SWNOVELS Chapter CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The New Medicine Man
“We’re not really sure what exactly has happened,” said Danny Roberts, betraying his nervousness by his continual smoothing of his long blonde ponytail. “There has been no word from the forest, and we have lost all camera contact- it is as if modern technology does not exist in that monstrous forest!”
For once in his life, Danny Roberts was right- since the assumption of Jafiro as the new medicine man of the Ojibwe- technology once again did NOT exist in their Nation!”
If he and the television audience of the civilized world could have seen what their dead, drone-mounted cameras were pointed towards, they would have been astounded. The Indian people were gathered once more in the clearing before their hall, and they were looking towards the porch before it, where stood Wulf, Nikan, and Jafiro, posed upon the raised log decking so to be easily viewed by the entire tribe.
“We have a new medicine man- anointed by Akula,” spoke Wulf, with upraised arms. “Jafiro has been named. He is new amongst us, but no matter- we are unlike those of decadent civilization, who care only about race and degrees- not knowledge, or ability! We care only about the natural man, and what he is capable of- not his pedigreed, or his so-called refinement. As for notions such as affirmative action- BAH! A man is the sum of his abilities, strengths, and talents- nothing more nor less. Unlike those who attack us, race is not a ‘ticket to advance’, or really anything at all- we are truly color blind on an individual level. But, if all of a certain group prove themselves, as a group, to be vicious, or criminal, or evil; why then we will treat the overall group as a problem, excepting only the individual that proves himself different. WE DO NOT JUST MAKE THINGS UP FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY!”
A loud cry went up from the Ojibwe people, which was heard back in the clearing to their consternation. The cry woke Captain Manthey, who was bound to a post on the porch, his arms tied loosely. Next to him lay the also bound Private Jimmy Patrick, still unconscious. But Manthey, shocked into wakefulness, watched the next proceedings avidly.
“I am the true, natural son of Akula,” spoke Nikan, his black hair drawn back with a silver band about his temples. “And I say that, as his son, I recognize the sign of the eagle, and this man,” here he indicated Jafiro with his hand, “has been selected as the successor of my father- and is our new spiritual leader- the new medicine man of the Ojibwe!”
Bedlam ensued, the whole tribe screaming with elation. Trina Gilberts, ran to the side of Wulf, who clasped her to his side with a huge arm. She was smiling widely as well, her strong white teeth setting off her light brown skin and long, silky straight black hair that ran down her buckskin shirt.
Looking over at the tableau, Captain Roger Manthey was struck with the wholesome, healthy look of all involved. The bronzed Wulf still predominated, a primordial image of strength and power, his bronzed arm about the comely Trina. Nikan was also like an elemental young god, lean and strong, a true noble savage come to life.
“What do you think of the tribe now, Captain?” asked a voice to his side. He turned his head. There was a Major, in uniform, standing beside him, looking down. He had no idea how to answer, so surprised was he.
“I am Major Lee Anthony. I was a captive, just as you are, and I have come over to their side!” He smiled at the Captain Manthey’s shocked expression. “Don’t worry, just watch, and if you are the man I think you are, you will understand soon.” And he gestured over at the porch, where Jafiro had stood, flanked by the others.