The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 53

Eagle watched as Jaira accompanied her sister to the chief's longhouse. His eyes skimmed over Dark Star. She was slender and tall, carrying herself with confidence, her posture perfect. A hand resting protectively over her round stomach, she didn't resemble her sister much at all.

Jaira seemed to notice his presence, stopping abruptly, and turning in his direction. Her face paled as she looked into his eyes before hanging her head.

A muscle worked in Eagle's jaw as he followed behind the women, joining the others for their evening meal.

Strong Oak sat a small distance from most of the other warriors, as though his shame rooted him on the outskirts of darkness. No one paid him much attention, aware of his part in the treachery that had brought their chief to this tribe. If it wasn't for Strong Oak and their accomplices, they would not have to be the dreaded Mohawk. The disgrace soured on their tongues, as his people who weren't involved in the coup turned their backs on him. It was well deserved, so Strong Oak didn't complain.

Eagle sat closer to Chief Long Knife and in turn, closer to Jaira who was perched at her sister's side.

"Are you well?" Brown Sparrow struggled to hide her grin as her eyes sought Jaira's. "I hope you are well rested," she nearly sputtered on her own words, trying to suppress a giggle.

Strong Oak instinctively puffed out his chest, as Jaira's head lowered, a crimson stain spreading up her neck until it reached her cheeks.

"I had sufficient rest thank you," Jaira muttered, glancing at Strong Oak beneath lowered lashes.

"You will be staying with the tribe then.." Brown Sparrow leaned forward, hopeful.

"I honestly don't know. I really don't feel like I belong with you guys. I can't be like you - abandoning everything to be like these Indians. For goodness' sake, Adelaide or whatever you call yourself now, you just gave up on everything, even your own husband. Prove me wrong...where are your kids? I bet you don't even know or care. I am not blind, I see you have eyes only for the chief."

Jaira couldn't have known what had happened to the children, but her words were a cruel blow to Dark Star's heart.

Chief Long Knife's eyes narrowed, glaring at Jaira. He hadn't been keen on her since they had first met. He waited a moment for Dark Star to say something, anything, but when she remained silent, only a great, salty tear tumbling down her cheek, he stepped in.

"This is not a conversation I wish to have today. It is distressing for my wife who is near her time. The children of whom you speak were lost in the plague that hit us," he swallowed hard at the sudden lump constricting his throat,

"They are with Jesus."

"Oh, Adelaide!" Jaira began, feeling like a fool, "I had no idea. I never would have said... Well, I didn't mean it. Please forgive me..."

Dark Star turned her head away. It was asking too much when her faith was so painfully small.

Baby Wolf fussed a moment before letting out an ear-throbbing howl.

"It is my fault," Brown Sparrow spoke, settling her baby against her heart, "I never intended to cause pain. I was only joking. Shall we start fresh?"

"I'd like that," Dark Star nodded.

Jaira bit her lower lip. "If we start fresh, does that mean I can be single again?"

She glanced over at Strong Oak who was clearly struggling to mask his emotions. Brave in the face of the enemy, he wasn't nearly as stoic when facing the emotions confronting him as Jaira made it clear before everyone gathered around the fire she wanted nothing to do with him.

****

Chief Black Bear's breathing was labored, his emaciated frame heaving with the struggle to intake oxygen. His wife knelt by his side, holding his frail hand against her tear-dampened cheek. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time before their chief entered the afterlife, yet it didn't make it any easier. No one would wish to watch a man die, and their chief was greatly loved.

Long Knife stood on his other side, fists clenched. The truth was if it wasn't for the dying man's intervention, he'd likely have been the one to enter Heaven's pearly gates first. He owed Chief Black Bear a great debt but with lowered head assured the man before him that as long as he had breath, he would love and lead the Mohawk tribe as though those were his own children.

Chief Black Bear smiled weakly between yet another coughing fit. "I chose well," he spoke softly with his wife, only increasing her soft sobs.

Long Knife turned away giving the couple privacy in Chief Black Bear's last moments. His spirit was heavy as he stood on the threshold of his new role.

It wasn't as though he didn't know how to be a chief and lead a tribe. Under Chief Black Bear's tutoring, he learned much about the ways of his new people. On the outside, he now looked as though he had been born a Mohawk warrior. No, the problem ran much deeper than outer appearance.

With the acceptance of Christianity, Long Knife lost the confidence of many of his people. If the Wyandotte had been so divided, how did he hope to win the trust and loyalty of a nation that'd been their sworn enemy?

Glancing discreetly over at Raven and Strong Oak speaking in hushed tones, the now-familiar talons of betrayal dug unrelentingly into his heart, twisting mercilessly.

Long Knife's jaw clenched as Chief Black Bear breathed his last.

In a single moment, he was once again, Chief.