Seeker took long ground-eating strides away from the cave, Pup beside him, Zvi lumbering to keep up.
"Does F-Fire Mountain spew molten rock and smoke where you l-live, Seeker?”
That irascible, irritable, touchy behemoth with its many groupmembers that spread across the horizon made Zvi nervous. Her mother said they killed anyone within reach—and the burnt black shell that covered the flank of each mountain was all the proof Zvi needed.
"Of course, but I know how to keep us safe, you and Pup and I. You'll see." Seeker slapped at a biting insect that was trying to suck his blood. “Zvi, why do your words come out funny at times?”
Zvi hunched forward and curled her head to her chest, knowing what was coming. “I st-struggle. Th-that’s all.”
In fact, her People were so abusive about her stuttering, she refused to talk for a long while. The wolf felt Zvi’s discomfort and bumped against her leg as they walked.
Seeker motioned, “Why not just say it?”
If Seeker and I are going to travel together, I must be honest, even if it means he rejects me.
“Well… I mean… Sometimes…”
Seeker laughed. “Zvi. It makes me pay close attention. Your groupmates probably told you that, too.” When he finally noticed her discomfort, he motioned, “You aren’t embarrassed, are you? You shouldn’t be.”
Seeker, as was his habit, moved on to another topic, jabbering on about everything they passed. With each hand of Sun’s travel overhead, Zvi worried more that Seeker’s People would be less forgiving of her shortfalls than he. Finally, she interrupted a particularly long-winded discussion of the different tribes Seeker had met while searching for the stars.
“Seeker. What if your People dislike me? Or reject Pup?” Zvi didn’t want to be forced to choose between Seeker’s family and pup but the decision was easy.
“They will see what I see, Zvi. You saved my life.”
The bamboo Giganto loved so gave way to lush grasslands and shallow-rooted trees, and a patchwork of plants populated with small animal communities. The farther they traveled, the faster Seeker moved. Zvi lumbered faster, arms swinging, breath shorter, trying to keep up.
“That’s where we scoop termites, Zvi, and there, we pick berries. They are always sweet and plump.”
He finally noticed Zvi struggling to keep up and slowed but didn’t stop talking. “And there, I stole honey from the bees. I only got a few stings but my brother swelled up like a dead fish. He learned to be more careful.”
Seeker filled the time with family stories like none Zvi knew existed. Zvi couldn’t help but get excited about the chance to become part of this loving group,
As they broke out of yet another copse of dense jungle, Seeker bounced. "I live down there. Do you see Endless Pond? When it’s antagonized, it rears up taller than trees and floods inland all the way to our camp.”
His excitement overwhelmed Zvi’s worry over meeting strangers. Giganto had cared for her despite their differences as did Pup. Surely others would too when they realized her size wasn’t a threat. Her head filled with questions but Seeker never stopped talking so she finally tuned him out. But Pup didn’t. He listened, enraptured, ears pricked, gaze locked on the boy. As a result, Seeker focused on the wolf pup until it was the two of them talking as though they understood each other perfectly.
Zvi interrupted to remind Seeker, "You know Pup is my pack."
The boy paused thoughtfully, seeming to understand not just Zvi’s hand motions but everything behind them. After a quiet moment, he responded, "I love him, too, Zvi. My People will be amazed at how he hunts with us."
"My friend, Giganto. His family … well, I wouldn’t say they befriended me but… they didn’t reject me … so I know some do."
"You worry too much. Besides, I told them you’d be with me."
Zvi stutter-stepped. "How did you know that? I wouldn’t have found you if not for the fireball."
Seeker waved Zvi’s objection away. "I told my father I had to find you. Well, I didn’t know it was you but the stars told me to look."
He smiled at Zvi, overflowing with love. "You are the one who can help me locate them."
Zvi pulled Seeker to a stop, a cold wave running through her body. "How long since you were home?"
"I had given up finding you, or the stars, and was going home,” which avoided Zvi’s question, “when I heard the explosion and... Look at that tree! The branches, so full of leaves! ... Something hit me, knocked me over. I remember hitting the ground and then nothing... Where did those flowers come from, Zvi? I'm sure they weren't here when I left."
"Seeker. When were you last home?" Zvi repeated, now sure she wouldn’t like the answer.
"See that insect? The slender legs, the filmy wings—how can it fly? Oh—you missed it. I only saw it for a moment. I can still hear it though. Bzzzz Shwirp." He fingered a patch of moss on a tree. "This is the right direction. Feel the trunk, Zvi—oh!" A rough-skinned frog leaped from its camouflage against the cracked and lined bark. Before it escaped, Pup snapped it into his jaws and sneezed, spitting it out as he flapped his ears.
"I guess he doesn't like frog." Seeker snatched it and ate. Pup disappeared and reappeared with a rat, his teeth embedded deep into the angry animal. He shook it until it stopped moving and offered it to Zvi and Seeker. With no takers, he devoured it in a gulp.
As they continued, Zvi put aside worry and exulted with the boy over the beauty that surrounded them, the wonder of the flowering vines that wound their way up the tree trunks, the majesty of the plant eaters and the sleekness of the predators. The smell of salt grew stronger but Seeker never mentioned it, busy chattering about whatever caught his attention. Through Seeker, Zvi thrilled at a flower's pattern of colors, a plant’s shape, and how the branches protected the jungle floor from rain and heat. It excited Pup, too, and he cavorted at this new adventure and the importance of protecting his pack.
Probably—most likely—the simple joy of being alive.
“Surely your people know strangers travel in their territory.”
Seeker skidded to a stop and extended his arms as though to embrace the world. “This tree is my friend. If we are separated for any reason, Zvi, come here.”
That made Zvi’s insides churn. Why would they need a meeting place? Zvi was about to demand an answer when Pup growled. Zvi grabbed the scruff of his neck and stopped, watching Seeker continue forward, sounding more like a bird than a boy. Pup’s tail extended and a low rumble rolled from his throat followed by a whine. Seeker shouted something in words foreign to Zvi and marched boldly forward.
“We better go with him, Pup. He might need us,” and Zvi hurried after her friend. Pup lagged, tail tucked.
They entered a deserted clearing, ringed with shards leftover from recent knapping, gnawed-at bones, a partially-eaten carcass, and a mound of pounded vegetation. Pup emitted a throaty growl.
"It's OK, Pup," Zvi soothed as she breathed in the urine scent marking the territory.
Seeker shouted, "Come out! I’m with my friends, Zvi and Pup!"
His family stepped out of the brush that bordered the clearing. Pup’s eyes glittered and his ears flattened.
Seeker turned to Pup. "It’s—" but a scream interrupted him.
"Watch out!" From Zvi
Warriors sprinted toward the trio, brandishing spears and warclubs, their shrieks so strident Zvi covered her ears. Wolf emitted a vicious snarl and leaped at the nearest male as he raised his warclub, malevolent eyes locked on Zvi. The male flung Pup away, squealing, but not before the wolf’s claws dug deeply into the warrior’s chest leaving a trail of blood dripping down his body. Pup righted himself but couldn’t avoid the brutal thump of a warclub against his ribs. Pup flew backward and thudded onto his side, whimpering.
"No!" Seeker yelled as Zvi flung a stone at the head of a warrior, moving in to finish off Pup, and another at the one beside him. One bellowed, dropping his club, and the other collapsed. Zvi hated hurting Seeker’s band but Pu
p needed help.
"Pup—let's go!" The wolf limped to his feet and scurried away, crying with each step. Never had Uprights struck him—much less hurt him.
"Why did you bring that creature here?" Seeker’s father shouted. Spittle exploded from his mouth as he glared, rage reddening his face. His eyes narrowed to beady, dark holes. "We never allow enemies in our midst!"
"They-they are friends," Seeker mumbled, head down, trying to figure out what happened.
"His tribe lives where it is cold," his father spit out, hands shaking. "They eat our children."
Seeker's head flew up. “That’s not true.”
His father was frailer than Seeker remembered, and shorter. Where Seeker used to reach his chest, now it was easy to see that his mouth looked angry, dripping down at the corners. His eyes had lost their luster and his forehead, once smooth and clean, bore round dark warts.
Seeker inhaled a calming breath. "She is nothing like that,” and he explained how he almost died and Pup was orphaned and Zvi saved both of them.
"Zvi and Pup and I—we have a plan. The animals are leaving, Father. Not just the herds—coyote and wolf also. The air grows cold. Did you see the fire—"
"He cares nothing about you or us," his mother jumped in. "He wants to take our home because it is warm. They drove the giant Uprights out—now, it will be us! You showed him—them—where we live! How could you do that?" Her face paled, distorted with fury. A sheen of moisture coated her upper lip.
"No Mother. Zvi healed me."
"To trick you into leading him here! Can you not see that?" She hovered on the brink of panic, breath shallow and wheezing.
Seeker’s head throbbed steadily and his throat was parched. For the first time, he noticed the wrinkles in his mother's dark face, like fruit in the heat so long it loses its moisture, and when had his father’s hair grown so white?
"No. He saved my life." No one had even offered him a drink.
“How?” From his father this time.
“A snake bit me,” and he lifted his ankle, the scar still obvious.
Color blotched his father’s cheeks. When he spoke again, his voice was glacial, eyes as narrow as the thread in Spider's web.
“This Zvi killed Snake?"
Seeker nodded, miserably. “By accident."
"And he ate it?”
Seeker’s shoulders collapsed and he shuffled from one foot to the other. He knew where this led. "Zvi is a 'she'. But yes, she did.”
Seeker’s father snorted, sloping shoulders hunched and his brow ridge, like a thick branch, seemed to thicken even more over frigid eyes.
"It’s never an accident with them. This one you are so fond of—who killed Snake and travels with a Wolf, something no one can do—I can only imagine the influence he wields over you!"
“She. Zvi is a she.”
Seeker didn’t understand what his father meant. Never had he met anyone kinder and gentler than Zvi. She listened to him and had selflessly protected him during his sickness. Now, she joined him on this trip even though it took her the opposite direction of her intended goal. Who could ask for a better friend?
His father edged away. "You are gone a long time. We thought you dead. Come with us or go. It doesn’t matter."
Seeker squinted toward the dim shadows where Zvi fled, posture slumped and tears filling his eyes. Was his friend still there?
He numbly turned back to stare at his father's retreating back. Why would he force such a devastating choice upon his son? Stay with the family who ignored his disappearance or go with the Other who saved his life and asked nothing in return but friendship.
He tried one last time. "Father. The stars are gone. I promised to return for you and I have. We must go."
His father's lumbering steps stuttered but he continued. A youngster took his hand and peeked over his shoulder at the male he knew nothing about, his smile thin and sad.
“Is that a new son,” Seeker motioned, teeth clenched, knowing his father didn’t see his question.
A heaviness descended upon Seeker. Silent tears overflowed as his throat tightened. In the end, the choice was easy. He would go where Zvi had planned to go before diverting to help him.
“Zvi,” and a smile spread ear to ear as he pivoted and twirled, his mind sparking and pulsing in all the colors of the jungle.
“I know where you are. You promised.”
Zvi never lied, not even to Pup.
Zvi’s needs were simple: a home where she was respected, loved ones who accepted that her size didn’t bring danger, nor did her refusal to hurt others make her unworthy. That was a lesson from Giganto—he could destroy anyone but didn’t.
Her trundling run was faster than Pup who limped, favoring his damaged rear leg. When he whined, she scooped him up which made him lick her wildly, tail wagging happily letting her know he was exactly where he wanted to be.
Zvi sighed. It felt good to be with her pack, even if that pack was only one.
Finally to Seeker’s tree, Zvi collapsed, breathless, round shoulders slumped, broad friendly face slack. Her chest heaved in silent sobs as a single tear trailed down her cheek. Pup pressed his body against hers, moaning as he licked his leg. They must have fallen asleep because the next thing Zvi knew, Seeker’s warm body lay to her other side and Pup swarmed over her lap, claws digging into her chest, in a frenzy to reach Seeker. Zvi heard his tongue lapping as he covered Seeker with wet kisses.
Seeker motioned, solemnly, hands muted, “I was as noisy as possible, to not surprise you, but you didn’t wake.”
Zvi brushed a fist across her cheeks. "All Pup wanted to do was play." Her voice was hoarse and broken. “He has never met unfriendly Uprights or Others.”
Seeker stared at the wolf thoughtfully. “He does look more wolf than pup. What bothers me is they didn’t believe me, that Pup was not dangerous. Why?”
Zvi coughed and shook her head. "Where are they now, Seeker?"
“A butterfly! Where did that come from? … " and he chased after it, applauding each beat of the wings. "How beautiful," and he bounced as the insect flitted madly. Pup—Wolf—bobbed with Seeker, injured leg forgotten, mimicking his pack member.
Finally, Seeker captured it with a cupped palm against a tree trunk.
“The colors are the same on both wings." He cocked his head peering on top and under the frightened insect. "There’s a stripe on each leg and something fuzzy and thin that doesn’t like being touched. So I won’t. What do you think that means, Zvi?”
"Well, I suppose..." Zvi motioned, taking her time, knowing Seeker required no answer. After a moment, Seeker flung the butterfly up and away, to freedom.
"Zvi, we must leave. Butterfly says the stars left long ago which means life will. My People refuse to listen."
Zvi tipped her head to her friend, eyes moist. “You’re staying with me?”
“Of course I am. You won’t survive without me, Zvi.” He dipped his head and motioned, “I won’t survive without you, either. My People consider me odd. You don’t, ever. Nor does Wolf. Why would I be anywhere else,” and he sprinted forward.
Zvi scrambled to her feet and galumphed after the frolicking boy. “Well, Pup—Wolf—depends upon us to keep him safe, at least until he's grown.”
"I no longer trust my People, not as I trust you. They called you a, never mind, and they couldn’t see that Wolf is so much more than… well, a wolf. You and I—we take care of each other. And Wolf." He skipped across the clearing, trying to follow the trail of the flitting butterfly.
"And, Zvi, you never made a raft."
Zvi beamed. “Well, no. What is that?”
"You'll see, Zvi. The unknown is exciting, isn’t it? I so love exploring."
Zvi pushed clumsily to her feet while Wolf scampered happily. “I was so lonely until you came, Wolf. And Seeker. I can’t imagine life without you two,” and spun in a dizzy circle, losing her balance and righting herself, trying to mimic Seeker’s erratic movements.
Wolf romped, banging her legs as he nipped her ankles, injury forgotten. His ears bounced and his tail wagged so hard, it slapped his sides.
“You like me as I am, Wolf, and Seeker picked me over his People. It’ll be OK.”
For the first time in her life, Zvi felt like she fit. Looking at Seeker, arms beating like a butterfly's wings, alight with excitement—no matter how much he argued that he stayed with her to search for the stars, Zvi knew he also stayed because they were pack.
Chapter 34
Zvi had never been this far from home though Borg had told her it was warm and wet. Well, it was wet.
“Does your loin-skin keep you warm, Seeker?”
“Not at all!” He answered excitedly. Zvi shivered against the battering wind and still wished she could cover her body in a loin-skin.
“Can you show me how to make one?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
When Sun went to sleep, Zvi and Seeker found refuge inside an abandoned den. Seeker chattered, “I wonder if the wolves left food. And what of an exit…”
Zvi found one, more of a vent, so small even Pup couldn’t slip through it.
Seeker’s curiosity about the world never flagged, never diminished. At one point, he finished a thorough discussion of the den, the prior inhabitants, its size and relative comfort, and moved zealously on to the water buffalo they passed earlier, why the gazelle wandering alone was limping, a hippo that slapped a crocodile, the tiger that stalked them but not this time, and pretty much everything that came to mind. To be with Seeker was to notice everything, and noisily marvel about it.
“Why do some apes swing through the trees and others walk? And why are there so many colors—it’s confusing and unnecessary. And this one I can’t figure out. Why does Coyote run with both feet on one side while Hipparion runs first front and then rear?”
He marched rigidly back and forth across the clearing, trying to move an arm with a leg and then switching which one. His head dropped with every measured pace and his limbs became so rigid, he couldn’t move faster than a slow walk but he didn’t give up, determined to be Hipparion and Hippo.
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