I sat with my hands draped over my bent knees, eying the exchange with wonder.
What the hell is going on?
Finally, Mahkah Mato drew back from the embrace, placed his hands on Marcellious’ shoulders, and studied him. “Hunting Wolf, you’ve returned to us.”
Marcellious wiped his eyes with his thumb and forefinger but said nothing.
Hunting Wolf? How many secrets does Marcellious have?
Mahkah Mato turned to Roman. “Swift Hawk, you have returned your brother. You found him.”
He gestured for Roman to step forward and enveloped him in a hug.
Swift Hawk? Holy hell! Why hadn’t Roman ever told me he had another identity? And, had he known Marcellious was his brother?
I was reeling from all this new information, especially wondering how the two brothers had arrived in ancient Rome.
I glanced at Emily, who stared at the exchange with wide-eyed interest.
When Mahkah Mato released Roman, he said in his raspy voice, “How did you find your brother and return him to us?”
Roman gestured to me. “It was all Olivia’s doing. She figured it all out. When she told me that Hunting Wolf is my brother, I wouldn’t believe it until we came here together.”
Mahkah Mato slowly nodded at me, his face somber.
I didn’t know what to do, so I nodded back.
“Is she your wife, Swift Hawk?” Mahkah Mato asked Roman.
“She is by all rights mine, yes,” Roman said.
A surge of pleasure rocked through me.
Earth Bear addressed the entire group. “The brothers have returned. They shall stay with us, and we shall care for them as family. My father, the great chief, Grey Feather, shall dine with the brothers tonight.”
Terror flashed across Marcellious’ face.
He’d looked so happy to be welcomed by Mahkah Mato. Why the reaction to the great chief?
So many questions….
“Prepare a feast,” Mahkah Mato said, “for this is a joyous occasion.”
The other Native Americans all murmured their assent.
“These people have had a long journey to be with us. See to their needs and tend to their wounds,” Mahkah Mato said.
Several others nodded, rising, and ushered us from the teepee.
“Olivia,” Roman said, stepping up behind me. “Marcellious and I are to see a healer. You will be taken to a female healer. I am told they will take good care of you and Emily.”
“See, Emily?” I said, reaching for her hand, who stood beside me.
It felt cool and clammy to the touch.
“Don’t worry. Everything will be all right,” I said.
“She’s right, Emily. Don’t worry.” Roman regarded me somberly. “I will see you at the feast tonight.”
