A
Father’s TaleA
Father’s Taleafter a story line idea by Nesciri
Disclaimer: The characters of The Young Riders were created for television by Ed Spielman. The series aired on ABC TELEVISION from 1989 - 1992.
Emma entered the room quietly. She set down the bowl of soup and over to Ike
and softly whispered, "You need to go eat. I'll stay here until you get
back. I think you should be here when he meets Mr. Cutler."
Ike nodded and quietly left the room.
Emma settled into the chair and then leaned over to move a strand of hair from
Buck's face. Even in his sleep Buck pulled back from the gentle touch.
"That boy hasn't known much kindness," said Elias Jenkins.
Emma was startled.
"Sorry to frighten you," said Abigail. "We decided it's time
to head home. Stock needs tending, and Buck's in good hands."
"Thank you," said Emma.
"Let us know how things turn out," said Elias. "Hopefully it
will all go well. Tell the boy to come by anytime he wants. He's always welcome
at our place."
"I'll be sure he knows," said Emma. "And again, thank you."
She showed them to the door and quickly returned to Buck's side. As she sat
down, he stirred and tried to sit up.
"Here let me help you," said Emma as she gently took hold of his
shoulders.
Buck gave a low moan and let Emma shift his weight into a sitting position.
"Feeling any better?" she asked.
Buck nodded. "Only hurts when I move," he replied. "I just feel
so helpless with my arm tied like this. I can't even feed myself."
"That's okay. Doc said it's only for a day or two. I made some soup for
you. Want it now, or do you want to wait for Ike?"
"I'd just as soon eat now if you don't mind," said Buck.
"Not at all. You sit back and let me do all the work."
Emma propped Buck up and retrieved the soup. As she finished feeding him, she
said, "There now, we didn't do too badly did we?"
Buck smiled. "Thank you, Emma."
"You're welcome," she replied just as Ike reentered the room.
<You tell him yet?>Ike signed.
"No," said Emma.
"Tell me what?" asked Buck.
Emma took a deep breath. "There's a man here who wants to talk to you
about your father. His story is a little different than the one you know. Mr.
Spoon thinks you should hear him out. It's up to you. If you don't feel up to
it, I'll make him leave."
Buck looked from Emma to Ike. "What do you think?" he asked.
Ike shrugged.
"Emma?"
"I can't see how it could hurt just to listen to him. If he's lying, you
should be able to figure that out. Also, I can't for the life of me come up
with a reason why someone would make up a story about this."
Buck nodded. "I'll listen."
"Good," said Emma. "I'll bring him in. Do you want me to try
and keep everyone else out?"
Buck shook his head.
Emma left the room and returned shortly with a man about the same height as
Teaspoon. He had a rugged face that was aged more than his years. His hair --
beginning to gray -- hung to his shoulders and needed to be cleaned. When he
smiled, he was missing some of his teeth. He was dressed in shabby buckskin
from head to toe, "Howdy. My name's Jeremiah Cutler and I think I may be
your father."
Buck looked at the man and felt all the anger and hatred he'd never had a face
for rising inside him. He quickly brought it under control.
Cutler noticed the change in the boy's demeanour and quickly continued, "I
know what you've been told, but that ain't the truth. Your ma and me, we was
in love. She was gonna run off with me, but we was almost caught. She told me
to run and that she'd take care of everything. I didn't relish the idea of dying
so I run."
"I know what you're all thinking. Why would a woman married to a man of
position run off with the likes of me? Her husband was a hard man. He use to
beat her 'cause she'd only given him one boy. He was planning on taking a second
wife and givin' her as a gift. She didn't want to shame her son that way so
she decided to run off. She could make it look like she'd been taken. She was
plannin' on makin' it look like the Pawnee done it. Didn't work quite the way
she planned. Night before we was plannin' on leavin' he raped and beat her.
She came to my camp. He'd hurt her pretty bad. I was tryin' to comfort her.
One thing lead to another and we ended up together. We'd just finished when
we heard them comin'. That's when she told me to run and never come back."
The room was quiet. Cutler looked at Buck trying to gage his reaction.
Buck looked at the man sitting before him, "Why now?"
"What?" ask Cutler.
"Why are you here now? Why after all these years?" asked Buck.
"Well," said Cutler. "Didn't know about you 'til a few months
ago. Had a friend who heard some nuns talkin' bout you and your friend. They
was wonderin' how you was doin'. He asked me if you was mine. Said I didn't
know, but I'd try and find out.
"I spent some time with the people in your ma's village. I managed to
find one of the men I'd knowed and found out that you ma gave birth to a child
that was a half-breed. Got your name and that was about it.
"Just happen to be passing through here the other day when I heard you
mentioned by someone in town. Looked up Mr. Hunter and explained my situation."
"And I'm suppose to believe you just because you say so?" asked Buck.
"No," said Cutler. "You're suppose to believe me 'cause it's
the truth. She would have to stick to her story 'bout being forced, else she'd
get punished for cheatin' on her husband.
"I know this is a lot to take in. You're lookin' tired, and I don't want
to cause you more harm. Let me give you two things to think over and I'll come
back tomorrow evenin'. I'll bring my partners to meet you, and see what you
have to say."
Buck nodded.
"If my story ain't true, why'd she have you at all? And second, once she
did have you, why'd she keep you? She could of got rid of you either time without
worry. Why didn't she?" Cutler stood and surveyed the crowd. He felt like
most of them wanted to believe him. He'd made it through the long telling. He'd
know by tomorrow night weather or not he was accepted.
As Teaspoon showed Cutler out, Kid asked, "Could it be true?"
Buck shook his head. He couldn't believe she would have lied to him and let
him feel the way he felt. He was so tired. This couldn't be true.
"Everybody out," said Emma. "Buck needs to rest. You can come
back and talk in the morning. Now, out. All of you. That means you too, Ike."
Emma gently herded the boys out of the room. After they were all gone, she returned.
"You okay?"
Buck nodded. "Just really tired."
"Let me help you lie back down so you can rest."
"Emma?"
"Yes."
"What do you think?"
"I don't know enough about your people and their practices," Emma
replied as she sat on the edge of the bed. "I don't mean to be hurtful,
but I have wondered why your mother was so supportive of you. I don't think
I could keep a baby that I had as the result of being raped. I don't know. .
. ,"
"She told me that she didn't make herself lose me because she didn't know
who I belonged to - the man who took her or the man she loved. She told me she
kept me after that because when she first held me, she saw me as an adult and
knew I was suppose to live."
"That's beautiful," said Emma.
Buck smiled and settled back into the pillows. "It's the one thing that
kept me going on many occasions." "You get some rest and we'll talk
in the morning," said Emma. She gently tucked Buck into the bed and kissed
his forehead.
"You want me to sit with you?" she asked.
"No, M'am. I'll be fine."
Emma took the candle with her and left Buck alone with his thoughts.
When Buck awoke the next morning, Ike was sitting beside the bed. He helped
Buck sit up and eat the breakfast Emma had sent over.
<Well?>signed Ike.
"Don't know," said Buck. "It could all be true. It would change
so much if it were true. I wouldn't be a child of violence."
<Any part that doesn't work?>Ike inquired.
"I don't know. I have no idea what her life was like with Red Bear's father.
He died chasing mine. She never mentioned him. Neither did Red Bear. He was
old enough to be the head of the family, so he was. No one else would take her
because of me so we stayed with Red Bear. You know the rest," sighed Buck.
<You believe him then?>signed Ike.
"I want to," said Buck. "There's just a feeling I have that
he's not being completely truthful. Could just be that it's such a different
story. Could be that I'm always suspicious of good things happening to me."
Buck shrugged and then wished he hadn't as the pain shot through his neck.
Ike grinned. He knew all too well how Buck was always ready to except fault, but always hesitant to accept praise. <The others all want to know what you think,>Ike signed. <Okay if I let them in?>
Buck smiled and slowly nodded. He had no idea what he was going to say. The
other riders all filed into the room, "So?" asked Lou.
"Don't know," said Buck. "I need to learn more about him."
"That shouldn't be a problem, " said Teaspoon.
"Why?" asked Buck.
"Doc said you needed to keep your arm still for two, maybe three, days.
Once your arm is better why not spend some time with Mr. Cutler and get to know
him while your ribs heal?" Teaspoon suggested.
"Yeah," said Kid. "That way you don't have to sit around here
and listen to Cody and Jimmy complain about doing your work."
"I'll need to think about it," said Buck. "Guess I really need
to see if he's interested in spending time with me first."
The day seemed to drag on with periods of visiting broken by brief rest periods. Finally, around sunset, three men rode up to the way station.
"Evenin' folks," said Cutler. "These are my business associates.
This," he pointed to his stocky companion who was dressed in a similar
fashion and about as clean,"is Seth Wilson, and this," he turned to
indicate a tall, lanky man with dark hair that was neat and clean. He also wore
a buckskin suit, but it was well cared for and clean, "is Horrace Jasper."
"Folks," said Jasper, tipping his hat to Emma.
"Welcome," said Emma. "Please come in. Buck's still resting,
but I know he wants to see you as soon as he wakes up."
Everyone followed Emma into the sitting room. She sent Ike to check on Buck.
"What can you tell me about Buck," Cutler asked the other riders.
"There's so much I need to learn about him."
"We may have a solution to that," said Teaspoon.
Ike came back and indicated that Buck was awake. "I'll let Buck tell you,"
said Teaspoon.
As Cutler left the room, the others started talking about how wonderful this
all was. Emma kept catching herself studying Horrace Jasper. There was something
about him that made her feel strange. If she could just figure out what it was.
When Cutler entered the room, Buck greeted him with, "I'm having a hard
time believing your story. It is so completely different from everything I know."
"Oh," said Cutler. "I was hoping we was gonna get to work on
bein' family. I'll leave and not bother you again if that's what you want."
"No, please. That's not what I meant," said Buck. "I want to
believe your story. It's a much better story that the one I know. I can't promise
I'll ever feel differently, but I'd like to give this a try.
"Teaspoon said I could have some time off while I heal up. I'm pretty
useless until I get my arm back, but Doc says that could be tomorrow. I'd like
very much to spend time with you and your friends so I can see if this feeling
changes, and I can believe you."
"That would be wonderful," said Cutler. "We'll come back day
after tomorrow to check on you and get your supplies if you can come with us.
"I think I'd better go now. Don't want to delay you joinin' us. See you
in a couple of days."
Buck nodded.
Cutler left feeling might proud. He decided this deserved a celebration. The first part of this plan was completed with success. Now all he had to do was make the boy feel like the Kiowa deserved pay back for what they'd done. He figured that wouldn't be hard once he was away from all these friends. He wouldn't have them to help him make his decisions.
The next afternoon, Doc took the wrap off to check Buck's progress. He decided that he could leave Buck's arm free, but he wanted to keep the ribs wrapped.
"It'll help them heal quicker. I know their hurting you. You sure you
don't want someting for the pain?"
"I'm sure," Buck replied. "I'll get some healing plants as soon
as I can get out of this room."
"I'd prefer you don't ride very far for the next couple of days,"
said Doc. "Definitely don't do any riding until tomorrow."
"Yes, sir," said Buck. "Is it okay if I walk around? I really
need to just get out of this room."
"Just don't over do it. If it starts to hurt, sit down and rest."
"I will. Thank you, Doc," said Buck as he stood to walk the doctor
out. It felt good to be out of bed even if there was some pain with every move.
Buck looked forward to this evening and being able to eat on his own again.
He was also looking forward to getting to know the man claiming to be his father.
There was so much he wanted to know. True, it was also frightening. What if
the man was being untruthful? Then again, why lie about this? What could he
possible hope to gain?
As Buck watched the doctor ride off, he thought about what this could mean
for him. He might actually have a place he belonged, and a chance to find out
who he was. Where his father came from, what his people were like. Maybe with
information from both halves he'd feel more complete.
Buck wandered over to the barn to check on his horse. He was brushing the animal
when Ike came in.
<Feeling better?>Ike signed.
"Much," said Buck. "Still sore, but at least I have my arm back."
<You excited?>
"A little. I don't know. I want his story to be true, but there's something
about the whole thing that doesn't quite fit."
Ike nodded. <Promise me you'll be careful. I agree with you, something's
not right.>
Buck smiled. "I promise."
The two boys put away the grooming supplies and returned to the bunk house.
Emma smiled when they entered. She was glad they'd finally had a chance to talk.
She knew Ike had felt a need to express the concern that they all were feeling.
She could tell from the way they were behaving that Buck hadn't been offended.
As they were finishing up the evening meal, the tree men rode up. "Evenin'
gentlemen," said Teaspoon. "Come on in. I'm afraid we don't have no
more food, but we do have plenty of good company."
"Thank you, Teaspoon," said Cutler. "I see things went well
with the doctor earlier."
"Yes, sir," said Buck. "But I can't ride until tomorrow."
"That's fine, Son," said Cutler. "I didn't plan on leavin' tonight.
We'll just bed down out in the barn and we can get a start in the mornin'. I'm
guessin' you need to take it slow once you start ridin'."
"Yes, sir. By the way, where are we going?"
"We've got a base camp set up a couple of days north of town. Kind of
a no-man's land between the Kiowa, Sioux, and Pawnee. Hope to set up a tradin'
post. Figure you could help make sure we treat 'em fairly," explained Cutler.
"Figure we'll take it slow gettin' there. Don't want to wear you out 'fore
you can see if you'd like helpin' us," he continued.
"That sounds really good," said Buck.
"It does," agreed Emma, "and if you plan on leaving in the morning
I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist that Buck gets some rest. Buck, why don't
you go back up to the main house?"
"I'd rather sleep here," said Buck.
"That's fine. We just need to let you rest. I can tell by looking at you
that you need to lie down."
"Yes, M'am," said Buck. "I'll go right now. The rest of you
can stay. I'll be fine."
Buck went to the other end of the bunk house where the beds were located. He
quickly got ready for bed and lay down. He was soon snoring lightly. The other
riders soon each made their excuses and went to join him.
"He's a good boy, hard working, and considerate. I'm not sure what I'd
do to someone who hurt him. I do know these boys wouldn't take it lightly,"
said Emma as she and Teaspoon walked Cutler and his friends to the barn.
"We'll keep that in mind," said Cutler.
"Good," said Teaspoon as he left and went into his room. "See
you gentlemen in the morning."
Buck awoke with a start. He sat up quickly and felt the stabbing pain as a
result of his reckless movement. He steadied himself and looked around the bunk
house. All the others were sleeping soundly. He couldn't remember what had caused
him to awaken. Something had frightened him. He shook his head, slowly got out
of bed and dressed. He crossed the room quietly and went to watch the sunrise.
As the sun cleared the horizon, Buck sensed Ike's presence. He turned to face
his friend. "I'll be fine," he said.
Ike smiled. <I know,> he signed. <I'll miss you.>
"Me too," said Buck. "But I'll be back in a week or two. Then
if things are working out with them, maybe you can come stay for a while."
Ike nodded.
As Emma crossed the yard, Ike and Buck returned to the bunk house. The others
were beginning to stir.
"So, you're really going to leave us?" said Cody.
"Just when we're going to have to start getting everything ready for the
winter, too," said Jimmy.
"You two lay off," said Lou.
"Thank you," said Buck. "I can't honestly say I'm going to mind
not helping with repairs, but I don't think I'm going to be doing nothing."
"You do plan on coming back, don't you?" asked Kid.
"Yes," said Buck. "I just want to see how things go."
"Still not sure?" asked Lou.
Buck nodded. When he looked at Lou he had the feeling there was something important
he needed to say, but he couldn't remember what it was.
Shortly after breakfast Buck was ready to leave. Ike helped him mount. <Remember
your promise,>he signed.
"I will," said Buck. "Take care of yourself, and watch after
Lou. I can't shake the feeling that something is going to happen."
Ike nodded.
"Let's go," said Wilson. The four men headed into Sweetwater. After
they passed through town they headed east towards Kiowa country. Buck thought
there was something wrong, but the pain in his side made it hard to think clearly.
A little before noon they stopped by the river to eat. As Buck sat resting
against a tree, Jasper handed him a cup of something dark and sweet smelling.
"Drink this," he said. "What is it?" asked Buck.
"It will help the pain," said Jasper.
"What is it?" Buck repeated.
"Something your father made. He was taught by the Kiowa when he lived
with them," explained Jasper.
Buck took the cup and tasted the drink. It was made from the plant he was intending
to locate. "Tell him thank you for me," he said and drank the rest
of the tea.
Soon the pain was almost gone, and they were able to continue. As they set up
camp for the evening, Cutler came over. "You doin' alright?"
Buck nodded. "Just a little tired. I think I'll go ahead and go to bed
it you don't mind."
"That's fine. If we cover as much ground tomorrow as we did today, we'll
be there by noon."
Buck lay down. As he drifted off to sleep he heard the three men whispering.
He kept thinking something was wrong, but he still couldn't figure out what
it was.
"You think any of his friends will try to find our camp?" asked Wilson.
"Naw," said Cutler. "They're all giving him time to get to know
his devoted pa. We ain't gonna have no trouble from them. Besides if they do
go lookin', they'll be in the wrong place."
"It's not his friends you need to worry about," said Jasper. "It's
him."
"What makes you say that?" asked Cutler.
"There's somethin' about the way he's actin'. I'm not sure he trusts you
-- us-- as much as you think he does."
"Let's figure out what to do if he refuses to help," suggested Wilson.
The next morning Buck again awoke from a dream that caused him to jerk awake. Again the pain chased the dream from his head. Buck sat up and tried to stop the pain. Soon it began to fade. He looked at the other men. Jasper was up preparing breakfast. He looked up from the fire and saw Buck watching him,
"Mornin'," Jasper said.
"Good morning," Buck answered. He winced as he tried to stand.
"Need some more of that tea?" asked Jasper.
"I'd rather wait until later," replied Buck. "I makes me tired,
and thick headed."
"Just let me know when you want some. Cutler told me to take extra good
care of you."
"Thank you. I will," said Buck. "I'm going to go wash up."
Buck headed to the river. As he knelt to wash up, it occurred to him that they
were near his half-brother's village. This wasn't where they were supposed to
be. They should be farther west. Something was definitely wrong. Buck decided
he'd wait and find out what they were up to before he let hem know he was on
to them. He finished cleaning up and went back to camp.
After breakfast, Jasper helped Buck mount up. "Doin' okay?"
Buck nodded.
When they reached the men's campsite around noon, the pain in Buck's side was making it hard to breath. Jasper didn't ask this time, he just handed Buck a cup.
"Drink," he said.
Buck nodded and drank. Once again the pain subsided. Buck surveyed the area
and realized they were very close to the place where he'd recently proven to
his half-brother, Red Bear, that he had a true Kiowa spirit.
The three men were gathered around something. Buck stood and went to join them.
"How you feelin', Son?" asked Cutler.
"Confused," answered Buck.
"'Bout what?" asked Cutler.
"We're on Kiowa land. We shouldn't be here. That valley is scared. We
shouldn't be here," Buck said. He felt the need to sit, but fought it off.
He wished he hadn't drunk the tea. It was getting hard to think straight.
"You said that before," said Wilson.
"Why are we here?" asked Buck. "You said your camp was to the
north of town. This is east. Why lie?"
"Didn't want to be bothered," said Cutler. "It's simple. You're
Kiowa. You can be here without trouble. We need you to go get our gold out of
that valley,"
"No," said Buck. "I won't."
"I didn't ask, Son," said Cutler. He moved to Buck's side and grabbed
his left arm twisting it just enough to cause the pain to return to his shoulder.
Buck gasped, but refused to allow himself to give into the pain. His head was
getting heavy. It was hard to stay awake. He could kick himself for drinking
that tea, and for ever believing it was possible that he was something different
from what he'd been told.
Wilson joined Cutler, "You think you hurt before? That ain't gonna be
nothin' when I finish with you if you don't do."
Buck stared at him. It was getting hard to focus. He shifted his gaze to Cutler.
The realization that his need for a family had been used to trick him hurt more
than any physical pain he was feeling. He promised himself that he'd never let
anyone do this to him again.
"I don't care what you do to me," he said. "I won't violate
scared land."
"We'll see," said Cutler. "Tie him to that tree, be sure and
make it tight."
Wilson drug Buck across the campsite to the indicated tree. After he was securely tied, Cutler grabbed Buck's hair forcing him to look Cutler in the eye. "Just wanted to make something clear to you. Nobody said anything about hurtin' you, Son" he said sarcastically.
