The Princess and the Wolf Page 9

  “Yes, Your Highness.”

  “Though it is certainly hotter in our cabins than it is out here, even considering the sun.”

  “Yes. At least out in the open, there is some hope of a breeze, Your Highness.”

  “That is true. As long as this wind keeps up, the trip is perhaps a bit more bearable. I only hope that we do not get caught in yet another snag, as we did yesterday. Not only was our trip delayed, but the heat, without the chance of a draft, was almost too much to endure.”

  “That it was, Your Highness. One can always hope that we are delayed no further, but the river is cursed with fallen debris from the shores, and the trees’ roots and limbs mar the way.”

  “Yes, I know. It is monstrously wild, this place. And yet…”

  She gazed out toward the shore. “How large these cottonwood trees are that guard the shoreline, and how cool their shade might be if ever we could stop and partake of it.”

  “Yes, I believe you are right, Your Highness.”

  She fidgeted and looked away, glancing forward once more. “But such is not to be, since there is no spot on this river to rest…and all because of this incessant current.” Sierra raised her head up at an angle as she said, “Did you inquire of the captain when we might be able to set ashore?”

  “Yes, I have, Your Highness, but he forbids it at present. Although the captain did say that once we reach the northernmost regions of the river, the sticks and snags should not be so numerous, and the journey should be made more easily. I believe that at that time there might, therefore, be a chance to set ashore.”

  “That would be well, Mr. Dominic, very well, indeed, for I would love to walk among those cottonwood trees. They quite remind me of a park, so regal do they appear.”

  “But that appearance is deceiving, Your Highness. They are very dangerous.”

  “Dangerous?”

  “Yes, Your Highness. I have been told that Indians often hide themselves in groves such as those, and some of the tribes are hostile to us.”

  “Yes, yes, of course. So I, too, have heard.” Sierra turned her attention onto other things, and said, “Tell me, did the captain say anything else about the river, once we reach its northern outlets?”

  “No, Your Highness, he did not. But Mr. Catlin has many things to say about it in his notes, I believe. Would you like me to relate to you what he writes about that region?”

  “Yes, do go on, please.”

  Mr. Dominic cleared his throat. “I believe, if I recall rightly, that Mr. Catlin observed that the northern shores of the Missouri River were the most picturesque of all, and he compared them to a fairyland.”

  “Did he?”

  “Yes, Your Highness. Perhaps we have only to endure these snags awhile longer and pray that we reach those more enjoyable parts of the river as quickly as possible.”

  “Yes,” said Sierra. “Perhaps we should do that. Mr. Dominic, did you see that?”

  “What, Your Highness?”

  “There, on the shore. I saw a movement.” She pointed toward it. “Do you see it?”

  Her steward gazed in the direction she indicated and squinted at the place. However, at some length, he observed, “It is no more than a wolf, Your Highness. And though it might do damage to us were we on that shore, it is surely no threat to us here. Look, there above it.” He pointed to a cliff that overlooked the shoreline. “There are mountain goats and antelope atop that bluff. Do you see them?”

  Sierra squinted. “Yes, yes, I do.”

  “They seem quite unconcerned about that wolf below them. And I daresay, if they have no fear for their own safety, I believe that we are in no harm, either.”

  “Yes, Mr. Dominic, I’m sure you’re correct, though we could hardly be likened to mountain goats.” She grinned. “It’s all very strange, isn’t it?”

  “Strange, Your Highness?”

  “There’s a beauty to this place. A beauty so unlike anything on the Continent that one can hardly compare the two. It’s a wild sort of charm, to be sure, the stuff of which I’ve never seen until this moment, and yet…Look before us, in all directions, there seem to be hundreds of rolling hills and valleys and ravines to please the eye. And they are so green. Alas, they look as though Nature herself is a caretaker, for the hills look manicured. Tell me, Mr. Dominic, is this what is called the prairie?”

  “Yes, Your Highness, I believe that it is.”

  “Fascinating, isn’t it? Have you noticed that here and there are patches of blue, pink or yellow amongst all the green? What do you suppose they are?”

  “Wildflowers, Your Highness?”

  “Yes, yes, of course. They would have to be wildflowers. I had no idea flowers would bloom in such profusion, and without extraordinary care.”

  “It is something to behold, is it not, Your Highness?”

  “Hmmm. And yet, look, over there, before us is another sight. Is that cliff there made of clay deposits, do you believe? Look at all the colors in the soil.”

  “It is quite something for the eyes, that is to be sure. I read of this in Mr. Catlin’s notes, too, but I never thought to behold it myself.”

  “Yes, and over there.” She pointed. “Do you see it? There, amongst all the rocks? It could be a castle. And over there, a fortress.”

  “Yes, Your Highness. If my studies are correct, I might venture to say that these formations have been formed by the constant stress of the river’s current, and also by frosts and rains. These ‘ruins’ that we see are perhaps thousands of years old.”

  She paused for several moments before at last muttering, “Thousands of years old. Amazing. And to think we are amongst the first white people to see them.”

  The observation must have alit upon some truth, for both parties became silent, as if lost in thought. At length, however, Princess Sierra spoke up again, saying, “The scenery is quite something, but come, let us retire to our rooms that we might peruse that map once more. I would desire to have some knowledge of where it is that we go.”

  “Yes, Your Highness,” said Mr. Dominic, bowing slightly at the waist as his mistress turned and took a few steps forward. But before she could go too far away, he said, “Perhaps I could find some refreshment for Your Highness while you read over the map.”

  “Ah, refreshments. Yes, Mr. Dominic, that would be quite in order, I believe. Thank you.”

  And as Mr. Dominic retreated to the kitchens, Princess Sierra found her step to be a bit more lively as she strolled toward her room. Perhaps there was something to be said for the beauty of this land.

  Perhaps…

  A shadow crept over the water, moving steadily forward. It was looking for something, or someone. But what? Or rather, who?

  Albeit, such a romantic opinion of the land was short-lived, to be sure; a mere illusion. By evening, Princess Sierra was once again to be found on deck, leaning against the railing, gazing down into the depths of the muddy and frightening waters of the Missouri River.

  The boat was in readiness to move into position for its nightly mooring, and every voyageur was involved in the process of maneuvering the Diana through the heavy currents of the river. Perhaps that was why the air was heavy with smoke, much more so than usual. Or perhaps it had something to do with the wind, which had shifted from the west to the north.

  Dusk had yet to fade into darkness. Indeed, it was still quite light out, despite the fact that the sun was ever so gradually setting. Odd how the land picked up the pink and golden hues of the sky at sunset, the land magnifying the sunset’s intensity by creating the illusion that sky and land were one and the same. It gave a body the feeling of space, as though a person’s troubles gained room, moving away and dissipating.

  But Sierra’s problems were far too large for the simple act of gaining space to solve them. The rift between herself and the prince, between herself and High Wolf, was too immense to make the grievance so easily resolved.

  Still, glancing away from the sunset, she brought her sights back to
the water, noticing how even the river mirrored the sky; the pinks, the blues, the golden hues. For a moment, if a moment only, these sights gave her peace.

  Leisurely, she glanced toward a large stick, which had become caught up in the current, the force of the river itself spinning it, making the stick look as though it were dancing…as though it might be a dancer.

  It reminded her of another place, another time…a happier time. And without consciously wishing it, she remembered…

  Wide-eyed, Sierra Morena Colheart watched the toy ballet dancer spin in time to the tinkling strain of the music box. She stared at the miniature dancer, fascinated, until the music at last slowed and the dancer stopped. Glancing up at herself in the mirror, the sixteen-year-old princess smiled at her own image; her grin, young and fresh, was full of vigor. Indeed, it was the giddy gesture of a young woman in love.

  Ah, she thought. Tonight was the night. Tonight it would happen. Dreamy-eyed, she stared out her window, only to witness the reddish rays of the setting sun.

  Goodness, how long had she sat here, lost in thought? What was the time? Was it already half past six, the scheduled time she was to meet High Wolf? Was he even now awaiting her in their own secret place?

  Glancing at the grand, old clock in the corner of her room, she realized she was “going before herself again,” as High Wolf had often said of her, which meant, she supposed, that she was living in the future instead of the present. The clock read only a quarter to five.

  Still, she had much to do to prepare for the evening. Where was her maid?

  Arising from her seat at the vanity, Sierra felt the urge to run to the rope that would summon Maria. But instead, she cautioned herself into taking steps that were as precise and dignified as her anxious heart would allow. But even then, a silent voice reprimanded:

  “A monarch never hurries. Others will wait. You must learn, Princess Sierra,” purred Father Junipero, “to sweep into a room as though you own it, and everyone in it.”

  But sometimes, thought Sierra, she wished to simply let go of convention and formality. Wasn’t that what High Wolf often did? And if there was one thing Princess Sierra desired more than anything, it was to do everything that High Wolf found exciting.

  Still, the habits of the last sixteen years could hardly be ignored, and she walked as calmly as she could to her door, where she rang for her maid.

  Almost at once, Maria knocked gently at the door.

  “Yes, Maria, do come in.”

  Maria did as bid, bowing as she came farther into the room. “May I be of service, Your Highness?” she asked.

  Sierra grinned. “Yes, you may, Maria. I need to dress for this evening, for it is to be a very special evening.”

  Maria nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. That it is,” she said. “Have you thought of what you might wear? The yellow gown always looks well on you, as does the blue. Although since this is to be a special night, you might think of wearing the new gros de Naples gown. What do you think?”

  “Hmmm. The gros de Naples, I think, but not the brown one. The pink one with the satin flowers and pearls. And of course I’ll need my long gloves, the pink pair.”

  “Yes, Your Highness. The pink pair.”

  “Oh, Maria, think of it,” said the princess, holding up a pelisse robe to her bosom while she spun about in place. “This is the night my engagement is to be announced. It is to be the best night of my life. I just know it. I can feel it.”

  Maria grinned back happily. “Yes, Your Highness,” she said matter-of-factly, and stepped to the closet, where she extracted a pair of white slippers.

  “The pink ones, please, Maria.”

  “Yes, of course,” said Maria, replacing the white pair. “And your hair? Would you prefer ringlets at the side of your face, as you usually wear, or curls?”

  “Ringlets, I believe, as well as…”

  “Pearls?”

  “Ah, yes, pearls. Pearls to ornament my hair tonight instead of a coronet or tiara.”

  “Yes, Your Highness. It will be beautiful. You will be beautiful.”

  “Do you really think so?”

  “I do.”

  “But we must hurry, I think. I’m to meet with High Wolf and the prince before the ball, and I don’t wish to be late.”

  “Heaven forbid, Your Highness.”

  For a moment, Sierra stopped, glancing askance at her maid. And then, without a word being spoken between the two of them, both females broke out in laughter.

  Maria said, “I think the gentlemen will wait, do you not think so, also?”

  “Yes,” said Sierra. “I believe they would. But still, I would not cheat myself of a single moment that I might spend with High Wolf.”

  Maria smiled. “Ah, to be so much in love. I wish it were I.”

  “Someday it will be, Maria. But for now we must hurry.”

  “Yes, Your Highness. We must. Now, if you would be so kind as to be seated, I will begin work on your hair.”

  “Yes, Maria,” said the princess, dutifully taking her place at the vanity. “Anything you say, Maria,” she said, grinning widely and catching her maid’s gaze before both young women succumbed once again to a fit of giggles…

  “Princess Sierra? Your Highness, shall I turn down your bed?”

  Sierra jumped, startled. Maria’s voice, so close at hand, awakened her from out of the past, but none too gently. She took a moment to compose herself before saying, “Ah, no, not yet, Maria. I think I may watch the sunset for a while tonight. For in truth, you caught me deep in thought.”

  “Did I?” said Maria. “I am so sorry. And yet, it is a beautiful sunset. I can easily see how one could get lost in it.”

  “Yes.”

  Maria hesitated, as though waiting for her mistress to say more, but when Sierra remained silent, Maria said, “If you don’t mind, I believe I will go on below and prepare your bed anyway. Perhaps an early bed will refresh me.”

  “Yes,” said Sierra. “That would be most advantageous. In the meanwhile, I think I’ll go topside and have a talk with our captain about this journey and when we might at last arrive at our destination.”

  “Ah,” said Maria, “that would be most opportune.”

  “Thank you, Maria.”

  “Yes, Your Highness,” said Maria, and curtsying, she retreated.

  But Sierra never did seek out the captain, nor did she change her position from against the rail. Too many thoughts had been brought back to mind; too many recollections were close to hand. And without consciously willing it, her mind replayed that most memorable night…

  “My father said he would be announcing your engagement tonight,” said Prince Alathom.

  Both Sierra and High Wolf grinned at each other, while High Wolf took her gloved hand in his, bringing it to his lips, where he pressed a kiss upon it. He said, “You are the most stunning creature in all the world.”

  Sierra blushed, then grinned and looked shyly away. She said, “There are many more young women who are prettier still than I. Many.”

  “Where?” said High Wolf. “Show them to me, for I do not think they exist.”

  Sierra merely smiled rapturously up at him while Prince Alathom groaned aloud, saying, “I’m going to have to teach you some new forms of flattery, my fine friend, for I tire of hearing the same things said over and over.”

  “Tire all you like,” said High Wolf. “You may go elsewhere if you don’t like it, for I speak only the truth as I see it.”

  Despite all her upbringing to the contrary, Princess Sierra giggled. Just then, as though in accompaniment to the merry sound of the three friends’ laughter, the strains of violins and cellos reached out to them.

  “Oh, High Wolf, Alathom, the dance begins,” said Sierra. “And I am so very anxious to dance. Shall we go?”

  “We shall,” said High Wolf as he linked her arm with his, leaving Prince Alathom to follow along behind them, a circumstance to which the prince had never given objection.

  “Al
athom?” the princess called out over her shoulder.

  “Yes?”

  “Please, come up on the other side of me, that the three of us may enter into the room together and be announced at the same time.”

  And without another word, Prince Alathom did exactly as asked…

  Loud bells rang out unpleasantly, interrupting her reminiscence. “Fire!”

  What was that? Fire? Here? Now? Was that why there had been a smoke-heavy odor in the air?

  “All hands on deck,” rang out the call. “All hands on deck. Fire!”

  Without further pause, what had once been a calm evening turned riotous. Men rushed by her, below her, above her. Horses whinnied in the haul, while the hogs shrieked.

  Sierra stood still, frozen, watching, barely able to comprehend the danger as being real. It had seemed so quiet only a few moments previous. Where was Mr. Dominic? Where was Maria?

  She needed to find them…now. Turning, she backed up from the railing, intent on running away. However, she did no more than set herself into the path of a voyageur, who had suddenly come upon her. Inadvertently, she knocked him to the deck.

  “I’m so sorry,” she said as she threw herself forward and out of the way. Quickly, she clung to the rail as the man jumped to his feet and sped away, all without uttering a word.

  “Your Highness.”

  It was Mr. Dominic. Somehow he had found her.

  “Your Highness, you must come this way.” Taking hold of her elbow, he gestured toward his left. “I will see you safely into the lifeboat.”

  “A lifeboat?” Abruptly, the panic of those around her took substance, became more of a reality. Still, “Surely that’s not necessary, is it? These men are undoubtedly able to put out a fire.”

  “That they probably are, Your Highness, but there is still danger in staying aboard. If the voyageurs do manage to put out the fire, you can always reboard. But first you must be safe.”

  “Do you know what has caused this?”

  “Yes, Your Highness. The cotton being carried upriver caught fire, and has nearly consumed the lower level. It has been discovered too late, I fear. Now, come. There is no time to lose.”