“I have heard of this small village of people who seek to leave the trail that leads to war. The Oneida people I just left spoke to me of this place—a place that began trying to find the path of peace even before hearing the message I am bringing from our Creator. I knew then that the people of your small village must be women and men of great courage. I knew I would need such people by my side when I go at last to meet with Atatarho.”

The Peacemaker looked at Okwaho. “Are you the one named Okwaho?”

Okwaho was stunned. How could the Peacemaker know his name?

“You know,” the Peacemaker continued, “before the Oneidas heard and grasped my message, they thought you people were foolish. Trying to find a path of peace in the midst of continual war. In fact, three of those Oneida warriors told me they had raided here about two moons ago. They had expected your men to respond. They were surprised when there was no reprisal, especially because they took a boy of your age captive.”

Okwaho took a breath. The Peacemaker was talking about Tawis.

“The boy they took,” Okwaho said. Then he stopped. Words were failing him.

“Go ahead,” the Peacemaker said.

“He was my friend, my best friend.”

“Ah, then you are the one who escaped them?”

Okwaho nodded.

“They were sorry they could not catch you. They were sure you would make a good Oneida. They learned your name from the boy they took. Tawis?”

Okwaho nodded again.

“You are wondering now about your friend?”

“Yes.”

The Peacemaker smiled. “He is well,” he said. “And making trouble for them. He tried to escape many times before they convinced him it was no use. The family that chose to adopt him are kind people. Instead of punishing him, each time he was caught and brought back, they just treated him better, calling him their beloved son, giving him the best food to eat and a comfortable place in their lodge. They gave him the name of their boy who was his same age when he drowned.”

The Peacemaker’s words made Okwaho both happy and sad. Happy that his friend was alive and being well treated. Sad because when someone accepted their adoption, they almost never went back to their old life. He had both found and lost his friend at the sametime.

The Peacemaker placed his hand on Okwaho’s arm. “You may see your friend again soon,” he said. “When all of the other nations go to Onondaga, his new family will come as well and they will have him with them.”

“Thank you,” Okwaho said. He took a deep breath. He had to tell the Peacemaker what had been in his heart for so long, what had been twisting his mind.