Page 26 of Wind Rider

He barked twice, wagging his tail enthusiastically—and his enthusiasm was mirrored by the other Shepherds.

“They don’t seem afraid,” Mari said to Nik.

“Shepherds are strong swimmers,” said Nik. “A lot stronger than we are. If they’re worried or frightened, it’s only for us. Or the Terriers.”

“Wait, they can’t swim?” asked Mari.

“They can,” Davis told her as he tucked Cammy under his seat. “Just not very well and not for a very long time.”

“How about young Shepherds?” asked Jaxom, sounding as sick as Mari was trying not to feel.

“Very young Shepherds, or Terriers, can swim, but not well. Your Fortina isn’t that young anymore. She’s a big, strong girl. Don’t worry, Jaxom. She’ll be fine.”

Davis petted Fortina. They didn’t have a ballast on their canoe, but she was lying under Jaxom’s seat, her head poking up to give Davis a doggy grin.

“All ready?” Antreas asked.

Shouts of“Ready!”rang across the water.

“All right. Here we go! Stroke! Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!”

The Pack took up the cadence Antreas called until the night pulsed with their tempo.

Antreas and Danita led. The next boat behind them was one of the biggest, carrying O’Bryan with Jenna, Sarah, Lydia, Lily, and Dove. Mari kept glancing forward. She could see that everyone except the eyeless Dove was paddling, even Lydia. Mari made a mental note to check theburn wounds on her back when they stopped for the night. And with her next glance Mari noticed that even though Dove wasn’t paddling, she was calling cadence with Antreas in a strong, clear voice.

Mari watched the current grab the boats, causing them to dip crazily and even spin a little, but as soon as they were past the ruins the boats shot forward, righting themselves quickly.

Mari’s nerves had quieted considerably by the time there were only three boats left to cross the obstacle. They’d paddled close to the ruined bridge, where they paused, catching their breaths and readying themselves.

“All right, we’re next,” Sora said, glancing nervously back at Mari.

“You can do it,” Mari called to her. “Just keep those puppies safe.”

“Chloe isn’t going anywhere.” Sora patted the lump in the pouchlike carrier strapped to her chest.

“I have the rest of the pups,” said Rose, who had positioned herself sitting on the hull with her Companion, the mama Terrier, Fala, crouched there with her and the remaining four pups snuggled against them.

“We’ve got this,” Sheena said. “Just keep cadence with me.”

“It’s going to be okay,” said Davis. He and Jaxom were directly behind Sora and Sheena’s boat.

“Ready, go! Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!” shouted Sheena, and they began to row in time with the cadence she called.

Davis and Jaxom waited, giving them time to get a couple boat lengths ahead, then Davis picked up Sheena’s cadence, and off they went.

“Our turn,” Nik said, glancing over his shoulder at Mari.

“I’m ready.” She really wasn’t, but she wiped her sweaty hands on her pants, gripped the paddle, and was ready when Nik shouted “Go!”

Only he didn’t shout “Go.” Instead they heard a terrified scream.

It was the boat Sheena and Sora were in. As they approached the hulking ruin of the bridge, a log suddenly crossed their path. Spewed from the swirling current, it rammed into their boat, causing it to veer sideways and pitch dangerously.

“Don’t stop!” Antreas’s shout merged with Rose’s second scream, and then Mari saw Rosetry to stand!

The young Companion was gripping the side of the boat as it lurched, almost capsizing. She pointed behind her into the dark, frothy waters, screaming, “A puppy! A puppy fell out!” Then Rose had to grab Fala as the mama Terrier tried to jump overboard to save her pup. “Help her!” Rose shrieked. “Save her!”

“Oh, Great Goddess, no!” Mari gasped as she watched the pup’s little head go under the waves and then reappear as she bravely tried to stay afloat.