The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 69

Chief Long Knife walked at the front of the tribe, his warriors keeping a respectful distance. Word travels fast, even faster when the tongues telling the tales are laced with bitterness. Why Kajirowirago was chosen to find the chief's bride was not something to be overlooked, yet none of the men guarding the women and children as they followed the chief's lead dared voice their disgruntled thoughts.

Chief Long Knife wasn't aware of the dark thoughts or scowling features of those behind him.

"God of Brebeuf, if you are truly real and still hear my prayers, please spare the lives of my wife and baby. I have lost everything - two wives and all the children I was blessed with.

My grief is more than I can bear and yet I must be strong for a tribe who's been the enemy of my people - a leader before men I cannot trust. God of Brebeuf, I fear I cannot go on much longer and need wisdom. Please have mercy on me... I admit in humility before You that I am but a man."

****

Adelaide reached out in her sleep, her hand searching for the familiar lines of her husband's firm chest, the steady, unfaltering rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips. The furs beside her were cold to the touch.

Sitting up in the darkness, Adelaide clutched her sides as she struggled to catch her bearings, her breathing ragged, coming out in puffs in the frigid air. The whimpering of her son brought her back to the present and the decision she had made which had sealed their fates.

Chief Long Knife wouldn't be coming. Perhaps he still hadn't realized she had left. It didn't matter any longer. Adelaide had lost track of time and, as much as she hated to admit it, longed for her husband.

Regret.

Rest finally came moments before the village once again stirred to life. Excitement was in the air, a smile on weather-worn faces. Even the elderly seemed to have a secret that caused their eyes to sparkle.

"You will come with us to the fort, won't you?" One of the young women looked in her direction.

Adelaide didn't know the woman's name yet and felt her shoulders shrug.

"I suppose so. Is that why everyone seems so excited? What is the occasion?"

"We will trade for supplies to last us through the winter. The English are our allies and pay a good price for furs…" The young lady hesitated, mumbling under her breath, "...and other things…" before looking away.

"English? As in people like me?" Adelaide adjusted Torris in her arms. This just might be her big break.

The woman she was speaking to frowned, her eyes narrowing.

"You are one of us…"

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that or to cause any offense. It just has been so long since, well...it's a long story. Never mind, I really shouldn't have said anything. What are you hoping to get at the fort?"

Adelaide's companion didn't seem to mind the topic change, her frown melting away.

"Beads. I am hoping to add them to my wedding dress. Sharp Claw and I are to be married in the spring as soon as the snow melts."

"That will be nice…"

Adelaide's eyes were focused on the distance. Within hours she might have news of where she could find the French village she had been at when kidnapped. Once there, she could only pray she would be able to find the portal that led back home. Just maybe this would all be a terrible dream and Gavin and her children would be waiting for her at the other end.

Swallowing the raw lump of tears constricting her throat, Adelaide stood, "Thank you for telling me. I am looking forward to joining you. Perhaps they will have some fabric…"

Adelaide couldn't reveal her true motives. Not yet anyway. If all went well, she would not be returning with the tribe this evening.

It was now or never.

****

George raked his calloused fingers through his graying blonde hair, unaware until now at how shaggy he must look. Over a year had passed since he had turned his back on civilization as he had known it, taking on the identity of a native. That decision held no regrets and yet now, well, now he felt completely out of place standing in the midst of settlers milling about the fort.

A few women glanced in his direction, then quickly scurried away. George hid a grin - what a sight he must be!

"I haven't seen you in these parts before," a gangly young man with a five o'clock shadow approached him. "What brings you here?"

"I'm looking for a woman."

George's answer was met with laughter which seemed as though to emit from the youth's belly, surprisingly deep in comparison to his pubescent voice.

"Well, that's a first!" The young man laughed again, "But yes, you are right. Women aren't exactly plentiful around these parts. I've heard talk that they may be sending a few over from Britain," he lowered his voice as though sharing a secret. "They are looking for a better life and are willing to take on life in the wilderness. You might want to hold out for one of these women. The ones around here are married except for one, but she is trouble," he chuckled as he rolled his eyes. "Oh, where are my manners? I'm Jonathan, but most folks call me Jon."

George immediately liked the young man, yet before he could introduce himself, Jon was joined by others.

"What brings you here?" An older gentleman stepped forward.

"He's looking for a wife," Jon grinned.

"Oh, no, I'm married. I'm looking for a friend's wife. I believe she might have headed this way."

Well, that certainly came out wrong. Their raised eyebrows confirmed his blunder.

"I'm…" George hesitated a moment, unsure which name to use. Glancing about him, he decided to opt for his birth name. "George."

The men looked at him with suspicion, but he couldn't exactly blame them. Who didn't know their own name? Kajirowirago may have set off alarms and that was something he wasn't ready to risk.

The elderly man who had been the second to speak to him looked at him with narrowed, watery blue eyes.

"He doesn't appear to be French…" He spoke to himself.

"No, no, I am not French," George assured, although he didn't quite understand why it mattered, "I'm German."

"Well then, that is just fine. Come with us and we will get you cleaned up. You look like you've fallen upon hard times. Don't worry, we'll get you sorted out in no time, then you can tell us your story and how you found us."

"Thank you," George grinned, thankful for the hospitality and hope of a hot bath, a luxury he hadn't realized he missed until now. Refreshed, he would resume the hunt for Dark Star.