THE WAGER

chapter 2

Yash left his grandfather to seek out the missionary, his teacher for many years. He found him siting at the edge of the village, a group of happy, laughing children gathered round him. Standing off to the side  for a while, he watched him with the  little ones. The reverend was kind and gentle. Yash thought a great deal of him, but he had his doubts this new idea of his.

The missionary glanced at him and smiled. "I'm glad you came, Yash. I was hoping to talk to you." He turned to the children. "All of you can go and play now. I'll see you later for your lessons.'

Excited over getting out of their schooling, the youngsters ran off laughing.

Reverend Louis had known Yash long enough to gauge his mood, and he saw the shadow of uneasiness in his eyes. "Did Karan tell you about what we talked about?"

"Yes.'

"It would be a good thing for you go east to college.'

"I see no reason to go. This is my home. I belong here, not with the whites.
"There is much you could learn there that would help you here."

'How can learning from books help the cheyenne?"

Reverend Louis stood and went to put his hand on the young man's shoulder. His expression was earnest as he tried to explain. "I want you to go so you can learn more about the white ways. I want you to come to know their hearts, how they think and how they act. If you do this you could become a bridge between two worlds. You would have insight to both sides and be able  to resolve conflicts between them. I Know you have the strength and intelligence to succeed. But I wonder if you have the courage."

Yash looked deep into the missionary's imploring gaze. He saw the goodness there and the hope he harbored for a peaceful future for all men. 'I do  not lack courage, but i do not want to go," he said slowly. "I do not want to be white."

"I know, and I won't lie and tell you it'll be easy. It won't be. But if you agree to try, I will travel with you to the school and see you settled there.'

"You are sure it will help my people?"

"It's important that there be understanding in our dealings together and you could provide that."

When Yash did not respond right away, the reverend feared he was planning  to say no.

"While you're learning about the whites they'll have the opportunity to be learning about you. Everybody would benefit."

Yash considered all he was saying, but still, fear of the unknown nagged him. He had not known this uneasiness for many summers, and it angered him. He had faced many dangerous situations and not been afraid. Yet, a strong part of him was cautioning him not leave the land he loved.  Denying the fear, he chose the most difficult path, the one that would be best for his people. 

"I will go."