Page 96 of Moon Chosen

“They really set up an ambush?”

Nik stifled a sigh. “Yes.”

“I had no idea they were that smart,” Wilkes said.

Nik shrugged dismissively. “Apparently they are.”

“Smart and mean. That’s a dangerous combination. A lot like my last mate.” Wilkes chuckled and elbowed Nik.

Nik mentally leaped at the change of subject. “You and Ethan have called it quits?”

“No! I say mylast matebecause I think he’ll be the death of me. If I called it quits with him, Iknowhe’d kill me.” Wilkes laughed good-naturedly, and Nik joined him—glad that the lift had made it to the forest floor and that they’d left the talk of Scratchers behind, even if just temporarily.

“So, what’s the plan for the team?” Nik asked while they made their way through the forest, heading downhill toward Farm Island and the mighty river they would follow to the ruins of the great city they called Port.

“It’s going to be a good trip. Sheena and Crystal discovered a building in the southwest, right on the waterfront, that we’ve never had access to before.”

“Right on the waterfront?” Nik said. The Tribe had been foraging in the city for uncounted generations. They tried to stay as close as possible to the escape path provided by the wide waterway, known formally as the Willum River, and less formally but more morbidly as the Killum River. But as the winters passed and the decades rolled on, the Tribe had had to forage farther and farther inside the dead city, which meant fewer and fewer foraging parties had been allowed to go out, as Port City was Skin Stealer territory, and far too dangerous to justify risking the loss of life for pots or pans, mirrors or chains. “A find near the Killum is unusual. How’d it happen?”

“Apparently what we’ve long believed was just another mound of vines and rot was in truth a long metal building that had, until two days ago at the end of their reconnoitering, been so completely covered that no one bothered to look too closely at it.”

“What changed?” Nik said.

“Looks like that big thunderstorm that passed through a few nights ago caused a section of the roof to cave in—almost like a lightning strike. The opening isn’t large, but it’s viewable from the river. The girls checked it out. They said inside is a wealth of steel cables, chains, and even some glass.”

“Sounds too good to be true,” Nik said, feeling a crawling under his skin.

“Well, it’s happened before. Remember back about ten winters? That team, led—if memory serves me correctly—by Monroe’s father, found a way inside the stone station by the train tracks. Damn place had been sealed up for as long as anyone could remember, and then one day—there it was—a fallen wall that opened to a king’s hoard of mirrors and pots and pans.”

“Yeah, I remember. My mother got one of the mirrors. Sol still treasures it,” Nik said.

“And all that was just sitting there, practically in spitting distance of the river. Looks like this time the find will be even better—especially as it seems it’s exactly what we need for building more nests,” Wilkes said.

“Sounds promising.” Nik shook off his sense of foreboding. The ruined city was a living being—one that changed, grew, died, and was reborn over and over. It was a good thing that the reconnaissance team had found what the Tribe needed so close to the river. It meant easy in—easy out—and less danger.

“Yes it does!” Wilkes smiled, obviously in high spirits. “We shouldn’t even need the full moon light to paddle by tonight. I predict we’ll be back in time for sundown and celebrations.”

“I like your prediction,” Nik said.

“Doesn’t look like we’ll need your observation skills, but don’t worry. I’m still glad you’re coming along. Hey, maybe we’ll spot some game from the river and you can give us all a demonstration of your vast skill as a marksman. Tonight we bring home metal and glassandfresh meat,” Wilkes said. “I’m telling you—this is a blessed mission.”

“I’ll do my best for you,” Nik said, feeling foolish for the trepidation he’d been feeling. He knew his dark mood was more about O’Bryan, the lost pup, and the mysterious girl than Wilkes’s foraging team. With an effort he mentally shook himself. He’d get his head on right and be a real part of this mission—and he’d decide what to do about everything else afterward.

***

The launching dock was near the base of the Farm Island Bridge. As Nik and Wilkes jogged down the final part of the sloping hill, the team was facing east and opening their arms to the newly risen sun.

“Ah, good. We’re in time to soak in the dawn. That’s always a good beginning to a foraging trip,” Wilkes said.

He and Nik quickly joined them, raising their faces and arms to the clean, golden light of a new day. Nik breathed in deeply, allowing the power of the sun’s rays to burn away the last of the sense of foreboding that had been haunting him since he’d entered the grove with the desecrated deer. Delicate frond patterns lifted just beneath the bare skin of his arms as warmth filled him, giving him a much needed jolt of energy.

“’Morning, Nik,” Winston said. “Sorry to hear about your cousin.”

“Thanks,” Nik said, giving Winston’s Shepherd, Star, a quick pat.

“How’s he doing?” Winston asked.

“Holding his own,” Nik said. “I appreciate you asking.”