Triad

Prologue

Ganaoque, Ontario, 2008

The last thing Pajackok “Jack” Runningwater and his cousin Ragtow were expecting to see come out of the mighty St. Lawrence River was a waterlogged Indian woman wearing period clothing from the early 1800’s. They’d come out to the old homestead on the edge of the reservation to assure everything was locked down tight for the winter.

But they both rushed forward to help the wet woman.

“Are you okay?” Ragtow took one arm while Jack helped guide the trembling woman onto more solid ground. Over her head they exchanged glances. Could this be the woman they’d been told would come? Achak, their spiritual advisor, had warned them their souls would never be at peace until they found their woman, the one who’d renew their bloodline. He’d said not only did the men needed her for balance-so did their people.

“Thank thou. Thou are most kind.” The soft sounding voice seemed at odds with the slender woman. Finally Ragtow couldn’t wait any longer. He had to know.

“Did the Great Spirit send you to us?”

Lifting her head, Orenda gazed at both of them. “No. I’m here for other reasons, but I bring you news and a prophesy. She who is for you both shall come. Be patient.”

Both men swore as the woman collapsed between them.