His mother nodded. “And that is how it is now. The minds of our leaders have become twisted. They no longer think first of giving thanks, first of peace. They no longer turn to the clan mothers for guidance. Instead, they think only of power, of making war and striking back at those who strike us. And the Entangled One, Atatarho, is the worst of all. That is why we left our place among the hills and came here to form the village of Kanata.”

Wolf Woman sighed and sat there silently.

Finally, Okwaho broke the silence. Unlike the story he’d remembered when he first woke, this one had been like a ray of hope, pushing back the darkness of his anger. Things had been bad before and then good had come to the people. Perhaps, just perhaps, it was time for that to happen again.

“I think,” he said in a firm voice, “The One Who Grasps the Sky with Both Hands needs to send another messenger.”

“My son,” his mother said, “I think you are right.”

chapter six

GAUNTLET

Ten sunrises had passed since the Standing Stone raiding party. Although no attack had been made yet on Kanata and their scouts had seen no sign of any enemies, everyone knew how much danger they were in. Before they had been worried that Atatarho would change his mind and send warriors to force them back to Onondaga. But now they had other enemies to worry about. Doubt had set in about what they should do now. So they had called a council meeting.

As it had always been among the Longhouse people—or at least as it had always been before Atatarho took his place as the only voice that counted—every adult had been allowed their say. Every woman and man had been listened to carefully. Questions were asked.

What will we do when another raiding party comes?

Do we have enough men to defend our small village?

Would it be better to be back at Onondaga?

Should we try to move our village again?

Should we return to Onondaga?

Finally a decision was made that everyone agreed upon. A delegation should be sent to try to speak with Atatarho. If he agreed to listen to them, they could find out if it was possible for them to return. If he said that no return was possible, then at least they would not be wasting their time trying to decide whether to stay or return. If their nest no longer exists, birds cannot go back to it.

Burnt Hair and Holds the Door Open were ready. They had been chosen to carry just that one question.

If we wished to return, could we do so?

It was just before dawn. As the two men left the village, they did not notice they were not alone.

Okwaho had learned the lessons taught him by his uncle and his father well.