{"id":6738,"date":"2011-01-20T23:04:42","date_gmt":"2011-01-21T04:04:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/\/?p=6738"},"modified":"2011-01-20T23:04:42","modified_gmt":"2011-01-21T04:04:42","slug":"wounded-spirits-by-april-w-gardner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/?p=6738","title":{"rendered":"Wounded Spirits by April W. Gardner"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>\"\"<\/a>It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour<\/a><\/strong><\/span> <\/strong> book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n


<\/p>\n

Today’s Wild Card author is: <\/strong><\/div>\n


<\/p>\n

April W. Gardner<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

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and the book:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wounded Spirits<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Vinspire Publishing (November 1, 2010)<\/p>\n

***Special thanks to April Gardner for sending me a review copy.***<\/p>\n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>April W. Gardner is a military wife who has practiced the art of homemaking all over the world. She spends her mornings homeschooling her two darling children, and her afternoons inside the minds of her characters. In no particular order, she dreams of owning a horse, traveling the nation in an RV, and learning Italian. April is involved in the music ministry of her church and volunteers in their library. She currently lives in the heart of ancient Creek Country\u2014Middle Georgia.<\/p>\n

This is her first novel.<\/p>\n

Visit the author’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n


<\/p>\n

SHORT BOOK DISCRIPTION:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

On the frontier, Adela McGirth\u2019s life is simple, rugged, and exactly to her liking. Her greatest concern is whether to marry the settlement\u2019s most eligible young officer. When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory Adela must choose between the man she loves and a baby that has yet to be born; will she be strong enough to wait on God’s provision?<\/p>\n

A peace-loving yet loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stick faction whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expected to hate–and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful face with a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.<\/p>\n

Having lived a life plagued with death and loss, Zachariah McGirth is a man on a mission – he’ll have his revenge or die trying. Blinded by grief, he can’t see his way clear of yet another tragedy. Why has God taken everything from him…or has He?<\/p>\n

Their lives molded by the course of history, can these Wounded Spirits learn to rely on God’s grace during one of the bloodiest conflicts in the South?<\/p>\n

\n<\/embed><\/object>\n<\/p>\n

Product Details:<\/p>\n

List Price: $12.99
\n Paperback: 258 pages
\n Publisher: Vinspire Publishing (November 1, 2010)
\n Language: English
\n ISBN-10: 0981989616
\n ISBN-13: 978-0981989617<\/p>\n

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:<\/span> <\/strong>
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

McGirth Plantation, Tensaw Settlement<\/strong>
\n June 1813<\/p>\n


<\/p>\n


<\/p>\n


<\/p>\n

Adela shifted her body to allow blood flow to her legs. The mossy ground had long grown hard against her tailbone, and the rough tree trunk dug into her back.<\/p>\n

A refreshing breeze blew through the pines lining the northwestern border of her father\u2019s land. It rustled the needles and created a comforting, familiar whistle.<\/p>\n

A small meadow lay vacant before her. On the opposite side, the evening sun cast the last rays through the treetops. Squinting, she thought, for an instant, she saw the form of a man. No, it was just a bush moving with the current of the wind.<\/p>\n

Surely, she had been waiting nigh on two hours. Her family would be worrying. Just north, civil war raged among the Creeks and threatened to involve the vulnerable Americans in the Tensaw and Bigby settlements. Her parents\u2019 constant fear of danger was well placed.<\/p>\n

Soon Mama would call Adela\u2019s father in from the barn and send one of the servants looking for her. Worry was never good for Mama.<\/p>\n

Her attacks were rare these days, but she never knew what might set her to wheezing, then coughing.<\/p>\n

Adela\u2019s stomach twittered and flipped. She stood then rubbed her lower back. \u201cPlease, hurry, Phillip. Please,\u201d she murmured, not sure she could stay much longer.<\/p>\n

Unheeding, the sun\u2019s beams continued down the length of the trees then dissolved, leaving only their orange and purple reflection in the sky.<\/p>\n

Not wanting to create undue stress on her parents, she gave up waiting and set out toward home. She lifted her skirt to avoid the prickly blackberry bushes, and berated herself for not having thought to bring a lantern. How foolish of me!<\/p>\n

\u201cAdela\u2026Adela\u2026\u201d Her name rode on the breeze.<\/p>\n

Her heart seized, and then leapt as she recognized the voice. Haste sped her back through the underbrush.<\/p>\n

\u201cPhillip! I waited so long.\u201d She panted.. He enveloped her in his work-hardened arms. Phillip was becoming more intimate with her. She wondered if it was too soon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew you\u2019d wait.\u201d Resting his hands on her shoulders, he stepped back where she could see him. \u201cI couldn\u2019t get away any sooner. Dixon had a list as long as my arm of things for me to do before I leave tomorrow. He hovered like a hawk to see I got them done.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pulled his hands from her shoulders and held them between her own instead. \u201cYou\u2019re here now, and that\u2019s all that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow will I ever last three months without you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of nonsense is that? You\u2019ll do just fine. The adventure of your life is just around the corner. I hardly think you\u2019ll be pining for boring old Tensaw. You just see Savannah treats you well while you\u2019re busy getting your commission, Second Lieutenant Phillip Bailey.\u201d<\/p>\n

A stray lock of dark blond hair fell over his eye, and feeling bold, Adela brushed it away. He caught her hand and pulled it to his lips, his coffee brown eyes sparkling in the waning daylight. The warmth of his lips on her fingertips sent tingles of excitement rushing through her, but not without a warning.<\/p>\n

I shouldn\u2019t be encouraging him this way. Not while I\u2019m still so unsure… She dropped her eyes, but he mistook her guilt for something else.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I love about you, Adela. You\u2019re all innocence and piety.\u201d<\/p>\n

He cradled the back of her neck with his hand, and her insides fluttered in a dangerous way. She knew she should move away, but she felt drawn to him, like a mouse to a trap.<\/p>\n

Adela cleared her throat, \u201cYou speak of love when we\u2019ve only been courting a month. And, I might add, quite unofficially.\u201d His deep affection seemed premature.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but I\u2019ve known I\u2019d marry you from the day we met.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d known him since she was just a girl. A grown woman now,ow had she not noticed he cared? She opened her mouth to ask, but he placed a finger on her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you won\u2019t come with me? It\u2019s not too late. We can marry tomorrow, first thing and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarry? Tomorrow?You know I can\u2019t. You haven\u2019t spoken to my father about courting me, much less marriage. And there\u2019s Ellie\u2026did you forget? You know how she adores you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Phillip gave her a placating smile. \u201cShe might hurt for a while, but she\u2019ll see reason. She\u2019s not foolish, simply a bit of a romantic\u2026albeit misplaced.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adela chuckled. \u201cElizabeth, romantic? Determined, more likely. She decided years ago to love you, and it would take a direct message from God to persuade her otherwise.\u201d She propped her hands on her hips, barely noticing the first chirps of the crickets. \u201cDid you know she just rejected an offer of marriage from Mr. Pierce?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe schoolteacher and Ellie? Married?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he would have liked as much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Phillip tipped his square chin and laughed outright.<\/p>\n

The sound brought a smile to Adela\u2019s face, but she chided him nonetheless. \u201cCome now, it was a perfectly decent offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Phillip wiped his eyes. \u201cBut the man is twice her age, and desperate to be married. Have you seen his cabin? Chaos!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adela dismissed his objections with a wave of her hand. \u201cAll that aside, I am not prepared to be at odds with my sister. So, she must not find out about us\u2026for the time being, anyway. We\u2019ll address the issue when you return.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has to find out eventually. Why not now?\u201dPhillip crossed his arms and gave her the back of her shoulder. He\u2019d never been one for patience and at the moment, he reminded Adela of a spoiled child denied a piece of pie. She chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you laughing about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust now, you reminded me of Mrs. Haverty\u2019s youngest.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes darkened as he took a step closer. His stiff form towered above her. \u201cYou\u2019re comparing me to that little monster?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adela sobered at the intensity of his gaze. \u201cIt was a silly thought. Please forgive me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He studied her in silence.<\/p>\n

Warning bells clanged in her mind. Just as another apology formed on her tongue, he let out a puff of air and relaxed his stance. \u201cI just want to take care of you, Adela. I want to build a home for you and provide for you, give you beautiful things and walk with you through town on my arm. Let me talk to your father tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

He could be quite persuasive.Still, she refused to allow him to push her into something for which she wasn\u2019t fully prepared.<\/p>\n

She gave a tentative shake of the head. True to form, her hesitance produced a huff of frustration. \u201cIf not now, then when? When will that dear sister of yours ever take the news well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would I tell her something I\u2019m uncertain of myself?\u201d<\/p>\n

He scowled then spoke as if she hadn\u2019t mentioned her ambiguity. \u201cYou need to know the moment my feet touch Tensaw soil in August I plan on asking your father for permission to court you properly.\u201d He grasped her chin in his hand and pressed a hard kiss to her lips. \u201cSo, you\u2019d best prepare her.\u201d<\/p>\n

She took a step back and smoothed out her skirt.,. \u201cAren\u2019t you the bold one tonight, Mr. Bailey.\u201d<\/p>\n

He merely grinned and removed the bear claw pendant that always hung around his neck. \u201cWear this to remember me by,\u201d he said, holding it out.<\/p>\n

\u201cPhillip, it was your grandfathers! I can\u2019t. It\u2019s too important to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you can. You\u2019re to be my wife. It means what\u2019s mine is yours. I love you, Adela McGirth, and there\u2019s no one else I\u2019d give it to.\u201d His voice rang with longing as he ran his eyes over the length of her, pausing in all the wrong places.<\/p>\n

She resisted the urge to cross her arms over her chest. At least the dark of the night covered the blush on her cheeks. Never had a man appreciated her body the way Phillip did, and never had one assumed so much. \u201cYou\u2019re being a bit presumptuous. Aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. I\u2019m a man who knows what he wants and doesn\u2019t stop until he gets it.\u201d Playfulness tinged in his tone, but Adela heard the truth behind his words. \u201cTake the pendant. If it helps, see it as a gift from a friend. Not as a token of betrothal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seen in such a way, what could it hurt?<\/p>\n

She slipped it about her neck then gasped as he pulled her into a fierce kiss. His moist lips moved confidently against hers. Warm hands stroked her back and almost melted her resolve to remain chaste.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you,\u201d he murmured against her mouth.<\/p>\n

She knew he wanted a similar reply, but she couldn\u2019t give it. The words caught in her throat, as if uncertainty itself held them from escaping.<\/p>\n

She split apart from his searching mouth and sought retreat. \u201cPlease, be careful in Savannah,\u201d she managed. \u201cI have to go.\u201d She dropped her arms and ran for home, the claw thumping against her chest.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

Adela climbed the ladder to the loft careful not to wake her sisters. She hung her dress on a peg and slipped into her nightgown. Phillip\u2019s bear claw thudded against her. She clutched it through her gown as panic seized her. Had she hid it from Mama? So intent on getting home, she hadn\u2019t thought of it until now.<\/p>\n

Her shoulders dropped when she realized Mama would have questioned her about it if she\u2019d seen.<\/p>\n

The wooden timbers of the bed squeaked as Adela climbed in next to Lillian. They had always shared a bed. Even when given the option of each having their own in their more spacious, newly built house, they had both refused, preferring the warmth and closeness the other afforded.<\/p>\n

Although the two were completely opposite one another in every way, they held a special bond. Maybe it was Adela\u2019s quiet dependence on God which supported the more flighty Lillian, or maybe it was Lillian\u2019s carefree spirit which drew Adela to her sister\u2019s side. Perhaps, it was the need for an ally against Ellie\u2019s domineering onslaughts.<\/p>\n

Regardless, with just a year separating them, she and Lillian understood each other, thrived on their friendship.<\/p>\n

Lillian turned over to face her. \u201cWhere have you been?\u201d she whispered, her anger barely concealed. \u201cI\u2019ve been worried sick. We all have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh! You\u2019ll wake Ellie.\u201d Adela glanced at Elizabeth but their older sister\u2019s breath remained deep and even.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Lillian hissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the woods.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the woods? That\u2019s all you\u2019re going to say? I hope Mama believed you more than I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fearful look on Mama\u2019s face and the way she\u2019d clung to Adela when she\u2019d walked through the door flashed across her mind. She tasted guilt and couldn\u2019t swallow. \u201cMe too. But I didn\u2019t lie, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re getting at.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lillian practically snorted. \u201cThat would be something I would do. No, silence would be more your style.\u201d She thumped Adela on the shoulder. \u201cAm I not getting any more details, like where you got that\u2014that\u2014whatever it is hanging around your neck?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adela grasped the pendant. \u201cYou saw it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. When you got undressed, and if you don\u2019t want anyone else to find out about it, you should be more careful. So, out with it. What have you got there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing. I shouldn\u2019t have accepted it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing? I saw the way you were holding it,\u201d she rasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh! That\u2019s not what I\u2014\u201d Would Lillian understand? \u201cOh, never mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, give me all the details. Who is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you know it was from a man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdela, Adela, ever so naive and oblivious. You and I don\u2019t think the same at all. So, tell me already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I tell you, you have to promise to keep it to yourself! At least for a while. Promise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, I promise\u2026just tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adela took a deep breath, and said his name on less than a whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No! It\u2019s\u2014it\u2019s not as if he has no reason to love you, but you? Lover of all things peaceable and non-confrontational, I never imagined you to be so audacious as to set your bonnet for Ellie\u2019s man!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh! See why it\u2019s a secret? No one would understand. Besides, he\u2019s not Ellie\u2019s man. And I\u2019m not even sure I feel anything for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to be half mad. You do realize Elizabeth will practically disown you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adela lost the battle against her tears..<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on. Don\u2019t cry. I exaggerated. It won\u2019t be so bad. She\u2019ll forgive you\u2026eventually. She\u2019s never really had a claim to him and will see it in time. But you have to tell her. You can\u2019t keep it from her forever, and if she finds out from someone else, it\u2019ll be worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLilly, I\u2019ve tried a dozen times to tell her, but I just can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adela moaned and Lillian put a comforting hand on her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll humiliate her, if it doesn\u2019t kill her first,\u201d Adela said. \u201cI should have put an end to it before he left, especially since I\u2019m not sure I even love him. But he\u2019s so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHandsome? Daring? Everything a woman could want in a man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adela sighed and fiddled with the claw strung about her neck. \u201cYes, he\u2019s all that, but there\u2019s something missing\u2026or maybe it\u2019s what he has too much of. A bit too brash, maybe? Too self-confident? He angers easily, and I don\u2019t see much of the Lord in his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that what\u2019s bothering you? Do yourself a favor and stop focusing on his faults. We all have them.\u201d She propped herself up on an elbow then paused. After a moment of silence, soft snoring from the other side of the room confirmed Ellie still slept.<\/p>\n

Moonlight from the small window washed Lillian\u2019s face in its glow. Their Mama\u2019s full Spanish blood showed itself most in Lillian. Even in the dim light, she was beautiful. \u201cIt\u2019s simple,\u201d she said. \u201cYou tell Ellie. She\u2019s hurt. When Phillip proposes, you accept, and in time, Ellie recovers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lillian tugged the pendant from Adela\u2019s grasp. \u201cThis was his grandfather\u2019s. I take it Phillip loves you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe claims he does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you saw him tonight to tell him goodbye?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adela bobbed her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour secret is safe with me, but my advice is sooner is always better than later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I know. I\u2019m such a coward.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHardly.\u201d Lillian patted her hand.<\/p>\n

It felt awkward to be the one consoled. The tables were usually turned.<\/p>\n

.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t plan for it to happen and now\u2026I\u2019m risking Ellie disowning me for a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the most ridiculous thing I\u2019ve heard yet. Ellie isn\u2019t that scary. Now why don\u2019t you get some sleep, and we\u2019ll talk about how to handle it tomorrow. I assume there will be a wedding when he returns. You can\u2019t prepare for a home of your own and still keep it a secret. We\u2019ll think of something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Lilly. Love you,\u201d she said with a peck to her sister\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

Lillian flipped over,. Much later, her mind exhausted, she relaxed and followed her sister in sleep.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

Kossati Village, Upper Creek Nation<\/p>\n

The cabin door creaked as it opened. Nokos stepped inside careful not to wake the children. He left the door ajar allowing the moonlight to guide his steps. Its soft glow illuminated his little ones piled like counting sticks on the bearskin mat. Four sets of arms and legs were sprawled in every direction.<\/p>\n

He brushed a kiss onto each warm forehead. The youngest stirred, flipped to his back, and wiped drool from his cheek.<\/p>\n

He had missed them, but the reason for his early return lay in the bed on the far side of the room.<\/p>\n

Having removed his weapons, he stretched his aching muscles and crept into bed next to his wife.<\/p>\n

Just before leaving on his hunting trip one week earlier, he had revealed to Singing Grass his intentions to join the warring party. She wasn\u2019t pleased.<\/p>\n

Civil War had raged in the Creek Nation since the 1811 Grand Council. For over a year, he had publically remained neutral, along with Red Eagle.<\/p>\n

Now, he found himself forced to choose sides. With the purpose of protecting their nation and keeping its traditions pure, the Red Sticks were executing those displaying American sympathies.<\/p>\n

If the Long Knives were not stopped, the Muscogee would eventually be lead to starvation or worse\u2026slavery. According to the Red Sticks, every American sympathizer must die.<\/p>\n

Most in Kossati knew Nokos was partial to the Americans. Yes, their droves of cattle encroached on Creek land, and no, the farmers did not ask permission to run their iron plows through Creek soil. All that aside, he had found it difficult to justify fighting them.<\/p>\n

They were powerful and well studied in war. Singing Grass was right\u2026the Red Sticks would eventually be slaughtered.<\/p>\n

But unless he pledged his allegiance to the Red Stick cause and soon, he would find himself taken unawares by a band of warriors.<\/p>\n

Nokos let out his breath in a gust and sank onto the bearskin pallet.<\/p>\n

Singing Grass stretched an arm across his chest, and propped her small pointed chin on his shoulder. \u201cYou are home early.\u201d With familiar affection, she traced the lines and circles tattooed on his neck and awakened a hunger within him.<\/p>\n

He sought her lips and kissed her deeply. \u201cI did not mean to wake you. How are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHungry\u2014all the time.\u201d She hammered his chest with her forefinger. \u201cYou left the hunt early to ask me if I am well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no matter. There was no game to hunt.\u201d He tried to keep the frustration from his voice. No need to worry her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing? You caught nothing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThree rabbits and a squirrel, as if I were just a boy. No one else had done any better when I left. I doubt one more day would have mattered much.\u201d He pulled her closer. \u201cI would rather be home with you than listening to their talk of war, death, and starv\u2014\u201d He cut his words short.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do not have to hide things from me. I\u2019m pregnant–not blind and deaf. I know what is happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re joining the Red Sticks. I hardly think it is fine. They will kill themselves in vain. Must you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I must.\u201d Should he reveal to her Gray Hawk\u2019s warning to be quick in choosing sides? That his name had been whispered among those whose loyalty was in question?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe prophets are insane! Surely you have not succumbed to their antics?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not. I\u2019m no fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sighting of a star with a fiery tail traveling across the sky a month after Tecumseh\u2019s departure had frenzied the Creeks. It was the \u201csign\u201d, they said. It was the \u201carm of fire\u201d Tecumseh had claimed would prove his prophecies were from the Great Spirit. A strongly superstitious people, the sighting had driven the Creeks into the Red Stick faction by the thousands.<\/p>\n

True to his word, Tecumseh had left several prophets to train the Creeks to lead their people in the war dances. In most every village, the rhythms and tunes became familiar. With devotion, men and women believed the tales told by new prophets.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook what madness has overcome our people,\u201d Singing Grass said. \u201cThey are being led to the slaughter! We shame ourselves, and our children will pay. Pushmatahaw is a wise chief. He was right to force Tecumseh from his nation. Because he did, the Choctaw were spared this insanity. If only our chiefs had done the same\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLower your voice,\u201d Nokos cautioned. \u201cDo you want the children to repeat what you say? We\u2019re already at risk. Careless words could be our destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat up, and her single braid slipped from her shoulder and landed on his chest with a soft thud. \u201cWhat do you mean we are already at risk?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy past will not be forgiven. I must clearly oppose the Americans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what of your past? Will you pretend it does not exist? Will you spit in the faces of those who love you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRed Eagle has joined the war party,\u201d Nokos said, preferring to ignore her difficult questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should go to Big Warrior, join his White ranks in Tuckabatchee. I hear all who desire peace with the Americans are flocking to his protection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with Big Warrior, but sooner or later, Tuckabatchee will be under siege and his White warriors will be forced to surrender to the Red Sticks. I either submit now or later.\u201d Nokos shook his head. \u201cNo. No, I will do as I vowed and follow Red Eagle. He is a clever warrior, and will lead us well.\u201d<\/p>\n

The moment Nokos heard the half-Scottish, half-Creek chief had joined the Red Sticks, he knew what he must do. \u201cIf Red Eagle, as influential and powerful as he is, has been forced at the threat of his family\u2019s life to join the Red Sticks, how will I avoid it?\u201d<\/p>\n

With his gaze, he caressed the mother of his children. She was so vulnerable. And the little ones. Who would protect them when he went away? If he died? At least now, he would not have to fear his own people turning against them. Most found it much easier to wish their enemy\u2019s demise\u2026not so with Nokos.<\/p>\n

She brought his attention back to her by running her warm hand down his cheek. \u201cWipe the worry from your face, husband,\u201d she said, resolve in her voice. She sniffed once then swallowed. \u201cAll will be well. Do what you must.\u201d She dropped next to him and clung to his chest, her hair tickling the underside of his chin.<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t realized how much her approval meant to him until he obtained it. Resting a hand on the slight bulge of her belly, he prayed to whatever god would listen that this dear woman be spared the sufferings and hardships which were the sisters of war.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


\n<\/strong><\/p>\n


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It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,53,34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-books","category-colonial-america","category-historical"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6738"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6738\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6755,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6738\/revisions\/6755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}