Ride of Preparation

Sam rode tall and straight in the saddle. He and Pale Moon were a team. Pale Moon handled the rough terrain smoothly. He was born to run in this territory.

As they rode, Sam used the time to prepare Marley. “My Grandfather will be angry with me. For bringing a white person onto the reservation. It is best he does not know you are a King.”

He observed her as he spoke. She didn’t seem bothered by the news. She still remained full of sunshine and rainbows.

There was more she should know. “The men on the reservation will see your long blond hair. They will be drawn to it. It is new to them. They only see dark hair and dark skin. You will make the females jealous because their men will look at you with desire.”

Sam figured he didn’t need to tell her of her beauty. It was more of how her beauty would be perceived by his people.

“You must stay near me,” Sam insisted. “It is the only way I can ensure your safety.”

It would not be a good way to start his new job. He would take care of Mrs. King’s daughter, grateful for the chance to make his own way.