“Oh, yes.”
“And it is?”
“Let us Trade. Who heads the opposition to Smoke Shield and Flying Hawk in Split Sky City? There is one, I’m sure. Just as there is among the Albaamaha.”
She stared at him, her heart thumping out a steady beat in her chest. What kind of brazen fool would dare ask a question like that? What is your game here, stranger? “As far as I know, our Council is united.”
The corners of his lips quivered. “And my memory of Green Snake’s message is slipping away ever so slowly.”
What did she do? Her desperation struggled against years of innate caution. She sighed, her heart sinking. This man knew her weakness.
“The opposition doesn’t really exist as such. Not organized like you would expect. The Albaamaha are already ahead of us on that front. We have held some meetings, trying to understand what is going on. Some of us have suspicions. That’s all. There are problems—things that don’t make sense. But there are only a few of us: those who fully understand Smoke Shield’s ability to plot and manipulate.”
“From your words I take it that you and your husband are not close.”
She gave him a hard glare in response.
He nodded. “I suppose you’re wondering if the Chahta could have made this recent raid?”
“Who are you?”
He stood, stepping to the door, looking out. Then he went outside. Checking the rest of the house, she figured. When he returned, he said, “I am Old White, the Seeker. And I also know for a fact that Great Cougar was in Feathered Snake Town at the same time he was supposedly here killing Albaamaha. I know that because I saw him there.” He pointed. “With these eyes. The other thing I know is that Lotus Root has twenty-three scalps that Smoke Shield’s warriors buried outside the hut where they found the tortured Fast Legs.”
She shot to her feet. “You can prove this?”
“Oh, yes.”
“I can have my brother call the Council. How soon can you produce Lotus Root?”
He waved her down, smiling kindly. “I admire your enthusiasm, Heron Wing, but there are other considerations. The Albaamaha are only part of the puzzle. We also have to deal with the Chaktaw.”
She smiled. “Chaktaw? You don’t often hear that pronunciation here.”
“Whatever you call them, Great Cougar is planning something daring for the first new moon past equinox. Old Woman Fox wants her granddaughter rescued before the attack. Then, too, we’ll have to deal with Born-of-Sun. He acted in good faith, sending that poor runner.” Old White pulled thoughtfully at his chin. “Breaking the peace when a white arrow is offered is most definitely unacceptable.”
She laughed, finding his assurance ludicrous. “Is that all?”
“Well, the major parts. There are some other things: details like copper, medicine boxes, Trade, balancing the Power, and a few other minor concerns.”
“Who else knows you are here?”
“The Albaamaha ringleaders.”
“And they are . . . who?”
He shook his head. “No, Matron. That is mine.”
“I am no matron.”
“You should be. You would serve your clan and people well.” He looked at her. “For the moment we will deal with you, and only you. You can trust anyone you wish, but I will only trust you.”
“Why?” she asked. “How do you know I won’t just turn you over to Smoke Shield? I’m married to him, after all.”
Old White pointed at the bowl. “You would have broken my arm to get that away from me.” He paused. “Why?”
“He Traded it.”
“Trader did?” He made a wounded face. “It came out of my canoe!” At her expression, he shrugged. “Well, yes, it was his idea to give the things away among the Yuchi during solstice. He did hand out each and every one. Well, at least the ones the Contrary didn’t.”
“Contrary?” She frowned. “What Contrary?”
“It’s a long story.” He gave her a harried look. “You haven’t lived until you travel in the same canoe with a Contrary.”
“And Green Snake’s message?” she asked, trying to keep the hope from her voice.
“The Yuchi messenger was supposed to announce to the Council that Green Snake would be returning to his people. That he offered compensation for the murder of his brother. That it was a matter of Power, of restoring the harmony.”
She felt a sudden excitement. “That is why Flying Hawk looked so confused in the Council. That is why the old fire wasn’t in his eyes when Pale Cat stitched him up. He knows.”
“What would that knowledge be worth, Heron Wing? What would it change? Who would it threaten?”