Page 161 of Sun Warrior

“Which is the opposite direction from which you and the Pack will make your way to the Channel at dawn, the day after tomorrow, whether we’ve rejoined you by then or not.”

“That makes me nervous, Nik. You say you’re not going to let them see you—you’re going to sneak in, get a Mother Plant, and get out. Yet you want us to go to the Channel from the opposite direction, whether you and Davis have returned to the birthing burrow or notin case you get caught.I don’t like it.”

“Mari, it’s wise to plan for the worst and envision the best. That’s all I’m doing. I have every intention of spending our last night in this forest with you and our Pack at the birthing burrow and then leaving at dawn. But if dawn on the sixth day breaks and we haven’t returned yet I’ll meet you at the Channel.” When she started to protest again, hepressed his finger gently against her lips. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. There are many reasons we might not make it back to the burrow in time. The Tribe should be very active rebuilding right now. I have no idea where they have moved the Mother Plants, and I may have to stay hidden until well into the night before I am able to take one. If that’s the case, it would be better for all of us if Davis and I went directly to the Channel and waited for the Pack. By the time you get there we’ll already be with the boats and will have taken care of any lookouts there might be.”

“You won’t kill them, right?”

“Not unless they’re Thaddeus. Then I don’t make any promises.”

“Agreed. I don’t much like Cyril, either, but don’t kill that old man.”

Nik touched her cheek. “I won’t, Mari. I’m not a killer.”

“I know. I’m just—”

“Scared? Worried?” he offered.

“Both.”

“It’s okay. It’d be stupid not to be scared and worried. I am. But I also believe in myself—and Laru, and Davis with his Cammy. And most of all you, Mari, and our Pack.”

“I do, too, Nik. So, if you’re not back by dawn the day after tomorrow, we’ll meet at the Channel at dusk,” she said with more confidence.

“Yes. We’ll load the boats as quickly as possible and then be off. I hate the idea of being on that swarm-be-damned river at night, but I know Sheena can navigate for us.”

“Like Antreas said, leaving at night is our best chance to get away from the Tribe without being seen,” Mari said.

“Yeah, the Tribe won’t be focused on the Channel at night. There aren’t any more captives on Farm Island to guard, and no one with any sense goes down that damn river after dark. We’ll be quick and quiet, and we’ll get away without any problems, but just in case we are spotted…”—Nik paused and reached into his travel satchel, drawing out a stone-topped hammer—“I’m going to break holes in the boats we don’t take. The Tribe’s filled with excellent Carpenters. They’ll be able to repair the boats, but not in time to chase us downriver.”

“That’s a good idea, Nik. And let’s hope the moon is bright. It is close to being full,” Mari said.

“Be sure we’re taking plenty of torches, though. Just in case.”

“We will. Don’t worry. The Pack will be ready. We’re almost ready now. All you need to focus on is getting the Mother Plants and getting out of there safely,” Mari said.

Laru made a low noise in his chest, then Rigel got to his feet, tail wagging as he sniffed the air.

“Cammy’s here,” Mari said, smiling at the two canines.

“Did you hear that from them both?” Nik asked, grinning incredulously.

“Yep, I did. Loud and clear,” she said. Then she added, “And Cammy’s not the only one I hear.” She and Nik were just making their way to the door when Davis’s voice drifted to them, muffled by the briars that protected Mari’s home.

“Hello the burrow!”

“Davis! We’re coming!” Nik shouted in return as he and Laru followed Mari and Rigel through the labyrinth of thorns.

As Mari held aside the last of the heavy bramble branches so that the four of them could emerge safely, she stopped, smiling in surprise. All of the Companions and their canines were there, standing in the morning sunlight, their smiles as bright as the golden day.

“What’s this about?” Nik asked, looking pleased but confused.

“We wanted to see you and Davis off,” Sheena said.

“And we wanted to do a little something for Mari,” O’Bryan said.

“Me? What?”

“Nik said you still have travel supplies to carry from your burrow,” Rose said. “And we’re here to help with that.”