Chapter 44: The Return of Nokomis
The sun had barely begun to set when Michael returned to the farmhouse after another long day of inspecting the refinery and the mill. Abigail was in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared supper, while James and David sat by the hearth, discussing repairs to the barn. Sarah, ever immersed in her books, was lost in another tale of adventure.
Michael removed his coat and boots, hanging them by the door. The familiar warmth of the home enveloped him, easing some of the tension that had built up during the day. As he sat at the table, Abigail placed a cup of steaming tea in front of him.
"Long day?" she asked, sitting beside him.
"Longer than usual," Michael admitted, rubbing his temples. "There's something stirring out there. Tracks near the refinery, signs of scouting… I can't shake the feeling that trouble's coming."
Before Abigail could respond, there was a sharp knock at the door. Everyone in the room froze. Visitors were uncommon this late in the evening, and with the growing tensions in the area, any unexpected arrival set nerves on edge.
James rose first, gripping the rifle that leaned against the wall. Michael followed, signaling for David to stay put. Opening the door cautiously, Michael was met with a familiar face from years ago—a man with weathered features, long black hair tied back, and a deep scar running across his cheek.
"Nokomis," Michael said, his voice tinged with surprise. "It's been a long time."
The native man nodded, his expression serious. "Too long, Michael Clarke. I have come to repay a debt."
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A Warning from an Old Ally
Michael stepped aside to let Nokomis in. The man looked around the warm, bustling home, his eyes lingering briefly on the family. "You have built much since I was here last," he said.
"We've been fortunate," Michael replied. "Please, sit. Abigail, could you bring some food?"
Nokomis hesitated but eventually accepted, sitting near the fire. After a moment of silence, he spoke. "Five years ago, you saved my life when you found me bleeding in the woods. I swore then that I would repay that kindness. Tonight, I make good on my word."
James leaned forward, his brows furrowed. "What's happened, Nokomis?"
"There is a plan," Nokomis said, his voice low. "A group of my people, led by a man named Red Hawk, has been hired by someone—a settler named Mathers. They mean to attack your refinery at dawn. Burn it to the ground."
Gasps filled the room. Abigail's hand flew to her mouth, while David's eyes widened with fear.
Michael's jaw tightened. "You're sure of this?"
Nokomis nodded. "I heard it myself. Mathers has promised them gold and weapons in return for their help. Red Hawk leads them, but not all are convinced. Some fear you, Michael, for your strength and cunning. Others, like me, believe in honoring debts."
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Strategizing for the Morning
Michael stood, pacing the room as he processed the information. "We don't have much time. Eli and his men are already patrolling, but we'll need more than that."
James leaned back in his chair, his expression grim. "We've faced worse, Michael. But if this is as large an attack as Nokomis says, we'll need every hand available."
Sarah, usually quiet during such discussions, spoke up. "What about the neighbors? The Turners, the Millers—they'd help, wouldn't they?"
Michael nodded. "We'll send word tonight. David, take one of the horses and ride to the Millers. Tell them what's coming and ask for their help."
"I'll go," David said eagerly, already standing.
"No," Michael said firmly. "You're too young for this. James, can you ride?"
"I'll leave now," James replied, rising to gather his coat.
Abigail turned to Nokomis. "Will they listen to you if you speak to them? Could you convince them to stand down?"
Nokomis shook his head. "Red Hawk is proud, and his men are angry. They see settlers as invaders, taking what was once theirs. Words will not stop them."
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Preparing for Battle
The family moved quickly, each member taking on a task. Sarah helped Abigail prepare supplies, bandages, and food for the men who would fight. David assisted Michael in gathering weapons and ammunition from the barn.
As the house buzzed with activity, Nokomis watched silently, his sharp eyes taking in the resolve of the Clarke family.
"You are different from most settlers," he said to Michael as they loaded rifles onto a cart.
"How so?"
"You care for your people, your land. You do not take more than you need."
Michael paused, meeting Nokomis's gaze. "And you are different from most who see settlers as enemies. You chose to warn us when you could have stayed silent. That says something."
Nokomis offered a small, rare smile. "Perhaps we are both exceptions."
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A Quiet Moment
As the preparations wound down, Michael found a moment to sit with Abigail by the fire. She rested her head on his shoulder, her hand in his.
"Do you ever think it's too much?" she asked softly. "The fighting, the building, the constant struggle?"
Michael sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Sometimes. But then I look at what we've built, the lives we've made better, and I know it's worth it. For you, for our family, for our future."
She smiled, her fingers tightening around his. "Just promise me you'll come back from this."
"I promise," he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead.
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The Calm Before the Storm
As the family settled in for a few hours of restless sleep, Nokomis stood outside, his keen eyes scanning the horizon. The night was cold and still, the kind of stillness that came before chaos.
Inside, Michael sat by the fire, his rifle resting against his knee. His mind raced with plans and contingencies, but his heart remained steady. Whatever came at dawn, they would face it together—as a family, as a community, as survivors.
The first light of morning would bring a battle, but it would also bring a chance to prove their strength once more. And Michael Clarke was ready.