Chapter 12: Welcome Back

Pocahontas, followed by John Smith and Nakoma, approaches the village. The villagers, who are busy engaging in their everyday activities, stop to look at the visitor Pocahontas has brought to them. Ahanu stares intensely at the familiar white man.

"It is John Smith." Ahanu mutters to himself. Coming to this realization, he quickly stands up and yells, "John Smith! My brothers and sisters, John Smith has returned to us!"

The villagers stop what they're doing to look at Smith. Immediately, they rush over to greet him. Pocahontas and Nakoma step out of the crowd, while Smith enjoys all of the attention. Chiqala approaches him and raises his hands in the air, silently motioning for Smith to pick him up. When Smith does this, Chiqala tilts Smith's helmet so that it covers his eyes completely. Smiling at the child's curiosity, Smith takes off his helmet and places it on Chiqala's head.

"You'll grow into it." Smith says.

Hearing the commotion, Rolf steps out of his tent to see what is going on. He walks to the crowd and squeezes his way inside the circle of people.

"Smith." Rolf scowls as he greets the man in blue.

"Rolf." Smith gently puts down Chiqala, while smiling at Rolf's obvious anger. "Hey, I thought you'd be happy to see me old buddy." Smith playfully hits Rolf on the shoulder. Rolf, in pain, holds his shoulder with his hand.

"Stop with the games Smith. I think we both know why you're here."

"What games? I just came to see an old friend. Is that alright?"

Before Rolf has a chance to respond, the crowd pulls him out of the way to make room for Powhatan. Powhatan walks towards Smith and stops right in front of him. Smith and Powhatan stare directly into each other's eyes, both with serious expressions. Suddenly, Powhatan cracks a smile and they both laugh.

"Wingapo." Powhatan waves his hand in a semi-circular motion.

"Wingapo." Smith waves his hand, remembering how Pocahontas taught him to say hello.

"My brother, you have returned."

"I had to sir. I left behind something very dear to me. Something I couldn't go on living without." Smith looks directly at Pocahontas as he says this. She turns away.

"It brings me much joy to see you among us." Powhatan places a hand on Smith's shoulder.

"I feel the same way." Smith responds.

"This calls for a feast. Tonight."

"I would be honored sir."