Early Spring 1766

Running Bear stood in the shadows of the tree line, watching the small girl frolic through the field of blossoms. The pell of laughter rung through the air like a contagious disease, stealing a person's heart with the mere sound. The child's waist length strawberry blond hair shimmered in the bright afternoon sun. Smiling to him self, he turned his gaze to the woman who still held his heart.

Elizabeth sat on a large quilt that was laid out upon the grass, as she watched her carefree child. A middle-aged woman was busy getting a covered basket from the stage coach, while the charlie fiddled around making sure everything was still in good shape. The groom unbridled the horses, leading them into the shape, where they could rest up for the return trip home.

Running Bear's attention was taken when he saw another stagecoach coming down the the worn path. Briefly after, he heard Elizabeth calling and waving their child back to her. Everyone in the field started gathering their belongings, nothing good came from pass goers in this area. Elizabeth had told Running Bear a few tales about some of the towns people who were violent towards her and their child.

Walking closer to the edge of the tree line, he watched as the coach got closer to the group of people he was watching over. The approaching coach steadily slowed as they neared, until it  stopped in the middle of the path, blocking any way Elizabeth and her family would be able to leave. Stepping from the coach was a severely pampered man holding a handkerchief to his nose, a young boy quickly following behind.

With his walking cane in hand, he sauntered up to Elizabeth, taking her hand in his own. Bending slightly at the waist the man removed the cloth from his face briefly only to place a slick kiss to the back of Elizabeth's hand. Ignoring the disgusted look on her face, he continued to hold her hand as he stood up right.

"My dear, you look as lovely as ever." His voice was higher than was normal for a fully grown male of his age.

"Thank you, Sir Jameson. I am pleased to know that my looks haven't wavered." Running Bear smirked at the remark of his love. "What is it I can help you with?"

Sir Jameson's smile faltered briefly before letting go Elizabeth's hand to raise the cloth back to his nose.

"I have come all this way to once again ask that you become my wife."

"The answer is still no. Like it has been for the last five years "

"Do you know what everyone in town says about the way you are living with that little halfbreed you have hiding behind your skirts?"

"It matters not to me what everyone says about my style of life. But I will not have you say I'll things about my daughter."

Turning from the horrid man, Elizabeth picked up her child, hoisting her up upon her hips. Looking back to the vile excuse of a man, she brushed passed him, heading towards her coach. Sir Jameson huff as he followed her to the coach, snatching her by her arm to make her face him. Elizabeth cried out in pain, as he squeezed with just enough force to make her understand in that brief moment, he was not taking no for an answer. Built was the gasp from Jameson that pulled Elizabeth's attention from her own pain as she saw Running Bear holding a knife to the smaller man's throat, intent set in his eyes.

"I would advise you take your son and leave once he removes the blade from your throat."

A slight nod came from the small man, sweat breaking out across his brow. Elizabeth placed her hand against Running Bears firm  forearm directing him from the path of death that swam in his eyes. Pressing his lips into a firm line he scowled at Elizabeth, irked that she would save that worthless excuse of a man who just laid his hands on his love. His fingers tightened around the blade as he made his decision.

A/N:

I just want to say thank you to anyone that has taken the time to read this latest chapter of Native Heart!!!

Please do not forget to vote and please let me know what you thought!

Thank you!
--ChrissyK92