Page 150 of Wind Rider

“Mine was a crash course,” said Sora. “And I’ve loved every minute of it.”

“Rose is right, though.” Mari spoke up. “Earth Walkers don’t know anything about newborn puppies. What are the rules?”

Rose looked at Claudia, who nodded encouragement. “Go ahead. Isn’t this Fala’s second litter?”

“It is,” Rose said. “And I’d be happy to explain.” She faced the gathered Pack, who were all listening raptly. “It’s simple if you use common sense. Their eyes are closed for from one to two weeks. During that time they need to be close to their mother.” She paused to smile at Mariah and her Fala, who was peering into the basket while her tail wagged and wagged and wagged. “They shouldn’t be handled too much during the first couple of weeks. They need sleep and milk. But once their eyes are open and they begin waddling around our whole Tribe used to mother them, especially when the weaning process begins at four weeks old—though they aren’t fully weaned until they’re about eight weeks old. But you’ve watched Fala wean her pups, and you have all been wonderful with them. Just do the same for Mariah’s babies, and know if you have any questions please do ask me or anyone who used to belong to the Tribe.”

“I have a question. I don’t mean to get ahead of myself because they’re just born, and I understand I might never get as lucky as my brother and no canine may ever pick me.” Mason paused, glancing at Jaxom, who was petting his Fortina as they crowded in to get a glimpse of the pups. “But Chloe Chose Sora really early, right?”

“Right,” Rose said. “I’ve never known of a pup to Choose a Companion so early. Have you, Wilkes?”

Wilkes shook his head. “No, never.”

“My Chloe is spectacular,” said Sora.

“Well, yeah, of course she is,” said Mason. “But when do pups usually start to Choose their Companions?”

“Anytime after they’re weaned,” Rose said.

“But I’ve never known a pup to go past six months before they Choose.Well, I’ll take that back. I know ofonepup who waited really late to Choose his Companion, but that was because his Companion wasn’t part of the Tribe,” Nik said, grinning at Mari.

“My Rigel is spectacular, too,” Mari mimicked Sora.

Cammy barked and Davis said quickly, “My Cammyman isveryspectacular!” Which caused the Pack to laugh as the little Terrier wagged the bandaged stub of his tail.

“In honor of our spectacular canines I would very much like someone to hunt something for dinner that doesnotlive under the water. I’ve saved the last of the spices from my Saleesh trade to season a victory stew—and I do not want it to be a fish stew,” said Sora.

There was a flurry of activity as several people agreed to hunt, Rose included, as Fala was currently the only Terrier able to be a Hunter. She went to her boat and unloaded her crossbow and a quiver of arrows, and was calling for Fala to join her when Mari, whose boat was beached beside Rose’s, noticed that the little mama Terrier seemed agitated when she ran to her Companion. Rose knelt and communed with her canine, and then her face split into a brilliant smile. Rose stood, cupped her hands around her mouth, and shouted for the Pack to hear.

“A puppy is Choosing!”

Mari felt a jolt of happy shock and her gaze instantly found Nik’s, who was smiling in delight. He cupped his hands around his mouth, too, and shouted joyfully, “A puppy is Choosing!”

Wilkes took up the cry, and Claudia echoed it.

Mari was looking around the beach, trying to tell which of the fat little Terrier pups was Choosing, when Jenna hurried up to Claudia and Mariah, carrying a folded hemp blanket.

“I thought Mariah might need a fresh blanket for tonight, and I wove an extra one on the lake. I’ll wash the others and hang them out and then…” She paused, almost tripping over one of Fala’s puppies. “Oh, I didn’t see you there, little one. I’m sorry, I—” Jenna’s words broke off abruptly and she froze, half bent to pet the pup, who was sitting on his haunches staring up at her, whining pitifully.

Jenna went to her knees, dropping the blanket. She pulled the pup into her arms. “Oh, Khan! Oh, sweet boy! Of course I want you! Of course I love you! You are absolutely perfect!”

Fala’s muzzle went skyward and she howled her delight, and every canine on the beach followed her lead, even Khan’s siblings.

Nik took Mari’s hand and together they went to Jenna. She looked up at them, her eyes swimming with happy tears.

“His name is Khan. H-he Chose me!”

“Jenna, do you accept this pup and vow to love and care for him until fate parts you by death?” Nik asked formally.

“Oh, yes! Yes, I do!”

“Then may the Sun bless your union with Khan,” Nik said, smiling joyfully.

“And also may the Great Earth Mother bless you and your new Companion,” added Mari. She bent to hug Jenna and Khan together, whispering, “I’m so, so happy for you!”

“Oh, Mari! I didn’t know I could feel like this!” Jenna wiped tears from her eyes as she stared at her Companion.

“And it only gets better from here.” Mari ruffled the fur on the top of Rigel’s head as he licked Khan and Jenna.