by Adair, Mary
Derek slowed to a stop beside his musing friend, “It's just as you described it, quite a wonder for the sight.” He looked back toward Raven, giving a smile, “Well, Mr. Cloud, are you ready?”
Raven Cloud took another deep breath, letting his face relax as he exhaled. The half-truths of social life in England had taught him to mask his true feelings better than any stoic-faced brave. He straightened his back, bracing as if expecting an attack. He nodded, “Let's go inside.”
The trader raised his eyebrows, as if taken aback by the dramatic change brought on by something subtle and hard to place. Shrugging, he beckoned his horse forward, and soon the two were at the gate.
Raven called out his request to enter the village, addressing the warriors standing along the tall wall. After their response, the two travelers entered one at a time through the narrow gateway. The mules and their load stood to the side where Derek tied them off before entering.
Once both were in the village, they halted the horses and dismounted with reins held loosely in hand. It seemed as if the entire village headed toward them. Without doubt, they were all curious about the strange looking newcomers and the rumor of one who had returned. Soon, a large group crowded around them, asking questions in a mix of Cherokee and English.
Surprising all except Raven, Derek answered back in the beloved language, “I am honored to be allowed into your town, and look forward to meeting with many of you. I have brought goods from the trading post, and will be happy to trade whatever you are willing to offer.”
The two friends had spoken Cherokee while in school, Derek showing patient dedication to learn the language. Raven was pleased to hear how well he spoke and to see his easy acceptance into the village.
Soon enough, Raven's identity was confirmed as word got around that he had returned. Several recognized him the moment they saw him, and some joked about his Englishman's outfit. Chief Dancing Cloud stepped from his lodge, watching from the distance as he spoke to a warrior.
Raven noticed some of the crowd parting as if to make a way. Derek looked up as a tall red-haired brave strode toward them. Raven heard his friend make an appreciative grunt. Beside the tall brave walked a beautiful woman with ebony hair, strong features, and a fine form. Between the two a young boy, which Raven knew to be about four summers, swung by lifting his feet and letting his parents carry him by his hands. This was the first time he’d seen Little Fox, though letters from Panther were filled with pride about their new son. Next to New Moon stood a slightly shorter girl, hair practically glowing for it seemed spun from gold.
“Funny Face…you have grown much. What has become of my little near-sister?” The beautiful tongue passed from his lips like a fond memory, and he welcomed its returned use, “Come, let me see you.” He passed off control of his horse to Derek and began sprinting toward a family he missed more than he had realized.
The girl stopped in her tracks, expression confused, “Raven Who Flies... you're back!” She broke into a grin that was pure exuberance. Hurrying forward, she practically leapt at Raven while fighting back tears of happiness.
Raven took her up in his arms, lifting Golden Dawn into a tight hug as he spoke to her softly, “I am sorry for being gone for so long. I missed you, my little Funny Face.”
Dawn put her hands over his ears. She pulled his head forward as she bumped heads with the young man, her forehead hitting his playfully as memories flooded back about the one she had adored since before memory, “You had to go, I know that now.” Then, her expression went quizzical as she slipped back to the ground, “I hear that you call yourself Raven Cloud,” she placed a hand to his cheek, “your skin is pale and…” she brought her hand down to feel the fabric of his shirt. “ You wear white man’s cloths.” She looked back up at Raven and grinned. “I don’t care if you no longer know how to dress. Are you really returning? Promise me you will not leave again.”
“Must you question him so,” Panther spoke up from behind his daughter, arm slipped about New Moon's waist, “before he's even had chance to have a proper welcome to the village?”
Raven took control of his expression as his figure stiffened. He gave a small, controlled nod at the one who was practically his father; the man had given him his entire life, as far as Raven was concerned. Yet, there was still anger living in his heart toward the red-haired brave. The voyage to England had been instructive, and had allowed him to leave behind mistakes. It had also been against his will.
However, his time away had trained his emotions in addition to training his mind, and he kept a neutral expression as he looked over the other man's shoulder, “Red Panther. I return after completion of the teachings from England. I return after having learned much, and suffered often for being away from this land. I ask your permission to stay a while again, but will do as you ask of me wherever that may lead.”
Panther moved directly in front of Raven. He clasped a firm grip on his near-son's shoulder, “You may stay if the Chief allows it. I have no quarrel with you, Raven Who Flies To Meet The Clouds. You have done well.” He smiled, dropping his hand down and clasping Raven's own hand in a more English form of greeting. They shared a strong handshake, “Now, we must get you unpacked and comfortable, and perhaps into some proper clothing.”
Raven gave a small smile, releasing the handshake.
Little Fox, who had watched the newcomer with an angry squint, squalled in excitement.
Raven turned his attention to the child who was now dancing in place waving his arms about excitedly and jabbering in a muddled mixture of the beloved tongue and English.
Fox’s parents laughed and New Moon gave Little Fox a push toward Raven. “Go say hello to Raven, Little Fox.”
Raven couldn’t hide the grin that crept across his face as the child turned his attention back to Raven. His childish eyes grew wide as he stepped back and peeped out from behind his mother.
“Hello, Little Fox.” Not to seem so intimidating, Raven squatted down. “I am glad to finally meet you.” The little boy blinked but made no other move.
“What have you been telling our little brother about me, Funny Face? I think he is frightened of me.”
“Oh, don’t be silly, Little Buffalo. He is looking at you with awe and wonder.”
“I see.” Raven rose and turned back to Panther, “I am ready to change clothes, but there is something I must do. Derek will take our horses to the visitor's lodge. I would have a word with Dancing Cloud.” He gave a glance back at Golden Dawn, “And, little Funny Face, who is not so little any longer, we shall soon laugh together again.”
Panther bid Golden Dawn to lead Raven’s friend to the visitor's lodge before turning again to Raven, “Come, we will now speak with the Chief.” He smiled at New Moon, giving her a wave, “We have business to deal with. When we return to our place, let us have a good meal of welcome.”
New Moon smiled back, “Do not take too long, my husband. If the food begins to cool, your daughter and I might eat it all ourselves.”
Red Panther chuckled and then Raven followed him into Dancing Cloud's lodge.
The Chief was already situated as they entered, gesturing to the two men so that they might take seats in the large room. He waited until both had found cane backrests to sit upon, watching with an even gaze and thoughtful quiet, “So, Raven Who Flies To Meet The Clouds. You have come back to Chota Town, and are asking to see me with a tone that suggests great importance. Your reasons for returning are not entirely your own.”
Raven Cloud glanced at Panther, then back to the Chief, “What you say is true, I do not return only for my own longing.” He raised his hand to gesture at Red Panther, “I come bearing news of this one's old life. Fitzgerald Shipping is being threatened, and James Fitzgerald as a result.”
Panther's eyebrows rose as he took in this new information, “Yet, you bring this up to the chief, when it sounds as if it is only a matter for me to consider. How do the evil acts of those across the sea affect the interests of the vi
llage?”
Dancing Cloud nodded, “I agree, though I am glad to know of information relating to a cherished friend. Do you ask to take Red Panther away over the waters?”
Raven shook his head, peering up at the ceiling as he thought, “Unfortunately, the evil has come to us. I warn the both of you now because the plot was discovered to involve mercenaries that may attack directly.”
Panther's jaw clenched, eyes narrowing, “How did you learn of this?”
“The head of shipping in England approached me, Douglas Snyder,” Raven stared at the ground, “I had not known they were aware of me. I suppose I should have known that your people would be tracking me.”
“You are still my responsibility, and I simply asked for them to take care of you.”
Raven shrugged, glancing into Panther's eyes with a grim face. His gaze slid away from those blue eyes and over the owner's shoulder, “Whatever the reason, it seems they trusted me enough to ask that I deliver a message. According to them, anything written…’could be intercepted’. They had rooted out a disloyal worker from the shipyards. The man's belongings included small notes, messages carried by bird.”
“What did they say?” Panther thought he knew where this was going. It was not the first time this kind of problem had arisen.
“There are plans to kill you, here in the colonies. Renegade warriors are going to attack you for one reason or another. At least, the reports will say so. The notes mentioned that the plan was being carried out, and the worker should expect to be promoted soon.” Raven smirked, eyes flicking back to Panther's, “They'll find your Will over here, apparently, and it will direct your entire company to be sold off to Allan Radcliffe.”
Raven could easily see that Red Panther fought the urge to stand and pace, fought the urge to jump up and take action.
“They can't leave me alone, can they? England always reaches back to touch me, again and again.” James finally spoke. As Panther he would not have responded so.
Dancing Cloud rubbed his chin in thought, “If they choose to attack, to raid either our warriors or the village, it will be their loss. Our might is great.”
Raven shook his head, “I doubt it would be a direct assault. They are too cowardly for that.”
The chief smiled, “I believe your assessment to be wise. Those are the type of people that deal in dishonorable death.”
Panther was looking to the door, obviously already planning and muscles tensed as if ready to run out into a fray.
“Uncle…” Raven had not addressed Panther as uncle in many years, yet now it slipped out to betray the love and respect he felt in his heart for his near-father.
Panther looked at Raven. He could clearly recognized the bond he had foolishly thought diminished. The tense warrior forced himself to relax, focusing back on those inside the lodge, “I must go to the trading post. I will be able to contact good people. We can take care of these pests.” His jaw flexed yet again, “They must have no chance to come near our home. It is my responsibility to ensure that my family, my people, are not put at risk.”
Dancing Cloud was packing his pipe, lending a calming soft smile to his two companions, “Soon, but first, let us talk of other matters, and think in truth.”
***
Raven did not see Dawn as she watched him leave the Chief’s presence and walk to the visitor’s lodge where he would be staying with his friend Derek. He stepped through the doorway, unbuttoning his shirt as he went.
Dawn figured he would be removing the ridiculous clothes he arrived in and decided to wait and give him time to dress before coming to the doorway.
Well, Derek,” She recognized Raven’s voice. “What do you think of the village so far?”
“Actually friend, I am impressed,” Derek answered. “Tell me, what did Ruth think of you taking such a long trip?” he chuckled and Dawn glanced in to see what made him laugh.
She saw Raven shrug and then continue to dress in the clothes typical for Cherokee men.
“She has been writing Nancy, you know?” Derek continued.
“No, I didn’t realize she and Nancy were keeping in touch.”
“Well, they have. Ruth told Nancy in a letter that she was sure you two would be married in a short while. That letter arrived just shortly before your letter saying you were on your way here.”
Dawn turned and ran from the lodge.
Raven turned to face his friend, “Ruth is a beautiful woman, and we do get along well, but I never asked her to marry me.” He ran a hand through his hair. “It seems we were together often. Her family is close with the grandmothers. Will is always acting the lovesick fool whenever she’s around. I just don’t know where she got the idea we would be married.”
Derek held his belly as he laughed with glee. “It has never ceased to amaze me how you never see the lovely broken hearts left in your wake. Aren’t you always telling me how you were raised to be constantly aware of all about you?” He slapped Raven on the shoulder, “Well, you missed it again.”
***
Dawn ran a short distance and then stopped. She fought to control the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. Raven had not spoken of a female friend. If it were serious, he would have mentioned it to Panther and he would not have told her father that he wanted to stay. And he would not have told her that he was sorry he stayed away so long. Dawn could not hold back the smile that spread across her face.
Chapter Two
Raven Cloud sat in the visitor's lodge lost in thought, stripped down now so that he wore naught but the breechcloth traditionally worn in the village. Derek sat nearby, drawing in deep breaths of the rich tobacco. Both had been talking about the area's beauty and opportunity, but Raven still kept the true nature of visiting hidden from his friend. The secret seemed to stifle normal conversation, so both had fallen into a companionable silence.
Raven thought about Panther’s departure. Panther left the village just after sunrise, departing with only one brave by his side. As usual for his near-father, Red Panther seemed unconcerned about solving the problem before him, and waved off offers from others to help him. Raven Cloud offered to go, but Panther insisted his adopted son stay behind and be responsible for the protection of his family.
Raven knew this action spoke of Panther’s worry. Raven would protect the family his near-father, and he as well, loved so dearly. Protecting one's self was easy enough, you simply ran faster and struck harder than any others. To keep your beloved people safe was far more difficult.
Raven held no grudge about being directed to stay behind. Panther had given him a great honor in the request and elevated his stature within the village. He would pray to the Great Spirit each morning at the rising of the sun to give him strength to honor Panther’s request.
In fact, it would be pleasant to have time to get to know Golden Dawn again. Perhaps he would even have a chance to bond with some of the others of Chota Town. Sparrow came to mind.
As if drawn by the thought, Dawn came into the lodge laughing, “Raven Who Flies To Meet The Clouds has been requested for a great hunt!”
Raven stood quickly, eyebrows raising, “What hunt? I had not heard of one being planned!”
Another came through the doorway, Farthest Running Antelope. He stopped behind Dawn and mussed her hair, “The little golden child speaks in play.”
Raven noticed the familiar way his friend touched his little Funny Face, and how she smiled back at him. For some reason it irritated him.
“We are to be your prey and you the hunter.” Antelope’s eyes bespoke the grin he hid, “You were gone for years, so I believe Dawn intends to make up for the missed opportunities.”
Derek chuckled, and waved Raven away as his friend looked back, “Go, enjoy some time that is not full of brooding silence. Let go of some of your serious thoughts. I must get about the village anyway to trade some of my wares.”
Raven nodded as he shamed himself for begrudging Dawn her obvious friendship with Antelope. In his op
inion, no one would ever be good enough for his Little Funny Face. Grudgingly, he admitted to himself that it was not his place to approve Dawn’s friends and Antelope would make a good mate for her. He would be a good protector and provider. Raven struggled to understand an unfamiliar anxiety that settled like a rock in his belly.
“All right then,” he covered his uneasiness. “A great hunt it will be.” Suddenly, he crouched down into an aggressive pose as if preparing to pounce, “Who will be my first kill?” He mimed drawing back a spear, forward hand pointing first at the other boy, “A great antelope?” Turning quickly, he took an exaggerated step toward Golden Dawn, “Or a little yellow bird?”
Dawn's brows drew down as she gave her “hunter” a challenging smile, “You think us already caught? We are yet far from being your evening supper.” She whooped, spinning on her heels and bounding through the doorway.
Antelope spun with her, glancing behind his shoulder to taunt Raven as they all began running through the village, “None can match the speed of he who Runs Far, he who is the Farthest Running Antelope. Come hunter, I will enjoy ensuring that you lose many weapons to the woods.”
Raven broke into a headlong run as soon as Dawn made for the doorway. This was a game of old, one they had all enjoyed when younger, even Dawn, though too small then to play such a rough game. He laughed when he remembered how angry she became when Panther would not agree to let her join in.
That had not stopped his little Funny Face. She simply waited till the game was not within her father’s sight and then she jumped right in, a small but sly little fox that slipped past every trap and out ran even the fastest hunter. Of course, he was always there to protect his small near-sister, and what a challenge that had always been.
Raven found himself eager to enjoy such play once more. Sprinting around a corner, a small figure darted at his legs and grabbed at his calf, sending him sprawling.