Page 69 of Sun Warrior

“I must go, Moon Woman.”

Mari said nothing for several moments, and when she did she spoke a single word that echoed across the Gathering.

“Why?”

“I must make amends for what I have done.”

Nik thought Mari would ask how he was going to do that or maybe insist that he stay—for all they knew, Jaxom was theonlymale Clansman left alive and sane. But she simply bowed her head briefly in acknowledgment, saying,“Go with my blessing, Jaxom. I hope to see you here again on Third Night to be Washed.”

Jaxom bowed again deeply to her before he turned to face the Clan. “I hope someday you can forgive me,” he said. Then he walked out of the circle of light and safety and warmth and disappeared into the dark, silent forest.

When he was gone, all attention returned to Mari. She knelt beside her friend, who appeared to be soundly asleep, curled on her side like a pretty child. Mari raised one arm, palm up and open as if she would cup the moon. Her other hand rested tenderly on Sora’s head.

“Come, silver light—fill me to overflow

So that she who is in my care, your healing touch will know.”

Pure silver light, more perfect than the most beautiful glass or mirror that had ever been salvaged from Port City, cascaded from the sky down into Mari, as if she was a human beacon—a signal fire blazing in the darkness.

“By right of blood and birth channel through me

that which the Earth Mother proclaims my destiny!”

Mari completed the invocation, and the radiance that filled her body glistened briefly, and then Nik could actually see it pouring from Mariinto Sora. Almost immediately Sora’s eyes began to move under her closed lids. Her body went rigid, like she’d been stung by something, and then it was as if her bones liquefied and she relaxed against the earth, her lips lifting in a contented smile as her eyelids fluttered open. She contemplated Mari, her expression filled with bliss.

“Oo-o-o-h! You look like an enormous glowworm!”

Just a few feet away, Antreas attempted, and failed, to stifle his laughter.

Nik watched Mari roll her eyes and lower her hand, and like she’d snuffed a candle, the glistening light that had filled her to overflowing went out.

“Thank youwould have sufficed,” Mari said sardonically, though Nik could see amusement dancing in her eyes. “How are you feeling?”

“Very loopy headed from that poppy tea,” Sora said, and then she giggled. She sat up, scrutinizing the kneeling crowd with a confused and slightly drunk look. “I obviously missed something.”

“Don’t worry about it. Everything’s fine now,” Mari said. She began to motion for the Clanswomen to rise, but Mari suddenly lost her balance and staggered. Had Rigel not been there to brace her, she would have fallen.

That was all Nik needed. He and Laru were at her side in an instant. “Okay, now you’ve really done too much for one day. I’m taking you home.”

Mari squinted up at him. “What?”

“You called down sunfire and stopped a forest blaze. You danced half the night away. You called down moonlight, admonished an entire Clan, and healed your friend of a terrible disease. Now it’s time someone makes sure you take care of yourself.”

“That someone is you?” Mari attempted a teasing tone, but the paleness of her skin and the dark circles that looked like bruises under her eyes spoke more truly.

“Nik’s right,” Sora said, holding out her hand as if she expected someone to automatically help her up. O’Bryan, who seemed to materialize beside Nik, was suddenly there, taking the young Moon Woman’s handand lifting her gently to her feet. “Thanks, O’Bryan,” she said before continuing to Mari, “I’m sobering up fast. That Washing you did was spectacular. I can’t remember the last time I felt this great. Go on back to our burrow. I’ll stay here and be sure everyone is tucked in for a good, long sleep.”

“But you were just—” Mari began.

“I was just healed by a talented Moon Woman. I’m fine now. Actually, I’m starving. There is stew left, right? And I want a big mug of that ale, too.” Sora glanced toward the center bonfire, just then noticing that the Clan were still on their knees. “Are they in trouble?” she asked Mari quietly.

“Not really. Not anymore. We just had to get past a misunderstanding,” Mari said, keeping her voice low, too.

“I’ll remember this for next Third Night. I like them all kneeling. Makes me feel tall.” Mari shook her head at her friend and gave her a hard look, but Sora laughed and whispered, “I’m kidding. Mostly.” She raised her voice. “Stand! Let’s get back to the eating and drinking and dancing.”

Slowly, the Clan complied, though the joy that had filled them before was muted. The flutes trilled a little melody, coaxing the drums to follow, but no one danced. Instead, the Clan congregated around the center bonfire, scooping steaming stew into carved wooden bowls and separating into small groups to eat and talk.

“What do you want us to do?” O’Bryan asked as he watched Sora filling a bowl.