Sully’s hacking cough split the silence in the room and Cloud Dancing was instantly awake. He scrambled to his feet and stared over at Morning Rain and Sully. She was trying to calm his friend, holding a cup of tea to his lips to let the liquid soothe his throat.


Sully was seized by a second fit of coughing and his body lurched, his shoulder bumping Morning Rain’s outstretched arm. She lost her grip on the cup and the contents splashed onto Sully’s chin and neck.


“How long has he been coughing like this?” Cloud Dancing demanded, crossing the room to kneel down on the other side of the cot.


“He just started now,” Morning Rain answered. “I cannot stop it.”


Cloud Dancing lay his hand across Sully’s forehead and his friend quieted somewhat. He shook his head.


“He is burning with fever,” Cloud Dancing stated. “We must get him back to the village. He struggles for air. He needs the steam of a sweat lodge to help him breathe.”


Morning Rain nodded but her eyes were anxious. “Can he survive the trip back to the village?”


“I do not know,” Cloud Dancing admitted. “But we must try. If we leave him here, he will die.” He took the cup from Morning Rain’s hand. It was half-empty now but he held it up to Sully’s lips and urged him to drink. The coughing subsided.


Cloud Dancing sighed wearily and addressed Morning Rain again. “I will build a travois and attach it to my horse. While I am gone, you must care for him. When we are ready to move him, you will ride ahead of us to the village and set up the sweat lodge.”


“Do you not need me,” Morning Rain protested, “to help transport him?”


Cloud Dancing shook his head. “I will transport him alone. I need you to set up the sweat lodge. It must be ready when we arrive. This will help his chances.”


He looked away from her and focused on his friend once more. Sully lay limply. The coughing fit had taken its toll. Cloud Dancing would not reveal his thoughts to Morning Rain but as he crouched there, watching his brother, he wanted to add, “If he has a chance at all.”


Sully sensed that he was moving, that his body was being jostled from side to side. Cool air touched his fevered skin and he was certain that he was outside. The aroma of pine and fungus drifted past his nostrils and for a moment he almost believed that he could open his eyes. Then ….nothing.


The next odour he detected was of smoke and burning wood. Something soft lay beneath him and he no longer had the sensation of movement. A mist seemed to filter over him. It carried a memory along with it.


He was lying on the floor of a teepee, naked from the waist up, his head throbbing as it had been for days. Suddenly he opened his eyes and Cloud Dancing stood above him, holding out a hand toward him.


Sully rose to his feet and grasped his friend’s arm. In the next instant he stood in a meadow, his fingers still clutching Cloud Dancing’s arm but the medicine man drew his attention to the woods beside them. Sully watched as Michaela stepped through the trees, her face glowing with love, her slim body clothed in white. He left Cloud Dancing and the Indian retreated into the background as Sully approached Michaela.


He held her in his arms, feeling her love envelop him, shaken by the depth of his own emotions.


Soon they were on the ground together and they rolled over, holding onto each other, laughing. Before he could stop her, Michaela rose to her feet. Sully reached out to her but it was too late – she was smiling and walking away from him, disappearing back into the treeline.


He called out for her and, suddenly, he was back in the sweat lodge. She knelt beside him. She no longer wore white and he realized that the earlier vision of her had been a dream. He held her face between his hands, told her that he would love her all of his days, then asked her to marry him. He claimed her mouth with his lips when she accepted his proposal.


With every ounce of his willpower, he held onto his self-control. He wanted her so badly. He loved her so much.


Now Sully tried to call out to her again, to bring her back to him as he’d done so many years ago, but his lips wouldn’t move. In his semi-conscious state, he searched for her with his mind. His eyes would not open but it no longer mattered. Michaela wasn’t there. This time he was completely alone.


It was another sleepless night for the Cheyenne medicine man but, this time, morning brought hope. Sully’s breathing had improved throughout the night until, by the time the village awoke and stirred within their teepees, he was able to draw a breath without struggling.


Cloud Dancing closed his eyes and sighed, deeply. He was so tired. Except for a few moments of sleep in the cabin, he’d been awake for two days. Now, for the moment, Sully seemed to be out of danger. Cloud Dancing could finally relax. Sully’s face was still warm to his touch and his fever had not yet broken but Cloud Dancing was optimistic. With the congestion in his chest alleviated, the infection causing his friend’s fever should lessen as well. It was safe to leave Sully’s side for a few hours and treat his weary body to a much-needed rest. He would find Morning Rain and ask her to care for his brother.


He smiled to himself. Judging by Morning Rain’s attentiveness and the look in her eyes whenever she gazed down at Sully’s face, she would be only too happy to sit in the lodge while Cloud Dancing slept. The woman stood no chance with Sully. Cloud Dancing knew this. Sully’s heart was with Michaela.


Years ago, when he first saw his friend with Michaela, Cloud Dancing could sense the love drawing them toward each other. This was the one thing, in a world torn apart by tragedy and deception, that had never changed. It never would. Without Michaela, Sully would seem like an eagle without its mate. His soul would forever circle the skies – lost and searching. Morning Rain, however, did not realize this.


Cloud Dancing made a vow to himself that he would talk to Morning Rain but not now – not before he had a chance to sleep. He was far too exhausted to deal with strong willed women at that moment.


“Sleep well my brother,” he whispered to Sully. Then he slipped from the sweat lodge into the morning sunlight. It took a moment before Cloud Dancing’s eyes adjusted from the darkness inside the teepee. It was a beautiful November day – cool, crisp and cloudless. The sky was cobalt blue and the mountains in the distance loomed over their village like majestic, omnipotent Gods. He glanced around and spotted Morning Rain. She squatted in front of a small bonfire outside her teepee and she was placing a pot of water on the glowing coals. Cloud Dancing moved toward her. He’d just reached her when the sound of rifle shots and war cries ripped through the air. Cloud Dancing spun around and watched as group of dog soldiers mounted their horses, galloped from the village and crested the top of a hill. Their faces had been painted and the flanks of their ponies bore evidence of their coups – one stroke of war paint for every enemy they had defeated. Cloud Dancing stood staring after them, his stomach churning in dread. Since his arrival in the Tongue River Valley, the Cheyenne had been peaceful. It had been a long time since he’d seen renegade braves.


He squatted down beside Morning Rain and stared into her face. “What has happened?”


Morning Rain frowned, clearly disturbed. “Silver Wolf and Crying Eagle found a group of white men yesterday. They were on our land and they were building a dam, trying to dry up a branch of the river. They told Silver Wolf that they wanted to pan for gold and they had to lower the water level. When Silver Wolf warned them and told them this land was given to our people by a treaty, they said they did not care about treaties. He told them that our village needed the water from the river. They told Silver Wolf that they needed the gold, that our people could go thirsty. If Silver Wolf and Crying Eagle tried to stop them, they said, they would kill both of them.”


She reached out and touched Cloud Dancing’s arm gently. “One of them told Silver Wolf that they killed a half-breed the day before, when he tried to stop them from building the dam.” She hesitated to let her words sink in, then she continued. “After that, they attacked Silver Wolf and Crying Eagle. Silver Wolf escaped but Crying Eagle did not. The men murdered him. The dog soldiers have ridden out to find the men and avenge Crying Eagle’s death.”


Cloud Dancing swallowed back his anger. “The half-breed – it was Sully?”


Morning Rain nodded. “Just before they attacked Silver Wolf and Crying Eagle, one of the miners handed something to Silver Wolf. He was laughing, saying that he ripped it away from the half-breed’s neck, just before they crushed his skull. Silver Wolf gave it to me when he returned to the village.”


For the first time Cloud Dancing noticed the object dangling around Morning Rain’s neck. She reached up and pulled it over her head, handing it to Cloud Dancing. He stared down as she placed the sacred pouch in his hand, fury swelling inside of him. Sully always wore it, ever since his last vision quest. Cloud Dancing clutched it, his fingers curling around the soft leather, and he closed his eyes until he regained control. When he finally spoke again, he met her eyes with a steady gaze.


“Now we know what happened to him,” he said simply. “We must wait until he awakens. Only Sully can tell us why he came here.”


The One Chosen - Chapter Two - Part 2 - written by: Jean McQuaid


After leaving Katie to spend the day with Colleen at the Chateau, Michaela and Brian continued on to town. There was no mistaking the cool, crisp air of autumn and the trees were ablaze with color.


"Thanksgiving'll soon be here Ma," remarked Brian as they bumped along the dusty road.


"You're right Brian. I'd almost forgotten about it. Guess it's time to think about getting a turkey," she replied.


"Sure wish Cloud Dancin' was here," sighed the boy. "He always seems to find the biggest turkeys."


"Yes, he does." Michaela's mind wandered back to a past Thanksgiving when her and the children had just come back from Boston. They'd returned to a town in despair because of a drought that threatened to ruin Thanksgiving.


Cloud Dancing and the rest of the Cheyenne had tried to share their knowledge with the ungrateful people of Colorado Springs, but once again the people looked upon them as 'savages' and had even accused them trying to hide a source of fresh water. It was also a time of uncertainty for Michaela and Sully. After finally vowing their love for one another, they soon discovered that they might not be compatible. Michaela was always trying to see the good in people and Sully was furious that she seemed to side with the townsfolk against the Indians. But they overcame their differences and she will always remember a drenched Sully reaching out to her when the rains finally came.


She believed at that time, that love could conquer all but she was no longer sure of that now. Brian, on the other hand desperately wanted to ask his ma if she thought Sully would be home for Thanksgiving but he held back, knowing that it would only upset her and she was probably asking herself the same question.


Charlotte had taken the liberty to get Mrs. Barton bathed and dressed. The lady was sitting on the examination table awaiting the arrival of the doctor when Michaela entered the clinic. After thoroughly checking her out and sending her home with a warning to take it easy for a while, Michaela and Charlotte were at last, alone.


Charlotte wasn't sure how to open the conversation but she felt so compelled to help 'Dr. Mike', as the townsfolk called her. She had dealt with patient's problems before but this was a doctor. This was someone she was beginning to admire, not at all like any of the male doctors she had worked with back in New York. It was obvious, this one really cared about people and was different in a way she just couldn't describe.


But Michaela's problems were personal and did she have the right to stick her nose in where it might not belong. She decided to wait a little longer. She needed to find out more about this woman and maybe get a chance to meet Sully. Then she could possibly figure out a way to help them get over their terrible loss and encourage them to try again. Michaela was sitting at her desk finishing up the patient's file when a tap came to the door.


Dorothy popped her head in, "Mornin Michaela. I was hoping...." she stopped as her eyes lit up at the sight of Charlotte Goldthorn clearing the sheets from the examination table. "Oh, Charlotte, if I can call you that?"


"Of course Dorothy, if I can call you that?" replied the smiling nurse.


"You're just the person I wanted to see Charlotte," remarked Dorothy as she closed the door behind her.


"Me?", asked Charlotte.


"Why yes. I was so fascinated by that story your sister Jenny was tellin' us last night that I just had to find out more," exclaimed a very excited Dorothy.


"Well my sister has some kind of need for an audience but I on the other hand......"she paused.


"You, on the other hand have a need for some rest at this moment," an annoyed Michaela interrupted. "Dorothy I'm sure Miss Goldthorn would love you to stay and chat but she's been here all night and I think it's about time she got some much needed rest."


Dorothy seemed taken back at the tone of Michaela's voice. "I'm sorry Charlotte. Maybe I came at a bad time."


Charlotte also noting the way in which Michaela had addressed the matter answered, "There's nothing to be sorry about but I am a little tired. Maybe we could meet at the Cafe for lunch Dorothy. That will give me plenty of time to take a nap and freshen up a little. It's been a long night but I'm used to them. I would love for you 'both' to hear the rest of this story."


"That would be fine with me. How about you Michaela, would you be joinin' us for lunch?" asked Dorothy.


Michaela looked up from her desk. "Yes Dorothy. I think I will and I'm sorry I snapped at you. I was just concerned about Charlotte. She's helped me out a great deal by staying here last night."


"It was my pleasure Dr. Quinn," responded Charlotte. "I think I'll go take that rest now but I look forward to seeing both of you at twelve noon sharp!" she answered with a stern but playful smile. "You know us medical people," she added. "We run a tight ship!"


Michaela and Dorothy smiled as Charlotte closed the door behind her. Dorothy stood silent for a moment, trying to figure out how she could approach Michaela. She was her best friend and knew that something was very wrong. There'd been no sign of Sully for some time now and this feeling she had just wouldn't go away. She slowly walked over to face Michaela who'd gone back to writing.


"Michaela?" she asked. "Is everythin' all right? You know you can tell me." Michaela looked up from her desk once again and could see that her friend was concerned. She had opened her heart to her children but really needed to talk to Dorothy. In the past they'd shared many personal problems and Dorothy had been a great source of comfort to her. But she didn't know how to explain what had happened and the words didn't come easy for her as she began to relate to her friend the events from the past week. It seemed as if hours had passed and it wasn't until they stood to embrace each other that both women wept. For Dorothy they were tears of sympathy, but for Michaela, tears of relief. Maybe Dorothy could help her understand what had gone wrong between her and Sully and if not she at least felt an ease from the depression that had overcome her lately. She didn't have to pretend any longer that things were all right.


"Michaela, I've been thinkin' a lot about Cloud Dancin' these past few days. I miss him a lot. Do you think maybe that's where Sully's gone?" asked Dorothy.


"I don't know. I thought about him as well but I can't imagine that if Sully has gone to see Cloud Dancing, why haven't I at least heard something by now. Don't you think that he would have persuaded Sully to get word to me just to let me know he's all right?" inquired Michaela, looking to her friend for an answer.


"Well I do know that Cloud Dancin's in the Tongue River Valley and that's in Montana. It's a long way from here Michaela. Maybe it ain't safe to get word to you or maybe Sully isn't there with him. But I was thinkin' that maybe since I have this need to be with Cloud Dancin' again right now that I could find out for you. Even if he isn't there it might be a good idea for him to know that Sully is missin."


"But that's such a long trip for you to make on your own Dorothy," replied a very concerned Michaela.


"Now don't you go worryin' about me. I've made plenty of these trips on my own and besides I just have to see him if only for one last time," said Dorothy.


"I guess you won't be back in time for Thanksgiving but then neither will Sully I expect," sighed Michaela as she stood staring out the window of the clinic.


"I don't expect so but to spend it with Cloud Dancin' and what's left of his people would be, for me a good thing. But I want you to promise me that if I do go that you and your family'll try to have a normal Thanksgiving. After all Michaela, you still have them to think about and they need you to keep going on in the hope that their pa will return. Will you promise me this Michaela, Please?" pleaded Dorothy.


"I promise," Michaela smiled back. "Now let me get back to my work and I'll see you for lunch. But I want you to promise me something as well. I want you to be careful and take care of yourself should you decide to go. I don't think I could stand to lose you as well. Not now."


"I promise. And you'll be the first one to know if I do decide to make this trip my dear friend," replied Dorothy. They stood holding hands and looking into each other's eyes for a moment and then Dorothy quietly left her alone.