Epilogue
October 2nd, 1777 - The Boones' Cabin, Supper time
The wind rustled leaves outside, colorful leaves that would finish their life cycles enriching soil that would feed generations of children yet unborn. The chimney was smoking away, one window of the cabin was open, its curtain enjoying the breeze.
Inside, Daniel sat at the head of his table, surrounded by his loved ones. His wife sat at the other end, smiling as she urged to everyone to take more food; his daughter and son, side by side, on his right, elbows rubbing, and on his left, his friend Mingo, quiet as always.
Rain Cloud had come ahead, early this morning, while Daniel and Mingo stayed behind, about 2 hours away. Mingo was a hunted man. Rain Cloud told Rebecca that her husband and Mingo were coming home.
Daniel took no chance, and asked Mingo to disarm. When they came within sight of the cabin, Daniel lifted his rifle, ready to protect the Cherokee.
Israel was outside on the porch and saw them coming first.
Daniel smiled and called to him; but his son didn't make a move toward him. Daniel looked at Mingo, nodded and waved him ahead, while he stood his ground, guarding the Indian's back.
It had been awkward. Daniel watched them from afar, his son refusing to go to Mingo, and Mingo trying to talk quietly to the upset child. The Cherokee lowered himself to one knee, to be at eye level with Israel. It made Daniel feel a little better that Israel hadn't run away, or refused to listen. He had no idea what Mingo told him; he didn't know how long he should leave them alone.
His wife came out of the cabin and took the decision away from him. She went straight to Mingo, smiling, extending her hand and offering her cheek. Mingo seemed embarrassed, but , he took her hand in both of his, and then, surprising even Daniel, embraced her tightly to his chest. It was the breaking point.
Israel started to scream, to rage and to hit Mingo with his small fists.
Daniel walked the few steps away from his porch and tried to grab his child. Israel had tears streaming, hitting Mingo randomly, pounding his broken heart into his anger.
Rebecca came to Mingo's rescue, but in the end, it was Jemima who ended up the strange welcome party. She came walking out of the fields, with a huge smile as she saw her father and Mingo.
Daniel saw her first, she came to him and he lifted her up, swirling her skirts in the breeze as he held her in his arms. He had left her behind, a small hurt girl. As he let her go, she looked up at Mingo and walked straight into his arms.
They hugged for what seemed an eternity, not letting go of each other.
And Israel, at last, spoke to his father's friend, asking him for a moment together, "man to man".
Daniel told them to go no farther than the back shed, and handed Mingo back his rifle.
Child and Indian remained together for nearly an hour. What was said and exchanged would remain between them. Daniel found out only one thing when Mingo asked to be allowed to take Israel away with him for a week. Daniel and Rebecca exchanged a look, Rebecca spoken their agreement.
Jemima and Rebecca made a welcoming feast for the two friends. Rain Cloud had only stayed long enough to share the news of their return; he was anxious to reunite with his family. Rain Cloud would organize the coming home celebration and the feast of the white blood cleansing at Chota.
It was as Jemima served tea with cookies after the meal, that Mingo spoke at last. He ate in silence; Israel's endless questions were answered only by Daniel.
"Daniel, why is it that you have accepted me as I am, a half-breed Cherokee, with a British upbringing, living the life of a Cherokee, with its traditions and customs? Why is it that Rain Cloud, like most of my Cherokee brothers welcomed me back in the tribe years ago, despite my white blood and my mixed heritage? And that Henry Hartford, who knew me growing up into adulthood and whom I thought a true friend, could not accept who I wanted and chose to be? Is friendship so hard?"
Daniel said nothing.
What was there to say? When friendship dies, who can understand the whys and the hows?
All Daniel knew is that he could not ask for a better friend, in this proud Cherokee man.
Trust.
The End.