The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 32

Gretjen sat at a hand-carved table, holding a quill to parchment.

"My Darling Son, Harm:

I hope my letter will find you well.

How are Anna and her family?

I wish you had joined us. Your father will send the passage fair if you have reconsidered.

I miss you so very much.

Your grandfather passed away on the voyage here. It was unexpected but there was nothing that could be done to save him. He loved you very much.

This country is breathtakingly beautiful and the settlers have been so welcoming. Your brothers are adjusting well and I see an improvement in their health since we arrived.

We met some wonderful people - Indians. We were told that some people fear them but from what we have seen, they seem harmless. In fact, they are rather shy - at least the women are.

Your father has taken to this land and speaks of wishing to be a missionary to their tribes. He is restless to keep moving farther inland. The boys are very excited to be on the move again. Adventure calls, it would seem. I would rather wait until spring. You will be a big brother again in the new year and that would give me time to recover, however, your father is impatient to begin the journey before winter.

I don't know how I will be able to write to you once we leave the settlement, so please know you are in my heart and thoughts even if you do not hear from me for some time. I wish with all my heart you were here.

Your father is leaving some money with our hosts here. If you write that you have changed your mind, Jacques has been instructed to send you your passage. We should be settled in by then and I am certain someone will tell you how to find us.

Please write as soon as possible. I long to hear from you before we leave.

Your loving mother,

Gretjen."

****

The Brandt family left the settlement before a letter arrived from Harm. Embracing Susanah, Gretjen held her husband's hand as they followed their native guides deeper into the beckoning forest.

"Every tribe, every nation needs to hear of Jesus," George smiled, his eyes sparkling in the early morning sunshine. "I feel the call of God so strongly in my spirit, it cannot be denied. Wherever He leads, I'll go..." He began to sing softly, the baby in Gretjen's womb rolling at the sound of its father's voice.

"This is as far as I go," Jacques halted, "The Mohawks are only friendly with the English. It's a shame really, but I am hoping when they come to know our Saviour, they will realize we are all one in Christ Jesus."

George nodded, "Of course."

"They may be more accepting of you as you are neither French nor English. God may have sent you here for a reason - to reach these precious souls whereas the door is closed to me and my people. I would caution you to be wise. You can never be too trusting."

Jacques was clearly holding something back.

A tall man with auburn hair stepped out of the clearing.

"Jacques," he glanced over his shoulder before extending his hand to the taller man.

"James, this is my friend George and his family."

"Ah yes, I received your letter recently." James turned his hazel eyes to study the brawny German before him.

"Welcome, George. I must warn you that your presence may be...how shall I say it? Well, I suppose you will see what I mean soon enough. Follow me."

James began to lead the small group before turning back. "Jacques, I will write as soon as I am able. Stay safe, my brother, and may our Lord go with you."

"And with you," Jacques gave a small wave before retracing their steps.

****

Gretjen rubbed her arms briskly. As Jacques disappeared from view, the finality of George's decision was more real than ever. Her chunky shoes twisted on the uneven ground as she struggled to keep up with their companion.

Tall and lanky, James moved swiftly, almost gliding over the uneven terrain. He glanced furtively over his shoulder as twigs snapped in the distance.

"We are surrounded by enemy tribes," he explained, "We need to reach the tribe before dark."

In the face of impending danger, Gretjen slipped off her shoes, the silky grass tickling her toes. Holding her shoes in one hand, she enclosed her free arm in her mother-in-law's, assisting the elderly woman.

Anna frowned, her eyes resting on Gretjen's stomach for a brief moment.

"Have you told George?" Her voice was low.

"No, not yet. I didn't want to worry him and George is so determined to reach the tribe before winter."

"You need to tell him, Gretjen. He will never forgive himself if something happens to this baby."

"Then I will tell him tonight..."

****

Chocolate brown eyes looked up as James entered the village, children playing just outside the longhouses' entrance.

A tall man with sharp features and a complexion that resembled molten copper approached the newcomers.

"Chief Black Bear," James faced the towering man, "These are friends. They love your people and wish to join our tribe."

Eyes narrowing, Chief Black Bear silently examined the strangers standing in their midst before laying a hand on Claus's cornsilk blonde head.

Gretjen held her breath; each moment seemed to last an eternity.

George looked between James and the chief before stepping forward with an extended hand. He patted his chest with his free hand.

"George."

A light flicked in the chief's eyes before he looked down at Claus again.

"Welcome to the Mohawk Valley."