The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 75

Chief Long Knife glanced over at the infant at his mother's breast. It was best Gretjen didn't know about their past. For the sake of her baby, she didn't need to be distressed. He shot his mother a warning look to change the topic.

"I only married her to produce an heir. I don't need a wife. If Dark Star has chosen to reject my love and publically betray me, she has made her decision. I will not force her to return to me or make her love me. No, she has chosen the man she wants."

Chief Long Knife's jaw clenched, betraying his emotions.

"You didn't tell her you are married," Gretjen whispered.

Chief Long Knife's head snapped up. "How do you know?

"Dark Star and I overheard you speaking to Chief Red Hawk...that is why she wanted to leave. I kept her secret never believing she would actually leave, hoping she would be assured of your love or at least, stay for the sake of the baby you share. Why didn't you tell her you were married?"

"I didn't want to burden her with my sorrow. It was something she didn't need to know," the tall chief hung his head.

"Will you avenge your son? Kill Dark Star's husband and take her back now that you know?"

"No, my son's life was spared. There will be no blood spilled on his account."

Strong Oak looked away, certain Chief Red Hawk was going to be disappointed.

"I must return," he stood up, "What is to be done?"

Chief Long Knife remained crouched by the fire, flames highlighting the sharp planes of his chiseled features.

"I can return with Strong Oak," Gretjen placed a gentle hand on the chief's. "If we can travel slower, I will bring my boys with me and meet up with my husband at the fort. I have been wanting to see if there has been any word from my eldest son back in our country and I have more than enough milk to share with your son. Perhaps I can try to talk some sense into your wife, or at the least, make sure she is safe…"

Gretjen's offer was more than generous. Too generous.

"I couldn't ask this of you…" The chief stood.

"I insist. You have been good to our family. It is the least I can do to repay you for your kindness." She turned to Strong Oak, "Will you take me?"

"With the chief's permission…"

"No. I will not put your lives at risk because of Dark Star's foolish decision," he turned to Strong Oak, "You said there was a woman taking care of my son?"

"Yes, she has young children and her husband has agreed…"

Chief Long Knife paced the entrance before turning to his warriors, "Guard the tribe. I need to leave, but will return shortly. You are to remain at this camp until my return. Strong Oak, come with me. We need to talk…"

****

"The tribe needs you…" Strong Oak rubbed the back of his neck as he paced. "I know I haven't made the best choices in the past, but I swear this is a bad idea. If you leave the tribe now, they will lose faith in you. We aren't one of them…" Again his words trailed off as he alluded to his ultimate betrayal. "We never will be truly Iroquois. What is done is done, but we both know the Iroquois are blood-thirsty. One wrong move on your part could destroy the faith they have in you and then what? Their chief is cold in the ground - the only man who vouched for you. I know you want what is best for your son, but right now he is safe. Take up Gretjen's offer. I will ensure she and the boys are safe. It is the only choice..."

The muscle in Chief Long Knife's jaw clenched. Without a word to his companion, he turned away, calling the blonde boys to him. Their very presence reminded him of the son he had buried mere months before, wrenching his heart.

"Good boys," he commended them on their obedience, "your mother wishes to speak with you."

Following the boys, he spoke quietly, "Gretjen, Strong Oak is waiting for you. Thank you for your offer. We will remain at this camp until you bring me my heir, then we will move south. Gretjen, do not force Dark Star to come home. I do not desire an unwilling wife. Now that I have an heir, I am at peace."

Gretjen raised an eyebrow but nodded. The ways of the natives were still foreign no matter how long she lived among them.

"Let me hold the little one while you prepare," Small Bird offered, watching her son over the infant's silky blonde head. "As long as he has an heir, he can be at peace should he die in battle. A son means everything and Dark Star gave him what he needed before betraying my son. This is what the chief speaks of," she explained to the German woman who quickly gathered several items she would need for the journey. The answer was very sad, yet now Gretjen understood.

"I pray God will bless our chief with a long life. He is very good to us…"

"Yes, he is a great man but has changed much since Brebeuf came to us. He has lost much of his strength. This is something I fear. We are weakened because he is weak. Long Knife has far too much mercy and it will be his downfall should our enemies strike."

"It is impossible. No one would dare attack the Iroquois Nation!" Gretjen's eyes widened. "I have heard our people are feared by all other tribes…"

"Yes, it is true," Small Bird concealed her anguish as memories resurfaced, "but it is not our own people we need to fear but the treacherous white man."

Gretjen did not defend her race. She didn't need to. Her own mother had been murdered at the hands of her own countrymen - their neighbors. No, Small Bird was right to be fearful of betrayal.