Page 91 of Wind Rider

“Yes, Thaddeus, I know that.” Death’s tone was of a father talking to an annoying and rather stupid child.

Thaddeus stopped pacing and faced the God. “I believe the animals of the forest have been irrevocably poisoned with the skin-sloughing disease.”

Death cocked His head to the side, His mighty antlers casting bizarre shadows against the trunk of the tree behind Him. “Truly? I assumed the tainted animals would die and the disease would fade. Is that not what is happening?”

Thaddeus was visibly relieved that the God was listening to him. “No, my Lord. The tainted animals go mad. They attack anything in their path before they die, infecting whatever their blood touches. From what I have observed, it is taking longer and longer for the animals to die. Some even appear to be living with the disease.” Thaddeus shuddered.

Ralina’s mouth went dry as she imagined what could be so terrible to make that angry, evil little man shudder.

“Ah, the disease mutates.” Death nodded as if this didn’t surprise Him.

“I do not believe the forest will ever be the same,” Thaddeus said.

Death sat up straight, knocking the girl’s slender hand roughly away from His face. “So, what you’re saying is that this forest is no longer an escape from the poisoned city.”

Thaddeus nodded. “What I am saying is that the forest hasbecomethe poisoned city.”

The sadness in Thaddeus’s voice made Ralina want to gag.This is your fault, you traitor! You could have warned us! We could have attacked Port City before they caught us unaware and reeling from the fire. All of this death and disease could have been prevented if you hadn’t been so filled with anger and hatred and the need for power!

Thaddeus’s proclamation had a much different effect on the God. He seemed to swell with excitement.

“Then we must leave this poisoned place for a land untainted, where I can awaken my Goddess and rule far away from the pestilence that is this forest,” Death said.

“Leave the forest?” Thaddeus shook his head. “The Tribe will not do that.”

Death stood abruptly. His voice shook the platform. “Then the Tribe can stay here and die!” The God shook back His long mane, pulled the cloak up around His shoulders, and sat, motioning for the girl, who was cowering on the floor before Him, to continue feeding Him. “But your Warriors and Hunters—those who have taken The Cure—shall come with me. And many canines. Especially the Shepherds. They must come as well.”

“To where, my Lord?” Thaddeus asked.

“To the Plains of the Wind Riders, of course,” Death said. “It is a fortunate coincidence that I have property there that I must reclaim, and it is there that I will awaken my beloved Goddess.” Death smiled as He gazed off into the distance, as if He could already see their future.

“The Plains of the Wind Riders? To get there we must travel up the Umbria River, then cross Lost Lake and the Rock Mountains. We would have to begin almost immediately to make it through the mountains before snow closes the passes.”

Death shrugged. “Then we will leave very soon. Who among your Tribe knows the way?”

“No one! Only the Lynx guides know the way there,” said Thaddeus.

“Then bring a Lynx guide to me and let us begin our next adventure!” Death said.

“I can light the signal fire. If there is a guide available, he will come,” said Thaddeus.

“Do so immediately. As you said—there is no time to wait.”

“I will, my Lord.” Thaddeus hesitated, and then added, “What of the people who are infected?”

“Offer them The Cure if you believe they are worthy. If they have no canine Companion, they may substitute the flesh of any living animal—except people.” Death sighed and shook His head. “I do not understand why it does not work with the flesh of people, but no matter. Any animal will do—even an infected one.”

“And the ones who refuse?” Thaddeus asked.

Instead of answering, Death turned to Ralina. “Storyteller, do you know why I call those who follow me ‘the People’?”

Ralina had to clear the bile from her throat before she could answer. “No, mighty God. I do not.”

“It is because those who follow me are the only ‘people’ I acknowledge. All others are inconsequential—fit only to be servants, if that. Be quite sure you mention that in my tale.”

“I will, my Lord,” Ralina said.And I will mention so, so much more, so that future generations will know exactly what a monster you are.

He swiveled His head to look from Ralina to Thaddeus.