The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 88

Gently rubbing Toris' back, he turned his attention to Strong Oak who stood awkwardly to one side.

"Join us," Chief Long Knife summoned the young man, waiting for the warrior to sit before continuing, "Thank you for bringing my family to me."

A wealth of unspoken words hung in the air.

Uncertain about what to reply, Strong Oak merely nodded his acknowledgment of the chief's gratitude.

"Where is Kajirowirago and Gretjen? Their children?"

Strong Oak rubbed the back of his neck, "They have chosen to remain with Chief Red Hawk and his tribe at least until the spring. Gretjen longs to receive word from their eldest son and by staying closer to the fort…"

"Of course," Chief Long Knife turned to Wolf and Gentle Doe, "They are from across the waters but joined this tribe before I arrived. Chief Black Bear trusted them and they have proved their loyalty since the time I have been chief."

"Yet they chose to stay with Chief Red Hawk?" Wolf's frown deepened. "I wonder if they will survive the winter. Do they know the truth?"

Chief Long Knife looked down at Toris. "No."

"It doesn't surprise me that you wouldn't share your motives with an outsider."

Chief Long Knife met Wolf's eyes. "He is one of us. His blood bleeds red. I would trust Kajirowirago with my life, but the timing wasn't right and I didn't tell anyone my motives. I need my warriors to trust me out of loyalty, not because they need to understand why I make my decisions. I trusted my people and was betrayed…"

"It wasn't because of you the Wyandotte were wiped out…" Gentle Doe leaned forward, tears glistening in her deep brown eyes. "Our people never stood a chance."

Wolf clenched his jaw. His wife, although Iroquois now, spoke the truth. The animosity between their tribes would have eventually wiped out the Wyandotte. It was only a matter of time. Unfortunately, plagues and betrayal from within hastened their destruction. The truth, however, would not comfort the grieving chief and he fell silent.

"Long Knife," Gentle Doe's voice was a soft murmur although it was painfully clear she struggled against tears constricting her throat. "It is done. What is done is done. We were never meant to be torn apart from each other. Our families knew we would marry before we were old enough to say our first words. Always best of friends, our destiny was written in the stars, and yet, we are both happily married. We accepted what happened.

Our tribe was wiped out, but God knows the end from the beginning. He knew Chief Black Bear would trust in Him and search for you to carry on his legacy - to lead our enemy tribe. God knew before you were born you were meant to be a chief, not only of the Wyandotte, but of the powerful Iroquois Confederation.

He has already written your story, don't you see? It may not be the story either of us would have written for ourselves, but I see mercy. I see lives that were spared…" She turned her head, fixing her gaze on Strong Oak.

"I see those who were traitors having a change of heart and proving their loyalty to you again and again. And yet…" Gentle Doe swiped away at an unbidden tear as her thoughts retreated from memories that still filled her dreams, "...and yet we are yet to see what God sees - the end of the story. We are all part of a larger picture we do not yet see. As you said, you don't need to explain your motives to the tribe. You need to see their trust in your decisions. Is not God, our great leader, not the same?"

Tears tumbled down Dark Star's cheeks as she listened to Gentle Does wisdom. She was right. Nothing was a surprise to God, and yes, He too was searching for loyalty and faithfulness of heart.

Chief Long Knife wiped away her tears with his thumb before drawing her within his embrace.

"You speak with wisdom, Gentle Doe, and I thank you for your counsel. I have not been thinking clearly about these matters, blinded by the pain of the past, and the torment of losing every child I was blessed with. Losing you and our baby tore my heart out and for many moons, I wondered what had become of you. I never dreamed I would live to see my daughter. And yet, a good man is raising her and I have no need to worry.

It is a miracle you are also a believer, Wolf, and we who are mortal enemies, sit together in friendship. I do not know why our children died in the plague," he spoke softly, meeting Dark Star's tear-filled eyes, "and I don't think we will ever know, but God gave us a son to fill our empty arms. He spared our lives and the lives of our people who survived the plague and brought us to a place of safety where we can thrive. Yes, I see mercy as well."