Chapter 106: Chapter 106

Bella struggled to keep from showing favoritism, but I suspected that in her secret heart, the child who had threatened them both from the womb would forever hold the edge. Andre wavered between being a stern, disciplined father and an indulgent one. James was untroubled by any such restraints. He delighted equally in the presence of both children.

* * * *

My mate ventured into Yanube City for supplies a day or so later and returned with news that Smith and the militia were agitating for the removal of the few remaining bloods in the Upper Yanube Military District, claiming he wanted no new raids with the coming of the warm months. The man had become so virulent on the idea of tribesmen the local magistrate, Gadsby, had to tamp down a growing revolt against his command. The Rev. Jeremiah Berglund supported Smith with ringing sermons decrying the “red savages” and calling for their segregation from honest, Christian citizens.