The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 87

"It is well," Chief Long Knife agreed, looking over at the child once more. He was eager to see his daughter. "I remarried but have never stopped caring for you and wondering if you are okay. When I inherited this tribe…" His voice caught, strangled by emotions he still wrestled with.

"It's okay, I know what happened," Gentle Doe instinctively placed her hand on the chief's arm seeking to comfort him, then just as quickly withdrew her hand as though she'd been burned. Shuffling her feet, Gentle Doe continued, "I would like to be friends with your new wife. Wolf is a good husband and I hope you have found as much happiness."

Once more, unspoken words hung between the couple.

"My wife stayed behind," Chief Long Knife hedged around the truth. " My infant son is with her, although I pray we will be reunited soon. I couldn't leave the tribe…"

He didn't need to explain further his duty and sense of loyalty no matter how much of a struggle it was or how much personal loss he endured as a result.

"A son," Gentle Doe smiled, "I am happy you have an heir."

Strong Oak nudged Dark Star who stood listening to the exchange. There was no denying their words or tenderness between her husband and his first wife. Strong Oak nudged her yet again, but she pressed further against his broad chest, refusing to budge.

An infant's soft whimper drew the chief's attention to the new arrivals, an expression of pure joy softening his hard, chiseled features.

Gently caressing Adelaide's chin, he tilted his wife's face 'til their eyes met and held. Perhaps it was the timing, but there was no hint of judgment or condemnation in the depths of his gaze, for that moment, focused only on the woman who had run from him.

Addy swallowed hard, tears burning the back of her eyes as he drew her and their son close to his side.

"I'd like you to meet my bride, Dark Star."

Gentle Doe smiled warmly.

"It is nice to meet you, and your son. I hope you will feel welcome here. Although you must know the history between Chief Long Knife and I, well, I hope you will consider me a friend."

Dark Star paled, but nodded, "Thank you."

As awkward as the moment was, she didn't exactly want it to end either. Her husband's graciousness would likely come to an end the moment they were alone.

"You must meet my husband," Gentle Doe called over her shoulder as she led the way to the man in question.

Now, fully understanding, Brown Sparrow discreetly squeezed her best friend's hand as they followed Gentle Doe to meet the man who had kidnapped her. The man who, involuntarily, had forever changed the course of Adelaide's life.

Chief Long Knife's muscles flexed as he braced himself to face the man who had helped ransack the Wyandotte village, capturing their women and children. A knife, as though dipped in flowing lava then plunged into his chest and ripped through his soul.

****

"Wolf," Gentle Doe's voice was soft. "I'd like you to meet my friends."

"Friends?" The warrior stood taller, eyeing the group suspiciously. He made it a point to know everything that transpired within the tribe.

Gentle Doe swallowed hard as though she were also struggling before introducing the chief first.

"Chief Long Knife, my first husband. His wife, Dark Star, and their baby, Falcon, my brother, and his wife, Brown Sparrow. Strong Oak is Chief Long Knife's cousin."

"Wyandotte…" Wolf frowned, his scowl deepening.

"Mohawk now," Gentle Doe corrected. "Remember when Chief Black Bear was dying? He searched for the chief of the Wyandotte who also shared his faith."

A look of realization glimmered in the depths of Wolf's fathomless brown eyes.

"I lost my wife in the white man's disease that struck our tribe. It was our way, to raid and replace those who lost before Chief Black Bear heard about Jesus. What is done is done, but I would ask your forgiveness for taking your wife."

Chief Long Knife was unable to hide his surprise. In all the months he had thought of Gentle Doe and worried at her fate, never would he have thought this moment would come.

"I forgive you and also understand. I took my wife in a raid as well before I heard the Gospel from Brother Brebeuf. It is the way of our people, but now, we know mercy. My daughter, Fawn...Gentle Doe tells me you are a good father to her. I would like for Fawn and her brother, my son Toris, to grow up as friends, although she may never know the truth of her birth."

Wolf glanced over at Fawn, then nodded, "It is fair. She should know her brother, at the very least, as a friend."

Chief Long Knife reached for his baby, unmistakable pride in his expression as he held the squirming infant for Eagle and Gentle Doe to see.

"My son, Peter Toris Hendricks. He is named in honor of the priest who brought Christianity to our tribe. I owe him a debt of gratitude."

"He is a fine boy and will one day, Lord willing, be a great and mighty chief," Eagle spoke over the infant's head while Gentle Doe held out her hands for the baby.

"He is so precious. You are very blessed, Dark Star."

"Thank you," Dark Star murmured as Chief Long Knife wrapped his arm around her.

Maybe, just maybe, she had been wrong after all.

****

Stars sprinkled an inky black sky, watching in perfect silence as Chief Long Knife crouched by the fire, guiding Dark Star to sit at his side.

Gently lifting his sleeping daughter, Wolf settled down beside the chief, Fawn stirring within his arms. Opening her eyes for a brief moment, she wrapped her arms around Wolf's neck before falling fast asleep once more.

A fist clenched the chief's heart as he averted his eyes from the tender scene. He had long ago accepted his loss and the cards fate had dealt him, yet now that he was sitting so close to his little girl, his acceptance and resolve were difficult to swallow.