Diver and Musselwhite knelt a short distance from the fire. His father had an arm around his mother’s back, speaking quietly to her. Head bowed, her silver-black hair cascaded around her. Diamondback saw his mother shake her head, heard her say: “This is something I must do, Diver.”
His father closed his eyes, as if in pain. But he nodded.
Kelp reached out to touch Pondwader’s wrist.
Worriedly, Dace asked, “Does he still have a pulse?”
Kelp nodded. “It’s weak, but it’s there.”
Diamondback rubbed his cold hands together over the fire. “He’s very lucky that awl was so short. If it had been just a little longer, it would have pierced his heart.”
“But …” Dace frowned. “I don’t understand. If the awl missed his heart and lungs, why is Pondwader so ill?”
“Sometimes, Dace,” Diamondback said softly, “after being wounded, the body goes into shock and doesn’t come out for a while.” And sometimes it never comes out.
His parents rose to their feet, and walked toward the fire. Diver’s wide mouth had pressed into a hard line. His round face wore a sheen of sweat. Musselwhite, on the other hand, exuded a confidence and serenity that Diamondback had not seen in over a moon.
When they stopped behind Kelp, looking down at Pondwader, Diamondback said, “He’s all right. So far.”
His mother nodded and knelt. Tenderly, she brushed white hair away from the Lightning Boy’s pale brow. “Pondwader?” she said softly. “I want you to listen to me. I have to go away tonight, but I’ll be back tomorrow. Live for me.” She bent over and lightly kissed him on the cheek. “Live for me, my husband.” Her voice grew hoarse with restrained emotion. “I’m proud of you. You were very brave today.”
Diamondback looked up at his father. “What does she mean? Where’s she going?”
Diver’s mouth pursed. “To Standing Hollow Horn Village.”
“What?” Diamondback blurted. “Has she lost her senses! There are ten tens of warriors there. They’ll kill her on sight!”
In a barely audible voice, Pondwader said, “ … Let her go.”
He still had his eyes closed, but the lids moved. His lips parted and he took a deep breath.
“Pondwader?” Kelp whispered, clutching his hand tightly. “Are you all right?”
A frail smile came to his face. “I soared, Kelp. I soared … and I flashed.”
She glanced around, seeing if anyone else understood. Meeting blank stares, Kelp softly inquired, “Where did you soar to, Pondwader?”
“To the … the Village of Wounded Souls.”
“The Village of Wounded Souls? You mean you died?”
Pondwader wet his lips. “No. That’s … that’s where I came alive. I got my souls back. They were waiting for me … sitting on a log by the side of the trail.”
Diamondback scratched his neck, lifting an eyebrow.
Kelp’s face broke into a broad smile. “Pondwader had lost his souls, they’d been washed away in the Sacred Pond.” She said to her brother, “Oh, Pondwader, I’m so relieved.”
Musselwhite laid her palm against Pondwader’s cheek. Gently, she said, “My heart is glad to see you, Pondwader.”
He smiled up into her face. “And mine … to see you.”
“You saved all our lives today.”
“ … Love you, my wife.”
Musselwhite bent over to kiss him on the mouth. “I love you too, my husband.”
Pondwader’s eyes opened. Deep love shone in those pink depths. He worked his fingers to reach for her, and Musselwhite took his hand in a strong grip.
“The … people,” Pondwader whispered, “at Standing Hollow Horn … will not touch him … .” He seemed to be struggling to find the strength to continue.
Musselwhite said, “Because they now believe he was a false Dreamer. Yes, I know, Pondwader. That is why I must go.”
Pondwader nodded weakly. “I’m glad. He spent the past two-tens-and-six summers alone … . You are right to help release him from that … my wife.”
Pondwader’s grip relaxed, and his head lolled sideways in sleep. Musselwhite gently tucked his hand beneath the warm blanket, and got to her feet.
“I’ll return by tomorrow night,” she said to Diver.
Diver looked at Diamondback. “We will return.”
“You’re not coming with me,” Musselwhite said.
“You’re not going alone.”
“Don’t be foolish! You are still weak—and the children need you here. I’ll be fine.”