Tykota's Woman(3)

Coloradous looked sad as he walked to the exit, but the malice etched on Petera's face was echoed in Sinica's expression.

Valatar raised his voice so that the guards standing outside the entrance would hear it. "Escort Petera and her son, Sinica, out of the valley and send them on their way. Coloradous will be allowed food and water and to remain in the valley, but he will not live among us."

Tykota wanted to protest, but Coloradous met his young brother's eyes and shook his head, accepting their father's judgement. He walked, straight and tall, out of the chamber, while his mother and brother were led away by guards.

Sinica stopped near Tykota and said in a voice that only the boy could hear, "One day, you will feel my blade at your throat."

Tykota trembled in shock, but soon after the three had gone, Valatar spoke again. "Is there any here who disagrees with my judgment?"

There was silence; no man opposed him. Tykota opened his mouth to voice his objections on behalf of Coloradous, but the hard look Mangas gave him sealed his lips.

Valatar looked at the revered members of the council. "I have chosen to show Tykota the secret of our sacred mountain."

Tykota's eyes widened in wonder. Of what secret did his father speak?

The elders nodded in approval.

Valatar continued. "I have called you all here tonight because I want every one of you to give Tykota your pledge of faith. I want to watch each man's face as he promises to honor my son, so I shall know if he speaks true."

The chamber remained silent until Mangas stood, bowing his head. "I will honor Tykota and keep faith with your will, my chief."

The others followed, each in turn, while Tykota watched in confusion. Why was his father doing this? Coloradous was his eldest son-he should be chief after their father.

After each member of the council had complied, the chief told them to depart. They filed out in an orderly manner until only Tykota, Mangas, and George Silverhom were left.

When Valatar was satisfied he would not be overheard, he spoke quietly. "Tykota, my son, when George Silverhorn leaves here, you will accompany him. You will dwell in his land and listen to his voice as if it were mine. There may be other enemies among us. I will send for you when I feel it is safe for you to return."

Again Tykota wanted to protest. He did not want to leave his home. He did not want to live with the unfamiliar white man, George Silverhorn. He did not want his brothers to be sent away in shame. And he did not even want to stand in his father's place.

He thought of his young sister, Inea, who depended on him to look after her. "Will Inea go with me?"

"No," Valatar said. "Where you go, she cannot follow." Then his voice softened. "I know you are confused by what happened tonight, Tykota. One day you will understand why I must send you from your home, even though I do not wish it." Valatar laid a hand on Tykota's shoulder. "When my eyes are closed in death, and you stand in my place, I charge you to always put the good of the people ahead of your own wants."

There was an aura of power around Valatar, and Tykota was a little frightened of his commanding presence. He had been taught, as all the Perdenelas were, that the chief's word was law. "I do not understand."

"Understand this. You are the son of my heart, Tykota. You came to me late in life, but I have always known that you would one day have the strength and courage to stand in my place. Listen to my voice, and take heed of my words."

Tykota blinked and stared up at his father, astonished. He was not aware that his father had given any thought to him at all. Sadly, the realization came to him that his father was showing his feelings because he did not believe that they would meet again in this life.

Valatar glanced down at the boy and spoke softly. "My son, your mother was my first wife, and the one who still dwells within my heart. She was childless in her younger years, but you, Tykota, came to us as a gift from the Great Spirit. Then your mother also gave me a daughter but she died the night Inea was born. I have long felt your mother's graceful spirit dwelling within you. She was a great princess, and you must always be proud that you are her son." Valatar paused, then spoke with feeling. "You, Tykota, are my choice to stand where I now stand. You will look after our people when I am gone."

Tykota's eyes widened. "But, my father-"

Valatar placed a finger over the boy's lips, silencing his protest. "You must remember that no sacrifice is too great if it is for your people." Valatar sighed. "No sacrifice. For the future good of our people, I am sending you away. You, my one joy." He sighed again.

Tykota glanced at George Silverhorn, who smiled at him. But Tykota hardly knew the white man, and he was afraid of him and his world outside the twin peaks.