Norseman Chief by Jason Born Page A

designated by their mother’s arm.  See they receive no assistance from anyone of the tribe for such assistance will bring nothing but shame to the boy and his family.  Go.”
    The young men all started marching across the clearing.  They each carried a small knapsack and a spear.  The boys who followed them had nothing but the clothes on their backs.  As the pairs reached the far end of the clearing they began peeling away from one another so that each warrior and his designated boy took a different path into the forest.  I watched them go away and noted that Kesegowaase, who was normally light and swift of foot, walked with a heavier gait than usual as if he had been to the mead table that morning.
    The last of them were now gone and the crowd began to disperse.  Etleloo passed me by and called, “Did you hear me use your words, Halldorr?  I like that al gon kin very much for we all are relatives of the chief.”
    “I did.  I heard, Etleloo.  Your own word for your people is just as fine though – Beiuthook sounds noble.  But, I am glad you like using some words from my people.  I will gladly teach you more if you like.”
    Etleloo shrugged, saying, “Perhaps,” before slapping another friend on the shoulder and walking over to organize a fishing party.
    I began to step away with the others when Ahanu called out, “Hurit, you will come here now.  I will have a word with both you and Halldorr.”
    When she came over I noticed that her eyes were red and swollen, however Hurit withheld the urge to openly weep.  Kesegowaase would be ashamed if he saw his mother in such a state, but at least she didn’t cry like a newborn.  If Ahanu noticed, he said nothing about it.  “Halldorr has asked me permission to do something, but I must ask you first.”
    Hurit did not catch my sideways glance at my friend, and so I simply nodded when she looked at me, questioningly.  She replied, “Of course, what would you like to know.”
    Ahanu smiled broadly, “Good.  This is very good.  Do you see Halldorr, you were worried and yet the woman sees the sense in your proposal.”  He paused here, nodding while placing a hand on each of our shoulders.  It was Hurit’s turn to give Ahanu a puzzled glance for I am sure she did not know she agreed to anything.  Ahanu leaned in toward us whispering so that we could barely hear him, “Halldorr knows that you wish for nothing but honor for your family and yet you have great love for your son, my grandson.  So he offered to go to act as an observer, not involving himself in any way, of Kesegowaase on his trial.  This way you can be assured that he will be safe from death.  After all, it was Halldorr who saved the boy from the Huntsman when snow covered the ground.”
    Hurit’s strong face weakened.  A thin-lipped smile formed and several of the tears which she held at bay, at last fought their way free to stream down her cheeks.  “Yes.  I did not know it possible or allowable by our traditions, but yes.  Thank you.”
    Ahanu whispered again, “It is allowable, but we don’t have to alert the entire village.  We will tell them that Halldorr is on an errand for me.  That will suffice.”
    He tapped our shoulders then marched off toward his mamateek.  Over his shoulder he called, “Right Ear, come.  They have some business to discuss.  Leave them be.”  I was surprised to see the dog obeyed Ahanu and trotted off after him, nipping at his left heel as they walked.
    When we were finally left alone, Hurit gave a great sniff of her nose while wiping her tears dry with a sleeve.  “Thank you Enkoodabooaoo.  Though I don’t often understand you, you are a kind man.”  I opened my mouth to protest, but the woman wrapped her arms around my chest.  They were short and my chest was still well-muscled from youth, so her hands did not touch one another at my back.  Her nose, snot and all, buried into my jerkin.  She sucked in another great pull of air to clear