"Are you sure we aren't keeping you from something important?" Mark asked.

"Important? Do you know what we have here? Mark, this will be the greatest archeological find of the past hundred years. Anthropology can be such a bore since most of my subjects are dead. I have nothing better to do then drive you around."

"Should I call you Dr. Chauffeur?" Ronny said.

Clarence looked at Mark and they both broke up laughing. Ronny grinned, he'd made a joke.

"I'd much rather you call me Clarence."

"Cool beans," Ronny said.

"Okay, now you've made the grade," Mark said.

Mount Vernon was behind them. Ronny had explained his comments, he had the feeling Washington had done what he said he would do for Fierce Beaver. That meant that the Continental Congress would have been presented with the land request at some point after March of 1778.

"Let's go find out," Clarence had suggested.

The Library of Congress sat on Independence Avenue, but Clarence passed by the main building and turned on 22nd Street.

"I know some people here; this is the Federal Research Division. Just go along with whatever I say, okay?" Clarence said.

He pulled into an underground parking ramp and approached the guard at the bottom.

"Clarence Blackfoot, Smithsonian ... I have an appointment with Neil Briggs."

The guard looked at Clarence's identification and waved him on through.

"How are you going to explain us?" Mark asked.

"I'm not. Once we get inside I'm going to call Neil and have him come down and escort us up to his office."

"He can do that?" Ronny asked.

"Neil is the manager of computer operations for the Library, he gets whatever he wants," Clarence said.

They parked in a visitor space and walked into the lower lobby to the guard station. Mark noted that security was tight for a place that held the nation's greatest collection of documents. Clarence picked up a phone on the wall and dialed a four digit number.

"Neil ... Clarence here ... yeah, downstairs, we'd like to come up ... Yes, there are three of us ... good see you in a few."

"Are we butting in?" Mark asked.

"He's probably playing games on his computer," Clarence said. "Neil used to work for the Smithsonian, my division. He got a glowing recommendation from me and in return I get to bother him all I want. Oh that was fast, there he is."

Neil Briggs was not at all what Mark expected. He'd known geeks in college; this guy looked to be about forty years old and was very well dressed. The suit he wore had to be an Armani; he couldn't be any more different than Clarence. Mark felt a little silly in his shorts.

"Are you bringing me tourists now, Clar?"

"Yeah, they were hanging around on the Mall and asked if they could see the most useless civil servant in DC, I gave them your name."

"Whoa, that's a low blow," Neil laughed.

They hugged and Clarence introduced Mark as a teacher and named Ronny his pupil.

"We're here for an education, Neil. Continental Congress, 1778 or after. We're looking for a land grant that would have been requested by George himself."

"Is this billable time or something off the top of your head?" Neil asked.

"It's in my head at the moment, it could become the largest project my department has had in the past hundred years."

"We certainly can't stall progress, come on up. You have your ID?"

Clarence clipped on his Smithsonian identification and Neil picked up two visitor's badges from the guard. They rode the elevator to the third floor, where the doors opened into a quiet hallway that could have been in an office building anywhere.

"Where are all the books?" Ronny asked.

"Books? Oh, the books we do keep are in the basement vaults," Neil said. "Paper has to be stored very carefully. Everything up here is computer data. Come on, I'll show you."

Mark smiled, Neil took the boy seriously. Neil's office was little more than a large wrap around desk with three large flat screen monitors. He had six chairs against the wall and a kitchenette.

"Pull up a chair," Neil said. His fingers flew across the keyboard and called up files on his central monitor. "Okay, that would be the Second Continental Congress, 1778 to 1781. Is there a key word?"

"Indian affairs, Oneida, land grants ... let's begin there."

"Did George leave you a piece of property, Clarence?"

"Something like that."

Neil tapped away and Ronny stood up to look at the screen. "Okay, here we go. You do know, Clarence, the Continental Congress didn't have the authority to pass legislation until after the Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781. Are we looking in the right time period?"

"I'm sorry, Neil, I just don't know," Clarence said.

Neil turned away from his keyboard and grabbed a pen. "That's fine, just give me the particulars and I'll keep searching."

Clarence and Mark spent fifteen minutes describing the relationship between Fierce Beaver and George Washington. They added the document Washington had drawn up, the estimated place of the land grant and the various battles in which the Oneida had fought.

"Yeah, I can see why this is important," Neil finally said. "It may take me a few days, I'll work on it."

"That's all we can ask," Clarence said. "At some point we'll be going to the site, but this is going to end up being an ownership issue. Whatever you can find will be most helpful."

"I'll do my best," Neil promised. "Oh, this Fierce Beaver ... is that the only name you have associated with him?"

"Pebbles," Ronny said. "That was his grandmother's name."

"Her name ... not his?"

"The women kept the family name. In the Oneida nation it would be my name as well, Fierce Beaver was my ancestor."

Neil smiled. "Then this has great meaning to you. I promise to look very hard."

Ronny smiled and stuck out his hand. "Thank you," He said.

Neil escorted them back downstairs and they returned to the parking garage.

"I'm sorry we didn't come up with an answer right away, but there are millions of documents in the archives," Clarence said. "I had forgotten that the Oneida were a matriarchal society, Ronny would keep his mother's name under those conditions."

"I think we go to the family now," Mark said. "Ronny, would it be okay if I called your mother?"

The boy shrugged. "Katherine has the phone number."

"You want to do that now?" Clarence said.

"We're already here," Mark said. "No sense in going back to Easton and then returning."

Clarence reached in his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. "Go ahead and call."

Katherine was surprised that Ronny wanted to see his family, but she thought it was a great idea. She gave Mark the phone number and the address in Takoma Park.

"That's not far," Clarence said when he saw the address.

Mark dialed the number and let it ring; Ronny's mother picked up on the third one.

"Mrs. Boden? Hello, this is Mark Ryan from Wainright. Ronny and I are on a field trip here in Washington and I wondered if it would be convenient for him to come see you?"

Ronny stared at him as she responded and then he smiled when Mark nodded.

"Yes, ma'am ... it will take us about forty-five minutes, is that too soon?"

Mark nodded again. "Thank you, we'll be there then. Good-bye."

"Your father won't be home until six she told me, that will give us over an hour to talk to her," Mark said.

"Good," Ronny replied. "I really don't want to see him."

Clarence had remained silent, but the expression on his face told Mark he was concerned. There had been no time to explain the father and son relationship, it was the mother they needed to see.

"I imagine your brother and sister will be there," Mark said, hoping to spur some positive conversation.

"I haven't seen Alan in three years," Ronny said. "He looks like my father. Elizabeth looks like me and mom so I guess we're lucky."

"I'm sorry you haven't been closer to your family, but I think that's about to change," Mark said.

"Because of the stone?" Ronny asked. "My father won't have anything to do with it, that's pagan stuff."

"I take it your father doesn't appreciate Native American culture, then why did he marry your mother?" Mark asked.

"He did it to save her; he's big on that whole Christian thing. Mom went along with it until he sent me away. I think if she didn't have his kids ... I don't know what she'd do."

"We'll try and keep this between us and your mother; do you think we should tell her about the stone?" Mark asked.

"Um ... no, not yet. I thought she might go with us if we went to see the family," Ronny said.

"There's a thought," Mark said. "I don't want to cause trouble with your father."

Ronny smiled. "I haven't seen him in a while. He doesn't know anything about this ... he won't be a problem. I can take care of him."

Clarence's eyebrows went up but he kept his eyes on the road. Only Mark knew what Ronny was capable of doing, he just hoped it didn't come to that. They cut over to North Capitol Street and headed towards the District Line.

Of course there was great animosity towards the father; Ronny had made no secret of that. The Christian dimension had never been expressed before and that was worrisome. Mark didn't know how the man would react to seeing Ronny, but there would be other adults present.

The term 'save' was promoted by the Evangelical movement and if Ronny's father was one of those then Mark could understand the chasm between father and son. Ronny had been so even tempered these past six months, no signs of the anger Katherine had mentioned in his past life. The boy had changed.

Mark was just afraid that Ronny would need every bit of his new-found maturity to deal with the father. And for his part the man had better be careful, he didn't know his son at all or what the boy could do.

The house in Takoma Park was a modest brick affair and there were two kids standing in the yard. The boy looked to be about thirteen, the girl slightly younger. She ran in the house the minute they pulled over, and as they got out a woman came to the door.

Sally Pebbles-Boden looked exactly like Ronny; there could be no mistaking the relationship. Her daughter was a miniature of the mother, the brother had sandy blond hair and was light complexioned, and that had to be the father's influence.

Ronny bolted from the Rover and ran to his mother for a hug; his siblings stood quietly by and watched. Sally virtually dragged the boy with her as she approached to greet them.

"Mr. Ryan?" She said, looking at Clarence.

"That would be me," Mark said. "This is Dr. Blackfoot from the Smithsonian Institute."

"He's an Ojibwe, Mom," Ronny said.

Sally smiled. "Boozhoo, aaniin ezhi ayaayan?" She said.

"Oh my," Clarence said. "Hello to you as well, I'm fine. I didn't know you spoke the Algonquin language."

"Native languages and culture are a hobby," Sally said. "What brings you to my door, gentlemen?"

"Ronny did," Mark said. "We need to ask you about your family."

Sally nodded, and Mark noted that she didn't seem the least bit surprised. "Well then you better come on in and sit a while. Alan, why don't you and Lizzy take Ronny in the back yard and show him your rabbits."

Ronny smiled and followed his brother around the side of the house. Mark and Clarence stepped up on the porch and followed Sally into the living room. The room was plain and simple with no sign of her native heritage, that wasn't surprising. Mark wasn't sure what he had expected her to be like, but he could see a bright intelligence burning in her eyes.

They sat down and Sally offered them refreshments which they politely refused.

"I know why you're here," Sally said. "I was wondering how long it would take for Ronny to come of age, will he have to leave the school now?"

Mark shook his head. "It has nothing to do with the school; it has everything to do with your ancestors."

She stared at him for a moment, and then looked at Clarence. "The Ohslayelit time has come, Ronny has the visions," She said.

"Yes, that's why we're here," Clarence said. He reached beneath his shirt and pulled out a small necklace. On it was a silver disk with a single odd looking shell embedded in the middle. "Do you know what this signifies?" He asked.

Sally looked at it for a moment. "Among your people you are a seer. That is the significance of the cowry shell you wear."

"I am a priest in the Midewiwin, the Great Medicine Society of my people. But I am also an anthropologist at the Smithsonian; I work at the Museum of the Native American. Ronny has told me of his visions; I believe he has some important dreams."

"These things his father does not know, please don't say anything. My grandmother foretold of Ronny's Atunhetsla, his inner spirit. This came to him through her, for she had the sight and communicated with the spirit world. What has he foretold?"

"Ronny has not seen the future but the past," Mark said. "He has visions of your ancestors. You know about the Spirit Warrior I assume?"

Sally nodded. "The Oneida legend is familiar."

"In his mind Ronny is that warrior," Mark said. "The power of that spirit has been clouding his mind since he became aware, it's the reason you may have thought him mentally handicapped. There is nothing wrong with his mind, except he now controls that spirit. He's one of my best students; he doesn't need all the special attention or medication."

"My husband wouldn't believe you; his mind is closed to the ways of the spirits. If he finds out about this I don't know what he will do."

"I don't see why we have to tell him," Clarence said. "Ronny is growing up fast."

Sally nodded. "So why do you need to see my family if you already know about Ronny's ability?"

"Because he has shown us the need," Mark said. "He says there is an ancient burial mound across the road from your grandmother's house."

"Yes there is, off the Council Road. The Seneca have that land now; they are afraid of the mound and say it is haunted." Sally smiled. "They are so superstitious, but we all played there as kids and nothing happened."

Mark nodded. "Ronny says that a great piece of Oneida history is buried in the mound, a sacred object going back before the time of Ohni:ta Pebbles."

A look of wonder came to Sally's face. "You know about her?"

"Not at all, we would like to know more," Clarence said.

Sally sat still for a moment; the only intrusion was the sound of the kids playing in the back yard. "If you must see this mound and talk to my family then I'd better go with you, they don't take to strangers very well."

"Um ... and what about your husband?" Mark asked.

"He won't have anything to say. It's about time Alan and Lizzy met my parents and the cousins."

"Is anyone living in your grandmother's house?" Clarence asked.

"My parents and older sister's family, it's a big old place ... "

The kids came through the back door into the kitchen, and Ronny had a large brown rabbit in his hands.

"See, look what I've got ... it's a kwa'ya'ha. Why doesn't Alan or Lizzy know that word?" Ronny asked.

"Your father doesn't allow us to use native language in the house," Sally said.

Ronny's face went blank and then he frowned. "That's stupid."

"Let's not talk about your father like that, why don't you put the rabbit back in the cage," Sally said.

"It's a kwa'ya'ha," Ronny said defiantly, and he turned around to leave. But he had taken only a few steps when the front door opened and a tall gaunt looking man walked in, this had to be the father.

"Hello?" The man said.

Mark noticed that Ronny had kept on walking and was quickly out the back door.

"Bill, this is Mr. Ryan who teaches at Ronny's school. And this is Dr. Blackfoot who's an anthropologist. Ronny is in town on a field trip."

Sally had chosen her words carefully and Mark felt like this must be what her life was like around this man.

Mark stood up and shook hands. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Boden."

The man nodded at Mark and then looked at Clarence, the Indian features were obvious.

"Is Ronny studying Indian things?" Bill asked.

"No, not that I'm aware of," Clarence said. "I met Mark and Ronny yesterday at the Smithsonian where I work."

"Oh," Bill said. "Where's Ronny?"

"He's out looking at the rabbits," Sally said.

"Has he improved any, are his cognitive functions any better?" Bill asked.

Mark smiled. "He's made great strides in both his academic and social skill levels."

"The boy is a mess," Bill said. "Thank the Lord we placed him at Wainright."

"Yes, I'd say the school has done a lot for him," Mark said.

He wanted to laugh in the man's face, he had no idea how well Ronny had developed and probably didn't care. And then the back door opened and the three kids came in.

"Hello, Ronny," Bill said.

"Hello," Ronny replied, and then he walked over and sat down next to his mother. It was that action which must have given Sally the go ahead to say what she did.

"I'm going to take the kids up to visit my family in New York. My parents haven't met the kids, and Ronny was just a baby when we were there last."

Bill frowned. "And how are you going to get there?"

"Mark has offered to drive us, they're out for the summer," Sally said.

"I don't think you should go. There's nothing up there these children need to become acquainted with and ... " Bill suddenly rubbed his temples. "Oh, that darn headache is coming on again; I have to go lie down."

Without another word he stood up and left the room. Sally looked over at Ronny and the boy smiled. It didn't have to be said, Mark knew Ronny had given his father the headache and so did Sally.

"Why don't you kids go out and play, it will be time for supper pretty soon," Sally said. Ronny followed his sister and brother out the front door. Sally gave Mark an exasperated look.

"It's a wonder he hasn't taken that man's head off. It's one of the reasons I thought it best for them to be apart. Ronny learned to focus his anger early on; he's put his father in the hospital before. Bill has no idea that he brings this upon himself. But Ronny has always been protective of the one's he loves; his heart is in the right place."

"So I'm driving," Mark said.

"I'm sorry ... I had to say something," Sally said.

"That's fine, we'll take the company bus," Clarence said. "I'll need room for the equipment."

"What equipment is that?" Mark asked.

"GPR ... ground penetrating radar. You didn't think I was going to dig up cultural landmarks did you?"

"And if we find it?" Mark asked.

"Then we ask permission to dig and do it carefully," Clarence said. "Neil may get back to me tomorrow, I say we go ahead and go up there. Once we know where it's located we'll pursue all the avenues we need to take."

"Dig what up?" Sally asked.

"I'll explain in due time," Mark said. "But first, when do you think your family will be ready to receive us?"

"I'll call Janice tonight when she gets home from work, my parents are retired. Would you like to go next week?" Sally asked.

"Is Bill going to be a problem?" Clarence asked.

"I doubt it. One of Ronny's headaches knocks him out for three or four days, he won't have much energy to resist. Say we go on Monday?"

"Perfect," Clarence said. "I'll get the bus scheduled and loaded tomorrow, it's really more of a camper, and we can spend the night in it if you want. Let me handle the details, the office will pick up the tab."

"You're going to pay for all of us?" Sally asked.

Mark smiled. "He can, he's the boss."

"We'll come for you on Monday around ten, I expect we'll be up there four or five days," Clarence said. "I guess we ought to go and let you fix dinner for your kids."

They stood up and Sally put a hand on Clarence's arm. "Our people were enemies for many years, I am glad we got past that."

"The Indian feuds of the past have no place in our modern world," Clarence said. "We share a heritage as the First Americans; nothing can be allowed to change that."

Sally looked at Mark and then gave him a hug. "I owe you a great debt for allowing Ronny to follow his inner spirit. I will enjoy showing you our ways next week, come willing to learn."

"Thank you, this has been a blessing for all of us," Mark said.

Ronny was out in the yard, and hugged his mother good-bye.

"We will be together next week," She said. "Time enough to speak of old times and the new things you have learned. Have peace, Ronny."

"Bye, Mom ... love you."

Ronny sat himself in the back seat this time. Mark understood, the boy was concerned about what he had done to his father and what his mentor might think. Mark turned to Clarence as they drove out of the neighborhood.

"You know I used to give my father a pain in the neck when I was growing up, Ronny seems to have refined that trick."

"You think?" Clarence replied. "What exactly happened?"

They heard Ronny chuckle, and Mark turned around. "It was mean ... but I understand," He said.

"I did it to protect my Mom."

"We know, Ronny, it's how you show love," Mark said.

Sally was right, the man was lucky to have his head. Still, Clarence needed an explanation.

"Ronny has other abilities," Mark said. "It's all tied into this vision thing."

"Oh ... now there's a scientific expression. Are you saying he can get into people's minds?" Clarence asked.

"Yes, I wouldn't dwell on it too long, you might get a headache," Mark said.

"Point well taken, I suppose next week will be quite revealing."

"What's happening next week?" Ronny asked.

"We're going to visit your family," Mark said.

"Awesome," Ronny replied. And he was right.


On to Chapter Eleven

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"A Warrior's Promise" is © 2010 by Chris James.
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