-1Chapter 5
June 15, 2 days before, Chota.
Daniel and Mingo left early in the morning, after a hearty breakfast. They stopped at the fort first, telling everyone who would listen that they were going hunting for a couple of days. Actually, Daniel made all the speeches. Mingo, subdued at his side, was no quieter than normal. Only someone very close to the Cherokee could have told something was nagging at him.
They took a trail that led eastward. They walked for about an hour, quietly enjoying the beginning of a summer that was full of rich and sunny promise. Then they changed direction, and walked toward Mingo's village.
They arrived in Chota shortly before mid-day; some of the women were tending fires, where soups were simmering slowly, others were tending the fields, having already planted a few seeds. Many men were on the trails hunting; others were around, sharpening weapons or preening themselves. Mingo waved at some of his friends, stopped near a fire to check the contents of a cauldron and to exchange a few words with one of the elderly grandmothers.
Menewa was sitting with an elder, cleaning his rifle, having no more worries for the day than watching over the happy children running freely around him. Daniel approached him quietly, speaking softly in Cherokee while Mingo remained behind, exchanging sweet greetings with Morning Dew, Rain Cloud's younger daughter.
Daniel spoke a few banalities with the chief; until Mingo came to his side, there would be no serious discussion. Knowing Mingo and Menewa, the discussion might even take place later in the day. So Daniel sat down with Menewa, told him of his son and daughter, of his wife's good health, of the spring planting the settlers had begun, and listened to some of the good news Menewa had to share.
By the time Mingo joined them, some of the women were feeding the children and men present. Bright Rainbow came bearing two bowls, for Daniel and Mingo, while Menewa's adopted daughter, Tekawitha, brought some for the chief and the elder.
The four men ate in silence.
Once they finished eating, and Tekawitha carried their bowls away, Menewa at last said, "So, brother of my sister's son, your eyes betray you. What is troubling you?"
Daniel turned his head toward Mingo, awaiting a sign of acknowledgment. Mingo frowned a little, that was enough for Daniel.
"There is trouble brewing for the Americans. Some settlers are suffering constants raids from a warring tribe to the north, in the land closest to the sea."
"What concern is that of yours, Boone? And what concern is that of the Cherokee?" asked the leader of the peaceful Cherokee.
"We have been asked to help the Continental Army hunt down this tribe. They are renegades. But the settlers don't see it that way. They think all Indians, all tribes, want wars. We need to help fight them off," answered Daniel.
The elder sat silent with them, listening to all the explanations Daniel and Mingo gave.
Menewa was not happy. Mingo had expected it.
"Why should my sister's son dishonor our tribe so?" he asked Daniel Boone directly. His tone made it clear that he was not happy about the role Mingo had been asked to play.
"Mingo and I are brothers, Menewa. You know that and have known since the day he brought me here to discuss the terms of settling here in Kentucky. You have found me honest and honorable ever since, even in war. Only Mingo can betray me in such a way that my anger and my quest for revenge would be believable. Only Mingo and I can do this." Daniel tone was not forceful, he just made his points.
Mingo nodded, acknowledging Daniel's words.
"Let me speak to my council about this. Let me think on it tonight. You will stay in Mingo's lodge tonight. I will send Young Oak to your house so that your family will not worry about you."
Menewa rose, ending the conversation. The elder followed him.
Soon a council was smoking in Menewa's lodge. And Daniel followed Mingo into his lodge since there was nothing they could do anymore. They might as well sleep on it.
As dawn rose, so did the villagers, the elders and the children first; then the women and the men.
Menewa went to Mingo's fire; Daniel and he were sharing morning bread together. Mingo's hair was still wet from his early morning swim.
"Rain Cloud will hunt Mingo with you, Boone. He's his close friend and such would be the decision to redeem the Cherokee honor. Do you accept this term of the council of elders, white brother of my nephew?"
Menewa's decision was intelligent. Daniel and Mingo nodded their agreement.
"Mingo, you will speak to Rain Cloud. And Boone, you had better bring my nephew back to Chota alive and well. This is not a quest from which he should die." Menewa left the two friends to finish their breakfast. Mingo was relieved; with Rain Cloud at his side, plus the young officer McTavish, Daniel would be safe. That was all that mattered to the Cherokee.