Tension

As we entered, I boasted, “My aunt’s longhouse has ten fireplaces, with two apartments for each.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I cringed as I turned to see the guests rubbing their burning eyes. The fireplaces had no chimneys, and the door in the roof above each did not work effectively, often allowing smoke to fill the interior.

Tension in the Smoke

The smell of tar in the smoke caused me to cough. That, and the sound of popping, meant someone had used green pine for the fire. Regardless, I swallowed hard and showed the guests where to set their things. Core Tom claimed an apartment on one side of the fireplace and his two companions settled into the other. Each apartment had a bench on the wall, three or four feet high, extending the length of the room. It provided a comfortable space for sitting and sleeping.

Core Tom took a mat from a shelf above the bench and began to lay it on the ground. I stopped him. “You’ll be more comfortable sleeping on the bench. It is late summer. Still, we have a great many fleas.” I pointed to the dogs laying nearby. “The dogs supply them in good numbers.”

This broke the tension, causing him to laugh. “You know my name, but what is yours?”

Before English Names

“Most people call me by my English name, Jane. Though, my birth name is Runehu’hu.”

He repeated it back slowly, as his tongue rolled over the syllables. I like that. So, Runehu’hu it is.”

His eyes held such intensity that I felt a sudden flush of warmth.

 “Runehu’hu, you are a good host. Will you be having supper with us?”

“Who me? Ah, no, a meal is being prepared for you with King Blount and the Council.”

I felt his eyes probe my face, as he nodded in response.

“This will be your opportunity to ask about the number of warriors available to join you in the coming hostility with the English.” At this, I questioned my judgement. Maybe I’d gone too far. My aunt often said I needed to learn when to keep quiet, but I couldn’t seem to help myself. An impulsive streak gave me the tendency to quickly blurt out whatever came to mind.

Coming Conflict

Core Tom did not flinch. He only smirked. “What do you know of any coming conflicts with the English?”

“It is only a matter of time. The English are taking more and more of our land. The place where New Bern sits was not long ago a Tuscarora village. Surely, the more we concede, the more they will take. They have no regard for us. We have to push back hard, while we still can.”

Dragging his hands through his hair, he began tapping a foot as I spoke.

“I’m sorry. I have overstepped my place and said too much. You are certainly too important to care what I think.” Then, I noticed a gleam in his eye and knew I had defused his irritation.

“Actually, I agree with you. As you have guessed, I hope to convince your uncle… King Blount is your uncle, correct?”

I nodded.

“For such a young woman, I am surprised at your anger toward the English. You have obviously been paying attention to your uncle’s comments at family suppers.”

Glancing around for the exit, I felt embarrassed by his ability to see right through me. “I should let you prepare for the feast, and I have responsibilities at home.”

Before I was able to escape, he caught my arm, gently pulled me toward him, and searched my face for several heartbeats.

Also see Strangers or Friends

Also see Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina