Chapter 68

I waited at the Mead for a week to be certain Otter delivered my letter to Cut Hand. I had entrusted the missive to the youngster with instructions to hand it over upon arrival at the new winter camp. I remember every painful word of that hateful page:

My Love. I promised not to leave without telling you first. Otter will have handed you this letter ere I depart the Mead, so that pledge is honored, no matter how cowardly. I had not the mettle otherwise. But you understood before ever you read this.

I considered a stand-away, a separation, but concluded it would resolve nothing. I do not leave because I no longer love you, rather out of deep feelings for the man who has been my one, my only, my greatest love! It is my wanch, my misfortune, Morning Mist and I cannot abide one another. Consequently, we are killing you and squandering the goodwill of a fine people. That is not only foolish, it is unforgivable. Morning Mist cannot leave, so I must.