Page 63 of Wind Rider

“I think we can spare a little garlic and onion to add to the morning scramble,” said Sora.

“That’s going to be delicious!” Danita clapped happily.

“Is this a party that I’m missing?” Nik asked as he and Davis joined them, with Laru, Rigel, and Cammy trotting at their heels.

“No, just girl talk,” Mari said.

“Antreas isn’t a girl,” Davis said.

“What?!” Sora gasped in mock surprise, causing Danita to giggle.

“Hey, Sora, how long do we have until dinner?” Nik asked.

“That depends on whether O’Bryan and Mason are having any success with catching fish.”

“We just checked in with them, and they are,” Nik said.

“They need more time, though,” Davis added. “They said another hour and they’ll have enough fish to fill the stew.”

“And I saw the women digging the wapato,” Antreas said. “They should be bringing you a very large pile soon. I believe after they wash the roots they’re going to collect leaves to wrap them in for baking.”

“Good.” Sora squinted up at the sky. “Then I’d say another couple hours and it’ll be sunset. We’ll Wash the Pack then. Afterwards it’ll be time to eat.”

“Fantastic!” Nik’s eyes glittered with excitement. “That’s definitely enough time.”

“Absolutely! I’ll go get Wilkes, Claudia, Sheena, and Rose,” Davis said before he and Cammy sprinted off down the beach.

“What are you two planning?” Mari asked, smiling at her lover.

“I’m planning to show you how to shadow-dance with Rigel,” Nik said.

“Shadow-dance? What does that mean?” Mari asked.

“It’s a game the Tribe plays, but it’s really more than a game. It’s about the bond between human and canine, and it’s about fun,” said Nik.

“Can Chloe and I play, or is she too young?”

“Chloe Chose a Companion, which means she’s old enough to play, but you could check with Rose to be sure,” said Nik.

“What about Bast and Antreas?” Danita asked.

“Have you ever seen a shadow dance?” Nik asked Antreas.

“I have. Several times, actually.”

“Did you and Bast join in?” Danita asked.

Antreas looked surprised. “Well, no. We were never invited to join.”

“I can change that right now. Antreas, would you and your Companion like to join us in the shadow dance?” Nik asked.

Antreas shared a long look with Bast, and the feline chirped at him, making Antreas grin. “I’d like to accept half of your invitation. Bast wants to dance, but not with me. She wants to dance with Danita.”

“Me?” Danita squeaked.

“Why not? You danced your name to the Goddess. You’re good at dancing,” Antreas said. Bast circled Danita excitedly, rubbing against her and purring.

“Is their connection strong enough?” Nik asked.