Free Another Chance by Janet Cooper Page B

father?"
    "You may stay as long as you wish ." He gestured to the mats and they sat.
    Uncomfortable at disobeying Benjamin in front of Silver Wolf, she glanced over her shoulder and watched the older man walk into the house . Pushing her reservations aside, Sarah turned her attention again to the ritual.
    She glanced toward the fire and saw that the men and boys had formed a circle and appeared to be dancing .
    "May I join them?" asked Little Turtle .
    Smiling, Silver Wolf said, "Go . Add your power."
    "What are they doing?" Sarah asked, becoming involved with the ceremony and permitting Benjamin and his concerns to recede for the moment. 
    "They begin the Dance of Strength," Silver Wolf replied .
    Soon, the women and girls stood and began singing . They surrounded the braves, creating another ring. "The double band increases the potency of our petition," Silver Wolf stated. "The oldest brave in the village beats upon a hollowed-out log covered with deerskin."
    Deep bass tones reverberated on the ground, increasing the frenzy of the steps . The men, women, and children moved in an almost stylized, set pattern. "Are there prescribed steps to follow?" Sarah asked.
    "Not really . Would you like to try?" Silver Wolf asked. He lifted an eyebrow.
    Sarah started to rise then remembered Benjamin. "Yes, but my father would never approve and I have displeased him enough today." She sighed. "Go, join them if thou wilt. I will sit here with thy grandfather and the old drummer." The wistfulness in her voice shone through her words.
    Silver Wolf laughed .
    The sound surprised her . She twisted on the mat. His face had lightened, the lines on it lessened, and the harshness diminished. She enjoyed seeing another side of this somber man. "You have disobeyed him before," Silver Wolf replied.
    Did she detect teasing in his tone?  She thought about his comment . "No. I challenged his control. My participation will hurt him. I cannot do that. He is stern, but soft inside." As she stated the words, she realized she spoke the truth.
    "I wi ll stay by your side and watch, in case you have questions."
    She smiled . A short while later, she started tapping in time with the drum.
    Silver Wolf glanced at her .
    "This is allowed," she retorted, although she knew not whether she spoke the truth .
    He chuckled .
    His light laughter surprised her . She wished he would do so more often.
    Eventually, the music stopped and the dancers returned to their seats . Little Turtle collapsed on his mat and lay his head on his father's thigh. Gently, Silver Wolf lifted the boy and placed him totally on the rush cushion. A soft murmur of protest rose from the child.
    "Hush, my son ."
    The lad immediately stilled .
    With grace, Silver Wolf stood, and everyone else squatted on the ground . "We start our watches tonight."
    Although he had not elevated his voice, Sarah knew all heard him speak. She watched as he selected the braves for the first patrol. When Silver Wolf finished, cheering filled the night sky. Many people jumped up and danced a few steps then they picked up their bowls, mats, and other possessions, and headed toward the cabins.
    Silver Wolf faced Sarah and offered her his hand. "My grandfather wishes to be excused. He will see you in the morning before you depart."
    Little Turtle staggered to his feet and stumbled toward the house .
    "Shall I carry you?" Silver Wolf asked .
    The boy's shoulders drooped, and his legs buckled . In one swift movement, Silver Wolf lifted him into his arms. Once there, the lad nestled against his father's chest and sighed with contentment. A warm smile filled Silver Wolf's face.
    Several times this evening, Sarah had seen another side of this impassive Lenape. She liked his reaction to his son, to his people, and especially to her. As she walked beside him, she considered taking his arm. Instead, she said, "Thank thee for inviting us to stay."
    "You are welcome," he replied .
    "Is tonight the end of the ceremony?" she asked