Page 35 of Wind Rider

“Mostly,” Mari said. “But Cammy is a blond Terrier, which means his fur is lighter in color, and I think it is a little softer than the darker Terriers’, but they are very much alike. The Shepherds can have different coats, though. Claudia’s Mariah has longer fur than Laru and Rigel, and Captain, Sheena’s big Shepherd, has fur that is shorter and coarser than the fur on most of the Shepherds I’ve seen.”

“And Shepherds and Terriers live well together, even though they are so different in size?” Lily asked as she petted Cammy, who obligingly licked her hand.

“Whether they get along or not seems to be a personality thing, and not a size thing. But, yes, they mostly do seem to get along well,” Mari said.

“I like this little Cammy Terrier quite a lot,” Lily pronounced. Thenshe sent a nervous look to Mari and hastily added, “Though I mean no disrespect to you or any Shepherd—they’re just so big and intimidating.”

“You didn’t offend me. I understand. I’ve only been a Companion for a few months. Truthfully, I’m still getting used to their size. I was shocked by Laru’s size when I met him for the first time.”

A whistle came from the far side of the circle, causing every canine ear in the Pack to lift expectantly. Then Davis’s voice called, “Terriers! Shepherds! Time to eat!”

Cammy sprinted from Dove’s lap and Rigel looked at Mari expectantly, whining and drooling.

“Go, sweet boy!” He took off, kicking sand and dirt behind him as he barked joyously.

“They must be hungry,” Dove said.

“They think they’realwayshungry,” Mari said.

“Moon Woman, your stew.” Jenna approached with a wooden bowl filled with steaming food and a big hunk of bread protruding from the middle of it.

“Thank you, Jenna,” Mari said. “Would you please show Lily where the bowls are so that she and Dove may eat?”

“Yes, of course. Lily, come with me. Everything is over by the fire and the cauldron, and when you’re done we each clean our own bowl and then repack it with the others.”

Lily nodded shyly and followed Jenna. Sora joined Mari. She put her travel cloak on the ground beside her and then sat with a groan of relief. “It feels good to just sit on ground that doesn’t move. My shoulders are really tired from that paddling.”

“Hello, Moon Woman Sora,” Dove said.

“Hello, Dove. Are you and Lily settling in?” Sora asked.

“Yes, Mari was letting me feel the canines. I believe I like them very much,” said Dove as Lily returned with bowls of steaming stew and bread for them both.

“Feel the canines?” Sora spoke around a mouthful of stew.

Before Mari could explain Dove replied. “Yes, as I have no eyes the way I see is through touch.”

“Huh. Makes sense,” Sora said. Chloe poked her head up from the sleeping ball she’d formed deep in the pouch Sora had rigged to strap to her chest and keep her very young Companion close to her. The pup sniffed the air and then yapped insistently. Sora kissed her indulgently on the nose before dunking a small piece of bread in the fragrant stew and letting the pup lick at it.

“Is that your Companion I hear, Sora?” Dove asked.

“Yes. She isn’t weaned yet, but she likes trying to eat on her own. Mostly whatever I’m eating.” Sora looked at Dove contemplatively. “I would let you see her with your touch after you’re finished eating if you would like.”

“I would very much. Thank you.” Dove paused before continuing. “You are showing great trust in me, and I am honored by that.”

“You gave your word that you would be truthful with us,” Sora said in a matter-of–fact manner. “When we accepted that word we chose to trust you.”

“And we will trust you unless you give us reason not to,” Mari said.

“W-what happens if you become angry at us?” Lily asked softly.

“Angry?” Mari said. “You mean because you’re lying?”

“No!” Lily said quickly. “My mistress and I would not lie, not after she gave you her word.”

“In the Pack Mari and I settle disputes. If you have problems with someone or something, you should come to us,” said Sora.

“You called Dove your mistress,” Mari said as Nik joined their little group, sharing Mari’s cloak. “What do you mean by that?”