Free Stolen Away by Christopher Dinsdale Page B

understand. What is this word?”
    â€œSlaves are people who have to do what their master, their owner, tells them to do. They are like a captured animal, to be used and to be put to work without reward.”
    â€œYour family, are they too slaves?
    Kiera felt the stab of sadness. “No. At least I don't think so.”
    â€œThen they are back in the Land of the Teachers?”
    Kiera nodded, trying to check her emotions. “Yes. They are in Ireland.”
    Atchak paused, then changed the topic. “The Vikings on our lands, are they warriors?”
    She shook her head. “Some were, at one time, but no longer. They are settlers. They came to your land to start a new life. But they will fight if they have to. An earlier Viking explorer killed a skraeling chief to the north and since then, the northern skraelings have been attacking them. We have had to fight to protect our village.”
    Atchak looked to Chocan. “Skraelings?”
    â€œI asked Kiera about them. She is talking about the Thule people.”
    Atchak turned back to Kiera, nodding slowly. “Ah, yes, we know the Thule well. We have also fought them for many years. They have come from the north seeking more land. We will not give up our home easily. We will fight any invader, be it Thule or Viking.”
    Chocan looked at Kiera. “But you said that the Vikings to the north are only settlers, that they only defend themselves when attacked.”
    Kiera frowned. “Yes. That is true. But if they are allowed to stay and flourish, more Viking settlers will follow. The Viking warriors will come as well, seeking fame and fortune. If given the chance, they will take your beautiful land by force. I have no doubt about that. The Vikings would love to have your forests and fish for themselves.”
    The Grand Chief frowned. Chocan walked to a natural platform of raised granite, stepped up and repeated everything Kiera had told them to the large assembly in their native tongue. A worried mumbling rippled through the crowd. She could sense fear among the people. She hated to be the deliverer of upsetting news, but the sooner the Beothuck knew of the Viking danger, the better they could prepare themselves for future encounters. She liked these people and also owed them her life. Perhaps this was one way she could repay their kindness to her. Chocan stepped down, and Atchak now stepped forward to the granite podium. Several men helped the frail man onto the platform. He held up his arms.
    â€œEnough!” shouted Atchak. “What Kiera has said will be discussed in detail by the council of chiefs. Let us not forget why we are here. We are here to celebrate our nation. We are here to rejoice in the return of the Great Herd. We must not let this disturbing news take away from the joy of celebrating these wonderful gifts from the Great Spirit.
    â€œNow, Kiera, you have been welcomed into your band through our traditional passage of womanhood. Now allow me to welcome you into our great nation. Walk to me.”
    Kiera shook her head. “I…I can't.”
    â€œWalk.” He repeated. Atchak held out his hand.
    Kiera turned to Chocan, frightened. He nodded and smiled. Taking a deep breath, she took her first step on the injured leg. Again, there was no pain. She took a second, then a third. She carefully, slowly limped her way to the rock, where she was helped up to its flat surface. Standing beside Atchak, she watched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pouch. He held it over her head.
    â€œCinders from the Great Fire! Life consumed and reduced to ash! But ash is only part of the Great Circle! From cinders come life. A new forest. A new beginning. From life comes love, family and birth.” He sprinkled the ash onto her ochre-stained hair. “Great Spirit, we welcome Kiera as one of our own. May she live wisely in the Great Circle!”
    A whoop of rejoicing burst forth from the crowd. Rhythmic singing and