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Chapter Thirteen
The two women had set up camp not far from the stream that had turned
into a lake. Once the fire pit had been built, a nice cheery fire
warmed the area. Bobie was feeling the stress of the journey and her
body was beginning to retaliate. She set on a flat rock that
looked very much like a coffee table and for legs; it had small pillars
of rock under it for support. Sarah Clemens was standing near the water
gazing out and looking like she just might jump in at any second.
Bobie sighed; it took a lot to hold back the tears that kept trying to
find their way out. She did not want the young woman to know how
totally useless she was feeling, how deeply she missed Skylar Richmond
and their life. So much had happened and she was grateful to be
alive and out of that hell hole. Now she was trying to get past this
place. Had she led them into a trap? Was there another way out? Would
the others come for them? What would she do?
“Earth to Bobie, are you all right?”
She heard the words as if coming through a fog but immediately
responded by looking up and into the wide eyes of a woman who had a
very worried look on her face. “Sarah, you caught me daydreaming,
sorry.”
Sarah sit beside her and said, “Nothing to be sorry about, if one
cannot daydream sometimes life can get really tough. I understand for I
do this a lot.”
Bobie tossed her head allowing golden strands to dance with glee at
their new found freedom. “I am trying to figure out if I led us wrong.
We did get away from them but where we are at this moment and just what
is waiting for us is a mystery.”
Kicking, her shoes made marks in the sand, Sarah soothed, “It will be
all right, we are together and I have no doubt you will get us out of
here. I am just happy to be safe for at least a little while.”
“Sorry to have gotten you into this fix.”
“Don’t feel that way; I did what I felt needed to be done. Not even a
snake should get such bad treatment. You are a good person, Bobie
Parker I feel terrible at how you were treated.”
“Not your fault, but thanks. I owe my life to you and will never forget
it. We didn’t have a lot of time to look for a better camping area, but
think this will do for tonight. Just need to keep the fire stoked and
try to rest. Tomorrow we will take our packs and walk the stream down
to see what lies ahead.”
Sarah stood and said, “When are we going to, you know, get cleaned up?”
Laughing, Bobie replied, “Haven’t seen a bath or a shower nearby so it
will have to wait, sides we both smell the same. Actually not bad for
what we have gone through.”
“Speak for yourself Bobie, I do not smell like perfume.”
Standing, Bobie winked at Sarah and said, “Then we have to do something
about that.” Before Sarah new what was happening, Bobie Parker
reached out, scooped her up in to her arms and dashed to the
water. Sarah’s screams went unheard as Bobie walked into the
water carrying the woman.
The second she released Sarah in water that was deep enough to take her
under she realized perhaps the girl could not swim and dove in after
her. The water burned her eyes as she fought to see Sarah.
Darting here and there like a fish trying to avoid a shark, Bobie swam
underwater, finally giving up she swam to the surface. Feeling a deep
ache in the pit of her stomach she slammed her right fist into the
water, splashing it and cursed herself for being so careless.
It was at that moment, a hand reached up from behind and pushed Bobie
under, she fought to get away, it happened so fast she was not able to
catch her breath and as soon as she could she quickly headed for the
surface. When she came face to face with Sarah Clemens who was
smiling ear to ear, she coughed, “You little devil, I should take you
over my lap.”
Sarah giggled, “Kind of hard to do in water.”
Bobie reached up and brushed wet hair off her face and smiled. “You are
contagious. It is nice to see you happy, Sarah.”
“Even if I pulled a trick on you?”
“Even if you pulled a trick on me and it was a good one. Have to tell
me how you did it, later.”
“You are not mad at me, are you?”
“No. Not mad but you did have me worried.”
“I’m sorry, I was just funning you.”
“I know that now. Well since we are both very wet, time to take off the
clothes.”
Sarah had the look of a deer in the headlights as she muttered, “Can’t.”
“What do you mean you can’t?”
“Just can’t, I’m going in now.”
“Sarah the whole purpose of this was to freshen up.”
“I think it could be a good idea, but I don’t know and neither do you
just what may be down there.” She pointed downward and the look
on her face was one that said, any second some sort of sea monster
might think she was dinner.
Bobie watched Sarah Clemens swim away and head for shore. She finally
followed and was soon standing, soaking wet by the fire. Sarah
was trying to wring water from her top with little success and finally
Bobie said, “Take it off. Lay it on a rock near the fire and it will
dry soon. Same with your other clothes.”
“Can’t.”
“Then I’ll help you.” She stepped toward the woman who only
stepped further away.
“I get the hint Sarah, you don’t want me to see you naked, and if I
promise not to look will you do it?”
“Can’t.”
“All right but you are going to get mighty cold tonight, you need to
dry off and so do your clothes. I for one do not want to freeze, so if
you have some sort of thing about the body, don’t look.”
Sarah stood mesmerized by the freedom Bobie Parker seemed to have. It
was nothing for her to whip off the top followed by the bra, then
meticulously unbuttoning her jeans and sliding them down, she stepped
from them. After picking up the clothes and laying them on rocks
near the fire, Bobie turned to gaze at Sarah. The young woman had the
rosiest cheeks she had seen in a long time. “As you can see there
is nothing to it, Sarah, give it a try.”
Sarah seemed to be at loss for words, all she was able to do was
stare. Finally Bobie started to walk toward the woman. “Am I that
hard to look at, Sarah? I seem to have frozen you on the spot.”
“N--no.”
“Then what is the problem? There is only you and I out here, and now
you have seen me, and can tell I do not hide any secrets.”
Instantly Bobie knew she had said something that was wrong for Sarah
began to cry.
“Stop crying, I’ll put the wet clothes back on. Didn’t mean to frighten
you with my body.”
Holding back tears and trying to talk at the same time certainly was a
difficult chore for the woman, but she finally was able to say, “You’re
beautiful. I’m sorry.”
“Tell me, what is wrong, then?”
“I am afraid you will not like me.”
Bobie was within arms length of Sarah and she stopped tilted her head
from side to side then said, “I don’t know what you are talking about.
I see a beautiful young woman standing in front of me. How could I not
like you? Of course I do, we are great friends.”
“It’s just you are so--”
“I think your eyes need adjusting, for I am definitely not so whatever
you are saying. I am just me, and I hate to think of you freezing all
night. Look my clothes are all ready getting dry some. The sooner
you take those off, the sooner they get dry. I am sorry for taking you
into the water, promise will not happen again.”
Bobie had noticed Sarah doing her best not to gaze at her but failing
each time. She finally reached out and touched her on the right arm.
“Will you do it for me? I will even turn my back.”
Grinning, Sarah replied, “You are so cute, trying to make me feel
comfortable. This is not a situation I can get comfortable in.
But I do need for my clothes to dry. So if you promise not to laugh,
I’ll do it.”
“This is not a laughing matter, Sarah. It is a matter of survival.”
Sarah Clemens was the daintiest when it came to removing clothes. Her
features were flawless with a complexion that showed she had not spent
a great deal of time in the outdoors. Her soft blue eyes were fringed
with long curving lashes, an expression made up of the trustfulness of
a child and the gentleness of a playful colt, her hair had grown and
looked much better now that it was fuller and reached her neck. She had
a lithe and rounded figure whose every attitude and movement was filled
with grace, most of the time.
Bobie took the clothes she handed her and walked to the fire,
strategically placing them, she then turned to gaze at Sarah. “I
do not know why you were so cautious about removing the clothes, Sarah,
you are beautiful. Come sit on your back pack, next to me and we can
stay warm.”
Once the two were sitting, Sarah crossed her arms over her breasts and
stared at the fire as if urging it to warm the clothes faster.
“Is this the first time you have been naked with a woman?”
Sarah turned her head to gaze into Bobie Parker’s light blue eyes and
replied, “First time around anyone. That is anyone that was not trying
to hurt me.”
“I know you mentioned something about the men at the compound, did they
hurt you?” Bobie’s question was answered before Sarah could reply the
moment she gazed at her back and the welts that crisscrossed it. “I
feel terrible. This is why you didn’t want to take your clothes
off, isn’t it?” She reached out to lightly touch one of the
welts as Sarah pulled away.
“It’s nothing. But now that you have seen them you will look at me
different.”
“Never. They will fade away in time and I know someone that works with
herbs, bet they can make sure you never see them again. Please relax, I
promise I will not hurt you.”
“I know. I trust you Bobie Parker. Have you ever been with anyone
like me?”
The question came out of left field and it took a moment for Bobie to
digest it. “Like you? What do you mean Sarah?”
“I mean, you know, sex.”
Standing, Bobie uttered, “Wow! That certainly was one out of the ball
park for me.”
“What do you mean,? I don’t understand.”
“I just never figured you would be one for the sex talk.”
“If you are meaning do I know about the birds and bees, I do. If
you are meaning, have I ever been with a woman in that way, no.”
“Then why are you bringing it up, we have so much to do, so much ahead
of us, sex is the last thing on my mind.”
“I think you have me wrong Bobie, I do not mean you and I. I was just
asking.”
“Kinda personal I think. But to ask a question like that, I will assume
you know about Skylar Richmond and myself. And here I leave it.
Want to talk about something else, I am up for it, but no more sex
talk, please.”
“I did not mean to upset you. And yes I heard about you and
Skylar Richmond, that is why they had you captive. The love for one
another would bring her to you. I know that no one in their right
mind would ever want to make love to me because they loved me, I know
who I am.”
“I do too, Sarah Clemens a really good friend.”
That night when they lay near the fire pit, Sarah had donned her
clothes, though they were still not the driest while Bobie chose to let
hers dry a bit longer. Sarah could see in Bobie’s eyes a longing for
the woman she loved and could not help but wish some of that was for
her. She felt so alone, even if Bobie Parker said she was her friend,
she felt if Skylar Richmond should appear, Sarah Clemens would be
forgotten instantly.
The next morning when Sarah opened her eyes, she could feel the warmth
of Bobie parker against her back. It was a pleasant feeling. She didn’t
know when Bobie snuggled but she was glad the woman did. It had been
cold and she was chilled a lot of the night.
“Sleep all right?” Bobie asked sleepily.
“Fine, hope you did too?”
“Kept warm. We have to do something today about finding some sort of
shelter. It may rain.”
Sarah sit, then gazed down at Bobie, “I am up for it. Feel refreshed
after the water yesterday. What would you like for breakfast?”
Bobie chuckled, “Like we have a choice. I am getting so sick of jerky.”
“It has kept us full. I was thinking there are probably fish in that
lake. The stream goes on and on, now this large lake makes one wonder
just what lies ahead. Maybe we can catch a few.”
“With what our smiles?”
“Don’t know but I did see Swiss Family--”
“Good show but it was only a movie. Sure hope we do not run into
any huge anacondas.”
“You are thinking snakes and I am thinking of how they caught food.”
“Like I said, it was only a movie and they can do just about anything
in a movie.”
Once they were up and having stoked the fire again, they sit and ate
the few remaining pieces of jerky left. Now it was obvious they
had better figure out some other source of food and soon.
When they were finished, each took their back packs and began to make a
reconnaissance trip of the area. Sarah glanced back and asked, “Do you
think we will make it back here today?”
“All depends on how far we go. I want to follow the stream’s path. We
can branch out and check both sides of the canyon at the same time.”
“Just so I don’t lose sight of you.”
“Sarah I am sure if you had to, you could handle this all by yourself.
But do not worry; I will be within eye view.”
In the beginning it was an easy trek, but this soon changed. The path
was a rather dubious and uncertain one; they followed the ridge that
ran along the steep canyon walls. A similar ridge seemed to run on the
other side of the canyon as well. Bordering to the left and to the
right they could enjoy strange contrast in the scenery. On the left
there were many craggy looking granite spikes that appeared to be
nature made. The walls were sprinkled with heavy vines but on the
left there appeared to be a grassy basin.
It was a world of uneven ground of no trees but once in awhile they
would see mist filled hollows and tall granite spirals that seemed to
multiply. Sarah pointed to the broken granite and what may have been a
circle of huts. She squealed, “Look, a ruins of some kind!”
The two descended slowly to the area and when they reached the bottom,
Bobie said, “There are stones strategically placed, it is like some
sort of--”
“Don’t say sacrifice ritual.”
“Turning to look at Sarah, Tilting her head to the left she replied,
“Didn’t have to, you just did.”
“Do you really think that is what it is?”
Bobie walked around the area, she bent down several times to pick up a
stone, finally she said, “Skylar would love to investigate this place.”
Sarah’s face blew up like a bull frogs would as she said, “Always her,
the woman must be in your blood.”
“You know we are a couple. This is her job, at least some of what she
does. So yes, I thought of her. I don’t know about you, but I
would just as soon be far away from this place before dark.”
“Me too.” Sarah grabbed Bobie’s hand and pulled her along.
Once they had left the area, and were on more solid ground the two
began to look for a place to make camp. It was as they neared one of
the canyon sheer cliffs that Bobie spotted an opening in the
wall. She pointed it out and they made their way to the spot.
Sarah looked up and said, “This thing just keeps going up. Jack and the
Beanstalk have nothing on this place.”
Laughing, Bobie said, “Thank goodness there is no giant. And we do not
have to climb to the clouds. But I wouldn’t mind finding the golden
egg.”
“Me either.”
There was a lot of dead shrubbery and vines covering the area and the
two began to pull it away. Bobie used her trusty knife to cut through
some and Sarah hauled it far enough away. Immediately in front of
the cave was a small terrace, partly formed by nature and partly by the
earth that had been swept there by the winds. One cliff seemed to fall
off in front of the terrace and the approach by its sides, under the
ridge of rocks looked difficult and dangerous.
Sarah gazed at it, her hands on her hips and said, “It looks like a
cave, but why was it hid?”
“Probably just the way things grew.”
“I don’t know, Bobie, after that ritual thing I am not sure going into
a cave is a good thing. Could be anything in there.”
“Then I’ll go in and if I don’t come back, you high tail it out of this
place.”
“Don’t talk like that, I would be lost without you. Be sure you have
your knife.”
Gazing at Sarah with a look of wonder, Bobie said, “I have it, but just
like the T-Rex, won’t do much if it is a Saber Tooth Tiger.”
Her face looked like it was going to spark and fly off any second into
a million fireworks as she muttered, “Don’t talk like that.
You keep it up and eventually we will see just that.”
Grinning, Bobie replied, “Can’t conjure up Dino’s just by talking about
them. The worst might be a bear.”
“Great, like that is any better.”
Raising a right eyebrow, Bobie said, “Yes, I’d have more chance against
one of them than the tiger. Now, stop this kind of talk. You stay
there, I’ll check it out and be right back.”
Sarah watched the woman make her way past cobwebs and other debris as
she entered the cave. Turning around she gazed up at the canyon
walls then back from where they had come.
It seemed like forever before Bobie Parker showed her face again but
the woman did make it back. Before she could say a word, Sarah ran to
her and gave Bobie a big hug. “You’re back, you’re back.”
“Embracing Sarah, Bobie replied, “Yes I am. But you might not want to
go in there.”
Stepping away from Bobie, Sarah asked, “Why? Did you see
something?”
“Actually its quite big, seems to go on and on. So I have no idea just
what may come walking in. But if we build a fire near the opening and
stay in this area, I think we will be fine.”
“What now?”
Bobie pointed toward the water and said, “I’ll make a spear with the
knife and go try to catch a few fish, that is if there are any.”
“What are you going to use to keep the knife in the branch?”
Bobie had been sifting through the debris and found a branch she felt
would work. “I’ll try to niche a spot in the top of the branch, then
tie it on with a vine or two.”
“Might work in the movies but in real life, not so sure.”
“Really Sarah are you always such a naysayer?”
“Just telling it like it is. I know you are good and hope
you can do it. I am hungry and you are probably too.”
Bobie pointed to several bushes not far from where they stood and said,
“Those look like some sort of berries, you might take a look.
While I am trying to catch some fish, you could start a fire, so we can
cook them.”
“Right on, can’t wait to see this happen?”
“Don’t make fun. You never know, it just might. If not, we
can eat berries, that is if they are not poisoness.”
“Hurry up, catch the fish, that way you can check out the berries. You
are an outdoors person so I think you would have the best way of
knowing if they are eatable or not.”
“While I am doing this, you make a fire and check out the cave. I don’t
think we are going to be able to make it back today.”
When Bobie made it back to the cave area, she had three fish strung out
on a vine. Her Levi pants were rolled up to the knees and a bit
damp but the smile on her face was precious.
Sarah ran to greet her and was ecstatic to see the fish. “You did it!”
Handing the woman the string of fish, Bobie smiled and said, “Did
you have any doubt?”
Sarah was dancing around like a schoolgirl until Bobie said, “It’s your
turn now, you get to clean them.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t.”
“But you can. Remove the knife from the branch and clean them. I
will make a spit.”
“If you say so. I’ll take them off a way, and then bury the insides.”
“Good, you have done this before I think.”
“Maybe a time or two, doesn’t mean I like it, but it is you that gets
to sleep near me and inhale my smell all night.”
“I don’t mind if you don’t.”
That night they ate fish and it was a great treat from the jerky they
had been eating, even if a few stickers happened to slip past their
lips. When they were finished, Sarah rubbed her stomach and said,
“Yum good. I am so happy to be with Jane of the Jungle.”
Throwing back her head and laughing, Bobie said, “No Jane here and
thank goodness no jungle. Very cute Clemens, very cute.”
The cave was much warmer; this would make it a pleasant night. Bobie
smiled when she saw Sarah curl up and drift off. It was good to see the
woman rest and not be chilled. She was just getting ready to lay
down when she heard a slight cracking as if someone had stepped on a
twig. Glancing toward Sarah who was fast asleep, she found the
knife and lit a make shift torch, then began to walk further into the
cave.
It wasn’t long before she spied a figure darting in and out of the
crevices of the wall. Though not deep, who ever this was thought they
could hide, at least for a while. Taking quick steps, it was not long
before the figure was more visible and when the woman turned to stare
at her, Bobie’s mouth fell open.
Long silky black hair cascaded over her right shoulder. The look on her
face revealed she was not happy. The woman wore a full pleated skirt
matching a large green shirtwaist top, both held together by a silver
concho belt. Her dark brown eyes held surprise in them but she
still held the enigmatic opacity of a mystic. "What do you want
with me?” The woman’s voice was shaky.
“Why are you sneaking around here?”
“I am not sneaking, I was here before you.”
Bobie stepped closer and as she neared, the woman said, “It is good to
see you again Bobie Parker.”
In quick time, Bobie made it to into her welcoming embrace. “It is so
good to see a friendly face. I have been so lost.”
“I know my child. Come sit, we can talk. Do not worry about your
friend, she will be fine.”
Once they were seated and Bobie had placed the torch into a small
crevice, she sat beside Alice and said, “I am surprised to see
you here.”
“I come here from time to time to gather a certain herb. I knew
you and your friend had also come here. I did not want to disturb you.”
“Then you must know what has been going on.”
“I know some of it. However, did not know where you were until
the day you escaped. Your father taught you well, it was a good thing
the way you covered your tracks. But I have to tell you that they are
near.”
“I was afraid of that. Hoped that they would not attempt to climb the
hill to get to this side.”
“As we speak they are readying the climb. I would say by mid-day
tomorrow they will be in the canyon.”
“And you were just going to let this happen and not tell me?”
“I was going to tell you, that is why you heard me this night. You must
get your friend and travel further.”
“How much further? Is there another way out of here?”
She shook her head. “I know of a cave that I use to come in to
the canyon and then I climb the stairs to get back. In order for you to
go back, you need to go the way you came. And they are there.”
“I cannot let myself end up back in their hands, I have to do
something. You say you come here often to hunt for herbs, tell me is
there a hiding place?”
She shook her head and replied, “There are many of them but I think
they will leave no stone unturned. There is no place you can
hide. “I do not know if you have heard the legend of Whispering
Falls?”
Bobie shook her head and asked, “What is it? I have heard of
Savage Falls.”
“Not the same. The Falls are in this canyon. The ridge you
walked this morning will take you there.”
“But once we get there, what then?”
“That is where the legend comes in.”
“Legend?”
“Yes, many years ago, a young warrior and a young maiden fell in love,
both were from warring tribes. They were not allowed to see one
another ever again. When they were told this, they ran off in the
darkness of night. The elders of the tribes sent warriors to
bring them back. Once brought back, they would be punished in such a
way, love would never be thought of again. There love was so
strong, they chose the Falls instead of what was going to happen if
they got caught.”
“Oh no!”
“Yes, my child, as the warriors closed in on the two, they embraced and
jumped into the Falls, never to be heard of again.”
“That is tragic.”
She sighed and said, “It is said there are two worlds that exist in the
Falls, if they fell into the light side, they would be fine, if they
fell into the dark side, no one knows just what can happen.”
“Sounds like Heaven and Hell to me.”
“No. One will be a world such as this, the other will be one of
darkness and evil.”
“I have heard of things like this but never believed them. So
what you are telling me, I can jump into the Falls, a very scary
thought, and still find myself in terror?”
“I have never been there. I only know what has been taught to us for
generations. That is one reason the canyon was blocked to outsiders.”
“I do not have a choice it seems. I will check it out. Not sure I have
enough courage to take the leap. Alice, in case I do not make it back
alive, would you please tell Sky, I love her and I miss her.”
She gazed into the blue eyes of the woman and realized they held a tone
of green to them as she replied, “Child, she knows it. However, I will
tell her. I am glad that I was able to help when she was bitten and
almost died. Most of all I think it was your love for one another that
pulled her through.”
Bobie became quiet for a few minutes then she asked, “What can you tell
me about her?”
“It is as you thought; she did come looking for you. The second she
knew you were missing, she has left no stone unturned. But--”
Fear shown on Bobie’s face as she said, “But is not good. What has
happened?”
After hearing what Alice knew about Sky and what had befallen the
woman, she stood and began to pace the area. “God, I was doing my
best to keep her in California and she comes out here and gets shot.”
“She is a fighter as we both know and is doing better. It is good
she has a friend such as Tara Coltrane to help.”
Blond hair flew left then right as Bobie moved with a sadness that even
surprised her. “Friend? Coltrane? No. They are enemies.”
“Things change and so have they. Come sit and I will tell you
about Coltrane and Sky.”
When Alice finished telling Bobie all she knew, the woman was amazed,
she had little use for Tara Coltrane after the many things she had done
to Skylar but had to admit the woman was there when they fought the
wendigo. “I have to face it; Sky has someone in her life now. She
needs to get on with it. I seem to be in limbo.”
Alice smiled and said, “The two of you will always be connected, even
if someone has captured your hearts, the pull will be there and it will
bring you back together. I have never seen a love like yours.”
“Alice, do you really think the legend is real? That they may have
landed in a good place? The two lovers.”
“Like any legend a person has to give it some credence. It could be
true or it may not be, one has to believe in some things.”
“Would you do it?”
“I do not know. I think it would have to do with the time and place,
what was going on and if I truly believed. As medicine woman, I have
seen many things that cannot be explained.”
“I had better get back before Sarah wakes and finds me gone, she will
be frightened. Thank you so much for your kindness and for what you
said.”
The two hugged then Bobie watched Alice disappear into the cave. She
picked up the torch and headed back. What Alice had said, was racing
through her mind, she knew she would not go back with the people that
were coming for her. It was either that, or take the leap. At
that moment she had no idea just what she was going to do. When
she fell asleep, her last thought was of Sky.
The next morning a much-rested Sarah Clemens was up and filled with
happiness. It did not take her long to get some water and sprinkle it
on Bobie’s face. The woman woke, hands slapping at what she though was
a bug of some sort. However, staring up at Sarah and the grin on
her face she knew the bug was a very mischievous young woman.
“Gotcha Bobie.”
Sitting, she rubbed her eyes then yawned and said, “Sure did. Looks
like you had a great sleep.”
“You didn’t?”
“Not really.”
Sarah danced around and said, “I slept like a baby, full stomach, and
knowing you were here to protect me, it was heavenly. How come
you did not have a good rest?”
“It is good to see you smile and be happy but, we need to talk.”
Sadness fell over Sarah Clemens face as she asked, “What
happened? Are you sick?”
“Sit. I am not sick. In fact today would be a good day except--”
“I don’t like it when you get that look on your face and use the word
except. It scares me.”
“I have word, the people that held me captive and you are at the hill,
they will be here by mid-day tomorrow.”
Jumping to her feet, Sarah pulled at her hair saying, ”Then we have to
do something, gather what we have and keep going.”
“Sarah, there is no place to go, this canyon ends and there is no way
out. We are trapped and have to accept it.”
“No! I will never accept it! Besides how do you know it ends? Do
something. You are Bobie Parker; there is nothing you cannot do.”
Standing, Bobie tried to smile but failed. “I am just a woman, nothing
special about me. I cannot perform magic, and I apologize for bringing
you with me.”
“I am glad I came. Nevertheless, I am scared of facing them again. They
will kill us.”
Nodding, Bobie replied, “Not until they are satisfied we have been
tortured enough. I for one do not want to allow this to happen.”
“Then you do agree we need to keep going forward?”
“No. When you were sleeping a good friend of mine, actually a Medicine
Woman from a pueblo that is near Diablo Rio, talked with me.”
“I wondered how you knew. For a bit I thought maybe you had a vivid
dream. What is someone that far away doing in a blocked off canyon?”
“As Medicine Woman, she works in wondrous ways to heal her people. She
is the one that saved Sky when the half man, half demon bit her.”
“I think I heard something about that, was not sure it was really true.”
“It was. Anyway, she said she comes here to gather a certain herb. In a
way it is good she did, for we now know what is going on.”
“Is she going to get us help?”
“There is no time. If she did, it would take days and we do not have
days. Anyway I don’t.”
Bobie stood and reached for Sarah’s left hand. “There is a legend.”
“Oh boy, now we have legends. Maybe the Lone Ranger will come
riding in on Silver and save the day.”
“Not that kind of legend. If you sit back down, I will tell you.
What you decide I will understand.”
After Bobie told Sarah about the legend and Whispering Falls, her eyes
grew wide, she crooked her mouth and said, “Sure, and there are Flying
Pigs too.”
“I’m serious, Sarah.”
Once more, she was on her feet but this time the woman began to pace in
circles all the time mumbling to herself. Bobie stood and watched then
she called out, “You going to do a war dance next?”
Stopping, Sarah turned and stared at the woman. “Not funny Bobie. I
just cannot believe you would actually jump into this Whispering
Falls. It is mind boggling.”
“What would you have me do? Surrender to them and feel pain
again, only this time much more before they kill me slowly. At least
this way it will be quick. And who knows maybe the legend is real.”
“Sure and so in the Tooth Fairy. Come back to the real world,
there is no legend, there are falls but we both know what is at the
bottom of them if a person even makes it to the bottom.”
Bobie walked to her backpack and put it on, then said, “I’m going. You
do what you must. I would never ask anyone to jump into something like
this with me. Just know I care about you and I am deeply sorry
for getting you involved.”
Sarah tackled the woman sending her flying backwards and soon was
sitting on Bobie’s stomach. “I won’t let you do it.”
“Get off me, the pack is hurting my back. Sometimes I think you have a
bulb that has gone out. Don’t ask, just get off me.”
Bobie lay looking up at the woman. For some reason she did not think
that Sarah Clemens was going to move.
“Sorry about the pack but you put it on. I’ll let you back up
when you come to your senses and figure out a better plan.”
Bobie reached up grasped her by the waist and with little effort tossed
Sarah over her head. She landed with a thud but was soon back on her
feet. “That was mean.”
“No worse than you tackling me like you did.”
“I just wanted you to think about what you said. It’s insane jumping
into a waterfall.”
“All right, you tell me how to avoid these blood hounds and get out of
here.”
“I’m not the outdoor person, you are. This is the first time I have
ever been in a place like this.”
“Then my dear, do not try to stop me from what I have to do.
“I’m sorry. I care about you, and it hurts me to see you think
you have to do this.”
“You know the way back. I will go on by myself. Take care.”
As Sarah watched the blond walk away, she felt a pain in the pit of her
stomach. The two had grown close and it was hard to see Bobie walk
toward certain death. “Dumb legend!” Sarah kicked at the
spit, knocking it down. “What do do what to do?” She began to
walk back and forth. At this time, the sound of helicopters could
be heard and shading her eyes, she looked up to see several choppers
heading for the front of the canyon.
Turning her attention to Bobie who was no longer in sight she grabbed
her backpack and headed in the direction the woman had taken. “Oh
no Parker, not without me you don’t.”
As she sped off leaving only a trail of dust behind, the sound of
choppers was getting louder.
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