Page 30 of Wind Rider

“You’re right, but a small barrel only has enough mead in it for everyone to have about one mug each. And it’ll help those of us who have almost never slept outside our burrows relax and maybe actuallysleep,” Mari explained.

“Ah, right you are. I need to remember how wise my Moon Woman is,” said Antreas, bowing his head respectfully to her.

“Make that MoonWomenand you’d be right,” corrected Mari. “But we’re in this together, and we’ll only make it by working as a team, so if you have something to say about one of our decisions don’t hesitate to speak up. I don’t want to make the same mistakes others before me have made.”

“By not listening?” Antreas asked.

“Yes, and also by thinking that Sora and I have the only opinions that count.”

Davis and Cammy approached them. Davis was carrying a full armload of dry driftwood, and Cammy proudly dragged a log that was almost bigger than the tenacious little Terrier, which had Mari laughing.

“Good job, Cammyman!” The Terrier huffed happily, but didn’t let go of his log.

“Mari, maybe you should remind the Earth Walkers to unpack the new travel cloaks they wove. There aren’t any trees on this island for us to hammock ourselves into with them tonight, but they’re excellent to use as barriers against the ground, too,” said Davis.

“Good idea, Davis,” Mari said. “Go ahead and be sure the Packunderstands how to use their cloaks and I’ll check on Wilkes and Claudia.”

“Mari, it would be a good idea for everyone to form a circle around the campfire,” Antreas said.

“Okay, that sounds good,” Mari agreed. “Can you let the Pack know, Davis?”

“Of course! Cammy and I will take care of it. Come on, Cammyman!” Davis headed down the shoreline toward the flat, sandy area where several of the women, along with Mason and Jaxom, were beginning to build a large fire.

“Mari! I need to hug you so I know you’re real” Danita hurried up to Mari, with Bast trotting beside her. She put her arms around her Moon Woman, holding Mari close and whispering, “I was so afraid the Tribe captured you and Nik.”

“Well, the Tribe, or rather Thaddeus, has a tendency to underestimate Nikandme. Tonight I was grateful for that,” Mari said. “You seem to be getting good at maneuvering your boat. I may need you to give me lessons. Nik hates the river and I haven’t made my mind up about it yet, but I’m leaning toward a respectful dislike.”

“No problem, Mari! I had a good teacher.” Danita smiled quickly at Antreas. “I’ll try to be as good a teacher for you.”

“Thank you.” Mari snuck a look at Antreas. He was watching Danita with a sweet and completely besotted expression. Mari cleared her throat. “Um, Danita, would you like to help me check on Wilkes and Claudia?”

“Oh, yes! But before that, what would you like to do about Dove and Lily?” Danita asked.

“Lily?”

“Dove’s friend, who is also obviously her servant, though I don’t think she wants us to know that,” Danita said, lowering her voice. “I helped them out of their boat. They’re over by where the fire’s being built.”

Mari chewed her lower lip, thinking. “Well, Sora has basically welcomed them into the Pack, right?”

“Yes, but only after Dove swore to only tell her, or you, the truth,” Antreas said.

“Then they’re part of the Pack,” Mari said firmly. “And that’s a good thing. We can learn a lot from them. Let’s be sure they’re comfortable. This must be difficult, especially for sightless Dove. As soon as I’m able I’ll talk with them and see what kind of skills they have.”

“I’m going to be sure all the boats are properly moored, and then we should set the watch schedule. Would you like to assign watch duties or ask for volunteers?” Antreas asked.

“Ask. And let no one stand watch alone. They should at least be in pairs. The more eyes watching, the better,” Mari decided.

“And it’s harder to accidentally fall asleep if you have someone to talk to,” said Danita. She scratched Bast’s chin, which had the big feline purring loudly. “I’ll take first watch with Bast.”

“Would you mind if I watched with the two of you?” Antreas asked.

Danita’s gaze met his. She didn’t smile, but her expression gentled. “No, I wouldn’t mind. But you’ll have to ask your Lynx. You know she thinks for herself.”

Antreas snorted. “Boy, do I.”

Bast coughed at her Companion, but Mari thought she saw a mischievous glint in the Lynx’s yellow eyes.

“Come on, Mari. I’ll take you to Claudia and Wilkes. And it looks like Sora and Nik are back with a medicine basket and the food!”