Ustis nodded gravely. “We shall pray to that end.”
Joining hands, they bent their heads, Ustis’s entreaty a balm to Selah’s conflicted spirits. “O most mighty God and merciful Father, which hast compassion on all men and hatest nothing that Thou hast made...”
Once the “amen” was uttered, Shay only lent to Selah’s barbed edges all over again. “I suppose if I’m old enough to go over to the Indians and learn their language and life ways, I’m old enough to learn what happened to Mattachanna when she was tricked so meanly by our officials.”
Candace sighed and buttered her bread, obviously waiting to see who would answer. Selah kept her eyes on her plate while Ustis proceeded cautiously. “There are those among uswho forsake the Lord’s will and force their own, thus committing all manner of evil. Such was the case with Mattachanna.”
Shay began eating, gaze riveted to their father. Though her own knowledge of the affair was as pitted as mouse-eaten cheese, Selah knew it involved Helion Laurent and wanted to shut her ears.
“As you ken, Mattachanna was a Powhatan princess, her people being frequent visitors in the early years of James Towne to treat and to trade.”
“Mattachanna turned cartwheels with other settlement children on the common when she came here, Sister said.”
“Aye, I remember it like yesterday. Her powerful father doted on her, and rightly so. She always led any visiting delegations, walking ahead of all the rest as a sign of peace.”
“But then she grew up, became Lady Rebecca, and died.” Shay chewed slowly, digesting the facts as well. “Poisoned by the English, some say, in the Old World.”
Selah could no longer withhold a frown. Her brother knew more than they assumed.
A sorrowful nod from Ustis. “Such treachery would not surprise me. But we mortals shall likely never realize the whole story.”
“Is it true that something happened on a ship with Mattachanna? And that Captain Kersey and the physic Laurent were involved?”
A pained lull. Ustis studied his son as if weighing how much further to enlighten him. “Aye. Captain Kersey learned that Mattachanna was staying in a near Indian village and, with the approval of a secret council, abducted her. This was done to force her father to hand over English prisoners, tools, and guns stolen in raids.”
“And did the chief do as they asked?”
“Not at first. He was incensed that his beloved daughter had been taken, as any father would be.” Ustis cast a glance at Selah. Was he wondering how muchsheknew? Or imagining himself in the chief’s place?
“Mattachanna was quickly moved upriver and churched by Reverend Criswel beyond sight of James Towne.” Selah continued the telling. “After her conversion she became Lady Rebecca Renick.”
“Those are the bare bones of it, aye,” Ustis concluded. “One day, my son, when you are older, we shall discuss more of the matter. ’Tis unsavory supper talk.”
“I’m sorry, Father.” Ever agreeable, Shay resumed eating. “Think no more of it.”
Selah looked at her untouched plate. Truly, they were all still haunted by the shame of James Towne’s sad dealings. Mattachanna’s capture was but one of them.
“Will the Indians abuse me, Father, if I go?”
Candace drew in a sharp breath. “We shall pray each day that you are hedged from harm. Surely the Indians mean you no ill. Nor will we harm one hair of any children they send us in return.”
Candace’s unusual vehemence earned an appreciative nod from her husband. “Your dear mother is right. Keep in mind Xander would not agree to anything he felt would put you in danger. I will admit, however, that I wish another settlement child would be sent in your stead. But to your credit, you have the heart to go, and we are desperate for peace.”
Shay smiled as if to bolster them all. “Long years I have waited to join the Indians. Xander has told me much of their ways. And I believe it is as you said, Father, that we are morealike than not alike, despite our many differences. Our souls are the same.”
“Aye, just the same. The gospel is for all peoples, every tribe and nation, as Scripture says, for He made us all.”
Selah gave Shay a tender, lingering look. What changes would be wrought in him after he lived away from civilization? If James Towne could be called civilized. Would he lose his fleshy frame? Become as tall and lean as a Powhatan warrior? The whole plan seemed ludicrous but for one thing. Xander approved it. Though she didn’t endorse all that he did, she’d trust that in this matter he was right.
Still, her sisterly heart was sore. She read the same sort of sorrow in her mother’s aging face, which was sure to grow more lined in her only son’s absence.
“Xander has told me the Indian fare is quite different than our table.” Shay finished his supper. “I shall learn to use bows and arrows and hunt game.”
“I daresay you won’t miss storekeeping,” Candace admitted. “If ever a boy was made for the outdoors, ’tis you.”
“I shall do you all proud. I shan’t complain. Or be homesick. Or—”
“I do hope you are homesick.” Selah blinked away the dampness in her eyes. “We shall certainly be homesick for you.”
