The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 79

Low voices reached their ears as they entered the wooden barricade. Voices that were so low it was impossible to make out their words. Gretjen scanned the faces of the warriors but couldn't spot Strong Oak, although she assumed he would be among the number surrounding them.

Shoulders straight, his chiseled jaw set in determination, Chief Red Hawk strode toward John, tossing the scalps onto the table.

"This should satisfy your thirst for blood," the chief snarled his eyes molten lead. His steely gaze turned to his companion. "And this..." He held up a scalp with long, loose curls for all in the room to see, "Is for you."

All color drained from Gavin's face as he recognized the silky blonde hair.

"Becky..."

A low rumble of laughter erupted from the chief's throat.

"A reminder when you see this beauty on your mantle, to rethink your actions. Dark Star's husband may not want to see your blood on his hands, but be warned, I am not Chief Long Knife. I do not forgive."

A strangled sound more like a muffled wail erupted from Gavin's throat before he was able to mask his feelings beneath an icy, glowering exterior. He couldn't show the natives they had succeeded in where it hurt the most - his feelings for Becky. He should never have let her walk away. Had he chosen her and the love they had built over the past year, she would still be alive and well in the safety of his arms.

Guilt tore at his soul mercilessly, the deep wounds already beginning to fester although it had been mere seconds since Chief Red Hawk had tossed what was left of Becky unceremoniously onto the table before him. With one flick of the warrior's wrist, he demonstrated Becky's life had meant less than nothing.

"This will not go unpunished," Gavin grit between clenched teeth, his features ghostly white.

John had been watching from the shadows, not more than a foot away, yet now he stepped forward placing a warning hand on the younger man's quivering shoulder. It was not the time to show weakness - or to pick a fight for that matter. He'd lived in the untamed wilderness far longer than Gavin and knew they were easily outnumbered. They needed the Iroquois as allies. God help those who were their enemies.

"Words were misspoken yesterday, I fear," John's words were smooth - calculated. "We have learned our mistake and it won't happen again. Your people are respected and the scalps you bring..." Low, mirthless laughter shattered the ominous tension between the men, "Well, it is more than our friend Gavin here could have produced. He spoke before he thought, nothing more. Come, let us put this behind us. The friendship between our people is far more important."

John held out his hand, willing his fingers not to tremble. Chief Red Hawk towered over him, his features unflinching. No, John wasn't a fool. He'd die a thousand deaths before provoking this chief. Word traveled fast on gossiping lips. He'd heard the tales of the man's barbarity.

Chief Red Hawk's eyes were still icy cold flint as he looked away, leaving John standing there like an idiot with his hand held out.

"Deal with this fool then," he gestured toward Gavin who stared him down. The saying, "If looks could kill," was an understatement.

"Of course. He is new and doesn't know the ways of the wilderness yet...or the importance of our treaty. We need you and you need us."

Chief Red Hawk wasn't so sure. They'd lived well enough without the white man's trinkets and promises before and surely could do without, but the English had also brought something other tribes were lacking: horses. They'd proven useful in battle and in raids. They were able to descend on unsuspecting tribes much faster, their enemies unable to keep up with them as they retreated with their captives and of course, the scalps the English constantly demanded. With rifles from the Dutch and horses from the English, they had an advantage that made them unstoppable, but John didn't need to know the truth or the weasel of a man at his side.

"I wish to see the woman you are keeping here. Dark Star. I will see with my own eyes that she is well taken care of before we leave."

"Dark Star?" John frowned and the chief stepped forward, a menacing scowl darkening his features.

Without thinking, Gretjen stepped forward, placing her hand on the chief's sinewy forearm.

"Adelaide," she clarified. "She is my friend and was very important to the tribe. Adelaide, Dark Star, is missed."

Gavin frowned. His wife's return had caused nothing but trouble. He avoided looking at the scalp next to John. She had brought death with her.

"Get her," John lowered his voice.

Gavin shook his head before stepping away, "Anna, get my wife now."

A petite woman, eyes wide as she looked up at the chief and his warriors ran out the door without hesitation.

John's eyes twinkled as he watched the retreating form of the elderly woman.

"I don't think I've ever seen her run. Looks like you managed to put the fear of God in her."

Red Hawk remained silent, but his eyes drifted down to the blonde woman still clutching his arm. Fear. It was his portion to strike fear in the hearts of his enemies. To lead his tribe and quell any chance of rebellion or mutiny. He was far from weak.

Gretjen felt the chief's muscles clench beneath her hand a moment before she looked up into his eyes in time to see a fleeting glimpse of tenderness as he met her gaze, then looked away. Suddenly shy, Gretjen lowered her eyes, removing her hand as she stepped back into the chief's shadow.