In the name of the law." Sheriff Brody appeared, his horse lighting to a stop. He had two deputies with him. They had been on patrol, heard the shots, and come running. Brody took in the scene in a single sweeping glance.
The two dead men, Pike, pale and shaking. Hackett stumbling up the trail, his face a mask of blood. And Daniel, his rifle steady, his eyes locked on the preacher. "Reed, put the rifle down now," Brody commanded. Daniel did not move.
He came for her. Brody, with these men to take her. He has papers. Son, I told you this is legal. Sheriff, Pike cried, finding his courage now that the law was here.
Thank God. This man is a killer. He murdered them. He shot them down without warning. I came to retrieve my legal ward and he he massacred us.
Brody was torn. He looked at Daniel then at the bodies. It was a bad business. He is no holy man. The voice came from above.
Tyen had climbed down from the ledge. She was barefoot. Her dress was torn at the shoulder. Her hair was wild and blood from Hackett's face was smeared on her arm. She was trembling from head to toe, but her spine was straight.
Pike's face went white. He had not expected her to speak. She walked until she stood beside Daniel facing the sheriff. She did not look at Pike. She looked at Brody, and when she spoke, the broken, halting English was gone.
In its place was a clear, precise, mission-educated voice that rang with cold authority. "Reverend Pike is a liar." "Sheriff," she said. Brody's jaw dropped. The deputy stared.
He did not find me. Tyen continued, her voice gaining strength. He bought me. He paid 20 silver dollars to a group of ex-soldiers who had who had captured me. He told me it was the price for my soul.
He kept me chained to his wagon for a month. He said it was God's will that I be broken. Pike was sputtering. "Lies. Slander.
She is a heathen." She is She is corrupted by this man. He is no holy man. Tyen said, her voice cutting through his. He is a slaver.