Chapter 14

Judge Miller looked up at Elder Tahna, Ethan Cole, and Aiyana, who stood side by side before his desk."By order of the Federal District Court of the New Mexico Territory," Judge Miller declared, his booming voice carrying across the warm room, "the railroad right-of-way injunction filed by the Northern Pacific Syndicate is hereby permanently set aside and annulled!"A loud, joyful cheer erupted from the young men standing outside the lodge window!"Furthermore," Judge Miller continued, smiling warmly over his spectacles, "the Northern Ridge Spring and the surrounding four thousand acres of headwater timber are officially recorded under the joint ownership of Ethan and Aiyana Cole, to remain under perpetual covenant to the native inhabitants of this valley forever!"Elder Tahna stepped forward, placing his ancient, weathered hands flat against the wooden table. He looked at Judge Miller, then turned his dark, tear-filled eyes toward Ethan and Aiyana."The spirits of this valley have heard the truth," Tahna whispered softly. "And the water will flow for our children."Aiyana turned to Ethan, her dark eyes shining with tears of pure, unreserved joy. She threw her arms around his neck, burying her face against his canvas coat, holding him tight.Ethan wrapped his broad arms around her waist, lifting her slightly off her feet, holding her close against his heart while the entire camp celebrated around them.

Spring arrived in the high valley of the Northern Ridge four months later, painting the mountain meadows in broad strokes of emerald green grass, golden buttercups, and deep purple lupine.The threat of the railroad company had passed forever. The iron tracks were rerouted twenty miles south through an empty alkali plain, leaving the pristine wilderness of the northern valley untouched and peaceful.The ranch on the south fork had been completely restored. The front oak door hung straight on new iron hinges, new pine shelves filled the kitchen, and the stone fireplace burned bright every evening.It was late afternoon. The brass sun was setting over the western peaks, casting long, warm golden rays across the broad wooden porch of Ethan's ranch house.Ethan sat on the edge of the porch steps, pulling off his heavy leather riding boots after a long day of clearing timber along the upper fence line.The front door opened quietly behind him.Aiyana stepped out onto the porch, carrying a wooden tray with two tin cups of fresh willow-bark tea and a plate of sweet corn cakes she had baked on the iron stove.She wore a soft blue cotton dress trimmed with delicate white beadwork, her long dark hair braided neatly down her back, her face radiating a quiet, breathtaking beauty.She set the tray on the bench, sat down beside Ethan, and rested her head comfortably against his broad shoulder.Ethan reached out, wrapping his broad arm around her waist, pulling her close against his side as the cool evening breeze began to blow down from the mountains.

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