Chappo’s death laid a pall over the village in the weeks after his burial. The council of warriors had met and then dispatched two of their members to go dig the grave. Four others carried the body of the frail old man dressed in his finest clothing and wrapped in a blanket.
He would be laid in the ground after dark and then a fire would be lit to burn throughout the night so that his spirit could see the way on its journey to the afterlife. The warriors would pile rocks on the grave to keep out predators, not to mark the burial site which was to remain secret.
The family would mourn until spring in the traditional fashion, even the children would have ashes smeared on their faces.
“That’s to keep the spirits of the dead away,” Indigo explained. “Children are believed to be more vulnerable…this was considered true even among my people.”
Darby had accomplished several things that morning before he left town. Pennington had agreed to draw up a will leaving the mining claim and the bank accounts to Taza. In legal terms the boy was described as N’ta- zaan, son of Itza-chu, Verde Apache…but then in parenthesis Pennington converted the name to English and Taza became Nathan Verde.
The document would be filed at the courthouse and the legal chain would be established. It remained to be seen what Taza would think of all this, but Darby would come back to town in two weeks to sign everything. This time he would have to bring Taza with him. Meanwhile, Pennington had agreed to keep his eyes open for a telegram from Alex Morgan…and then Darby was off to the bank.
Cummings was just as gracious, agreeing to draw up a letter of credit and had Darby sign a withdrawal form in the amount of three thousand dollars which was a lot of cash. But five hundred of that was for Pennington who then offered to buy him breakfast which Darby declined.
Indigo had taken care of their supply needs when Darby was finished and they met up in front of the store. He would have liked to see Drucker’s reaction when he saw the ashes on Indigo’s face but at least now they could return to the village.
Darby had forgotten about breakfast but it seems Indigo did not. He produced two roast beef sandwiches and a bottle of sarsaparilla provided by Mrs. Randolph.
“So of course she told me all about your letters,” Indigo said. “I hope the news was good.”
“My family is fine and my mother told me to watch out for dangerous Indians.”
“I wonder where you’ll find any of those,” Indigo said.
“The other was from my friend Alex Morgan. I told you about him.”
“Wealthy white men don’t often impress me, but I’ve made an exception in your case,” Indigo said.
“Well thank you,” Darby said as he laughed. “But seriously, I am going to California with Alex at the end of next month…and I’m taking Taza with me.”
“Oh? That should prove interesting. It will leave Great Hawk with a decision to make…”
But neither of them could know that Great Hawk had already made his decision. Nine days after they returned to the village Taza and the warriors returned to the village, but Great Hawk was not with them.
The men quickly went to see Chappo’s family and offer their condolences. Darby returned from the hills where he had been hunting and saw the commotion in the village. He led the mule carrying the deer he had shot into the corral and several women helped him unload the carcass.
One shot, one deer, and that made Darby feel pretty good about his skills with a rifle. Besides, venison would be a nice change from all the mutton they had been eating. Taza walked out of Chappo’s hogan and came straight across the square towards him and Darby tried to read the emotions on his face.
“Yaa-ta-sai, Darby O’Brien.”
“Yaa-ta-sai, Taza…you have returned.”
“We must talk,” Taza said.
“Yes, we must,” Darby said.
He unsaddled Branna and set her free before he followed Taza down towards the river to bathe. Taza was covered in dust from his journey and Darby had some of the deer’s blood on his shirt.
“You have been hunting…this is good,” Taza said as he undressed and entered the water. Darby quickly followed and tossed his bloody shirt on the bank, hoping that Sonsee would be able to get it clean.
“So…how was your journey? I missed you,” Darby said.
“I missed you greatly,” Taza said. “I am glad to be home.”
“I have many things to tell you…but…”
“I will not be married,” Taza said. “My father is angry and said I will never be chief. The council will choose their new chief, but I will not be the one and I do not care.”
“What about Great Hawk?”
“He did not return with us. The messenger came with news of Chappo and he went into council with healers. My father will take Chappo’s place, it is decided he will stay on the reservation and learn from the council.”
“How long will that take?” Darby asked.
“Some months…he may not return until they approve of his learning. My mother will not be happy but it is his choice.”
“I’m leaving for California in four weeks,” Darby said, “and you’re coming with me.”
“I will go with you, but you must show me the way.”
“There are many things we must do before we go, but this journey will be much easier than the one you just accomplished…”
Darby went on to explain his correspondence with Alex and the plan to meet up in Tucson. Yes, that would be the easy part, the rest would have to be carefully explained, and there was one thing Darby had to teach Taza almost immediately. The boy would have to sign his name to the legal documents.
Sonsee had made their dinner and then left to see her brother who was one of the warriors that had returned with Taza. Alone at the table Darby produced a clean sheet of paper and an ink pen. It was time for Nathan T. Verde to write his name.
Darby printed out the alphabet and then circled the letters Taza would learn to write. It would take time to teach him the rules of grammar but at least the boy could copy the appropriate letters. The first attempts were frustrating for them both and the ink pen didn’t help so Darby took a pencil from the trunk.
“You are not carving your name with a knife, Taza. You must learn to be gentle and allow the pen to do the work.”
“Is this really my name?” Taza asked.
“This is how the white man will make sense of your name. N’ta- zaan is too difficult to understand so you become Nathan, but the T in the middle still stands for Taza. You are of the Verde clan so that becomes your last name. Now let’s try it again.”
They spent an hour on it until Taza’s hand began to hurt. He was still gripping the pen too hard but the letters were starting to make sense. They would try again tomorrow, but now it was time to rest.
Over the course of time Taza’s bed had remained empty since he was sleeping with Darby, and that would not change. But by now Mosh had decided the bed was his since no one else was using it, and when they turned out the lamp the dog hopped up and stretched out.
Darby climbed in bed and Taza joined him. The boy had to be exhausted from his long trip across the mountains and the vast open scrub but he still moved close and touched Darby. Without thinking Darby pulled Taza close and the touch became an embrace.
They had been away from one another for weeks, an emotional break Darby had begun to feel…and now this. It was as if they both understood the meaning of this moment, shared affection had been the part of their lives that was missing.
There was no denying the reactions of their bodies in this embrace, Taza was physically aroused and without shame Darby was as well. There was nothing for it except to explore the possibilities this yearning created. Pressed together they moved to share the excitement pressed between them until the feelings became overwhelming and they felt release.
Darby had been searching to understand his feelings, and it seemed obvious Taza had as well. But the shuddering climax brought answers and words they had never spoken before.
“I had no idea…” Darby began.
“Have you not felt my eyes looking? I have feelings for you since we first meet…but I have been afraid you would hate my thoughts,” Taza said.
Darby leaned over and kissed Taza’s forehead, a kiss much like his mother used to share her love. Was this love, could he love this boy? Had this moment of sex allowed that emotion to surface?
“I could never hate you,” Darby said. “We have become so close and this brings meaning to our feelings.”
Taza smiled, and in the darkness it seemed distant and obscure. But then Taza leaned forward and as their lips met Darby realized he never wanted them to part. His head swam from the feelings of the kiss and the pounding of Taza’s heartbeat on his arm. The kiss could have lasted all night long except Taza ran his hand down Darby’s stomach and then chuckled.
“We make big mess,” Taza said. “What can we do?”
“The river is close…but someone might see us. I suggest a quick wash at the pump.”
The stars lit the heavens as they stood by the pump and cleaned off. Then it was back to bed where Darby discovered that he was aroused once again.
“I don’t understand, it’s never been like this before,” he said.
“You are the Nantan Ya’ai…the future calls your name,” Taza said.
“Yes, Chappo called me that but I still don’t understand what it means.”
“You speak for tomorrow, the future of my people…my future is with you.”
Darby wanted to explore these feelings further, but Taza was tired and fell asleep in his arms. Everything is changed, Darby thought. How little had he understood his own feelings and now he knew Taza had been waiting for a sign of acceptance. And then he, too, fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
There were other things they could do in bed and over the course of the following weeks they explored the possibilities. It was Taza who led the way, having experience with some of the older boys in the village in years past. Back then it had been child’s play, but now it was a serious expression of their growing feelings.
So much could be shared with a look, and Darby was careful that others in the village did not see their affectionate moments. Indigo might be the most curious, but then he would never say anything if he knew.
There was a need for that final trip into town, and this time Taza rode his horse beside Darby as Indigo trailed along in the wagon. They established the campsite late one afternoon and Indigo ran some errands. Darby took Taza to visit Pennington and the man was impressed by the boy who he thought would be the next Apache chief.
From a drawer in his desk Pennington removed a telegram from the Western Union office. “Your friend Mr. Morgan has sent a reply,” he said.
Darby O’Brien… arriving Tucson, 4 pm, September 27th (STOP)
Look forward to seeing you and friend (STOP) Regards, Alex (END)
“What does it say?” Taza asked.
“We leave for California in six days,” Darby replied. “Do we have all the necessary papers?”
They were shown the documents Darby and Pennington had discussed, and then walked over to the bank. Pennington and Cummings watched as first Darby and then Taza signed the will and property distribution, then Cummings signed it as a witness. Darby was handed a letter of credit to present at the Bank of California, and a stack of currency to pay their expenses along the way.
Cummings seemed quite interested in Darby’s trip to the coast, something he had never done himself.
“You’ll go by train, of course,” Cummings said. “How wonderful our modern world is becoming, did you see the automobile has finally come to our little town?”
“No, on these terrible roads?” Darby said.
“I suppose it must be a bumpy ride, but Mr. Williams over at the mine bought it. A Ford touring car, very expensive, but he runs down to Bisbee and back every week.”
“I’ve seen some fancy automobiles in New York,” Darby said.
“What is this automobile?” Taza asked.
“A horseless carriage,” Cummings said, trying to be helpful which only confused Taza further.
“Don’t worry about it,” Darby said. “We will see some of them in Los Angeles. I’m sure they will do much better on city streets. Maybe Alex has one, he could afford it.”
“Alex would be your travelling companion?” Cummings asked.
“Yes, Alex Morgan. Maybe you know his grandfather, J.P. Morgan?” “J.P….the banker?” Pennington asked.
“Yes, I believe so. You sent that first check to his bank.”
“I had no idea you knew him,” Pennington said.
“Oh I don’t, just his grandson. We’ll be travelling in his private railroad car.”
Cummings laughed at the surprised look on Pennington’s face. “Small world, isn’t it, James?”
Darby and Taza left Cummings and Pennington at the bank and walked over to see Mrs. Randolph before she closed for the day. She did not sell fancy clothing but they managed to find Taza a few good shirts, some pants and a vest. The boy looked at the shoes she offered and shook his head. Instead he was fascinated by the tooled leather boots she had in the store window and Darby bought them.
For a boy who had grown up in a loincloth, leather breeches and moccasins, Taza dressed up well, although it remained to be seen how comfortable he would be. He fiddled with the collar on his shirt and tugged at the vest, but he looked good.
“I will have to wear this all the time?” Taza asked.
“No, we will take your Apache clothing as well for those times when you cannot stand looking like a white man. Do you want a hat?”
“No hat, it will be too tight.”
Darby turned to Mrs. Randolph and smiled. “I think we have everything he needs for now.”
Indigo smiled but didn’t dare laugh when he saw Taza. “You look good, N’ta- zaan,” He said.
“The lawyer says I am Nathan now, my father will never approve.”
“Give him time,” Indigo said. “His life is changing and so is yours. You are off to see the great ocean which is something he has never done. You will do many things he has never done, and in this there must be some envy.”
“I do not understand this word,” Taza said.
“The cat can climb a tree but the dog cannot. When the dog sees the cat up in the branches looking out at the world from such a height he feels envy. Itza-chu will never see the world from the heights since that is Nathan’s purpose in life. Do you understand now?”
“Yes,” Taza said.
Indigo pulled his fry pan out of the wagon. “Shall we eat?”
Darby was excited about the journey ahead but he knew Taza had doubts. It would be good to see a city again, and although Los Angeles was much smaller than New York he would enjoy showing Taza the sights. Perhaps of some interest was what Alex planned to do out there.
Darby knew little about making films, and as he had admitted, he’d seen only two or three of what New York’s Bowery theaters had to offer. He had gone with several of the college boys he’d met at Mrs. Abercrombie’s boarding house. The short films of ladies undressing and parading their parts for the camera had not been very interesting.
Unlike the stories in a book, the short films he saw had no plot. The jerky images on the screen had been accompanied by a piano player seated in a dark corner trying to plunk out a tune over the whoops and hollers of the male audience. Darby became bored very quickly and fortunately the films were only about ten minutes in length.
From what Alex had said these films would become a source of entertainment for the mass of viewers sure to flock to the theaters. Perhaps they would make good money, but only if the films had a real story and could last a good deal longer.
Indigo had never seen a film and Taza had no idea what they were so it was useless talking about it. Darby watched his two friends from across the fire as they chattered away in the Apache language and cooked meat in the pan. These two had been friends since Taza was much younger and Darby could only envy that.
Five days, that was all the time they had to make preparations…and it seemed to go much too fast. Indigo would ride with them to Tucson and return to the village with their horses. Sixty miles following the river until they could reach the road north would be a quick trip without a wagon, but it would still take most of a day. They would also have to take a mule for the baggage…it seemed like so much trouble.
Darby had no need for both his bags this time and Taza could share space for his few possessions. The boy would have to pack his knife and could carry his rifle only as far as the train station. Indigo had to explain that people just did not carry rifles in a city, it would seem threatening.
Early on the morning of the 27th they loaded the mule and rode into the village. Great Hawk had not returned and would not know of Taza’s plans until he did. But the boy hugged his mother and they left the village behind. Indigo led the way with Darby and Taza trailed by two of the Apache warriors.
“You think we need protection?” Darby asked.
“No, I think you are quite safe,” Indigo said. “But on the way back a lone Indian with several horses would be a temptation for certain fools.”
They skirted the mountains following a trail left by hunters and miners. Without stopping, except to water the animals, they reached the flatlands where the trail petered out. Taza had never been this far north but Indigo pointed his horse towards the west and by noon they reached the Tucson road.
At the first signs of civilization the two warriors broke off and dismounted in a clump of trees. They would set up camp and await Indigo’s return. It took them an hour to reach the outskirts of town and make their way towards the center.
Darby was concerned that they would not find the rail station in time but Indigo just laughed and pointed out the tracks. They would just follow along until they reached the station.
“You have been here before…don’t you remember where the station is?” Indigo asked.
“I know what it looks like, but we took the stagecoach and I didn’t get to see much of the city,” Darby replied.
Taza was amazed as Tucson was much larger than Tombstone. There were tall buildings in the distance and paved streets. His first sight of a horse drawn streetcar made him smile and he whooped when the conductor rang the bell. But Indigo’s tracking ability was well founded as they finally reached the rail station with time to spare.
The Southern Pacific station was at the end of a long rail yard on the southern edge of the city so they would not get to see the downtown. Darby dismounted and went in the station to ask if the train was expected on time.
The station master looked at his watch. “Left El Paso on time and ought to be here around four,” He said. “You need a ticket?”
“I don’t think so. I’ll be traveling with Mr. Morgan in a private car.”
“Yes, you certainly won’t need a ticket for that. Private car will be hitched to the end of the train so you will board out there at the end of the platform.”
The man looked out the window and raised his eyebrows. “Are those Indians with you?”
Darby saw Indigo and Taza had dismounted and were removing the baggage from the mule.
“Yes, we came up from Tombstone together.”
“Strange thing, the Indian. Twenty years ago the train would come in here with arrows stuck to the side, darndest thing you ever saw. Glad those days are over. Well, you have about an hour to wait…have a nice trip.”
Darby walked back out of the station and told Indigo they had to wait but that the train would be on time.
“They’re pretty good about that,” Indigo said. “Used to be a time when trains had to stop for herds of buffalo, and of course my ancestors used to shoot them up now and again.”
“You’ve been on train before?” Taza asked.
“Sure, but not as a paying passenger. When I was your age the Indian was not allowed to ride the train so we had to sneak onboard. Lots of desperate men would ride in the empty boxcars from place to place and they were pretty nice to me.
“They were called hobos which I suppose is a little better than being called a tramp. But the railroad security people used to pull them off and would often beat them. Such cruelty towards their fellow man, especially one so poor and desperate.”
“Did you ever get caught?” Darby asked.
“Several times, but one or two railroad men with clubs were no match for the group I travelled with, unless they had guns. Was shot at a few times, but I only had a knife…didn’t kill anyone with it, but I sure wanted to.”
Taza took this all in, nodding at Indigo’s words. Darby was concerned that the boy might think they had to fight their way to California.
“Knowing Morgan I imagine this private car will be both safe and comfortable. I don’t know if there will be others travelling with us, but I would think so. I don’t know what the sleeping arrangements will be like, but I would think we will be in California tomorrow sometime.”
“We did not bring food,” Taza said.
Darby smiled. “No need, there will be a dining car…oh.”
“What?” Indigo said.
“I don’t know what kind of food they will serve.”
“Meat, potatoes…white man’s food. He’s not a wild savage, Darby, he’ll figure it out.”
Taza bared his teeth and growled. “I am savage Indian, but I dress like white man.”
Indigo laughed. “He’ll do just fine.” And then they heard the train whistle in the distance. “I wish you both a good journey. If you get the chance send that lawyer a telegram and let me know when you plan to return, he’ll let me know.”
He shook hands with Darby and turned to Taza, speaking a whole string of words in the Apache language. Taza put a hand on Darby’s shoulder and made his reply in English.
“I will guard Nantan Ya’ai with my life. You watch after my people until we return.”
The train sounded off again and finally appeared down the track. The large black steam locomotive rolled slowly past where they stood and Darby looked towards the end of the train. The private car was easy to spot, all shiny and new looking, painted green and trimmed in gold.
Darby hefted their bag and walked towards the end of the platform as the train rolled to a stop. Several other passengers stepped down from the forward cars, but it seemed they were the only ones boarding. Down the steps from one of the cars stepped a conductor.
“Mr. O’Brien?”
“Yes, that’s me,” Darby said.
“Here let me take your bag…are these gentlemen travelling with you?”
“Just the one…”
“Darby,” a voice called out from the rear of the train.
He turned to look and there was Alex Morgan rushing towards him. It would be impolite to laugh, but the man no longer looked like the wealthy scion of a large family. Alex was wearing a checked shirt and denim pants with fancy red cowboy boots. The big ten gallon hat on his head was much too large for his thin frame, as was the six gun pistol slung in a holster around his waist.
“Howdy, partner,” Alex said and he reached out a hand for a shake. That was it, Darby couldn’t help but laugh.
“Good heavens…what have you become?” Darby asked.
“You like this outfit? I’ve become a Texas cowboy, don’t you think?”
“I think you’re a city boy masquerading as a cowboy.”
“Aw….well, yes, this is a costume…thought you might get a kick out of it. And who are these folks, your Indian friends? Do they speak English?”
“Yes, this is Indigo. He was my uncle’s good friend,” Darby said.
“Pleased to meet you,” Indigo said. “You forgot the suspenders.”
Alex looked down. “Damned if I didn’t.”
“And this is Taza, my companion for this trip,” Darby said.
“Hello, young fella,” Alex said, shaking Taza’s hand.
“Yaa-ta-sai,” Taza said and winked at Darby.
“What did he say?”
“Hello, young fella,” Taza said. “Traditional Apache greeting.”
“Clever,” Alex said.
“I should go,” Indigo said.
“Right away? Alex asked. “The train will be here long enough to add coal and take on water. Won’t you stay and have some refreshment?”
“I will forgo your kind offer this time, but I need to be down the road before darkness falls,” Indigo said. “I have friends waiting.”
Alex shook his hand and seemed disappointed that Indigo couldn’t stay. But Indigo gave Darby a hug and then did the same to Taza. He looked the boy in the eye and spoke a string of words in Apache to which Taza replied…and then he was gone.
The interior of the private car was just a little stunning. A settee along one wall, four comfortable chairs across from them. Darby could see a dining table with eight chairs and a bar with four stools further down.
“The cabins are in the front,” Alex said. “I have brought only one guest, a lady…an actress for Billy’s film…and there she is.”
Lady was an apt description, Darby decided. Perhaps in her mid-twenties, blonde and full figured. Alex made the introductions.
“Sarah Lynn, this is Darby and Taza who will be traveling with us…you know that’s quite an interesting name for an Apache.”
“The white man calls me Nathan,” Taza said.
“I see, well, whichever you prefer,” Alex said, and then he turned to Darby. “Miss Lynn has a starring role in Billy’s next film and so I thought it would be nice to give her a free ride to Los Angeles.”
“What type of role do you have in this film?” Darby asked.
“Rancher’s daughter…that’s what I am in real life as well,” Sarah said and laughed. “Billy saw me ride a horse and jump a fence.”
“And who is Billy?” Darby asked.
Alex cleared his throat and smiled. “Billy is William Selig, a film producer from Chicago…a real visionary in the industry.”
“And you’re going to be his partner in making films?” Darby asked.
“Shareholder…I really don’t have a great deal of film experience…yet.”
A man in a white coat appeared in the dining room and asked if they wanted anything. Alex nodded and ordered a beer for Darby and then looked at Taza. Sarah asked for a seltzer and then she looked at Taza.
“I don’t think this young man drinks beer, Alex….why don’t you try a seltzer, I think you’ll like it.”
“Good,” Taza said, and the waiter gave them a short bow.
Sarah nodded. “Mr. Taza, or is it Nathan, seems a quiet sort.”
“The Apache are a vigilant people, Miss Lynn, quiet and observant is their way of life,” Darby said. “But Taza is the son of their chief and while the father rules the son sits back and awaits his turn.”
This was not completely true but Darby wanted to build up the reputation of the boy, it might be useful. Taza’s future within his clan was still unknown and many things could change in the future.
“Alex is being too modest,” Sarah said, returning to the earlier conversation. “He’s improved on Mr. Edison’s camera and Billy will be the first one to use it.”
“So you’ve been busy,” Darby said.
“I’ve made some designs,” Alex said. “I’ll show you later after dinner. Ah, here are the drinks…”
The waiter presented two bottles of beer and the glasses of seltzer. Sarah took her glass and Taza appeared dumbfounded, staring into his glass. Darby had to smile.
“I don’t think Taza has seen ice before,” He said. “It’s just frozen water to make the drink cold, Taza.”
The boy took a small sip and then smiled. “Good….cold. What is this taste?”
Sarah reached over into a fruit basket by the window and handed Taza an orange. “The taste is orange, isn’t it wonderful?”
“Orange,” Taza said, and then looked at the fruit in his hand. “Can keep this?”
“Sure, if you want, but there are lots and lots of those where we are going,” She said.
Taza smiled at Sarah. “California is good.”
“I certainly hope so,” Sarah said. “My career depends on it.”