"Then the rumors grew. He allowed them to spread because they frightened away some of the men who had come asking about her."
"And Ren believed him."
Willow Song nodded.
"He did not understand how deeply the lie wounded her."
Elias looked toward the river.
For five years, Ren had hidden beneath cloth while her own father repeated stories that made her believe she was a burden.
Not because her face was ugly.
Not because she was cursed.
But because frightened men decided shame would be an effective form of protection.
Elias clenched his jaw.
Then asked, "Why tell me?"
Willow Song studied him.
"Because you asked her what she wanted."
He looked up.
The old woman continued.
"Many men have asked what she looks like. Some have asked what property she might bring. Others have asked whether the stories are true."
She paused.
"You asked whether she wished to marry."
Elias lowered his gaze.
Willow Song placed one hand over his.
"That is why I am telling you."
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then asked, "Does Ren know the full reason?"
"No."
"Then you should tell her."
Willow Song looked toward the chief's shelter.
"Yes."
Elias stood.
"And her father should tell her too."
The old woman nodded.
"He should."
By sunset, the entire camp seemed to be waiting for a decision.
Iron Elk approached Elias near the gathering place.
The chief's expression was stern.
"Tomorrow is the ceremony."
Elias nodded.
"I know."
"Will you keep your word?"
"I'll keep the word I actually gave."
Iron Elk's eyes narrowed.
"And what word was that?"
"That I'd speak with your daughter. That I'd consider the marriage if she chose it too."
The chief studied him.
"Ren has agreed."
Elias looked surprised.
"She told you?"
"Yes."
For a moment, he felt warmth rise in his chest.
Then he grew serious.
"That doesn't settle the question of the land."
Iron Elk's jaw tightened.
Elias continued.
"I won't take ownership of the river because I marry her."
The chief stared.
"You came for the river."
"I did."
"And now you refuse it?"
"I'm refusing to pretend a wedding makes the land mine."
Iron Elk looked toward the distant ridge.
"Crane's surveyors are coming."
"I know."
"Soldiers may follow."
"I know."
The chief turned sharply.
"Then what would you have me do?"
Elias reached into his vest.
He withdrew the broken watch.
Iron Elk's expression changed.
Elias held it out.
"My father came here twenty years ago."
The chief became completely still.
"He made a truthful survey."
Iron Elk stared at the engraving.
Elias continued.
"Willow Song says he returned wounded."
For a moment, the older man's face seemed to age ten years.
Elias stepped closer.
"Tell me what happened to him."
Iron Elk looked away.
The surrounding camp remained quiet.
Finally, the chief spoke.
"Your father was a brave man."
Elias felt anger rise.
"I don't need to hear that."
Iron Elk looked back.
"Then what do you need?"