Page 96 of Wind Rider

“Yeah, I understand that, but I’m really glad you’re here with us,” Davis said.

“I am, too. I shudder to think about what’s happening back at the Tribe—so I don’t think about it at all. It’s the only way I can stand it.”

“I petition the Goddess in prayer for the good people we had to leave behind. I believe she hears me, and even though I have not known her long, I trust that she is too kind to allow those who are not like Thaddeus to suffer without hope.”

Claudia turned to him. “I’ve been meaning to tell you how much I respect that you’ve embraced this Mother Earth Goddess. It took a lot of courage to open yourself to a new way of worshipping. You really do hear her, don’t you?”

Davis’s gaze found the tree again. “I do. Her voice is everywhere—in the wind and the river, the grasses and the sky. She is powerful, but kind. I feel as if I’ve known her my whole life.”

“Maybe you have. I’ll bet she’s known you. I mean, she’s a Goddess, right?”

Davis smiled. “Right.”

“Which watch do you have tonight?” Claudia asked.

“Second. You?”

“Second. Would you and Cammy like to watch with us?”

Davis blinked in surprise. He felt his cheeks heat, and was glad that the wan light of the moon kept them in silver shadow. “I would.” Cammy barked and jumped against his leg, causing Claudia to laugh. “I mean, yes,Cammyand I would like that. Very much.”

Claudia reached down and scratched Cammy’s big blond ears as he wagged and huffed in pleasure. “I’ve always liked your Terrier, Davis. He has a big personality for a little canine. Did you hear him growl when he thought Mariah and I were sneaking up on you?”

“Yeah, he’s a tough little guy,” Davis said. Mariah finally got tired of her stick and joined them, unexpectedly resting her head on Davis’s thigh. He stroked the Shepherd’s thick fur. “Hey, pretty girl.”

“She likes you,” Claudia said. “And shereallylikes to be scratched right here.”

Davis happily complied, scratching the Shepherd while Claudia tickled Cammy’s ears.

“I like being around you,” Claudia said abruptly. “I thought at first it was because you remind me of home, but if that were true I’d feel like this around Wilkes or Sheena or Rose, or any of the other Tribers with us.” She met his gaze. “I’ve decided you make me feel good because you’re kind. Truly kind. I think that’s why your Goddess speaks to you, too.”

Davis’s heart felt all fluttery. “She could be your Goddess, too,” he said softly.

“Do you think so?”

“I know so,” he said.

She smiled. “Oh, that’s right. She talks to you.”

“She does, but that’s not why I know she would accept you,” Davis said.

“Then how do you know?”

“Because you are truly kind, too. And it makes me feel good to be near you as well.” Davis held his breath.

Claudia stared at him and then slowly, she leaned forward to softly, but intimately press her lips to his. “I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” Then she stood. “Come on, Mariah. Let’s go get some sleep so we can be wide awake to keep watch with Davis and Cammy. See you two cuties soon!” Claudia bent to ruffle Cammy’s ears once more before she blew a kiss at Davis, and she and her Shepherd disappeared into the darkness that led to camp.

It was only then that Davis allowed himself to breathe. He looked at Cammy. Cammy looked at him.

“Did that really just happen?” he asked his Terrier.

Ruff!Cammy barked, and wagged his tail so enthusiastically that his whole body wiggled.

Davis’s gaze returned to the Goddess tree. “If that was you—thank you. Thank you so much.”

As he and Cammy made their way back to camp, Davis was sure he heard the Goddess’s happy laughter echoing in the wind around him.

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