The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 18

Chief Long Knife wasn't anticipating seeing his children huddled in a canoe or his wife half-hanging out of the second, features ashen as she reached into the water. Immediately he knew something was wrong.

A second later, Falcon howled, leaping off his canoe, before sinking beneath the waves. A few minutes longer and Falcon would have been a widower instead of a bridegroom.

Thunder Cloud remained in the canoe with Brebeuf as Chief Long Knife launched out of his canoe and into Adelaide's with his long legs, alighting behind Adelaide with the agility of a deer. He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her to shore while reaching for the children's canoe with his free hand.

Joshua didn't have to be ordered, jumping out of the canoe before reaching for his sisters, hanging his head as he stood beside the chief. He needn't have worried, Chief Long Knife recognizing this escape attempt wasn't his doing.

Chief Long Knife glared down at Adelaide's head. He'd been too soft on his wife and she had taken advantage of his weakness. He'd deal with her later, he vowed, watching Falcon come to shore, a soaking wet, sputtering Maggie in his arms. He frowned, looking at Adelaide who had carelessly risked her friend and the baby's life. Were they so terrifying that she had felt the need to run and most assuredly lose their lives had they not shown up just then?

Thunder Cloud's thoughts were dark, but he kept quiet, knowing better than to criticize his chief's bride.

Chief Long Knife emitted a mournful cry as Thunder Cloud climbed out of the canoe, dragging Brebeuf behind him.

The women stepped out of the forest, unaware that the children and women had escaped.

Aquene ran to her son's side, hand covering her mouth. Not a word was said as she embraced the younger woman, bringing her into the warmth of the wigwam.

Small Bird followed, frowning at Adelaide, yet Chief Long Knife didn't release his hold on his wife. Turning to the children, Small Bird motioned for them to follow her back into the wigwam, first stopping to pick up Maggie's nearly full basket of berries.

The children hung their heads, ashamed at their display of ingratitude in the face of the kindness they had been shown. If it were up to them, they would never attempt another escape.

Adelaide's eyes blazed as she watched Brother Brebeuf brought to shore. He was the same man who had spoken passionately of his love for the natives' souls.

A look of recognition passed between them before he was dragged off, the warriors already forming a gauntlet. Yes, it would have been better if Brebeuf had met a watery death.

Chief Long Knife half-dragged Adelaide to the front of the wigwam, facing the end of the gauntlet Brebeuf must face. Tightening his grip on Adelaide's pale flesh, he signaled with his hand for the attack to begin as Brebeuf was thrust forward.

Brebeuf focused on the teary-eyed woman in the chief's arms as he ran, stumbling as a rock tore into his bloodied foot.

Adelaide reached for him as he fell forward at the finish line, but was yanked backwards against her husband's chest.

On his knees, Brebeuf remained, head bowed, blood pouring from his feet.

"Let him live!"

Adelaide half-twisted in her husband's arms, speaking a language he did not understand.

Looking into her reddened eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks, Chief Long Knife lowered his hand. The man prostrating just past her shoulders would be spared. A wedding gift for his bride, although she didn't deserve it.

Love. It was a strange thing.

Groaning in frustration, the young braves raised Brebeuf from the ground, guiding him into the lodge. They indicated a spot near the fire where he could warm himself, children peering shyly behind their mothers.

Joshua smiled at the familiar man who had spoken so passionately about his love for these people. Now Joshua understood the sermon. He inched closer to Brebeuf, smiling.

Brebeuf glanced at the blonde, blue-eyed captive, but said nothing, only a small glimmer in his eyes indicating that he recognized the youth.

****

Chief Long Knife sat across from Brebeuf, pulling Adelaide down between him and his mother, motioning Joshua to sit at his other side.

"Demon," he murmured to his companions, eyeing Brebeuf's black robes.

Evil had come to their village, clothed in black.

"The white man has sent a demon to us for taking their women and children. We must leave in the morning."

Falcon and Thunder Cloud nodded. It was time to flee once again.

Chief Long Knife glanced over at Adelaide. They'd cover many miles before this time tomorrow. She would be a fool to try to escape again, only raiding Iroquois parties between where they were headed and her old home.

She would never make it back to the fort alive. Unfortunately, he wasn't so sure Adelaide wouldn't take that risk. In that case, he would make her love him. Once she loved him, she'd rather die than leave his side.

Chief Long Knife's eyes twinkled as he turned his focus back to the demon in their midst. An evil presence, yes, but they would take him with them. If they let him go now, he could easily lead more of his kind to their village. No one was willing to take that risk.