Rise of the Huskers (The Raven Falconer Chronicles) by Larsen Dennis

Author:Larsen, Dennis [Larsen, Dennis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-01-25T08:00:00+00:00

* * *

Two hours later five men stood at the end of the same long, polished table. They were humbled to have been called before the tribal chief, at least, all but one. Jeremy Letend’s smug face stood out from the rest like a red zit on the end of a bulbous nose. Darwin could not help but notice the defiant glare and the man’s clenched fists.

“Brothers, welcome. I appreciate you coming forward with your concerns and I am happy to address them.”

“I’ll bet,” Jeremy uttered in a quiet whisper. Letend, a classmate of Darwin’s, understood more than Gladue gave him credit. His life had not been easy, a battle with substance abuse had led him down a trail of heartache and despair. His life’s actions had culminated with the death of his wife in a tragic car accident and the loss of his only child to the pandemic’s curse. Above it all, his faith had saved him and restored him to a man of courage and principle.

“Jeremy, you seem . . . ah, concerned,” Darwin said, rising from where he sat at the end of the conference table and making his way towards the group.

The man with a scarred face and soul did not readily reply. He understood Darwin’s lifelong yearning for power and the mistake it would be to call him out in front of the others. However, he’d always had trouble binding his tongue, even when he was sober. “Let’s just say, I was concerned with the sudden departure of Alec and Chief Yellowbird. Did no one else find it strange that they would leave without so much as a goodbye?” Letend asked, looking to the others for support. None was offered.

“I thought I made it clear. They were unexpectedly called away to meet with other tribal leaders to the north. What about that is difficult for you?” He paused but did not wait for a verbal reply. “In their absence they have anointed me chief and although I need not explain my actions to you or any member of the tribe, out of courtesy, I have explained. I will tell you this; in a vision their path was revealed and they are no longer with us but have joined their Spirit Fathers. I cannot comment more on their demise but it is clear.”

“You cannot or you will not?” Jeremy sarcastically inquired.

“Where is this bitterness coming from, Jeremy?” Darwin asked. “This is not a position or title I have aspired to but rather one that has been thrust upon me. As a medicine man I’m blessed . . . and burdened with prophetic insight for our entire group. Tonight I will explain further before the tribe but I’ve seen our way forward and suffice it to say that I am the key.”

“Don’t you think that comes across a little . . . shall we say, arrogant?” the former addict suggested.

“Jeremy, is this about my position as chief or is this about me kicking your ass on the playground when we were ten?”

“Both.

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