Flight of the Crow (The Southeast Series Book 2)

by Paul Clayton

  Father Tomas walked on, exhausted. He came to a wall of vines and leaves. The foliage was as thick as an old man’s beard and seemed to go on forever. He was on the point of backing out and starting off in another direction when he suddenly broke through into a clearing. The Indian palisade loomed a short distance away. God be praised, he mouthed. Daylight was almost gone and a thin, cold fog was forming.

  Father Tomas walked through the darkening, fog-patched streets of the Coosa village. The natives paused in their tasks as they stood beside their huts and watched him. Only an old dog ambled up to sniff at him. Father Tomas continued walking.

  A young bravo approached. Father Tomas recognized him as one he’d seen in the company of Calling Crow at the trading place. He breathed a sigh of relief.

  The young man took Father Tomas’s elbow and guided him along. Father Tomas hoped he was taking him to Calling Crow’s residence, or at least to the residence of some headman who might know where Calling Crow was. They walked half the breadth of the village before stopping in front of a large hut. The young man pushed the priest toward the entryway and walk away.

  The hut was illuminated by a single large cook fire in its center. An attractive young woman stood looking at Father Tomas in surprise. He decided she must be Calling Crow’s Indian woman. He would have to talk to Calling Crow about that later. Now that he was married to Juana he could not continue living here. Next to her an ancient-looking woman used a stick to stir a blackened iron pot suspended over the fire. The young woman nodded at Father Tomas with trepidation as the old woman watched him warily. Over at the far wall, a girl of fifteen or sixteen years sat on the ground, stretching a skin on some pegs pounded into the earthen floor. Calling Crow was not there.

  Father Tomas approached the women and attempted to ask them about Calling Crow’s whereabouts. They smiled in confusion. Calling Crow’s woman obviously did not speak the language and he knew little of hers. The older woman edged away from him as if he were the devil. He decided to wait. He indicated a stump, asking permission of the wife to sit and wait. She nodded her approval.

  Calling Crow hurried to Green Bird Woman’s house. He was angry that the priest had broken their agreement. These Spanish-- Aieyee! Their word meant nothing.

  Calling Crow entered the hut and saw the Black Robe sitting by the fire. “You are not supposed to come here,” he said in Spanish.

  “I know,” said Father Tomas, “I did not want to, but I must talk to you.”

  “The entire village knows you are here,” said Calling Crow angrily, “and there are some who want to kill you.”

  “It could not wait,” the Black Robe said without apology, “I have news of Juana, important news.”

  “What news?” demanded Calling Crow.

  Father Tomas nodded at Green Bird woman and Santee, who were watching them with interest.

  “They cannot understand us,” said Calling Crow. “Wait.” Calling Crow turned to Green Bird Woman and Santee. “This is the Spanish medicine man, the Black Robe I told you about. He knows he was not to come here and yet he has. I shall have to take him back to Spanish Town. We will eat something first and then go.”

  Green Bird Woman smiled at Father Tomas and nodded. Santee scowled as she turned back to continue stirring her soup pot.

  “What about Juana?” said Calling Crow, looking at the priest.

  “Yesterday,” said Father Tomas, “the new Governor of the Floridas arrived at New Castile. On his ships he had a force of thirty mounted soldiers and hundreds of foot soldiers. Senor Peralta and many of our people went overland with some of the bravos from your village. Together with the soldiers from the ships, they will launch an attack against the French Protestants. The French must be warned or there will be a massacre.”

  Calling Crow shook his head. “What does this have to do with Juana? Spanish wars are none of our affair.”

  Father Tomas took something from the pocket of his robe and held it out to Calling Crow.

  Calling Crow inspected it and gave it back to him. “Spanish money? Why do you show it to me?”

  “It is not Spanish,” said Father Tomas. “It is French. Juana has been taken by the French to their fort. She is in great danger. I found this coin at the place where I married you and her. It is, I’m afraid, a message, and I think it was meant for you.”

  Calling crow’s heart quickened as he remembered the French man, Jacques and the killing of the bear, Half Foot. He thought of the many times he had had the feeling of being followed as he crossed the forest to go to the dream place, and his heart beat faster. Yes, it was possible.

  “There is one more thing,” said the priest.

  “What?”

  “Juana is carrying your child. She told me just the other day.”

  Calling Crow’s heart grew heavy with worry, and anger. He wanted to leave immediately, but he would have to set things right here first. He could not leave the priest here and would have to take him back to Spanish Town.

  A howl came from outside. A few moments later Running Wolf appeared at the entrance. Spotting Father Tomas, he smiled like a crazy man. Then he called over to Calling Crow. “I heard the Black Robe medicine man had come and I wanted to see for myself.”

  Calling Crow said nothing.

  Running Wolf looked at Green Bird Woman and Santee and they drew back in fear. “Such an honored guest must be treated well,” he said. “Do you have meat for your pot?”

  Green Bird Woman’s voice was nervous as she answered. “Yes.”

  Running Wolf smiled. “Good. I will leave you to your meal.” He exited and Green Bird Woman and Santee remained where they were.

  Calling Crow looked back at the priest. “When did the soldiers leave to attack the French people?”

  “Shortly after sunrise.”

  Calling Crow thought hard. They had quite a lead on him, but one man knew could move much faster than a large contingent.

  A wolfish howl came from outside.

  “Calling Crow,” cried Green Bird Woman, “look!”

  Calling Crow and Father Tomas looked at the entryway to the hut. A thin rivulet of smoke coursed close to the ground through the entryway. Reaching Green Bird Woman’s cook fire, it rose up and curled over her, looking almost like a serpent poised to strike. Green Bird Woman’s face twisted in fear as outside, an amber glow suffused the wall of the hut. Calling Crow stared in disbelief.

  Father Tomas said, “Do not worry. According to one of our great saints, the devil gives some the power to fool our eyes so that we see that which does not exist. This sorcerer cannot hurt us with his tricks.” The glow outside the entryway grew brighter.

  “Fire,” shouted Calling Crow, suddenly realizing what was going on. He and Father Tomas ran outside. Under the overhang of Green Bird Woman’s storehouse roof, a stack of baskets as tall as Bright Eyes was burning. The flames leapt upward, threatening the reed roof.

  Calling Crow grabbed a pot of water and threw it on the flames but it had little effect. He tried to pull the baskets away, but they were lashed to a pole stuck in the earth. Father Tomas ran over and cut the cords with a small sword. He pulled the baskets over and Green Bird Woman and Santee began beating the flames out with some old skins.

  The fire was soon put out as other people ran into the compound.

  “It is over,” Green Bird Woman said to them. “The fire is out. Go away.” The people slowly wandered away.

  As Father Tomas sat down on a stump, Santee studied him. “His hands are burned,” she said to Calling Crow. “He will need a poultice on the burns.”

  As Calling Crow nodded, Green Bird Woman ran out of the house in hysterics. “My girl,” she shouted. “Running Wolf has taken Bright Eyes!”

  Calling Crow and Father Tomas ran back inside. A large hole had been torn in the back wall. It must have happened, thought Calling Crow, while they were fighting the fire.

  Calling Crow pushed through the hole, Father Tomas close behind him. Ghost-like wisps of fo
g drifted across the dirt street.

  “He’s gone,” said Father Tomas.

  Green Bird Woman pushed through the hole, her face smeared with tears. She grabbed Calling Crow. “Please forget about all the bad things I have said to you lately. Find my girl! Please find her!”

  Calling Crow looked at her and felt as if his heart were being torn in two. Given Juana’s condition and the danger she was in, he wanted to be off now. But he must find Bright Eyes first.

  “I will,” he said gently. “Go back in.” He nodded at Santee, who peered out of the hut in fear. “Take her inside. I will look for the girl.”

  Santee took Green Bird Woman into the house. Calling Crow turned to the priest. “Wait inside and watch the women. After I find the girl, I will take you back. Then I will go to Juana.”

  Calling Crow pulled his iron axe from his belt. Cool, wet patches of fog swirled about him as he ran, searching for Running Wolf’s trail. His eyes strained in the dark and he saw nothing. The moments passed. He heard something behind a hut and ran around. Two women jerked back in fear as he came upon them. He turned and ran back out to the main street, moving in the direction of the village entrance. A tiny voice in his head told him to search in the gardens next to the palisade. He ran through the thickening fog and saw something ahead.

  Running Wolf pulled the struggling form of Bright Eyes along as he headed for the palisade. Calling Crow raised his iron axe and shouted out a war cry. He raced after them, but when he drew close, the fog closed around them and they were gone! Calling Crow froze. He thought he heard the soft rustle of footsteps. He ran in their direction but found nothing. He called out, “Yell out, girl. Help me.”

  “Here!”

  Calling Crow heard her crying. She was very close. He took a step into the thickening fog and saw her sitting on the ground. Running Wolf was gone. Calling Crow knelt beside her. He heard Green Bird Woman and Santee calling them from nearby.

  “Did he hurt you?” Calling Crow asked Bright Eyes.

  Bright Eyes shook her head and rubbed away her tears. “No, not like before.”

  “What happened before?”

  Bright Eyes put her head in her hands and started crying again. “I’m so ashamed. I was in the forest picking berries and he had his way with me.”

  Green Bird Woman’s call came again. “Here,” Calling Crow shouted, “Bright Eyes is with me.”

  Green Bird Woman, Santee, and Father Tomas burst through the fog. Green Bird Woman knelt beside her daughter.

  “Is she all right?” Father Tomas asked Calling Crow.

  Calling Crow nodded as he searched the fog. A wolf’s howl sounded. Calling Crow got to his feet and headed for it, leaving the others behind.

  As Calling Crow moved blindly through the fog, someone touched him from behind. He turned to see Running Wolf’s laughing face. Then he was gone. Calling Crow searched the thick mist. Running Wolf ran at him suddenly and Calling Crow swung his axe. Running Wolf leaped sideways, avoiding the blow as he faded into the mists. He reappeared a few feet away, laughing as Calling Crow ran at him again. This time Running Wolf stumbled and Calling Crow managed to grab his shoulder before the fog closed around him. Running Wolf wrenched free and disappeared again. An animal growl came from nowhere and sharp claws raked Calling Crow’s back. He turned and swung his axe, cleaving air. Again sharp claws raked the flesh on his back. He turned and swung but his axe found only mist as blood ran from his wounds.

  Green Bird Woman screamed from afar. As Calling Crow searched the roiling mists he prayed to his spirit guide. Oh, wise crow, give me your speed and keen eyesight. He saw a vague shape in the bilious clouds and brought his axe around with all his power. It crunched into flesh and bone and a howl of pain erupted. Calling Crow searched for Running Wolf in the mist, but could not find him. He peered into the fog, waiting for the next attack, but none came.

  A cold wind came up, slowly blowing the fog away. Green Bird Woman, Santee, Bright Eyes and Father Tomas appeared in a huddle not far away. As Calling Crow walked over to them, Green Bird Woman put her hand to her mouth in horror. “You are hurt.”

  Calling Crow said nothing as he searched the remaining patches of fog. Something lay on the ground not far away. He walked over, the others following him. Running Wolf lay sprawled on his side, his hand clutching a wooden club carved into the shape of an animal’s paw. It was set with bloodied claws of bone or teeth. Blood flowed from Running Wolf’s head, pooling thick and sticky on the earth. As they looked down at him, his eyes opened and Green Bird Woman, Santee and Bright Eyes screamed, jumping backward.

  Running Wolf pushed himself up to a sitting position. He swayed unsteadily, blinking his eyes as if trying to focus. Spotting Calling Crow, he smiled a crazy smile. “Calling Crow,” he said in a hoarse whisper, “this curse I put on you. The woman that you love so much, she will die by the iron sword-- “ He raised his hand weakly and pointed at Father Tomas. “-- wielded by this man, this Black Robe, your beloved medicine man.”

  Green Bird Woman turned to look at Father Tomas and shrieked in fear. She grabbed Bright Eyes and ran off, Santee hobbling after her. Running Wolf got to his feet and staggered off toward the palisade entrance, disappearing into the retreating patches of fog.

  Calling Crow and Father Tomas watched as the fog blew away to the west. When it was gone there was no sign of Running Wolf. A half-moon and an ocean of stars shone down on them as a distant wolf’s howl floated over the palisade wall. Silence followed.

  Calling Crow turned to Father Tomas. “He said that you would kill my woman with an iron sword.”

  Father Tomas frowned. “That is just crazy talk, that’s all, the raving of a dying man.”

  Calling Crow searched the priest’s eyes. “Running Wolf has much power. They say he can see into the future.”

  Father Tomas smiled and shook his head. “Only God and his saints can know what lies ahead for us. No mortal man can know. Listen to me, Calling Crow, for I tell you true. Pray to God and you will have nothing to worry about. He will protect you.”

  Calling Crow looked at the Black Robe. He wished he could believe him. His medicine power seemed as strong as Running Wolf’s, and Calling Crow had been impressed with the Black Robe’s courage and concern as he fought the fire, disregarding his own safety.

  Calling Crow started back to Green Bird Woman’s house. “Come,” he said. “I must speak with Green Bird Woman and then I will take you back to your fort. Then I go to get Juana.”

  Chapter 39

  Calling Crow had Father Tomas wait outside while he entered the council house and knelt before the sacred fire. He prayed that he would find Juana. He then took some ashes and rubbed them on his arms for strength. After taking Father Tomas back to Spanish Town, Calling Crow went to the beach and began running north. Under the gray light of the half moon, the soldiers’ tracks were easy to follow. Calling Crow ran fast. When the tracks of the soldiers became fresh, he went into the forest. He ate some parched corn from his pouch and lay down on the ground and slept. When the sun rose, he found a stream to drink from. He went back to the beach and ran on. Toward the end of the day the tracks again became fresh. Entering the forest, he followed a broad trail and spotted the end of the Spanish column up ahead. Slowing to a walk, he stayed well behind them. A crash came from the bushes to his left. Calling Crow turned as a Wolf Clan bravo rushed at him. He sidestepped the man, throwing him to the ground, but three more Wolf bravos leapt from hiding and knocked him to the ground. They bound Calling Crow’s hands behind him and yanked him to his feet.

  Black Snake approached and stood before him. Several Spanish soldiers came running back toward them.

  Black Snake pulled a dark iron knife from his belt. His eyes bulged with delight. “Unlike you,” he said, “I will not flinch from a warrior’s task. I will give you a warrior’s death.”

  As Black Snake pulled back the iron knife, Calling Crow said a quick prayer to his ancestors asking them to somehow save Juana.<
br />
  One of Peralta’s soldiers grabbed Black Snake’s arm from behind and pushed him aside. Black Snake glared at him with hate.

  Peralta stepped forward, shouting, as a fat Spanish soldier translated his words. “Don’t kill him.”

  “I captured him,” said Black Snake, “I have a right to kill him.”

  Peralta spoke and the fat Spaniard turned to Black Snake. “He is an escaped Spanish slave and Senor Peralta claims him for the crown. He will make good use of him until he finds his rightful owner.”

  Peralta turned to Valdez. “Assign a guard to the escaped slave and bring him along.”

  Valdez and Salazar shoved Calling Crow before them as they rejoined the column. Soon they approached the French palisade and Calling Crow could see the sea through the opening the river cut in the forest. Two small ships were tied up where the river’s waters rippled into the sea. Farther out, two big ships bore down on them. From the talk of the Spanish, Calling Crow determined that the tied-up ships belonged to the French, and the arriving ships were Spanish. They would soon land the main force of mounted soldiers.

  Calling Crow was marched along in the column of Spanish and bravos toward the French palisade. He looked around for a means of escape and a Spanish struck him in the head. The man shoved him forward. The column marched on and soon the Spanish ships were almost close enough to drop anchor.

  When the column drew within arrow-shooting range of the French fort, they halted. The sky was gray and sodden. Not a soul could be seen in the French fort, and there was no noise but the occasional clink of metal on metal and the squeak of the soldiers’ leather gear. Peralta and an older Spanish soldier with a white beard and a crossbow slung over his shoulder held a quick conference. The old Spanish soldier cupped his hands and hailed the palisade. Calling Crow saw a few heads appear above the timbers.