Resplendent by Mark W Dutton

Author:Mark W Dutton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mark W Dutton
Published: 2024-09-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Spirit Quest

‘Osiyo.’

‘Osiyo,’ Ben replied to the dark-haired woman dipping in and out of the latest fashion catalogue. The delicate, hand-crafted wooden sign on the wall above her head read:

‘‘Victoria’s Native American Antiquities Emporium.’’

Ben leant close to Amy and whispered, ‘Osiyo means hello in Cherokee. But the word is a more profound spirit of welcome and hospitality. For centuries, it has been a hallmark of the Cherokee people.

‘Osiyo,’ Amy ably repeated, nodding politely.

The room combined contemporary and classic pieces. Eclectic Native American artwork, carvings, paintings, and detailed sketches hung on every wall. Each was exquisitely framed in natural wood. Amy found it surprising that the woman held such a prestigious title as leader of the Cherokee Nation despite looking so young.

Victoria Mankiller closed her magazine, stepped off her stool, and rounded the serving counter to greet the couple. She was surprisingly squat, yet glided over the ground with elegance. The youthful-looking Cherokee’s smile matched her flawless skin, polished like a river stone, and her jawline was sharp, her cheeks chiselled, which seemed unusual considering her build. Victoria stood on her toes, hugging the newly arrived guest like a long-lost sister. ‘Welcome Amy. You honour my house.’

Overwhelmed by Victoria’s spontaneous greeting, Amy expressed surprise. ‘Thank you.’

The bewildered expression on her guest’s face and her chaotic tone were not lost on the Cherokee leader. Victoria’s lips curled further, manifesting into a radiant smile. ‘Did you expect a totem and smoking herbs?’

‘N... n... no,’ Amy stuttered, embarrassed by the out-of-place, flippant remark.

Victoria continued to smile. ‘Don’t worry. Those come later.’

‘I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m surprised you knew I was coming, considering I only found out yesterday.’ Amy frowned. ‘Hey! Come to think of it. How do you know my name?’

‘Magic!’ Victoria replied, her defined face deadpan.

‘Really?’ Amy blurted out, losing control of her voice again.

Victoria could no longer keep up the charade. ‘Forgive me, Amy. I’m teasing you... Ben called me. He thought it would be fun.’

Amy’s face flushed. Quickly turning, she jabbed Ben in the ribs with her finger. ‘You two concocted all of this? You... you,’ she couldn’t help but smirk, then burst out laughing, too.

‘I couldn’t resist.’ Ben grabbed her offending finger and gently pecked her cheek. ‘You were so flustered. I rang Victoria before the ceremony. We

thought a bit of fun might help you relax.’

‘Thank you for your concern, both,’ she retorted, smirking at her husband. ‘I don’t think I was the nervous one.’ Amy quickly moved on. ‘I have to say, Victoria, this place is amazing. That piece over there must have taken an age to craft.’ Amy pointed at the far wall covered by a vast ornate canvas. ‘And is that a flute?’

‘You have a keen eye. That collage took 2000 hours to complete by an eighty-six-year-old member of the Eastern Band. And that is a River Cane flute. It’s over a hundred years old,’ Victoria replied, glancing from Amy to her fellow Cherokee. ‘Ben tells me you are a talented musician yourself.’

Amy’s face flushed for the second time in as many minutes.

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