Page 72 of Wind Rider

“I think that went pretty well,” said Nik.

“It’ll definitely give the rest of the Earth Walker women, especially the older ones, something to talk about,” said Mari.

“Which is exactly why you just had that conversation with her.”

Mari looked up at him. “How did you know that?”

Nik slid his arm around her shoulder, drawing her closer to him. “Oh, I know things, Moon Woman.Lotsof things.”

“Oh, really?”

“Really. For instance, you want the women talking about the changes you and Sora are making so that as you make them they’re not too shocking.”

“I hope it’s a good strategy,” Mari said.

“I think it is.”

They joined the group around the campfire, who were watching Sora try to teach the Companions the intricate steps to the Weaver’s Tune, which O’Bryan seemed to be picking up quickly.

“Your cousin has skills,” Mari said. “That’s a tough dance.”

“I think his skills have something to do with his beautiful teacher,” Nik said.

“You think Sora is beautiful?” Mari didn’t ask out of jealousy. She was truly curious. Earth Walkers and Companions had several differences in their appearances. Earth Walkers were shorter, with darker skin, hair, and eyes, as well as thicker features. The Tribe of the Trees people were tall and predominantly blond, with more delicate features. Mari thought both peoples were beautiful, but since she was a child she’d heard her fellow Clansmen remark on the light-skinned giants and compare them to long-limbed praying mantises, or even fish-belly-colored spiders. And she knew Tribesmen belittled Earth Walkers, calling them Scratchers who were barely human and too ugly to live aboveground.

“Sure. Sora is pretty, but it’s my cousin who I’ve heard describe her as beautiful. You look strange. Is something wrong?”

“No, I just suddenly wondered how you Companions see us Earth Walkers,” Mari said.

Nik gently turned her to face him, his hands resting on her shoulders. “I see you as unique, exquisite, and more beautiful than the moon you can draw.”

“But I’m part Companion. I look different than the rest of the Earth Walkers. It’s why I had to hide my appearance for so many years.”

“Well, O’Bryan thinks Sora is a great beauty. And I heard Sarah and Lydia flirting openly with Mason today. Does that answer your question?” Nik asked.

“Actually, it puts my question to rest.” Her hands went up around his broad shoulders. “Would you like me to teach you the steps to the Weaver’s Tune?”

Rigel and Laru rushed up, their evening meal all finished. They were wagging enthusiastically, and Rigel even whined as he gazed longinglyat the dancers, sending Mari waves of emotion that basically translated toPlease please please please please let’s dance!

“You think you can teach them, too?” Nik ruffled the fur atop both Shepherds’ heads.

“Them—yes. You—I’m not so sure…” Mari said.

***

The Pack didn’t dance long into the night, as they would have had the safe familiarity of their burrows been close by, but when it was time to bed down, there was a sense of happy hopefulness that remained with them, allowing those whose turn it was to sleep to drift off contentedly, and those who took first watch to do so with smiles and shared conversation.

So it was shocking when the night neared the midway point, all was dark and quiet, and the Pack’s serenity was shattered by Dove’s terrified scream.

Several things happened at once. Every canine alerted—tails up, ears pricked. Growls rumbled across the campsite as sharp noses tested the air for intruders.

Bast was at Danita’s side, her sharp yellow eyes scanning the area around them as she hissed a warning to the night.

Antreas was calling for the Pack to gather with their backs to the enormous stone monolith that stood sentinel at the edge of the beach.

With Rigel and Laru beside her, Mari rushed to Dove and Lily, who had made their pallet not far from the campfire.

“What’s happening? Where is the danger?” Mari snapped.