It is probably already too late for talking with the long knives, but if I hold out the hope of peace, it may save Nancy's life.
He let his gaze travel over the people who stood in a ring around him. The dark eyes looking at him were mostly sullen and suspicious, because their shaman was telling them what they did not want to hear. No one seemed ready to challenge him, but he knew that if three or four braves were to overpower him and kill Nancy, the crowd would let it happen. His belly muscles knotted with tension.
But, as Wolf Paw had said, they needed all their luck, and it would be best not to tempt the wrath of the spirits by defying their shaman.
Redbird, you must not fail me. He gave his wife a look of appeal before he spoke further. Behind Redbird Iron Knife stood like a great oak tree. At least there was no threat to him in Iron Knife's face.
White Bear took a deep breath and his heart fluttered. His life and Nancy's depended on what happened next.
"I take the pale eyes woman under my protection," he said. "Redbird, untie her."
Redbird hesitated for just a moment, her eyes wide, and White Bear held his breath. If, moved by jealousy, she refused to obey him and sided with Running Deer, there was no hope for Nancy.
At that thought a resolve arose in him, dark and powerful as a storm on the Great River, and he filled his lungs and squared his shoulders.
If they try to kill her, they will have to kill me first. If she is doomed, so am I.
If he stood by and let the people torture Nancy to death, he would hate himself forever.