Page 152 of Wind Rider

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It took three full days to deconstruct the boats and then rework them into litters that could be dragged or carried through the mountains. Each day made Mari more impressed with her Pack. They worked as one harmoniously. Because there were no settlements nearby, rabbits were thick in the forest just off the beach. And early on day two Rose and Fala brought down a huge stag, which Sora immediately set to smoking in long strips of jerky while Adira worked with Davis to expertly render the hide for tanning.

It was the morning of the fourth day when they were finally ready to enter the Rock Mountains.

“You’ve done so well!” Antreas congratulated the Pack that morning as they lined up, litters ready and supplies tucked away in every possible place—including packed to the backs of humans and canines. Even Bast carried a skinful of water and a sleeping pelt strapped across her back. “You know I was worried about our timing when we began this journey.”

The Pack nodded and held their breath, waiting to hear the rest of Antreas’s speech.

“But I’m not worried anymore. We’ve made better time than I thought possible. Do you think you can keep it up?”

“Yes!” the Pack shouted as one.

“Then by my predictions we will exit the Rock Mountains and enter the Plains of the Wind Riders right around the last day of summer. That’ll give us enough time to build a temporary camp that will withstand the winter and petition the Wind Riders for the right to make it permanent.”

“But what if they reject us? Will they make us go back through the mountains?” Adira’s voice lifted from the middle of the Pack.

“If they reject us they will force us to leave their territory, but they are not inhumane. I have never known them to cast people out into the winter who have caused them no harm,” said Antreas.

“They won’t reject us,” Mari said firmly. “Being allied with our Pack is an asset. We have valuable skills, and we are looking for nothing more than a peaceful place to settle.”

“Yes, and it won’t hurt if you weave that gift cloak we’ve talked about,” said Antreas.

“The one for the—what did you call her?” Adira asked.

“The Lead Mare Rider,” Antreas said. “Like the Pack, Wind Riders are led by women, and those women all are Riders of the Lead Mare for each Herd.”

“We will weave her something she’ll never forget,” said Adira.

“I have no doubt about that,” said Antreas. “Now, just a reminder.” He backed up a few feet and then stood on a fallen log that made him several inches taller. “What I’m standing on is the beginning of what we call the Rail Trail. We are going to follow these iron rails all the way across these mountains. We’ll lose them in several spots, but you don’t need to be concerned about that. I’ve made this trip many times. I know how to follow the Rail Trail, even when it temporarily disappears.”

“There aren’t any people who live here?” Jenna asked. With Sora’s help she’d made a sling for Khan, much like the one Chloe was outgrowing, but Sora, Rose, and Jenna had agreed that the pups would need to be carried frequently, especially in the beginning of the journey through the mountains. Khan was securely tucked close against Jenna’s chest, hisbright black eyes peeking out and taking in everything as he sniffed the air with youthful curiosity.

“Well, there are several Lynx Chains that make their dens in the Rock Mountains, but I doubt if we’ll meet any of them; this time of year is busy for guides. There are also small groups of mountain people, those who, for whatever reason, would rather live secluded lives in the mountains, though they’re always in the lower elevations. I’ve only run into a few of the mountain people. They’re a strange lot who spend the vast majority of their time stockpiling food stores. Once it starts to snow they’re trapped until the spring thaw.”

“Sounds like a lonely way to live,” said Jenna.

“Lonely, but peaceful,” said Antreas.

“And the worst predator we’re going to run into are the wolverines?” asked Jaxom.

“Yes, but predators don’t get much worse than wolverines. Remember that even though they’re only a little bigger than a Terrier, they have claws and teeth to rival Bast’s.” The big Lynx coughed, and Antreas added, “Though their sight is not as good as Bast’s—nor is their hearing.”

The Pack chuckled.

“They’re solitary, which is good for us, as I can’t imagine trying to fight off more than one of them. What isn’t good for us is their ability to scent us from quite a distance. Expect that a wolverine is following us at all times. They will rarely attack if we stay together, but wander off alone and you will probably not return.”

“No one goes anywhere alone,” Mari said.

“Not even Hunters,” Antreas added. “The only reason you were able to hunt alone here is because wolverines don’t leave the mountains. Once we enter this pass we stay together. And when we reach the creeping juniper line we must be vigilant, especially at night. Wolverines prefer to hunt at night, and make their dens at the snow line near juniper groves.”

“Anything else frightening up there?” Spencer asked, giving the mountains a wary look.

“Until we get to the snow line, beware of snakes. If their heads areshaped like a triangle they are poisonous. But once it gets cold you don’t have to worry about them anymore.”

“Doesn’t sound as bad as the damned Mouths and Monkeys,” Davis said.

The Pack murmured in agreement, breaking the tension and nervousness that had begun to build.