Last in line, the shivering Albaamo looked up with eyes that reminded Smoke Shield of a mouse caught in the bottom of a bowl. When he smiled, the Albaamo’s chin quivered, and it wasn’t just the cold.
Smoke Shield checked their ropes, then ordered, “Tie them between two trees, the rope tight between them so they can’t get to each other’s knots. I want two guards on them at all times. You are to check their bindings frequently. The rain might loosen them.”
“Yes, War Chief.”
While he made a round of his camp, his second, Blood Skull, passed out food and water to the warriors. Seeing that all was well, Smoke Shield retired to the small fire in the lean-to Blood Skull had constructed. After carefully placing the war medicine box on a square of sticks that Blood Skull had erected for it, Smoke Shield extended his cold hands to the fire, grateful for its warmth. Their other packs, containing booty—including the White Arrow scalps, trophy heads, and collected weapons—were laid to the side. To the right rested a mysterious fabric bag that Blood Skull had burdened himself with. When first asked about its contents, Blood Skull had only given him a knowing grin, saying, “All in good time, War Chief.”
From a small sack, Blood Skull removed a piece of dried turkey meat. This he offered to the fire, a gesture of respect for the gift of food. Then he extended the sack to Smoke Shield, who also tossed a piece into the fire before eating.
“I would never have believed we could do such a thing,” Blood Skull said. “I thought you were mad to suggest it.”
“Then why did you agree to the plan?”
Blood Skull shot him a sidelong glance. “In all honesty, it was to see if I could save anyone when it went wrong.”
Smoke Shield chuckled. “I’m glad to know you think so highly of me.”
His second shrugged. “When you changed the plan, I thought surely we were doomed.” He glanced out at the warriors in their shelters. “I thought one of them would panic, flounder, start to drown and scream.”
“They didn’t.”
“No. And for that, I’m very proud of them.”
“Since we are speaking honestly …”
“Yes.”
“You don’t like me, do you?”
“No.” Blood Skull paused. “But in the grand pattern of things, I don’t suppose we have to like each other. Our duty for the moment is to work together for the best interests of our people.”
“Can we do that?”
“It depends.” Blood Skull took the offered turkey meat and chewed reflectively. Swallowing it down, he took a drink from the water gourd. “When it comes to war, no man can doubt you. I hope your leadership is equally as competent.”
“But?”
“As a man you worry me.”
“How?”
“I’m not sure your ‘appetites’ won’t cause trouble.” Blood Skull shot him a wary glance.
“I shall be careful where I eat.”
“I pray that is so.”
After the awkward silence, Smoke Shield shifted on the log. “I compliment you on the way you captured Screaming Falcon and the woman. No one could have managed that better.”
Blood Skull grinned. “Me? I only had to deal with a dwelling and the Men’s House. How you got Biloxi out of his palace, that was a miracle if I ever saw one.”
“I’ve worked harder getting quail out of a bush.”
“Well then, bird hunter, I have saved the best for last.” Blood Skull reached for the fabric pack and pulled the covering from a beautifully carved wooden box. Inset shell, mica, and pearls glistened in the firelight. The image of a falcon stared at Smoke Shield with a single glowing pearl eye.
“Gods! Is that … ?”
“The single crowning achievement of our raid: White Arrow war medicine, War Chief.” Blood Skull’s wide smile split his face. “With this, our victory is complete!”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Smoke Shield gazed raptly at the captured war medicine taken from the White Arrow Town Men’s House. “With that, we have captured their heart, as well as their rulers.”
Blood Skull ran his fingers over the carved wood. “This is the same medicine young Screaming Falcon carried on the Alligator Town raid. Perhaps it makes up for the loss of our war medicine when Makes War was captured so long ago.”
“Perhaps.” Smoke Shield gestured dismissively. “But, returning to your captives, it was brilliantly done. I have been thinking …”
“Yes?” Blood Skull shot a suspicious glance at him, as if surprised that he wasn’t more enthused about the war medicine.
“When we return to our glory, I would like to make a present of High Minko Biloxi to you.”