Chapter 3
Daniel watched Mingo swimming away. Then realizing nothing could be done by being idle on the islet, so he went into the water as well.
By the time, he reached the Cherokee village, his friend was again sitting with the elders of the council. Bright Rainbow approached him with a breakfast bowl and some water, but this time she didn't speak to him. Daniel looked around the village; the children were watching him suspiciously, the braves were pointing him out. He had worn out his welcome. How could he go home feeling this way, with Mingo not having turned around to face him?
He ate a few bites but the worry for his friend, and their friendship overwhelmed him. A youth came to him bearing a satchel. He knew this young one. Mingo was teaching him to read. Mingo was teaching quite a few of the young one to read and express themselves properly in English. They were to be the guardians of the Cherokee rights of the future. Presently, Mingo attended any negotiations, reading, checking, approving or negotiating any terms with the American people. He was also teaching the youths, so they could do the same in the future.
He could not remember the young man's name and started to ask him, when the youth shoved the leather satchel at him. He told him in Cherokee that it contained the ash of the murderer.
Daniel thanked him in Cherokee, and got up to go to Mingo and the council.
Daniel spoke Cherokee fairly well, even if not that often with Mingo. He was beginning to understand what he had done, how had hurt Mingo.
"Elders, Mingo! I came to bid you good-byes. I am going home to my family. May I request one last thing of Mingo? Will he accompany me to the creek by the elk tree?" asked Daniel in the formal words of requests. The creek, Mingo and he knew about, was half a day walk, half-way to Daniel's cabin. They often did the half way walk together, either coming or going to one or the other place.
Everyone noticed that Mingo did not wish to go.
"You can walk in safety on Cherokee land, Daniel. You do not require me to walk to the creek. Should you want a companion, I send Long Feathers with you." Mingo spoke as the leader of this tribe in a firm tone.
"Mingo, I request your company. If I have insulted the Cherokee, in any matter, then I will give compensation. The council and you, as chief, can tell me how to make good and I will abide by your decision, but I do request your company on the trail." Daniel also knew the tone of leadership.
Long Feathers and Rain Cloud had overheard the discourse between Daniel and Mingo; both braves were friends of Mingo. Rain Cloud was a very intimate friend. He had held his bow ready to strike Mingo dead if the fight had not ended up in death, only such an intimate friend could take this duty. Rain Cloud came forth and spoke loudly to Daniel, making sure everyone heard him.
"You are Boone, you were Mingo's brother. You are no more. You defiled our customs and our rules. Go to your wife, to your home and return no more. The treaty is safe, Chief Mingo is making sure of it. Go home." Rain Cloud stated.
Daniel saw everyone was in agreement with the brave, yet he remained still.
"If I have done wrong to the Cherokees, I demand justice for the Cherokees. Let me atone. Tell me what to do", this time Daniel's voice was less stern and a little more empathic.
Mingo picked it up right away.
"So you would try one more of our customs, to see if you can accept it?" Mingo was trying to extend a hand. Would it work?
Grey Oak looked deeply into Mingo's eyes as he said the last sentence. He spoke before Boone could answer.
"There is a way for you to redeem yourself in the eyes of the council. One way. One chance. Will you take it?" he asked.
Daniel Boone realized suddenly he had no idea what the trial might be. Could he desist? Could he regain his honor? Would Mingo feel less betrayed? Daniel only had a few seconds to decide. What is the prize of friendship? What is the cost of trust?
He needed Mingo in his life.
"I will do all you ask of me" he pronounced. "All that you ask, I will do. My name is Daniel Boone, my brother is Mingo. I am proud of this friendship, I am proud of the trust the Cherokees have always had in me. I will do all that you ask."
"You will fight Mingo, your brother. You will fight without dishonoring him or our customs. You will fight him until first blood. You will fight him in your village, in front of your people and we will attend. This fight will take place in three days, at the time the sun is the highest in the sky, in the village of Boonesborough." Grey Oak had pronounced judgment.
Daniel nodded.
Mingo's eyes were on him.
"In three days, at the time the sun is the highest in the sky, I will wait for the Cherokees and I will abide by their rules and customs. I will redeem my honor and I will fight my brother until first blood." Daniel said solemnly.
Then waived to Mingo with a shake of his head, he walked away from the Cherokee village.