The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 38

Dark Star was troubled as she lay in her husband's arms.

"I miss the man I married," she confessed, her voice a hushed whisper in the darkness.

"What do you mean?" Peter propped himself up on his elbow, before looking down at his wife.

"You've changed," Dark Star explained slowly, taking a moment to choose her words well. "Some change is wonderful, of course, but I can't help but miss the wild chief I married." She rolled her next words around in her mouth as though tasting them. "Peter Hendricks...it doesn't have the same appeal..."

Peter frowned in the darkness.

"I only want the Frenchmen to feel comfortable in our midst. My name may strike fear in them and this fort must be built. An alliance between our people is beneficial..." Peter explained a moment before suddenly grasping her wrists firmly in his hand, raising her arms above her head.

His grip was vice-like and unyielding.

In no uncertain terms, he reminded Dark Star he was the same bridegroom she had fallen in love with.

Eyes narrowing in the darkness, his features suddenly fierce he whispered mere centimeters from her lips, tasting her trembling sigh.

"For you, when we are alone, I will always be your Chief Long Knife."

The chief tightened his grip on her wrists, his wild side resurfacing, yet still incredibly tender. A heady elixir.

"Is that better?"

"Perfect..." Dark Star moaned softly, kissing her husband.

Now if he could only stay like this…

Dark Star couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she had herself to blame. Okay, so maybe it wasn't entirely her fault, but she and her people had changed this wild tribe and, before her eyes, they were losing their identity. The ball had been set in motion, there was no stopping it.

Nearly an hour later, Chief Long Knife rolled over onto his back, pulling Dark Star down onto his chest.

With slow, mesmerizing strokes, she traced the line between his pecs with her fingernails.

"It breaks my heart to see you changing, and I feel I am to blame."

He didn't say a word, catching his breath, but her words remained with him throughout the night. To survive, they would have to adapt to the change.

It wasn't exactly by choice.

****

Jaira awoke with a start as the fort came to life. Fearing she was too late, she bolted off the cot she shared with William, seeking her husband. She didn't have to go far, finding him just outside their makeshift dwelling.

"I won't do this William," she began immediately. "I just can't! There is no way anyone's blood will be on my hands."

William rolled his eyes, "It's too late now. We will be leaving in a few minutes."

"Then you will have to all go on your own and good luck with that."

"Jaira, you set the ball in motion, now you will have to follow through," he gritted between tobacco-stained teeth.

Crossing her arms across her chest, she frowned, looking at Eagle. Surely someone could be reasoned with.

"Your sister and the children will live," he glanced over at her. "We gave our word."

"But the others...it'll be a massacre!"

Eagle was nearing the edge of his patience.

"We need the money from the scalps. We will let the children live. Let's go."

"I swear, I will have no part in this. You'll just have to find the tribe on your own - without my help," Jaira pivoted on her heel, turning toward the cabin.

"If you don't show us the way, you will never see your sister again."

Family. What do they say? Family is thicker than blood? Thicker than water?

At that moment, Jaira couldn't remember.

"If we don't see each other again, then it is God's will. I pray we will meet on Heaven's shores. The blood of these people will cry out to God from the ground. No, I regret that I said anything...."

No one cared that she was filled with regret.

William thrust her forward, "Lead the way, Sweetheart."

The warriors flanking them prevented any means of retreat. Helpless, she hung her head.

Only God could help them now.

****

"He's returned!" Brown Sparrow found her best friend, excitement causing her eyes to shimmer.

"Who?" Dark Star raised an eyebrow yet was unable to hide her grin at the younger woman's enthusiasm.

"Brebeuf! I was hoping he was going to come back now that the fort is nearly complete," she giggled, eager to see the familiar face who had brought so much change to their people.

"How do you know he is here?" Dar Star stood, placing a gentle hand on her slightly curved stomach without thinking.

Brown Sparrow narrowed her eyes, now distracted, "Looks like you've been keeping secrets..."

Dark Star flushed, only affirming Brown Swallow's suspicions, then quickly added, "Don't you dare breathe a word! I want to tell Chief Long...uh...Peter first, but the timing hasn't been right yet. I'll be so glad when things settle down around here!"

"You don't have to worry - my lips are sealed. Honestly, I don't think things will ever return to normal. Change has come to stay..."

The women worked side by side, glancing up in unison as Brebeuf walked past, glancing down at the women who were now as close as sisters, a small smile the only indication he remembered them, but it was enough.

Dark Star, as the chief's wife, stood, approaching the Jesuit.

"It is wonderful to see you have returned to us. How was your trip to France?"

"A waste of time," Brebeuf's lips twisted into a wry grin, then added, "I have been most eager to return to further the work which our Lord sent me to do."

Dark Star nodded. She couldn't imagine being anywhere or doing anything else now. How life had changed!

Peter moved to his wife's side, unable to mask the pride that radiated in his eyes.

"You are most welcome," Peter greeted the priest he was indebted to, his eyes still lingering on Dark Star. He had been given two gifts - a wife and salvation.

"Come," he continued, "We will show you what has been accomplished in your absence. My wife and Brown Sparrow have been telling the children stories from the Bible and we have been learning some French as well as English. Our focus has been on the Beaver fur trade as you have recommended."

"Wonderful!" Brebeuf beamed, genuinely happy that the seeds bore fruit in his absence. He frowned, "And souls?"

Peter smiled, "Most of our tribe follow Jesus."

"Praise the Lord! That is wonderful!" Brebeuf's smile was contagious, "but there is more work for us to do."

He didn't have to ask twice, those who had accepted Christ along with Brown Sparrow and Dark Star more than eagerly joined in.

With the completion of the fort, the last of the smaller details were now focused on. Longhouses were erected in the center along with a chapel, blacksmith, trading post, and of course, the large wooden cross smack-dab in the center.

****

Strong Oak spoke with Black Bear, their voices low. Behind Black Bear, men showed with the foliage of the trees waiting. Silent.

"Do not lay a hand on our chief," Strong Oak nearly hissed, "Whatever you do, he is to remain untouched. I clear my hands of what you are about to do..." He walked two steps away from the warriors, before calling over his shoulders. "Just leave a warning."

And then he was gone. The leader, an unwilling participant.