Page 101 of Red Hawk's Woman

All must pay for their ill actions against others.

Indeed, she thought. The Clan had paid their price, the Thunderer had paid, too.

Thank goodness Red Hawk had not done real battle with the Thunderer. For, if he had, might he now regret it?

Turning, Red Hawk took Effie in his arms. “I love you,” he said, and, with these words, Effie laid her fears to rest.

She said, “And I love you too. Now, let us go find that preacher.”

Together they retraced their steps to the cavern.

Chapter

Twenty-Four

In the end, it was a happy occasion, yet sad. One from amongst them was gone. Worse, that person had been someone whom Effie had considered a friend. Owens was Lesley’s father; her own father’s friend, as well.

How was she to tell Lesley all that had occurred? It seemed impossible, and yet she knew she had to do it.

And then there was Madeline. What was Effie to do about her? A few people in the Yellow Shawl Band had found Madeline and untied her. It was well to say that Madeline was looking more than a little shocked from her adventure.

Which brought another problem to mind. What was Effie to say to Carl, if indeed she should say anything? Should she let Madeline go with a slap on the wrist? Shouldn’t the other woman be made to atone for her mistake?

It was hard to know what to do.

Effie turned to Red Hawk. “Before anything else happens today, I must go back to my own camp. I have to tell Lesley what has happened.”

He nodded. “I will come with you.”

“I would like that.” She sank into silence. And then, “Red Hawk?”

“Aa?”

“What am I to tell Lesley and Henry? What am I to say to Carl? How can I relate what has happened?”

“I do not know, but together we will find a way. Wait here, while I tell my grandfather and the medicine man where we go.”

She nodded.

Effie watched as Red Hawk approached White Claw where the elder sat in council. Red Hawk squatted next to the old man and murmured something in his ear. But instead of rising up to accompany Effie back to her own camp, Red Hawk remained where he was, looking mildly surprised.

A few more words were spoken between them, then Red Hawk nodded and motioned Effie forward.

“You must hear this from our medicine man yourself, my wife.”

“What is that?”

“Come forward and you will understand all as White Claw explains.”

Effie stepped toward the group.

White Claw said at once, “There is no need for you to visit your friends in camp.”

“But I⁠—”

White Claw held up his hand. “The one you know as Owens is not dead, for the sea dog is not a killer. Though some think he is a monster, he is not. He simply escorted the man to another shoreline, hoping the man would have a chance to change the hatred in his heart.”

Effie nodded. “Indeed, I imagine the experience might have caused him to have a change of viewpoint.”