Standing Up

Sam witnessed the feistiness of this woman his grandfather referred to as Lady of Fire. The name seemed to fit, as now she was spitting fire.

He didn’t like her speech toward her own daughter. It reminded Sam of his grandfather’s sharp words toward him. He stood up and worked his way between the elder Mrs. King and the younger.

“You are right, Mrs. King,” admitted Sam, “I can speak for myself. I am Sam Pocowatchit. I intend to make my way off the reservation. If there is gold, I wish to give it to you, for a share myself. If things go well, I wish then to stay on here. Besides geology, I break horses and hunt.”

He stood his ground, tall and proud, awaiting her answer. He wasn’t certain what to do if the answer were “no.” He had no backup plan.