ancestors and the spirits of this land reside here.”
“So, they’re afraid to come. Right?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Respect. Fear. A little of both.”
“Yet…you’re here.”
With a half-smile, she nodded. “I live here unmolested, yes. Any of my people who would cause me harm are wary of what they might find if they come to this place of power.”
Reno narrowed his gaze. “And what might they find – other than a sweet woman who makes good stew?”
Ela giggled again. “You are good for my soul,” she said, then lowered her voice to a near whisper. “You don’t believe in spirits, Reno?”
“Well, I didn’t say that. My mother told me some pretty wild things, but…” He gestured around the cave with the carved bone spoon. “I haven’t seen anything to be afraid of on this mountain.”
“Some nights, the rocks will glow. Strange creaking and moans can be heard on the wind. There is great power within this stone. Power few understand. Time has little meaning here.”
Reno’s eyes grew large, then he smiled. “If there was anything to be frightened of, you wouldn’t be here.”
Ela made a huffing noise. “My people are as wary of me as they are of the mountain.”
“Your brother is Chief Mangas. He’d never let anything happen to you. I remember how one word from you kept Gentry, Clay, and I from being killed when we came to rescue Ace’s sister, Amelia. Without your intervention, we would’ve never achieved her release.”
After placing her empty bowl on the ground, Ela folded her hands in her lap. “You were very brave and foolish to ride into their camp unbidden. If you would have come to me first, I could have negotiated her release without putting anyone in danger.”
“You should have said something.” He put his hat on his head. “I didn’t understand your sphere of influence.”
She frowned at him. “I told you to come to me if you needed help of any kind. What more could I say?”
This made him laugh. “We’re not all as wise as you, Ela.” After gazing into the darkness outside the cave for a few moments, he muttered softly, “You have it too, don’t you?”
“Of what do you speak?”
“The sight. You have the sight. There’s been too many times you’ve helped me by saying just the right thing at just the right time.”
Ela Blue paused as if considering his comment. “While your mother received truth from the water, the fire speaks to me. My gift has been both a blessing and a burden. There are times when knowing what is coming only increases the pain.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” He stared into the fire with her, trying to see what she saw. Questions formed on his lips, but he hesitated to ask them. “I’m leaving tomorrow night. I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”
For a space, she was silent. “I know,” she said softly.
He waited to see if she’d say anything else. When she didn’t, he continued, “Cole needs me. The lawyer couldn’t get another continuance. The trial date’s been set.”
“You’re worried, aren’t you?”
Reno knew this was one of those times when he needed to unburden himself. To say things that he wouldn’t say to anyone else. “Yes. I’m scared for him. The sentence for treason is death.”
“He’s not guilty of treason.”
“No!” Reno’s resounding voice echoed in the cavern. “He’s not. His only crime was leaving his post to let his brother know their father was dead.”
“Why do they think his crime is greater than it is?”
“They say they have evidence. A witness.” He turned to look Ela in the eye. “I intend to find out the name of that witness and I’m going to do everything in my power to convince the tribunal of Cole’s innocence.”
“How will you do that?” Her voice was full of concern.
“I’ll testify, of course. Since we’re related, I’m afraid my word will be considered prejudicial.”
“There’s someone else who knows the truth, isn’t there?”
“Yea.” Reno slapped his knee, knocking off a bit of dried, caked mud. “We weren’t alone. There was a young drummer boy who led Cole to my post. The youngster heard every word we said.” He exhaled a heavy breath thick with frustration. “The only problem is – I don’t know his name. I don’t know which company he was with. The battle was raging, everything was in chaos. I felt sorry for the young man. The little fellow’s uniform was in tatters. I gave him water and two bits as a thank you.” Pointing to his side, he gestured