Sun Warrior

by P. C. Cast

  It was her turn to look away. “Good.” She spoke briskly. “Rose will be glad to hear it.”

  “Rose?” he asked.

  “Yes, Rose.” Then Sora raised her voice, shouting across the column to where the Companion had taken her place between her friends Sarah and Lydia, “Rose! Add Jaxom to your puppy carry list.”

  “Will do, Moon Woman!” Rose called back.

  “Puppy carry list?” Jaxom asked.

  “Yes. You said Chloe is beautiful, so I thought you’d be good at helping Rose carry the other four pups. They’re too small to be able to keep up with the Pack, so we’ve rigged slings like the one I made for Chloe and we’re passing them around to people willing to help. Let Rose know if I was wrong to volunteer you.”

  “Sora, is there a problem?” O’Bryan approached Sora, sending Jaxom a suspicious glance.

  “No problem at all,” Sora said, leaving Jaxom to stare after her as she continued to walk up the column beside the tall Companion.

  When she reached the head of the Pack, Sora faced her people. She raised her voice so that the whole Pack could hear her. “We’re going to have to move fast to get to the Channel by dusk. If someone weakens, let a Pack Member know. You won’t help us by keeping silent and then falling on your face when we most need you to move and move quickly.”

  “What if we can’t make it?”

  Sora looked around until she saw Sarah, who still wasn’t able to put much weight on her ankle. O’Bryan had fashioned a walking stick for her, and Sora had wrapped Sarah’s ankle, trying to provide as much support as possible for the wound. Sora had given her tea for the pain, but not too much—the girl did have to be conscious to walk.

  “We won’t leave anyone behind, if that’s what you’re asking,” Sora told her.

  “I’ll take turns with her,” Claudia said, and then struggled through a coughing fit.

  “As will I,” Wilkes called, his voice sounding unnaturally high and weak.

  “Thank you,” Sora said.

  Both Claudia and Wilkes were very ill. They were also full of poppy tea and had numbing poultices wrapped around the oozing sores that wept from the creases of their elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. But neither Companion would die. Sora would see to that as soon as it was moonrise, so they both could walk for a ways and let Sarah rest her ankle. Sora looked around the Pack, taking pride in what she saw. From the chaos of the morning, the Pack had pulled together to be ready for this moment, and Sora had watched her people go from being hesitant and sometimes even uneasy around one another to truly joining together in a common cause—a cause that should have been impossible.

  Yet here they were, ready to leave what they had believed would be their forever homes.

  Sora raised her arms, high and wide, and in a strong voice, filled with the pride she felt for her Pack, she prayed.

  “May the Great Mother Goddess bless our journey, and watch over us, as well as Mari and Nik, Laru and Rigel, and may we be reunited with them soon and safely!” Sora said.

  “Blessed Earth Mother!” the Pack intoned.

  Then Sora, with O’Bryan close on her heels, strode to the front of the column, where Antreas waited with Bast beside him—and Danita, as always, beside the big feline.

  “Show us the way, Antreas!”

  “Yes, Moon Woman!” he shouted, bowing to her. Antreas stepped out confidently, heading north.

  * * *

  They made better time than Sora had expected, mostly because Antreas—or, rather, Bast—was a genius in picking out the fastest, easiest paths.

  Sora glanced up at the sky. The story the Sun told said that it had moved from afternoon to evening. She looked back down the column. Claudia had switched with Sarah, allowing the girl to ride in the litter, foot elevated. The Companion walked beside the litter, hand resting rather heavily on the frame, her big female Shepherd, Mariah, staying close beside her.

  Wilkes looked to be asleep, and Sora wasn’t surprised. He’d allowed Lydia to take a long turn resting on the litter while he staggered beside it—so long that Sora had insisted he get off his feet straightaway. The Warrior had protested until Sora had reminded him that he was the only one of them who knew for sure exactly where the Tribe’s boats had been banked, which meant he had to save enough of his strength to lead them when they reached the Channel.

  Her gaze went from the sleeping Wilkes to Jaxom and Mason. Jaxom was sweating, but he appeared to be strong. Mason didn’t look as healthy as his brother, but neither of the young men had stumbled or asked for a break.

  “The Pack is moving well,” O’Bryan said, coming up beside her and ruffling the fur on Chloe’s head. The pup licked his hand and wriggled a greeting.

  “Yes, they are. But are they moving well enough? Will we make it to the Channel by dusk?”

  “Antreas says yes, as long as nothing gets in our way. And I don’t see that happening. I’ve never known the forest to be so quiet. It’s like the fire has caused a mass desertion.”

  Sora nodded. “Seems like it to me, too. It’s creepy, really. I can’t say that I’m looking forward to traveling on the river, but I am looking forward to leaving this part of the forest. The closer we get to Tribe territory, the stranger things seem.”

  “It’s a sign,” Davis said, joining them. “I can feel it. It’s as if the forest is holding its breath, waiting.”

  “Waiting for what?” Sora asked. She’d already come to respect this young Companion’s unique bond with the Goddess, and it only made sense to listen to what he was feeling.

  “I’m not sure. There’s something here, though. Something that is out of place,” Davis said.

  Sora snorted. “We are. We’re a group of mostly Earth Walkers decidedly outside our territory.”

  “I don’t think that’s it. It feels more—”

  “Sora! Sora!” Danita ran up to them, gulping air.

  “I’m here! What is it?”

  “Antreas has found two people. He needs you—and O’Bryan and Davis and Sheena. He said bring the canines and come armed. He thinks they’re Skin Stealers.”

  “Sheena!” O’Bryan called, and the young Companion stepped out of her place near the end of the column and with Captain beside her jogged to them.

  The Pack members closest to Sora began whispering nervously, but one sharp look from her silenced them. “We can certainly handle two Skin Stealers, but not if your whispers cause the Pack to panic!” The Earth Walkers nearby ducked their heads, calling apologies to their Moon Woman. Then Sora shouted down the column, “We halt here for a short rest!” She turned to Danita. “Find Isabel and Jenna. Have them pass the water bladders among the Pack. Give the wounded a few sips of the cannabis tincture—but not too much.”

  “Understood,” Danita said.

  “Where is Antreas?” O’Bryan asked.

  Danita pointed ahead of them. “Up ahead the path bends toward the ravine. Antreas is there, near the edge. That’s where he found the women.”

  “Women?” Sheena asked as she joined them.

  Danita nodded. “Skin Stealer women. You’ll see.”

  Feeling more curious than afraid, Sora pulled Chloe from her comfortable sling, kissed her on the head, and then gently passed the pup to Danita. “Give her to Rose. I don’t know what I’m walking into.”

  “Let’s go,” Sora said. Flanked by Companions, she jogged up the path, which quickly curved to the right so that it ran along the lip of the deep ravine that separated the territory of the Tribe of the Trees from the ruined City of the Skin Stealers.

  Sora spotted Antreas. Bast was beside him. They both were staring at two girls who sat near the edge of the ravine. They were dressed oddly, in hide skirts and roughly hewn, midriff-baring tunics, with coarsely woven travel packs strapped across their backs. Their skin was very pale and decorated with intricate triple designs painted black and red and white. One of the girls had hair so blond it appeared almost silver. The other’s was a deep, shining chestnut. At the sound
of their approach, the girls turned to face Sora and the Companions and Sora’s breath hitched with shock.

  The girl with the shining chestnut hair had no eyes.

  “Bloody beetle balls!” O’Bryan spoke the curse under his breath. “I’ve never seen anything like that.”

  “Neither have I,” Sheena said.

  When Davis said nothing, Sora shot him a look. “Davis? What is it?”

  Cammy whined, and Davis shook himself, reaching down to pet his Terrier reassuringly. “I can’t tell. There is something about her, though.”

  “You mean besides the fact she has no eyes?” O’Bryan said.

  “Oh, I think she can see—just not like we do,” Davis said cryptically.

  “What does that mean?” Sora asked.

  “I don’t know. Yet. But as soon as I do, you will,” Davis said.

  They joined Antreas. The younger of the two girls watched them with big, frightened eyes while she clutched the eyeless girl’s hand in both of hers.

  “This is one of our two Leaders, the Moon Woman named Sora,” Antreas said, gesturing to Sora. “Sora, this is Lily and her—”

  “You are led by a woman?” The eyeless girl spoke up. Her voice was steady, calm, and curious.

  “They are led by two women,” Sora said, approaching the girls. “I am one of them. Who are you?”

  “I am Lily,” the sighted girl said, bowing her head. Sora could see that she was trembling. “And this is my—”

  “I am Dove,” the blind girl interrupted. “Oracle to the Gods.”

  “Which Gods?” Davis asked.

  Dove opened her mouth to respond, but Sora cut her off.

  “Did you say your name is Dove?”

  The sightless girl nodded. “Yes. I am Dove.”

  Sora felt a rush of dizziness as Mari’s words lifted from her memory: In my dream a dove flew away from the Tribe of the Trees as it was being destroyed by painted Warriors. She came to me looking for sanctuary. Mama’s voice told me to help her, but only if she vows to a Moon Woman to tell the truth as the price of my aid.

  “Dove, are you and Lily Skin Stealers?” O’Bryan asked sharply.

  Dove’s eyeless face tilted in O’Bryan’s direction. Instead of answering, she asked a question of her own: “Are you earth dwellers? The people who burrow to make their homes?”

  “You didn’t answer my question,” O’Bryan said.

  “And you did not answer mine,” Dove responded.

  “We don’t have time for this,” Antreas said. “I say tie them loosely, so that they can get free in time to return to their City before dark and let’s be on our way.”

  “You may tie us, of course. You may do anything you like with us.” Dove spoke in a perfectly calm voice. “We cannot stop you. But Lily and I will not return to the City. We are searching for peaceful sanctuary with the earth dwellers.”

  Sora stepped forward and crouched directly in front of Dove. “You say you seek peaceful sanctuary. Why? From whom are you running?”

  “No one is following us. Of that you may be sure,” Dove said.

  “Again, she didn’t answer the question,” O’Bryan said. “I’m with Antreas. Tie them and leave them here.”

  Sora was watching Dove closely when O’Bryan spoke, and she saw the flash of raw fear that swept across her unusual face.

  “Dove, do you know what a Moon Woman is?”

  “I do not,” Dove said.

  “A Moon Woman is one gifted by the Great Earth Mother with the ability to draw down the power of the moon.”

  Dove’s pale face blanched almost colorless. She let loose Lily’s hand and reached out toward Sora, who automatically took the girl’s hand within her own.

  “You know the Great Goddess?”

  “I do.”

  “And you are under Her protection?” Dove’s voice was breathless with excitement.

  “I am—and so are our people.”

  Dove’s hand began to tremble within Sora’s, and Lily put her face in her hands and began to weep.

  “I don’t understand. Are you fearful of the Great Goddess?” Sora asked.

  Dove’s smile was so brilliant that it made Sora’s breath catch. “Oh, Moon Woman, no! We are happy, so very happy, to hear that you know the Goddess. We have been praying for Her help, and She has answered with you!”

  With Mari’s dream echoing in her mind, Sora followed her gut and made her decision. “Dove, I will grant you and Lily sanctuary, but on one condition only.”

  Dove didn’t hesitate. “Name your condition, Moon Woman.”

  “I want your vow that you will only tell me the truth. Know that your vow to me will be heard by the Great Goddess. She is kind and compassionate, but she does not abide oath breakers.”

  Dove reached into the travel sack that hung from her shoulder and pulled out a small knife.

  Instantly the canines were at Sora’s side, growling a warning low in their throats.

  Dove froze. “I do not intend you any harm.” Dove spoke quickly. “I only wish to seal my vow with blood, as a proper oath should be sealed.”

  “It’s okay,” Sora told the canines and their Companions, who each held drawn weapons ready, aimed at Dove. “Let her make her vow.”

  “Thank you, Moon Woman,” Dove said. Then, with a swift motion, she sliced the blade across her palm. She held her wounded hand aloft, squeezing until blood began to pool in her palm and trickle into the ground. “I offer my blood to the Great Goddess who protects these people. I vow to tell this Moon Woman only the truth. As long as blood flows in my veins.”

  “And you believe her?” O’Bryan said.

  “I believe Mari,” Sora said.

  “What does that mean?” Sheena asked.

  “Just yesterday Mari had a dream, and in it a dove came to her asking for sanctuary.” Sora spoke to her Pack members but kept her eyes trained on Dove. “Leda’s voice told her to give the dove sanctuary, but only if she vowed to a Moon Woman to tell the truth.”

  “It is a sign from the Goddess,” Davis said softly. “You did right to grant her sanctuary.”

  “Sure, if she actually answers any questions,” O’Bryan said.

  “Skin Stealers—that is what the Others call us.” Dove spoke up immediately, her voice clear and pleasing. “We call ourselves the People.”

  “And now I ask you again, from whom are you running?” Sora said.

  “We are running from the newly awakened God of Death,” Dove said.

  Sora felt a terrible chill cascade down her spine. “Dove, you say you’re running from Death. What are you to Him?”

  Dove’s lips pressed into a line and Sora could see her fisting her hand around the bloody slash in it. Her shoulders slumped and her head bowed, but her voice was steady when she answered the Moon Woman.

  “I was His lover.”

  “And you’re important to Him?” Sora prodded.

  “My body is. I am not,” Dove answered with a frankness that none of them could deny.

  “Please don’t send my Mistress back there!” Lily suddenly spoke, pressing her hands nervously to her throat. “The God is loathsome! He forces Himself on her!”

  “I won’t send her back—not as long as she stays true to her oath,” Sora said. “Dove, you are the lover of the God of Death, and you have run from Him, yet you say no one is following you? Explain,” Sora said.

  Dove didn’t hesitate. “Death does not follow Lily and me. He doesn’t even know we have escaped Him. He is far too busy readying his Reapers to invade the City in the Trees.”

  The Companions who surrounded Sora looked physically ill, staring at Dove with expressions of shock and horror.

  “When are they invading?” Sora asked.

  “Today, after night has fallen,” Dove said. “Death will lead the People across the ravine and into the City in the Trees while the sick and wounded sleep.”

  “Sick and wounded? How does He know the Tribe is sick?” O’Bryan asked.

 
; Dove turned her face to him. “He poisoned them, of course. It started with just one of the Others—the one the People captured several weeks ago. Since then Death made sure the poison spread.”

  “Bloody beetle balls! Thaddeus!” O’Bryan had gone pale. “It’s as Mari and Nik suspected. I have to warn the Tribe!”

  “Whoever is with the Others tonight in the City in the Trees will be either killed or captured.” Dove’s pleasing voice was disconcerting. It almost sounded disembodied in its emotionlessness. “You may warn them, but you will not stop their fate; you will join them in it.”

  “I must—” O’Bryan began, but Sora’s hand on his arm stilled him.

  “She’s telling the truth. I think this is why Mari was sent the dream of the dove—so that we were warned about what was coming.”

  “Someone has to warn the Tribe, too,” Davis said.

  “There have to be good people left,” Sheena said, her voice choked with tears. “We can’t just let them be invaded.”

  “You mean like what they were going to do to us?” Antreas broke in. “I know they were your people, but they aren’t anymore. We all are fleeing because of them—because of what they are going to do to you, and you, and all of us if we remain here.”

  “If we don’t warn them, how are we any better than them?” Davis asked.

  “O’Bryan, Sheena, Davis, I won’t forbid any of you to go to the Tribe, to warn them. All I ask is that you consider carefully what you’re risking. Wilkes and Claudia have told us that Thaddeus and his men have taken control. The Tribe you knew no longer exists. Are you willing to risk your life to warn a people who would most probably take yours if they caught you?” Sora said.

  “If Nik and Mari don’t get away before nightfall, they will be trapped there as the Skin Stealers attack,” O’Bryan said.

  “Nik and Mari know they have to get to the Channel by dusk or we leave without them,” Sora said. “They will not be trapped there.”

  “Wait! I know how we can warn the Tribe!” Davis said. “We just need to get to the lookout tower at the Channel.”