Betrayed Read Online Free Page A

as maize,” he muttered.
    It was Prince Henry’s turn to be surprised. He stared at the young stranger in awe. “Did you just speak in the Celtic tongue? How is that possible?”
    Na’gu’set was still staring at his golden hair, the helmet now secure under his arm. “You do not know about the Village of The Teachers? How is that possible when you speak The Teachers’ tongue?”
    Prince Henry tried to make sense of it all. “Why did you call me Glooscap?”
    â€œThe Ancient Teachers predicted your return. You are Glooscap, the Pale One. Your people taught us the ways of the Great Manitou. They said to always be prepared for this day. It is an honour for me to be the one to welcome you back to our land. My name is Na’gu’set. I am your humble servant.”
    Na’gu’set lowered his head submissively. From aroundhis neck, a stone pendant dangled and gleamed in the bright sunlight. Prince Henry’s blue eyes crinkled in joyous amazement as he reached forth and examined it. He then grabbed hold of Na’gu’set’s shoulders and straightened him back up.
    â€œNa’gu’set, my name is not Glooscap. My name is Prince Henry of Orkney, and although I am a prince, I consider everyone of my faith a brother or sister. You are a servant to no one but God Almighty Himself. And by the love of St. Mary, boys . . . look at this!”
    The men gathered round and were stunned by the intricate Celtic stone cross that Prince Henry displayed in his palm.
    â€œSo those old legends were true!” blurted one.
    â€œHow can this be? We are an ocean away from Eire!”
    Prince Henry smiled. “I have been to see the Irish monks on Iona, and they have written records of those early voyages to the far western island they called the Land of Promise.”
    â€œBut those were just tales of legend, were they not?” questioned another sailor. “Are you saying that the ancient Irish crossed the Atlantic in skin-covered boats only the size of a horse’s cart?”
    Prince Henry laughed. “Remember, those Irish monks survived to see Iceland and Greenland in skin-covered boats. Why couldn’t they come all the way west to these new lands as well? St. Brendan and his men of the cloth beat us here by over seven hundred years! Just look at this beautiful cross and Na’gu’set’s knowledge of our sister language. ’Tis the only possible explanation!”
    â€œBut what does it all mean?”
    Prince Henry grasped Na’gu’set by the shoulders. “It means that our almost impossible quest may now have a much better chance at success, thanks to old St. Brendan and his miraculous voyage. Na’gu’set, are you the only one in the village who can speak in the tongue of the Teachers?”
    He nodded. “I grew up in the Village of The Teachers, a three-day paddle from here. My distant ancestor, a woman named Kiera, came from the Land of the Teachers, and this cross has been passed on from one generation to the next. We were taught the lessons of the Great Manitou. Many men from the village are sent to all the different nations of the lands to teach our beliefs.”
    Prince Henry thought for a minute. He looked around at the surrounding silent crowd. It took a moment for the stunning revelations to sink in, but a smile slowly crept across his face. “Na’gu’set, if it is acceptable to your people, my crew and I would like to stay here for a while.”
    Na’gu’set nodded. “I will ask the elders.” He turned to the crowd and conversed with a small group of older men. “Our elders would like to know what brings you back to the land of the Mi’kmaq.”
    â€œNa’gu’set,” grinned Prince Henry, “you will soon be in the presence of a treasure that the Ancient Teachers would have sacrificed their very lives to see, if only for just a