I enter the tipi with Pocahontas, where Pawnee lies asleep.
"Pocahontas, I need you to be present as I question him. I may need to ask you things to verify his story. Could you ask your men to sit his body up?" I request. Pocahontas follows my instructions, and the men outside position Pawnee's body accordingly, while we continue our conversation.
"For now, could you tell me what you know about a woman in your village named Pima?"
Pocahontas's eyes widen, and fear washes over her face. "She is my daughter and the chief's..."
"Can you provide more details about her? How old is she? What role does she play in the village?" I inquire, searching through my bag for the device that attaches to people's necks. Pocahontas stutters, and I turn to face her. Her eyes brim with tears, and she struggles to compose herself as she asks, "Is she the one who must be sacrificed for the sake of peace?"
I approach Pocahontas, taking her hands in mine. "I am not here to take anyone's life, and I will not be the cause of your daughter's demise. However, she holds an important role here, and I would like to learn more about her."
Suddenly, grunts emerge from Pawnee, prompting me to swiftly turn back and attach my device to his neck. I ensure it is comfortably secured while restricting his movement. As I do so, Pocahontas begins to tell me about Pima.
"She is seventeen years old, a delightful and joyful young woman. She possesses skill in fighting, excels at cooking, and is kind-hearted. We have been encouraging her to consider marriage, as she has the ability to start a family of her own. However, she insists she is not yet ready. Pima frequently participates in hunting expeditions with our people."
"Is Sekani part of the hunting group?" I inquire.
"How do you know?" Pocahontas replies, surprised.
"Could you enlighten me about your husband's thoughts on this man?" I ask.
"He believes this man is a spy from the Okelousa tribe," she responds.
"Why does he hold that belief?" I further inquire.
"The Okelousa tribe has been attacking us for the past year, destroying our crops and confiscating our livestock. My husband believes it's only a matter of time before they launch an assault on our village."
"Can you tell me about the Okelousa tribe? How far are they from here? And how did you come to know about them?" I inquire.
"They are a few hours' walk from our village. We have been allies with them for many generations. I used to be friends with the chief's wife when I was a child. It all started when they began intermarrying with a neighboring tribe, which caused our languages to diverge. The men in our village were envious, as the women from the Okelousa tribe were known for their beauty. Shortly after that, our animals started disappearing, and the men accused the Okelousa men of taking them. We also experienced a series of poor harvests, and the men believed the Okelousa tribe was poisoning our crops. From then on, every misfortune was attributed to the Okelousa tribe, whether justified or not. One year, our men, consumed by anger, killed some of their men. In retaliation, they attacked us and took the lives of some of our own. Since then, we have harbored hostility towards each other..." Pocahontas explains.
Suddenly, Pawnee's eyes snap open, and he struggles against invisible restraints, shouting, "What is this magic?! You witches! I won't allow you to use your dark magic on me!"
I approach him calmly and inquire, "Pawnee, are you a member of the Okelousa tribe?"
"Who are you?" he grunts angrily.
"I am here to assist you. Please answer the question: Are you from the Okelousa tribe?" I press.
"I won't speak to any of you... weak women," he retorts, spitting at my feet.
"Well, then. Will you treat Pima as nicely as you've treated me?" I ask.
His eyes widen with fear, but he attempts to remain composed as he shouts, "Who is this Pima?! Is she one of your whores?"
"Ah, Pawnee, tell me what I want to know, or I might have to ask Pima instead. I believe you'd prefer to keep her out of this, wouldn't you?" I respond.
"Fine, woman! You may ask your questions, but I know the chief won't believe the answers," Pawnee reluctantly agrees.
"Okay, so are you indeed from the Okelousa tribe?" I inquire.
"Yes," he responds.
"Are you in love with Pima?" I ask. He looks at me for a moment, visibly shocked, before finally admitting, "Yes."
"Does she love you in return?" I continue.
"You should ask her," he retorts.
"Did she send you away last night, or did you part ways with her, leaving her with a smile on her face?" I press further.
"She was smiling when I last saw her," he confesses.
I turn around and say, "Pocahontas, please summon Pima. We need to speak with her too." Pocahontas promptly complies with my request.
A few minutes later, Pima enters the tipi. Her gaze immediately falls upon Pawnee, and she rushes towards him, enveloping him in her arms. Pocahontas sighs in shock.
"What is going on, Pima?!" Pocahontas exclaims.
"They are in love, Pocahontas," I explain, observing Pima showering Pawnee with kisses. "They met secretly while hunting, with the help of some of your people."
Pima looks at me with tear-filled eyes and asks, "Why is he like this, Mama?"
"Why didn't you say anything, Pima?" Pocahontas questions as she takes her away from Pawnee, and they sit down, embracing each other.
"He is an Okelousa, Mum... Father would never allow it... He is the chief's son..." Pima sobs.
I address them both and say, "I have a plan, but it requires strength, bravery, and sacrifice from you, Pima..."
"What do you want me to do?" she asks, determinedly.
"I want you to go to the Okelousa tribe and tell them everything. Inform them that you are the daughter of our chief, that you are in love with Pawnee, and that he is being held against his will here. Explain how the feud originated in our village and express your desire for it to end through your marriage to Pawnee," I instruct Pima, emphasising the importance of the plan. Pima's eyes widen with surprise, and I continue, "If all goes well, they will come here to discuss a truce and the possibility of your marriage. In case things turn sour, they can exchange you for their son. Either way, you should be safe."
"Pawnee never explicitly said he wanted me as his wife," Pima whispers, uncertain.
"Do you believe that he risked his life just to see you if he didn't have serious intentions?" I give her a stern look and switch to Pawnee's language.
"Pawnee, is there any reason why Pima is unsure about your intentions?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you want to marry her?"
"That's none of your business."
"It may not be my business, but it certainly matters to her. She wants to know."
"She does?"
"Yes, so?"
"I would be honoured to have her as my mate for the rest of my life," Pawnee responds.
Switching back to Pima's language, I convey the message, "He said he would be honoured to have you consider him as your mate for the rest of your life."
"He did?!" Pima's eyes widen, and she gets up to passionately kiss Pawnee. Meanwhile, I turn to look outside the tipi and realise that the chief is approaching.
"Alright, Pima, are you ready to proceed?" I inquire.
"Yes," she affirms.
"Pocahontas, accompany her," I suggest.
"You must leave now before your father arrives. He is on his way here," Pocahontas warns.
Pima nods and quickly departs the tipi. I then turn to Pawnee and explain, "I need your cooperation. If all goes well, you will soon be able to marry Pima. She said yes to your proposal. But for now, I need you to scream as if you are in pain."
"What? Pima accepted me?" Pawnee asks in disbelief.
I kick him lightly on the side, urging him, "I said I need you to scream as if you are in pain."
He shouts out, and just as planned, the chief enters the tipi. He gazes at Pawnee, who is sitting down without any restraints.
"What kind of magic is this?" the chief inquires.
"It is a benevolent magic. He claims to be from the Okelousa tribe," I explain.
"He does? Just as I suspected... I didn't think he would admit it..."
"As I mentioned, I have my ways..."
"What else did he say?"
"I am still questioning him. If you give me more time, I can gather more information..."
"Very well then... I am pleased with your progress, little goddess. May I have my wife back now?" the chief requests.
"No, I still require her assistance. It is crucial for my work," I respond firmly.
"Very well then... Well done, wife," the chief acknowledges before leaving the tipi.
"Now, shout again, as if you are in pain," I instruct Pawnee.
"Why?" he asks.
"Stop questioning and do as I say!"
Pawnee screams once more, following my instructions.
I explain our plan to Pawnee and inform him about Pima's positive reaction. He agrees to cooperate and begins playing his part.
The next few hours pass slowly. Each time the chief checks on us, I make sure he witnesses me "torturing" Pawnee, gradually revealing more information about the captive.
Now, the chief knows Pawnee's name and his identity as the chief's son. He also knows that Pawnee came to the village and was apprehended while trying to leave.
As evening approaches, we decide to halt the questioning until the following morning. I stay in the same tent as Pawnee, who is already asleep. I rest against the wall, pulling my knees to my chest and sighing.
Lost once again in time, I wonder if I will ever find my way home. However, there is a glimmer of hope within me. I have experimented with the powder and gained some understanding of its usage. Now, I need to figure out the right proportions of water and powder to transport me directly home. But how do I measure that?
Lost in my thoughts, I eventually fall asleep.
I awaken to the sound of commotion. Pocahontas rushes into the tipi and exclaims, "You were right! The chief and his wife from the Okelousa tribe have arrived with their people. They have brought Pima, and she is unharmed."
"Pocahontas, you must go there now. Convince your husband that this marriage, which is your daughter's wish, is what our village needs," I instruct her. She nods in agreement and hurries to the central tent in the village.
"Pawnee, your parents and Pima are here. I will release you now so we can join them and convince them that marriage is the path forward, alright?" I inform Pawnee.
"Yes," he responds.
I set Pawnee free, and together we make our way to the main tipi. He joins the conversation and embraces Pima, while I observe from the sidelines, curious to see how events will unfold. I listen as the chiefs engage in heated arguments and threats, but then the chief's wife intervenes, calming the situation and guiding them toward agreement. Satisfied that things are progressing as intended, I slip away. The last words I hear are one of the chiefs suggesting, "We should become one tribe from now on. Let's call our truce 'Cherokee' from your 'Cherry' and our 'Okelousa'."
I walk toward the lake, enjoying the serene view. Breathing in the fresh air, I savor the sweet melody of birdsong. It's a beautiful sunny morning, with a gentle fog still lingering over the lake as I approach its shore. Placing the white powder into the water, I reach out and touch it, preparing to depart from the year 1444 AD, hoping that this time, just maybe, I will finally reach home.