by Adair, Mary
Red Panther spotted his mate standing to one side of the field. He walked up behind New Moon and wrapped his hands around the taught musculature of her curving waist. Gently rubbing his large hand over her belly, he smiled. The small mound heralding the tiny life within was barely noticeable. “Does he play well this day?”
“Who? Do you ask after your son sleeping soundly beneath your hand or your near-son showing his strength and cunning on the field?”
Panther nuzzled her neck and laid soft kisses on her shoulder. He trailed kisses toward her ear as he whispered between nibbles, “How do you know the baby is a boy? I was asking after the wild one running madly on the field before us.”
“Save your sweet kisses till we are alone, Panther. You know your shows of affection make the others uncomfortable.”
Panther straightened and studied the other villagers. “They are watching the game. But I will do as you ask. Now, answer the question before I change my mind.”
New Moon leaned back against Panther’s chest. “Now you are just teasing me,” he complained as he gently pushed her from him.
“Very well, I will tell you what you cannot see for yourself. Raven does well, and Antelope does nicely in the game too. It was wise that such a quick totem overtook his childhood name of Runs Far. He has become much faster to go with his long-standing endurance. As well, Raven always seeks to soar higher, reaching for impossible goals. Both stand strong and will do well when the village battles with Citico.”
Panther chuckled, “We will see how they fair by the end of the day, but I have faith that both will have earned great respect.” He grinned suddenly, twisting and peering down at Dawn as she wrapped her arms around his waist, “Me wee bairn, so good at sneakin' up on yer da'.”
Golden Dawn smiled up at her father, bright hair glowing in the sunlight and bright blue eyes flashing with her grin, “I wanna see Raven play! Lift me up, father!”
Moon reached down and plucked Dawn up and onto Panther's broad shoulders, mimicking Panther's brogue accent as she did so, “Th' lass wants ta' see bones breakin' 'n skulls cracked, who are we ta' refuse?” She still marveled that her honored brave had once been a Colonel working for England. He had left it all behind once he found her, and now many would hardly give him a second glance if not for his clay-colored hair.
Dawn put on her serious face and gave her parents a mock-frown at their teasing, “Ma 'n Da playin' daft, surely ya' ken I'll be a face basher too one day!” Her sweet, ringing voice made the brogue all the odder amidst calls and shouts in Cherokee. The child switched back into the beloved tongue of her mother's people without pause, “Perhaps if I see well enough, I will learn from Raven's skill!” Her shining eyes betrayed her love for the young warrior.
Panther let out a solid laugh, voice deep with amusement, “Oh, you will learn much if you watch the game well, but I think you would learn more if your eyes follow more than your near-brother.”
“And you, my dear love,” Panther turned his attention to New Moon, “must stop lifting Dawn. She is much too heavy for one in the beginning of pregnancy.”
Moon smiled, “She is such a tiny child. You worry too much.”
“Mother, I am eight summers, I am not a baby. Da is right, you should let him lift me. That is, if I need lifting. I could have gotten up on Da’s shoulders by myself. All he needed to do was squat down.”
“Don’t sass your mother, Dawn.” Panther scolded with what he intended to be an end of conversation tone.
On the field, the violence of clashing warriors continued. A half-dozen young braves slammed together with the sound of flesh smacking and tumbling in a tangled mess. The ball skittered somewhere beneath the group as they sprawled through an impromptu wrestling match with sticks slapping at those unwary enough to let down their guard. Shouts from across the field asked for bets on how many would be carried away by the women attending the match.
Raven ran up to the fighters on the ground and leaped out over several of them, spotting the ball as it slipped through someone's grasp. He tucked into a roll, crashing into one of the other warriors before nabbing the ball and clawing his way toward the edge of the wrestlers.
Dawn practically jumped with excitement on her father's shoulders, gripping Panther's hair in her fists, “See his jump!”
Red Panther grimaced a little, detaching the child from her perch as the grip became more painful, “I'll not need you to pull any hair out today, thank you child.” Setting her down, they moved closer to the field's edge for a better view.
As Raven cleared from those still fighting on the ground, a member of the opposing team came at him sprinting madly. At the last moment, movement caught his eye and Raven ducked to avoid the swing of his opponent's stick. It missed, but then the other young warrior sprang with a tackle that drove them both to the ground. Raven's head snapped back and thudded against the ground as he lost control of the ball.
Panther turned to New Moon with a smile, “His head will definitely be sore tomorrow...”
“Golden Dawn!” Moon screamed as she dashed out on the field.
Panther’s heart skipped a beat as he swore beneath his breath and darted after his wife and child.
Already halfway across the field, Dawn darted and dodged as she headed straight for Raven. The young brave was having trouble standing, obviously woozy from the last hit he had taken. Dawn's face contorted with worry, and she yelled as she ran, “Get up! Don't let the women take you off the field!”
Behind her, New Moon was closing the distance fast, with Red Panther catching up right behind her. However, the braves playing the game had not noticed the young girl running onto the field or her concerned parents trying to catch up with her. They were still playing with fierce determination, hardly registering that anything abnormal was going on.
Suddenly, a young warrior near to Golden Dawn slung the ball quickly to pass it down the field. His stick swung wide after the toss, slapping the young girl across the back of her head and sending her plunging to the ground.
Raven had pushed himself to his feet by then, controlling his face to hide the lingering wooziness he felt. The world still felt as if it shifted beneath his feet. Even with his vision blurred, he saw as the young warrior struck Golden Dawn. His adrenaline surged and he sprang toward the other player, forgetting himself and letting his anger show, “You would hit a young child?”
Panther and New Moon arrived too late to stop their near-son's actions of anger. Around the field, bets exchanged hands as their focus shifted from the stickball game to the sudden fight. Some placed wagers on how many punches Raven would get in before Panther intervened.
The brave on the field spun on his heel; he had not noticed that his stick struck the small one. He only saw one of the other players coming to attack him, and intended to play the game. His stance lowered and he swung a fist at his attacker.
Raven no longer thought of himself as playing a game. Instead, he had let his anger overcome his judgment. Ducking under the punch, he kicked at the other and then jumped forward to tackle him to the ground. His knee slammed into the brave's chest, pinning him and knocking his knuckles into the young man's face. He was rearing back for another attack when strong hands grabbed him under his arms and dragged him away.
Red Panther fought with his own emotion. The two persons that meant more than life to him had just run blindly into a game of Little War. He did not know if he were angrier with Dawn for putting herself, her mother, and her unborn brother in danger or Raven for his loss of control.
He took a deep breath. He could not let Raven or the others see just how close he was to losing control himself. Forcing himself to maintain outward calm, he yanked Raven to the side of the field. With careful control, he smoothly struck the back of the youngster's knees and drove him to a sitting position, “Your passion shows in every straining sinew and muscle. You will gain much in wisdom by resting for a moment to reflect on your action so that your future choices are well thought out.�
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In a state of shock, Raven fumed at being moved so quickly from the fight to the side of the field. He barely registered it was Panther who had done it, “That careless fool meant to do that. He is one who has ridiculed her for the color of her hair. He obviously looks for a chance to strike at those he finds different.” With some difficulty, he tried to get back to his feet.
Panther held his charge's shoulder firmly, pressing down so that Raven thumped back onto the dirt surface, “You show the stubborn ways of a buffalo, insistent upon your decision. I would be very surprised if you did not run from the herd in this state, so certain you are that your direction is true.”
At the reference to his childhood name, Raven grimaced sourly, peering at the one who had tutored him, taken him in as a son, “You have not seen all that I have seen. Your eyes are clouded from your acceptance into this village. I still know the touch of coldness that exists when there is no belonging.”
New Moon was holding Golden Dawn's hand as she walked toward Panther and Raven. Raven felt the tension in Panther’s grip on his shoulder relax. He knew Panther was relieved to see they were both sound and felt his own rage cool slightly. It was easy to see his near-father’s pride in Golden Dawn. This little girl that was small for her age was proving to be as tough as any boy her own age and twice her size. She appeared only to be concerned over the drama that erupted after her own injury.
Moon glared with a stern expression which Raven knew was for his benefit, “Our girl is fine. She did not even cry after being struck, and she was up on her feet faster than you had managed.”
Panther smiled at his daughter’s next words.
“I am too old to cry. But my head hurts really bad.” She stepped forward and placed a hand on Raven’s cheek.
Raven noticed Panther’s smile disappeared at the next words she uttered.
“I am not a baby, Raven. But your concern for me makes me very happy.”
Raven smiled and winked at his Little Funny Face. He did not want her to know how ashamed he was by his rash actions. He watched as New Moon pulled Dawn toward their lodge then let his gaze slowly rise to meet Panther’s.
Others began to gather around them now. From the whispered talk and a hushed exchanged of bets, it was obvious that most were shocked by Raven's outburst. There was noted approval for Panther's stern response, as well as the speech used toward the young half-breed to admonish such childish actions.
The game still sped forward to the side of them. Raven Who Flies To Meet The Clouds had effectively been carried from the field. He ran his fingers through his hair. He had not made it to the end of the game. Because of his rash actions, he’d lost face and knew that cost him in his standing with the other braves.
He watched as Panther crouched down beside him, a pained expression on his face. Panther would have to fix this problem somehow. It was not the first time Raven came into trouble because of his inability to control emotions. The inhabitants of Chota Town knew this as well, and he understood they would look to Red Panther to handle this problem.
“Raven Who Flies To Meet The Clouds.” Panther began, “You have done well here, and have learned much in the way of your Cherokee side.”
Raven had trouble matching that fierce gaze. He realized how stupid his actions had been, and how it must look to the villagers. His performance would reflect poorly on Panther, who still took responsibility for his development. Though he often tried to keep the white man's custom of looking Panther in the eye as a sign of respect, this time he could hardly manage looking over the older man's shoulder as Cherokee custom dictated. As it had been for his entire life, he felt caught somewhere between the two ideals.
It was James Fitzgerald that spoke now. Raven knew Panther hardly thought of himself in that role anymore, and truly felt that Red Panther was his “true” name. James was his alter ego, the other version of himself. For the first time Raven considered Panther should have at least a small understanding of his own feeling of battling dualities.
Panther spoke now in stern English rather than with the fluidity of their beloved tongue, “However, perhaps it is time for you to learn more of your other half's ways and lifestyle. I am going to send you away for a while.”
Raven started to respond, but James did not let him interrupt.
“I am going to send you to a school of reading and writing, tactics and strategy. It will be in England. You can come back once you graduate from their course for young men. Hopefully, there you will learn to control yourself better. Perhaps you will find yourself along the way.
“The school’s breaks are too short for you to travel home. The Ladies Gaylord and Montgomery have always loved your visits. I have no doubt they will have your room ready and waiting for you to visit on breaks. William as well will look forward to spending time with you.”
Raven only nodded, actually feeling somewhat relieved. Panther had taken him to England several times before, fully taking on the role of James Fitzgerald and dressing the other up as Raven Cloud for lessons and business meetings.
In some ways, he looked forward to the trip and spending time with the grandmothers, as he always called them. He enjoyed spending time with William as well. They were very near the same age and as different as night and day, but they shared similar losses. Will’s mother, Lady Gaylord’s daughter, died in childbirth and Will’s father, Lady Montgomery’s son, was killed in an accident around the same time Raven lost his mother. Panther had taken Raven to England at that time, not wanting to leave him behind so soon after his mother’s death. On this visit, he and William had shared memories, he of his mother and William of his father. Through their time of mourning, they had developed a strong friendship.
He actually looked forward to this trip. Perhaps he would be gone long enough for the others to forget his foolishness, remembering only his strength and ability. His face twisted with a faint scowl as his thoughts took a turn, “Red Panther wishes to be rid of me. I am an embarrassment to him!” The anger from before flared up, and he hung his head to hide his face.
Panther stood, speaking in Cherokee again to announce his decision to the group. The village would all know now, and would see this for what it was. A punishment seen as a temporary banishment. The nods of others showed their acceptance of the idea, and many spoke of Red Panther's continued wisdom.
Raven glanced toward the lodge and saw Golden Dawn gripping her mother's waist, and holding back tears he knew she so dearly wanted to set free. He could almost hear her thoughts; her most beloved companion was leaving her. His own eyes threatened to shame him further.
Chapter One
Five years later. Appalachian Mountains, Upper South Carolina.
Raven Cloud scratched idly at the side of his horse's ear as they moved slowly along the well-worn trail toward Chota Town. His mind was a flurry of thoughts as the distance to the Cherokee village shrank.
Beside him, Derek Smith rode quietly as well, the other young man's thoughts on the wife, Nancy, he'd left back at the trading post. Derek was a good traveling companion. He had attended school with Raven back in England. The fellow student had completed his classes a year before, and the half-breed’s stories of Chota Town drew him to the area. They had corresponded, and when Raven came back, Derek insisted that they go to the village together.
Derek was a trader now, and thought the visit would be a good opportunity to expand his routes. Behind him, a team of mules towed a small wagon of goods, with just a bit of Derek's specialties inside as well as some of their traveling gear.
Derek glanced over at Raven, “Cheer up, mate. You're going home. You're supposed to be happy about that sort of thing.”
Raven tried to decide if he was coming home, or if he still had to find his own place after all. He gave a faint smile, “Oh, I'm happy to be going home, I just wonder if they'll even recognize me after all this time.” His appearance would make most deny that he should be a part of the Cherokee town. He wore a tricorn hat, a long-sleeved shi
rt with a vest, and pants tucked into some well-worn boots.
His horse, Wind, waded through a full creek as his thoughts busied him. He wanted to feel ready when entering the village, yet the closer he came, the more uneasy he felt. Though still a young man, he considered himself mostly grown, and very capable at taking care of himself. School in England had been good for him, and he had excelled at his studies.
Yet, being back in the village would be a different kind of test, and writing an essay would not convince any warriors of his worth. Truly, if not for the mission, he might never have returned.
Of course, he did want to see his Funny Face again. He smiled at the thought of Golden Dawn. Leaving her behind had been his one regret. She was a little sister to him, and Raven wanted to protect her from those of the village that didn't fully accept her. It still made his blood boil to think that something as stupid as blonde hair and blue eyes could affect their perception. He reminded himself she had been in the village without him for several years and by her letters, she was fairing just fine.
He drew his horse to a stop as the tall timber walls rose into view. It was a strong place, with well-constructed defenses surrounded by tree-covered hills. A vast mix of flora peppered the landscape so that it was never any one color; green, gold, brown, and bright flower hues made the view majestic. Returning had been difficult with only the thought of fulfilling a task, but returning for the land and half-forgotten friends suddenly made it seem more worthwhile. He felt his expression soften and he smiled as he took a deep breath. The air was cool, clean, and incredibly refreshing.
He tensed again as the same thought that had tortured him flashed into his mind for the hundredth time that day. What was he going to say to James Fitzgerald? More importantly, what would he say to Red Panther? They were the same person, and yet, it seemed as if Raven would be addressing them separately for events from the past.
