War Chief [antikvár]

Chapter I The sound of the throbbing drums that began in the main town of the Seneca rolled across the fields of com and squash and beans grown by the women and echoed through the endless forest of evergreen and elm, oak, and maple that surrounded the community. Seneca emerged from huts and longhouses to watch the solemn procession of the nation's leaders. Leading the group was Ghonka, the Great Sachem of all the Iroquois, wearing the beaded buffalo robe and headgear of many hawk and eagle feathers, symbols of his exalted rank. Revered as the wisest of the wise and renowned for his exploits in battle, he was tall and muscular, and though in his middle years, he was still unmatched by any of the other fighting men. Next, with clusters of feathers from his scalp lock trailing down his brawny back, came Sun-ai-yee, the main town's war chief, whose skills and acumen belied his portly appearance. Then marched the chiefs of the lesser Seneca towns, along with the principal medicine men and elders who were also members of the nation's