“For bringing death to your village.”

Tewanias frowned and gathered his blanket around him. “Did you speak false words to the council?”

“I spoke what I believed to be the truth.”

“Then you should not feel blame. Cageaga, Effa, Deskaheh, Chohajo and the others were Kanien’kehá:ka, men of free will. The choice to follow you was theirs, as was their choice to leave, which they could have done at any time. They knew the danger.”

“Wives are without husbands, rake’niha.” Hawkwood thought about Kodjeote and added, “Mothers are without sons.”

“Wives and mothers are also Kanien’kehá:ka. They will understand.”

“It would have been better if I had not returned.”

Tewanias laid a hand upon his arm. “No, Mat-huwa. Do not say that. The Great Spirit guided you here for a purpose. It was in order for us to meet again, so that you could open our eyes to the threat from the Yan-kees and we could make ready for the battle that lies ahead.”

“And Cageaga and the others?”

“We will carry them back to Gaanundata and prepare them for their journey into the sky world.”

“We?” Hawkwood said.

“Hickonquash, war captain of the Kahnawákeró:non, and some of his warriors will travel with me. A number are blood kin to the people of my village.”

“Will you remain in Gaanundata?”

“That, I do not know,” Tewanias said heavily.

“The Great King beyond the Water has promised you land in Canada. You will be safe there.”

“The council will decide. Hickonquash will speak with them also.”

“The Americans will know that you helped us defeat their soldiers.”

Tewanias’s head lifted. From the way he held himself, Hawkwood knew that while the Mohawk chief looked as though he was on the mend, there was a possibility that the wound would yet prove fatal. The next few days would be critical.

“What is your meaning?”

“The Americans will seek to punish those who fought with the soldiers of the Great King.”

“Ea, that may be so, but now the Yan-kees have tasted our wrath and they will know the Kanien’kehá:ka will not be cowed.”

“It was always so,” Hawkwood agreed. “And I will make it known how warriors of the Kanien’kehá:ka fought and gave their lives so that all the peoples of Canada can remain free.”

A shadow moved across the Mohawk war captain’s face. “And will you return to Anówarakowa Kawennote – America?”

“I do not think so, rake’niha.”

Tewanias gazed at him. “Then let us be grateful for the days we have been given. Let us spend our last evening by the fire and talk of old friends and brave warriors who are no longer with us, and when the morning comes and the fire has turned to ash, let us remember these times and pray to the Great Spirit to guide our footsteps from this place.”

“I would like that,” Hawkwood said softly.