“The old ways will be lost for ever,” Cageaga said. “Not only will they take our land, they will make us pray to the white man’s god.”

“The English will not take your land. They will grant you land, as they did before,” Hawkwood said. “In Canada. Do not doubt my words. If the English win, you will have homes. If the Yankees win, you will not. But in exchange, the English want your help.”

Several of the elders turned to each other and spoke in hushed asides.

“The man who sits at my side is an officer in the army of the Great King,” Hawkwood said. “He has told me that Kanien’kehá:ka warriors from Ohswé:ken and Kenhtè:ke and the other villages in Canada are, even now, fighting at the side of English soldiers. With their help, great victories have already been won on the Ne-ah-ga and at Mackinac.

“Nor are the Kanien’kehá:ka in Canada the only nation to take up arms against the Yankees. In the west, Tecumseh of the Shawnee also fights for the English king. If the men of Kanièn:keh join the English they will fight alongside their brothers from Ahkwesáhsne. Like some of you, the Ahkwesáhsne did not want to fight. But two months ago they were attacked by the Yankees who stole many gifts given to the Ahkwesáhsne by the English. They threatened to burn the village and they built a blockhouse – une maison en bois – so that they could control the Ahkwesáhsne. Is that what you want? The Ahkwesáhsne asked for help. English soldiers went to their aid. They forced the Yankees to surrender so that the Ahkwesáhsne could be free to choose their friends.”

“Perhaps the Ahkwesáhsne fought with the English out of fear,” a long-haired warrior suggested.

“It was only because the Ahkwesáhsne land lies on both sides of the great water that the English helped,” put in the elder sitting next to him. “If the Yan-kees take the river, the English will not be able to keep their army fed. They were thinking of themselves.”

Cageaga raised his hand. “All here know the Yan-kees fear the Kanien’kehá:ka. If the western tribes and our brothers in Canada have taken up arms, how can we stand by and do nothing? We must consider what our brothers and Tecumseh of the Shawnee would think if those gathered at this council chose not to fight the enemy of our race. I do not want to be thought a coward by the Shawnee.”

Before anyone could react to that, Cageaga went on: “Do not forget that the Stone People march with the Yan-kees. It was the Oneniote’á:ka the Yan-kees sent after our brother.” He indicated Hawkwood. “There are those here who have suffered under their knives. By joining with the English, we can avenge those who have died and bring honour to their memory.”