Savage Lands Read Online Free PDF Page B

tried to hold his gaze, but his face burned hot and he feared that the trembling in his mouth would betray him. He gazed at the ground as, in the same steady voice, the commandant confided that the course of such diplomacy was not without difficulty. The savages were brutish and unreliable, some nations particularly so. Only a year before, three Canadians had been massacred while they slept by Alibamon savages with English muskets and lances.
    Now, despite swift retaliation, it was rumoured that the English were once more stirring up dissent among the Alibamons, urging them to raids against the French. More ominously, the Chickasaw, one of the most powerful nations in Louisiana, had declared their allegiance to the English. It was essential that the tribes who had promised to support the French might be depended upon.
    Over the years, the commandant explained, he had made many caresses to the Ouma nation, for their situation close to the confluence of the St Louis and Red rivers gave them a strategic importance. Some years previously the commandant had helped them to resolve a dispute over territory with their neighbours, the Bayagoulas, and in return he had always been favourably received. Now he required certain proof that they might be depended upon. It was for this reason – and at this the commandant cleared his throat and set his hand reassuringly upon the boy’s shoulder – that the boy would not accompany the exploratory party as it continued northward. He would remain here in the village with the Ouma. He would live with the savages.
    The boy heard the commandant as though still aboard ship, the words gusting and echoing in his ears. He was to master not only the trade language of Mobilian but also the savages’ local tongue so that he might act as interpreter for the French who should pass this way. In addition he was to familiarise himself with the habits and associations of the tribe, their affiliations and their enmities, and report to the garrison accordingly. His presence in the village would permit him to keep a close watch on the tribe’s plans and engagements, their dealings with neighbouring nations and, in particular, any skirmishes or preparations for war.
    ‘You shall be my eyes and my ears, young man. The next best thing to me remaining here myself. Can you do that?’
    The feather cloaks of the Ouma had eyes. When they danced and the cloaks leaped upon their shoulders, the eyes seemed to roll and wink, sometimes in jest but more often in warning. The eyes of the dancers rolled too, showing the whites. The boy’s throat burned but he ducked his head all the same.
    ‘Good man. We shall not be assured of Louisiana until we hold the hearts of her savages in our hands. How big are your hands?’
    The commandant nodded at the boy, a smile pressed into the corner of his mouth. The boy hesitated and then extended his hands, palms up. The commandant cuffed him lightly on the shoulder and stood up.
    ‘Big enough, surely,’ he observed wryly, looking down at the boy. ‘After all, how large can the heart of a savage be?’
    The boy said nothing. His face was stiff as an old sail. The commandant dismissed him, but before the boy had taken three paces he heard his name. He turned back, his heart fierce in his chest. He kept his gaze upon the commandant’s boots.
    ‘You may live among them, mon fils ,’ the commandant said. ‘But you must never forget that you are not one of them. It is simpler to make a savage of a Frenchman than a Frenchman of a savage.’
    ‘Yes, sir,’ he whispered.
    The commandant sighed.
    ‘The women of this nation know nothing of restraint. It is their belief that when the time comes that a woman must depart this life and must traverse the narrow and difficult bridge to the Grand Village of the hereafter, only those who have – who have indulged their lewd natures will cross easily.’ He drew in his breath sharply. ‘Master the savages’ tongue but remember always that you