The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 74

The tribe walked on eggshells with the pale faces, used as pawns in a game they didn't understand. Dark Star fleeing into their arms was something Chief Red Hawk had not foreseen. If they made the wrong move now… No, he wouldn't think of it.

He stirred the embers of the firepit, "John is not happy with the amount of scalps we brought. He accused me of being soft." The chief glowered at the flickering flames, "If he wants more scalps, then that is what we will give him...but he will eat his own words. This, I swear."

"What do you intend to do?" An older warrior traced the ground with a stick.

Chief Red Hawk seemed as though to suddenly change the topic, "Chief Long Knife is grieving the loss of his children. He has refused to join us on raids, instead taking the tribe further south. I gave my blessing as I knew he needed time to grieve, but now...no, he must join us. Revenge his son and decide what is to be done with his wife. By winter our hands will drip with blood and these pale-faces will have many scalps...We will drive their people out of our forests and fields. None will live. This is what they want." He grit his teeth before continuing, "They will learn I am not soft."

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Chief Long Knife stepped out of the wigwam flanked by his warriors as the rider approached, horse coated in white foam. Great puffs of steam escaped the stallion's flaring nostrils in the chilly dawn.

"Chief," the warrior lowered his head as he leapt down from his steed, striding towards the towering leader of the tribe.

"You were the last person I expected to see again," Chief Long Knife's throat tightened.

The warrior chose to ignore the chief's words, continuing with the reason for his reckless riding.

"Your wife has been found and your heir. Chief Red Hawk has sent me to you to give you the message. Dark Star has returned to her husband. The man gave your son to Chief Red Hawk. I was instructed to bring the baby to you, however, his wet nurse advised against it saying Torris is much too frail to make the journey and your decision is needed immediately. Chief Red Hawk awaits your instructions."

"My son," Chief Long Knife swallowed hard, tears burning the back of his eyes. "The right decision was made. I will not risk the life of my only heir. Come, you must eat and rest."

The warrior nodded, stepping into the shadows of the wigwam. Chief Long Knife placed a hand on the young man's arm, his fingers squeezing his brawny muscle.

"I have not forgiven you for your betrayal, but I wish to offer my gratitude for your service in taking care of my baby. It will not go unnoticed."

"Strong Oak!" Gretjen gasped as the warrior stepped toward the fire, "You've returned!"

CHAPTER 69

Strong Oak's eyes twinkled at the blonde's exuberant welcome.

"I am not here for long, Gretjen, but it is nice to see you as well...and the children," he smiled at the blonde boys surrounding their mother.

"How is Jaira?" Gretjen's smile was warm as she lowered her voice, "I assume you found each other."

"Yes, we did." Strong Oak looked away, a shadow passing over his eyes.

"Is she coming back?" Gretjen leaned forward.

Before Strong Oak could respond, Chief Long Knife joined them. Strong Oak sighed with relief. Jaira was a topic he would rather avoid.

"Where is my wife?" Strong Oak avoided eye contact with his companions, staring into the fire instead.

"Boys, go play outside…" Gretjen instructed her sons.

They wasted no time in obeying. There were some things children didn't need to hear.

"She is at the fort near the great river. Chief Red Hawk led his people to the fort bringing…" He paused, glancing at Gretjen's golden hair before continuing, "Some of the warriors had found Dark Star alone in the woods and they brought her back to their camp. She had the chief's protection. His plan was to join your tribe after his meeting at the fort, returning her to you. She was quiet, but of course nothing was suspected as it was assumed she is shy and still grieving the deaths…" Again, Strong Oak did not continue.

"Speak. I need to hear everything, no matter how painful."

"I saw her enter the fort where I have been staying. After Jaira…" he paused again, "Chief Red Hawk has asked me to be his eyes and ears on the inside. I saw her with the tribe's women and thought nothing of it until…"

Why was it so hard to tell Chief Long Knife the painful truth?

He skipped the small details, "Within a short time I learned she had another husband and had been searching for him. She left to be with him, but he was furious about the baby and would not let her keep the child. He arranged for the baby to be given to Chief Red Hawk. He could have made an end of the child, but showed humanity. The decision is yours but Chief Red Hawk wishes you to know your heir is safe and awaits your reply as to what is to be done about Dark Star. He has assured me they will not leave their nearby camp until you give him word as he does not trust the pale-faces and is concerned your wife may be in danger. I cannot stay long or they will be suspicious of my sudden absence…"

Chief Long Knife was silent. Deathly silent.

"Dark Star never told me she was married," he whispered at last.

"Perhaps she feared what would become of the man she loved after seeing how Brown Sparrow's husband met his end…" his mother spoke up, moving closer to the fire. Her son was clearly tormented by these turns of events.

"She never saw what happened to that man. I made sure of it. None of the women watched…"

Gretjen blanched, not fully understanding what they were discussing yet her stomach clenched, her palms suddenly moist.