Page 92 of The Last Warrior

Who was Black Lion talking to?

And then she saw White Claw, the medicine man. He stood there, next to Black Lion. But where had he come from? Or had he been there all along? Did this mean Irena was here too?

“Irena?” Suzette stood up from her hiding spot and took a few awkward steps forward. “Irena? Is Irena here, as well?” She paced toward Black Lion.

“Your grandmother is not with us here,” said Black Lion.

Suzette glanced around the clearing, but no one else was to be seen. “I thought I saw White Claw.”

“So you did,” said Black Lion. “But in spirit form only. White Claw’s physical body is not here.”

“In spirit only?” She frowned.

“Did you hear?” Black Lion asked.

“I did.”

“Then you understand we must leave to go south. I must get to my friends quickly.”

“Yes, but⁠—”

“I think if we do not rest, if we travel as quickly as we can, we can get there in time to warn them. Tell me, if I give you the money I have made from the show, do you think you might be able to buy a horse in the next town we come to?”

She nodded. “I probably could, but⁠—”

“Then come, we have no time to lose.” He made a move to leave.

“But Irena…”

“White Claw also knows the danger and is changing his course to come south.”

Again, Black Lion made a move to leave, but she pulled him back. “What exactly is the danger?”

“I am the last champion for my people, and the Thunderer knows it,” he said with little hesitation. “There are no longer any boys left in my band of the tribe who could follow me. Therefore, because I am the last, if I miss this chance to lift the curse, my people are doomed forever.”

“But I don’t understand.” She frowned at him. “In going south to your friends, aren’t you putting your life in danger? What good is it going to do your people if you die?”

“None. However, I have no choice.”

“But if you are truly concerned about your people…”

“Then you choose for me. Who do you think should die? My friends here, or my people who are still enslaved?”

“No one should die, particularly you. But if I were to choose, I think I would…” She shook her head. “Oh, go. I can see that you must. But when you get there, show the Thunderer kindness instead of animosity.”

“I will if I am able. Come,” he said as he turned away, “let us go and purchase a horse, for only in this way can we arrive at the show quickly enough.”

“Yes, all right.” She nodded. “How far away is the next town?”

“It is close. Half a day’s walk perhaps.”

She slanted him a frown. “We will walk during the day? Then you no longer worry about being found by a posse?”

“It is a worry, yes, but it cannot be helped.”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Her expression stilled. “I assume we leave at once.”

“We do. Come and gather your things.”