The Adventures of Pocahontas and John Rolfe: Book II

Chapter 12: Building a Future

Chief Powhatan stood on one of the steps that led up to the family longhouse, raising himself to a higher position than the populace. John Rolfe, Pocahontas, Dyani, Nakoma, and some elders stood in a group on his right. The totem circle was packed with people from many different tribes who gradually started to notice his presence. They all quieted down accordingly and turned to face him. Once silence reigned, the paramount chief raised a hand in the air. "Cheskchamay, I have an important message to announce to all members of our great nation before the festivities begin tonight. As you all know, the settlement of Jamestown has, as of late, greatly redeemed itself from its past actions against our people. In addition to providing us food during a starving time, they have provided weaponry as well as knowledge that will make short work of the upcoming war effort against the hostile Monacans to the far west. Those of you present from the Matticox tribe will soon be able to reclaim your lost homes and belongings at a minimal loss to our people. To seal this new alliance, a settler of great reputation has come forth with a marriage proposal for my daughter Pocahontas, born Amonute," Powhatan announced, beckoning his daughter and John Rolfe forward. Once they stood before him, side by side, he turned them to face the crowd. "Ulkekahone has sworn an oath to our people and I have accepted his proposal."

Powhatan placed a hand a few inches above John Rolfe's head and another above his daughter's head. "Therefore, Ulkekahone and Pocahontas will be joined in sacred matrimony," he decreed. Before he could even hope to continue, the crowd erupted into a symphony of ululations and boisterous cheers. John Rolfe could not help but notice that most of the voices sounded female. The children were jumping around and shrieking in excitement as well. When he glanced about, he noticed that every warrior he saw appeared to have the same shell-shocked expression on his face. Most of the men did nothing but stand there with their mouths agape and their eyes wide. Chief Powhatan raised a hand to quiet the crowd. "Aftward," he continued, "they intend to settle here in Werowocomoco and raise a family together. With permission from the council, this man is now a member of the Powhatan tribe. So do not be afraid to approach him and speak with him as you would any other villager. Ulkekahone is trying to learn our tongue, so I encourage you all to help him in that endeavor by speaking to him in Powhatan as often as you can. That's all that I have to share with you this evening. Now, may the feast and festivities begin!"

Pocahontas could scarcely stop herself from bouncing up and down in excitement. She had not even noticed how the warriors were reacting when she heard the ululations, especially the ones she knew were coming from Nakoma and Dyani behind her. The Powhatan princess turned to John Rolfe and threw her arms around his neck as she kissed him in front of everybody. It was a great relief to not have to keep their relationship a secret any longer. When the announcement was over, Chief Powhatan signaled for the festivities to begin and a huge crowd enveloped the newly-engaged couple. Pocahontas and John Rolfe were bombarded with questions as the music started. They did their best to answer all of them, Pocahontas having to act as a translator for John Rolfe and those who did not speak English. After a few minutes, a gratuitous quantity of food was being served all around the totem circle. One woman was handing out plates and others bore great platters of varied food items. Rolfe and Pocahontas took their seats in a social circle consisting of Nakoma, Dyani, Chief Powhatan, and werowances from other villages.

Meanwhile, as John Rolfe was eating his dinner, a group of curious little children snuck up behind him. When he felt the sensation of someone lightly pulling on his ponytail, the English diplomat jumped in surprise and glanced over his shoulder. His sudden movement startled the children who were examining him and they ran off squealing. "Uh, oh," John Rolfe uttered. He beckoned the kids to come back. "It's alright. You just surprised me," he expressed.

Pocahontas glanced back and giggled. "Come on," she said in Powhatan, gesturing for the little ones to return. "He's not mad at you. You can look at him if you want. He doesn't mind."

"Did you just tell them that I'm angry?" John Rolfe inquired, understanding some of the words.

Pocahontas laughed. "No, I told them that you weren't angry. I said 'neer,' which means not."

"Oh, right. I missed that," John Rolfe replied, spinning on his rear to face toward the children."

"John, I want you to eat your food before you play with them," Pocahontas beseeched, tapping him on the shoulder. "You are still too thin from this past winter. Be a good example to the kids and finish your stew," she said, handing him his bowl. Then she took another plate and stacked venison steaks and fish on it. "And once you're done with that, you must eat all of this."

The Englishman frowned. "That'll make me sleepy if I eat all of that," he whined as some of the kids started to approach him again. Pocahontas took his hat off and pulled out his hair strap, setting both aside before tousling his hair to let the children know that it was okay to touch as well as look. "Hey!" Rolfe protested. "Why are you messing up my hair? This calls for revenge," he declared, doing the same to her. Pocahontas just laughed as he messed with her dark locks. Rolfe made his best efforts to fix his own hair before he was bombarded with attention again. Several of the youngest children ran up and started touching the auburn hair that Pocahontas had made so freely available. Rolfe snorted and turned back around, granting them full access. "Fine, touch it," he conceded. "But no pulling." Little hands started stroking his head as he went about the task of eating his dinner stew. He practically inhaled it before putting down his bowl. "Can I play with them now?" the diplomat inquired, glancing over his shoulder at the children gathered behind him. Pocahontas shook her head and put the plate of steaks and fish in his lap. He grunted in annoyance before picking up a sharp knife and cutting the meat into smaller pieces. "I don't see why you must insist upon me eating so much in such a short period. There's plenty of time to regain the weight I lost. Months, in fact. What is so urgent about all of this?" he inquired.

"I don't think you realize just how much you lost, John," Pocahontas replied.

The gentleman frowned and stuffed a piece of meat into his mouth. Buttered with lard, it was absolutely delicious. "Mm," he groaned before chewing and swallowing. "Oh, wow. Your friend really knows how to cook a steak. It's not dry at all," he remarked, nodding to Dyani.

"Yeah, they are really good," Pocahontas added. Dyani smiled.

When John Rolfe finished his meal, the kids were still playing with his hair. He snatched his hair strap back from Pocahontas and turned toward the children, straightening and tying his hair back again. "Wingapo, marowanchessos e usqwasenis," he greeted, taking his thin leather gloves off and placing them on his knee. He picked up a little twig and started drawing in the dirt behind the reed mat, making a picture of a tall tree with bare leafless winter branches. "Tree."

"Cacoushe," said a rail-thin boy.

"Maukus, sivilquen getwhig novaloo," Pocahontas said to the boy.

John Rolfe raised a brow. "His name is Maukus? Whose child is he?"

"He's the son of a Matticox woman called Anguenusquema. She's around here somewhere," Pocahontas told him, glancing around. "His father Machk died when the Monacans attacked them. They almost starved when they fled, but fortunately your food donation saved their lives."

John Rolfe frowned and raised a brow. " I guess that explains why some of these children are so skinny. Thank goodness we didn't lose them. And I'm sorry to hear that the boy lost his father."

"It wasn't just him who lost his father," Pocahontas added, pointing to a girl near him. "Genessa and Maukus are twins. They're only five years old and they both lost their father. The Monacans have gradually become a bigger and bigger problem for our people over the course of the last five years. We're not even trying diplomacy anymore. They will not listen to anything we have to say. I just wish we could find out the reason they have become so hostile. I know they were starving too this past late winter, but they could have come to us for help rather than attacking us. There must have been some kind of change in their leadership. Father thinks someone usurped their old chief Shappa, but we do not know who the new ruler is or why he is being so unusually violent. For over a hundred years, we have always tried to keep on good terms with them since we know them to be torturers. They treat captured enemies very brutally, but that is usually restricted to those they want to glean information out of. Sometimes they torture for revenge as well. As you know, they just snatched my mother's native lands away from our nation."

John Rolfe reached over and placed a hand on her cheek. "I swear to you, we're going to get your lands back. Maybe thereafter we can discover what's changed with your enemies. I would never give up on diplomacy forever. Changes in leadership change everything. I'm sure there are plenty of Monacan commoners who want no part of this war with the Powhatan Nation. No need to condemn them over something they cannot control," he said, running a hand through her hair.

"I appreciate the perspective you take on this, John. Sometimes, when we get attacked, our warriors get so angry it happened that they lose all sense of reason and restraint. Sometimes they want nothing more than to destroy the perpetrators and the rest of their people as well. That is what grief can do. Fortunately, we have a policy of not harming women or children," Pocahontas returned, placing a hand over his. She leaned in and kissed John Rolfe on the lips.

When they drew back, Rolfe remarked, "That is always a good policy to have, though it is a shame one should have to harm the men either. I realize they pose a danger, but still…" He paused, his eyes haphazardly falling down to look at her beautiful turquoise necklace. "Oh! Pocahontas, I just remembered something important. I need to have an engagement ring made for you and wedding bands for the both of us. But the engagement ring comes first. What kind of engagement ring would you like? Gold and diamond are traditional, but since we're already…"

"What is this about a ring?" Chief Powhatan inquired, overhearing them talk.

John Rolfe glanced over at him. "It's an important English tradition."

"You don't have to get me anything special, John," Pocahontas replied, holding one of his hands.

The diplomat raised a brow. "You don't want a ring?"

"What are these rings for besides to show off wealth?" she probed in skepticism.

John Rolfe froze and then thought for a moment. "Well, an engagement ring is the traditional way to announce a betrothal among the English. The settlers will expect me to publicly kneel, present you with the engagement ring, and then ask you to marry me. That is how it's done in most of Europe," he explained. "It's a public declaration of love. And it lets the Jamestown populace know that we're engaged. And then, during the actual wedding, we exchange wedding bands. Every Englishwoman knows that a man wearing a wedding band is married, just as every Englishman knows a woman wearing an engagement ring and a wedding band is married."

Pocahontas's eyes snapped open. She thought back to the snooty gentleman's daughter back in Jamestown. Internally, Pocahontas knew she would love to see the look on Grace's face during such an event. And then a wedding band on Rolfe would let every future settler woman know he was not available. It was an ideal solution to the feelings of resentment she had been suffering from. "Get the rings," Pocahontas conceded. "I'm okay with following tradition sometimes."

John Rolfe smiled and nodded. "What materials do you want the rings made out of? Like I said, gold and diamond are traditional, but if you would prefer something that matches your necklace, I'm sure I can make arrangements for that with the Jamestown jeweler," he disclosed.

Pocahontas placed a hand on her mother's necklace and peered down at it, holding the pendant in her palm. "I have some uncarved turquoise stones that you could give to the jeweler."

"That would be perfect for the stone. As for the ring itself, would you like it to be made out of some kind of metal or shell? I've seen shell rings before. They're less common and probably more difficult to make, but they exist. We could have the ring made of shell, like your pendant there, and the stone could be turquoise. And then we could have matching shell wedding bands. I think that would look marvelous in combination with your necklace. Oh, but I'll have to measure your ring finger so I can give the measurements to the jeweler," John Rolfe declared.

"Yes! I'd love to have a shell ring with a turquoise stone. We have some shells that could be used for that purpose. I was keeping them to make beads, but I'll give you some to give the jeweler," Pocahontas said, hopping to her feet. She ran up the hill to the Powhatan family longhouse.

John Rolfe appeared to be pleased as she ran off. He peered over to Powhatan, Dyani, and Nakoma, all of whom were looking at him. "Well, I'm glad she's excited," he admitted, rubbing the nape of his neck. "Last time I bought her jewelry, it didn't turn out so well…"

"This ring-exchanging thing," Nakoma began. "It is part of an English wedding ceremony?"

John Rolfe nodded. "Yes."

"Wait, there are how many rings in this?" Dyani inquired.

"Well, three," John Rolfe replied. "The woman gets two and the man gets one. Sorry, I realize that might sound a bit confusing. Basically, the first ring is for the engagement and the other two are for the actual marriage. That's really all you need to know," he explained.

"So are you going to have an English wedding ceremony or a Powhatan one?" the chief inquired.

John Rolfe shrugged. "I'm sure Pocahontas will flesh out those details. And I'll help however I can. It sounds to me like she at least wants to stick to the ring-exchange tradition, but that doesn't necessarily exclude Powhatan customs. Who knows? She might elect to combine our traditions in some interesting way. You'll have to ask her. As of yet, I have no idea what she wants."

"She ask me to help plan wedding!" Dyani excitedly declared. "We talk about dress."

John Rolfe raised a brow at Dyani. "What did you decide about the dress?"

She laughed. "I not tell you! Man only sees dress at wedding."

The gentleman pouted. "You can't even tell me about it?"

Dyani shook her head and Nakoma snickered. "It is one of our customs that the man can know nothing of the dress until he sees his bride in it at the wedding ceremony," the latter revealed.

"English tradition has something like that, but it's not quite as strict. The groom is allowed to see the dress, but he can't see his bride wearing it until she's walking down the aisle," Rolfe related.

Chief Powhatan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That's interesting. It seems our traditions are not all that different after all. What other marriage traditions do the English have?"

John Rolfe smiled. "Well, there's a priest or pastor who presides over the ceremony. There's also the part where the bride's father walks her down the aisle and metaphorically 'gives her away' to the groom. Oh, and there's a big party afterwards called a reception. That's the best part."

"In our tradition, the father of the bride joins the hands of the bride and groom, but he does not walk her anywhere," Chief Powhatan replied. "However, it seems to be the same idea of 'giving away' or symbolically joining the daughter to her new husband by joining their hands."

John Rolfe raised his brows. "Honestly, I kind of like that idea better. Maybe that's how we should do it. We can still do the ring-exchange, of course. Normally that part happens after the vows. The man says his vow to the woman and then puts her band on her left ring finger. Then the woman says her vow to the man and puts his band on his left ring finger. The priest then pronounces them officially married and they kiss. That's the end of the wedding ceremony. The festivities start after that. The entire wedding party sings and dances and feasts."

"We do speak vows as well," Chief Powhatan revealed, "although there are no rings involved. The vows are considered the most important part of the whole ceremony, as the couple swears loyalty to each other. We also celebrate late into the night with feasting, dancing, and singing."

John Rolfe continued to chat with Pocahontas's brethren until she returned with a small pouch. Everyone went silent as she plopped down next to him and handed it to him. The Englishman raised a brow as he untied the sinew around the pouch and poured the contents into his hand. It included five pearly-white shells and a little turquoise stone. "Do you think that's big enough?" she inquired, pointing to the turquoise stone. It matched the color of her necklace perfectly.

"Oh, yes. It's plenty big," John Rolfe confirmed, rolling it around in his hand. "In fact, it will probably have to be shaved down quite a bit from this size. This is actually quite perfect. If only I had measuring tape, I'd take your measurements right now. However, I think I'll have to see the Jamestown jeweler for that. But it's no matter, I'll go see him first thing in the morning."

"Ulkekahone," Chief Powhatan spoke, gaining their attention. "I realize these rings are important to you, but I think the most pressing issue is where you're going to build your home and when you are going to begin construction. Birchbark is harvested in the spring, as are saplings. That is why spring is the best time to build new houses. I suggest you and my daughter select a location tomorrow with my help. It will be a lot of laboring. I hope you are prepared for that."

"I am not afraid of hard work, sir," John Rolfe returned.

Pocahontas took him by the arm. "And I'll help, of course. Don't worry about what the warriors have to say about it. There is no law against teamwork. We survived pirates together and now we will get to build our lives together. I don't know about you, but I'm really looking forward to it."

APRIL 11, 1614

The first thing that John Rolfe did when he woke up the next morning, after getting dressed and eating breakfast, was to head straight to Carter Daugherty's house. Both a jeweler and talented gold- and silversmith, the middle-aged fellow was known for his beautiful and detailed wedding bands. Every couple who had gotten married in Jamestown thus far had been a customer of his. When Rolfe arrived at the cottage which served both the man's home and workshop, he knocked three times. "Coming!" called a male voice from inside. Soon enough a short stout man with a half-bald head of medium-red hair opened the door with a friendly smile on his face. "Oh, Lord Rolfe, what a surprise! You're the last fellow I was expecting to show up at my humble abode. How can I help you, milord?" Mr. Daugherty paused. "This isn't about the taxes, is it?"

John Rolfe chuckled. "No, my good man. Those have been taken care of. May I come in?"

"Of course, of course," Carter Daugherty replied, stepping aside to allow his visitor entrance.

John Rolfe entered the small place and removed his hat, glancing around. There was a wooden counter with a lot of beautiful jewelry on display. In the back was a small workshop with many different tools lining the walls. While cluttered, it was pretty well organized. As soon as the door was closed, the diplomat turned his attention to the jeweler. "Mr. Daugherty, I come on behalf of a very special young lady who requires a very special engagement ring. I trust you'll keep this a secret until I've a chance to properly propose to her. I find a public declaration of love is the best way to announce an engagement, don't you?" Rolfe determined in a giddy tone of voice.

Carter Daugherty was about to open his mouth to reply when their attention was stolen by a sudden squeal coming from the back of the shop. The jeweler looked alarmed. "Oh, dear, I do hope I didn't leave the kettle on! Forgive me, Lord Rolfe," Carter declared, running to the back where the fireplace was. He glanced into the fire and saw no kettle. "Hm, that's strange," he uttered to himself, scratching his bald head. He stood up and glanced out the cracked-open back window, seeing nothing and no one. Then he shrugged and returned to the front.

"Is everything alright?" John Rolfe asked.

Carter Daugherty nodded. "Yes, the kettle isn't on the fire at all. Well, Lord Rolfe! I must admit I'm thrilled to hear you'll be tying the knot soon. Who is the lucky lady if I might ask?"

John Rolfe chuckled. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough. I intend to propose to her on bended knee in the town square once the ring is made. And that's where you come in, my friend. I've got a very special design for an engagement ring in mind. I say, have you any experience with carving unusual substances such as shell? I see you've done plenty of stone," he noted, observing the man's previous work lining the counter. "This is some lovely work you've done."

"Shell, you say? That should be no problem. But that is an unusual choice for an engagement ring. Whatever made you think of it, my boy?" Carter inquired out of genuine curiosity.

"It was requested by the lady in question. You see, I want the ring itself to be made of shell and the stone to be of turquoise. Let me show you," Rolfe expressed, pulling the little pouch that Pocahontas had given him out of his pocket. He emptied the contents onto the counter as Carter came over to have a look. "We want both the wedding bands to be made of shell alone and the engagement ring to be of shell and turquoise. Do you think you can do that?" he asked.

"Hm," the man thought aloud. "A very unusual request and, I'd have to say, a challenge. I do enjoy a good challenge. It's not often I get to work with new materials," he remarked, picking up one of the shells. He tapped it against the wooden counter and then tested its strength between his teeth. "It's lighter than stone and probably more brittle. I can make a thicker-than-usual ring with it if you'd like, but there's a chance it might break. I wouldn't suggest a dainty little thing unless, of course, you'd prefer to use gold or silver and have the shell inlaid into the metal. Now, I think that would look glorious as well—to have a shell-inlaid silver ring with a turquoise stone on the top. Naturally, I'll need the lady's ring finger circumference. I can show you how to take the measurement and lend you the measuring tape to do so or you can bring the lady in for me to take the measurement. What is your preference, Lord Rolfe?" Mr. Daugherty queried.

"Well, I do like dainty little rings on dainty little fingers. They look so beautiful on young ladies. You know what? I'll ask my fiancée and then get back to you on that. Oh, and I'll need to borrow the measuring tape like you suggested," John Rolfe replied. "I'll take the measurement myself."

Carter Daugherty took the turquoise stone in hand. "I'll also need you to select a cut for the stone itself. Once we decide all the details, we can negotiate and work out a fair price," he said.

"I think a smooth oval or circle cut would be best," John Rolfe mused. "We have chosen these materials because we want the ring to match an heirloom necklace belonging to my fiancée."

The jeweler scratched his chin. "In that case, it might be ideal if you can bring in the necklace itself for me to use for inspiration. I'm pretty good at making matching pieces of jewelry."

"I can certainly ask to borrow it."

Carter Daugherty smiled and then snapped out a length of measuring tape. "Excellent. Now, let me show you how to measure a finger. It's really not difficult, but you must be precise."

Temperance Plaskett was the only child of a master carpenter by the name of Anthony Plaskett. The girl took after her deceased mother in that she was just about the biggest gossip in all of Jamestown. She loved to snoop and share the secrets of others with whoever would listen and not rebuke her for eavesdropping. That usually included a small group of friends who were in her adolescent age range. Rumors would often grow from there after Temperance had planted the seed. Sometimes they proved true, sometimes false. The girl's body shook with excitement as she knocked on the black-framed door to the Spurling home. She had what she believed to be an exclusive story to share with as many people as would listen, starting with her friend Yvette.

Mrs. Spurling opened the door, blinking in surprise at the sight of her daughter's best friend. "Oh, Temperance! Hello there, my dear. I suppose you want to see Yvette? She's just finishing her chores. Our house is a bit cluttered at the moment with spring cleaning, but I can send her over to your house if you'd like," the older woman proposed in an amicable voice.

"Actually, I have news that I'd like to share with both you and Yvette," Temperance replied.

Mrs. Spurling placed her hands on her hips in a stern manner. "Temperance Plaskett, I do hope you haven't been eavesdropping again. You know you can get into very big trouble for that."

Temperance backed up a bit. "W-well, I… I-it was entirely by accident. I was doing my chores outside and, as I passed by a house, I happened to overhear something I know you're going to want to know about, Mrs. Spurling," the girl defensively explained, glancing around with suspicion. Temperance leaned in to whisper something in an enticing tone, "It concerns Lord John Rolfe." She waggled her eyebrows and giggled before clapping a hand over her mouth.

Mrs. Spurling raised a brow. "Lord Rolfe, you say?" she returned, appearing to be torn between wanting to know what the girl had to say and wanting to do the right thing. Her curiosity soon had her defeated and she sighed. "Fine. Come in, but you mustn't speak of this to anyone else."

Temperance made the sign of the cross over her chest. "Cross my heart, hope to die."

Mrs. Spurling pulled her inside just as Yvette arrived. "Temperance! How are you? Do you want to do my hair again?" the blonde girl inquired, looking excited. "You did such a good job of it for the dinner we had with Lord Rolfe. Oh Mum, can we have Daddy invite him over again? I have a better idea of what to say this time. I've been putting lots of thought and prayer into it."

Temperance clapped a hand over her friend's mouth. "I think you won't need to worry about what to say to get his attention too much longer. Come over to the fireplace. You two are going to want to be sitting down before you hear what I have to say," she excitedly decreed.

Once they were all settled by the fire, Temperance straightened herself up and beamed at Yvette and her mother from ear to ear. "What is it?" Yvette queried most insistently.

"What has happened with Lord Rolfe?" Mrs. Spurling demanded.

Temperance bounced up and down before she answered. "Guess! I dare you to guess!"

"I haven't a clue," both mother and daughter said in unison.

"Lord Rolfe is going to take a bride!" Temperance squealed, unable to contain herself any longer. "I just heard myself. He was in the jeweler's workshop asking for an engagement ring to be made! I honestly did not mean to eavesdrop, but I happened to be passing by a window when I heard Lord Rolfe's voice. He wouldn't say who it was for, but I think we can all guess!"

Mother and daughter froze and sat there agape, unable to believe their ears at first. Slowly, they turned to look at each other. "Yvette, love, do you know what this means? Oh, hallelujah!"

"But, Mummy, we don't know who the ring is for. It could be for that awful girl Grace!" Yvette protested. Her eyes filled with tears and she started to tremble. "Oh, I'll just die if he proposes to that awful girl after all the terrible things she has said to me. Mummy, what are we going to do?"

Mrs. Spurling had a pensive look on her face. "Actually, love, I might have reason to believe it's not Grace that he has in mind. Remember what a good mood your father was in the other day? I forgot to mention something to you because I thought nothing of it at the time. After church a few days back, I saw Lord Rolfe pull your father aside and talk to him. I thought they had to be talking about gunsmithing. But, given what's happened today, I'm starting to think otherwise!"

Yvette blinked in surprise. "You think he was asking Daddy for my hand?"

Mrs. Spurling nodded. "You know how secretive your father can be sometimes."

Temperance dove into Yvette's arms and squeezed her around the middle. "Oh, Yvette, you have to let me do your makeup and your hair and be your maid of honor! I can't believe this is really happening! Oh! Look at me, I'm shaking!" she laughed. "You're shaking too!"

"I'm nervous! I-I mean, it feels like this is happening too fast. I do really like him, but I'm not sure if I'm really ready to be m-m-married yet!" Yvette stuttered, feeling faint. "I get so scared around boys. I can scarcely imagine being alone with one who isn't my father!"

"Girls, girls!" Mrs. Spurling protested. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'll not hear speak of wedding plans or, Lord forbid, wedding nights until after Yvette has been presented with the engagement ring. We don't want to get our hopes up prematurely. That would be folly." The conversation came to an abrupt halt when a clamor started coming from outside. "Oh, the ships must be leaving now. We must go and bid them farewell on their long voyage. Come, girls."

Having completed all his business in Jamestown for the day, John Rolfe waved goodbye to the men aboard the three ships as they set sail. All of his mail was on its way to England, including a lengthy copy of his travel memoirs, which he hoped would be reproduced and published for everyone back home to read. Hopefully, it would not take too long for him to receive the many items that he had ordered both for himself and for others. As the ships receded from sight, he turned around and headed straight into the woods behind the settlement as he intended to walk to Pocahontas's village on foot. It was a bright, clear, and temperate early spring day and he figured the exercise would do him good. Before long, he spotted someone through the woods coming in his direction. He waved. The other man raised a hand in greeting as well. When he got close enough, John Rolfe recognized the fellow as William Worthham. The well-dressed newcomer bore what looked like a pickaxe on his shoulder. The diplomat smiled. "Lord Worthham! What a surprise to meet you. What are you doing all the way out here in the wilderness?" Rolfe inquired.

"Looking for gold, of course," Lord Worthham replied, twirling his pickaxe around in the air. "That's why I came. You wouldn't happen to know where it'd be best to look, would you?"

John Rolfe stopped walking when they came face-to-face and frowned. "Oh… I'm sorry, Lord Worthham. None of the settlers have found any gold around here. As far as we know, there's no gold anywhere in Virginia. I suppose the original settlers might have just selected a bad spot to place the colony for that purpose, but we're here and most who came want to stay regardless."

Worthham was taken aback. "You mean to tell me this whole place is a goldless wasteland?"

John Rolfe glanced around at the wilderness. There were animals skittering through the trees, spring flowers bursting into bloom, a herd of deer in the distance, birds chirping up a beautiful song that resonated through the budding forest, and a trickling stream bursting with fish nearby. He chuckled. "Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a wasteland, my friend. Goldless, perhaps."

Worthham snorted and threw down his pick. "We were told there would be tons of gold here. Are you telling me we came all this way for nothing? That the Virginia Company lied to us?"

"If it was the Virginia Company who told you there was gold here, then I would say yes, they lied," John Rolfe replied. "Either that or they were just plain wrong. I know John Ratcliffe, for one, was caught lying about there being gold here because he was at the end of his rope."

"I don't believe it!"

John Rolfe shrugged. "Well, who knows? You might get lucky and find gold where everyone else failed. Feel free to keep looking. I don't think the Powhatans mind in the least as long as you aren't too destructive in your search. It's not like one man can do much damage anyway. Well, I have got to be off. I have business to attend to in Werowocomoco. Good luck, my friend."

Worthham still looked ticked off, but he nodded. "Thank you for your honesty, Lord Rolfe. It's too bad we didn't meet you in London. We might not have wasted our time coming here."

John Rolfe tipped his hat to the other gentleman and continued on his way. As he kept walking onward through the blooming woodland, he eventually came to hear a disturbing sound in the distance. It was off-trail and it almost sounded like an animal crying in distress. The Englishman stopped and listened. Whatever it was sounded very upset or possibly even in pain. He headed in the direction of the noise, leaving an obvious trail to follow back. His first concern was always getting lost in the Virginia wilderness without one of the natives to act as a guide.

The diplomat followed the noise about half a mile eastward off the trail until it led him to an oversized budding bush. He walked around the bush and spotted the squealing creature. A young raccoon, one smaller than Meeko, was caught in a metal cage trap. It could not have belonged to the Powhatans because of the iron that the thing was made out of. The Englishman drew his brows together in concern. They were well into Powhatan territory and, during their negotiations, the chief had made it clear he did not want the settlers to be hunting or trapping animals this close to the village of Werowocomoco. Perhaps someone in Jamestown simply had not gotten the memo. That was no matter. Soon there would to be another town meeting and he could make sure everyone knew the rules at the same time. For now, the diplomat would have to release the animal to prevent any unnecessary tensions between the settlers and natives.

When the raccoon spotted him, it squealed even louder in alarm and cowered in the back of the cage. It appeared to be a female from what John Rolfe could tell. She hid her head and face under her trembling striped tail in fear of the enormous human being standing outside her prison. Rolfe frowned. "It's alright. I'm not here for your pelt," he said in a soothing voice. "Now, if I let you out of that cage, I want you to promise not to bite me, alright? I'm just going to unlatch the trapdoor if you'll let me…" Rolfe uttered, lowering himself to his knees. He carefully scooted closer. His first fear was that she might lash out at him very suddenly and bite or scratch him. As his hands neared the metal bars, they started to shake slightly. The raccoon did not move even an inch. Carefully, he unhinged the springs. The cage door dropped open. He retreated as fast as he could, but the raccoon still did not budge. "Come on, get out of there. You're free."

She peeked out from under her tail, but she was still too struck with terror to move a muscle. John Rolfe frowned. He needed her to get out of the cage so he could pick it up and remove it. If the natives found it out here without explanation, they would not be very happy. Not wanting to frighten her any more, John Rolfe reached into his pocket and produced a piece of ham wrapped in a handkerchief that he had brought as a snack. Maybe he could tempt her out of the cage.

He placed the ham just outside the opening to the trap and then ran off and hid behind a tree. From there, he spied on the raccoon to see what she would do. At first, she did not move at all. Then, gradually, Rolfe noticed some movement as her nose awoke to the presence of a delicious scent. That's right, love. Smell that yummy ham and get out of there, he thought to himself.

Her tail jerked off of her face as she sniffed around and then spotted the ham. Casually, she walked over on her four feet and sniffed it before snatching it up in her paws and gobbling it down in a split second. Then she started sniffing around for more. She followed the scent toward the tree that Rolfe was hiding behind. As she approached the tree, John Rolfe stealthily snuck around the other side and jogged over to retrieve the now-empty trap. He took the trap and ran back off in the direction he had come. John Rolfe was relieved to find the trail again. He hid the unset trap in a tree hole, where he hoped to find it on his way back to Jamestown. Then he kept going onward to Werowocomoco. When he arrived at the Pamunkey River, there were several canoes available on the shore. He took one to cross the river to the village on the other side.

There were men on the shore with spears catching fish and others in the water checking on the fishing weirs. Women prepared the catches for smoking and cooking nearby. Pocahontas spotted John Rolfe and ran down to the bank, waving to get his attention. He waved back. "John!" she called as he approached. She helped him pull the canoe into shore so he would not have to step into the cold water to get out. "John, my father is coming. He'll be here in a minute."

"Good. I've got something to ask you before he gets here, love," John Rolfe replied, stepping out of the canoe onto dry land. "I talked to the Jamestown jeweler and he thinks it would be wiser to have a silver ring with shell inlaid into it. A ring that's just made out of shell is liable to break and that's not something you want in a wedding ring. Do you mind if he does it that way?" the Englishman inquired, straightening himself up after his brief ride in the canoe. "Besides, a pure shell ring would have to be thicker than usual and that might be uncomfortable to wear."

Pocahontas placed a finger to her lip in thought. "I think that would look good too. As long as it's not gold. That would contrast too much with my necklace since there's nothing yellow in it."

John Rolfe whipped out the measuring tape. "The jeweler gave this to me to measure your ring finger. If you will give me your left hand for just a moment," the gentleman beseeched, holding it out. Pocahontas presented her hand to him. As he took the measurement, he also said, "The fellow also asked if he could borrow your necklace. He is very good at making matching pieces of jewelry and, if you want a perfect match, it would be a good idea to let him see the necklace."

Pocahontas nodded. Once John Rolfe had noted the measurement and put away the tape, she reached back and unhooked the necklace from around her neck. She handed it to him. "Guard it with your life," she warned, giving him a serious look. "And tell him to do the same."

"Yes, madam," John Rolfe readily replied, slipping the prized possession into a deep trouser pocket. "I shan't let a thing happen to it. You have my word. Ah! Here comes your father."

Pocahontas glanced behind her and spotted the chief approaching from up the hill. They both waved to him as he came down to see them. Two of his personal guards and his medicine man trailed behind him. "Welcome back, my brother," Chief Powhatan greeted as he neared them. "Today is the day for you two to select a spot to build your future home. Come. I have several different lots to show you, starting right up the bank here," he indicated, pointing to a vacant area between clusters of huts near the village center circle. "This is one area we have set aside for future growth of the village. It is safe because it's near the village center and within view of the family longhouse. It is also clear of very tall trees which might fall during storms."

John Rolfe hopped up to the indicated area and looked around. There were some cultivated fruit trees nearby and the grass was kept well under control. It was also nicely flat and there was room to cultivate gardens. If he built the yehakin close enough to the river, they would also probably have a sufficient amount of privacy in terms of noise. He was a bit concerned about curious little children eavesdropping on him and his wife if they were too close to other houses. When Rolfe peered over his shoulder, he spotted Pocahontas behind him examining the same lot. "Love, there is a decent chance that we're going to be given livestock as a wedding gift from the settlers. If we build the house right here, then we could build a chicken coop right next to it. We could also fence in that whole area right there for goats and sheep. I don't think the other villagers will mind as long as we don't keep a rooster. What do you think?" the diplomat asked her.

Chief Powhatan came over. "What is a rooster?"

"A very annoying animal," John Rolfe explained.

"Ah," Powhatan returned. "Yes, please don't bring any annoying animals to the village."

John Rolfe chuckled. "Don't worry. I don't fancy being awakened before the crack of dawn every single day of my life either. For some reason, the settlers seem immune to such noise."

Pocahontas giggled. "If we have goats and sheep, we could have milk and butter and wool. It would be wonderful to not have to go to Jamestown to trade for those things," she remarked.

"Eggs from chickens too," John Rolfe replied. "And don't forget all the meat."

Pocahontas put a finger on her lower lip. "Maybe you won't have to learn how to hunt after all."

John Rolfe frowned. "But bad things can happen to livestock. It is wise to have a backup, like the ability to hunt, just in case a fox or wild cat comes after our chickens or goats."

"You first need to become proficient with the bow before you can go on any hunts," Powhatan pointed out. "So you will be spending a lot of time at the shooting range. If you want to marry my daughter, I expect you to practice with the bow every single day. I appreciate you being insightful and recognizing that you need to be able to provide for her even if something bad happens to the tame animals you keep. Pocahontas, where is that bow you got from the warrior Siwili during your travels? You said it was more suited to Ulkekahone's height anyway."

"It's under my bed at home. I'll go get it!" Pocahontas declared, running off through the village.

John Rolfe and Powhatan watched her go. "First, you must become proficient at shooting a still target. As long as you have good form, only experience will improve your accuracy. If you practice at the Jamestown shooting range, you won't have to come here every day. Now, back to the topic of housing. Take a look at the other yehakins in the village," Powhatan instructed, turning Rolfe to face the village. "You must decide which way you want your house oriented."

"I think I'd like it to be parallel to the river," John Rolfe replied. "Then we can have one door facing the village and one facing the river. And the chicken coup can be on the side closest to the other houses to deter predators. Then there's all this extra area eastward for other livestock."

Kekata walked over to the edge of the elevated river bank. "In the second half of the summer, when you plant your autumn harvest, there will be more land right here that will show up once the water levels fall. This would be a good place to plant because it will be very fertile from the water that was covering it in the earlier half of the season and it will be resistant to drought," the medicine man pointed out. "We don't know how wet or dry this coming summer will be yet, so it is best to take these things into account if you want a decent harvest. I'd have Pocahontas work the land there as soon as the water level falls, though I'm sure she'll think of that herself."

"Yes, that would be a good place to plant your autumn garden," Chief Powhatan agreed.

John Rolfe walked over to the submerged lower bank. He could see grasses from the previous season under the crystal-clear ice water. "It looks pretty flat too. That's a great idea."

"Would you like to look at other vacant lots or are you satisfied with this one?" Powhatan asked.

John Rolfe turned around to face the chief. "I like this location, but we ought to ask Pocahontas what she thinks before we make our final decision. I can't just decide without her input."

It was not long before Pocahontas returned with the bow and quiver. "Got it!" she declared as she skipped down the hill to them. She handed both items to John Rolfe. "Now you can practice."

"Pocahontas," John Rolfe spoke as he accepted the items, "your father wants us to make a final decision about where to put the house. I like this location right here. What do you think?"

"I think this is the best location. We're right on the river, there is enough space for gardens and livestock, there's plenty of privacy for you, and I can still see the family longhouse from here," Pocahontas returned, looking excited at the prospect of building their future home together.

Chief Powhatan placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I am also very happy with this location because it is safe from enemy ambushes, clear from trees that might fall during storms, and yet still in view of the family longhouse in case you need us for anything in an emergency. Now," he said, removing his hand and stepping back to survey the area, "if you want your house close to the riverbank, right here would be good. I wouldn't suggest placing it any closer to the bluff than five feet or so. That would be right about here." He used his staff to draw a groove in the dirt, indicating where one wall of the yehakin should be. "If one end of the house starts right here, the other end would be about here," he explained, walking a length of about twenty feet. "It is only half that in width from side to side." He used his staff to drag a large oval-shaped groove to indicate where the walls of the yehakin would be located all the way around on every side.

"If that's where it's going to be, I know just where I would like the doors," John Rolfe chimed, picking up a long stick. "Right here facing the water and then one on the opposite side facing the village," he said, drawing short perpendicular lines to the walls to indicate the location and width of the doors. "So this is to be built out of saplings? I assume one needs to dig holes for the poles to build the foundation so the whole thing won't be overturned during a great windstorm."

Pocahontas took Rolfe's stick and walked to one end of their future house, making little circles in certain areas each about a foot apart. She drew a total of eight. "That is right, John. Eight poles, each a foot apart like this. The ends need to be buried about half a foot to a foot in the ground. I can dig the holes. I know how to do it. Meanwhile, you can be harvesting the saplings. As for the width, we need eighteen saplings on each side lashed together with the stripped bark."

Chief Powhatan turned to one of his warriors and said something to him in Powhatan. The man rushed off up the hill to carry out the chief's orders. "I sent him to get some of the iron axes and knives we traded for from Jamestown. You can use them to cut down and strip the saplings for the skeleton. Come, we must go to the thickets so I can show you which saplings to pick."

After receiving a full set of instructions for the first step of their home-building venture, John Rolfe and Pocahontas spent the rest of the day digging holes for poles and harvesting saplings for the width of the house. By sunset, they had everything laid out, though the saplings had yet to be stripped or lashed together. Both were exhausted from the work. Pocahontas retired to bed and Rolfe, after returning the tools to Powhatan, dragged his wretched self to the bank and slipped into a canoe, intent on walking back to Jamestown despite his fatigue. He paddled across the river, bearing just a lantern, bow, and quiver, and entered the forest as he reached the other side.

As soon as John Rolfe came into the forest, something fairly heavy landed on his shoulder in a manner most unexpected. The Englishman let out a loud yelp as whatever it was started sniffing his ear and face. It was too light to be Meeko. Rolfe had almost dropped his lamp, but he held it up to see what the thing was. "You!" he cried, coming face-to-face with the same female raccoon he had released earlier that day. "I thought you were afraid of me. Whatever happened to your timidity, little miss?" he remarked, offering her the back of his hand to sniff. She did so and he started to stroke her under the chin. The raccoon took a minute to enjoy the affection and then kept sniffing around. She climbed all over Rolfe's body in search of something. "You want more ham, don't you?" he uttered, noticing how skinny the poor little creature was from the very lean winter they had all suffered. "If you want more, you'll have to come to Jamestown with me."

John Rolfe continued on his way, bearing the lady raccoon on his shoulder. She did not seem at all interested in parting ways with him right then. He stopped to pick up the iron cage trap which had captured the poor animal earlier that day and walked all the way back to Jamestown. Once he was back inside the fortress, the raccoon crawled down into his shirt to hide from the other humans. She made him laugh as her paws tickled his flesh. The few settlers who were out and about at that hour gave him an odd look. Ignoring them, he proceeded back to the inn. It was there that he presented the raccoon with ham, hardtack, apples, and day-old bread from the inn lobby. Then he opened his window. "Alright, you've been fed. You can go home now, little one," he said. When he gazed back, he saw that the raccoon had passed out in front of the fireplace after her binge. It was probably more than she had had to eat in weeks, he figured. He put on his nightshirt and crawled into bed, resolving to release the animal instead the next morning.