American Dreams Read Free

impunity?"
    But it was The Blade Stuart who answered. "They were Georgians, Miss Hall. They believe this part of the Cherokee Nation was given to them years ago by your federal government. When gold was discovered last year in our mountains an hour's ride to the east, Georgia passed a law seizing possession of all this land and forbidding any Cherokee to mine the gold or give testimony against a white man. Which leaves the Georgians free to come onto our lands, steal our property, and attack our people without fear of punishment."
    "That cannot be true," Eliza protested, torn between outrage and disbelief.
    "I assure you it is, Miss Hall," he stated, then looked at Temple. "In times such as these, you need to be wary when you venture from your home."
    "And in times such as these, you are needed at home," Temple stated in sharp criticism.
    "I am on my way there now."
    "For how long this time?" Temple challenged. "A day? A week? A month? Before you succumb to your restless urges and leave again. Your father is no longer a young man. He needs your help. Your people need your help. It is time you assumed your rightful place as the son of Shawano Stuart."
    The Blade was clearly amused by her lecture. "So you told me the last time I saw you."
    "And you paid no attention to me. This time you must," Temple insisted.
    "And if I do, will you show me the sweetness of your smile instead of the sharpness of your tongue?" His smile continued to make light of her words, but there was a darkening of interest in his eyes as he watched her.
    Knowing she had won a small victory, Temple looked away. "I would at least view you with some respect."
    "Perhaps it is not respect I want from you," he murmured, then smoothly switched the subject. "How is your mother?"
    Temple started to protest the change, then checked the impulse. "She is still troubled by a cough. Otherwise, she is well."
    "She will be anxious for you to return. Deu and I will ride a ways with you to ensure the Georgians do not decide to ambush you farther along the road." He backed his horse clear of the carriage.
    "Your escort is appreciated, Mr. Stuart," Eliza declared, and she took her seat again.
    As soon as Temple joined her, Ike slapped the reins and chirruped to the team, urging them forward. The Blade Stuart and the young black man with him cantered their horses to the front and ranged along the road ahead of the carriage.
    "The Blade. That is an unusual name," Eliza remarked.
    "It comes from his Cherokee name, which means 'the man who carries the mark of the blade.'"
    "The scar on his cheek."
    Temple nodded. "He received it in a fight when he was twelve." Her glance traveled to the man under discussion, and her expression softened. "He has been a disappointment to his father. And to others."
    Eliza recalled Temple's earlier criticism of him and guessed, "You do not like him very well, do you?"
    Temple gave her a startled look. "You are wrong, Miss Hall. If he would but remain here and assume the responsibilities that are his, I would marry him."
    "What?"
    "Our families have always wanted it."  
    "But is it what you want?"
    "It is what I have always wanted," Temple stated with a determined set to her chin and a gleam in her eye that no proper young lady should have.
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    Thirty more minutes of travel brought the carriage and its occupants to a fork in the road. The Blade Stuart and his black companion took the rutted trail that branched to the right. Ike swung the chestnut team after them, and the federal road was left behind.
    On either side of the rough track, the land had been tamed by the plow and planted to crops. Eliza saw fields of corn, indigo, and cotton, the green of young plants vivid against the red-colored soil. Here and there, pastures formed islands of solid green, thick grass providing forage for the cattle that grazed in them.
    A mile from the federal road turnoff, The Blade Stuart reined his horse off the trail and pulled in