Mary Katherine
Copyright© 2025 by Megumi Kashuahara
Chapter 3: Opening - The Council’s Decision
Lone Wolf walked several paces ahead of Mary Katherine and No Speaks, his movements deliberate and controlled as they approached the council lodge. The old woman’s voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke urgently to her young charge.
“Lone Wolf will enter first. We wait. Once he is in position before the council, we will be ushered inside. Try to relax, with your hands at your sides and palms open facing the council. This shows that you come in peace, bearing truth and no weapons. Respect and full attention to the council and speaker shows honor.”
Mary Katherine nodded, her throat dry despite the evening’s coolness.
No Speaks continued, her words quick and precise. “One of the chiefs will ask the questions. Chief Buffalo Hump, our great war chief of the Penateka, will observe. His influence will be felt, and he may even be the one to decide your fate. Answer questions quickly, honestly, and briefly. No unnecessary words. If you do not understand anything, tell me quietly. It is my task to make sure you understand, because you will be held accountable for your answers. Most important—think before speaking. Once spoken, words cannot be taken back. Do you understand what I have said?”
Mary Katherine nodded sharply and replied, “I understand.”
At that moment, Lone Wolf was ushered inside the lodge. Mary Katherine took a deep breath, audibly exhaling as the weight of the moment settled upon her shoulders. What seemed like an hour—but was really only a minute or two—passed before she and No Speaks were motioned inside and directed to stand before the council, who were seated in a traditional semicircle. Mary Katherine was positioned about three feet to the right of Lone Wolf.
The interior of the council lodge was thick with smoke and shadow, firelight dancing across the weathered faces of the assembled elders. Buffalo Hump sat in the center, his presence commanding even in silence. To his right sat Chief Black Cloud, whose voice carried the authority to begin the proceedings.
“Lone Wolf,” Black Cloud began, his voice resonating through the lodge, “recall the events of the raid in which you took the woman named Mary Katherine.”
Mary Katherine had one ear on Lone Wolf’s words while listening to No Speaks’ quiet translation. Lone Wolf’s response was measured and clear.
“The raid on the ranch of Mary Katherine’s father was not random. We learned that he was a paid warrior for the Texas authorities. I had no knowledge of his daughter prior to the raid. When we attacked, the man Murphy came out of his house, shouting and shooting his rifle, wounding White Horse. He was quickly overcome. I turned and saw Mary Katherine at the other side of the house, drawing water at the well.”
Lone Wolf paused, and Mary Katherine saw something shift in his expression—a crack in the warrior’s composure that revealed the man beneath.
“Every warrior in this council knows I am a hard, fierce warrior, but I admit to this council—her innocent beauty, her striking red hair like flames of our victory fires, her skin light like the hide of the bison before it is tanned—I was moved by what I saw. I decided then and there I would claim her, as is my right in battle to claim captives. I stand before you and claim this woman for my wife.”
Mary Katherine’s eyes welled, and she sighed softly through her nose, but remained calm and proud, her open hands visible to all. Chief Black Cloud’s gaze turned to her, serious but composed.
“Mary Katherine,” he said in broken but understandable English. Mary Katherine looked him in the eye and nodded respectfully.
“Do you have any knowledge of your father’s business with the Texas Rangers?”
“No, I did not. He was away from the ranch for periods of time, but I never knew where he went or what he did.”