The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 89

Wolf smiled at the young chief. "Then let this be a night of rejoicing. God has raised you up, my friend, for such a time as this. I fear for your friend who has chosen to stay with Chief Red Hawk. Spring cannot come soon enough when they return to us. In the meantime, we pray for their safety."

"Chief Red Hawk is a wise man," Strong Oak stretched his hands out to the fire, "but from what I witnessed while at the fort, it is the English who are playing him like a fool. There is a growing animosity and whispers of war. I do not yet trust your new God, my chief, but I trust you and regret my part in the rebellion. With your permission, I will return to Chief Red Hawk's tribe and protect our friends. Gretjen would like to receive messages from Dark Star and I can act as that messenger."

"I led our tribe here to avoid participating in Chief Red Hawk's raids which go against my conscience and beliefs. I will not participate in killing the innocent. The French are not my enemy…" Flames illuminated the chief's features. "If we stay here for at least the winter, the tribe will be protected and we can remain neutral. I wish Chief Red Hawk could be convinced that he is merely a tool in a large game we do not need to be a part of."

"I believe he may come to the truth sooner than you think. Those in charge at the fort have not hidden their disdain and have publicly humiliated him for not bringing enough scalps to satisfy their blood lust. He can increase the raids, or turn his back on the alliance with the English."

"The alliance will not be broken," Dark Star spoke up, remembering history all too well. "The French don't stand a chance."

"Had you remained Wyandotte, you would have been wiped out for your friendship with the French people," Wolf agreed.

No one spoke. Mercy had spared many lives, yet this was far from over. George and Gretjen had placed themselves in great danger.

****

Chief Long Knife was in no rush to leave his position by the fire although the flames had died, only a warm glow remained among the embers. Gentle Doe's words whispered amid his thoughts long after she had retired for the evening. Holding their daughter, her eyes only on her new husband, his family had disappeared into the darkness. He had spoken the truth. It wasn't because of Gentle Doe that he had led the tribe south, yet, knowing she was alive had given him hope. Could he be blamed for wanting to see his heir even from just a distance? Surely not.

It was Gentle Doe who had been ripped from his arms - from his life. Once again, he wondered where he had gone wrong. How he had not seen the signs of unhappiness in his new bride. He'd tried to be a good husband, even though it had taken him months to fully give Dark Star his heart. Premonition? After all, she had trampled on it mere months later. Therein lay the difference between the women he had called "wife." One was loyal until another marriage had been forced on her. The second, however, did not know the word "loyalty" it would seem. If it were not for his son, Toris, well...

No, that was not the entire truth either. He loved Dark Star. The love between them had been slow to blossom, but it was there. He loved the woman who had filled his empty heart and given him the son he desperately wanted. The child who would one day lead the tribe when he, too, lay beneath their feet.

Standing, his movements were as graceful as a deer, yet there was no denying the strength resonating behind his action. His chiseled features exuded power. Nibbling the tender spot of her inner lip, Dark Star kept her eyes lowered although he had seen her flinch at his sudden movement. What had happened to her? Was she afraid of him?

A tenderness warmed his deep brown eyes as he gazed down at his wife who crouched still, unmoving. Her bottom lip quivered. Holding out his hand to her, he ignored the fact she didn't take his offered hand, gently drawing Dark Star upward until she stood mere inches away, directly in front of him.

With his free hand, he tenderly traced her chin, aware of yet another tremor she was struggling to hide. They'd only been separated for a short time and yet it seemed as though an eternity stood between them, rendering them strangers.

Uncertain of what to say, Chief Long Knife remained silent, but his hand holding Dark Star's was firm as he led them to where a sleeping area was set up. The furs had remained cold while she was gone, no other woman taking her place. He had one wife and had she not returned, he would not have remarried. He had an heir. There was no need for him to take another woman to warm his bed. It wouldn't have been fair to her. She would never have had his heart.

If only Dark Star knew what her silent husband was thinking as he led her to the furs. She hesitated, tugging her hand in a futile attempt to pull her hand away from his.

Chief Long Knife stopped, turning abruptly toward his wife who was struggling to break their physical contact. His frown deepened as his eyes trailed over her. Tilting her chin, their eyes met, his eyes boring into hers, searing in their intensity as he searched for answers hidden in her silence.

"You found her..." Dark Star's voice finally came out in a choked whisper. "Please, you don't need me now. I honestly don't know if you ever did. Please, just please..."

What was she begging for? He remained silent, uncertain.

"Please, you don't need to pretend anymore, at least not tonight when we are alone. No one is watching..."

"Pretend?" His expression was quizzical. "Do you think I was lying tonight?"

Dark Star blanched, regretting her choice of words.

"Oh, no, I didn't mean that you are a liar," her voice rose in obvious panic.

Chief Long Knife placed a finger on her lips, his action shocking her into silence. Not exactly the reaction he had expected, but then again, he didn't know what to expect at this point.

Stifling a sigh, he released her hand.

"It has been a long day for both of us. I didn't mean to frighten you."

His shoulders slumped forward for a brief moment, giving her a slight glimpse at his vulnerability.

"I assumed you would be comforted to know I am trying to lead you back to our marriage bed. I do not understand why you ran from me, but tonight...tonight I am content to hold you and welcome you back into my arms."

Dark Star turned her head, once again avoiding his penetrating gaze. That smoldering yet haunted look in his eyes set her heart racing.