by Adair, Mary
“Bueno, ¿qué tenemos aquí?" what do we have here?
'Why did I not listen to my sense of danger?’ Her self-scolding lasted but a moment. ‘I will hold myself up.’
The large man in buckskins took a step closer. Dawn held her position, half turned, looking over her shoulder. She did not need to let her gaze travel over this evil person. She had seen and evaluated everything about him with one glance.
His speech gave him away as Spanish though he dressed with all the garb of a trader. He stunk as one that avoided going to water as if it would wash his flesh away. A knife was tucked into the left side of his belt its handle tilted toward the right to make it readily handy. Just right of his center hung a large hatchet. Over his left shoulder and crossing over to rest under his right arm was a long rifle. ‘He is right handed… and he does not see the wolf.’ All this she knew from one quick glance. She also knew she would be unable to defend herself.
“Great Spirit,” she whispered in Cherokee, “Give me strength...”
“Will wonders never cease?” the dreadful man chuckled as he responded in the beloved tongue. “You speak Cherokee.” His mirth seemed hard to control. “I think I just walked upon Fitzgerald’s little brat. We were told he spawned a little golden haired Cherokee. I just walked up on the jackpot. You’re coming with me, my little pretty.”
Dawn did the only thing she knew to do, she let out an ear-spiting war cry, spun, and attached, her arm holding her knife high. She hardly felt the meaty fist bat her away like a pasty fly or the boulder that cracked her head. She did know as she slipped into unconsciousness that Raven would be there when she woke.
***
The inside of Chief Dancing Cloud's lodge was silent, the atmosphere within heavy. New Moon sat across from him, and next to her was Raven. Climbing Bear, Fastest Running Antelope, and the older braves from the hunt spread about the rest of the room. A slight haze from the fire's smoke filled the air, providing a pleasant aroma of burning wood and the added scented herbs. All waited on Dancing Cloud. He sat quietly, thinking as he peered out the vent hole in the ceiling.
Raven Cloud sat rigidly, staring over the chief's shoulder with expectant tension filling him. He realized he once again showed his inner turmoil by the stiffness of his body. Letting out a long breath he attempted to relax. There was trouble in what he had allowed to happen on the hunt. As soon as Raven willed his jaw to unclench, the black cloud that draped his shoulders and warned him of danger practically snapped his teeth back together. He glanced toward New Moon.
She was sitting with relaxed poise, back straight and head held high. This was despite all of the worry in her own mind. Though her thoughts focused on Raven's fault and Panther's disappearance, her ability to separate body from mind was long perfected. He knew Moon could see his tense worry with ease, and knew that the others in the lodge would pick it up as well.
She turned her gaze to him and he saw the sadness in her eyes. He also knew she willed him to relax, or at least to show a strong face. The thought drifted into his mind, ‘This is how it must be. This is a path I must travel.’
“Climbing Bear,” said the chief, breaking thick silence with crisp words, “You were uncle to the boys, and had most seniority on the hunt. Though Raven Who Flies To Meet The Clouds was leading it, would you agree to share responsibility for ensuring the hunt's success?”
The other considered this question, arms wrapped about his chest in comfort against the lodge's mud-plastered walls. He looked unworried, unhurried, and almost bored.
Slowly, he nodded, “Yes, I will accept such responsibility. In Raven’s defense, I had not seen or heard the girl following us.” The hint of a smile might have touched his lips, “Golden Dawn seems to have learned well from her most-respected parents.”
Dancing Cloud nodded, also hiding a smile at the thought of Dawn's skill at remaining unseen, “And you had not seen the young boy that followed your group either?”
Raven Cloud's eyes narrowed, letting a grimace pass over his expression before returning it to clenched neutrality. After he had returned Dawn to Chota Town, the villagers were happy to see her safe. New Moon had been worried about her daughter, and ushered her straight to their lodge. The chief had followed. Raven went directly to the visitor’s lodge. Tired, he reclined on his cot to allow his body a much-needed rest. His mind however, refused to slumber.
Raven was relieved when he was finally summoned. He sat unspeaking with New Moon and the Chief as the other braves filled into the lodge to take their place about the fire. With this new knowledge that a young boy had followed Golden Dawn into the woods, the black cloud of apprehension tightened. I am responsible. I alone will walk this path.
Bear shook his head, gaze shifting to the ground, “No, none of us saw the boy.”
“I will speak of the things Raven does not know but should have been aware of.” The Chief nodded in New Moon’s direction. “Dawn must be held responsible for her own actions in this.”
New Moon nodded in agreement but did not speak.
“Small Thunder also followed. When Dawn became aware of the boy, after a day and half a day, she sent the boy home. Small Thunder was dishonest to the elders by telling them he had only gone to hunt by himself and had gotten lost. Golden Dawn put that lie to rest when she returned and spoke the truth of their actions. Small Thunder followed her. They were not far from the village.
“When Golden Dawn became aware of him. She praised his ability to remain hidden from Raven and the others and told him to return home on his own. She followed him to be sure he returned safely and then picked up the hunting party’s trail.”
Raven could see the chief’s pride in her ability and he also proud of her ability. His heart was happy with the Chief’s next words, even though they spoke badly of his own ability.
“Golden Dawn then tracked the trackers.”
The chief shook his head a little, face solemn with consideration. Silence filled the room again, though it broke quickly this time, “Raven Who Flies To Meet The Clouds.”
Raven gave a faint nod.
Dancing Cloud continued, “If you are to be a true warrior, you must be a protector of your people.” He set his fingertips on his forehead, gesturing slowly, “To protect, you must have utmost presence, utmost awareness of the world.” His hand moved from his eyes into a circle that encompassed the room, “Know who is around you, what is around you, and learn what best enhances the livelihood of all. Do you think you have been doing this?”
There was not a response at first, only a pensive gaze at the wall behind the chief. His thoughts of how he belonged, where he belonged, suddenly seemed very selfish and limited in scope. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like he had been trying to get others to change for him.
He spoke slowly, choosing each word carefully, “I have not been careful to consider others as I should,” he gritted his teeth, finding the words painful, “I must strive to see farther, to feel more deeply, to know the needs of the ones I watch over and to seek wisdom in all that I do.”
They were strong words, and Dancing Cloud seemed approving of them. Raven knew the chief watched him carefully, wary of making any hasty decision. It would be better if Red Panther were here to declare changes to his near-son’s status or requirements. Chief Dancing Cloud’s involvement in this would normally be minimal by assuring the villagers that punishment would be carried out and ensuring the responsible party kept to any requirements.
A shout from outside brought them all out of contemplative thoughts. The call was echoed by several others. A runner approached the village walls.
The chief waved the group away in his lodge, “Go for now, we will dream on what has happened and find wisdom for tomorrow. Let us see what news has come.”
***
Outside, Dancing Cloud acknowledged the runner, as he stood still breathing hard, “Welcome.”
It seemed to be a Choctaw boy, but the response was still good, “I am here.”
/>
“Yes you are. It is good.”
Before more could be said, a strong clear war cry rent the air and was soon followed by the watchman’s herald from the wall. Raven and Antelope immediately ran toward the gate in response while the others crowded around the new arrival.
Raven raced toward the cove even as the guard yelled out Dawn’s name to him and pointed in that direction. Even Antelope could not catch up with Raven who drew his knife and dashed between the boulders.
Before him stood a large man dressed in buckskins, his own knife already pulled and crouched in readiness for a battle he obviously anticipated.
“I didn’t mean to kill the little hell cat. She should not have attacked me. I suggest you not make the same mistake.”
A large wolf that had taken a protective stance over the fallen girl chose that moment to growl as he displayed his teeth in warning and moved closer to the intruder. Startled, the man looked over his shoulder at the snarling wolf.
Raven, blinded by his own anger and anguish, leapt forward, grabbed the barrel of the rifle the man had leveled at his heart and shoved it aside. The shot flew wild, barely missing Antelope and ricocheted off a bolder. Raven’s knife hit its mark at that same moment as he yelled in agony and rage. He twisted the blade, withdrew, and slammed it in a last time before pushing the heavy body away.
He looked down at Dawn and saw a spreading red stain marring the golden strands of hair. He glanced over to the wolf that dropped his head, turned, and disappeared among the cane.
“Dawn?” Rave spoke softly as he fell to his knees and lay his ear to her chest. At the sound of a strong heartbeat, he gathered her into his arms and wept.
***
New Moon held her ground in the village. Though her heart screamed for her to run after Raven. She recognized her daughter’s yell. She knew there was trouble, but she also knew Raven and Antelope must go to her daughter’s aid. Her own path was here.
“I am Nipping Wolf. My mother is Gentle Rain, my uncle is Red Panther.” The runner’s announcement caused a stir of anxiety among the village members and provided a confirmation to New Moon. She pushed through a gathering crowd to the front.
Wolf gestured toward the forest, “Red Panther is somewhere deep in the wood. Several from my village went with him from the trading post in weeks past, and now only one has returned to us. He says their group had been ambushed, and now I relay this message to you. We know no more.”
There was a spreading hush among those present. It became a powerful silence as the news was whispered to those in the back. Had one of the beloved warriors of Chota Town been killed? Was he still alive? Who had done this? These questions practically screamed through New Moon's mind.
The memory of a vision long past of Panther holding in his arms a beautiful young woman dressed as the women in Charles Town. She now knew this woman was Dawn. That vision had brought her much pain before she understood the message from the Great Spirit.
Now that vision was the promise, to which she clung. Raven will again bring her daughter home. Did he not bring her home just today? He will bring her home again and he will bring home her Panther. ‘This I know.’
The chief's expression was as impenetrable as usual, and he raised an arm toward the guest lodge, “You are welcome to stay here until you are rested. We thank you for this information.”
Nipping Wolf shook his head, “I will return now.”
“Let us give you food and drink for your journey.”
With food in his belly and his skin of water refilled, the boy prepared to leave. “Your hospitality is gracious, but many from my own village seek action for our missing warriors. I go.” Waiting only for the chief's acknowledgment once more, the boy darted through the crowd back for the gate.
The crowd's silence began to break apart in bubbling groups of conversation. The noise rose as opinions settled in the minds of eager warriors and those with more caution.
“We must send out a party to find him!”
“Where will you go? It isn't even known where they were ambushed.”
“Are we sure this boy's word is true?”
Questions and declarations of action shot back and forth. As others from the village came from their lodges, the conversation expanded and grew louder. As Raven walked through the wide gate all fell silent.
New Moon would have collapsed at the site of her daughter in Raven’s arms, her golden curls turned red, had not the old Beloved Woman supported her.
“Golden Dawn lives,” Antelope’s voice spoke loud and clear.
With the announcement, the village came to life. New Moon rushed toward her daughter and reached out to take her. Raven resisted but a moment, relinquishing his hold only when New Moon looked up into his eyes.
“I will take her to Akechee. She will recover. You are needed here.”
Raven relinquished his hold and turned to Chief Dancing Cloud. “There was a white man at the cove. He is dressed as a trader of goods. I believe him to be Spanish. When I came upon him I thought Dawn was…” his voice cracked, “dead,” he completed. “The evil one said as much himself. I was too quick to answer the blood cry. We could have gained information by torturing him first,” he finished between clenched teeth.
Cloud nodded. He turned toward the villagers. “I find no fault in Raven’s actions. The man deserved to die for attacking and injuring a young woman barely out of childhood.”
Raven Cloud stood next to Farthest Running Antelope as the chief told them of the runner’s message. Together the duo agreed to go out in search of Panther.
Raven proclaimed to the audience, “I will go with Farthest Running Antelope, and we will track these assailants in the woods. We will find them, and bring them back or their scalps.” A loud shout of approval rose and increased in volume until the Chief raised his hands.
“I will go with you!” Soft-Spoken Hawk raised his fist, moving toward the two, “I will not refuse the call for justice.”
“He is my husband.” New Moon strode toward Raven and Antelope, speaking loud enough for the crowd to hear, “I will not sit by while others seek him out. This task belongs to me as well.”
Soon enough, nine had gathered together with Raven that intended to look for the missing Red Panther. The crowd had gone quiet.
Dancing Cloud stood in the center of this group now, spreading his arms as he addressed them, “This is no war party. We have no blood debt, and there is no confirmation of what has happened. If you go, go with quiet grace. Seek answers in caution. If those answers you find lead to bloodshed, then fight with honor and return to us.”
The Chief's gaze rested on Raven Cloud for a moment and Raven knew he considered recalling him from participating. Instead, Chief Dancing Cloud simply nodded, “Then it is settled, this will be.”
The village rippled with voices once more. There was general approval in the action to be taken. Slowly, all dispersed except the group of nine, plus Raven. Eventually, it was decided they would split into two teams. New Moon, Farthest Running Antelope, and three of the older warriors would go toward the woods near the trading post. Climbing Bear was with this group and took the lead. Raven Cloud, Soft-Spoken Hawk, and the two remaining volunteers would explore nearer to Chota Town. Tomorrow morning, they would leave at first light. Raven was surprised to be chosen by the Chief to lead his party.
Raven approached New Moon. “I must go to Golden Dawn. Will you permit this?”
“Come, she is in the medicine lodge.” New Moon hurried toward the lodge, causing Raven to worry about the severity of Dawn’s injury. When they arrived, Moon stood to the side and motioned for Raven to enter.
Raven bent and passed through the doorway. The air was thick with smoke created from a blend of medicinal herbs used by the medicine man. He could also smell the strong odor of astringents Panther had taught New Moon how to use. Akechee was busy putting away the things used to clean and bandage Dawn’s head.
Akechee looked at Raven. “You look frighte
ned. She will be fine. This is nothing to the scrapes and bumps she has brought upon herself.” She looked down at Dawn and shook her head. “I have never seen a child like this one. I hear she is much like her mother. I say she is much like her father.”
Raven turned his attention to Dawn and left Akechee to her work. He found her words strangely comforting. As he sat down beside Dawn, he noticed a slight frown on her forehead. She moaned softly as she turned her head to one side and gingerly touch the thick bandage.
“Dawn, are you awake?”
Dawn smiled and Raven drew in a long deep breath as he relaxed. Her brow wrinkled farther as she slowly opened eyes that were sensitive to the smoke floating on the air.
“I knew you would be the first I would see when I opened my eyes.”
Raven could not help but smile in response. The bright blue of her eyes was brighter still in contrast to the red that formed there from the irritant in the air.
“I think I have missed many of your mishaps. Akechee tells me this is nothing compared to the injuries you have endured.” He gently ran a finger along her cheek to wipe away a tear. “I count myself blessed. If I were here to witness all your miss-adventures I would be as a mad warrior living in the caves.”
Dawn smiled. “Poor Akechee. I think I have frightened her too many times. I think now she is used to me.”
Raven could easily see the love pass between the two when Dawn looked toward Akechee and the old woman smiled at her in return.
“You should rest now, little one,” Akechee scolded gently.
“I will, I promise, but I want to talk to Raven first.”
Akechee turned her frown toward Raven. “Do not stay long,” the old woman repeated as she made emphasis with the spoon for which she was famous.
Raven nodded in agreement and then watched as Akechee passed through the door.
“What can you tell me about the man that hurt you?” he asked as he turned his attention back to Dawn.
