Page 179 of Sun Warrior

Dove opened her mouth to respond, but Sora cut her off.

“Did you say your name is Dove?”

The sightless girl nodded. “Yes. I am Dove.”

Sora felt a rush of dizziness as Mari’s words lifted from her memory:In my dream a dove flew away from the Tribe of the Trees as it was being destroyed by painted Warriors. She came to me looking for sanctuary. Mama’s voice told me to help her, but only if she vows to a Moon Woman to tell the truth as the price of my aid.

“Dove, are you and Lily Skin Stealers?” O’Bryan asked sharply.

Dove’s eyeless face tilted in O’Bryan’s direction. Instead of answering, she asked a question of her own: “Are you earth dwellers? The people who burrow to make their homes?”

“You didn’t answer my question,” O’Bryan said.

“And you did not answer mine,” Dove responded.

“We don’t have time for this,” Antreas said. “I say tie them loosely, so that they can get free in time to return to their City before dark and let’s be on our way.”

“You may tie us, of course. You may do anything you like with us.” Dove spoke in a perfectly calm voice. “We cannot stop you. But Lily and I will not return to the City. We are searching for peaceful sanctuary with the earth dwellers.”

Sora stepped forward and crouched directly in front of Dove. “You say you seek peaceful sanctuary. Why? From whom are you running?”

“No one is following us. Of that you may be sure,” Dove said.

“Again, she didn’t answer the question,” O’Bryan said. “I’m with Antreas. Tie them and leave them here.”

Sora was watching Dove closely when O’Bryan spoke, and she saw the flash of raw fear that swept across her unusual face.

“Dove, do you know what a Moon Woman is?”

“I do not,” Dove said.

“A Moon Woman is one gifted by the Great Earth Mother with the ability to draw down the power of the moon.”

Dove’s pale face blanched almost colorless. She let loose Lily’s hand and reached out toward Sora, who automatically took the girl’s hand within her own.

“You know the Great Goddess?”

“I do.”

“And you are under Her protection?” Dove’s voice was breathless with excitement.

“I am—and so are our people.”

Dove’s hand began to tremble within Sora’s, and Lily put her face in her hands and began to weep.

“I don’t understand. Are you fearful of the Great Goddess?” Sora asked.

Dove’s smile was so brilliant that it made Sora’s breath catch. “Oh, Moon Woman, no! We are happy, so very happy, to hear that you know the Goddess. We have been praying for Her help, and She has answered with you!”

With Mari’s dream echoing in her mind, Sora followed her gut and made her decision. “Dove, I will grant you and Lily sanctuary, but on one condition only.”

Dove didn’t hesitate. “Name your condition, Moon Woman.”

“I want your vow that you will only tell me the truth. Know that your vow to me will be heard by the Great Goddess. She is kind and compassionate, but she does not abide oath breakers.”

Dove reached into the travel sack that hung from her shoulder and pulled out a small knife.

Instantly the canines were at Sora’s side, growling a warning low in their throats.