The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 56

"Jaira," Gretjen waited until Jaira looked at her before continuing. "I know these changes are difficult for you. I cannot begin to understand how you must be feeling having just lost your husband."

Gretjen tenderly stroked Jaira's hand as she spoke.

"Are you a Believer in Jesus?"

Jaira nodded, not willing to release her scowl just yet.

"Then you might remember that the Bible says that all things work together for good to those that love God. We might not see it now, but God is still on the throne and in control. He knows the end from the beginning and is well aware that you are married to Strong Oak. His plan is bigger than what we can see right now."

Gretjen paused for a moment, waiting for her words to sink into Jaira's turbulent thoughts before continuing.

"Whatever our situation, we need to remember God is faithful and will not turn His back on us now."

Jaira's bravado cracked, "I am not so sure...I feel like my entire life is out of control and I have no say in any of it. I cannot be forced to love that man when my heart loves another. It isn't fair at all!"

Gretjen smiled sympathetically. She knew all about life not being fair. No one had asked her if she was okay with her mother's murder, with her son deserting them, with her husband choosing to live among this tribe without asking her. Without faith, Gretjen had nothing. This was not the time to compare notes on suffering and injustices.

"Give yourself time, and if you ever need to unburden your heart, I'm here for you."

Gretjen's kindness was a ray of light, yet it wasn't enough. Kind words weren't going to bring Eagle back or keep Strong Oak far, far away.

"I am not letting that man touch me again," Jaira negotiated her own conditions for her staying with the tribe.

Strong Oak grimaced at the irony of her demands.

It was a privilege to stay with the tribe and be offered their protection. She could have a much worse fate than his love. He was married to a fool.

Dark Star shook her head, placing a hand on his arm. Her eyes were empathetic.

"She is young. In time she may grow to love you."

"I won't beg,"

Turning, he left the longhouse.

****

A cry of pain escaped Dark Star's lips before she was able to muffle the sound. Chief Long Knife bolted up in the bed they shared, eyes searching the darkness as he reached for the knife he had concealed beneath the furs.

Dark Star dug her fingers into his arm to keep him from charging out of the longhouse after an unseen enemy or from another onslaught of pain, she would never know, but it was effective.

"It's time...please, wake your mother."

Realization dawning, the chief strode quickly to the opposite end of the longhouse. Within moments, not only was his mother awake but Maggie, her mother-in-law, Jaira and Gretjen.

The excitement was tangible as the women prepared to help with the birth of the chief's first baby, Small Bird, keeping the secret that this baby was the chief's second child. The natives who had survived the first raid were very aware of their chief's sorrow, his joy tempered by the realization that should they be attacked again, he could lose this one as well.

Jaira groaned as she moved the furs aside. It would look bad if she was the only woman who remained on her sleeping pallet. Besides, how much sleep would she get with her sister screaming like a banshee?

The men slipped out of the longhouse to await the birth, Chief Long Knife the last to leave, holding Dark Star's hand until the last possible moment.

A twinge of jealousy clenched Jaira's heart as she watched the tender exchange between the couple. She still didn't think much of Adelaide's husband. He was barbaric and Addy still had a husband waiting for her at home. It was wrong no matter what angle you chose to look at it, but their love for each other could not be denied. A tender love Jaira could only dream of.

Straightening her shoulders, Jaira joined Gretjen, remaining in her shadow as Dark Star travailed for the next several hours.

Claus poked his head in the entrance, "I'm hungry, Mamma."

Gretjen looked up, "I won't be too much longer son, please find your father and ask him to get you something to eat."

Claus nodded, his eyes wide as he listened to the screaming reaching his young ears.

"Is she going to live?" his voice trembled with worry.

"Of course," Gretjen smiled, assuring the young child, "There will be a new baby soon. Now, please go find your father or Hans and ask them to get you something to eat. I love you, Son."

"I love you too, Mama," and with that Claus disappeared back into the sunlight.

Gretjen turned back to Dark Star although speaking to Jaira, "Will you please go get some fresh water? It shouldn't be much longer. I'm beginning to see the head."

Jaira stood up, her joints aching from crouching for so long. Blinking against the dazzling sunlight she turned to walk to the river, avoiding the chief's eyes on her.

When he took a step in her direction, Jaira waved her hand as though brushing aside a pesky fly.

"She's fine, don't worry."

"Does she need anything? Is there anything we can do?"

Jaira couldn't help but grin. Gone was the chief's hardened exterior, a vulnerability in his features she had never seen before. At that moment he looked young and at a loss. Just how old was he anyway?

Empathizing with the young father, Jaira balanced the jug of water on her hip.

"Adelaide will be just fine. This baby is her fourth, so she is pretty much a pro at pushing them out by now. You've got nothing to worry about."

Chief Long Knife's eyebrow raised at the mention of Dark Star's English name. It had been so long since he'd heard it.

"Thank you, Jaira."

It wouldn't look proper if he asked her to convey his love to Dark Star. No, he was still chief and the eyes of the tribe were on him. He could never show weakness.