Late the fourth evening, Many Horses visited Maiden's lodge. At first Loretta...

Late the fourth evening, Many Horses visited Maiden's lodge. At first Loretta sensed that Hunter's father was taking measure of her, and she was suspicious of his motives for coming, but soon Many Horses' dry humor had her smiling and then laughing. To Amy's delight, Many Horses regaled them with stories of Hunter's boyhood. By the evening's end Loretta had to admit she actually him. What was even more unsettling was that he seemed to like her, and she felt absurdly pleased that he approved.
When he departed he placed a gnarled hand on Loretta's forehead, much like a holy man bestowing a blessing, and bade her good night, addressing her as "my daughter." The title took Loretta completely by surprise. When she looked up, Many Horses gifted her with an understanding smile and left before she could gather her composure.