Chuck Locklear

A Storm Coming

Wheat dumplings simmered in a metal pot over the fire. Jane watched the flames, deep in thought. She had been married to Nourouhquotkan (Noo-rooha-kwot-kan) for almost a year and still no children. He had taken the name John Pagett at the insistence of clan leaders, who had urged everyone to take names of prestigious colonists, thus, ensuring the respect of the English. Her given name was Runehu'hu, which meant turtledove. She loved the sound that her name made as it rolled off of the tongue, “Rooneh-hoo'-hoo.” However, John had taken to calling her Jane.