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Winds of Change
By Gwyn Ramsey   
Not "rated" by the Author.
Last edited: Monday, March 16, 2009
Posted: Friday, December 12, 2008

After struggling through the throes of being kidnapped by Indians and traded for goods to the Arapahos, Sarah Anderson proves herself worthy of the Indian name Vision Seeker, becomes the wife to Running Swift and the mother to Little Feather. Life among the Indians is comfortable as she settles into the daily routines of wife and mother until her life is again changed when her husband is killed on a wagon raid. The Army charges into the village to arrest the warring warriors only to find Sarah living among the natives.

Rescued and returned to Fort Laramie, Sarah must now face the difficult task of transitioning back into the white world with an Indian child, a soiled dove and shunned by the white populace. At the fort, her path crosses that of Patrick O’Brien whom she once loved. Confused and frightened, her spirit is lifted when she remembers that in her parfleche is the grass cross Patrick gave her several years ago and his promise to find her

John O'Brien asked, “Are you still thinking about heading west?”

“Yes.” Patrick sauntered to the open door and watched the wagons making their way, heading for the Boonslick Road. “I have to try to find Sarah. She’s out there somewhere and my only hope is that she hasn’t found someone to turn her head.”

“Do you think you can find the Andersons? They’ve been gone three years.”

Patrick turned to face his brother. “I don’t know, but I’ve got to try. They were headed to California.”

“That’s a lot of territory to cover.”
“I know.” He paused for a moment. “I can’t get her out of my mind. All I do is think about her, remembering that beautiful face, the auburn hair, and her wonderful smile. When I left her the day of Da’s funeral, my heart hurt and my stomach lurched.” He kicked at the shavings on the floor, feeling a bit foolish. “I gave her a cross that day made out of grass, promising someday to find her. I plan on keeping that promise.”

John lifted one eyebrow and grinned. “I didn’t realize you were smitten with her.”

Dismissing his brother’s remark, Patrick continued. “I wonder if she still has the cross I made for her.”

John put down his drawing knife. “I remember Sarah watching us leave the inn that terrible day.” He gazed at his brother. “Well, maybe it’s supposed to happen for you two. Maybe you’ll find her waiting for you.”

“I’ll find her, come hell or high water.”