Page 111 of Wind Rider

And then realized her mistake as soon as the God’s dark eyes skewered her. “You use his name. How well do you know him,Ralina?” He drew out her name, as if it were a secret that had been whispered only to Him.

“Not well at all.” Ralina kept her voice calm, as if she and the God were talking of nothing more important than the color of the sky or whether it might rain the next day. “He was hired by the Tribe several times. I’m not sure how many. Thaddeus would probably know. As a Hunter he probably would have consulted with any Lynx guide being tasked by the Tribe. Hunters often accompanied guides on short journeys to be sure they weren’t slowed down by carrying too many supplies.” She sat up straighter, as if she’d just had a thought. “Have you asked Thaddeus where he believes the Lynx man might have gotten to? I’m sure he’s worked with Dax in the past.”

“Thaddeus is leading our Hunters on his trail. I would not be surprised if he returned any moment with the Lynx man.”

“I will be sure to note Thaddeus’s hunting prowess in this chapter of your tale, my Lord.” Then Ralina waited for the reaction she knew her words would evoke—which came in the space of a single breath.

“If you mention Thaddeus it should be that he followed my command to return the forsworn Lynx man to face his punishment,” Death scoffed. “Thaddeus is not terribly good at thinking for himself, and without his canine he is no longer much of a Hunter.”

Death’s dismissal of Thaddeus had Ralina feeling a rush of hope. Getting rid of Thaddeus wouldn’t restore the Tribe of the Trees, but it would rid them of a constant and malicious voice who was as cruel as Death, and even more petty.

“It will be as you say, my Lord.” Ralina bowed her head.

“Did you not say you came to me directly from your nest?” Death asked.

Not sure where He was taking the conversation, Ralina was instantly on guard. “Yes, my Lord. I seem to have overslept, and would like to thank you for the nest you provided for me.”

He waved away her thanks. “While we wait for Thaddeus and the Hunters to return, join me in breaking your fast.” He pushed away the bloody hunk of fetid meat the Attendant had been feeding Him, and wiped His greasy mouth on the back of His hand. “Little Rabbit, scamper over to Ralina and give her and her magnificent canine some of these choice cuts.”

Ralina’s stomach revolted as Rabbit stood. “No, thank you, my Lord,” she said quickly. “Bear and I will eat after I finish recording this day’s tale.”

“It was not a request, Storyteller. It was a command.”

Ralina put her hand up, palm out, halting Rabbit—who looked frightened and confused. She’d known this day was going to come. Ralina had thought long about what she would say—how she would convince Death to listen to her. She didn’t know if what she’d decided on would work—but she did know she had one shot at it.

If she failed, Ralina had already decided that she would kill herself and her beloved Bear, rather than cut living flesh from her Companion and turn herself into a monster.

“My Lord, I must ask a great favor of you.”

That got the God’s attention—as she knew it would. Death loved to appear magnanimous, often granting favors to those loyal to Him. Of course, He took away those same favors, and much more, the instant He perceived a lack of loyalty.

“Speak, Storyteller. I will consider granting the favor you beseech of me.” He steepled His fingers and leaned forward, His foul breath smelling of rot.

“I ask that you allow me to be free of the sloughing disease until I have finished your tale.”

“And why would I allow that? You will be stronger, better, after joining your flesh with your Shepherd’s.”

“That is true, my Lord. But it is also true that sometimes confusion—even delirium—fill the person who has been infected. I have noted that those symptoms can last even after The Cure has been initiated. I must have a clear head if I am to record your glorious tale. Though I am looking forward to the added strength I will have after joining with Bear,” she lied, “your story is simply too important to risk not being able to tell it well.”

Ralina held her breath and waited.

After a pause that felt endless, Death said, “I can see the logic in what you say. Were you not my only Storyteller I might test your theory—for joining with your Shepherd could also enhance your abilities. And perhaps youneedyour abilities enhanced. I have not heard any of my tale. All I have heard from you are stories not my own.”

Ralina’s empty stomach threatened to revolt and she was afraid for a moment that she would spew bile all over the God’s platform. She swallowed quickly, willing herself to be calm.

“My Lord, I have told you that I do not like to speak any part of a tale that is incomplete. Often I must revise and change it—especially the beginning—to better reflect the end. I know you wouldn’t want—”

“I am a God! You knownothingof what I want except for what I tell you—and I tell you that I want to hear the beginning of my tale—now.Or, if you’d rather, you may break your fast with me.” His cruel blue eyes glittered maliciously as he stared at her.

From below there were several shouts, and then the Hunters and Warriors who had accepted the change burst into view below.

The God said nothing. He sat staring at Ralina while the men rushed up to His platform. Only when Thaddeus stood before Him, breathing hard and bowing deeply, did Death take his eyes from Ralina.

“I do not see the Lynx or the man with you,” Death said.

“My Lord, we could not track him.” Thaddeus spoke in angry bursts. “The bastard and his cat used the trees as their pathway—not touching the ground, leaping from pine to pine. They reached the Channel. We picked up his trail there, but he stole a canoe and headed into the river. It is impossible to track him on water.”

Death nodded. “It is as I suspected.”