Chapter 45: IN THE HOUR OF DEATH

They didn't have time to act. Heart-wrenching cries reached their ears before they reached the clearing, causing them to sprint toward the longhouse. Dark Star, Brown Sparrow, and Small Bird were on their knees, using river water to cool the limbs of those who burned up with fevers.

Dark Star looked up, meeting Strong Oak's eyes.

"It doesn't look good..." She whispered.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Strong Oak crouched at her side, using the back of his hand to touch a forehead.

"I'm sure it is smallpox but I'm truly hoping I'm wrong."

The fact they'd just buried Dancing Turtle wasn't lost on them.

"The disease may have already been here before..." Dark Star began with a frown, trying to remember what she had read in the past, ashamed now that she had never enjoyed reading.

The information would be invaluable now. Was there a cure?

"We need to keep them cool and hydrated."

Strong Oak cocked a brow, indicating that he had no clue what she was talking about.