Earth Called, page 13
That night Sora fell asleep thinking that she might decide to like surprises that weren’t strictly jewels or feathers or beautifully woven materials …
CHAPTER 11
River stood on the incline above Weanling Creek and continued to towel dry her hair as she leaned against Anjo’s warm side and gazed down at her Herd. In the west behind her the sky was dark and bruised, so that even before sunrise River was assured that it was still snowing heavily in the mountains. In front of her it was predawn, and the light was like a dove’s wing—gray and opal and just touched with the palest pink. The Herd would normally have been sleeping—she would normally have been sleeping—but not today. Today River had awoken well before dawn so she could bathe in the cool, crystal waters of her favorite creek, just as she had done more than three years ago on that magickal day Anjo Chose her.
River looked up at her magnificent mare. “It’s hard to believe it’s been three years. It feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago you Chose me.”
You have always been mine. Anjo snorted and then snuffled River’s damp hair. The Herd has been busy.
“Yeah, they’re almost ready to leave the site. I’m proud of the Herd already, Anjo. No panic. No whining. No complaints. It’s only been a day, but we’ll be ready to leave with the rise of the sun.”
It is because they trust us. Her mare’s voice was familiar within her mind.
River sighed. “I wonder if they realize what a difficult trip it’s going to be—nothing like our usual migration.”
They know, and they are ready. Do not worry so, my River.
“Have you heard any discontented rumblings from the Herd about the Pack?” River asked her mare.
No. The opposite. They like the canines, especially the puppies, and they appreciated the Moon Women’s magick last night.
Yip! Yip!
River and Anjo turned their attention to the little black pup who had been asleep on River’s feet, but who was now staring up at horse and Rider sternly and flooding both with waves of anxiety.
River grinned and picked up the pup. “Hey, we said the Herd appreciates the Pack, especially the puppies. They’re part of us now, and that’s not going to change. Don’t fret, little girl. All will be well.” She kissed the pup’s nose before placing her in the basket rigged behind Anjo’s trail saddle.
“I am glad to hear it.”
Her voice should’ve startled River, but instead it was like she was just another part of the dawn. Anjo turned her head and rumbled a low greeting to Tulpar as he and his new Rider joined them on the incline.
“Good morning, Dove—Tulpar,” River said, and Chloe yapped her own hello from her basket.
Dove’s laugh was soft and sweet. She leaned slightly so she could ruffle the curly black fur atop the pup’s head. “It’s good to see you, Chloe.” Then she straightened and her face turned toward River. “And good morning, River and Anjo. Tulpar said we would find you near the creek. I hope we are not intruding.”
“Not at all. I was just taking a last look at the Rendezvous Site before heading back to close the mouth of the cave and begin our journey.”
“It is quite beautiful—and impressive. Herd Magenti is strong. I will always be so grateful that by Tulpar Choosing me I gained the ability to see through his eyes. It would be difficult for me to comprehend the size and might of the Herd were I still in the dark.”
River studied Dove’s beautiful, eyeless face. “Is it difficult for you to get used to having sight?”
“Difficult? In what way?” Dove asked.
“Well, I remember when I was a girl a young boy was brought to my mother from Herd Cinnabar.”
“The Warrior Herd?” Dove asked quickly.
River smiled and nodded. “Yes, Cinnabar is where many of our Warriors train.”
“Morgana has been helping me learn about the Herds. But, please, go on. What about this young Warrior?”
“He was brought to my mother because he was deaf—he had been since birth—but his mother was Lead Mare Rider and she and my mother had been friends since they were girls. She hoped Dawn would be able to use the power of crystals to grant him hearing, something the healers of Herd Indigo had been unable to do. Miraculously, Dawn was able to break the blockage within the boy, which was mental and not physical, and he was able to hear.”
“That’s wonderful!”
“One would think so, but the boy was miserable. He said everything was too loud—too abrasive—just too much. It took him years to acclimate. He never seemed truly content after that. I wondered if you were having similar difficulties.”
Her lips tilted up. “Do I seem to be having difficulties?”
“No, not at all, but women are much better than men at covering our pain. So, if it is not too presumptuous of me, I thought I would ask.”
Dove considered for a moment before responding, “I understand the boy. It is an assault—to suddenly be granted a sense I’ve never had—but it is different for me because of my Tulpar.” She ran her fingers through the stallion’s long white mane. “He helps me understand what I see. And I know he is with me here—” She touched her forehead. “And here.” Dove touched her chest over her heart. “He soothes me when it all seems too much, and explains to me things I see and have a hard time comprehending.”
“Huh. That makes sense. I’m glad for both of you.” River grinned at the beautiful stallion and then asked, “What is the most surprising thing about being able to see?”
“The colors!” Dove’s voice filled with excitement. “Dead Eye and Mari tried to explain colors to me before, and I thought I understood—but I had no idea. The world is so filled with colors. So many greens and blues, browns and whites and yellows and reds, but I think my favorite is gold.” Her hand stroked her stallion’s sleek golden neck. “My second favorite is purple.”
“Well, that’s lucky,” River said. “As we are the purple Herd.” Then she added, “Dead Eye? I don’t think I’ve met that Pack member yet.”
Dove’s expression fell, and River was instantly sorry she’d asked.
“He wasn’t a member of the Pack. He was the vessel the God of Death now inhabits. He is no more.”
“Oh, I am sorry.” River felt a strange twinge deep in her gut. What is that feeling? It couldn’t be jealousy. That’s absurd.
“Yes. I am sorry as well. Thank you.”
They stood there together in silence watching the sky lighten and the Herd buzz busily as they loaded wagons and saddlebags. River was just going to suggest they head back to camp when she remembered something Dove had said earlier.
“You said Tulpar told you I’d be here. Did you need my help with something?” she asked Dove.
“Oh. Well. No. We just—” Tulpar snorted, which had Dove correcting herself. “I just thought to check on you. So much has happened in such a short time. The Pack, Tulpar Choosing me, Kit Choosing you, Clayton’s betrayal, and discovering the God of Death is leading an invading army against your homelands. I thought you might need someone to talk with, and Tulpar explained his, our, role in the Herd—that we are tasked with protecting the Herd and supporting the Lead Mare and Rider—so it seemed to me that it would not be presumptuous to check on you and let you know that Tulpar and I are here for you.” Dove’s fingers combed through Tulpar’s perfectly groomed mane as she spoke, as if she was having a difficult time holding still.
“That’s kind of you,” said River. “And Tulpar is absolutely correct. Often the Rider of the Herd Stallion and the Rider of the Lead Mare form a close relationship. My father and April’s was a Lead Stallion Rider.” River hurried on as she felt her cheeks warm. “I do hope we’ll be good friends and I appreciate that you sought me out.” River meant to leave it at that, but there was something about Dove’s listening silence and Tulpar’s protective presence that had her continuing. “Anjo and I were just discussing the Herd. I worry about how difficult this migration will be. Usually we make our way to the Valley of Vapors laden with newly harvested crops, slowly, with much feasting and merrymaking on the way.”
Dove nodded. “Yes, and Tulpar says you do not usually have to migrate from this far of a distance from the valley—that you’re only here and not at your fall campsite because of the Stallion Run.”
“That’s right. We’re usually at our harvest grounds, which are much closer to the Valley of Vapors,” said River. “Could we migrate at our usual leisurely pace from here it would take us at least one full month, but we have to cut that time in half if we are to get to our stronghold to prepare for Death’s army.”
“Your Herd is in excellent health. Tulpar and I have moved among them. He has observed them closely, and he reports to me that the horses are well and in good condition—many in extraordinary condition because of this year’s Mare Test and Stallion Run. Tulpar says we will make it to the valley in time,” said Dove.
River patted her mare’s shoulder. “That’s pretty much what Anjo was just reminding me. I know the three of you are right.” She smiled at the golden stallion. “Thank you for the reassurance, Tulpar. If my Herd Stallion says we are ready then I know it to be truth.”
“Do you still look so worried because of Death, or is it the Pack that troubles you? You can tell me. I will not hear it as a slight against them.”
“Oh, no. Your Pack just journeyed much farther than we’ll need to go, and you are all fit and sound,” River said.
Tell Dove. Share your worries. She is Rider of your Herd Stallion. It is her place to support you.
River’s finger found one of the long purple ribbons she’d hastily braided into her hair in the dark of predawn. She twirled it around and around as she finally admitted, “It’s my mother. I wonder if I did the right thing in letting her and Skye go after Clayton and the other traitors.”
“Do you fear they will harm her?”
“Yes. No. Yes.” River sighed. “That’s part of the problem. I simply do not know. Normally, I’d say there is no chance any Herdmember would harm another Herdmember, especially not a beloved Lead Mare Rider.”
“But Clayton tried to kill you and my Tulpar.”
“Exactly. Mother means to show them compassion. While I agree in theory, in practice I question her choice.”
“Dawn and her Echo are wise. You have said so. Tulpar says so. The Herd loves them and respects them—that is obvious. I understand your worry, but your decision has been made. Your Mother and Skye are already well on their journey. Perhaps you must trust them and give your worries to the Great Mother Mare. Morgana explained that all Lead Mare Riders are blessed with a mare’s luck. Would it help you to be reminded of that?”
River opened her mouth to quip that no, that doesn’t really help—but her Companion’s gentle voice closed her mouth. A mare’s luck is with them, my River—as is the Great Mother Mare. It is good to be reminded of that.
River looked from Anjo to Dove, who was serene and confident astride Tulpar. “I did need to be reminded of that.”
Dove’s face blazed with happiness as she smiled. “I am so pleased I could help! Tulpar said we could, but I am very new to this, so I was concerned about intruding.”
“Dove, you and Tulpar are never an intrusion.” River closed the few feet between herself and the stallion. “Thank you, Herd Stallion Rider,” she said formally, and then she impulsively reached up to put her hand over Dove’s.
Dove drew in a sharp breath at River’s touch, though she didn’t pull away from her. Instead, slowly, she turned her hand so that their palms rested against each other, and threaded her fingers through River’s.
“You are most welcome, Lead Mare Rider,” Dove said.
River gazed up at Dove. She knew the girl couldn’t actually see her through her own eyes—she had none—and she felt Tulpar’s gaze on her. The gaze he shared with his Rider. River felt something else—something more than their shared gaze. Through Dove’s warm palm she felt a tingle that spread into her own body and nestled deep within her, stirring feelings that made her suddenly pull her hand away, clear her throat, and say, “We should get back. The sun will be rising, and the Herd must move out.”
“Yes, of course,” Dove said. Then with a cheeky smile she added, “And you won’t want to miss the Pack greeting the sun. Tulpar says it’s something the Herd will enjoy.”
Anjo knelt so that River could mount her. “The Moon Women also use sun magick? I think I still have a lot to learn about your people.”
Dove’s smile widened, but she said nothing more as Tulpar kicked into a smooth canter beside Anjo.
* * *
The Herd was packed and ready to begin their hasty journey as the sun lifted from the eastern horizon and bathed the Rendezvous Site and the massive stone monoliths with bright canary light. The combined Herd and Pack waited expectantly just outside the circular ring of stones that stood, sentinel-like, before the opening of the huge cave that had been filled with household goods, clothes, and all the extra supplies deemed not necessary to take with them to the Valley of Vapors.
“Look at that,” Mari said to Nik as she pointed. “I didn’t notice it before, but those giant stones and the mouth of the cave are sparkling. It’s like there are tiny crystals embedded in all of it.”
“There are. Gotcha.” April scooped up her pup with an exasperated sigh, though she kissed Cleo on the nose and snuggled her close. “Hundreds of years ago Herd Magenti chose the sites for our permanent camps because of the presence of crystals. These are a little difficult to see unless the sun shines directly on them, like at dawn, but wait till we get to the valley. The crystals there are magnificent.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing them,” said Mari. Then she added, “April, our Pack would like to greet the sun before we leave. Should we do that now, or—”
“Oh, sorry,” April interrupted. “Chasing this little girl wasn’t the only thing that brought me to you. River said Dove mentioned that your people greet the sun at dawn. She sent me to your group to ask if you’d like to do so in the middle of the monoliths, where the sun’s rays are concentrated this early in the morning. Then we’ll seal the cave and be on our way.”
“Is that okay with you, Nik?” Mari asked him.
Nik looked surprised, but he nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, that would be powerful.”
Mari turned to April and explained, “Nik is our Sun Priest. He leads the sunrise greeting.”
“That’s interesting. River and I assumed it would be you and Sora leading your people in greeting the sun. Well, we’re ready now if Nik is,” said April.
“Pack!” Nik called to the people behind them. “Follow me to greet the sun!”
There was a stirring in the crowd, and then Mari was delighted to see that every single member of the Pack—even those who had no Companion and did not used to be members of the Tribe of the Trees—moved forward with her as Nik led them to the center of the circle of giant crystal-embedded boulders.
Nik stood in front of his people facing the eastern horizon. He glanced behind him and smiled at the Pack before lifting his arms as if to embrace the newly risen sun. Mari and the rest of the Pack mimicked his movements. Their canine Companions took position beside each of their Chosen people. As Nik spoke, he and the Pack, including the canines, tilted their heads so that their faces were bathed in sunlight.
“Behold the wonder of our Pack and the Herd we have newly joined. Behold the first beams of our lifeline—our strength—our sun!”
Mari didn’t have to look at Nik or the rest of the Pack to know that their eyes—hers included—changed color to reflect the golden light of the sun. And as they absorbed the powerful morning light, filigreed patterns of the fronds of the Mother Plant began to be visible just under the skin on their arms.
Mari heard Nik and Wilkes, Claudia, Davis, O’Bryan, and several of the other ex-members of the Tribe of the Trees laugh joyfully as they and their Companions absorbed the sunlight. She glanced at Rigel, who stood beside her. His eyes were glowing with light and his tail was wagging so vigorously his whole butt wiggled.
And then there was an enthusiastic yipping and two black pups dashed to the Pack with River and April jogging after them.
“Kit, wait!” River called.
“Cleo, come here, baby girl,” April coaxed.
But the pups didn’t pause until they’d reached Nik, where they stopped to stare up at the rising sun as their Companions rushed to them.
“I am so sorry we interrupted,” River said. “I don’t know what’s wrong with Kit. She usually listens much better than this.”
Nik, his face blazing with sunlight, smiled joyously at River. “You aren’t interrupting at all! The pups are simply joining us, as usual. You are more than welcome, and as their Companions the power of the sun is yours to absorb. Look at your pups’ eyes.”
River and her sister looked down at their pups, whose body language perfectly mimicked the adult canines. They stood, except for their wagging tails, holding their bodies very still as they gazed up at the rising sun with eyes that glowed gold.
“That’s incredible! What do we do?” asked April.
“Simply stand beside your Companion, lift your arms, and welcome the power of the sun,” said Nik.
“Will images of ferns rise from beneath our skin, too?” River asked as she lifted her arms.
“I have not known that to happen to anyone who was not swaddled in the Mother Plant,” explained Nik.
“But even without being swaddled by the Mother Plant it’s possible to absorb the power of the sun,” said Sora from her place beside Mari. She held Chloe in her arms as she and the pup gazed up at the sun. “I know because I was not swaddled by the plant, but my bond with Chloe allows me to soak in sunlight. Try it. It feels wonderful!”
