Page 39 of Sun Warrior

“He can’t be talking about me,” Mari said.

“He’s not,” Nik said. Then he shook his head. “No, Davis. I amnotthe Tribe’s Sun Priest. There has been no vote. No Council Meeting. No ritual Call to the Sun for approval. I amnotthe Tribe’s Sun Priest,” he repeated.

“Laru chose you,” Davis insisted stubbornly. “You’re Sol’s son. The whole Tribe knows he wanted you to be his heir. Sol was only waiting for you to be chosen by a Shepherd to make it official. And that has happened, so there’s nothing in your way now.”

“Davis, I cannot call down sunfire! And the Sun Priest must be able to—”

Mari’s hand on his arm stopped Nik’s words. “But, Nik, have you tried to call down sunfire?”

“Of course! All of the youths try it,” Nik said. “I’m no good at it—never have been.”

“But have you tried since Laru chose you?” Davis asked.

“I’ve been a little busy,” Nik said sarcastically.

“You helped me control the sunfire I called down,” Mari said, touching his bandaged hands gently.

“Well, yes, but that doesn’t mean I can call it down myself,” Nik said.

“So, was it all talk?” Davis blurted.

“All talk?” Nik said.

“Yeah, was it all just talk—that stuff you’ve been saying about needing to change things, to make the Tribe more modern, more inclusive of everyone?”

Mari saw Nik hesitate. He shook his head slowly. “No. It wasn’t just talk. I disagree with many of the old Tribal Laws. I believe it’s time for change.”

“I agree,” Davis said firmly.

“But that doesn’t mean I’m your Sun Priest,” Nik said.

“What would your father say?” Antreas asked.

They turned to stare at the Lynx man. “What do you mean?” Nik said.

Antreas shrugged. “I didn’t know Sol well. Just met him a few days ago, but he seemed smart and trustworthy—a true Leader. Your Tribe clearly respected and revered him. You’re his son. Obviously, you knew him well, correct?”

Nik thought of the secrets his father had shared with him and nodded slowly. “I did know him well, probably better than anyone except my mother, and she’s been dead for years.”

“Well, then the answer should be simple. What would your father say about you being Sun Priest for a new Tribe?”

“New Tribe?” Nik said.

“Yeah,” Davis said. “The old Tribe of the Trees died in the fire, Nik.If it was still home for us—if it was how we really wanted to keep living—I don’t think either of us would have left today. So, we’re a new Tribe. A small one, but still. A Tribe. Will you be my Sun Priest?”

Mari watched emotions flicker over Nik’s face. She could see that he was upset, maybe even frightened, but she could also see another, stronger emotion begin to overshadow the negative ones. She recognized it as hope and was glad, so glad, to see it light his wise, handsome face. He looked expectantly at her.

“I didn’t know Sol long, but I’m almost positive I know what he’d say you should do,” she said.

“Mari,Sun Priestis more than just a title. It’s a life’s work, and a life’s calling,” he said.

Mari nodded somberly. “You’re speaking to Moon Woman for Clan Weaver. I understand about being reluctant to take up your life’s calling, but sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and then do your best.”

“Hell, Nik, someone has to do it, don’t they?” Antreas said.

“You’re right, Antreas. And that someone is me.” He locked eyes with Davis. “You know what this means, don’t you? What we must do if we are truly starting a new Tribe.”

Davis nodded slowly. “We’ll have to go back for at least one of them.”