The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 76

Strong Oak slung Claus over his shoulder, his older brother running ahead. Eager to be on an adventure or joyful at the promise of seeing their father again, either way, the children were excited as they left the camp behind.

Gretjen rode in front of Strong Oak, resting against his chest. He was a large man, although not quite as tall as the chief. Feeling the rippling of his muscles against her back she wondered if that is how he had come by his name. Surely she had nothing to fear sheltered within the warrior's arms. He'd given his word to bring her and the children to Chief Red Hawk in safety. The sooner they reached the tribe's encampment, the better.

Strong Oak, however, kept the stallion at a leisurely trot, taking care to not endanger Gretjen or her infant. The horse's pace was kept so slow her elder son easily outran the horse.

"Do you need to rest?" Strong Oak's voice was low, laced with concern.

"No, I'm fine. I am eager to reach our destination."

"We will not arrive until tomorrow at the earliest. It is too dangerous to increase speed. I gave my word."

Gretjen nodded, the late afternoon sunlight highlighting her features. Much-needed sleep soon claimed her.

Ever watchful, Strong Oak noticed the moment Gretjen succumbed to sleep, adjusting his arm to support her baby and his mother as he guided the horse with his fingers. Warrior and horse moved as one.

He'd need to stop soon and set up camp before sunset. Using his knees he slowed the horse into a walk, guiding the stallion toward the river's edge. They'd covered several miles. It was enough.

Gretjen woke up to the sensation of Strong Oak stirring behind her. He didn't say a word, simply reaching up to help her dismount from the steed. She stood as she watched the warrior prepare a makeshift sleeping area for her and her boys.

"No harm will come to you," he promised, standing guard.

"Thank you, Strong Oak. Come boys, let's say our prayers…"

Strong Oak shifted his weight as he listened to the soft voices of the children praying to a God they clearly trusted. As for him, things weren't that simple. What kind of God would stand back and watch an entire nation be destroyed, cursing them with the plague not only once but twice before their greatest enemy wiped out the survivors? He had been a fool and yet if he hadn't betrayed his chief, would Long Knife be the leader of the Iroquois? It would have been unthinkable a year ago. None of it mattered - it was his betrayal everyone remembered. No, the children would discover in time, no one was listening to their innocent prayers.

"...Bless Mr. Strong Oak. Help him to stay awake tonight and make him extra brave," Claus prayed in earnest, bringing a smile to his mother's lips. Even Strong Oak's eyes sparkled at the child's prayer. Sweet innocence.

"G'night Mr. Strong Oak," Claus interrupted his thoughts.

The children bid their goodnights to the warrior before slipping beneath a large fur they shared. Their mother leaned against a tree tending to her youngest child. Her voice was soft as she sang to her boys, lulling them to sleep. The song was foreign to Strong Oak's ears but was soothing.

His heart clenched, longing for a wife. Fate had dealt him two great blows. The death of his precious wife and the betrayal of his second who clearly despised him. He felt Chief Long Knife's pain. Their wives were sisters and clearly hadn't a loyal bone between the two.

*****

Gavin knew it would be impossible to avoid his wife long-term but he was in no mood to seek her out. He knew he'd be in for an earful. The past months had been...freeing. Okay, there, he said it. Without a nagging, controlling wife watching his every move, Gavin had begun to live again.

Sure he had Becky yet he had no intention of marrying her. Once free of the ball and chain, he wasn't foolish enough to be weighed down again. Adelaide returning was something he hadn't counted on, yet here she was.

"What are you going to do?" Becky breathed against his neck, her lips softer than satin.

Gavin shrugged. He needed time alone.

"This can't continue now…" He groaned, his voice tinged with regret.

"You can't mean it," Becky's star-blue eyes misted with tears. "I thought...well, I assumed you intended to marry me. We've been together for so long, I thought you were going to do right by me…" Her voice trembled.

She should have known better. It was too good to be true. What would her mother have thought? She would have disapproved of their relationship from the get-go.

Scandalous as it was. Becky fell hard and fast for the widower. Young and alone on the frontier, she needed a man's protection and Gavin needed her as well. Two grieving souls found healing in each other's company.

"Let them talk," Gavin had brushed aside her sadness when tongues had wagged, "They are just jealous."

And why wouldn't they be? Becky had caught the eye of the most handsome bachelor at the fort. Now...no, it couldn't be.

"Ah Becky, don't go crying. I can't bear to see you in tears. Look, I'll talk with her and I'm sure she will understand. So much time has passed, and it is crazy to think we would just pick up from where we left off as though nothing has happened. My feelings for you haven't changed. You know I love you. Look, let me sort out this problem…" Gavin stood unwrapping her milky-white arms from his neck.

"Gavin, she will never let you go. She left her new husband and her baby for you. That is devotion! You can't have us both and you know it. You must decide. Follow your heart…" Becky swallowed hard, surprised she had defended a woman who could take everything away from her. It was the truth and the truth could not be denied.