Chapter 84: Chapter 84

“I’ve never seen a black fawn before,” he said. “Are they common around here?”

“Nay, this is the first one I’ve seen.” An unbelievably deep sadness tinged with anxiety swept me as I eyed the pelt.

Andre noticed my reaction. “What’s wrong?”

“Better that you hadn’t killed it.”

“I know it was beautiful as a living thing, but it will serve a useful purpose. Can’t you see Bella or little Joseph in clothing made from that hide? It is truly unusual.”

“Yes, Bella would look pretty in such a cape.”

Should I tell him this creature had been special? A medicine animal. Andre wouldn’t understand. As amiable and affable as he was, he thought like a white man. Why not? He was a white man. Besides, the deed was done. Now it only remained to see the consequences. I silently breathed a prayer to Grandfather Deer asking forgiveness for this unknowing American.

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