Taledo’s Road: A Culture Shattered

TALEDO’S

ROAD

A CULTURE SHATTERED

JOHNNY P.

TALEDO’S ROAD

A CULTURE SHATTERED

Copyright © 2021 Johnny P.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

844-349-9409

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6632-2272-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-2273-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021909397

iUniverse rev. date: 05/06/2021

CONTENTS

Dedications

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1 Two Arrow’s burden

Chapter 2 The Cries of a hundred Children

Chapter 3 The New Arrivals

Chapter 4 Amour Fatale

Chapter 5 The Return of the Slave master

Chapter 6 Qluiga’s Day

Chapter 7 Land of the Spirit Winds

Chapter 8 Snow Child of the Lakota

Chapter 9 The Cheyenne’s Summer

Chapter 10 The City In The Sky

Chapter 11 Apache Country

Chapter 12 Turning Ghost

Chapter 13 The Split Within

Chapter 14 All Men Bleed Red

Chapter 15 The Invisible Foe

Chapter 16 Sky Father & Earth Mother

Chapter 17 The Day The River Ran Red

Chapter 18 We Were The Hunted

Chapter 19 Same Paths, Different Roads

Chapter 20 Tears of the Gun

Chapter 21 The Apache Sunset

Chapter 22 To Die In Heaven’s Tears

Chapter 23 The Dream

Chapter 24 The Dream Killers

Chapter 25 The Next Lifetime

Chapter 26 Old Friends

Chapter 27 Anjolia’s Vendetta

DEDICATIONS

My bestest friend, Courtney Nicole Gray miss

& love you so much, All My Love

My dear Sister Denise Pitt-Carr

my nephew Mike Doe Boy Rutledge

forever my carnale, Hector Trae Styles Carillo Camp

little brother Jonathan The Golden Jew Massey

Mama Rene Faw Faw, thanks for adopting me into

your Otoe-Missouria family, it’s priceless!

Tyrone & Katrina, "Tub & Trina" Gray,

Mama Sugar Judd-Whitebird

Summer Rachalle Gray, I cherish, miss and love you so much

dear Kaileigh Divine Queen, knowing you was an honor

Jeremy Edwards

Juan Troutman Chavez

Josh the engine Hammond

brother Tony Cronister

Uncle Sterling ST Williams

Aunt Claretta Crowden

Uncle Herman Samuel Williams

Jeremy Edwards

Aunty Doris Cotton

Aunty Shirley Lovely Neely

Uncle Hiriam Pitt

Chris Howard

Aunt Delores Thomas

Terry Old Man Bailey

Aaron Pookey Holt

Jonathan the Golden Child Anderson

Micheal Belcher

Jasmine Sherri Houston

Shunta Cheadle

Rashetta Dawn Dority

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank God first and foremost for all his blessings My parents and Mrs. Lloyd S. Pitt and Mrs. Lucille Pitt My sister Beverly Pitt and Denise Pitt-Carr, my brother-in-law Omar Washington, my wonderful nieces Kia Roberts, & Zori Washington. My nephews Omar Washington and Zion Washington My wonderful family The Pitt family and The Williams family, the Octave and Woolfolk families Uncle Gene Williams, Uncle Lenny Williams, Aunt Sharon WIlliams, Aunt Joyce Hayes, Uncle and Aunty Lily and Holly Reed, Aunt Gale Williams, Tammy Williams, Deshawn Williams, Donnie Williams, Wilma Tutt, Al Butler, Andrea Butler, Al B Billions, Daphne The Diva Williams, Gina Marie, Tasha Edwards, Melanie Francois, Sir Joshua Francois, Shaunte Francois, Ahriel Butler, Jeff & Laquita Bruce, Quanisha Bruce, Jeff Bruce jr, Greg Bruce, Terry the Author Walker, Shiver Bruce, Trice Atalltimes Neely, Neal Pitt, George & Patricia Pitt, Crystal Pitt, Ebony Pitt, Kior Chase, Tan Pledger, Sheshena Pledger, Ramirez Williams, Aunty Rose Williams, Jasmine Jackson, Terrez Cravanas, Carlisa Williams, Jamie Williams, Grover Miller, Karlos Gray, My Woolfolk family, Mama Barbara, Renee M. Smallhorne, Barbara Shannon, Aunt Meredith Shepard, Aunt Rhoda Woolfolk, Kat Von Stuart, Nate Culbreath Jr., Dewayne Grantham, Rhoda Branch, BJ Wolf, Aunt Rita Shepard, Ann Woolfolk, Nia Grantham, Darrell Ragland, Pierre Woolfolk, Brit Eady, Stephanie Willis, My wonderful Godparents James & Bernice Grant, and Kendall Grant, The Faw Faw family, my beautiful Otoe-Missouria family, Papa Faw Faw, Chris & Tina Faw Faw, Charlie, Miranda and Ziah Faw Faw, Leo Faw Faw, my dear Aunty Edna Faw Faw and Aunt Miffy Faw Faw, Rosalyn Faw Faw, Todd and Jessica Hughes and family, mom Sue and poppa Alvin Hughes, Calen Hughes, and Whitney Streck, Uncle Jr, & Aunty Charmaine Brown, my fambam Jessie Canchola, love you so much, Aunty Mary Childs, Michelle Cline, Charisse Faw Faw Kile and Alde Robideaux, Shelby Diane Faw Faw, Chris Soard, Jessica Louise Ivey, Nikki Zuniga, Amelia Spotted Eagle, Felicia Roye, Barbie Roye, Mary Page, John Sutherland, My bestie Robbie McAnally, Bobbie & Josue Silva, Gina Wyant McAnally, Jeremy Judd, Chuck Cornell, Candace Gray and the wonderful Gray family, Bino Gray, Tara Gray, Mama Melissa Rath-Gray, Gramma Linda Rath, Misti Gray, Kenneth Gray, Hayden Gray, Royce Fletcher, Dalela Morgan-love you beautiful friend, brother Garret Keith, John Timmons, Haley Lay and Anne Elcyzn, Stephanie Overturff, Jalyn, Mariah, Kaylee. Shayla Stillwell love you Shaybaby! Jeremy Mac Daily Macintosh, Brian Travis, Debbie Cronister, Trevor Hawk, Amber Curtis, Debbie Bailey, Erica Rivas Donella Camp, Vidal Camp, Lauren Rochelle Raymundo-Perez, Terry & Ginger, Samanthia Queen, Krishelle Queen, Blake & Ashley Stover, Sean Johnson, Jered Joseph, Miss Deana Bryant, Cole Mahaffey and family, Corianna Leatherwood, Montana Magerus, My godkids, Stevie Mccathern, Kyra Ramirez, Nate ‘the Great’ Stillwell, Mckinley Naico, Laynee Gray, Baby Courtney Nicole, and Tyra Jane, Tig Blues much love brother, thanks! The Kenner family, Nicolas Massey, Brittany Kilgore, Marcella Arriaga love you so much, Martin Niles, Misty and Mike Brunson and the best Cannibus worldwide Caviar Gold, Lil John Gutta Smith, Quentin Dority, D’Andre Dority, Preston Dority, Sierra Huntley, Scott Hall, Darrel Mitchell, Jered Shields, Mama Pam Stillwell, Katina Cheadle, Ulises Delatore, Gigi Isaacs love you girl! Vidal Camp, Donella Camp, Mrs. Ralphalita Maldonado, Misty Adams, Monica Dela Rosa, Jon Paul Dalrymple, Heather Jamieson Luis Velez, Rudolpho Velez, Tito Flex, Juan Saldana my carnale, Fredo Emerton, Michelle Bullard, T.A. Anderson, Quinny Ramone, Red Johnson, Jake Higgins, Roque Aceves, Tiffany Nguyen, Stephanie Nguyen, Jody Bailey, Raven Hubbard, Richard Coker, William Coker, Megan Stinnet, Nika Smith, Chyna Smith, Scooter Smith, Chase Smith,Trent Smith, Chris Pitts, The Duran family, Mrs Carol & A.J., Paul Duran, Roxy Fields, Arturo Hernandez, Gerald McGuire,Joel Silva, Karlos Shaver, Justine Rogers, Jenny Stahlman, Jason Massey, Papa Allen Massey and Mama Jackie, Mariah McKenzie, Katie Nichole McKenzie-Massey, Krysta Gomez love you honey, Nate Mitchell, Raphael Jackson, Chris Stovall, Ivan Hecker, Blair Dowell my bestie, Amy Rose Mayo love you babe, Harley Dalton you’re awesome and i love you friend. Mi Hermano Ruben Simenthal, you’re gonna be epic, Morgan Burns my dear beautiful friend, thanks for keeping it 100% all the time! Breeanna Briscoe, J’Adore you darling! Sasha Nicole much love! Somer Spear you’re more then Beautiful, Ciara Atkinson love you Queen, Jaz Hourihan love you dear friend, Kylie Dawn Gunter, I respect & love you. Nubia Minjarez te amo amiga! T.J. Hart, Brian Shomali, Crystal Esparza, Nancy Flores, Dustin Soles, Demarcus Eckford, Joey Johnson, Alex GBo, Ashton Daves, Sky Moe! Felisha Pearl Holman, Miranda King, Bianca Stevenson, Victor Stuart, Kay Ramsey, David Pluff, Marquis Ramsey, Phillip Valentine, Jonathan Valentine, Ms. Regina Camp, Gina Marie, and Genny Martinez, Trey Duce Morales, ( Hector Carillo, Lucas Camp, Napo Camp, much love) Daniel Oklas, , Summer Chisolm, Chuc Briseno, Francisco & Stacy Cardoza, Nestor Aguirre, Victor Aguirre, Inezita Inezita, Mike Perosi, Noel Stuart and Jen Kondrick, Rai Curry, Jered Hammer, Antoine Colbert, Rajinder Aulack, Corey Marsh, Chassen Marsh, Mitch Arens, Bobby Rankin, Matt Curtis, Chad Suttmiller, Carlitos Martinez, love you carnale! Rocky Orosco, Orlando Orosco, Eddie Carlton, Britney Oz, Miguel Cantu, Annmarie Perez mi amiga! Chago Carillo, Chris Ramirez thanks for all the laughs, while you battle Cancer at the same time homie, mucho respecto! Erica Juarez, Griszedla Juarez, Tonya Juarez, Kash Forevergrinding much love Eric ! Armando Saldana, Amanda McGuire love you Sis! Casandra Knox lysm sis, Draven Dolton! Alonso y Brenda Garcia, Troy Surrell, Kyle King, Tyler Hawkins, Lizzy Nunez, Ricardo Velez my carnale! Everet Padilla, Andrew Simon, Rimone Simon, Beanie Johnson, Kristy Johnson, Nikky Huff, Corey Choney, Jacob Seay, Terry Camp Nayshea Glover, Ronnie Jordan, Peter Raupe, Teena M. Sanders dear beautiful friend!

Alan Glasscock, Sammie Umble, Jason Dela Pena, Tripper Williams, Andy Morgan, Jacquelin Boyd, Jake Umble, Jacquelyn Abernathy I think the world of you friend, Andrea Jenkins love you wonderful soul, Beth Bracelin much love.

CHAPTER 1

TWO ARROW’S BURDEN

This story transpires in the wild west, and in that tradition, the story begins with outlaws.

The cool early morning desert breeze blew sand against two riders as they raced across the Sonora desert. Somewhere near the present-day Arizona-Mexico border two Apaches were headed to their home village. The desert was a solemn place, settled only by those who could adapt to its harsh temperatures and conditions. These Apaches were among the tribes who could survive in the desert. Their cousins the Navajo were also quite well adapted to the region. It was dotted with canyons, mesas and plateaus as well as mountain ranges that beautified the countryside. Old abandoned Spanish missions dotted the surrounding area in places too.

The two young men’s breaths was heavy as they sighed and wheezed, gasping for air. One of the braves found himself blinking rapidly, in a feeble attempt to ride longer. The men reached the place where they had originally said they would stop, but decided to continue riding. Soon the cactuses and rolling sand dunes were just a thought, as they descended into the foot hills of the mountains.

They passed several small Navajo camps, as they made their way home. Their dwellings here were hogans, constructed with four poles and earthworks. They resembled what a soil-based igloo would look like, but very actually quite unique when closely inspected. The Navajos were the only people they had seen during their entire trip, except for the Tohono O’odham village they were now passing.

The Posse tracking them would be lost if they tried to follow the trail of the Apache braves because the trail they left could only be detected by an Indian. Now, somewhere in the back of their minds they wondered if their ruthless enemies had hired mercenary Papago. Many of these Indians were Christianized and thus more susceptible to Spanish influence. However, they ruled out that thought, choosing rather to believe they’d escaped unnoticed, or were thought to be dead. In addition, there were many prisoners in those parts, and prison escapees were common, so the Apache braves felt it unlikely that they would be caught. On the other hand, these two braves had previously fought against the Mexicans, and raided their villages for as long as they could remember, so their fears were justified.

Many of the great Apache chiefs and leaders, whose concerns for their people led them to fight, also had fought some of these same groups. Cochise, and his uncle Mangas Colorado, had shown this in all their interactions and discussed these things during their tribal council meetings. The tribe also had strong young braves who vowed to fight until death for their land and people. Cochise and Mangas were well known, the latter also having been one of the war leaders for the band of Apaches.

Regardless, they were glad to be out of jail. They had been falsely accused, but had no rights in court since they were considered hostiles. As they neared home the sun was rising, spreading its shine across the land. All these thoughts sank into the past as a new day sketched the horizon with an orange-red glaze from the sunrise.

They hadn’t been home for more than three years. They had been accused of stealing horses in Mexico, and had been locked up in jail with no release date. Had they not broken out of jail and escaped they would not be heading home to their people. They’d been riding for two days, resting briefly at dusk. If a posse were hunting them, they hadn’t seen it yet. Their first thought was to elude whoever might have been chasing them. Only another Indian could follow their trail; or so they thought. Little did they realize that someone was already pursuing them. The thought foremost in their minds was the joy of returning home.

As the sun crept up on the desert, sand crystals glimmered, and coyotes and birds wandered about. The cactus plants were the only vegetation that could survive in such a desolate place. This was home sweet home to the Apaches though. Dead Shot and Chaluta were respected warriors, and feared by their enemies. The people of their village weren’t expecting to see them. The last information they had received was about their arrest in Mexico. Their escape would be seen as nothing short of a miracle. Their jailer had been drunk from the Cinco de Mayo celebration, so two inmates took advantage of this vulnerability. Someone in a cell had simply grabbed the jailer from behind while another inmate held him close enough to get his keys. All the inmates were freed in the uprising, and these two were among the first to leave.

Although they traveled at a moderate pace on their return home, they knew that someone would eventually be tracking them. The trail they left behind them went in circles, and then off in different directions. They did this in an effort to make the trail harder to follow. They were also considering their horses which often get tired when they are overridden. These men paid attention to every aspect of their surroundings. The desert was full of snakes and scorpions, which could easily cut their journey short. The endless sand plains had cooled a bit when they rested at night. They sought secluded places in hidden canyons and crevices.

Coyotes howled as night fell; just another reminder that they were nearing home sweet home. No feeling was greater than this. As the moonlight glistened on the small grains of sand, the crystals made the desert’s nocturnal beauty come alive. It was an awesome sight, and their newly gained freedom made it even more enjoyable.

The sun had just risen when they awoke to ride again, so the temperature was still bearable. The two had gathered some cactus fruit and mescal tubers the previous night, and this food came in handy inasmuch as they were now very hungry.

Dead Shot used a knife to trim the leaves of the mescal plants, thereby making the tubers more readily accessible. These, and the fruits from the cactuses, were very filling. Once their stomachs had been filled, and their bodies energized from sleep, the pair was ready to ride. They had also found a small patch of vegetation for their horses. Now they were ready to embark on the rest of their journey.

Crossing the endless plains and sand dunes seemed to take forever; nevertheless the pair rode on at a steady pace. Canyons, mountain valleys, and streams dotted the countryside here and there. These were vital to them as they traveled because they provided green vegetation, and water for their horses when they stopped to rest.

With no shield from the hot rays of the sun the midday heat beat down on them unmercifully. Beads of sweat ran down their faces, and the pair longed for the mountain valleys and streams that dotted the region. When they finally reached them they spent ten or fifteen minutes at each, enjoying the refreshment these natural havens provided.

As they rode in the hot weather the day seemed to drag on and on. Finally the sun receded from the sky into sunset. Although they weren’t far from home, the pair decided to rest another night before proceeding further. They awoke and rode out in early morning before the sun had risen. They were eager to return home and be reunited with their people and especially with their families. They ate the last of the cactus fruit before they left their resting place, and allowed the horses to graze on a scanty patch of vegetation before embarking on the final leg of their journey.

Since the sun had not yet risen the weather was decent and rather moderate as they began their morning trek.

They trotted into the camp just as the sun peeked through the clouds, while morning was in its full beauty and glory. Dead Shot and Chaluta arrived in their Chiricahua Apache village exhausted but thankful to finally be home. Manopa’ was awaken by her husband Dead Shot. Her eyes watered with tears of joy, because her warrior had returned safely. The awakened wife and mother were momentarily speechless from shock. Dead Shot broke the awkward silence as he peered into the eyes of his wife.

Manopa I missed you so, how have the people been? Dead Shot asked.

Manopa’ was so overjoyed to see him she simply didn’t answer the question. These two warmly embraced each other again. Manopa’s face lit up when the two’s lips finally met in a heartfelt kiss. She was never happier to see her husband, but feared for their safety now. The question of was someone tracking them was left unanswered too. Joy and happiness of being reunited prevailed above the question of being pursued though here with their family again. Chaluta was also with his sister and daughter, which were all the family he had left.

We’ve survived, it was hard, but we survived Manopa’ answered.

Where are my sons? he inquired.

They are both asleep here on the floor she said.

"Chaluta and I escaped from Mexico a few days ago. We were being chased, but I’m sure we lost them in the desert. I wanted nothing else but to be with my family, you Manopa, and my sons Two Arrows and Taledo. Two Arrows has grown up to be a young brave. I can’t believe what a few years will do … … …

Father yelled Two Arrows as he sprang from a sleepy daze.

He warmly embraced his father, after all, it was his father who showed him how to hunt fish and care for the family. It wasn’t long before little Taledo was up and hugging his father too. The family was finally together again.

Chaluta had one daughter Rosalita, and a sister Dashita. He of course was staying with them now. The whole village was in frenzy upon the return of Dead Shot and Chaluta. The people sang and danced that night, and the traditional Apache fire dancers danced around the flames. Dead Shot and Chaluta got good drunk on Tiswin, a form of beer the Apaches brewed for themselves.

Chaluta and Dead Shot thanked the Great Spirit for letting them return home and spend time with their families. A week passed by and they began to adjust to being back home. They went hunting and fished with their children, but in their heads there was a small inclination of the posse. Could they have followed them, why hadn’t they caught up yet?

After a week and a half they dispelled those thoughts. They did tell the chief of the village, Mascaro, that they should move camp. The chief noted that most runaways and escapees are paranoid for no reason, and dismissed the idea of moving.

The posse was chasing their own tails for a week or so in the Sonora desert. However, at a trading post they met a Papago warrior. The Papago were traditional enemies of the Apaches. Hearing of a bounty for outlaw Apaches, he turned over his mercenary skills to the white men of the posse. This warrior even knew it would be hard to track them because the Apaches were most skillful and clever at eluding and vanishing into thin air. Dead Shot and Chaluta had recently proven this to the posse chasing them.

Chaluta was glad to be reunited with his sister and daughter. His wife had died giving birth to his daughter Rosalita, she and his sister were the only relatives he had. They did know of some distant kin in the Araivpa band though. They were not very close to them. They therefore gave appreciation and thanks to the Great Spirit for reuniting them with their families.

Rosalita and her father Chaluta had some good days, short lived as they might be. He finally got to do what he wanted though, spend time with his family. The father and daughter often walked in the timbers, noticing and appreciating the wild life together. Everything seemed better with his daughter at his side now too. There weren’t enough words to express the joy he felt. Usen is the Apache word for Great Spirit or God, and to him they gave thanks and prayed.

Father, I’m glad Usen let you come back to us! I thought we might never see each other again. Aunt Dashita said you’d return, sure as the sun rises. She was right; you even came into the village with the sun rising behind you Rosalita said happily.

I had prayed and wished to see you and Dashita just one more time. Usen in his grace has granted my wish ten-fold" Chaluta said humbly.

The hot days were pleasant for the reunited trio. Dashita’s face once again had a sincere smile. She hadn’t been happy since her brother was incarcerated. Knowing he was innocent was an additional stress for her that time, the responsibility of looking after, and caring for Rosalita suddenly fell on her too.

It was hard for her to find a male companion while caring for a young child. She managed to care for herself and Rosalita though. Dead Shot’s oldest son had been great with aid and assistance whenever she needed it. Chaluta and Dead Shot were best friends, and their families were close as well. In the array of an orange-reddish whirl, cast by the skyline and the sun’s setting, a figure’s outlines could be seen. He was watching the awesome setting of the sun in the west. The sounds of the night began to clutter the air. Coyotes yipped, wolves howled, and the bugs and mosquitos made their presence known the most with their pestering bites.

The figure glaring into the sky was Chaluta, broad shouldered, with black hair that stretched to his mid back.

His body showed signs of power and strength, veins and muscles toned to perfection, face as serious as death. Suddenly someone else was beside him looking out at the scenic picture.

Chaluta’s dead serious face, lit up with a smile and laughs to greet Dead Shot’s approach. These two old friends laughed and joked together for a time. Then, like clockwork, both turned and silently enjoyed the view and sounds of the animal brothers coming out. The sun soon set, but they stood their savoring the picture.

Chaluta seemed very happy, but harboring something inside. He said he and his daughter were to go dig yucca plants on the bluffs near the village in the morning. His face carried a strange look though, like Dead Shot had never seen before when he was stressed or worried about something. They had been best friends since childhood. Chaluta seemed troubled and baffled by something, like he knew something.

Dead Shot tried to get him to tell him whatever information he was withholding from him. He wanted to be sure Chaluta was alright. He had seen that look before, and he remembered what followed. He tried and insisted, but to no avail, Chaluta hardly minded any such comments directed his way. Chaluta’s entire focus was on his daughter and sister and their wellbeing. It had been three years after all and he had thought of the pair with no end during the time he was locked up. Every day he thanked Usen, the Great Spirit or God for his being reunited with them.

The following day in the summer, the wind blew slowly and the sun was tucked behind a cloud, making the weather less hot and humid. Chaluta, his sister Dashita and Rosalita sat on a bluff overlooking the village. It was a peaceful place, and they conversed and discussed all the happenings during the time he was jailed. Gradually they began to hear the sound of hooves coming. Apaches were great horsemen, and many learned from an early age. Rosalita asked her father about the noise, even though she knew what is was.

However this noise was disturbing and had Chaluta worried a little bit as it grew closer. The horsemen’s hooves began to make the ground tremble. This trembling grew louder and louder as the riders got closer to the camp. Rosalita’s curiosity got the best of her as she heard the sound also. The young child in wonder, glared at her father, but he had a look of wonder about him as well. In the camp others heard the sound and became aware of it and started to gather around to see what it was. Rosalita blurted at her father in a question this time.

Father what’s that? she inquired.

Apache braves riding their ponies, getting good practice for times of war and flight from trouble he responded.

"That doesn’t sound like our horses, it sound like the horses our enemies would ri … … … … … … …

He was cut off by the sound of slugs whistling in the air. Suddenly gunfire erupted and the riders were in plain sight of the Apache camp. Rosalita was trying to speak to her father, but the gunshots muffled her sound as they rang out.

Pheeeeewwwwww, seeeeeeew, seeeeeew bullets whistled threw the air of the camp as the unexpected people came out to flee and run. The air was filled with smoke from the guns, and the sound was defining. Rosalita covered her ears as she ran for safety, as her father instructed. The Tonkawa mercenary had led the posse to the village. Chaluta got Dashita and Rosalita off the bluff quick, and then he got down. They were considerable distance from him.

He yelled run Dashita, take my daughter and run.

They were close to the village now, and Rosalita began shouting Attackers are shooting, their coming.

Chaluta ran fast as a deer, but not faster than the horses, as the mounted posse neared him one of the men stopped and aimed with a hunting rifle. Chaluta heard the slugs whistling’ all around him, and some shots were close hitting the ground in front and behind him. That hunting rifle sent a slug zipping through the air, and it caught him in the back as he fled.

Ughhhh he felt it burn into his back, another shot sent him tumbling.

Dashita tried to hold Rosalita back, but she had no plans of being contained. She broke free and ran back to her wounded father, who, although wounded was signaling her to follow Dashita and go towards the village. The pony herd was in confusion as they were jerked franticly by panicking people trying to flee. Rosalita held her wounded father in her arms screaming and crying. He was bleeding badly, and her deerskin dress was covered in blood. The girl showed no signs of fright, only love for her father. The pretty child’s face cracked up as she witnessed her father fighting for his last breath in her arms. The earth under her shook as the posse treaded the ground towards the camp from two different ways.

Every thundering hove shook the ground closer and closer to Rosalita and her dying father. Dashita looked back only to see the posse coming over the hill where her niece and brother were at. They carelessly trampled over them with their horses, as they entered the camp. She saw their bodies tossed back and forth under the thousands of pounds of weight the horses bolstered. The dust soon shut out even that, and she fled on with tears in her eyes. She had just lost all in one day now and was heart-broken. Dead Shot came out of his lodge to see the posse’s charge. He managed to grab a pistol, and went to fight off the intruders coming into the village. Some of the other warriors had already begun forming a front, so that the women and children could escape.

Mescaro, who was the chief quickly came running out, saying to spare them. He pointed to the women and children who were helplessly caught up and frightened by the gunfire. He didn’t say much more, but did grab his pistol after helping his wife and family to safety. He planted slugs in the mercenaries as they rode about the camp. Soon he himself began feeling the sharp pains in his side and chest from gun wounds. Thin waves of smoke sizzled from the fresh wounds he had received. He said nothing else, but for the people to escape. Mescaro fought on with the other warriors while the women and children fled to safety.

Two Arrows, get your brother and go. Your mother is already heading towards the pony herd. You ride hard, and fast, just like I showed you. I will see you again, go! Dead Shot hollered.

Two Arrows grabbed Taledo and his quickest pony, and then he fled with the rest of the Apache women and children. He wanted to stay and fight with his father, but what if they both died, who’d feed his mother and brother? Manopa’ did flee, but as she was sprang in the direction of the other Apaches, an arrow cut her run short. A Papago warrior rode up close and shot her with three more arrows before riding off. He only left because he thought she had died. Her body was among the others, laying there bleeding the ground red, bristling with arrows.

The warriors fled after the women and children escaped. Thinking Manopa’ was with the other Apaches, Dead Shot took flight with the other warriors. The Mescaro, though injured wasn’t dead and fled with the rest of the braves. As dusk began to fall Manopa’s blood soaked body slowly crawled toward the creek. It took all the energy and strength she had to pull the arrows from her body. Each time blood gushed from the wounds. Manopa’ was alive and survived, but was wounded badly though. The posse chased the band for a while, but eventually gave up and returned to where they had come from.

During the night she had to use the dead bodies for heat, via the cold desert night breeze. She also knew the smell of blood would certainly attract wolves and coyotes. The following morning she managed to mount a pony and leave. Manopa took the trail her people left in the dusty sand. Around midday the sun scorching down 104 degrees was too much for Manopa. She soon fell from her horse unconscious.

In her deep pain she imagined mirages in the desert sand and fell into a subconscious state of mind. She would have died or been finished off by scavengers, if two women wouldn’t have stopped to help her. One of the women was Navajo and the other a Pueblo. They had ridden past the village yesterday, and the rotting corpses had touched their hearts.

They took her with them to nurse her wounds. She didn’t come around for weeks though. Eventually she was nursed back to health. Navajos were the Apaches linguistic relatives; they had come to the southwest from far north hundreds of years before. So Manopa could communicate well, but all she said was thank you. She had seen death coming for her, but was saved by the kind hearted Navajo and Pueblo women.

She was nursed back to a healthy and better condition by the Navajo woman. Every day she put healing herbs or her wound and washed it out. Manopa was also fed well and given plenty water to get her back to a healthy state of body and mind. She grew quite fond of the Navajo lady that saved her life. When she was healthy again she was ready to go find her people though, which was understood and accepted. Before Manopa left she thank the Navajo woman again and again for all the help and care she had received there. The gave her a new buck a new buckskin dress, and moccasins, as well as some mescal. The mescal was in case she got hungry on her ride. She knew where her people were and headed that direction on her pony.

The Apaches were headed for their Sierra Madre stronghold in the mountains of Mexico. This was where they went to be safe from surprise raids and attacks. Manopa’s family was mourning, fearing she had died in the attack. Dead Shot’s heart hurt and he yearned to go back, but was warned that the posse might still be in the area. So days passed by and the tribe fled to the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico for safety. Dead Shot thought about his wife for days though. He did find some joy having his sons Two Arrows and Taledo by his side though.

One day as Dead Shot prepared to go hunting, he saw her figure in the distance. For a brief second he thought that he saw his wife, and then he decided that he had imagined this. He finalized it must be her ghost or spirit letting them know she died well. As the figure rode closer, he realized it was Manopa. The two kissed and embraced each other, Two Arrows and Taledo weren’t far behind. Their family had been reunited once again, and they knew it was the Great Spirit and his grace.

Many people from the band had been killed in the raid by the posse. The chief of the village, Mascaro had decided it would be best to join with other Chiricahua. So they traveled two days to unite with Mangas Colorado’s village. There were many great chiefs and warriors here, and medicine men too, among others. The camp was frequently visited by Cochise and Naiche.

For a time the village was at peace and no war or fighting came there. A few Mescalero Apaches came and celebrated their traditional dances and feast with their Chiricahua cousins. Many of the people spoke of a warrior who fought with such vigor and braveness; they drove fear into their enemies. The Apache had been fighting the Spanish since their arrival two hundred and fifty years before. The brutal tactics that they administered on the battlefield were first used on them by the Spanish.

Two Arrows went on raids with his father Dead Shot, and other Apache warriors. He could tell his father missed Chaluta for that was his best friend since they were little. They were in jail together, fought together, hunted and fished together and much more. His father talked about Chaluta like he wasn’t even dead. That’s how he knew the loss hurt him bad.

Manopa did the task mothers must do, such as cleaning, cooking and making clothes. Dead Shot often brought back fabrics and cloths from raids against Mexican Rancheros. She used this to make shirts, and dresses for them to wear. The village’s happiness was short lived however; a few days ago two settlers were killed. The killers were Navajo warriors who had caught the white men trying to steal from their villages horse herd. Many white settlers complained that something should be done. The Apaches, although innocent of the murders, had the reputation for fighting. A detachment of about forty five or so blue coat (U. S. army) soldiers went to arrest someone, anyone they could find.

As the sun rose, the sound of trumpets and the thunder of forty five horses charged upon the village. The camp was in panic, as most of the inhabitants lay sleep. Gun shots rang and whistled through the camp, and women and children yelled and screamed fearing their deaths.

Dead Shot grabbed his rifle and ran out of his lodge shooting. He set his sights on a soldier who had dismounted and was proceeding to enter a lodge. As the soldier tried to get in a slug riddled into his forehead, and he dropped dead. The warriors formed a front, as the women and children escaped again, this time Manopa took Taledo and was away on one of Dead Shot’s fast footed war ponies.

The soldiers shot indiscriminately, killing women and children too. As Two Arrows was helping Dashita escape they both saw a woman with her infant running, then in a flash he was shot from her arms. She screamed at her lungs capacity, as tears flooded down her cheeks. She dropped to her knees, clinching her dead newborn in her arms. Finally the gunfire of the soldiers took her to meet her baby in the land of the dead.

Two Arrows and Dashita felt the pain, but now wasn’t the time for it. Dashita ride, ride hard Two Arrows shouted, as he hit the pony making it take off.

Two Arrows turned to see his father attempting to pull a soldier from his horse. This soldier had a newer model rifle, which fired quicker. As he was being pulled from his horse he fired point blank at Dead Shot. The ball came out his back, and had pierced threw his heart. He laid there dying, with a hole in his chest leaking blood.

Nooooooo yelled Two Arrows as he ran to try to prevent the unpreventable. His efforts were to no avail though. He saw his father look at him, and shake his head. He knew what this meant (it is no use helping me, I’m hurt bad), but he held his father until he felt the life creep out of his body. When he looked up the blue coat soldier was preparing to set his sights on him with the rifle now.

I shot your pa boy, and I aim to shot you too, red devil the soldier yelled holding his rifle; he cocked it and began to pull the trigger. Two Arrows didn’t care at this point; he had just lost his father. Dead Shot had only been back a few months. As the soldier was pulling the trigger, Two Arrows closed his eyes, fearing that he would be meeting his father soon.

No shot rang out, and his eyes opened to see what had happened. The soldier lay on the ground in front of him with his neck slit bleeding all over the ground. Who had rescued his, he’d been saved but whom … . …

He peered up to see a warrior that the people spoke of highly.

How can I thank you? Two Arrows asked.

The warrior responded I am repaying what your father did for me, when I was young; make sure you bury him well. He was a great warrior and a good man who saved my life when I was a child he then walked off.

"Wait, aren’t you … … .

I am Gokhlayeh he responded.

Two Arrows knew who he was, because he had heard so much about him. He couldn’t believe he saved his life. He grabbed his father’s lifeless body and rode away with the other warriors. He already knew his mother Manopa and brother Taledo would be heart broken. They were now alone, he would be the man of the house. Gokhlayeh was feared by whites and Mexicans, however the Mexicans gave him a name which stuck more than his traditional Apache name, this name was Geronimo.

It seemed like his ultimate fear finally came true, as he fled carrying his father’s slain corpse clutched tight. His troubled mind was in a daze, almost a dreamlike state. He was nearly killed back there too, saved by Gokhlayeh. His fame grew by the day, and the Mexicans feared him. They loved to raid villages for slaves, but they didn’t like seeing Gokhlayeh at all.

He knew he would now hold the biggest responsibility of caring for the family. Taledo was barely a teen, and Manopa his mother, had already lived a hard life. The sun seemed to burn worse on their wounds today. Two Arrows eyes streamed a steady flow of tears, he had lost his father, is all he thought. They fled on horseback for thirty to forty miles, before catching the women and children in the mountains of Arizona. This was their home; here they were safe, for now. Dashita and Manopa would now grow closer in their friendship.

Taledo was only twelve, and barely that. He wanted to follow his brother on raids and hunts. Two Arrows told him he was too young and would have to wait until he was mature enough. He urged him not to rush into anything, for that is where mistakes are most common.

Two Arrows was age seventeen, standing at about six feet even, his body was toned and muscular, but slim. He now hunted and traded for the family, he had been doing so for some time before, but always with the hope of his father’s return. All of these hopes and dreams of what he and his father could have done were gone now.

The people of the villages mourned and paid the slain warrior’s burial site honor and respect. He had created a name for himself among his people, as other young men did. Many a day he had stood through a hail of bullets or arrows to defend his people from their enemies.

The day of his burial was really a day for focus though. Two Arrows would never forget this day for obvious reasons. The sun beamed down its orange-red rays on the earth. A steady breeze lessened the humidity level, but not by much. All during the day people walked by the fallen brave’s body paying respect and performing all the rituals necessary for his journey to the land of his forefathers. Dead Shot had a designated place he wanted to be buried at, and his wished was fulfilled.

As the sun set, the chiefs and elders of the tribe laid Dead Shot’s body into the grave. The awesome sky added magnificence to his burial, coyotes and wolves howled in the mountains, canyons, and desert surrounding them. Many of the leaders of the tribe came to bid their fellow tribesman farewell. All the people there mourned and wept openly, they had lost another great warrior. Usen, the Apache God would welcome him home.

Two Arrows felt honored as Cochise and Mangas Colorado walked by and paid their respect. He didn’t expect to see so many prominent Apaches there either. He also saw Nana, Naiche, Victorio, and Gokhlayeh. The latter would rise as a legend and mythical figure in the west. Though all their faces showed signs of grief, three faces were graver then the rest. The faces of Two Arrows, Taledo and their mother Manopa were expressive of more than hurt, but also of depression, hopelessness, and abandonment. Two Arrows knew it was now his burden; He had come face to face with such before though. When his father was locked up in jail and prison, he had to provide for the family. He hoped his father’s escape would bring him some time to associate with his friends and cohorts, but it was impossible now.

He carried the burden of caring for three people, and it was no easy task.

The loss of his father affected him differently than his younger brother Taledo too. Manopa’, his mother understood how and why he felt so lost in the situation he was in though. Manopa’ had to deal with the loss of her husband and he had lost his father also. Just the thought of this sickened her to her stomach as well as hurt her heart and soul. She really loved Dead Shot for everything he was to her in life and had waited for him while he was locked up. Dead Shot left behind two sons and a wife to mourn his loss, and even this sadness was in the eyes. Taledo was young but hurt at some level too, and it was quite apparent to all that knew him.

What worried Two Arrows the most was his doubt, or lack of confidence in himself. He previously cared for the family, but he was counting on the fact that his father would one day return to them. Dead Shot was gone now and not coming back either. He hoped he could care for his family and hunt well for both of the two and himself. He prayed that Usen, the Great Spirit would help him and guide him in this great burden that was suddenly cast upon him. It didn’t matter how many tears he and Manopa’ or even Taledo cried for their loss. Tears don’t bring the loved ones that are killed or die back to life. So Two Arrows manned up and took his responsibilities vowing to care for his family as long as necessary.

CHAPTER 2

THE CRIES OF A

HUNDRED CHILDREN

VILLAGE OF THE DEAD

That night the people chanted and sang the traditional mourning and death songs of their people in Dead Shot’s honor. Two Arrows knew his father had some prominence, but not to this extent. He had no words for anyone; his mind seemed to have gone blank. His reddish brown skin gleamed in the light of the fire, and a tear slowly trickled down his cheek. Just when he was preparing to slip into a trace, he heard a voice.

Two Arrows, your father and I lived and bled many days together here. We all know of the days of our fore fathers when the Spaniards first came. They were our first encounter with the white men. This was before they became the Mexicans we fight today. The men wore metal helmets and were bearded, called themselves ‘conquistadores’. They built missions many moons from here over the mountains. We have been fighting them for over two hundred years.

Two Arrows knew who this was, and listened intently to what he had to say. This was one of the great leaders of the Apaches, Mangas Colorado. He had proven himself in battle many times, but also was good natured, putting the people and their future ahead of his own in decision making. It was these good traits and personality that kept some of the Apaches alive during hard times.

These new whites are different then the Spanish or Mexicans who want us Christianized, sometimes we fight and have battles, mostly skirmishes though. These new whites would rather us live on small land reservations or dead. I am a grown man and have seen many wars in my time, but never an enemy like this one. I will not be around to see the whole coming of the white men, but visions tell me they come in groves and swallow the land up. You will live during this time, be strong and fight hard as your father did, you’ll succeed. I know that you know the wise ones Naiche, Nana, and Cochise. They are feared by the white men. There are two you must remember, they are younger and will be the next generation of Apaches with you. You already know one quite well … … … … … … …

Two Arrows glanced over teary eyed to see two men towering side by side looking at him. A focused glare revealed it was Gokhlayeh and Victorio. They beckoned him come, which he did quickly. He was introduced to Victorio, who he had heard of before too. He knew Gokhlayeh, who had saved his life in the incursion on the Camp when his father was killed.

He didn’t talk until they asked him to showing respect to the high ranking chiefs and warriors. Gokhlayeh went on to tell him of how his father died when he was small and he had to fend for his family alone too. He could relate to Two Arrow’s situation well. This made Two Arrows feel more relaxed and comfortable.

He gained a lot of knowledge from listening to them speak. They briefly mentioned a period when the Spanish explorers had given them diseases upon contact. There were a large number of deaths from these diseases which they knew little about. This gave them one edge now though; they’d already been depleted by diseases having formed some sort of immunity to some of them. Other tribes might not have made contact via their desert locations, secluded villages, and mesa dwellings.

Two Arrows hadn’t witnessed the impact of diseases on his people, but his mother and father told him the stories though, so it was encoded in his memory. His muscles ached as he stood up; he was physically tired and exhausted. As his tired feet treaded home, a cool wind blew and the coyotes howled and yipped in the distance.

The light of the campfires dwindled as the people prepared for bed.

Moonlight lit the way home for Two Arrows though. He was deep in thought, though tired. The words of the chiefs and warriors were wise and thoughtful, planning for the future of the tribe. Mangas and Cochise particularly worked with great effort to try to maintain peace with the whites. It is hard for an Apache to make peace with those who want to make war with him.

As he entered the family’s wickiup, the whole village had fallen almost silent. Taledo was sound asleep inside, but his mother, Manopa wasn’t. He crawled into his usual resting place, taking a deep sigh before closing his eyes. He had hardly set foot in the land of the dreamers before he was awakened.

"How are you handling your father’s absence son? I know that you’re grown, but you’re my son still. I keep your wellbeing in my prayers to the Great Spirit above. If you need to speak to anyone, don’t forget your mother is here too. I love my sons, and will die for them, as your father di … … … … … …

It’s done mother, we cannot change the time. Please don’t worry, we survived before, and we’ll survive again. I will miss my father, but his spirit lives in my heart. I will have our revenge for his death Two Arrows swore to his mother.

Just be careful, I don’t want to lose anyone else in my family, least of all my eldest son. I know it’s your habit to go hunt and ride alone, but take someone with you Manopa’ advised.

I am better alone in most things, but I respect your wishes first. Perhaps Jumping Bird will join me on this journey. I need rest though now, I am tired as an overridden horse, sleep is what I need.

Sleep quickly reached its arm out and rested the mind of Two Arrows. He was back in the land of the dreamers now. He slept well throughout the night, rising early in the morning to go hunt. The aroma of a delicious meal crept up his nose, almost instantly his stomach started to churn and growl. Two Arrows gave the fresh morning air of the mountains a great yawn as he rubbed his eyes.

Manopa had cooked a hearty stew of meat, vegetables, and herbs. She also had fresh bread she had baked over an open morning fire. Two Arrows quickly scooped some into a bowl with the wooden ladle that was in the stew pot. The urge of hunger caused him to dip a spoonful and taste it without hesitating. As his lips closed around the spoon the delicious flavors of his mother’s stew stirred his taste buds, but his face carried a whole different look.

Ahhhhh, ha haaaaa haaa he hollered as he spat out a boiling hot mouthful.

His tongue throbbed with a burning pain, and the rest of his mouth wasn’t far behind that either. He tried eating some bread to cool it down, but the bread wasn’t exactly cooled down yet either.

The warm bread only reheated his mouth’s burns from the boiling stew. He finally found satisfaction in a cold drink of water. He soon heard a slight giggle, then flat out laughter. His loud shouting had awaken his brother Taledo, who thought the event was quite humorous.

Your impatience has caused you to burn your mouth. That must be terrible, seeing how we eat three good meals every day if we can, and speech is a must. Why, why aren’t you talking? I guess you learned your lesson, or at least your mouth did. Taledo comically remarked before breaking down with laughter.

Shut up Taledo, my mouth really hurts. You should still be sleep; you are just a child Two Arrows remarked angrily.

Taledo looked at Two Arrows with a smirk on his face; he loved to argue with anyone, his brother being a personal favorite. If I’m the child, why do I wait for my hot meal to cool down to eat? Then you the wise and brave warrior hurry into your meal, like an impatient child, and now your mouth is scorched. Mine isn’t, just so you know grown man! Taledo rebutted with an attitude.

Taledo looked off for a second waiting for his brother’s comeback. He received none, and proceeded to turn around to speak some more of his mind. His efforts were prematurely shortened though; his eyes didn’t see Two Arrows thinking of another rhetoric comment to topple his. Instead he saw a hard clinched fist coming smack at him. Before he had time to react, he found his ear ringing and blood dripping off his nose as he recovered on the ground.

His head throbbed and his nose was trickling blood too. It appeared that he had hit his head pretty hard when he fell. It took him a few minutes to regain his composure now. As he gathered his wits about himself, he searched about for Two Arrows with his eyes. Manopa was hovering over him when he opened his eyes . It seemed strange; she wasn’t there the last time he had looked.

Mother, where is my brother? he asked.

He left about five minutes ago to hunt with Jumping Bird. Whatever happened between you two brothers? He said you were joking around and being disrespectful in the wake of your father’s passing ceremony yesterday. Your brother is sad about what happened, but he won’t be spoken to like that by anyone. You must understand, he and father were close, two kindred spirits. His loss will have great impact on your brother Manopa stated.

I know mother, but I was only trying to take his mind of the tragedy and the loss. If you focus on it, it will spoil your days for some time Taledo said.

Meanwhile Two Arrows and his friend Jumping Bird rode off on their ponies to the area inhabited by plentiful game. They rode for some time on their swift ponies, stopping to get water for themselves and their horses. Around noon they came to a patch of dense woods, here the sound of nature could be heard. Birds chirped about, rabbits and squirrels dotted here and there and small reptiles and rodents flashed their presence quickly.

The two warriors slowly and sure footed etched their way through the dense brush and shrubs. At a point they tied up their horse to trees, near a stream which was rather large. They couldn’t carry them across the stream, and the ponies would be near water and fresh plant vegetation. They did take about an hour or so to fish at this stream, and then traveled on foot again.

They split up to hunt, because each had a certain method, and this worked better for them both. They never strayed far from each other though. Each pointed out targets by a low mouth sound which couldn’t be heard, or signals. This planned hunting method was very successful and thought out. They fought with guns, but liked to hunt using their traditional weapons. These were quieter, and less likely to bring attention from enemy ears.

Through the day a few arrows picked off deer, and a mountain sheep that strayed too far away from the others. By the time they were ready to leave, both warriors were satisfied that they had hunted sufficiently for themselves and their families. They prayed to the Great Spirit first though, thanking and giving honor to creator for giving them the food. The honor was also given to the animals they killed, for killing wasn’t done for sport, but for survival and necessity.

The two braves now headed home, after mounting their ponies and arranging their goods. The food supply they acquired from the hunt was sufficient for a couple of weeks, perhaps a month. The Apaches had means of saving and preserving foods for consumption later. The added bounty of a good fish catch fattened their stocks, and would allow them a break from hunting for some time.

The trip back home went well for them. The ponies were at their best, and they neared home as they saw the sun drifting downwards, leaving an awesome array of red, orange, pink, and yellow in the sky. They had a good day, Two Arrows started to think about the encounter with his brother this morning now that he was back.

He and Jumping Bird were close friends and discussed the matter. Jumping Bird understood why he knocked Taledo one good time in the face. Disrespect towards family has no role or place in their culture. Their minds drifted away from danger, and they let their guard down. They felt secure close to the village, and rightly so.

"Pssssssssseeeewwwwww, pssseewwwww,