Wild Embrace

“Well?” Judge Cline said, a touch of impatience in his voice. “Speak up and say what is on your mind so that we can get on with the proceedings at hand.”

“I have come to tell the truth about everything,” Four Winds said. “Strong Heart is innocent of all crimes. It is I who am responsible for everything that has happened—even my own escape from the prison.”

He held his gaze steady with the judge’s, hoping that his lies would be convincing enough, for this was the last thing that he could do for his friend.

Tomorrow, they both would probably be swaying back and forth on the gallows for all to see.

“Continue,” Judge Cline said, finding this hearing very interesting.

“When Strong Heart came to visit me in prison, I grabbed Strong Heart’s pistol and forced him to get the keys to set me free,” Four Winds said, knowing that his story would stand up because those who could refute it were dead. “I abducted Strong Heart and Elizabeth that day. Hang me, not Strong Heart.”

Judge Cline leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling with amusement, for he could tell a lie when he heard it, and he knew damn well that Four Winds was lying to protect his friend.

Yet, that didn’t matter. He had made his mind up already.

“Are you finished?” Judge Cline asked Four Winds.

“Ah-hah,” Four Winds said, nodding. “That is all I have to say.”

Judge Cline leaned back in his chair for a moment, looking from Four Winds to Elizabeth, and then to Strong Heart. He smiled warmly at each of them. “You are all free to go,” he said finally. “I have witnessed something here today that is rare. Loyalty. An intense loyalty between friends, and loved ones. Although the law has been broken by first one, and then another of you, the reasons for these actions have not been selfish ones. It was always because each of you saw a wrong that was being done to the other.”

Judge Cline rose from his chair and stood tall behind the bench. “And,” he said, his gaze moving about the room, silencing the commotion his verdict had stirred, “prejudices are more to blame for what has happened here than anything. Because of my decision, perhaps prejudice can be lightened in this city.”

He grabbed up his gavel and pounded it one last time. “Court is adjourned,” he shouted. “Clear the room. And good da

y.”

He picked up the stack of papers from the desk and paused to wink good-naturedly at Elizabeth. Then with long strides, he left the room.

No one left the courtroom. Everyone was shocked by the judge’s decision. After a moment, the spectators stirred and began to leave. Some of them smiled and nodded at Elizabeth and Strong Heart, seeming more touched than disapproving of their love.

Elizabeth ran to Strong Heart, flinging herself into his arms. “Darling, we’re free,” she cried. “Free! Our dreams are going to come true after all!”

“Because of you,” Strong Heart said, framing her face between his hands, Then he looked at Four Winds. “And because of Four Winds. How will I ever be able to repay him?”

“No payment is needed, I am sure,” Elizabeth said. turning just as Maysie stepped before Four Winds, gazing up at him with tear-filled eyes. Tears flowed from her own eyes when Four Winds suddenly grabbed Maysie into his arms and fled the courtroom with her.

“It seems all is forgiven between them, also,” Elizabeth said, laughing softly. She wiped her face as her parents and Frannie approached her and Strong Heart.

“I . . . I . . . hope I didn’t embarrass you too much today, by being so open,” Elizabeth said, lowering her eyes.

“We’re very proud of you, darling,” Marilyn said, pulling Elizabeth into her embrace, and then giving Elizabeth up to Earl as he also hugged her.

For the moment Elizabeth relaxed in her father’s arms, then broke away from him. She looked from her mother to her father, knowing they had their own guilty secrets—especially her father. She felt lucky that Strong Heart would even accept her as his wife, with such a father as hers.

She then gave Frannie an affectionate hug. “Thank you for so much,” she whispered, swallowing back a sob of happiness. “Had it not been for you, Frannie, I’m not sure what would have happened to me. You were all that kept me sane in my childhood. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Tears fell from Frannie’s eyes. “Honey chil’, you were my baby for so long, how can I say good-bye?” she said, clutching Elizabeth. “But you go on with that man of yours and Frannie understands. Be happy, Elizabeth. You deserves all the happiness in this world.”

Elizabeth gave Frannie a kiss on her soft, round cheek, then stepped back and looked adoringly up at Strong Heart. “We really must go,” she announced. She kissed her parents, then left the courtroom with Strong Heart at her side.

Once out on the wooden sidewalk, she laughed joyously as Four Winds rode past with Maysie sitting before him on the saddle. Two horses followed them. She waved at them. “Wait up!” she cried. “Wait up!”

“Four Winds works miracles, it seems,” Strong Heart said, laughing. “He has brought my horse for me, and has also found one for you. Let us ride, my la-daila. We are free—free as the wind!”

Feeling giddy with happiness, Elizabeth and Strong Heart mounted up and rode away with Four Winds and Maysie.

They rode for a while, then wheeled their horses to a halt. “Four Winds, you are coming to my village?” Strong Heart asked, looking at Four Winds with the eyes of a boy, feeling humbled in his friend’s presence. “You can share in the wedding and potlatch. Friends should share everything.” He laughed softly as he glanced over at Elizabeth. “Except, of course, wives.”