Otter came bolt-upright, startled by something in his sleep, before sending an uneasy glance her way. This morning he didn’t smile, and she simply met his gaze with her own, trying to understand the rush of emotions churning in her chest. To her surprise, he stood and walked off without a greeting. Something heavy and cold, like stone, settled on her stomach.
“Good morning,” Trout whispered in her ear as he sat down beside her. He clapped his hands, delighted as he sniffed at the stew. “You did this?”
“I didn’t sleep,” she told him dryly, and then smiled. “I had a lot of thinking to do,”
“And?”
She took a deep breath. “And I … “
“Don’t know.” Trout glanced up as Black Skull walked over the dune, his war club on his shoulder and a fine film of sweat gleaming like oil on his scarred skin. “That is one mean-looking man.” “You ought to see him fight,” Pearl said.
The others joined them and they ate, talking in desultory Peopk of the Lakes 591
tones. To Pearl, it seemed as if everyone were watching her and Trout, Thin Belt in particular.
She grabbed up one of Otter’s packs and walked down to Wave Dancer. When she turned, Black Skull stood right behind her.
“You and this Ilini, is there something between you?”
She fingered the fox head on the canoe. The red wood felt oddly warm under her fingers, familiar. “He’s asked me to stay with him. I don’t know, Black Skull. He and I, we talked all night. I like him.” She slapped the wood. “It’s a good offer.
I’m a woman without a clan, without a family. He’d make a good husband—and he likes to do the things I like to do.”
Black Skull fingered his broken jaw and glanced awkwardly at the dunes where Otter had disappeared. “What about the Trader?”
“What about him?” She realized she’d balled her fists.
Black Skull paused uncertainly, then smiled. “I think he would be very disappointed if you left. Myself, I will ask you to go on with us.”
“Why?” She crossed her arms, curious at this new part of Black Skull that she’d never seen before.
‘ ‘ two reasons. First, I ask you for myself, Pearl. You are a warrior woman, and we may need you. Besides, you have become my friend. And second, I ask for Otter, who has also become my friend.”
“Why ask for Otter? He doesn’t care … does he?” Her heart thumped against her ribs. “I mean, I … Look, he’s still in love with Red Moccasins. You know that better than I do.’.”
“A man may care for more than one woman at the same time.”
“And if I decide to go?”
He reached out with one muscular arm and dragged her to him in a strong embrace. “Then I will send you off with wishes for your happiness and safety.”
She looked up at him. “You’re a good friend, Black Skull.”
“And so are you. You can fight on my side any time.” At that, he loosed his hold, turned on his heel, and went back for another of the packs.
As Trout carried his blankets to his own canoe, he glanced repeatedly at Pearl. After he’d finished stowing, he slowly walked over. “Are you all right?”
Pearl struggled with a tightness in her chest, glancing up at the dunes to where Otter had disappeared. He loved his Red Moccasins.
Any other woman would always be a shadow. But … if only he’d smiled at her this morning … “I guess I’m going to stay with you.” And it took all of her control to keep from tears.
Trout gave her an understanding look. “I’ll make sure that you never regret it.”
In that instant, she felt cut adrift, her soul bobbing in uncertain currents. Summoning all of her courage, she tried to smile bravely.
They’d loaded the canoes, and the fire had burned down to glowing coals when Otter walked down from the dunes. She steeled herself.
“Otter?” Why were the words so difficult. “Trout has asked me to … to stay with him, here, and I … I said I would.” She made herself look up into his eyes, seeing the familiar lines of his face. She fought the sudden desire to reach up and lay her fingers along his cheek. A tightness pulled at the corners of his wide mouth.
“It’s all right. I told you we’d find a place for you.” Otter reached for one of her hands and lifted it to his lips.
In that instant, she began to tremble, and she pulled her hand back before he could kiss it. “Take care, Water Fox. Don’t let the sneaky Khota—or these Badger people—catch up with you.”
“I’ll try not to.”
He let his hands fall and quickly stepped past her, his head down. She turned, realizing that everyone was waiting at the canoes. She walked up to Trout and smiled. He’d moved her blankets to his boat. Black Skull, Green Spider, and Otter wrestled Wave Dancer around, facing the big canoe toward the water and sliding her into the waves. Only Black Skull continued to watch Pearl with regret in his eyes.