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Ascent to Power	By : Hot4Gerry Category: M through R > The Phantom of the Opera > Het Views: 5436 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 28
- 29
- 30
Peaceful Surrender
They broke camp at first light. With practiced ease they packed everything away putting everything on the two pack horses. They did not speak. There was no need. Each one knew that today may well be the last time they saw each other. If the men at the fort shot at Matthew and Katherine before he could explain his purpose they might both die. Katherine had suggested her carry some white material tied to a stick to show they came in peace. Katherine had rummaged in her leather pouch until she found the slightly yellowed petticoat she had once worn.
When she went to tear a piece from it her three companions all gasped then began to protest. She assured them she would no longer need this reminder. Besides it was only a small scrap torn from the hem of the petticoat. The undergarment was still intact other than that small missing piece. What did it matter? She was going home, was she not?
Lone Wolf had left the trail several times backtracking to make sure no one was following. This last time he came back his mouth was set in grim lines. Even though he did not move his head she could see him searching the ridge to the right and the one to the left of them. This was the perfect position to ambush someone. If someone were to place a small number of men on either ridge then trail another group of men behind whoever was in the valley would be cut off. There was no way out of the valley other than to go forward. Forward led to civilization. Fort Lee was only about ten miles up ahead. Their horses were fresh and more used to the rough terrain than most domesticated horses. That would be one advantage with ten disadvantages to tip the scales in favor of the one making the attack. About the same time she came to this conclusion she thought she saw movement on the ridge just to the north of them.
Suddenly an uneasiness overcame her. It had nothing to do with her reunion with her father. The hairs on the back of her neck were raised as well as the hair on her arms. Always this had warned her of danger. She had learned to pay heed to this warning. Casually she let her eyes scan the hillside. She didn't want to alarm anyone needlessly. She was sure Lone Wolf knew of the men on either side of them just moments before she did. Her heart stopped then beat furiously. She could see men hiding in the tall grass. On either side of them. Their horses were laid down beside them. She could not tell how many their were she just knew their were too many to fight hand to hand. She thought she recognized blue uniforms. Soldiers. Calvary. Fear rising in her she gently nudged Misty toward Lone Wolf.
"On the far ridge. Do you see them?" She spoke quietly so she did not alarm the other two women.
"I saw them not long after we started out this morning. They had been advancing slowly until the last time I doubled back. Men split off in two different directions. The wagons and heavy artillery with them they left with a small detachment a few miles back. They are the soldiers who camped near us last night. The men on the ridge to the right are part of that column of soldiers. The ones on the left spotted us by our bad luck. They are a small group scouting the area. If they had not seen us they would more than likely have returned to whatever detachment they belonged to. They have joined together with the others. I have no doubt a scout has been sent back to get the rest of the column and another to alert the detachment. They can not take the chance that we are not only stragglers. We could belong to a much larger group for all they know. Apache this far east is too unusual for them to ignore. The scouts are sure to have figured out what tribe we belong to. There are many small farms between here and where we need to go. It is just bad luck they were headed back to the fort. Fucking bad luck. Damn. Son of a bitch."
Lone Wolf’s Whiteman's curses gave her the answer to the question of whether or not he thought they had any chance out of this. He never cursed unless extremely upset or angry. Never did he curse if he thought one of them would hear. If they did not shoot her thinking she was an Indian she would make it just fine once she told them who she was. The others though would not have it so easy. They would be executed if it was thought they had been part of some attack, or they would be taken prisoner and sent to a reservation. That would kill all three in a short time. Katherine hated to think what the soldiers would do to White Dove and Fawn. She had seen first hand how Indians were treated.
"I have been trying to see how many of them there are. I counted a good five or six men on either side. They must be waiting for reinforcements. The rest of the column will be here within minutes. We may not even have that long. When I give the signal let Misty have free rein. Tell White Dove to be ready. I will be with Fawn. Good luck White Eagle. If I never told you before I love you as my sister. I never have regretted having you with us I only regret we could not have met in a different life. Go with the wind little sister. I hope you do not see the flaming star today Katherine. I will do my best to blind your eyes to it when the soldiers send it." He would give his life today if it came to that point. Only his death would keep him from honoring his promise to Raging Bear.
The flaming star was said to be seen by a warrior just before he died. Each one had their own flaming star. Many of the older warriors swore fallen braves beside them in battle saw a flaming star just before they died.
Katherine wanted to tell him to take back his words. He made it sound as if they would not see each other again. That is when she knew he would not be taken alive. If it were left to him he would die to give her and the other two women a chance to make it to safety. If he could not get them away he would kill White Dove and Fawn. He would make sure Katherine was safe then continue the battle alone. He would bravely face his enemy head on. He would charge into the men killing as many as he could until he lay on the ground in a pool of his own blood. He would not stop until he saw his flaming star.
Nervously she waited for the signal. They had only moments was so much she wanted to say, needed to say. It was too late now. Why did the important moments of her life hang on a matter of a few seconds? Her mother died within moments. She was taken prisoner in the flash of seconds passing. Now four lives hung in the balance resting on what happened in the next bare minutes.
Lone Wolf kneed his horse into a faster pace. Katherine and the other two women did the same. It would not be long now. She could see the riders on both sides of the ridge mounting up. Katherine felt her heartbeat take on the rhythm of the pounding of the horses hooves. As the pace increased so did her heartbeat.
Katherine let the guide lines on the two pack horses slide through her fingers. They would not need them any longer. She hoped they did not cut away until they were ready to make their move. If the horses decided to change course the soldiers would know something was not right. These were precious seconds they needed to get their mounts ready for the run of their lives. Katherine could feel the pulse beat of her heart in every nerve ending. Her nerves seemed to be laying on the top of her skin exposed to the elements. Her own sweat mingled with that of Misty's. Her leather leggings were wet and uncomfortable. It felt as if her inner thighs were chaffing. She swore she could feel every single hair on Misty's back. Each second brought them closure to the point of their headlong flight and bid to keep their freedom, save their very lives.
Looking over at Lone Wolf he nodded then let out a blood curdling war hoop. All four horses leapt forward. He would not be cowed or tamed. The fool was almost inviting them to take him. He was inching his horse away. She glanced over her shoulder. She saw several riders coming up behind them at a fast pace. The horses were all fresh so the only advantage would be to head for the ridge a little further down and hope the soldier's horses would have trouble navigating the terrain at this fast pace. One misplaced hoof could lead to disaster for both horse and rider.
Lone Wolf had the lead to Fawn's horse. He swerved to the right. In just a few minutes they could be lost in the trees at the top of the ridge. If luck were with them they would make it and be able to hide among the heavy brush and thick growth of trees. Luck had apparently decided to abandon them. As they had almost reached the tree line at the crest of the ridge they saw a line of soldiers riding toward them fanning out in a wide sweep across the top of the hill. Lone Wolf pulled up. With a look over his shoulder he cursed. He turned his horse and headed back in their original direction. There only hope now was to outrun them. They were nearing the point where civilization encroached on the land. If they reached that point there would be no escape.
The soldiers must have known the riders would not surrender. A shout was heard. A bugle sounded. Shortly after that bullets began to fly all around them. Lone Wolf felt the sting in his arm. A bullet had grazed his right arm. If he couldn't think of something soon they would be cut to pieces within a short time. They would all die including Katherine.
Just when he thought they might have gained a little ground Fawn's horse went down. He had been shot. The animal feel heavily to the ground twisting and flailing his legs trying to get to his feet. Fawn was able to kick free before being trapped under the weight of the fallen horse. Lone Wolf pulled up whipping his horse around to return to Fawn. They would have to ride double. He shouted to Katherine and White Dove not to stop. Riding back he scooped Fawn up and swung her up behind him. She almost slipped back to the ground but recovered. Grabbing on to his waist tightly she found her seat. They turned back giving the horse a kick to spur him on. Riding double the horse would tire quickly.
Carrying two riders the horse began to drop behind his stamina waning with the added weight on his back. The gap became further with each hoof beat pounding in her ears. Katherine could see they would not make it. The only hope was to surrender and hope they would allow her to plead for the lives of the other three. Making a quick decision she pulled Misty to a stop and turned her around. Not giving herself time to reconsider her decision she kicked Misty's flank. Katherine lowered herself to Misty's neck urging her on with whispered pleas in her ear. She could feel a bullet pass within an inch of her at times. She pulled up on the reins. Misty slowed to a stop. Katherine raised her hands to show she had no weapons in her hands. The soldiers were within fifty yards of her when she heard the command to halt the advancing men. The order to cease fire could be heard echoing in the valley. She estimated a hundred men surrounding her with all guns aimed squarely on her. The rest of the column had caught up to them as well as the small detachment of soldiers. Katherine felt as if she were a great warrior with so many guns aimed in her direction. One would think she were Cochise or Geronimo the amount of soldiers that held her at gun point.
Katherine was afraid to even breath. There were so many guns pointed at her she wondered if they all fired if there would be anything left of her to even bury. She would be cut to ribbons. She glanced over her shoulder. Lone Wolf had stopped. There were soldiers coming up behind him. There was no place to run.
A man in a uniform gave an order for someone named Pacer to come forward and speak to the prisoner. A man of Indian heritage came forward. He spurred his horse to come closer to Katherine. When he got within a few feet of her he pulled to a stop. He turned in his saddle and spoke to the men behind him.
"Captain Richards this is a woman. A white woman. She is young."
A man broke away from the rest. He sat tall in the saddle. He carried himself with pride. His well tailored uniform had many medals across his chest. Not a speck of dust dare cling to his shiny black boots or his pristine uniform. From what Katherine remembered a captain was an officer in the U.S. Calvary. Captain Richards moved a little closer to her than the man named Pacer. Katherine glanced over her shoulder. She saw that the others had stopped about twenty yards behind her. The soldiers that had come over the ridge now were lined up behind Lone Wolf with Fawn and White Dove behind him. The air was thick with tension. One wrong move would end with them being shot where they sat on their horses. Turning back she noticed the one called Captain Richards was only about six feet away from her. Looking him over she saw he was young and handsome. He reminded her of the soldiers in the grey uniforms of the south that had come by their home during the war.
Captain Richards put his hand to the brim of his hat and tilted his head in respect to a lady as he spoke, "Ma'am. These are not the best of circumstances to meet but it is my pleasure to meet you. I am Captain Allen Richards of the U.S. Calvary formerly with the Southern Confederacy. I am from the great state of Georgia ma'am. Do you speak English Ma'am? If not Pacer speaks a bit of most of the common dialects. I speak a little but not enough to make much sense. The markings on your horse's blankets look Apache. Begging your pardon ma'am but aren't you just a little far from the usual Apache territory?"
The man called Pacer began to speak in Apache. Katherine interrupted him before he repeated what Captain Richards had said.
"I speak and understand English. My name is Katherine Montgomery. Those three behind me were bringing me to my father. Daniel Montgomery." It felt strange to speak in English. To her surprise it did not come as easily as she had thought it might. She had to search for the words she wanted to say before she spoke.
"Ma'am I do seem to recall seeing some papers came across my desk a few years ago about a little girl being taken over eight years ago. Maybe nine years even. There were not a lot of details at that time.. The search was called off a few months later. If you would permit me I’ll escort you and your companions back to Fort Lee then contact can be made with your father. We can sort all this out there. No need to be uncivilized about this."
"Give me your word as a southern gentleman and an officer that no harm will come to them. When we reach my home they will be allowed to stay with me. I will take responsibility for them."
"Well now ma'am, begging your pardon, but I do not see how that can be possible. Orders are for all stragglers to be brought in. The only Indians allowed to walk freely are the ones in the service of the army and the ones who have been taken in by white men as servants. No disrespect intended to you or your friends ma'am. Personally I would just as soon let them all go back to the plains. Unfortunately it is not up to me. So here I am with this delima. What to do with your companions?"
"They are like my family. I wish them to stay with me. They will be coming to my home with me." Katherine hoped she spoke the truth. She had no idea if he father would agree to the idea or not.
"You mean they will be servants working in your home? If they were not servants I would be obliged to turn them in. Keep them at the fort until we can decide what to do with then. Orders have been given to round up all the strays as I said before. So you understand if they work for you I am obliged to honor your claim and cannot in good conscience remove them from your service. The United States Calvary has much more important issues to pursue than investigating its loyal citizens without due cause. I am sure you could understand our concern if these companions of yours were not of the domestic variety. Begging your pardon ma'am, but it is my sworn duty to detain anyone of questionable origins. Are they your servants Ma'am?" Captain Richards was giving her the opportunity to keep her companions with her. He knew as well as she did they were not her servants. If he could lend a hand to a lady as well as spit in the eye of the damn carpetbagging Yankees he was twice blessed.
Captain Andrew Richards was a true southern gentleman. A man of honor. A former Confederate officer serving in his former enemies military. It was this or lose his family home. Serve the devil carpetbaggers or be tossed in the streets. He would not allow that to happen to his family so he served in this god-awful union army. They allowed him to keep what was rightfully his and had been in his family for well over a hundred years. His family was on their land long before Virginia was a state. Long before those God damn Yankees took hold. It was the sweat of his great-great-grandfather that cleared the land. The blood of his family staining the ground defending their home from trespassers wanting to take what was not theirs to take. If he were not a gentleman he would spit on the Yankee uniform he wore.
He nudged his horse forward so he could speak without the others hearing his whispered words, " Ma'am it would grieve me if those with you were considered family and were sent away from you. The holding pens are not the healthiest place to be. The only way to keep them with you is as your servants. This God damn Yankee army is so hell bent on ridding the face of the earth of every last redskin. Since war was declared with the Apache Nation in '71 everyone is hell bent on wiping every last one of them from memory. Pardon my manners ma'am no offence to your companions intended. If you say they are servants well who am I to dispute a lady's word? No reason in the world to take any notice of three employees of a well healed southern gentleman such as Daniel Montgomery. So if you say they are in your employ then that is the end of the matter." Captain Richards hoped his words would help guide the lady to describe her relationship with her three companions.
If that is what it took to keep them free Katherine would confess to the devil himself they were bound to her in servitude. Katherine being a smart woman said, "Yes they will be working for me and my father. They are to our...servants." She cast a pleading look over her shoulder in Lone Wolf's direction. She hoped he would not take offence at her claim that they were her servants. She hoped he would go along with her plan. This was the only way to save them.
Captain Richards looked off toward the soldiers and her three companions. He adjusted himself in the saddle making it creak in protest. Settling his hands on the pommel he glanced over his shoulder to assure himself that no would overhear him as he continued to speak, "Forgive me saying this but it might be best not to mention how close you are. The general is not a tolerant fellow. He might take offence of your regard for your companions. Ma'am if you would please call them forward and tell them to get down from their horses I would be much obliged. A quick search and we can be on our way. We have no women so this must be done by a male as distasteful as that is. I will be present to ensure nothing untoward occurs. If I did not have the audience of half the fort we could dispense with the unpleasant task before us. In a few hours we can have you back with your family." He touched the tip of his hat with his fingers in a gentlemanly manner.
The searches were conducted with as little intrusion as possible. The women were not searched as thoroughly as Lone Wolf. Captain Richard's second in command had reminded him that until reunited with her father the lady was considered suspect. She must be searched as well. Lone Wolf had stepped forward with his hand on the arm of the young man who was ready to lead her behind the makeshift screen. The screen had been made from rope tied between two saddle horns with a blanket thrown over it for privacy. Every gun instantly pointed in Lone Wolf's direction. Katherine had squeezed his hand reassuringly telling him she did not mind. She did mind tremendously but would not give anyone the satisfaction of knowing how humiliating it was to have a male poking and prodding even if he was trying to be as discrete and considerate as he could be.
The young man who was ordered to conduct the search was not even out of his teens. He felt more discomfort than the ones being searched. He was the son of an honored southern general. His honor would not allow him to disrespect any or Indian. That he was an innocent boy was the reason Captain Richards had chosen him. He would not take any unwanted liberties.
Katherine was one step closer to her old life. Whether that life would welcome her time would reveal.
Lone Wolf was leery of trusting any of them. Katherine's pleas convinced him it would be the safest way for all of them. The ride back to the fort did not take as long as Katherine had thought it would. She was closer to her home than she thought It was just sheer bad luck they had met the soldiers. Katherine's stomach felt queasy as they approached the gates leading to the inside of the fort. More soldiers could be seen as they rode through the gates. A pen could be seen holding many Indians. They were bunched in the pen like cattle ready for the slaughter. Katherine and Lone Wolf exchanged a grim look. There was nothing they could do other than share sympathy for those unfortunate men, women and children.
Captain Richards led them to a building standing in the center of the fort. Guards were posted everywhere. These next few moments would determine the rest of Katherine's life. She thought again how her life was marked in moments of time. So many important life changes marked by seconds. The blink of an eye could forever change a person's life.
General Horatio Tyler Jacobson was in command at Fort Lee. He was another refugee of the southern cause. His hatred of northern carpetbaggers was only slightly more stringent than what he felt for the Indian.
Captain Richards brought the prisoners into the generals outer office. The general's aide stood and saluted smartly upon seeing the captain. Captain Richards returned the salute with a snap of his hand to his forehead. He asked to see General Jacobson.
Once in the presence of General Jacobson things moved swiftly. A dispatch was sent to inform her father of her return. Grudingly the general agreed to allow the savages to stay with Katherine in a room provided until her father could come for her. He instructed them to stay in their room until such time as he gave permission for them to leave.
He eyed Katherine's clothing. He informed her he would provide bathing facilities for them as well as find clothing. Some of the officers had wives and children living in the fort.
In a matter of hours Katherine had been striped of any evidence she had once lived any other life than that of a daughter of a wealthy southern gentleman. Undergarments were left laying on the bed. Katherine had no idea what the corset was for. She vaguely remembered when she and Emily had wanted it up she could not imagine why she had thought wearing one these things. could make her into a woman. It looked like some device for torture. The three women left those laying on the bed. The dresses and petticoats they willingly put on. It was easier for Fawn and White Dove if they conformed to the demands of this society.
Lone Wolf had been harder to convince. She soon made him see the logic of wearing Whiteman's clothing as long as they were living among them. The dresses were simple cotton day dresses.
An enlisted man's wife came and helped them fix their hair. Braids simply would not do unless wound around the head. They opted for their braids to be wound around their heads in a simple style. The woman was friendly which made the whole process much easier on everyone. The young woman named Jillian kept up a conversation the whole time she worked on their hair. Only Katherine understood all that was said. She spoke too quickly for Fawn or White Dove to understand her. She spoke loudly at times when she noticed their puzzled looks. Katherine wondered if she thought if she said everything louder that would make the words more clear. The problem was not with hearing the words. The woman could shout from the roof tops and still the two women would not understand much of what she said. They spoke English a little but only if the person spoke slowly and directly to them.
Feeling strange in the new garments the three women were led back into the building where the General's office was located. Katherine and her companions were shocked to see the handsome young man standing in front of them. If she did not know who Lone Wolf was she might have mistaken him for a dark Spaniard. His suit gave him the appearance of the savage encased in a thin layer of civility. A fragile barrier all the soldiers were all too aware of as they had watched him cross the compound escorted by four soldiers. Four guards for one man indicated this man was dangerous. Not only an enemy but a highly dangerous one to boot.
Lone Wolf had paid no attention to them. His concentration had been on the inner area of the fort. He mentally counted the men posted around the top of the tall wooden fence. The gates at the front were the only way in or out of the fort other than climbing the wall.
He had no reason to wish to escape just yet. He needed to be sure Katherine would be alright before he made any kind of attempt to leave with Fawn and White Dove. An unexpected urge to see his mother tugged at his heart and mind. Perhaps he had not erased all of his memories of his time spent with his mother. She had loved him fiercely. She had just not been able to watch over him from sun up to sun down. She could not control other people's prejudices or small minded opinions.
After a short debriefing which mainly consisted of the general explaining that the earliest her father could make it to the fort would be tomorrow. They would be given a place to sleep for the night. As long as no one left their accommodations things would be fine. Again Fawn and White Dove did not know what was said. They just nodded when Katherine nudged them. Lone Wolf stood in solitary splendor just behind the others surrounded by his guards. A shove in his back from a riffle butt earned the soldier a glare from Lone Wolf promising retribution given the slightest opportunity. The soldier swallowed with difficulty as Lone Wolf gave one short nod of his head. That apparently satisfied the general.
That night they were given the one empty cabin on the premises used for visiting military staff or politicians seeking to observe how the peoples hard earned money was being spent. They had started off in the beds. Around midnight one by one they had left their beds to lay before the crackling fire flickering out over the room.
That night was perhaps the last night the four of them would spend together as members of the same tribe. The morning would bring Katherine's father. Katherine's father and many changes. The struggle to reclaim her place had only just begun. All her strength she had gained in her years in captivity would aid her along this new path strewn with obstacles to challenge her as a woman and define who she was as a person.
Early morning light had just began to creep across the floorboards in the cabin when a young soldier knocked then entered. He informed then that Katherine's father had arrived. He was waiting in the General's office. They were informed that he would escort Katherine when she had dressed.
The four occupants had been waiting in silence each deep in their own thoughts. At some point they would need to discuss the current situation. They silently agreed just not yet. Things needed to unfold just a bit more before plans could be made.
After the door shut behind the young man Katherine crossed the room. Picking up her discarded dress she went into the bedroom no one had used. With no other choice she replaced the dress she had worn last night. She had grown quite a bit in nine years. Even if her father had saved anything it would not fit.
Noticing her shaking hands she sat down heavily on the bed. In a matter of minutes she would see her father. Why hadn't he come to the cabin? Why did she need to be escorted like some sort of prisoner? Was he the least bit happy she had returned? So many questions needing answers. Answers she may not be willing to accept.
Lone Wolf, Fawn and White Dove were standing by the fireplace waiting for her. Unspoken words were passed between them. Each face showing clearly what was on all their minds. Their hearts would be with her even if their bodies could not. A brief smile was all she could manage. How could she reassure them when she desperately needed someone to give her the same reassurance? She no longer felt safe or secure. She felt the eyes of everyone as she followed the soldier across what seemed miles of ground. In fact it was only a matter of a few yards. Katherine felt she was on her way to judgment rather than a reunion with her father.
Her escort opened the door motioning for her to enter first. The outer office area seemed packed with people. Only two faces out of all of them did she know well. Her father and her old nanny Mrs. Graham. Katherine called her Gamm as she could not pronounce her name when she was a toddler. The name stuck even when Katherine grew into a young girl.
The second woman she would learn later was her father's new wife, formerly Lydia Chapel. She was Katherine's stepmother. A woman Daniel Montgomery had married only three months after his wife died and Katherine disappeared. Katherine would learn later she had two daughters and a son. The oldest daughter was named Charlotte, the younger was Elizabeth. The son who had been adopted and given Daniel's last name was Andrew.
There was an older woman short in stature with brown hair streaked heavily by grey hair. Her old but still sharp as tack brown eyes glistened with tears as her eyes roamed over Katherine's face. The older woman stepped forward. With her arms outstretched toward Katherine. She hadn't taken her eyes off Katherine since she first saw her. She crossed herself as she spoke with awe, "Saints alive child is it really you?" What a miracle. Don't just stand like a gawkin' like a dead fish. Come give me a hug." She stepped forward not giving Katherine a chance to move. Katherine was enfolded in 's arms. The arms held her tightly as if afraid she might disappear again. Gamm leaned back running her eyes over Katherine's face. Putting her hands on either side of her face she kissed each cheek
Katherine closed her eye tightly as old memories flooded her with warmth. This woman had been like a grandmother to her. She had been in their household from the time Katherine was born. It would seem she still worked in some capacity for her father.
Stepping as Mrs. Graham held her at arms length Katherine's glance shifted to her father. He was much the same as he had been when she was a child. His light hair was threaded with a few white hairs. Not many lines creased his face to show his fifty years. His blue eyes had grown a little colder than what she remembered. She waited expectantly for his advance to welcome her home. No such advance was forthcoming.
Mrs. Graham you recognize this young woman? Daniel questioned as his mind started working quickly to find reasons to discount her claim. Honestly she might be his daughter. She did resemble his dead wife Amelia. How could he be sure. No it was impossible. She couldn't have survived. She had been too young.
Daniel Montgomery had long ago given up on finding his daughter. With the passing of time he had no longer wanted her to return. He had heard of women who had come back after years in captivity. They were ostracized. Their families shunned by society for having them in their homes. Many had lost all claims to civil behavior. They came back savages. Besides, how could he be sure this was his daughter. It had after all been nine years. His dislike of anything threatening his standing in the community feed this lie to his mind hiding the truth in a thin veneer of doubt even. Deep within he knew the truth.
"Mrs. Graham you recognize this woman?" His own disbelief laced each word as he asked the question. Daniel had the ability to convince himself that a lie was a truth. If something did not fit in with what he wanted he simply altered facts to suit his needs. For years he had continued to garner sympathy for a dead daughter knowing with almost certainty she was alive. It simply suited his plans if she were no longer living. Especially after so many years in captivity. She was no longer his once beautiful innocent daughter.
"Oh aye. I know the young lady. The sad thing is you do not. Do you not recognize your own daughter? This is Miss Katherine as I live and breathe."
"This is preposterous. Katherine has been dead for the last nine years. How can you be sure it's her? She could be someone trying to worm her way into the family to get her hands on the family fortune."
"You know as well as I do nothing was ever determined for sure. What about that horrible man who came telling us he saw her. He assured you she was still alive. Said she told him herself who she was. You should have paid him the fifty dollars to get what information he had. She could have been home safe in her bed these past two years. If you don't believe me when I say this is Katherine just look at her face. She is the spitting image of her mother. If you must have proof I will supply it. I bathed this youn lady since the day she was born. She had a mole on her inner thigh. Not something her father shoulD look at but in these circumstances I am sure Miss Lydia would be more than happy to peruse the evidence."
"I don't need any such proof. My daughter is dead. Even if this were Katherine, not that I am admitting any such thing mind you, she would no longer be the daughter I lost. She has lived too long with the savages. Why do you think I did not pursue the man's lead when he gave it to me? If she were alive she was better off where she was. She had lived among the savages too long. How do we know she hasn't been compromised by all those savages in camp? They live like animals."
Katherine's father spoke as if he did not think she could understand every cutting word. Each doubt clearly voiced. He had no consideration for her feelings at all. It had not escaped Katherine's notice the woman who was now married to her father had stepped as far from her as possible. As if she might be harboring something contagious. She had pulled a handkerchief from her little cloth bag holding it over her nose as if to ward off some horrible odor. Katherine and her three companions had bathed last night. She was clean. Disease free.
"God should strike you dead in this spot for your words Mr. Montgomery. How could you not want your daughter back no matter how many years she had been gone or in what condition she returns? Her dear mother should haunt you for your words."
Captain Richards seeing Katherine's distress addressed the group since it seemed the general was willing to sit back while letting things unfold in front of him however they may. "Ladies, gentlemen. This is easily solved. With your permission Miss Montgomery I would like for you to accompany these two ladies to the back room where they night examine you. I give my word it will be quick with as little intrusion of your person as can be. We can have this solved in a matter of minutes then everyone can be on their way. I do genuinely apologize for this further discomfort. Please ma'am let us lay all doubt to rest. Ma'am if you would be so kind?" He held his arm out to Katherine. She placed her arm through his. He made her feel safe just as Lone Wolf did. He swept his hand toward the door leading to the general's private bathroom. Bending slightly at the waist he bade the other two women to enter the room. When they had stepped through the doorway he handed Katherine over to Mrs. Graham with a slight reassuring squeeze of his hand.
Just a few short minutes later Lydia came out confirming this young woman was indeed Miss Katherine Montgomery. She looked less than pleased to be delivering this verdict. Things went rather quickly after that until it came to Lone Wolf, Fawn and White Dove. Her father refused to have them in the same buggy let alone his home. He wanted no part of these savages. It was bad enough he would have the embarrassment of Katherine returning to be food for the gossip mongers. What would everyone say when they learned she brought three of the savages home with her. One of them a man no less. It was humiliating.
He refused to consider taking three savages to live anywhere near his home. It was bad enough he had to open his doors to Katherine. Since she was his daughter he really had no choice in the matter. There were also the legal issues to consider now that she was home. Katherine he could accept as necessary. The others could stay in the pens with the rest of the vermin.
Katherine's refusal to budge unless her companions were allowed to come with her irritated Daniel. He could not afford being a spectacle in front of listening ears. Looking around he noticed those around them pretending to be busy in the immediate area. He knew damn well they were hoping for entertainment to be discussed later with much embellishment to make things even more interesting. Right now any scandal could upset his future plans. He was right in the middle of some very delicate financial negotiations with Mr. Fontaine. There was no doubt the man would hear all about his daughter returning as well as the details concerning how she was returned. Mr. Fontaine was a man sensitive to gossip. He wore a mask for Christ's sake to hide only God knew what underneath. Daniel didn't care a plug nickle what the man looked like or his questionable social connections. Daniel needed his cash since Mrs. Graham had refused to see reason concerning Katherine's trust. Heaven only knew how he would react to the scandal of Katherine's return. The man wanted to open the door to the higher echelon of society. Daniel was the key to the door.
When Daniel had balked threatening to leave the lot of them including Mrs. Graham that woman had the nerve to remind him of the situation his mother's will had put him in. Especially now with Katherine's return. Damnable woman. He would have gotten rid of her years ago if not for his mother's shortsightedness.
Lone Wolf did not like Katherine's father one bit. The way he treated her and spoke to her made him itch to put his knife to the man's throat. The only reason he agreed to accompany them was he wanted to assure himself Katherine was made welcome giving her a safe place to live. From what he had seen so far the likelihood of that was very slim.
His other concern was Fawn's safety as well as White Dove's. He did not want them to spend any time corralled like an animal. The white man's clothes he had been forced to wear were already beginning to choke him. Fawn and White Dove seemed quite happy with their own clothing.
With so many eyes watching the drama in the middle of the fort compound Daniel was forced to agree to allow Katherine to bring the savages along with them. After all there were other ways to rid himself of an unwanted problem. For now he would concede a temporary defeat.
Katherine let White Dove ride Misty while Lone Wolf and Fawn rode Wind Runner. Katherine took her seat behind her father in the buggy. She would much rather be with the others on horseback than riding in this buggy as she felt the cold reception from her father and stepmother. The woman had not acknowledged Katherine in any way even after having searched her intimately. Katherine's cheeks burned with renewed shame. Even in the early days of her capture no one had humiliated her in that manner. All the stories she and her mother had been told before they left of Indians violating women in horrific ways had plagued her mind for the longest time until she realized physical abuse as punishment would be the only hands touching her.
Mrs. Graham sat beside her. As soon as climbed into the seat she gently took Katherine's hand giving it a gentle squeeze of encouragement or comfort. Perhaps both. Lydia sat on the front seat beside Daniel. The one hour ride home was made in silence. Each person deep in their own thoughts.
As they approached the tall majestic home Katherine's memories began to flood her mind. She had spent twelve wonderfully happy years in that house. Years with each day accumulating memories of her mother that had kept her sane in the first few years of her captivity.
Once home another struggle ensued as Daniel refused to allow Katherine's companions in the house. Mrs. Graham ignored his objections while giving the butler Jenkins instructions where to put everyone. In answer to Mr. Montgomery's threats of dismissal Mrs Graham said firmly, "Don't give me that look Mr. Montgomery. Don't bother with the threats either. We both know your mother's will states I may stay here as long as I wish. Now Katherine is home I will stay until she tells me to go."
Turning her back on him she held her hand out to Katherine, "Come little Cat. Let me show you where you will be staying until we can get Charlotte's things moved from your room." Looking over at Lone Wolf he gave an almost imperceptible nod of encouragement. Fawn and White Dove were crowded as close to him as movement would allow as they followed the man called Jenkins trailing behind Katherine and the woman who told them to call her Gamm or Mrs. Graham whichever made them the most comfortable.
Katherine stopped just at the base of the stairs. There were few changes here. As Katherine followed Mrs. Graham with a last look over her shoulder at her companions a wave of nostalgia swept over her. She remembered this foray. The long flight of stairs her mother was always telling her to walk up as a lady should. She used to slide down the bannister much to her mother and Gamm's horror.
Her mother's portrait no longer hung on the wall beside the staircase. Her father's portrait was there as well as one of her father with Lydia, two young women and a young man. She supposed those were his stepchildren. Pictures of long dead ancestors hung on the wall all the way up the staircase. Katherine could see not one picture of herself anywhere. She and her mother were noticeably absent in this gallery of family history done in oils.
Mrs. Graham talked the whole way up the stairs as a silent parade followed in her wake. Jenkins was directly behind Mrs. Graham. Lone Wolf followed behind Fawn and White Dove.
"Miss Charlotte, Miss Elizabeth and Master Andrew have been spending the last few weeks in Boston with their grandparents. It was their grandparents golden anniversary. They certainly didn't want to miss that. Not with the purse strings being held tightly clasped in the old couples hands. Greedy little twits they are."
"Mrs. Graham. You know you shouldn't speak in such a way. Even if it is true."
They shared a companionable laugh at the expense of the three absent residents of the household.
As they came to the room the two women were to spend the night Mrs. Graham asked what she was to call them. When Katherine told her their names she exclaimed, "Why how lovely. I don't believe I have ever met anyone named Fawn or White Dove. And what might this strapping young man's name be Katherine?"
"I am sorry I did not introduce you before. This is Lone Wolf. He does have a Christian name. He was named Matthew Stephen Armbruster."
"Well now I do believe I've heard of an Armbruster woman." She stopped mid step to tap her finger on her chin as she stated, " Now let me think. What was her name. Ah yes. I do believe her name was Constance Armbruster. Quite a vocal woman. Declaring the rights of individuals. Women in particular. Wonderful woman from what I hear. Might she be a relation? Well Jenkins will get you settled in the room across from these two lovely young ladies. Oh it is such a treat to have so many in the house. How long has it been since you saw your mother dear?" She did not allow Lone Wolf to answer. She continued on down the hall letting Jenkins settle them in their rooms as she told Katherine of the other three occupants of the household. She had always been a bit of a chatterbox. Firing questions then continuing on without waiting for an answer. It was a quality Katherine at a young age found amusing as well as endearing. Her mother and father found it irritating. Well more her father found it irritating. Her mother found her to be more exhausting trying to keep up with her conversation.
Katherine had been settled rather quickly in the temporary room. That night began a new life for Katherine as well as her three companions. The next few weeks were a hell on earth for everyone until one final explosion drew the lines solidly in the ground where loyalties were placed. The division broke Katherine's heart but also allowed her to come into her own as a woman. She had to learn to take the reins of her new life quickly. She found not everyone held her in contempt. One man in particular would become her close friend and confident. A friendship that would cause jealousy as well as betrayal.
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Ascent to Power