The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 78

Becky ran from the fort without a backward glance, twigs snapping beneath her feet. Tears blinded her pale blue eyes, obscuring her vision.

A single scream shattered the stillness of the night seconds before Becky crumpled into an unceremonious heap on the forest floor. In the darkness, a stranger grinned at the buxom blonde's untimely death.

Like a man on a mission, Chief Red Hawk led raids on the neighboring, unsuspecting villages. In the middle of the night, they had no idea the angel of death was approaching. Revenge and still smarting from his earlier insult was a lethal cocktail. John and Gavin would regret their earlier actions by morning.

Carrying scalps dripping with the blood of innocent men and women who had been needlessly slaughtered in their sleep, Chief Red Hawk retreated with his warriors back to their camp as the last of the stars melted away.

Children wept softly as they were led toward the unfamiliar camp, their parents' hair wafting hauntingly in the breeze.

Strong Oak dismounted from his steed first before reaching up to assist the pale blonde. Gretjen's face was ashen at the ghastly sight, the chief's own hands crimson with blood. She had never witnessed the barbaric nature of the natives before, both Chief Black Bear and his successor, Long Knife, were far from cruel.

"It had to be done," Chief Red Hawk offered no further explanation.

What was Gretjen supposed to say? Her mind could not fathom any reason why something like this could ever be "necessary" yet, what was done, was done. She looked at the pitiful group of orphans, reaching out her hand to them.

A small, ginger-haired girl, suckling on her thumb, toddler over to the smiling woman although tears continued to tumble down the woman's cheeks.

"There, there now. It's alright. Come with me. You must be so tired. Let's get you settled in. These are my sons, Hans Jr, Claus, and the baby is Kajirowirago.

The Iroquois women held back, observing the exchange, yet now joined Gretjen assisting with the children. Chief Red Hawk watched the exchange in brooding silence before turning to the warrior.

"She is a good woman but I am surprised to see her instead of your chief."

"Gretjen volunteered to come. She is friends with Dark Star. Chief Long Knife sends his gratitude and eagerly awaits the arrival of his son but as for Dark Star, that is another matter. He was unaware she was married and...well, I don't need to explain further. Our people are proud. This is an insult that sears the soul. Having an heir, he will not humiliate himself by begging his wife to return to him. Chief Long Knife wishes me to also relay the message that he will not revenge the white man's foolish actions. He is content that his son's life was spared. There should be no deaths on his son's account."

Chief Red Hawk's eyes darkened as he entwined his blood-encrusted fingers. There was more to what the chief was saying but for now, he would have to let it rest. Tonight he would assemble his counsel, but first, it was time to pay a visit to the fort. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, although the humor did not reach his eyes.

Ducking his head into the entrance of their temporary wigwam, the chief's eyes adjusted to the dim light. Gretjen's golden hair gleamed in the flickering light of the fire, drawing his attention.

"I am going to the fort," he announced as he approached Gretjen, "I have a matter to settle but assume you would wish to join me. You volunteered to ride with Strong Oak..."

The chief appeared to be awaiting her explanation.

Gretjen looked up from Toris, but not before brushing a kiss on the infant's cheek.

"Yes, I would love to accompany you. I hope to talk some sense into Dark Star...er, Adelaide. I had thought of us to be close friends over these past months so it is my hope that perhaps she will have a change of heart if I speak with her. May I bring Toris with me? She must be missing her baby."

"Of course. The infant is under my protection and no harm will come to him, or you. Chief Long Knife has already sent your husband to the fort from what I have been informed by my scouts. Your sons should join us as well so they may see their father. We are leaving shortly. I will be waiting for you outside."

Without another word, the ruggedly handsome chief turned and disappeared into the morning light. A low rumbling of voices could be heard through the entrance, but Gretjen focused instead on gathering her sons, holding both babies against her chest.

"Thank you so much for taking care of our chief's son," Gretjen smiled at Toris' wet nurse, "I hope to see you again."

"It was an honor," she replied with a shy smile.

****

Chief Red Hawk looked up as Gretjen approached, flanked by her blond sons. He nodded before stepping just in front of the family, the group surrounded by warriors. The Englishmen would be fools to double-cross them.

At the sight of the fort looming ahead, the chief stopped, turning abruptly.

"Do not leave my side no matter what happens," he warned. "I am responsible for Chief Long Knife's son and do not take that responsibility lightly. Should any harm fall to that baby, blood will be spilled."

His words were as cold as ice, sending a wave of chills down Gretjen's spine. She didn't doubt his words, glancing furtively at the scalps they carried. Gretjen wouldn't be making any mistakes.