Earth Called, page 36
Mari nodded. “You’re right, Nik. It would probably be the best thing for Jaxom to start anew traveling with the Herd.”
“I do not disagree,” said Sora slowly. “But you’re thinking that you will make a permanent settlement for the Pack?”
“Yes, probably,” said Mari. “But I won’t try to stop any Pack member from traveling with the Herd. A few of the Pack are even young enough to be presented at the next Choosing to be a Wind Rider.” She grinned at Nik. “Wouldn’t that be something? If another one of our Pack was Chosen by a horse?”
Nik grinned. “I’ll be envious, but it would definitely be something.”
Mari’s attention returned to Sora. “Why do you ask? Do you wish to travel with the Herd?”
“Oh, by the tits of the Goddess, no! I have had enough traveling for my entire life,” Sora said. “I was just wondering what you were thinking.”
Mari studied her. “You love it here.”
“You mean here in the valley?”
Mari nodded. “Yes, that’s what I mean.”
Sora twirled a dark curl around her finger. “Yes, I do love it here. I love it so much that—”
“Excuse me. Could we have your attention, please?” Antreas’s voice interrupted Sora as everyone within hearing distance looked up to see that the young Lynx Guide and his mate, Danita, stood before the largest of the campfires. Beside them was Bast.
“What’s this about?” Nik asked Mari.
“I have a guess, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise,” said Mari as she slipped her hand within Nik’s.
When the conversations around them died, Antreas cleared his throat and continued. “Danita and I aren’t sure how these things are announced within the Herd, but we have good news we would like to share with everyone.”
Grinning, Danita added, “Because we all need good news right now.”
“Good news is always welcome in the Herd.” River sat beside Dove, close to the main fire on a thick blanket. They held hands, with Dawn and April, as well as all of their Companions, close by.
Antreas nodded at Danita, whose grin widened as she announced, “Our Bast is pregnant!”
There were happy shouts of, “Congratulations!” and some spontaneous applause. When the Herd quieted again, Antreas said, “The Bobcat many of you have seen shyly lurking about is the father.”
Danita bumped him with her shoulder. “Rufus does not lurk.” Bast punctuated Danita’s sentence with a low grumble.
“Well, he is definitely shy,” said Antreas. “And we thank the Herd for being patient with him. From what some of you have told me, Rufus is a Bobcat, which is not a Lynx, so he has never Chosen a Companion and is still uncomfortable around humans.”
“Though he’s going to be around a lot more after the kittens are born,” said Danita happily. “Or at least that’s what Bast told Antreas.” Bast chirruped her agreement. “So, please continue to be patient with him while he gets used to all of us.”
Dax, along with his Lynx, Mihos, still recovering from their rush through the mountains to warn the Herd of Death’s army, asked, “Do you think the kittens will Choose Companions?”
Sora watched the faces of the surrounding Herdmembers light up with interest.
“We hope so,” said Antreas. “Though you and I have talked about the fact that we know of no other Lynx who has Chosen a Bobcat mate, so we cannot be sure until the kittens are weaned and ready to Choose.”
“How many kittens does a Lynx usually give birth to?” Dawn asked.
“Lynxes usually give birth to two to three kittens,” said Antreas. “But sometimes litters have been as small as one, or as large as eight.”
“Well, I hope it’s a big litter and each of them Chooses a Companion,” said April from beside her mother. “Bast and Mihos are beautiful and smart and brave.”
“I agree,” said Dawn as she smiled at Bast, who purred loudly. “Adding kittens to the Herd would be delightful.”
“How long before Bast gives birth?” asked Sora.
“Two to three full phases of the moon,” said Antreas. “Which means Bast will probably give birth in the middle of a snowstorm.”
“Then the valley is the perfect place for her,” said River. “No matter the weather out there”—she jerked her chin at the land outside their valley—“we will be warm and protected in here. Thank you for sharing this happy news.” River stood and raised the mug of winter beer she’d been sipping. “To Bast and Rufus and their kittens!”
“To Bast and Rufus and their kittens!” the Herd echoed before returning to their subdued conversations.
“I cannot wait to see what baby Basts look like,” said Mari. She glanced at Nik. “Have you ever seen a Lynx kitten?”
“No. They’re usually so solitary that their kittens are rarely seen,” said Nik. “But I’m with you. I can’t wait to see them.”
“I hope they Choose Companions,” said Sora. “That would mean that they’ll stay close, even after they’re adults, and I know that would make Antreas, Danita, and Bast happy.”
“Sora? Is this a good time to speak with you?”
Sora looked up to see O’Bryan standing in front of her. She could tell by the bulge in his shirt that he had Cubby with him. “Yes, of course. Is Cubby well?” Worried, Sora started to stand so she could check out the baby wolverine, but O’Bryan shook his head quickly.
“Oh, no. I mean, yes. Cubby is perfect. You took great care of him.” Hearing his name repeated, Cubby stuck his little white head out of O’Bryan’s shirt and made the strange little purring sound that said he was happy and well.
Sora smiled up at the baby. “Good. I liked getting to know him. He’s really very smart, and was no trouble at all. I’m happy to watch him for you anytime. He and Chloe have become good friends.” Sora stroked her fat, sleepy pup who had curled by her side. When O’Bryan said nothing else but continued to stand before her, clenching and unclenching his fists nervously, she added, “Did you need to speak with me about something privately?”
O’Bryan blew out a long breath as his cheeks flushed pink. “Well, yes and no. I’d like to say this next part privately, but because you’re a Moon Woman I’m not sure of the exact rules, so I want to do this publicly to show you the respect you deserve…” He paused and then added, “I am just now realizing that I should have spoken to Mari or Danita or one of the other Earth Walkers about this. But, well, too late now.”
Sora exchanged glances with Mari, who shrugged her shoulders. She glanced at Nik, who also looked confused. Then she turned back to O’Bryan. “I’m intrigued. What is it you want to say to me?”
“Ask, really. Not say.” O’Bryan cleared his throat. “I want to ask if you would allow me to officially court you. Please say yes and accept this gift.” He reached into his shirt and felt around beside Cubby, and then pulled out a necklace made of delicately braided thread. Dangling from the center of the braid was a stone that glistened deep purple in the firelight.
Sora stared at the crystal. It was about the size of her thumb and exquisitely beautiful. Her stomach gave a little flutter of happy nerves as she realized that everyone within hearing distance of them had quieted and was watching her expectantly. She looked up from the crystal to O’Bryan. He was still offering the necklace to her—and his face still flamed scarlet.
Mari bumped her shoulder and whispered, “Answer him.”
Sora finally found her words as she looked into O’Bryan’s compassionate green eyes. “Yes. I will allow you to court me, and I will gladly accept your beautiful gift.” Then she raised her brows and teased, “It took you long enough.”
O’Bryan’s smile blazed. “Well, I had to practice my braiding skills and then find the perfect crystal.”
Dawn was suddenly there beside O’Bryan. “This is why you asked me to show you how to braid thread.” Her gaze went to Sora. “Every night on our journey O’Bryan practiced, even when he was exhausted.” She turned back to O’Bryan. “And you made an excellent choice in this amethyst. It is appropriately Herd Magenti colored, and amethyst is a highly protective crystal. Well done, O’Bryan.” She smiled at Sora. “Congratulations, Sora. You have made an excellent choice.”
“I agree,” said Nik as he stood and clapped his cousin on the back.
Though O’Bryan grinned and thanked Dawn and Nik, his gaze never left Sora, who stood gracefully and turned her back to him. When he did nothing, she glanced over her shoulder at him. “You’re not going to put my gift on me?”
“Yes!” O’Bryan placed the necklace over her head so that when Sora turned to face him the purple crystal sparkled between her breasts. “It looks even more beautiful on you.”
This time Sora didn’t have to tug on his shirt to get him to bend to her. Eagerly O’Bryan leaned down and cupped her face between his hands. With his lips almost touching hers he murmured, “Thank you for accepting me.”
“Thank you for finally asking,” Sora whispered back.
And then their lips met as the Herd cheered.
CHAPTER 31
Three days later, as midday was turning into afternoon, Mari had just finished lunch and was heading from the marble house she, Nik, and Sora shared with River to the nursery when a sentry thundered through the narrow entrance and into the Valley of Vapors as he shouted for River—who was quickly located and rushed to the sweaty stallion and his Rider.
“The army has been spotted,” he reported to River. “They will be here by nightfall.”
River nodded somberly. “You have done well. Care for your stallion and yourself.” Anjo, find Tulpar and Dove. Reach Morgana’s Ramoth. Mari is already here with me. She will gather Sora and Ralina. Death arrives this night.
I hear you, my River.
River turned to Mari. “We need Sora and Ralina.”
“Of course.” Mari nodded solemnly. “They were at the baths. I’ll send Rigel for them.” She ruffled the fur on her Companion’s head. Sweet boy, go to the baths. Find Chloe and Bear. Tell them Sora and Ralina must come. Death’s army has been spotted.
Rigel barked acknowledgment before he sprinted off toward the main bathhouse.
“Is the ramp finished?” River called to Riders who had been laboring on a horse-sized ramp that led up to the top of the wall that ringed the valley.
One of the men turned to nod. “It is almost complete.”
“Death’s army will be here by dusk. It must be ready by then,” said River.
“It will be,” the Rider assured her.
“Will we be ready?” Mari asked River much more quietly.
River blew out a long breath. “As prepared as we can be to battle a god, though I agree with Dove and Ralina. I believe the Goddess of Life is on our side, and She will guide us to victory.”
“And now all we have to do is awaken Her,” said Mari.
“Is Her idol ready?” asked River.
“I was just heading there, but Davis and the Earth Walkers had already created a lovely idol before we knew we would be attempting to awaken the Goddess within it. In the past days they have transformed lovely to exquisite. Were I a goddess, I would be pleased with what they’ve done.”
“Let’s hope She is,” said River.
The valley buzzed with activity all afternoon. Last-minute preparations for a siege were completed. The final corn and wheat from outside the walls were harvested and brought within. The last trees were felled and the firewood dragged to fuel piles.
And then the Herd readied themselves for the arrival of the God of Death and His army.
River led them. Bonfires were lit all along the wide main road of the valley and the people and Companions gathered. They were dressed in their finest. They braided their hair and their horses’ manes and tails with ribbons and feathers, beads and bits of glass and shells. They took thick, sticky dye paste made from cherry tree roots and painted themselves and their horses with it.
Mari and Sora moved among the people with River, helping them to dress their hair, paint their bodies, and just in general bolster their confidence. Mari was impressed by the positive attitudes of the Herd. Only Ralina and Dove were subdued, though they, too, painted their bodies and dressed their hair.
And then the Herd waited.
* * *
“My Lord, I scent many people, horses, and canines close ahead. I cannot tell for sure that Ralina is within, but her trail leads there.” Thaddeus pointed ahead through yet another miserable mountain range as the God’s bison trotted up to join him at his position well in front of the army. “I believe we have come to the stronghold of the Wind Riders.”
“Yes, I can tell that we approach the summit of these mountains. We are at the end of our journey.” Death bellowed back at his army, “Wait here!” Then He dismounted and gestured for Thaddeus to join Him.
Thaddeus was incredibly glad to dismount from the beast he’d been riding for what seemed like an eternity. If horses were anything like bison Thaddeus did not understand how Wind Riders could abide them. Bison stank. They were mean and rather stupid. And riding them was torture.
Not that Death cared. The God didn’t seem to care about anything except reaching the Wind Rider encampment and infecting Riders with the skin-sloughing sickness so that He could cure them—mutate them—and rule them. It was almost as if the awakening of His Goddess had become an afterthought.
“Are you not excited that we have arrived?” Death asked Thaddeus as the Hunter scrambled to keep up with the God while He strode through the colorful forest, following the same wide path they had come to the day before.
“Yes, my Lord. I look forward to never having to travel again,” Thaddeus said.
Death barked a laugh. “I cannot disagree with you. I look forward to ruling this new world.”
Thaddeus spoke without thinking. “I thought you were most looking forward to awakening the Goddess of Life.” The moment the words left his mouth, Thaddeus pressed his lips together, berating himself for being a fool, but the God was in one of His rare good moods and just laughed.
“Ah, My lover will come after I have defeated these annoying Wind Riders and readied the plains for Her magnificence,” said Death. Then the God sighed. “Though I do wish Her by My side sooner. My bed has been quite cold without Her.”
His bed has been cold since He let His stupid little rabbit women freeze to death in the middle of the Rock Mountains, right, Odysseus? Thaddeus amused himself with the thought.
They came to the edge of the forest, and though the road continued, the trees abruptly ended. Death halted inside the tree line and stared ahead of them at the end of their road, which disappeared within a wall of rock.
“What could that be?” Thaddeus spoke his thought aloud.
“It is their sanctuary,” said Death. He nodded and seemed pleased. “They have chosen well, which means I will enjoy ruling from this place on high…” The God paused and added, “Get your Hunters and Warriors. I need them to circle the parameter of this walled place and report back on entrances and exits—and any weaknesses they discover. Do not allow the Wind Riders to see them.” Death stared down at Thaddeus. “Now, dog-man.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Thaddeus didn’t bother with remounting the bison he despised. As soon as he was out of sight of Death, he dropped to all fours and sprinted back to the army where he shouted for his men, who obediently ran to him. “There is a walled fortress in front of us. It is where our journey ends, and the god wants us to search the circumference. Look for entrances. Look for weakness. Do not let the Wind Riders see you. Go, now.”
Like Thaddeus, his men had become more comfortable on all fours, and like man-sized canines they sprinted off through the woods. Thaddeus noticed none of their Companions followed them. He didn’t even see any of the canines, though he was fairly certain they were still with the army—or at least they had been the night before. He’d watched them gnawing on discarded bison bones and entrails. Their Companions no longer feed them, and why should they, Odysseus? They avoid their humans as if they are no longer attached to them, Thaddeus scoffed. All of them together are not as loyal or brave as you, my Odysseus. Thaddeus put the cowardly canines from his mind as he hurried back to the God.
“The Hunters and Warriors have gone to scout out the wall as You commanded, my Lord.” Thaddeus bowed low as he approached Death.
“Then why are you still here?” Death asked without taking His gaze from the walled city.
“I thought You meant for the men to—”
“Dog-man,” Death’s voice cut him off. “I do mean for My men to scout the walls. You are one of My men. Scout the walls. Now.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Thaddeus slunk back into the forest before he dropped to all fours and padded around the tree line. His men? My men, Odysseus. They are my men, not His. His men were well ahead of Thaddeus, so he did not move with haste. He decided he would not tax himself but would find one thing he could report to Death and then return to the God.
Thaddeus had to remain within the tree line as the area between it and the sheer, rocky wall was completely cleared of any vegetation that might hide him. He had to admit to himself that he was impressed by the immense size of the walled city, though he named it a city without actually seeing it. His nose told him inside those walls teemed with people and horses. As Thaddeus followed the wall around he also scented canines—familiar canines. He bared his teeth and growled softly as he identified the Shepherds Laru, Mariah, Bear, and Kong for sure and the traitorous Terriers Cameron and Fala. Odysseus’s Fala! Thaddeus hadn’t known Rose had escaped the fire. “You should have perished with the rest of the Tribe with your honor intact,” he muttered. “No matter. Soon things will be very different for you, and you will beg me to save you.” Thaddeus’s laughter was cruel. “Perhaps I will. Perhaps I will not.”
As Thaddeus considered how satisfying it would be to be Rose’s savior—or not—he continued to slink around the walled city until he could go no farther because he came to a large lake that butted up against the far curve of the rocky wall. Not able to see to the other side of the lake, Thaddeus glanced up at the sky. The sun was quickly falling into the west. He would not have enough light left to travel around the lake to continue following the wall, so he turned back and was pleased to see that his men were also hurrying from the forest around them to report to the God.
