Page 65 of Wind Rider

“Drums are a must,” Nik explained. “Any other instruments are a plus.”

Sora stood and cupped her hands around her mouth to shout, “Drum circle! We need you!”

The Pack was scattered all along the beach, working on projects, unloading supplies, or simply resting, but when they heard Sora’s call several Earth Walkers stopped what they were doing, unpacked their drums, and joined the growing group around the campfire.

Nik and the other ex-Tribers were clearing an area close by, removing large rocks, washed-up branches, and any big pieces of river debris. When they seemed satisfied, Nik approached the Earth Walkers, who waited patiently with their drums.

“It would be good if you sat here.” He pointed to a spot in front of the campfire within the area of beach he and the others had just cleared. “We’re going to dance there.” Nik gestured to the cleared area. “The rhythm of your drumbeats really doesn’t matter, as long as it’s consistent, but a four- or eight-count beat is best.”

“They should start with a four count,” Wilkes said, and Mari thought that even that gnarled old Warrior looked eager to dance. “That’s easiest to learn.”

“You’re right,” said Nik. “How about something with a four-count beat, about at this speed.” Nik clapped his hands in a rhythm that was brisk, but not difficult to follow.

“Like this?” asked one of the Earth Walkers, repeating Nik’s rhythm on her drum.

“That’s perfect! Okay, keep that up.” Nik turned to Davis, Wilkes, Claudia, Sheena, and Rose. “Ready?”

“Yes!” they shouted, and their canines barked eagerly.

“Take your places. I’ll do some explaining and then we’ll start.” Nik faced the Pack. By now the entire Pack had gathered, even Mason and Davis, who had finished fishing and were cleaning their catch riverside, but also watching the proceedings closely. “The shadow dance is a way canines and Companions practice silently using the bond between them. When it works well, our canines can read our minds as well as our bodies. When we dance together we give no verbal cues to our canines.” Nik paused and nodded at Bast. “Orour felines.” Bast chirped at Nik as if to thank him, causing the Pack to chuckle. “The goal is to move as one with the beat of the drums.”

“Are there rules we have to follow?” asked Jaxom nervously.

“None except not speaking, but you can communicate mentally with Fortina—and you will. It’s something our canines do naturally. Just relax and open yourself to her, and don’t forget to have fun. We’ll start,and then when you feel comfortable, please join us. You, too, Sora and Mari.”

“Rose? Is Chloe too little?” Sora called to Rose, who had already taken her position with Fala.

Rose considered for a moment, and then shrugged. “I’ve never known a pup so young to join the shadow dance, but that’s because I don’t believe a pup so young has ever Chosen her Companion before. Chloe is special. Fala and I agree that you should try the dance with her.”

“I’ll stir the stew so you and Chloe can move closer and watch,” said Spencer.

Mari made a mental note to give the girl more responsibility. She seemed to always be willing to help, and she liked her bright, happy eyes.

“Thank you, Spence.” Sora picked up Chloe and moved to a place where she and the pup could see more clearly.

Mari and Rigel, with Jaxom and Fortina beside them, followed her.

Nik and Laru took a place in the center of the others. He shot a grin at Mari and then nodded to the drummers. “We’re ready!”

The drumming began—a sonorous beat that was to the count of four. The drumbeats echoed off the river, which turned the sound liquid and lovely.

Mari forgot about the drums and the river and everything but the Companion pairs before her as they began to move together. Her breath caught at the grace of the canines as they easily mimicked the movements of their Companions. Nik’s feet tapped out a pretty pattern in time with the beats of the drums, and Laru shadowed him so closely and completely that it seemed the two were one. The group moved in a circle, slowly at first, using easy steps, and then Claudia lifted her hands, clapping in counter time to the drumbeats as she turned in quick, graceful circles. Mariah’s gaze was locked on her Companion as the Shepherd mirrored each of Claudia’s movements.

Then Rose did the same thing, clapping with Claudia and twirling around—even faster—as Fala agilely stayed with her, little black paws blurring with speed.

Davis whooped and began a series of jumps and side steps that Cammy copied perfectly as he grinned a tongue-lolling canine smile.

Nik broke from the group, sprinting to Mari and taking her hand. His face was flushed and he was breathing fast—and joy radiated from him. “Come on! You and Rigel will be great!”

Mari wasn’t so sure they’d be “great,” but she was eager to try. As she and Rigel joined the shadow dancers, Mari saw Rose gesturing to Sora to join her. For a moment Jaxom and Fortina were left standing by themselves, looking lost. Then Claudia rushed to him, taking the young Earth Walker’s hand and pulling him into the circle with her as Fortina barked with happiness.

“How do I start?” Mari asked Nik.

“Just let the beat of the drums guide your feet. Think about Rigel. He’ll be watching you and he’ll also be inside your mind.” Then Nik began moving with the drumbeat, and Laru fell into step beside him, dancing with a light-footedness that belied his size.

“Let’s do this, sweet boy,” Mari said to Rigel. She stared down at the half-grown pup and felt him there, joined in her mind. She began dancing, and Rigel matched her every step. As they moved around the circle with the others, Mari realized the Pack had joined in—they were clapping with the drumbeats. Then there was the lilting sound of a flute trilling with the drums and, finally, women’s voices, singing wordlessly with the rhythm that filled the air, creating a lilting melody.

Mari felt as if she and Rigel were flying! She spared a quick glance at Sora and Chloe. Sora was moving more slowly than the other dancers, but the tiny pup was keeping up with her—and Sora’s face was radiant with joy.