Page 118 of Sun Warrior

“I hope you join us, too,” Sora said. “Wind Riders allow others to settle in their lands if the settlers can prove that they are worthy. If there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that the women of Clan Weaver are worthy. Now, let’s eat!”

The Clanswomen were subdued during dinner. They clustered in small groups, eating and talking quietly among themselves. Mari and Sora sat on the mossy ground, forming a little circle with Nik, O’Bryan,Davis, Rose, Isabel, and Jenna. Rigel, Laru, Fala, and Cammy lay on the ground not far from them, busily chomping on turkey necks and bones. Sora’s Chloe was tucked inside her tunic, sleeping soundly.

“Where’re Sheena and Captain?” Mari asked as she blew on a sizzling piece of turkey meat.

“They’re patrolling the circle,” Davis said. “Cammy and I will relieve them as soon as we get done eating.” He glanced at Mari. “Thank you for Washing me. It was incredible. I’d had a headache—probably from staring at turkey sign all morning—but as soon as that coolness touched me it went away.”

“You’re welcome,” Mari said. “I wondered what someone outside the Clan would feel during a regular Washing. I mean, I know Nik could feel the power of the moon when it healed him.”

“So could I, but I didn’t remember much of it,” O’Bryan said. Then he cleared his throat and turned to Sora. “Thank you for Washing me.”

“No problem. It’s all part of being a Moon Woman,” she said.

“Well, it may be normal for you, but for me it was special. Probably the most special thing that’s ever happened to me in my entire life. I—uh—I just wanted you to know that,” O’Bryan said.

With increasing curiosity, Mari realized O’Bryan’s face was flushing. Sora leaned toward him and touched him gently on the arm. “I’m glad, and it’s nice to be appreciated. I didn’t mean to pass off your thanks like it was nothing.” Then she sat back, rearranging Chloe more securely on her lap while Mari watched O’Bryan’s gaze linger on the spot on his arm Sora had touched.

Mari felt Nik’s eyes on her and she gave him a look, mouthing,O’Bryan likes Sora.Nik’s eyes opened wider for an instant; then he shrugged and shook his head a little.Mari couldn’t tell if he was baffled or amused, and she made a mental note to ask him what he knew about O’Bryan’s intentions when there were fewer ears listening.

“From the outside it seemed to go well with Danita,” Jenna said. “How was it for the two of you?”

“She did great,” Sora said.

“Better than I did my first time,” Mari agreed. “I threw up.”

“Me, too,” Sora said.

“So, you’re not sorry you accepted us as apprentices?” Isabel asked.

“Not at all,” Mari said.

“No way!” Sora agreed. “The washing was lovely with Danita. Gentle and effortless.”

“I hope we do as well healing,” Isabel said.

“I’m sure you will,” Mari said.

“There she is!” Isabel jumped up to greet Danita, who looked a lot less pale and was accompanied by the ever-present Bast and, this time, Antreas. Isabel hugged her. “Mari and Sora were just saying what a great job you did tonight.”

Danita’s pretty gray eyes widened and her gaze jumped from Mari to Sora. “Really? It was so hard! And cold! I thought I was going to have to let go of your hands because I was going to be sick.”

“But you didn’t let go,” Mari said. “And that’s impressive.”

“Oh, I’m so glad! Um, now do you mind if I go lie down? I’m still feeling a little strange.”

“Rest will help,” Mari said. “Mama used to be so tired from Washing the Clan that I used to think she was sleepwalking when she got back to our burrow.”

“But you and Sora don’t seem tired at all,” Danita said.

“That’s because the Washing was easy tonight,” Sora said. “And because you helped.”

“Plus, after a while you’ll get used to it. The less you fight the power the easier it is to release, and the easier it is for you afterward,” Mari said.

“I’ll remember that,” Danita said. She started to bow a formal good-bye to her Moon Women, but Danita paused and her eyes found Antreas. “Are you and Bast staying here tonight, or returning to Mari’s burrow?”

Antreas hesitated, glancing at Bast, who rubbed against Danita’s leg, purring loudly.

“We’ll stay here. Bast likes the birthing burrow.”