Page 161 of Wind Rider

“He’s worried about Lily,” called Claudia. “Say something to him so he knows you’re okay.”

“Oh! Yes, of course,” Lily said. “Little boy, all is well. I simply tripped, but Dove saved me.”

“Well, you were notreallyin danger,” said Dove.

“You wouldn’t say that if you could see where we are,” Lily whispered before raising her voice again and calling to the pup. “Almost to the other side. I promise I will give you an extra-big cuddle soon.”

The pup sat his fat butt down, but continued to whine pitifully.

“Precious baby,” Lily cooed from the bridge. “It’s okay.”

Suddenly Mari saw Lily’s back stiffen. At first she thought the girl had tripped again—until Lily spoke.

“Oh! Oh, my! Your name is Dash! Oh, precious one! I’m coming!”

Nik looked over his shoulder at Lily, and his face broke into a radiant smile.

“The pup has Chosen!” he shouted.

Behind them, O’Bryan took up the call. “The pup has Chosen!”

Lily gasped. “Me? He Chose me?”

Dash stood again and wagged his whole body, yipping excitedly.

“Oh, he did! Dash Choseme!” Lily exclaimed. “I’m coming, my precious one! I’m coming!”

Her voice filled with happiness, Dove was the first to congratulate her friend. “Lily, that is wonderful! I am so, so happy for you!”

“May the Sun bless your union!” Nik said.

“Thank you! Thank you so much!” Lily said.

As soon as the litter had crossed over, Dash jumped from it and started to run toward Lily, who was just a few yards from the end of the bridge.

“Danita, grab him! He could easily slide off the bridge,” Mari called, worry spiking through her as the pup barreled toward the swaying length of rope and wood.

Jenna nodded and reached for the pup, who lunged to the side, trying to avoid being caught.

But Dash had misjudged. He’d moved too far too fast, and his paws slipped on the loose rock. He was going too fast to right himself, and with a scream of terror, the little Terrier slid over the edge of the cliff.

“No!”Lily cried.

Fala’s howl of agony sounded from behind them, echoed by Rose’s grief-stricken shriek.

“Oh, Goddess!” Mari said. “Hurry, Nik!”

They surged from the bridge. Lily was sobbing as she raced to the cliff’s edge. “No! Oh, no no no! Dash! Dash!”

Mari pulled her back. “There’s nothing you can do,” she said as she wiped a tear from Lily’s cheek. “He’s gone.”

“No! He can’t be! I will not let him be!” Lily sobbed. “Dash! Come back to me! Dash!”

From below them came a miserable whine. “It’s him! It’s my Dash!” Lily dropped to her belly, and Mari could think of nothing to do but sit on her legs, trying to anchor her.

“There he is! I see him! He’s on a ledge below us!” Lily cried.

“Tell him to stay calm. We’ll go down and get him,” said Nik.