Wind Rider

by P. C. Cast

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Nik put his arm around her.

  “It is—and not just because it’s dry land,” said Mari. “Makes me miss home,” she added softly.

  “After we cross them we will be home. Forever,” said Nik, kissing her gently.

  “Kissing later—working now,” Antreas said, striding past them and dragging his canoe behind him. “Be sure to pull all the boats well up past this waterline.” He pointed. “I’ve allowed for three days to tear apart the ballasts and convert them into litters to carry our supplies.” Antreas paused and smiled as Davis waded to shore, cradling Cammyman in his arms. Behind him Mariah was making her way to dry land beside Claudia, who was carrying a basket filled with all eleven of her newborn pups. “And they’ll also carry our little hero, his mate, and a litter of puppies.”

  The Pack safely beached the boats and then gathered around Cammy, Mariah, and the pups, oohing and aahing over the newborns and praising Cammyman, who huffed in pleasure.

  “How are they?” Mari asked, peering into the basket at the sleeping mound of pups.

  “They’re as perfect as their mother and father,” said Claudia happily as she leaned into Davis and he slipped an arm around her.

  “And Mariah is just fine?” asked Adira hesitantly. “Giving birth out there must have been difficult.”

  Claudia smiled at the older woman. “Mariah is completely well. And thanks to your weaving skills, she was very comfortable on the ballast. All those blankets you made for her were perfect.”

  “I was happy to do it. I have found that I like puppies.”

  “Who wouldn’t? Look at them!” Jenna said, peeking around her at the pups.

  “Their colors are really interesting,” Nik said, bending to get a closer look at the litter. “I see a lot of Cammy’s blond, but also sable, like Mariah.”

  “I wonder who they’ll look more like,” Sora said.

  “I wonder how big they’ll be,” said Wilkes, looking over Nik’s shoulder. “They seem to be several different sizes.”

  “Why are their eyes closed? Is something wrong?” asked Mason.

  “Nothing is wrong,” Claudia said. “Puppies are born with their eyes closed.”

  “That tiny blond one is so, so sweet.” Jenna reached out to touch the pup, but she hesitated and turned to Mariah, who was sitting beside the basket watching everything. “May I touch your puppy?”

  Mariah’s tail wagged and she licked Jenna’s face. Giggling, Jenna turned to Claudia. “I guess that’s a yes?”

  “It’s definitely a yes, and Mariah thanks you for being considerate enough to ask first.”

  “Puppies are a blessing, but we should establish some rules, especially as so many of our Pack don’t know much about puppies,” Rose said.

  “What we do know your puppies have taught us,” Sora said, kissing Chloe on the nose before unwrapping her from her swaddle and letting her sniff around the beach and explore with her rapidly growing brood of brothers and sisters.

  “And you all have done so well learning.” Rose grinned at Sora.

  “Mine was a crash course,” said Sora. “And I’ve loved every minute of it.”

  “Rose is right, though.” Mari spoke up. “Earth Walkers don’t know anything about newborn puppies. What are the rules?”

  Rose looked at Claudia, who nodded encouragement. “Go ahead. Isn’t this Fala’s second litter?”

  “It is,” Rose said. “And I’d be happy to explain.” She faced the gathered Pack, who were all listening raptly. “It’s simple if you use common sense. Their eyes are closed for from one to two weeks. During that time they need to be close to their mother.” She paused to smile at Mariah and her Fala, who was peering into the basket while her tail wagged and wagged and wagged. “They shouldn’t be handled too much during the first couple of weeks. They need sleep and milk. But once their eyes are open and they begin waddling around our whole Tribe used to mother them, especially when the weaning process begins at four weeks old—though they aren’t fully weaned until they’re about eight weeks old. But you’ve watched Fala wean her pups, and you have all been wonderful with them. Just do the same for Mariah’s babies, and know if you have any questions please do ask me or anyone who used to belong to the Tribe.”

  “I have a question. I don’t mean to get ahead of myself because they’re just born, and I understand I might never get as lucky as my brother and no canine may ever pick me.” Mason paused, glancing at Jaxom, who was petting his Fortina as they crowded in to get a glimpse of the pups. “But Chloe Chose Sora really early, right?”

  “Right,” Rose said. “I’ve never known of a pup to Choose a Companion so early. Have you, Wilkes?”

  Wilkes shook his head. “No, never.”

  “My Chloe is spectacular,” said Sora.

  “Well, yeah, of course she is,” said Mason. “But when do pups usually start to Choose their Companions?”

  “Anytime after they’re weaned,” Rose said.

  “But I’ve never known a pup to go past six months before they Choose. Well, I’ll take that back. I know of one pup who waited really late to Choose his Companion, but that was because his Companion wasn’t part of the Tribe,” Nik said, grinning at Mari.

  “My Rigel is spectacular, too,” Mari mimicked Sora.

  Cammy barked and Davis said quickly, “My Cammyman is very spectacular!” Which caused the Pack to laugh as the little Terrier wagged the bandaged stub of his tail.

  “In honor of our spectacular canines I would very much like someone to hunt something for dinner that does not live under the water. I’ve saved the last of the spices from my Saleesh trade to season a victory stew—and I do not want it to be a fish stew,” said Sora.

  There was a flurry of activity as several people agreed to hunt, Rose included, as Fala was currently the only Terrier able to be a Hunter. She went to her boat and unloaded her crossbow and a quiver of arrows, and was calling for Fala to join her when Mari, whose boat was beached beside Rose’s, noticed that the little mama Terrier seemed agitated when she ran to her Companion. Rose knelt and communed with her canine, and then her face split into a brilliant smile. Rose stood, cupped her hands around her mouth, and shouted for the Pack to hear.

  “A puppy is Choosing!”

  Mari felt a jolt of happy shock and her gaze instantly found Nik’s, who was smiling in delight. He cupped his hands around his mouth, too, and shouted joyfully, “A puppy is Choosing!”

  Wilkes took up the cry, and Claudia echoed it.

  Mari was looking around the beach, trying to tell which of the fat little Terrier pups was Choosing, when Jenna hurried up to Claudia and Mariah, carrying a folded hemp blanket.

  “I thought Mariah might need a fresh blanket for tonight, and I wove an extra one on the lake. I’ll wash the others and hang them out and then…” She paused, almost tripping over one of Fala’s puppies. “Oh, I didn’t see you there, little one. I’m sorry, I—” Jenna’s words broke off abruptly and she froze, half bent to pet the pup, who was sitting on his haunches staring up at her, whining pitifully.

  Jenna went to her knees, dropping the blanket. She pulled the pup into her arms. “Oh, Khan! Oh, sweet boy! Of course I want you! Of course I love you! You are absolutely perfect!”

  Fala’s muzzle went skyward and she howled her delight, and every canine on the beach followed her lead, even Khan’s siblings.

  Nik took Mari’s hand and together they went to Jenna. She looked up at them, her eyes swimming with happy tears.

  “His name is Khan. H-he Chose me!”

  “Jenna, do you accept this pup and vow to love and care for him until fate parts you by death?” Nik asked formally.

  “Oh, yes! Yes, I do!”

  “Then may the Sun bless your union with Khan,” Nik said, smiling joyfully.

  “And also may the Great Earth Mother bless you and your new Companion,” added Mari. She bent to hug Jenna and Khan together, whispering, “I’m so, so happy for you!” />
  “Oh, Mari! I didn’t know I could feel like this!” Jenna wiped tears from her eyes as she stared at her Companion.

  “And it only gets better from here.” Mari ruffled the fur on the top of Rigel’s head as he licked Khan and Jenna.

  “Khan has Chosen!” Nik shouted while Laru wagged and barked beside him and the Pack erupted into cheers.

  Mari slid her arm around Nik and the two of them, followed by their Companions, stepped back to allow the rest of the Pack to congratulate Jenna. Mari was wiping her eyes, too, when Sora joined them.

  “Jenna will be free of Moon Fever now,” Sora said. “It is absolutely wonderful.”

  “She’s been lonely since her father died,” Mari said softly, watching her happy friend. “Jenna wouldn’t admit it, but I know her too well. And now she’ll never be lonely again.”

  “That does it!” Nik said. “Laru, Rigel, let’s get to hunting. Today calls for a magnificent celebration.”

  Rigel looked up at Mari and whined.

  “Yes, you can go with Nik and Laru,” she told her Companion. Then added, “Nik, if you find signs of rabbit don’t kill them. Mark the area so that we can set out the live traps. The warren needs replenishing.”

  “Will do!” Nik grabbed his crossbow, arrows, and a travel pack and jogged away, with the two Shepherds at his side.

  Lily led Dove to Mari and Sora. “This is a blessed beginning of our land journey,” she said. “The births and the Choosing—they are signs the Great Mother is pleased with us.”

  “Not worried about death catching us anymore?” Mari asked, only half kidding.

  Dove turned her face to Mari. “Death will catch us all someday.”

  “Well, yeah, none of us are immortal,” Sora said.

  “When I mentioned Him yesterday I was not speaking of the inevitability of death. I was speaking of the God.”

  Mari felt a horrible chill in her blood. “He’s following us?”

  “I know only the words the Goddess whispers through me, and yesterday She whispered of Death.”

  “Well, let us know if She whispers of Him anymore,” said Sora.

  “Oh, I will. Lily, would you lead me to the new puppies? I would like to ask Mariah’s permission to see them through my fingers.”

  The two young women joined the happy group around the puppy basket, and Mari faced Sora.

  “I don’t like the way that sounds,” Mari said.

  “You don’t believe Dove?”

  “No. The problem is I do believe her.”

  “But all we can do is move forward,” Sora said.

  “I know. I just hope that we’re not leading Death to the Wind Riders,” said Mari.

  “He’s not our fault,” Sora said firmly. “We cannot be held responsible for what a God does.”

  “Maybe not, but we can take Dove with us when we go to the Wind Riders. They’ll need to be warned.”

  Sora sighed. “Not a great hello. I can see it now—Hey, hi, we want to live here in your territory, but one little thing. Death might be stalking us. I can’t imagine they’ll be very welcoming after that.”

  “But more welcoming than they’d be if Death showed up and we hadn’t said anything,” Mari countered. “Plus, it’s the right thing to do.”

  “I know, but right doesn’t mean easy.”

  Mari grinned at her friend. “Sometimes it seems right never means easy. Come on. I’ll help you unpack that cauldron and get the campfire started. We have a celebrating Pack to feed.”

  Mari helped Sora, all the while chatting about puppies and the coming trek through the mountains. Never once did she mention the terrible image that haunted her: the God of Death standing on the ridge overlooking the doomed Tribe of the Trees, and staring directly at her.

  * * *

  It took three full days to deconstruct the boats and then rework them into litters that could be dragged or carried through the mountains. Each day made Mari more impressed with her Pack. They worked as one harmoniously. Because there were no settlements nearby, rabbits were thick in the forest just off the beach. And early on day two Rose and Fala brought down a huge stag, which Sora immediately set to smoking in long strips of jerky while Adira worked with Davis to expertly render the hide for tanning.

  It was the morning of the fourth day when they were finally ready to enter the Rock Mountains.

  “You’ve done so well!” Antreas congratulated the Pack that morning as they lined up, litters ready and supplies tucked away in every possible place—including packed to the backs of humans and canines. Even Bast carried a skinful of water and a sleeping pelt strapped across her back. “You know I was worried about our timing when we began this journey.”

  The Pack nodded and held their breath, waiting to hear the rest of Antreas’s speech.

  “But I’m not worried anymore. We’ve made better time than I thought possible. Do you think you can keep it up?”

  “Yes!” the Pack shouted as one.

  “Then by my predictions we will exit the Rock Mountains and enter the Plains of the Wind Riders right around the last day of summer. That’ll give us enough time to build a temporary camp that will withstand the winter and petition the Wind Riders for the right to make it permanent.”

  “But what if they reject us? Will they make us go back through the mountains?” Adira’s voice lifted from the middle of the Pack.

  “If they reject us they will force us to leave their territory, but they are not inhumane. I have never known them to cast people out into the winter who have caused them no harm,” said Antreas.

  “They won’t reject us,” Mari said firmly. “Being allied with our Pack is an asset. We have valuable skills, and we are looking for nothing more than a peaceful place to settle.”

  “Yes, and it won’t hurt if you weave that gift cloak we’ve talked about,” said Antreas.

  “The one for the—what did you call her?” Adira asked.

  “The Lead Mare Rider,” Antreas said. “Like the Pack, Wind Riders are led by women, and those women all are Riders of the Lead Mare for each Herd.”

  “We will weave her something she’ll never forget,” said Adira.

  “I have no doubt about that,” said Antreas. “Now, just a reminder.” He backed up a few feet and then stood on a fallen log that made him several inches taller. “What I’m standing on is the beginning of what we call the Rail Trail. We are going to follow these iron rails all the way across these mountains. We’ll lose them in several spots, but you don’t need to be concerned about that. I’ve made this trip many times. I know how to follow the Rail Trail, even when it temporarily disappears.”

  “There aren’t any people who live here?” Jenna asked. With Sora’s help she’d made a sling for Khan, much like the one Chloe was outgrowing, but Sora, Rose, and Jenna had agreed that the pups would need to be carried frequently, especially in the beginning of the journey through the mountains. Khan was securely tucked close against Jenna’s chest, his bright black eyes peeking out and taking in everything as he sniffed the air with youthful curiosity.

  “Well, there are several Lynx Chains that make their dens in the Rock Mountains, but I doubt if we’ll meet any of them; this time of year is busy for guides. There are also small groups of mountain people, those who, for whatever reason, would rather live secluded lives in the mountains, though they’re always in the lower elevations. I’ve only run into a few of the mountain people. They’re a strange lot who spend the vast majority of their time stockpiling food stores. Once it starts to snow they’re trapped until the spring thaw.”

  “Sounds like a lonely way to live,” said Jenna.

  “Lonely, but peaceful,” said Antreas.

  “And the worst predator we’re going to run into are the wolverines?” asked Jaxom.

  “Yes, but predators don’t get much worse than wolverines. Remember that even though they’re only a little bigger than a Terrier, they have claws and teeth to rival Bast’s.” The big Lynx coughed, and Antreas a
dded, “Though their sight is not as good as Bast’s—nor is their hearing.”

  The Pack chuckled.

  “They’re solitary, which is good for us, as I can’t imagine trying to fight off more than one of them. What isn’t good for us is their ability to scent us from quite a distance. Expect that a wolverine is following us at all times. They will rarely attack if we stay together, but wander off alone and you will probably not return.”

  “No one goes anywhere alone,” Mari said.

  “Not even Hunters,” Antreas added. “The only reason you were able to hunt alone here is because wolverines don’t leave the mountains. Once we enter this pass we stay together. And when we reach the creeping juniper line we must be vigilant, especially at night. Wolverines prefer to hunt at night, and make their dens at the snow line near juniper groves.”

  “Anything else frightening up there?” Spencer asked, giving the mountains a wary look.

  “Until we get to the snow line, beware of snakes. If their heads are shaped like a triangle they are poisonous. But once it gets cold you don’t have to worry about them anymore.”

  “Doesn’t sound as bad as the damned Mouths and Monkeys,” Davis said.

  The Pack murmured in agreement, breaking the tension and nervousness that had begun to build.

  “Antreas, we’re ready!” Mari called.

  “More than ready,” Sora agreed. “Let’s go to our new home!”

  With a cheer, the Pack entered the Rock Mountains as the sun began to climb their eastern edge.

  Mari glanced over her shoulder one time at the neat grouping of abandoned, stripped boats that had carried them so faithfully.

  “I hope someone who can make use of them finds the boats,” said Nik, following her gaze as he walked beside her.

  “Me, too,” Mari said, silently adding, I hope whoever finds them isn’t looking for us.

  CHAPTER 22

  PLAINS OF THE WIND RIDERS—RENDEZVOUS SITE

  “The Mare Council has come to a unanimous vote,” said Morgana, the ancient leader of the Council, motioning for Dawn to approach her.