The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 51

Fawn left her husband's side, approaching the younger chief.

"What troubles you, Son?"

Chief Long Knife sighed but kept his promise that he would honor Chief Black Bear's wife.

"I am not certain what to do with the warriors who betrayed me and my tribe."

Fawn twisted a gray-streaked braid, frowning herself. It was true, he was in a predicament.

"Our lives were spared and for that, we owe a great deal to your husband and God, however, this mutiny was planned for months. If I let it go, then I am a weak leader in their eyes and will have trouble at my door. I will never be able to trust my people and yet..."

Fawn kept her own counsel, waiting for the young man to wrestle with his thoughts uninterrupted. She didn't have long to wait.

"I know God requires I forgive these men and I must obey God, yet as a leader, I need to show my tribe my strength or we will be in danger in the future."

Chief Black Bear lay against a pile of furs yet was still able to hear the conversation. "More than this matter troubles you. Is it that you do not wish to be a Mohawk?"

The old chief had a point. It was rather distasteful that he should lead a people who were his sworn enemies. The Mohawk were known among the native tribes as "Man-Eaters" and a tribe that unleashed fear in any that were not a part of the Iroquois Nation. Given the choice, Chief Long Knife would rather not have anything to do with this tribe. Instead, he avoided answering that question.

"One of my warriors arrived this evening. He has not acknowledged or apologized for the part he played in this coup. He also brought along a woman and seems to wish to continue as though nothing has changed over the past few months. I told them I do not wish to see their faces right now. I need time to make a decision concerning them. If I ban them from the tribe-"

"-You may win yourself a sworn enemy," Chief Black Bear coughed until bloody saliva dribbled from the corner of his lips.

Fawn discretely wiped away the moisture, preserving her husband's dignity, but her eyes were filled with tears.

Chief Long Knife frowned. He knew he was blessed the Mohawk chief still held onto life. He wasn't so proud as to not admit he needed the training in the ways of the Mohawks or the Iroquois Confederation, but his heart was frosty. Surprisingly, it wasn't the Mohawk people who chilled his heart, but his own treacherous warriors.

"Perhaps it is in your compassion that you will show your greatest strength," Dark Star looked up into her husband's troubled eyes. "In your mercy, you will set yourself apart and win their loyalty."

Chief Long Knife looked at his wife, concealing his surprise. Naturally shy, and especially since the death of her children, Dark Star rarely spoke. His gaze softened as he looked down at the gentle hand she placed on his arm.

"I will deal with this matter in the morning when I have time to pray and sleep on it. Thank you for your wisdom Chief Black Bear and Dark Star." Turning his full attention to his wife, he lowered his voice, "Your sister has returned."

****

Jaira looked from Strong Oak to Eagle, then swallowed hard. For the first time in her life, she wished Chief Long Knife hadn't walked away. The irony wasn't lost on her. Just a few months ago she was only too happy to never see him again and yet, right now, at this moment, she wanted nothing more for him to return and rescue her.

Eagle knew this tribe well along with the layout, unlike Strong Oak who stood where he had, uncertain where to go or what to do. Turning on his heel, Eagle walked away, disappearing into a nearby longhouse.

"Well this is just great," Jaira muttered to herself.

Within a few moments, an elderly woman appeared, a gentle smile softening her weather-worn features.

"Follow me," she motioned with her hand.

Gripping Jaira's wrist, Strong Oak followed Fawn toward a third longhouse that was relatively empty. Fawn looked away from the empty cots, a stark reminder that the angel of death had come to visit.

Smoothing her hand over a few furs, Fawn smiled at Jaira, "You will be comfortable and I will see you in the morning."

Without another word, Fawn turned and left, leaving Jaira in the grip of her husband.

Jaira swallowed hard, fear evident in her eyes. She could have gotten this done over months ago while she had Adelaide for support, but no, she had been obstinate in her loyalty to William and where had that gotten her?

Strong Oak tilted her chin with a surprisingly gentle finger and a moment later she completely forgot what she had been thinking of.

"We aren't married!" Jaira protested as Strong Oak laid her down on the soft furs.

"I recall the wedding."

The dim lighting of the longhouse easily hid the humor shining in his eyes.

"I wasn't a willing bride. I recall having no choice in the matter!"

Strong Oak lowered his head, his lips centimeters away from hers, a warm hint of what was to come.

Panicking, Jaira struggled against his broad chest, "I love another!"

"You will grow to love me," Strong Oak was clearly unphased.

"Do your best, but I will never love you."

A burst of gentle, rumbling laughter surrounded her.

"You already love me."

Indignant, Jaira's heart beat erratically.

"Pride goeth before..."

Strong Oak didn't let Jaira complete her quote.