Page 29 of Wind Rider

“You are right.” Sora stepped up to Jaxom. “It does take being Chosen by a canine to understand the love and the bond that makes them such an important part of our lives, but that doesn’t make what you did any less heroic. Thank you Jaxom.”

Mari watched Jaxom’s eyes fill with emotion, and understood it was the first time since Leda’s death that Sora had spoken with empathy to him. She hoped it was a beginning for the young Clansman to find true forgiveness for himself.

The Lynx man moved as soundlessly as his big feline, and he seemed to materialize from the center of the island.

“Good job saving the pup,” Antreas said as he joined them. “But you took a major risk. Youandthe pup could have drowned. Rose, let’s be sure those babies are strapped in better tomorrow.”

“I already have an idea for that. I’ll work on weaving it tonight,” she said.

“Is all the Pack on land?” Mari asked.

“Yes, I’ve counted everyone. No one was lost. So far—so good.”

“It would do wonders for morale if we could light a fire, but only if you think we’ll be safe,” Mari said.

“I agree. That’s why I was so relieved to see Spirit Island above water. We’ve been traveling steadily for almost five hours. It’ll be dawn in another five. Let’s build a fire on the beach, set lookouts, and rest until dawn.”

Mari felt giddy with relief. “That sounds wonderful! Pack!” she shouted down the beach so everyone would hear. “Gather firewood! Light a blaze! We rest for the night here.”

The shout that sounded from her Pack had Mari grinning.

“That’s great news,” Nik said. “I’ll help unload the supplies we need for tonight. I’m starving! Should I also have O’Bryan and Davis drop a few lines in the river to see what we can catch?”

“I don’t know much about river fishing, but I do know we can dig up some wapato roots and bury them in the coals.”

“Wouldn’t you rather have my stew and freshly baked bread?” Sora said.

“That makes me want to kiss you,” teased Nik.

“Oh, I don’t require kisses,” Sora said, grinning. “Just flattery and devotion.”

“If you can produce one of your stewsandyour bread you’ll have both from me, you gracious, magickal Moon Woman.” Mari bowed to Sora with a flourish that had the two of them giggling.

“It wasn’t that difficult. I baked the extra bread yesterday and packed the makings of stew in the big cauldron from the Birthing Burrow. All I need do is have someone unpack the cauldron and hang it over the fire while I add water. I do hope I wrapped the bread well enough that it stayed dry.”

“Show me where those things are packed and I’ll bring them here,” said Nik. “O’Bryan!” he shouted.

“Cuz?”

“Get that hearthfire made so that Sora’s stew can simmer.”

“I’m on it!” O’Bryan said.

Nik kissed Mari quickly before starting to move toward the beached line of boats with Sora. Mari called after them, “Hey, we’ll need to brew some healing tea for Claudia and Wilkes.”

“Yes, of course. I’ll unpack the baskets with the herbs as well,” Sora said.

“Moon Woman?”

Mari turned to see the young Earth Walker named Spencer approaching her shyly. “Yes, Spencer?”

“I brought as much of the mead as space would allow. Do you think it appropriate to open one of the small barrels tonight?”

“Yes! That’s a great idea—but only a small barrel, okay?”

Spencer’s smile was impish. “Of course, Moon Woman!” And she rushed off.

“Getting drunk tonight would be a bad idea,” said Antreas.