On the other side of the lake, behind a tall wooden palisade with sharpened logs at its top, the guards protecting the entrance gate stopped the members of Orniskem. The soldiers were dressed very similarly to Hé-no’s servants, who had remained behind to guard the cave.
“State your business in Onondaga,” one of the guards said in Seneca, but upon noticing Hé-no, he quickly apologized to the god.
“Do not worry, you are only doing your duty,” Hé-no replied with a gentle smile. The guards immediately opened the gate without hesitation.
However, as the gods entered, Tania glanced up toward the top of the palisade and noticed dozens of powerful deities watching their every movement. She remembered Wenabozho’s warning about the vigilance of this region.
“I’m starting to think something bad is going to happen,” she thought uneasily.
A small group of soldiers, all dressed like those outside the city, received Hé-no and the members of Orniskem.
“Lord Hé-no,” one of the soldiers said in Seneca, “the great Sawiskera wishes to see you first, before allowing these foreigners to enter our village.”
“I understand,” Hé-no said, turning to the members of Orniskem.
“It seems the great Sawiskera requires my presence first. Do not worry—I will tell him of your deeds yesterday, and he will surely allow you passage, perhaps even with honors,” said the god before departing with one of the soldiers.
The members of Orniskem remained standing there, surrounded by guards.
“It’s obvious that if we try to escape or cause trouble, those guards on the palisade will hunt us down,” Tania said discreetly in Galician, knowing no one there would understand.
“I noticed them too,” Rodrigo replied in Galician. “They all seem very strong.”
“All we can do is hope Hé-no convinces Sawiskera that we are not a threat,” Anpiel added, also in Galician.
“Do you think they know we are from Orn… Black Birds? I avoided mentioning it to Hé-no for that reason,” Tania said.
She had deliberately avoided saying “Orniskem,” since the word would sound the same in any language.
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“Let’s hope not,” Anpiel replied.
After about fifteen minutes, Hé-no returned with a cheerful expression—though his eyes were always closed, making it hard to tell.
“The great Sawiskera wishes to meet the men who destroyed the threat of Ontario!” Hé-no announced. “He will reward you as you deserve.”
“That’s fantastic!” Rodrigo said excitedly, only to receive a discreet elbow from Tania.
“Remember,” she whispered in Galician.
“Is there a problem?” Hé-no asked, hearing unfamiliar words.
“No, none at all,” Tania replied quickly with a wide smile.
The gods were then escorted by Hé-no and the soldiers to a massive wooden structure. It was long, with a rounded roof, resembling a large barn. As they walked, they saw that the entire city consisted of tipi-like dwellings, designed for rapid relocation if necessary.
They entered the great house, which inside resembled both a ceremonial center and a living space. There were beds, tables, and chairs, and hundreds of people going about their activities. All of them turned to look at Hé-no and the foreigners, falling silent as they walked toward the far end of the hall.
Seated on a chair covered with animal skins was a tan-skinned man wearing a headdress of white feathers and a large khaki-colored tunic that covered part of his chest and legs. Beneath it, he wore a white shirt with red geometric designs. He smiled calmly, and a deep sense of peace emanated from him.
“Great Sawiskera, I bring before you the heroes who saved Lake Ontario from the Great Water Serpent, Djodi’kwado,” Hé-no said in Seneca.
All members of Orniskem bowed to the man on the throne, who observed them with clear curiosity.
“I am aware of your actions in Ontario,” Sawiskera said in divine language. “I have learned that the lake is now poisoned, and thousands of animal species have died because of your recklessness.”
The members of Orniskem felt the presence of numerous gods watching them—some inside the hall, others from the windows. Without a doubt, it was a trap.
“Wait, Lord Sawiskera,” Hé-no interrupted angrily. “These men helped me defeat that calamity.”
“And at what cost, Hé-no?” Sawiskera replied.
“The lake has become unusable, and you have condemned my people to starve because of your recklessness. Foreigners have no right to interfere in our affairs,” Sawiskera declared, raising his voice while maintaining his calm and smiling demeanor.
“My lord, if you must punish someone, then punish me!” Hé-no said furiously.
“I am sorry, Hé-no, but no matter what you say, you cannot defend these invaders,” Sawiskera replied, raising his hand.
“Guards, seize this scum and take them to the Hill of Punishment,” he commanded in Seneca.
The guards aimed their spears and bows at them and began forcing them out, leaving Hé-no stunned by his leader’s attitude.
“If you wish to accompany them, you are welcome,” Sawiskera added in Seneca.
“But these men are wanted by the Mississippi Empire. Tomorrow, their elite soldiers will arrive to take them to Cahokia for execution.”
“And since when do we bow to those savages of Cahokia?” Hé-no demanded angrily.
“Many things have changed in your absence, Hé-no,” Sawiskera said with his usual smile.
“But it would be unfortunate if another calamity struck this village and you were not prepared to defend it,” he added—this time revealing, for the first time, a sinister grin.
Hé-no stood frozen in terror at his leader’s words.