The Forgotten Curse by Chris Raven

Author:Chris Raven [Raven, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-08T22:00:00+00:00

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John Brodhead wore from the beginning of the war trying to stop the Mohawk attacks against the colonist’s settlements. One cannot speak of great battles since the enemy was not shown. They attacked isolated farms and small villages, killing and kidnapping their inhabitants. Brodhead could not fight openly against them, so he tried to get them to stop burning their houses and crops in retaliation. However, the effect he achieved was the opposite. Their attacks caused more tribes to be joining the struggle. Both sides fought to avenge each other’s attacks, in an escalation of violence that devastated all of Vermont.

After the massacre of Royalton, in which all the people were killed, Brodhead planned an exemplary punishment. Taking advantage of the Mohawk warriors being out, he approached with his men to one of the villages, situated at the shores of Lake Champlain. It was easy to kill the few warriors who had remained to watch. Then, they captured all the inhabitants, the elderly, women, and children for the most part. They gathered them on the lake’s shore, and Brodhead asked who was in charge. A man moved forward a few steps, followed by a boy just ten years old.

“I am Tekarihoga, shaman of this tribe, and protector of its people.”

Brodhead didn’t like the attitude of that man. He was haughty and proud. He did not seem frightened or worried, nor did he show respect for the one who had just defeated him. He decided that he should teach him a lesson to be humbler, and, at the same time, it would be useful for the other tribes to fear to attack the towns of the area he defended.

“Who is the child who is behind you?”

“He is Tyorhansera, my son and apprentice. He will be the next shaman of the tribe when I die.”

“I don’t think so. That child is mine now, in payment for the deaths you have caused.” Brodhead made a sign to his men to seize him. “Execute him.”

The boy started screaming and crying, desperately calling his father. Brodhead felt satisfied. The child’s proud gesture had vanished in a second, showing what he truly was: a little savage coward. However, looking at the shaman he did not find the look of fear he expected. There was only hatred in those eyes.

“We’ll drown him in the lake in front of you.”

Although the shaman tried to stand firm, his eyes were clouded by hearing the cries and pleas of his son while two soldiers forced him into the water. Unable to continue bearing that, Tekarihoga turned to Brodhead with imploring gesture.

“Please forgive my son. He’s just a kid.”

“I only see a savage who will grow up and become a new enemy.”

“I offer you my life for his.”

“No, but we can make a deal.” Brodhead’s mouth twisted into a cruel smile. “Sacrifice three children of your people and I will spare your son’s life.”

The shaman didn’t even answer. He merely erected his head and fixed his gaze on the horizon. Brodhead

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