“Why don’t you let him make his own choice? Do you not respect him as a fellow Tribesman?” Mari asked.
“I do,” Wilkes said. “But he is young, and this decision does feel hasty.”
“Nik, tell Wilkes how long I’ve complained about Thaddeus.”
“Well, let’s see.” Nik considered. “For as long as he’s been your mentor.”
“See,” Davis told Wilkes. “Not hasty. I ask that you respect my choice.”
Wilkes nodded slowly, sadly. Then he turned to Claudia. “And you? What is your choice?”
“I don’t know enough yet to make one,” Claudia said. “So, I’m going to stay with the Tribe for now.”
“That’s fair,” Nik said. “If you change your mind…”
“Well, I don’t know where to find you,” Claudia said with a smile. “But you have given your word to return.”
“And I will,” Nik assured her as he met Wilkes’s gaze steadily.
“All right,” Wilkes said. “That is what I’ll report to the Council. But, Nik, you should consider one more thing. You are the best bowman in the Tribe.”
Nik moved his shoulders. “Yes, I know that, Wilkes. I’ve been the best bowman in the Tribe since I passed sixteen winters. Why should I consider something I’ve known for years?”
“Because what you haven’t considered until now is your future as Companion to the Tribe’s Alpha Shepherd. Laru choosing you changes everything,” Wilkes said.
Nik drew a long breath and then let it out. “You see, that’s the biggest problem I have with the Tribe. Before Laru chose me, I was still the best bowman in the Tribe—the same person I’ve been for twenty-three winters. Only now that Laru is by my side, I’m suddenly seen as worthy to lead?” He shook his head. “Father said I would understand if I was ever made a Companion. Well, I’m a Companion, and I still don’t understand. No, I’m going with Mari.”
Wilkes bowed his head briefly in defeat, and when the Warrior met his gaze again Nik saw a sadness there that hadn’t been before as the man rappelled up the tree. Wilkes disappeared into the boughs and the sky opened. The rain that had been threatening all day poured like ropes from above.
CHAPTER 7
“What are they?” Sora stared into the squirming mass of grunting, wriggling little creatures that O’Bryan was trying to tuck back inside his shirt.
He looked up at her and grinned. “They’re Terrier puppies!”
“Oh, Goddess. More canines?”
“Sora, are you telling me you’ve never seen a puppy?” O’Bryan asked, looking at her as if she’d just said she’d never seen sunlight.
“Did you hit your head escaping from the fire or are you just simple?” Sora frowned at him. “You know very well that I’ve never seen a puppy before. Well, unless you count Rigel, and I think of him as more creature than puppy.” Her frown deepened and she pointed her chin to where Captain was sitting beside Sheena. “Are they going to get as big as that giant version of Rigel over there?”
O’Bryan laughed heartily. “No! Rigel and Captain are Shepherds, Leader canines. These little guys are Terriers, or Hunter canines. They’ll only get about as big as Fala.”
“The little black canine who’s resting over there with Rose?” Sora asked before having to turn away to cough. When her gaze found O’Bryan’s again, he was watching her contemplatively. “What?” She did nothing to hide the annoyance in her voice.
“Are you okay? That cough sounds bad, and you look, well, pale except for those bruises. Did someone hurt you?”
Sora had a sharp reply ready—something about it being none of a Companion’s business what was what with her or any other Earth Walker, but O’Bryan’s expression was honestly concerned. Her sigh ended in another hacking cough, and she had to force herself not to scratch at her skin, which was feeling tight and strange, especially at the creases in her elbows and wrists. “I was attacked yesterday. I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“If I’m not, are you ready to step up and be Healer for all of these people?”
“I’m pretty sure you and Mari are much better at that than me,” O’Bryan said.
“Well, then I’ll rest when everyone has been treated, fed, and safe. Now, you were explaining to me about these baby canines.” She nodded at the knot of puppies he was carrying. “They’re going to look like that little black creature with Rose, and not like Rigel?”
O’Bryan nodded. “Yep. Rose’s Fala is their mother. Here, take one. They’re friendly.” He pulled one by the scruff of her neck from inside his shirt and handed her to Sora.
She took the pup automatically. Then Sora just stood there, holding her by the scruff of her neck as she kicked her four little legs and started to whine in complaint.
“It doesn’t like me.” She tried to hand the pup back to O’Bryan.
“She doesn’t know whether to like or dislike you. Don’t dangle her like that. It’s okay to pick them up by their scruff when they’re young, but not particularly comfortable for them to be held that way. She needs to feel secure. Hold her close to you. Like this.” O’Bryan demonstrated by pulling another puppy from inside his shirt and then cradling it, infant-like, against his body.
Sora looked up at him, her expression clearly saying that she wanted to toss the pup back to him.
“Go ahead, Sora. Hold her close. I want to see what happens.” Isabel had quietly come to stand a little behind Sora and was peeking over her shoulder at the wriggling puppy.
With a sigh and a stifled cough, Sora cupped the squirming little creature in her hands, holding her close to her body as she would a baby. The pup instantly quieted and then turned her little face up, sniffing curiously at Sora.
Sora sniffed back at the pup. She glanced at O’Bryan in surprise. “It smells nice.”
“Yes, she does,” O’Bryan said.
“Does she have a name?” Isabel asked.
“No. Or rather, yes, she probably does know her name already, but we won’t know it until she chooses her Companion. Then her new Companion will announce her name to the Tribe.”
“When do they choose?” Sora asked, ready to give the puppy back to O’Bryan if he said she was ready to choose anytime. The last thing she needed was a baby canine to look after!
“Pups begin choosing their Companions right around the time they’re weaned.” Seeing the question mark expressions on the two young women’s faces, he explained, “That’s usually when they’re about eight weeks old. They rarely choose that early, though. And also usually no later than when they turn six months old.”
“How old is she?” Sora asked, running her finger down the soft fur of the puppy’s back.
“Almost two weeks old. Her eyes just opened not long ago,” Davis said.
“Puppies are born with closed eyes?” Isabel asked.
“Yep, they are,” O’Bryan said.
“And this little canine will really tell a person her name?” Isabel seemed more intrigued than shocked as she slowly reached out a finger to stroke the top of the puppy’s head.
“Oh yes, absolutely,” O’Bryan said.
“You mean, she’ll talk?” Isabel said the last words in a voice hushed with shock.
“Sort of—but not aloud. When she chooses her Companion, they’ll share a bond that’s more intimate than mere words,” O’Bryan explained.
“I’m not surprised. Rigel tells Mari all sorts of crazy things. Do you know that creature is absolutely insane about leather balls? Mari started making these strange ball-things for him because he loves chasing them so much. I asked her how she knew he’d like them, and she said he told me he would.” Sora looked pointedly at O’Bryan. “So you’re saying that’s normal?”
O’Bryan’s smile was genuine and warm. “Completely normal.”
Sora thought he wasn’t too terrible looking for a Tribesman, though he was awfully tall and blond—which was weird, but she’d already started to get used to the physical strangeness of Companions
because of Nik.
“May I hold one?” Isabel asked tentatively.
“Of course!” O’Bryan was pulling another pup from his shirt when Rose and Fala joined them.
“Is there something wrong with the pups?” Rose was at O’Bryan’s side in an instant, running her hands over the pups he was holding and eyeing the one Sora was still holding—awkwardly—as Isabel ducked her head and began to turn away.
“The pups are perfect,” O’Bryan assured Rose hastily. “Isabel, wait.” She paused and he continued. “Don’t go. I’m sure Rose won’t mind you holding one of them.”
Sora saw him exchange a look with Rose, who let out a long breath and nodded before turning to Isabel. “I don’t mind if you want to hold one of Fala’s pups.”
Hesitantly, Isabel moved to O’Bryan’s side. She sent a nervous smile to Rose. “Thank you. I’ll be very careful. I’ve never seen a puppy before.”
Rose took the pup from O’Bryan and held him out to Isabel. “Just remember not to hold him too tightly or too loosely. Treat him as you would a human infant. Let him know he’s safe with you.”
Isabel nodded. “I understand.” Moving slowly and carefully, she took the pup and then cradled him close to her chest. Sora watched her look down at him as the pup looked up at her. He lifted himself, putting his little paws on her chest and sticking his nose on Isabel’s chin, sniffing and then licking her as Isabel began to giggle.
Sora glanced around them and saw that everyone was watching Isabel. She thought she saw looks of disgust cross a few of the Earth Walkers’ faces, but mostly Sora saw curiosity, even some longing. She shrugged mentally—well, they are baby animals, and babies are hard to resist.
Sora handed the little girl puppy back to O’Bryan, but not before petting her silky black fur and staring into her bright, happy-looking eyes.
“Are your burns less painful since I put the aloe salve on them, Rose?” Sora asked, feeling much more confident as a Healer than as a puppy holder.
Rose nodded. “They are. Thank you.”
“Good. That means Lydia’s burns will be more bearable, too.” She raised her voice and called, “We’ve rested long enough. The birthing burrow isn’t far from here. Next time we stop it will be for the night.”
“May I carry the puppy for a little while?” Isabel asked Rose. “I’ll walk with you and O’Bryan if that’s okay.”
Rose nodded. “I suppose. But show him to Fala first so that she knows he’s safe with you.”
“Of course,” Isabel said before crouching down with the puppy held carefully in her arms. Shyly, she began talking to the adult canine. “Hello, Mother. I’d like to carry your baby, and I give you my word that I will be careful.” She held the puppy out so that the Terrier could sniff him, which she did, and then Sora was surprised to see the black canine sniffing at Isabel, too. Isabel held very still—Sora didn’t think the girl was even breathing. Then the canine licked Isabel’s hand and yipped once before padding to Rose’s side.
“Did I do okay?” Isabel asked Rose.
Rose actually smiled at the girl. “You did. Fala trusts you to keep her pup safe.”
“He is safe with me! I promise you he is,” Isabel said.
“I’ll help Sarah and Lydia up,” Sora said. She called to one of the older Earth Walkers who she knew would be able to follow the trail to the birthing burrow. “Jancita, please lead.”
Jancita bowed respectfully to Sora. The older woman moved stiffly—as did many of the Earth Walkers. Several of them were coughing continuously, and Sora wished for what seemed like the thousandth time that Mari had stayed with them. Mari would know whether the coughs were because, like Sora, their immune systems had been overtaxed and they were sick or the smoke had injured their lungs, or were they coughing because the women had taken in too much water from their Channel swim and were now at risk for pneumonia?
Sora tried to keep her expression neutral as she helped the two Companions to their feet. The sisters were in bad shape and getting worse. Lydia’s burns were serious, worse even than the wounds that covered Rose’s back. Sora had spread the aloe gel liberally on the ugly, weeping burns, but she could do little else for the girl until they got to shelter. The other sister, Sarah, had an ankle that was going to need splinting, medication for pain, and a good, long rest.
We’re all going to need a good, long rest, Sora thought as she turned away, coughing and scratching at her elbow crease. She wiped her mouth again, and her gaze traveled over the ragtag group. The other two Companions, Sheena and O’Bryan, had minor injuries. But they were Companions, and soon they would know exactly where the Weaver Clan’s birthing burrow was located. Mari, what were you thinking when you let them come with you? Sora sighed. She knew what Mari had been thinking. She was a Healer, just as her mother had been. It was in Mari’s blood to help people.
“I’ll take the lead now. Thank you, Jancita.” Sora touched the woman’s arm, and she fell back with the group. Sora looked over her shoulder, cleared the phlegm from her throat, and raised her voice so that they could all hear her. “I’m going to walk faster. I know it’ll be hard for you to keep up, but it’s close to sunset and we cannot be caught in the forest after dark.”
Grimly, Earth Walkers and Companions picked up the pace, limping and staggering but keeping up with Sora.
Sora focused on continuing forward and on being irritated about how terrible she felt. Her eyes burned. Her stomach ached. And, worst of all, her skin felt hot and tight and itchy. Goddess, she hated being sick!
“You look angry.” Sora jumped as O’Bryan’s voice came from close beside her. “Sorry,” he added quickly. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“I just didn’t know you were walking so close. I would have thought I’d have heard you, what with all those little creatures you’re carrying around.” She cocked her head as she studied him. “Are you a midwife for canines?”
O’Bryan’s bark of laughter startled the puppies he was carrying tucked under his shirt, and he had to cuddle them quiet before he answered Sora. “No, nothing like that. I’m just a Tribesman, and canines, especially babies who are still so vulnerable, are important to us.”
“Oh. Hm. I suppose that makes sense.…” She paused and then added, “And I’m not angry. I’m sick, which is highly annoying. And I’m worried,” Sora said, and then wondered why she felt the need to explain anything to this Companion.
“Worried about what?” he asked.
She snorted. “Let’s see—” Sora held up her hand, ticking off fingers. “The forest is on fire. There are a bunch of wounded people with me—some of them wounded pretty badly. I have no idea when or if Mari is going to return. I don’t have the supplies I need at the birthing burrow. I don’t have the food I need at the birthing burrow. And I’m leading our enemies into the heart of our Clan. There are other, lesser things that are worrying me, but those are the biggies.”
“Would you like to carry a puppy?”
Sora looked at O’Bryan closely, wondering for the second time if perhaps he was simple. “Why would I like to carry a puppy?”
His grin made him look boyish. “Why wouldn’t you like to carry a puppy?” Before she could protest, he lifted one from under his shirt and handed her to Sora.
She took the puppy, realizing as she peered up at Sora with her shining black eyes that she was the same little girl she’d held before. “So, you’re back,” she told the pup. The little girl Terrier opened her mouth and yipped happily at Sora before half rolling, half flopping on her back and exposing her fat belly. Sora looked at O’Bryan, one brow lifted in a question.
“Puppies like their bellies scratched.”
“Oh, well, um…” Sora stared down at the pup, who was still lying splay legged in the crook of her arm. Hesitantly, Sora used her index finger to gently scratch the Terrier’s soft, plump belly.
The puppy began to wag her tiny tail so excitedly that most of her body wriggled along with it, and she made happy little
grunting noises. Sora couldn’t help but smile. She traced her finger up to the pup’s chest, enjoying the soft warmth of her black fur.
“Hey, look at this. I thought she was all black, but there’s a splotch of blond on her chest. It looks like a perfect crescent moon,” Sora said, tracing the light spot with her finger.
O’Bryan looked over her shoulder and his pleasant face broke into a delighted grin. “I didn’t notice that before, either. I thought all the pups were solid black, but this little girl has been marked as special.”
“Special?”
O’Bryan nodded. “When a dark-colored pup is born with a light spot on him or her, that is a sign of favor from the Sun. The Tribe calls it being sun-kissed. We believe it portends greatness.” He gave the pup a scratch under her chin. “Wonderful things will happen to this little girl.”
“Sun-kissed, huh? That’s a pretty name,” Sora said.
“It’s not her real name. We won’t know that until she chooses a Companion and tells him or her,” O’Bryan said.
“To me she’ll always be Sun-Kissed.”
The pup yawned mightily, then squirmed farther up into the crook of her arm, buried her face in Sora’s armpit, and went instantly to sleep.
“She’s sleeping. Again. Is something wrong with her?” Sora whispered, not wanting to alert Rose.
“No, nothing at all. Puppies sleep. A lot. It’s a blessing, really, because they can be exhausting to try to keep out of trouble.”
“Don’t I know it? I’ve been living with Mari and her creature. Do you know Rigel will actually eat twigs and chew rocks if you let him?”
“Yes, well, that’s just one reason it’s a blessing young canines need to sleep a lot. They tend to get into things they shouldn’t when they’re awake.”
“He’ll eat my freshly baked bread if I don’t keep an eye on him, too. He’s really gotten good at sneaking around quietly when he thinks I’m not watching,” Sora said.
“Don’t ever forget they’re as smart as we are—they’re just a different kind of smart,” O’Bryan said.
“Really?” She looked down at the soft, warm little creature sleeping so trustingly against her body. “That smart?”