Shaylae of the Gentle Heart

By J. Antony Miller

A three-thousand-year old war between two distant planets has found a new battle ground: Earth. Shaylae Lucero, a beautiful fourteen-year-old Navajo girl, who has been isolated from her culture, finds herself thrust into the middle of this war. The Dark Ones, ancient enemies of the Navajo, have found her and have mistaken her for their mortal enemy, Changing Woman, the Sacred Mother of the Navajo.

During Shaylaes Kinaalda, the puberty ceremony for Navajo girls, Changing Woman visits her and charges her with resolving this conflict. Initially reluctant to accept this mission, she soon realizes that she has no choicethe Dark Ones have kidnapped her parents, top researchers in the area of hyperspace. Before destroying Earth, the Dark Ones first want access to this new technology.

With the help of her two friends, Ayanna and Micah, she learns of the richness of her heritage and discovers she has access to the ancient powers of the Navajo. Using these new-found powers, twice she is able to thwart the Dark Ones efforts to capture her, but is she ready for the final, cataclysmic conflict aboard their interstellar ship?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781477291894

J. Antony Miller

J. Antony Miller was born in Liverpool, England, but immigrated to the United States shortly after his marriage to Ellie Parry. After a few years in New Jersey he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he developed a passionate love of the Desert Southwest. He became interested in everything Navajo, collecting pottery and other artifacts and reading about the culture, history, and philosophy of these fascinating people. Prompted by his fascination with the legend of Changing Woman, he decided to write the Shaylae Trilogy. Miller is a software engineer by profession, and an amateur astronomer, cosmologist, and physicist. He also plays violin, piano, and guitar, the last of which helped pay his way through Exeter University in the UK. The Millers have nine children, and at the last count, nineteen grandchildren.

Book preview

PART ONE

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She Walks in Beauty

ONE

White Rock, Dinetah, formerly New Mexico, June 19, 2104

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Shaylae Lucero looked at her watch. It was 2:45, almost time to go home. Not that she was a clock-watcher, far from it, she loved school. Historical Social Studies used to be one of those subjects she tolerated to meet the entrance requirements of the Dine’h Institute of Technology, but now it was her favorite. Ms. Cannon could bring even the most mundane topic to life; she could probably even make needlepoint fun. But today Shaylae was a little impatient; she was looking forward to tonight because her dad was taking her out for dinner to celebrate her fourteenth birthday.

Ms. Cannon’s blonde hair hung below her shoulders making her look younger than she was, almost like one of her students. So, class, she asked. Apart from being such a momentous advance in physics, why was harnessing of fusion power so important politically and socially?

Shaylae thought about putting up her hand, but decided to pass. She didn’t want to appear to be bragging. Everyone in the class knew that sixty-one years earlier her great-grandfather, White Cloud, or Dr. Asaas Martinez as the scientific world knew him, made the breakthrough discovery in controlled fusion while studying for his doctorate at MIT. It wouldn’t have made any difference anyway; her hand would have been lost amid a sea of raised arms. Shaylae’s mind wandered as thoughts of her great-grandfather filled her mind. She had hardly seen him since…

Ms. Cannon, could you please send Shaylae Lucero to the principal’s office?

Shaylae jumped, startled by the scratchy sound of Dr. Cohen’s secretary’s voice coming from Ms. Cannon’s PID. For a moment, she sat rooted in her seat, wondering why the principal would want to see her. Her heart raced in her chest as a cold unnerving feeling crept into her soul.

Shaylae… said Ms. Cannon kindly as she gestured toward the door.

Shaylae stood up, almost falling over, picked up her PID and walked out of the classroom. Outside the sun shone brilliantly, still high in the clear blue sky, dispelling her anxiety for a moment. A sudden gust of wind caught her long black hair, blowing it behind her like the tail of a comet. A group of boys playing basketball stopped what they were doing and stared at her, leaving the ball rolling across the court like tumbleweed. Normally she would have been both flattered and embarrassed by the attention but still filled with inexplicable worry she simply lowered her head and strode across the manicured campus of Chamisa K-12, White Rock’s only school.

Behind her a hover car settled onto the grass. Two men dressed in black climbed out and walked nonchalantly into the senior building she had just left. Inexplicably, fear stabbed at her heart. It’s nothing, she told herself, nothing to do with me. Nevertheless, she picked up her pace as she ran up the steps of the main building. Her heart was still pounding as she burst through the door and hurried down the corridor. It would be bustling with students and teachers in a few minutes, but now it was empty and echoed her lonely footsteps.

Through an open door, the sound of laughter wafted over her. Ms. Carlton was reading from a large book, her kindergarten students gathered at her feet like chickens around a hen. Shaylae tried to smile, but it wouldn’t come; instead a terrible premonition almost overcame her. Nine years earlier, when she was in a class just like this, her father had picked her up from school. He’d been crying. She couldn’t believe it when he had told her that her mother had disappeared. Reycita Lucero, her mother, the center of her universe, the source of her joy and laughter, her bastion of safety, her Navajo princess and best friend had disappeared! She had cried every night for weeks, expecting at any moment that her mom would come into her bedroom and comfort her. It had taken most of the intervening nine years, but she had finally come to the sobering realization that she would never see her mother again. The terrible memory slammed home, bringing with it an awful premonition. She raised her hand to her mouth as she spoke a single word: Daddy.

Picking up her pace, she quickly covered the last few steps to the office trying to drive away her anxiety. She knocked on the oak door, a solid impenetrable barrier mocking her uneasiness. As she waited, again she wondered what could Dr. Cohen possibly want with her? She was the brightest student in the tenth grade, despite being two years ahead of her classmates. She always completed her assignments on time, she hadn’t missed a single day all year, and she was involved in many extra-curricular activities. She was about to knock again when Dr. Youd opened the door.

Come on in, Shaylae.

Dr. Youd, she said, surprised to see him. She had been expecting to see Dr. Cohen, the principal, not her dad’s research director. What’s happened?

We’re not sure, he said, shifting on his feet. She had never seen him this way before. Usually composed and dignified, he now seemed nervous and unsure. He was only a few years older than her dad, but his hair and beard were already a distinguished gray. Sit down, Shaylae, he said pointing to the leather couch under the window. He sat in the principal’s chair, wringing his hands together.

You’re not sure? Just tell me. What is it? she stammered. It’s Daddy isn’t it?

Now don’t jump to any conclusions, but… he hesitated and swallowed, . . . we don’t know where he is.

What do you mean? Isn’t he at the lab?

He came to work as usual. In fact, he arrived early. He seemed quite excited and wanted me to come to his office.

*     *     *

Shaylae recalled how that morning her father had indeed been excited, like a kid who had just learned to swim. She looked up from the kitchen table where she had set out his breakfast of toast, orange juice, and coffee. As usual, his jet-black hair was in need of a trim, but this morning it was downright disheveled, a lock hanging carelessly over his left eye. His bright blue eyes were alive and sparkling and his whole face beamed.

She wasn’t expecting a ‘happy birthday’. It was unlikely he’d remember, in fact it would have been out of character, so she hadn’t said anything. She hadn’t been able to suppress a chuckle though, thinking about how he was a living caricature of the stereotypical scatter-brained physicist.

What’s so funny? he chided, a self-satisfied grin on his face.

How she adored her daddy. His Spanish accent was still quite thick, but oh so endearing, even though he had lived in New Mexico for the last seventeen years. Oh, I dunno. But you look positively radiant, she said.

Ah, but I do, don’t I?

She giggled again. His mood was infectious. Seeing him like this was a welcome change. Since his lovely Reycita had disappeared his face had developed a permanent sad expression, even when he smiled. He was perhaps the only person left on the planet who was convinced that she would one day return to him, but now, at this moment, all was right with the world. She and her dad—they did just fine together.

I think I may have finally figured something out, Shay, he said, stuffing a slice of toast into his mouth and sipping at his coffee.

A breakthrough, Dad?

I think so. I know this sounds corny, but I woke in the middle of the night with a revelation.

You didn’t shout ‘Eureka’ did you? she laughed.

I thought about it, he said. Then grabbing a last sip of coffee and waving a ROM chip in the air, he said, Youd’s gonna flip when he sees this. He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. I’ve gotta rush, but tonight you and I are going out to celebrate your birthday.

Her jaw dropped and she blinked a few times. He had remembered! Thai food sounds perfect, she shouted after him as he hurried across the red-tiled floor of the kitchen and out the back door. He turned back and smiled, still brandishing the computer chip like a trophy. She sighed, a long, contented sigh, taking a deep breath that filled her soul with a feeling of tranquility. She cradled her own coffee between her hands. Oh Dad, what a character you are. Things couldn’t have felt more right than they had at that moment.

*     *     *

Dr. Youd continued. When I got to his office he wasn’t there but there was a fresh cup of coffee on his desk, so I figured he had probably just stepped out. An hour later the coffee hadn’t been touched, it was stone cold and his computer was still powered on.

He has to be somewhere. He hasn’t just disappeared.

Well, we’re not sure. We know he didn’t leave the lab, at least security has no record of him leaving.

Shaylae knew that security screened everyone entering and leaving the huge National Laboratory at Los Alamos. She had been through it herself: retinal scans, voiceprint scans, and even DNA scans for the more sensitive areas, like where her dad worked. Once security had logged you in, it was impossible to even sneeze undetected.

He has to still be there.

He’s been gone almost seven hours, Shaylae. We looked all over for him. Security did a full search. He’s nowhere to be found.

Her mind raced. He couldn’t have just evaporated. He must have had to go somewhere else on the huge campus. Yes, that must be it. She was sure he would turn up soon, but the growing empty feeling in her stomach contradicted her optimism.

We’re going to find somewhere for you to stay until we figure things out.

I don’t need anywhere to stay. I can stay at home.

I don’t think that’s a good idea. I don’t think you should be on your own…

Why not? I can look after myself.

His knuckles turned white as he clenched his hands on the arms of the chair. I’m sure your father will turn up soon. It won’t be for long, Shay.

Only Daddy calls me ‘Shay’! she said, moving to the edge of the chair, glaring. She instantly regretted the outburst. She must have sounded like a petulant child, not a grown-up and extremely bright fourteen-year-old. He looked quite hurt. She sat back in the couch Well, anyway, I can stay with Nana Lucero. White Cloud is there too. I’ll be fine, she said, trying to sound a little less angry.

I’m sorry, Shaylae, but as much as I respect your grandmother and Dr. Martinez you know your father wouldn’t want you there.

It was true. Her dad had hardly ever mentioned Reycita’s mother and grandfather since her disappearance, and he had never visited them, not once. Shaylae’s only contact with them was limited to infrequent weekend visits, and even then, he was reluctant to let her go. It must have been too painful for him to be reminded of his beautiful Navajo wife.

It won’t be for long. I’m sure he’ll be back soon, he repeated. His kindness and concern made her feel sorry for being rude.

Shaylae jumped up, startled, as the door burst open and two men stormed in. It was the same two men she had seen rushing into the senior building a few moments earlier. Their appearance shouldn’t have been threatening but they oozed frigid cold and hatred, their bright blue eyes unemotional and expressionless, hardly moving, their jaws set and their lips tight. Her eyes widened as she recognized the Lab Security emblem on their jackets.

What is going on here? asked one of them with disquieting calm. And what are you doing here, Doctor Youd?

I just thought…

You just thought? he said with a contemptuous sneer. You should know better!

I was thinking of the child. Dr. Youd stood up boldly, but the expression in his eyes spoke anything but confidence.

I would say you weren’t thinking at all. Our department has to clear anything related to lab security. You of all people should know that, Doctor. He spoke with no passion whatsoever, his voice almost inaudible.

All we can do now is contain the situation, said the other man, looking around the room at nothing in particular. We can take it from here. He turned his attention to Shaylae. So you’re the famous Dr. Mateo Rodrigo’s daughter? He took her by the arm forcefully and pulled her up from the couch. You can come with us, young lady. We’ll find somewhere for you to stay until your father returns. His voice had taken on a much more threatening tone sounding like a low growl in his throat. Even though his lips were tight, pressed against his teeth, his eyes were grinning, an evil grin.

I’m not going with you. Her heart was pounding so hard it hurt, and her stomach churned. She sensed a wave of loathing emanating from the men flowing over her like thick gooey slime. She shivered and wondered why two men she had never met before would hate her.

Leave… her… alone! shouted Dr. Youd, his hand outstretched toward the man who still held Shaylae in a vice-like grip. He took a step toward them, but the other man put his hand forcefully against his chest, pushing him backwards.

Dr. Youd, said Shaylae, desperately afraid that something terrible was about to happen. Her arm was beginning to go numb. Frantically she shook herself free of the man’s grip.

Don’t be foolish. Just come with us, he said, reaching for her again. She tried to back away but she froze like a helpless fawn in a set of bright headlights.

Dr. Youd had managed to push his way past the other man. Leave her alone! he said quieter than before, but he had his teeth and his fists clenched. He stood between Shaylae and the men. She can come with me. I can take care of her until her father returns. He stood a few centimeters taller and more than a few kilos heavier than them.

The first man gave a short, scornful laugh. "You think you can stop us?"

That’s exactly what I think!

Shaylae peeked out from behind Dr. Youd at the two blonde men. She was sure this was going to get ugly. For a moment, an ominous silence filled the room. The atmosphere felt charged, just as it did before a lightning storm, except, to Shaylae at least, this felt a whole lot more dangerous.

Finally, the second man sighed and muttered something to the first, who curled his lip, nodded and held up his hands.

Very well, Doctor. But rest assured, this isn’t the end of this matter, he said, shaking his head and pointing his finger. And believe me, you’re going to regret this. He and his companion turned and walked down the corridor, leaving the door open behind them. Dr. Youd breathed out a huge sigh.

Thank you, Dr. Youd, said Shaylae when she was sure they were gone.

It’s OK, Shaylae, he said putting an arm around her shoulder.

She was still shaking. She put her arm around his waist and leaned her head against his chest, almost sobbing with relief. She could hear his heart pounding, almost as loudly as hers. What did they mean when they said you would regret this?

I’ve no idea. And I have no idea why they should have been so adamant about taking you with them.

Well I’m glad you stopped them. They scared me.

Me too, he muttered under his breath. Well, let’s get you back to my home; you’ll be safe there.

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TWO

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What is your destination? asked the car, as Shaylae and Dr. Youd settled into their seats and buckled up.

Home.

The car ascended to about one hundred meters and then picked up speed as the central traffic computer took over. The remainder of the short trip took place in silence; even the hum of the engines was barely noticeable. Cars passed them on both sides, and above and below as hundreds of people went about their daily lives, quite unaware of the disruption in hers. The huge National Lab sprawled beneath them, the lab where her father worked. She began to sob. Dr. Youd looked as if he was going to say something, but he just sighed and looked away.

Exiting traffic lanes, announced the car. The journey had only been a few minutes.

Here we are, said Dr. Youd as the car settled into the garage of his comfortable home on Yucca Drive.

I don’t have any of my clothes or stuff, said Shaylae. And I left my PID in the office.

Oh, I’m sure Ellie will be able to find some clothes for you, and don’t worry about your computer; we can pick it up tomorrow.

I don’t want to go to school tomorrow. I’m scared those men will come back and take me away.

Hmm, I don’t think you should either. You can stay here. You’ll be safe. I don’t think even the goons in lab security would be foolish enough to try to take you from my home.

Shaylae understood. Dr. Jack Youd was perhaps the most well-known scientist in the country, well, after her great-grandfather of course. Dr. Youd was no longer directly involved in research, but he was the perfect director. His political skills and personal magnetism made him the ideal front man for the research teams at the lab, keeping all of the petty stuff out of the way of the down-and-dirty scientists like her dad. No, they wouldn’t want the media coverage that taking her from his home would surely lead to—would they?

Dr. Youd’s wife walked out of the front door. Shaylae, she said with a broad smile as she put her arm around Shaylae’s shoulder. Ellie Graham had been almost a mother to Shaylae for the last nine years. She had always been there to talk to about the kinds of things girls didn’t want to talk to their dads about. Shaylae always felt comfortable being around her, and it was just what she needed now.

I’m sure everything will be OK. You’ll be home with your dad before you know it.

Shaylae smiled. Ms. Graham was right, her dad would be coming to get her really soon. As usual, Ms. Graham’s clothes were impeccable, and not a hair was out of place. She looked more like the wife of a president than the wife of a research director.

Thanks, said Shaylae. She felt a little safer than she had thirty minutes earlier.

Come on in. I’ll show you to your room and make sure you have everything you need. And how many times do I have to tell you to call me ‘Ellie’?

Shaylae followed her up the long curved staircase that ran from the marble-floored lobby up to the balcony on the second floor.

Here’s where you’ll be staying until your dad comes back. Ms. Graham opened the door. It’s not much but you should be quite comfortable.

A large window overlooked the gardens behind the house, and westward to the purple mountains beyond. Ms. Graham opened the window and the pleasant smell of lilac filled the room. The bed looked comfortable and inviting. To the left was a private bathroom; to the right a computer. On the wall facing the bed was a huge video screen.

It’s wonderful, she said, sure she wasn’t convincing anyone, least of all herself.

I’ll leave you alone to freshen up and rest for a while. She looked at her watch. Dinner will be at six, but please come down sooner if you like. She closed the door behind her with a reassuring smile.

Thanks, shouted Shaylae after her.

She went into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Tearstains marred her perfect olive skin, and the whites of her bright blue eyes were red. She was the only Navajo she knew who had blue eyes. She cried again. Even though her dad had been born in Malaga, southern Spain, his eyes were also blue, and this unusual trait they shared had only added to their daddy-daughter bond. They had always been close, even before her mom had disappeared, but since then they had become inseparable. How she missed him. What would she do now? What would become of her?

She splashed cold water on her face, but it didn’t make her feel any better. She walked back into the bedroom, kicked off her sneakers, and flopped down on the bed. She lay staring at the ceiling, trying to make sense of what had happened. Her dad was missing; mysterious, scary men had tried to take her away and had threatened Dr. Youd. What could it all mean? She started crying again, her heart beating wildly as the reality of her predicament weighed down upon her.

She pulled the down comforter over her but it gave her no comfort. Once again, she was the five-year-old little girl whose mom had disappeared. In less than an hour, she had gone from a self-confident, perhaps over-confident, young woman, to a scared and vulnerable little girl. This just wasn’t right; she should be sitting down eating Thai food with her dad. She buried her face in the pillow and sobbed. It just wasn’t right!

After dinner, Shaylae offered to help clean up, but Ms. Graham would hear none of it. I can take care of that later. Let’s go up to your room and watch a vid; we have a huge collection of movies going back a hundred-and-fifty years.

Shaylae managed a weak smile. She really did not want to be on her own and watching a movie sounded like the distraction she needed.

If you’re sure it’s OK.

They tried watching a movie, tried a few in fact, but nothing could keep her attention; she just couldn’t stop worrying.

I think I’d like to get some sleep now, she said after a while.

Ms. Graham hugged her. You want me to stay here until you fall asleep?

No, I’ll be fine; really.

Everything will sort itself out, you’ll see. Tomorrow your dad will turn up with a perfectly good, mad-scientist excuse, and you’ll laugh and be appropriately angry with him.

Shaylae smiled again. She hoped so.

Ms. Graham turned as she walked out of the door. You know where we sleep. You come and wake me up if you need me.

She sat in the window seat looking westward. It was just after nine o’clock. Venus was about to set, and just above, not quite as bright, shone Mercury. To the left was a star she couldn’t put a name to. She spoke a few commands into the computer. A picture of the night sky appeared on the screen. Procyon: that was the star. As she stared at it, a wave of fear worked its way down her spine, just as it had in the principal’s office.

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THREE

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Shaylae was suddenly wide-awake. It was so dark she could hardly see anything. She shivered, as if a heavy, damp blanket was smothering her. Her heart beat wildly and she breathed in shallow, quick gasps. Instinctively she sensed that someone, or something, was in the house; something so terrifying it filled every fiber of her being with fear. Her blood congealed around her heart like icy fingers. She sat up in bed, motionless, not knowing what to do; too scared to move or to cry out. The only light in the room came from the clock on the bedside table, eerily glowing 3:15. Even the moon provided no light. She dared not look around, her eyes fixed straight ahead, expecting any moment that this evil thing would come into her room.

Should she try to call for help? She couldn’t remember if there was a phone in her bedroom. Should she jump up and run for her life? But the only way out was past the horror that had invaded Dr. Youd’s home. The feelings of love and security that had filled her only a few hours before were gone, replaced by utter dread.

A shuffle… a footfall… just outside the door… She started to scream but stifled the cry by stuffing a fist into her mouth. Her will drained away, like water in a basin, spinning toward its doom. She turned her head, watching the doorknob, expecting it to turn and the door to open. Would it kill her? Maim her? The air shimmered like a dark curtain wafting in the breeze. It’s here. She could hold her fear no longer. The scream began deep in her gut and escaped her mouth with a horrifying sound.

A sleepy, dreamy feeling enveloped her. Her consciousness began to fade like colors at twilight as she felt her life slipping away.

Shaylae, come to me.

The voice, kind and gentle, coaxed her back to wakefulness.

Come to me, child. Now! It was White Cloud. Had he died too, and had he come to take her to the land of the dead? His warm and loving presence filled the room, driving out the darkness as surely as the sun drives away night. As she surrendered her life, she saw two blonde men holding strange, unearthly weapons. White Cloud’s arms enfolded her. Dying like this was not as bad as she had imagined. Her great-grandfather had come for her. She smiled; she was at peace. She looked into his dark, gentle eyes and squeezed him tightly.

Oh, my precious baby. Shaylae turned her head as Nana, reached out to her, tears in her eyes.

Don’t cry, said Shaylae taking hold of her. Are you dead too, Nana? Am I dead?

She shook her head. No, child, far from it. The Holy Ones have given you their protection. Nana pulled her closer. The velvet of her dress felt soft and warm against Shaylae’s skin and the huge billowing sleeves covered her like a mantle as Nana wrapped her arms around her. Thank the Blessed Ancestors you’re safe. She took Shaylae’s face in her hands, stood back, and looked at her, her eyes radiant in spite of the tears.

Now it was Shaylae’s turn to cry. Nana reminded her so much of her mother: tall, slender, and beautiful. Like her mother, her luxurious dark hair hung loosely around her shoulders, contrasting vividly with the glorious deep pink of her dress.

We’ve been waiting. We knew it would be tonight.

How did you know? And how did I get here? Knew what would be tonight? Am I in Sanostee?

Yes. You’re here in our home; safe. Your own power brought you here to us, said Nana.

Shaylae frowned. Power, what power?

Nana shook her head.

Who were those men? And why do they want to kill me?

I’m not sure they do, Shaylae, said White Cloud. They are the Dark Ones, the mortal enemies of Asdzáán Nádleehé.

Dark Ones? Enemies of whom?

Enough, said Nana, stroking Shaylae’s face with the back of her hand. We have to leave here. We have to get you to a safe place where the Dark Ones can’t find you until you’re ready. And we must get you ready for Kinaalda.

Kinaalda? Me?

Yes, child, Kinaalda. You’re ready now, I can feel it, as I’m sure the Dark Ones can, and that’s why they want you. Nana’s huge brown eyes were so penetrating that Shaylae felt as if they could see into the depths of her soul. They know that you will be coming into your power. Your eternal soul is strong, stronger even than your mother’s, and it is in perfect balance with your breathing soul. Oh, my precious child, you are in grave danger. We must get you to the heart of the Dine’h; we must go to Dzil Na’oodilii.

Dark Ones? Power? Breathing soul? Heart of the Dine’h? What was Nana talking about? But she did know about Kinaalda; it was the ceremony celebrating a Navajo girl’s transition to womanhood. Nana had said she was ready, but how did she know? Most of her friends had started when they were eleven or twelve and she was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong because at fourteen nothing had happened yet. Maybe Nana was right. Maybe she was about to become a woman, but what could it possibly have to do with the events of the last twelve hours?

We’d better call Jack before he calls the police, said White Cloud. He pulled his PID from his pocket. Jack Youd, he said. A few seconds later Dr. Youd’s worried face filled the screen.

Dr. Martinez, he began, his face deathly white. Something terrible has happened. We heard Shaylae scream, and now we can’t find her anywhere!

I’m here, Dr. Youd, said Shaylae.

You’re there? How?

Everything is fine, Jack, said White Cloud. Trust me. It’s a little difficult to explain, but she’s fine.

Dr. Youd looked confused. I don’t understand, Asaas, but if you say she’s OK.

Was there any sign of forced entry in your home?

No, he said. We saw no one? All we heard was Shaylae’s screaming.

I’m OK, Dr. Youd, really said Shaylae. She smiled. I told you White Cloud and Nana Lucero would look after me.

Come, child, said White Cloud after they had assured Dr. Youd that they would keep