Page 29 of Moon Chosen

“Mama, how much do you know about the Companions today?” As Leda started to answer her, Mari lifted a hand, halting her mother’s response. “Before you speak I think we should look at what wereallyunderstand about them, and not the stories you have been told in the past. It has been eighteen winters since you’ve spoken toanyCompanion. For my entire life you’ve told me that my father was a good man—kind and loving. You’ve also told me that he was different. He loved you instead of capturing and enslaving you, but the two of you knew that you would have to find a new place to live if you were to have any chance to be together.”

“That is true, but Galen told me many stories of his friends and family, and though he admitted to being different, he also said that there were good people, wise and just, who made up the Tribe of the Trees.”

“What if he was telling you stories like you and I tell each other?” Mari’s frustration finally boiled over and she gave voice to the nagging worry that was never far from her mind. “What if Galen made his people into living myths to amuse you and to keep you from worrying too much?”

“No,” Leda almost whispered. “I don’t want to believe that. I can’t.”

Hating her mother’s pale, strained look, Mari amended. “Okay, okay. Let’s say everything Galen told you was true. But that was then, Mother.More than eighteen winters ago. And even then thosegoodpeople weren’t wise and just enough to allow him to live. Imagine the changes that might have happened during the winters of my life. In that time a lot of things could be different for the Tribe of the Trees.”

“Some of the differences could be for the better,” Leda said.

“But from what we can tell, that’s just not true. Mama, you told me that you’ve felt a great restlessness in the Earth Mother. Well, I believe you. Something is happening. The Companions’ hunting packs have grown. They have begun to search for us outside the confines of their Sugar Pine Forest. They capture more, and not fewer, of our people as the winters pass. They continue to kill us. But I do agree with you in part. I believe they have changed, just not for the better, and Rigel is proof of that.”

“Rigel?”

“He’s a Leader canine, revered and protected by the Tribe, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then what is he doing here?”

“Choosing you as his Companion, of course,” her mother said.

“No, Mama, I don’t mean literally. I mean how could he have gotten away from a people who revere and protect their canines with their very lives?”

Leda blinked and then stared at the pup as if seeing him for the first time. “I had not thought of it until now, but you may be correct, Mari. The Tribe your father described would never have allowed a valuable Shepherd pup to run loose, especially not after sunset.” Leda shook her head, as if clearing dark thoughts from her mind. “Yet you are a Companion, just as surely as you are my daughter. I understand it must seem dangerous and frightening to go to your father’s people, but sweet girl, when I am no more you must find a place for yourself and for Rigel in this world, and that place is not in a burrow, hiding from half of your birthright.”

“Why are you saying these things? I thought I was going to be Moon Woman after you. What has happened?” Attuned to Mari’s mood Rigel whined softly and she petted him reassuringly.

Leda sighed and set her basket aside. Folding her hands in her lap, she faced her daughter. “The women of the Clan announced last night that I must name my heir and proclaim her my apprentice so that her instruction may begin.”

Mari felt as if she’d just lost her footing and tumbled, headfirst, into a freezing stream. “Because they’re tired of waiting for me to grow out of the supposed sickness I have and claim my powers.”

“No, sweet girl. Because the Earth Walkers need to know that there is a young Moon Woman among them who will care for the Clan after I am too old to draw down the moon.”

“Let me try again. I know more about controlling my powers now. I helped you save Rigel! Let me be your true apprentice. It’s my right as your daughter, Mama.”

“The only thing I would love more than choosing you as my apprentice is knowing that bynotchoosing you I am keeping you safe.”

“But I will be safe! I’ll be sure that I never seek out the Clan before sunset or after sunrise. I’ll pay better attention to keeping my hair dyed, and I’ll be sure I cover my features. Always.”

“I wish I could say yes. You know that, Mari, but it is simply too dangerous, especially now.” Leda glanced at Rigel. “The Law is clear. Moon Woman or not, you would be banished from the Clan if they discovered your secret.”

Following her gaze, Mari said, “He’ll stay here. I’ll tell him to. You know he’ll listen to me—he always does.” Rigel thumped his tail, and scooted closer to Mari, as if in agreement.

“There is much I do not know about the Companion-canine bond, but I do know this—though your Rigel will do as you command, it will cause him pain to be separated from you, just as it will cause you pain to be parted from him. Mari, it has only been nine nights since he chose you, and already the two of you are inseparable.” Her mother shook her head. Her eyes were sad, but her conviction did not waver. “I have chosen Sora. I make the announcement before dusk this very night.”

Mari bit her lip against the disappointment her mother’s decision caused her. “Sora! She’s too selfish and arrogant to be a Moon Woman.”

“Sora is young and self-absorbed, but she also has power aplenty, and a strong desire to be my apprentice. I believe with guidance she will mature into a Moon Woman who will care properly for the Clan.”

“You don’t like her,” Mari said.

“It is true that I am not fond of the girl. She has been given too much too early, and that has made her difficult. Yet she has a certain logic about her that will serve her well in her dealings with the Clan. Also, I can feel that she has the power to draw down the moon and to wash the madness of night from Earth Walkers. Those things make her the right choice as my successor.”

“I—I know I should have expected it, but I didn’t think it would hurt this much,” Mari said softly, looking away from her mother.

Leda was at her daughter’s side in an instant, putting her arm around her and drawing Mari’s head to her shoulder. “Don’t let it cause you pain. Were I given free choice of all of the children on this earth, I would have no daughter except you. And could I choose between every Earth Walker who has been gifted by the great Earth Mother with the power to draw down the moon, I would want no apprentice except you. But fate has sketched a different scene for your future. Perhaps someday fate will allow you to stand naked in the sun, as well as to draw down the power of the moon. Until that day I will do everything I can to protect you from those whose ignorance would do you harm.”