Legal Disclaimer The Young Riders are the creation of Ed Spielman, and are the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This story is not for profit and are intended for enjoyment only No copyright infringement what so ever is intended. I'm only borrowing them for a while I promise to return them horses and all after our ride (however I might just keep Buck

Author's Notes * indicates the use of sign language* and {indicates Clara's written words}

Special Thanks Too my friend Tina she spent hours on top of hours listening while I read her this story of the phone and also to Lisa for beta-ing for me her wonderful feedback and her many kind words of encouragement.

"Through Kiowa Eyes"

CHAPTER ONE

Buck pulled Warrior to a stop just inside the station. He was tired and dirty from his long run and at that moment he wanted nothing more than to take a hot bath and then get some well deserved sleep.

"Buck Buck come here a minute will you?" Rachel called from the house. Buck let go a tired sigh and complied.

As he entered he was met by Teaspoon. "How was your ride son?"

"Fine." Buck said but I need a bath and some sleep. what's keepin' Rachel?" Buck questioned a tired expression etched on his face.

"We're comin' hollered Rachel hollered from upstairs.

"We?" Buck's raised a courious eyebrow as Rachel entered the living room followed by a young girl Buck guessed her age to be about eight maybe ten.

Rachel smiled broadly and motioned for the little girl to step forward. "Buck I would like you to meet little Miss Clara Parker." The child gave a small smile.

"Clara this is Buck Cross." Rachel spoke again to Buck "She is the daughter of my dear friend Alice. She will staying with us for a while." Buck simply nodded in response not yet understanding why he needed to know all this right this minute. A quick glance from Teaspoon told Buck that all his questions would be answered soon.

Rachel stooped down so she was eye to eye with little Clara. "Sweetheart why don't you go with grandpa Teaspoon and get a cookie in the kitchen. I need to speak to Mr. Cross for a minute ok?" Clara gave an eager nod of agreement her bright green eyes sparkled and her little blonde curls bounced about her head as ran with an outstretched hand toward the smiling marshal.

Rachel smiled as well and spoke low enough for only Buck to hear. "Come with me." Buck followed her outside she motioned for him to join her on the porch swing. Rachel drew in a cleansing breath before beginning. "Buck I needed you to meet Clara before the others because she is deaf and cannot speak but she can read lips a little I was hoping you might teach her to sign the way you taught Ike." She said his name in almost a whisper as if remembering the recently passed rider.

Buck released a heavy sigh he was unaware he had been holding. Rachel noticed the wave of pain cross Buck's face and decided she should continue quickly while she still had Buck's attention.

"Clara's mother. my friend Alice died some weeks ago from the fever and before she passed she asked that Clara be brought here. Her father died several years ago leaving Alice alone to care for Clara." I will see if I can find a school that can teach the deaf but until I find out Clara will be staying with us."

Buck leaned back and closed his eyes in an attempt to hide the tears threatening to spill down his cheeks. His heart was breaking for this little girl she was all alone with no real family. In many ways young Clara reminded him of Ike and that hurt even more.

Buck was pulled from his thoughts and his eyes flew open as he heard Rachel calling him.

"Buck did you hear me?"

"Huh ah no sorry Rachel I was - - - thinking."

"Obviously," Rachel said quietly as she noted the sheen of unshed tears swimming in Buck's mysterious brown eyes.

"I said will you help with Clara?"

"Sure thing Rachel." Buck said with a sudden but small smile.

"Good now go get cleaned up and get a little rest I'll bring Clara down in a couple of hours."

Buck stood and headed for the bunkhouse with a slight glimmer of hope both in his heart and in his eyes he thought just maybe if he could help Clara maybe it would ease some of his own pain. The pain of losing Ike. After all Ike would want him to help this sweet innocent child so that's what he would do.