Page 39 of Wind Rider

Iron Fist hurried past her to the tree, and then sprinted up the winding stairway until he reached the platform that held Death.

“I am pleased you have returned this night, my Blade. I was beginning to think the river had swallowed you whole.” As if He could see behind him, Death spoke without turning.

“No, my Lord. It would not have dared. Even the river knew I had momentous news to bring to my God.”

Death motioned for Iron Fist to join him at the edge of the platform. “Do you see this?” The God ran one massive hand over the intricate carvings that decorated the balustrade.

Confused, Iron Fist glanced at the wooden railing. “I do, my Lord.”

“Its beauty is impressive. I will insist that the Others rebuild our city with this much beauty.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“And I shall also have a canine. One of those huge Shepherds. They fought fiercely today. What do you think of that, Iron Fist?”

“I think you are Death, our beloved Reaper God, and you should have whatever you desire.”

Death clapped him on the shoulder. “Ah, Iron Fist, you give wise and true counsel. Now, tell me the momentous news you bring.”

“I followed the girl. She and her man joined a group on the river. She called it her Pack.”

“What size is this Pack?”

“Under fifty—mostly women.”

“Do they all have canines?”

“No.” Iron Fist shook his head. “I did see some canines, but much fewer than people.”

“The girl who wielded fire—she has a canine Companion, does she not?”

“Yes, I believe she and her man each are bonded to a Shepherd. My Lord, she is a marvel. They cry ‘Moon Woman’ to her. I watched as she drew down the silver power of the moon and healed several people who were with her.”

“Truly?” Death was visibly excited. “She has the ability to heal?”

“She does, my Lord!”

“And her beauty? I could not tell if she was pleasing to the eye—the distance between us was too great.”

“Her skin is smooth. She is young and beautiful.”

“And where is it they are escaping to?” Death asked.

“They travel up the river to a place called the Plains of the Wind Riders. There they plan to make a new home for their Pack.”

“Wind Riders? I do not know of them, but I am quite sure our friends in the Tribe do. You have done well, my Blade.”

“There is more. I did not just see the Moon Woman—I saw those traveling with her. Two of them were very familiar. My Lord, Dove and her servant, Lily, have joined the Pack.”

Death turned slowly to fully face Iron Fist—and the Reaper shiveredat the dark look in the God’s eyes. “MyDove? The vessel for my Consort, the Goddess of Life? Are you quite sure it was she?”

“Absolutely sure, my Lord. I clearly saw her face—and Lily’s as well.” Iron Fist held his breath, terrified Death would somehow blame him for bringing the news of His lover’s escape.

But the Reaper need not have worried. Death’s expression shifted, and the God threw back His head and laughed.

“It is perfect! I felt Dove had served her purpose—that she was only a momentary diversion and unfit to be the vessel for my love, my Consort. And now I know it. I do not need a sightless child. I need a sun warrior—a Healer—a mighty Moon Woman.” Death turned to face His reveling People, speaking with the solemnity that was the Oath of a God. “I shall go after this Moon Woman. Onlyshewill make an appropriate vessel for the Goddess.”

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