Vin stood next to him preparing to mount his own horse when out of the corner of his eye he spied the rider making her way closer. He smiled slightly and nudged Josiah with his elbow and motioning with his head toward the rider. Josiah turned, Vin's nudge bringing him from his thoughts. He turned curiously in the direction Vin had motioned. It took only a moment for him to recognize the buckskin clad rider a top the sleek black stallion coming his way. A broad smile crossed his lips and all other thoughts and deeds forgotten as he walked forward to meet her.
The girl gave a small tug on the reins signaling her mount to halt as Josiah approached. A slight grin crossed her otherwise emotionless features as she dismounted.
Josiah's face beamed with joy as he greeted his wayward ward.
"Ani! Welcome home!" He smiled suppressing the urge to hug her as he stepped closer.
"Ahoe." His protege returned his greeting in her native tongue.
"Your grandfather? Is he well?" Josiah asked hopefully. A sad frown replaced the girl's small smile. "Le loup fort est mort." (Strong Wolf is dead) She answered him flatly in her French dialect.
"Je suis désolé Ani." (I'm sorry Ani) Josiah sympathized also in French.
Cheyenne shrugged and answered in English. "The spirits called for him. His life was full, there was no more need for him on this earth."
"Black Eagle? He's chief now?" Josiah questioned.
Cheyenne nodded. "He leads the dog Soilders. There will be much trouble soon."
Josiah shook his head in sorrow and took in a deep breath letting it out with a heavy sigh.
"I'm just glad you're back safe. I was worried Black Eagle would give you trouble."
A sly confident grin crossed Cheyenne's face. "He would not dare."
"Glad ta see ya made it back Cheyenne." Vin spoke as he walked up to the pair. "You back ta stay for a spell this time?"
Cheyenne gave him a curt nod as she began to walk toward the livery leading her horse. Josiah closely in step with her, leaving Vin standing in the street. He grinned to himself and shook his head with amusement.
"Friendly as ever." He sighed and returned to his waiting mount.
Cheyenne had only gone a few steps before noticing the other saddled horses tethered in front of the saloon Josiah's among them. Some of the town's men stood as though waiting for someone. Cheyenne turned toward Josiah.
"Something est wrong? You montent dehors?" (Something is wrong? You are riding out?) A slight touch of concern emanating in her tone.
"Yup," Josiah answered, "coupla the girls from town disapeared. One of 'em showed up a few hours ago, Nathan's been tendin' to her. But the other one ain't been seen. We're headin out again see if we can find anything."
"Je devrais venir avec vous." (I should come with you.) Cheyenne offered.
"No, you get some rest." Josiah smiled and gave her a wink. "You been ridin' quite a spell. Black Wind could use the rest too I'm bettin'." He patted the cole black stallion on the neck. "If I ain't back by sundown I probably won't be back till mornin'. We'll catch up then." He paused looking into the cold dark brown eyes of the girl before him. "It's good to have you back Ani." He said quietly then turned and walked to the waiting posse. Mounting his horse and one last look toward Cheyenne he winked at her before nudging his animal with his heel and giving him the command to follow Vin and the others out of town.
Cheyenne watch for a moment as the men rode out of town then started on again toward the livery.
After settling her horse into his stall Cheyenne brushed the animal down then fed him a generous portion of oats all the while speaking softly and lovingly in her French dialect. Once satisfied her horse was settled Cheyenne took her rifle in its sheath from the saddle mount and grabbed her saddlebags and bedroll and made her way toward the church.