Another Chance by Cooper Janet

Author:Cooper, Janet [Cooper, Janet]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2013-05-10T21:00:00+00:00

* * * *

Wolf threw the reins over the post and bounded up the steps. "Long Knife, wait here. I might need you to find White Owl." The silence of the house greeted him as he strode to the kitchen. Bowl-Woman looked up. The wooden spoon in her hand stilled. "Where is Sarah?"

Twin streaks of red slashed across the cook's walnut colored cheeks. "Iki! TaXkwaho a-kanimi shi."

Fear and misgiving rose like bile in his throat. With difficulty, he controlled his temper and his tone. "You do not know? Did I not ask you to watch over her?"

She nodded. The blush deepened.

"Why didn't you?" He tried to govern his voice, for he knew stubbornness and Sarah walked hand in hand. His apprehension increased, yet he refused to allow the anxiety to master him and block out all rational thought.

In a slow, measured manner, Bowl-Woman explained, "Little Turtle said he needed me to fetch White Owl. By the time I had returned with Xhan Xhan, the woman was gone."

His son's less than gracious acceptance of Sarah increased the possibility of her having fled the plantation. "Where is Little Turtle now?"

Relief passed over Bowl-Woman's face. "He stands outside, near the kitchen's door, practicing with his knife."

Hastily thanking the cook, Wolf strode to the rear yard. His son glanced in his direction then looked away as if embarrassed. "Obviously, you heard my discussion with Bowl-Woman," Wolf said.

Little Turtle nodded, but kept his eyes averted.

"Do you know where Sarah is?"

Still staring at the ground, he bobbed his head.

"Are you going to tell me?" Wolf's annoyance grew.

"I saw her at the creek, near the cabins," his son spoke reluctantly.

"One of the first rules of a Lenape is hospitality and courtesy. You have shown neither."

"She is just a white woman," Little Turtle spat out.

Wolf examined the boy. Before Sarah, Wolf would have made the same comment. He had planted his prejudices on his child. Abashed at his action, Wolf said, "She is our guest."

Little Turtle drew a circle in the dirt with the toe of his moccasin.

Sensing the child was not convinced, he said, "When I return, we will talk." Wolf wondered exactly what he could or would say to his son.

* * *

Wolf heard Sarah talking, but could not make out her words. She had her back to him as she weeded the garden. All around her bundles of herbs were tied together and ready to be hung to dry. He wondered with whom she spoke. He saw only Quick Rabbit sitting a few feet away. Had she come out of her dreamlike state? Another look shattered his hope. She remained in her own world. Why did Sarah sit near her and talk? Why was she digging in Quick Rabbit's garden?

"What shall I do with them?" Sarah asked, as she held a bunch of herbs aloft.

"Why not put them inside her house?" he responded.

"Wolf."

Sarah's smile warmed him as much as the relief at finding her had minutes before.

"When did thee return?" she asked. Her face reddened.

He

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