Tracie Peterson - Dawns Prelude

Kjcll looked past Zerelda to where Lydia was watching him. He smiled. "That's up to Lydia. She's no doubt the better musician, and my poor attempts would be disruptive."

"You've played for us on many occasions," Lydia said, turning hack to measure coffee into the pot. You are quite accomplished, so don't pretend otherwise."

Laughing, Kjell picked up his guitar as Zerelda went to hang up his coat. He placed the guitar near the fireplace, then paused to warm his hands. "The air has a bite to it tonight."

"Well, it is October," Zerelda commented. "I was just telling Lydia that her extra wool blankets were going to come in handy this winter. I think it's going to be unusually cold."

"Could he. Say, I heard today that Mr. Saherhagen has arranged for the property to he sold."

Zerelda nodded. "It's true. He has decided against returning to Sitka. He's offered to let us stay here until the place is sold, however, so I'm happy about that. Given that winter is soon to be upon us, I don't anticipate much interest in the property until spring."

"I don't want to sound negative here," Kjell said, coming to join the women in the kitchen, "but it could be the army might want the property. Houses are at a premium, and there arc two on this land, as well as storage buildings."

"Yes, but were far enough away from town that it would he a chore to live out here."

"Oh, Zee, nothing is that far away from town. Not here." He gave her a grin and leaned back against the wall. "You should also know that the census will take place on the twenty-fourth of this month. There will be three men assisting Lieutenant Lyle."

"Just three?" Zerelda asked. "Seems they would need more."

"Well, they don't plan to count the Tlingit at the Ranche."

"And why not?"

Lydia saw Kjell shake his head. "The government doesn't deem them necessary to count. They don't matter."

Remembering her time in the Ranche with Zerelda, Lydia couldn't help but speak up. "They are a burden to the governmentat least that's how others see it. You have lived among these people for a long time, but as an outsider newly arrived, I can see perhaps what they feel."

Zerclda and Kjell looked at her oddly, and Lydia felt compelled to continue. It is my belief that the officials consider them uneducated and incapable of being a benefit to the country or any part of society. They don't speak English well, they have few job skills that interest the whites, and they seem overly susceptible to disease and problems with alcohol."

"It's sad that an entire people could he judged so worthless. They have, after all, done just fine without our interference," Kjell replied.

Lydia thought he sounded annoyed with her and so she spoke again. "I do not believe that the attitude is a good one. It is not my heart. I agree with Zerelda that it is cruel to force them to be locked up like common criminals. I would much rather see them released to live free-wherever they saw fit to live."

"Unfortunately," Zerelda interrupted, "I believe that enough time has passed that we have crippled them. We have made them dependent on the white culture in some ways, while in others, we have taken away their customs and traditions."

"It's only going to get worse," Kjell said. "When the government encourages a larger population here in Alaska, the Tlingit will be pushed farther out. There will be new rules and regulations and maybe even a new location for them to live. It will all depend on whether this area is found to be valuable to the whites."

"Well," Zerelda sighed, "enough of this sadness. We can't change things tonight." She smiled. "Let's have some music, Kjell. While Lydia pours the coffee, why don't you show me what you can do with that guitar."

Kjell nodded and offered his arm rather formally to Zerelda. She laughed and accepted his elbow, letting him escort her to the chairs by the fireplace. Kjell took up the instrument and tuned it before he began picking out a melodious strain. Lydia liked it when he played for them. The music comforted her, and she felt herself relax. She couldn't imagine Floyd or any of his sons spending time in such respite. Floyd had found music a waste of time and had threatened to take Lydia 's violin on more occasions than she could count. Several times, he had made good on his threats, leaving her heartbroken and inconsolable.

She stiffened. Things are different now, she reminded herself. Floyd can't huvt me anymove. She touched her hand to where the baby grew. Her husband had caused the death of their other children, but not this one. Had God truly interceded, as Zerelda suggested? Could Lydia dare to believe that God cared about her and the baby? And if she did accept this, then what did that say about the past and the other children she had lost? She was so confused.

Glancing up, Lydia found Kjell watching her, even as he played. Unable to turn away from him, Lydia wondered what kind of husband Kjell would make.

He was definitely cut from a different cloth. Lydia had never seen him lose his patience, and even when he shared about problems at the mill, he remained calm and considerate. Floyd would have ranted and raved about any difficulty. Many had been the time that he, Marston, and Mitchell had argued vehemently about what was to be done regarding a problem at the factory.

Kjell continued to watch her as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. Lydia looked away.

"So will you join us, Liddie?" Zerelda asked. "Maybe play along?"

Lydia felt the baby move as if to encourage her response. "I will try." She went to the violin case and opened it slowly. She very much enjoyed Kjell's abilities and hated to let go of the moment too soon. Taking the violin and bow in hand, she made her preparations, all the while waiting for him to conclude. When he did, she couldn't help but comment, That was beautiful. I've never heard that tune before. What is it called?"

Kjcll shrugged. "It's just something I made up. I haven't named it, but you can if you want."

She shook her head. "I wouldn't dream of it. You gave it 1 ife- you should name it."

"I'll think on it," he told her with a wink. "Now what shall we play together?"

Lydia named a couple of possibilities and Kjell smiled. "Why don't you start in, and I'll follow as best I can."

She lifted the violin and drew the how. Music filled the air of the small cabin. Lydia focused on the notes of a song she hadn't played in years. The gentle refrain swelled to a crescendo, then cased back again. Kjell joined in, gently filling in the background as he accompanied her. She hesitated a moment in her nervousness, then quickly recovered as Kjell continued. It wasn't long before Lydia completely lost herself in the moment. How wonderful it was to make music with someone. How incredible it was to feel that, for even a few moments of time, her soul had touched that of another human being.

When the final notes sounded, Zerelda clapped heartily. "I've never heard anything more beautiful. You two play… well, it's as if you've always played together. I am completely amazed."

"I have to say, I'm just as taken," Kjell said, looking at Lydia.

His gaze seemed to burn through her, and Lydia flushed but found she couldn't look away. And it was in that moment that Lydia knew she was losing her heart to Kjell. How strange it felt… almost like slipping on the ice. There was a sense of exhilaration at free falling, but in the back of her mind, Lydia knew the impact would hurt.

"I'm afraid I need to rest," Lydia declared, quickly putting the violin away.

"Are you all right?" Kjell asked, coming to her side.

"Yes. I'm fine. I just want to rest." She hurried from the room without giving him another look-frightened that if she stayed, she might lose control and tell him how she felt.

Zerelda came to Lydia nearly an hour later and found her sitting up in bed, a hook in her hand. She thought her niece looked confused and offered to listen.