Final Steps

The Casqui is back. I have just listened to his story. Of how he carefully abducted Night Shadow Star from Canyon Town. Was pushing out onto the river in his canoe when he was attacked at the last minute by a band of heavily armed warriors.

How he struggled to get away, clamping his hand over Night Shadow Star’s mouth. How he couldn’t fight off the last of the attackers, while his “war hand” was on her mouth.

So, he tells me, he has hurried upriver, waited at Cane Town, and upon the arrival of Night Shadow Star’s imposing party, has hastened here to warn me. Hopes that in some small way, that will entice me to reward him.

Oh, staggering joy.

I yawn.

Instead of beating his head in on the spot, I smile, telling him, “These things happen.”

And oh yes, I will “reward” him. One should always get due compensation for being an idiot.

And knowing she was in Cane Town? That tells me which direction she is coming from.

I knew it had to be through Joara. The only question was which trail she would arrive on. West or north?

West it is.

I glance around my little “palace,” see it for what it is: a Clan House filled with shrines I have built from people’s bones, the Power designs I have painted on the walls with their blood. My sleeping bench in the back.

Nothing here to save.

And it will serve its purpose.

Night Shadow Star will have heard of it. People talk. And I am thrilled down to my bones to be one of their most-discussed topics. My doings passing from lip to lip. She expects to find me here. At the center of my Power. In my lair.

If all my other measures fail, she will come to this final place, step through that door.

If all my other measures fail.

Time to go see Fire Light. Tell him that the wait is over. Now he will have to step up. Earn his way back to Cahokia. Not that he has much to do. Just lend me some of his warriors.

Traps must have layers within layers. Snap. Snap. Snap.

So, if one doesn’t work and seems to have been avoided, the next is ready to be sprung.

She must be led to think she’s winning.

And, who knows? Perhaps Fire Light’s warriors will ambush her party on the trail, kill her protector, and bring her to me all trussed up, ready for our Blessed reunion?