At any rate, the noise had brought her from the depths of a drowsy sleep. The interior of the lodge was still dim, for there was not much sunlight from the grey morning sky to filter inside the room. She realized that her mother had not turned back the lodge door-flap, nor had she even started a cooking fire. Katari found it all odd.
Instead of nestling back into her pelts, like she wished to on such a lazy, rain-drenched morning, she pushed the blankets aside and sat up. The late night of dancing had left an ache behind in her calves and haunches, and Katari smiled while remembering the festivities. It was exactly the kind of evening that she had always treasured as a young girl. It was different, as well, now that she had been promised to wed with a brave. Did it add to the excitement, or take away from it? Chewing her lip, she realized that she was not exactly sure.
Katari jumped when Pine Woman lifted the flap abruptly and stuck her head inside, peering into the lodge. She was an older and brusque-natured woman who sometimes attended her mother in ceremonies or with other tribal tasks. Pine Woman had no mate and lived with her younger brother’s family. She was a good and helpful woman, but she was not known for her social graces.
Pine Woman grunted. “Ah, you are here, still sleeping like a turtle in the cold. Your mother thought as much.”
“Is all well?” Katari murmured, swinging down from the bunk in one fluid movement.
“Yes. The Jesuits are here and your mother seeks you.”
“Father Allouez?”
“Yes, as well as others,” returned Pine Woman shortly. She pinned back the deerskin flap, allowing what light of day there was to enter the lodge. “They are in the Big House today. You are to attend them.”
Katari waited until the woman made her exit before choosing her clothing. Her hands were trembling oddly as she pulled on a skirt and a soft doeskin tunic. It had been warm enough to go without a top as of late, but she and her mother never did such in front of the Jesuits. In fact, she hadn’t been without a tunic since leaving the trader’s settlement…and Nicholas Belline. To bare them in front of others would surely bring back memories. Vivid ones, ones that she did not wish to revisit yet again.
But today, it was raining, which made clothing a comfort if not a necessity. She combed through the tangles in her hair and then covered with a shawl to protect her against the damp, cool sprinkles falling through the air. Outside the lodge, the skies held a heavy mist that appeared to hang in suspended pockets throughout the village. It hovered thickest among the lodges that had cooking fires lit within.
Who were the others with Allouez? Katari chewed over the unknown question apprehensively. The Jesuit had always traveled alone when he visited with the Minsi tribe. Such news would have excited her greatly in the past, yet today her stomach had a queasy feeling that reminded her too much of trepidation and anxiety. Something was amiss.
The Big House was located in the center of the village, built on the flattest piece of land their elders had found along the churning creek waters of Sononjoh. The building was over ten times the size of a standard lodge and could hold all of her people if necessary, for ceremonies, or in times of terribly harsh weather.
Much to her dismay, White Lynx spied her approach from where he stood talking with several young males. He stepped forward to greet her. The uneasy look in his dark eyes made her nerves soar all the more.
“Katari,” he nodded. “Have you heard that your friends have followed you here, along the tails of the Jesuit? Chogan and I escorted them into the village early this morning. We were alerted to their approach with the dawn.” His voice did not speak of any pleasure in the event.
He grasped her elbow. “Why would they come here, Katari?” he muttered with a dark look at the Big House. “Why with Allouez?”
“I do not know, White Lynx,” she replied, forcing herself to breathe slower while her elbow remained in the brave’s grasp. “But I shall find out.”
“I will go with you,” he grunted.
White Lynx was bright, and Katari realized that the brave had sensed that more lay between Nicholas and Katari than what she claimed. In truth, most of it had been pure wishful thought on her part. She should feel no guilt at all. She turned and pierced him with a look. “Did the Medicine Woman request you?”
His brows furrowed, but he shook his head.
“Is the council within?” she continued. Again he shook his head.
“Don’t you think it best that you should wait here for their arrival, White Lynx? Pine Woman summoned me to assist my mother with the Jesuits.” Katari turned and strode determinedly for the door to the Big House before the brave could interject, breathing deeply. She could already hear the many voices from within, and she felt her heart accelerate embarrassingly in response. It was silly, and she was glad that no one could look there and see it bleat pitifully.
When she slipped inside, she noted that the lodge was lit by torchlight in the hopes of dispelling the grayness of the thick clouds that cloaked the village. The first thing she identified was her mother’s blond head, nodding and chattering away next to Father Allouez. She saw Pétant’s familiar face towering above the group of several men and women. She heard Opichi’s lilting voice, too. Katari stood up on her toes, wishing that she was an inch taller.
“Katari,” his unmistakable voice said in her left ear, and she jumped and whirled. She had known that he would be here, had felt it even, and yet she was wholly unprepared for the wash of emotions that raked her chest and stung her eyes when she looked into the familiar grey-blue intensity of his eyes.
Nicholas smiled at her warmly. What surprised her most was the sheer power of the anger she felt when she saw his glowing smile, as if he had never sent her away. It swept over her like a dark wave. Katari raised her hand and slapped him.
Chapter 17
“There she is!” The familiar voice of Father Allouez voice rang out in greeting.
Katari dropped her hand as her mouth opened in mute surprise. The stunned look of horror on Nicholas’s face was nearly comical, and likely mirrored hers. What had she done? Katari had just struck a guest of her people. Intentionally, and in the middle of a tribal Big House gathering. Such a thing was unthinkable - it was an offense punishable by any horrendous means determined by the chief. Her traitorous hand stung, and she enfolded it in the doeskin of her skirt as if to hide the deed.
“Iiijikwe, Katari!”
Opichi had spotted her, and had called out to her friend. Katari spun away from Nicholas’s reddened face and went into the girl’s outstretched arms. She was quickly enveloped by the girl’s chattering exuberance, and the accompanying laughter of Pétant. When she chanced a sneaky look back in Nicholas’s direction, she saw that her father had arrived, and the two of them were speaking. Chogan and White Lynx already hovered nearby. Guilt washed through her to the roots of her hair.
But why was he back here…now? After she had finally come to terms with the course of her life, Nicholas had returned to taunt her once again. Katari could not help for the anger she felt. It was not fair. And she needed this anger, to keep her on course during this unannounced visit. Looking back at him, she realized bitterly that his face was as beautiful to her as it always had been.
Together, Running Wolf and Jenna called the Big House to order, effectively quieting the commotion. The chief raised his hands. “Today we will welcome Father Allouez, as well as several new guests, to visit with the Minsi people. These guests are to be honored, as they are responsible for my daughter’s safety when she was injured and in danger while in the White city of New Amsterdam. These people have become her friends, and so, they are friends of the Minsi tribe, as well.”
Shame swept through Katari once more as a wave of clapping coursed around the room. She sought diversion by leaning into Opichi’s ear. “Are you well?” she asked her friend. “I am very pleased to see you, but why have you come, Opichi?”
Opichi grinned, and taking Katari’s hand into her own, she placed it directly on
her belly. “I would not have this baby the White way,” she whispered. “I wish to be with you and your people, Katari. I know that your mother is skilled with assisting childbirth. The women in New Amsterdam did not understand me.”
It should be no surprise that Opichi was with child so quickly, being young, healthy, and newly wedded. Still, such news would be overwhelming to a solitary Native woman living in the world of the white trapper, without close females to draw comfort from. Katari understood her desire to seek out the Minsi. But why did Nicholas need to accompany them as well?
Katari ground back her irritation, and turned to her mother to begin the proper introductions that she knew were required of her at this time. “Mother, this is Opichi, the Robin of the Ojibwe people, daughter of Red Elk, who is the chief of the Deep Water Clan. On my journey, Opichi became my most beloved friend. She has come here to bear a child with us.”
Jenna smiled at the bright-eyed girl. “Such a friend of Katari’s will be my own daughter as well. Welcome, Opichi. We will care for you and your baby.”
Katari continued. “The red-haired man is her gentle husband. Although broad of shoulder, he has been kind and loving. His name in the French language is Deniel.”
Slowly, she turned toward Nicholas, knowing that it was expected and necessary. When she met his eyes, Katari remembered everything, all in one vivid rush. His laughter, the feel of his arms, and his heartbeat against her cheek. His life-force and hers, intertwined. The trance of healing, and the feeling of utter joy when he lived through it. And most of all, the way her heart had wrenched when he told her to go on without him. Her breath escaped her with the flow of memories, whispering out of her lungs. She had no words.
Thankfully, Grey Wolf stepped in. “This man, this Nicholas Belline, is a friend to all of our people. He saved my twin sister from the accident that took me down and broke my ribs beneath the hooves of oxen. He cut her free from such a giant animal – bigger than the bull-elk - that trampled her and dragged her toward death, when all others ran away from the attacking English. This man called Nicholas is a brave warrior, indeed.”
Katari paled as a wave of cheers rang out among the room. Her brother’s words were correct. She simply did not wish to be reminded of them. Her eyes moved briefly to White Lynx, where he stood regarding her and Opichi. His face was impassive, but his eyes were dark with a jealousy that caused her instant alarm. Not to mention, more guilt.
Running Wolf raised his arms, bringing a hush into the room. “We will celebrate with our new friends this evening. They can reside here in the Big House as long as they wish. Food and drink, and the comforts of the lodge will be provided by all.”
Katari noted that Opichi chattered away in her mother’s ear, punctuating her words with animated gestures. She thought that the bright young girl surely knew more Lenape words now than she remembered Ojibwe. When Katari turned back toward the middle of the room, Nicholas was once again next to her. In the same way it always had, her belly twisted when she looked upon him.
~~~~~
Nicholas sighed. Katari was staring up at him like he was the devil incarnate, yet again. It seemed as if those familiar yellow flecks in her eyes had caught the fire of the torchlight, and brought them to a full simmer. Damn it to hell and back, he could never manage to do the right thing around her. Even now, Nicholas’s cheek still burned from its earlier impact with the flat of her little hand. Though petite of build, Katari was nothing if not mighty while in the grip of emotion.
“I am truly sorry for raising your ire, Katari,” he murmured with a wry grin. “Though, I may not need to shave this week, having lost a layer of skin.”
He thought that his casual words caused her warm flesh to pale slightly. She even managed to look ashamed. “I am truly sorry,” she whispered back. “It is a grave injustice to strike a guest.”
“Really? I never would have assumed,” he continued teasingly. “But don’t worry, for I don’t think that anyone other than your mother saw the deed.”
She definitely blanched with those words, and clutched at her stomach as if it pained her. “Maluwe,” she muttered in Lenape. “Why can I not better control myself?”
“I don’t believe it’s in your nature, Katari.” Nick rested his eyes on the curve of her jaw, and the soft flow of black hair that careened over her shoulders. He had always loved when she left it unbraided. He felt relieved just to be looking at her once again, even if she had just slapped him.
“Why are you here?” she whispered fervently.
“Opichi has a great need, as you have heard. Not to mention the fact that I have always wanted to trap in these Southern mountains. You wove such rich tales about this land, Katari.”
She stomped her foot and a flush rose once again to her cheeks. “You bid me to leave your settlement. Then you go and follow me here. Why?”
“I was merely traveling with Father Allouez since he had the maps and the knowledge of your people and the lands surrounding your tribe. I decided that I wanted to see this place for myself.”
Katari stared up at him intently, as if trying to pull the truth from his gaze. Of course, he was lying, through and through. Nicholas gave her his best smile, hoping he was still just as good at the task as ever. But now, the brave who often glowered and puffed out his chest approached them, abruptly cutting off her response. At the moment, the brave’s face was an impassive mask, yet Nicholas implicitly understood his uptight posture.
“Nicholas, you met White Lynx once before. He has recently become my intended mate,” Katari announced stiffly. “Luwènsu, Nicholas,” she said to the brave in introduction.
“A pleasure,” Nicholas managed to murmur, bowing slightly. He had inferred this connection long already, but it still squeezed uncomfortably at his heart. He had sent Katari away with this brave, and now he had the ridiculous notion to feel jealous about the fact that he laid claim to her?
“Katari, what is the correct word to tell White Lynx that I am pleased?” he asked.
“Pailehëlexeyëwakàn,” she returned smoothly, with more than a dab of sarcasm in her tone.
“I won’t even bother to attempt that one,” Nicholas said with a shake of his head. “It is interesting that pleasure is such a very lingering word in your tongue, Katari.” He gave her a pointed look that made her eyes widen. He watched as anger swirled in them once again before she caught hold of herself. Nick wasn’t sure why he taunted her, but White Lynx’s stony and arrogant looks were truly beginning to annoy him.
The brave leaned in and growled out something unintelligible in Katari’s ear.
“Ntëla, è-è.” Yes, I told him about us, White Lynx.”
Nicholas saw her spine stiffen in determination, although she looked a bit irritated. He bit back a grin, for he knew how much Katari despised being ordered what to do. Then, Running Wolf approached, breaking off the tension of the moment as the chief began to chatter away.
“My father is an excited man,” Katari translated. “He, White Lynx, and my brother Grey Wolf are prepared to show such great men the very best of hospitality. They will feed you, entertain you, and they will share the hunt with you, as well.” Although she tried to smile, the words fell from her mouth in a dismal trickle. Obviously, Katari was anything but excited. White Lynx held an expression to match.
“That sounds quite enjoyable,” Nicholas responded. “Please tell your father that I am honored as well. I am happy that I have been continuing my lessons on the Minsi language with Father Allouez over the past several weeks. It seems they will be needed, indeed.”
“Yes, and your wits about you, too,” she returned grimly, while placing her hand on White Lynx’s forearm.
Nicholas gritted his teeth, and then smiled brightly back at Katari’s beaming father.
~~~~~
Katari managed to slip away from the Big House, and swiftly returned to her lodge under the pretense of gathering clothing and supplies for Opichi’s visit. In truth, she wanted to be alone while
waiting for her mother. Jenna’s arrival was not long in coming. Katari looked up guiltily as her mother entered.
“Katari….why?” Jenna asked pointedly.
“I was angry,” she said simply, thinking of no other suitable explanation.
“Did that man hurt you?”
Oh, yes, she thought gloomily. “No, Mother. Nicholas saved me,” Katari relented in a grudging voice.
“Do I need to ask you, again?” Jenna repeated with a new sharpness to her tone. “Why would my daughter cause me this…shame? Thank the Creator I was the only one who saw it happen and that this man did not take public offense to your actions! I can only imagine what he now thinks of us as a people!”
Katari moved away from the piles of clothing she had placed on her bunk, and began to yank a bone comb through her long hair. She did not want to look upon her mother’s face at this very moment. “I cared for this man, Mother,” she finally admitted. “But he did not feel the same for me.”
“This is the man you healed? And then struck in the face today? This…Nicholas Belline?”
“Yes.”
“I see.” Jenna looked outside the door-flap and sighed. “Katari, actions should always come behind thought, unless there is a life at stake.” When her daughter actually hung her head, Jenna continued. “Perhaps, alawa, you have forged a bond that is emotionally stronger than you realize. Do not tear it apart by slapping and pouting as if a child of six,” she urged.
Katari placed her hands on her hips. “I am to be wedded with White Lynx, Mother,” she reminded with growing agitation.
“Of course, I realize this,” Jenna replied, “and the bond I speak of can be one of dear friendship. But your souls have intertwined for that intimate piece of time that you shared, and that will not change. There should be kindness and love with this bond.”
Savage Journey Page 16