Chapter 24: Chapter 24: HARSH REALITY

Jaira plunged her hands into the dirty, tepid water before rubbing homemade lye soap over the white shirt she held in her hand. At least it had been white long ago, a brown stain on the collar and patches betraying its age. Jaira prided herself on her hard work and thriftiness.

"Do you think our husbands will return today? It's been mighty long since they left to squash that uprising..." Elizabeth didn't need to finish her sentence.

"I don't know, but I swore I heard a warcry last night on the other side of the wall. They're waiting for us, I just know it!" Jaira's anxiety rose as she described an almost certain attack.

"No, I don't think anyone would be foolish enough to try to make it past the Iroquois. It is a good thing we made an alliance with them, that's what! But you're right, I'll feel safer when John returns."