neatly,” Myra instructed as she rummaged through another box.
Doing as she was told, Journey removed the dress and folded it carefully. “When did Reno live?” A pang of regret pierced her chest as she acknowledged the fact that he didn’t inhabit the same world she lived in anymore.
“Ummm.” Myra stopped to think. “He fought for the Confederacy, so 1850’s and 60’s. He and six of his soldier friends came to Texas after the Civil War was over. They traveled with their Captain; a brave man named Kingston Ramsay. Mr. Ramsay came to start over after his fiancé married his brother before he could return home from the war. The rest of the company, including Reno, came with the Captain because their homes were destroyed, their lives upended. The friendship they shared was their most valuable possession. Just imagine those guys who fought side by side, deciding to start a new life together in the wilderness of early Texas. The dangers they faced. The risks they took.”
When Myra resumed pilfering through the contents of the box, Journey tugged on her blouse. “Tell me more.”
“Hmmm – one of our neighboring towns, Kingsland, is named for the Captain. Some of his descendants still live over near Packsaddle Mountain. I think their last name is Blackhawk.”
“How about Reno’s descendants. Where do they live?” Journey asked as she replaced the clothes where she’d found them.
“Oh, he didn’t have any. He never married.”
Journey felt a wave of sorrow encompass her. “How sad.” Standing, she picked up the photograph once more. “Can I keep Reno’s picture in my room?”
“I found the info!” Myra held up the folder triumphantly. Glancing at Journey, she shrugged. “Sure, I guess. If you dig a little deeper, you might find Saul’s journal. He recorded all he knew about Reno Black.”
“Okay. I’ll look.” Returning to the trunk, Journey rummaged carefully around until she found another leather-bound book, this one appearing to be much older than the first. “Saul was my great-great…”
“Yea, too many greats to mention grandfather. After your mother married your father, she loved to come up here and dig through that trunk. There’s no telling how many times she read and reread that journal. I bet you’d never guess you’re named for Reno’s mother.”
“I am?” Journey was stunned. “Her name was Journey?”
“Sojourner. Journey is just your nickname.”
“Wow…” she breathed softly, cradling the book. “That’s so neat.”
“Sojourner is a beautiful name. Now, straighten things up. Don’t leave a mess.”
“Okay.” Journey did as she was told, her mind racing as she contemplated all she’d learned.
Myra waited while her niece situated everything in its place before closing the lid. “Do you need help?”
“Nope. Got it.” Journey handled the books and photograph as if they were made from blown glass. “Let’s go.” She gave her great-aunt a grateful smile before following her to the stairs leading from the attic. “I can’t wait to learn more about Reno.”
…In a little while, Journey sat mesmerized at her aunt’s feet as Myra shared what she could recall about the man in question. “Sojourner was Cherokee, so Reno was half. He rode a big black stallion named Traveler. And I guess you could say he became the guardian for Saul, his brothers, and his sister.”
“Like you’re my guardian.” She smiled at her aunt with love in her eyes.
“Yes.” She gave Journey a quick hug, then settled back against the soft cushion of the moss green couch. “Except they weren’t related like we are. What he did for those boys and Tess, he did out of the goodness of his heart.”
“How did he meet our family?”
Myra took a sip of cocoa and winked indulgently at the girl. “The whole story is in Saul’s journal – but I’ll tell you a little bit.”
Journey hung on her every word.
“One night, our ancestor Saul was out trying to snare a rabbit when he came upon Reno and two other men camping in the shadow of Enchanted Rock. A young woman was with them who was dressed like an Indian squaw. After eavesdropping long enough to find out they’d rescued her from the Apaches, he decided it was safe to make himself known. Since he’d had no luck with