People of the Lightning(32)

Ashleaf rubbed his wrinkled chin, and glanced at Seedpod. “It has been mentioned before, but none of us wanted to abandon the lands of our ancestors. But now …” he exhaled hard, “yes, it might work. Musselwhite? Has Cottonmouth ever visited those islands? Would he follow us so far?”

Musselwhite turned away, staring out at the white-edged ribbons of green water rolling into shore, leaving a many-colored blanket of twinkling seashells behind. Laughing gulls swaggered over them, pecking for food, squawking and fighting, fluttering up in defeat, then diving down again to join the foray.

“Musselwhite?” Ashleaf called. “Are you listening? Would Cottonmouth follow us to the southern islands?”

Reaching down, she picked up a golden leaf that had blown into the shelter, and sightlessly studied the pale green veins. All meaning seemed to have drained from her world. All joy. As if in punishment, Seedpod’s memory displayed Diver and Musselwhite for him … . Diver giving Musselwhite that tender reproachful look, reminding her without words that she was being foolish, that she knew their children needed her. Their children and what remained of their clan.

Seedpod watched Musselwhite’s eyes drift to his shelter, where Diamondback slept—watched over by little Thorny Boy, who kept a palmetto fan moving to cool his brother. Musselwhite crushed the leaf in her palm. Before they could hope to face Cottonmouth, she had to regain her composure … . But how could Seedpod help her do that?

Seedpod’s white brows drew together as he peered at Musselwhite. “I believe we have another choice.”

Ashleaf and Dreamstone followed Seedpod’s gaze.

Musselwhite turned to face him, and her fists curled into claws as if in pain.

“Diver is gone,” Seedpod said gently. “For the sake of the clan you must marry again. This boy from the Heartwood Clan—”

Musselwhite lurched to her feet, and shouted, “How can you ask such a thing so soon after …”

Diver’s death. Go ahead, say it, my daughter. Say it! He’s dead.

Musselwhite stood with her mouth open.

Dreamstone’s eyes filled with sympathetic tears, while Ashleaf fiddled nervously with his sandal laces. Only Seedpod continued to look at his daughter, his heart torn with love.

Seedpod knew the other elders were waiting for Musselwhite to break into sobs, or run away. They would wait forever.

Musselwhite inhaled, visibly bracing herself, and sat down again. “T-tell me about this boy. Did you mention his name? I don’t recall it if you did.”

Seedpod murmured, “Pondwader. His name is Pondwader. His people know him as the White Lightning Boy.”

“A Lightning Boy … Yes, I—I think I recall him. What does his clan have to offer us?”

Ashleaf said, “Six or seven tens of warriors. Added to ours, we might have a chance against Cottonmouth. What do you think, Musselwhite?”

All of the elders, including Seedpod, leaned forward, waiting for her reply.

For the first time, Seedpod noticed how intently the villagers were watching the council shelter. They had gathered in the middle of the village to talk. Men paced the sand, murmuring darkly, and women whispered amongst themselves. Children and even dogs lay quietly on sleeping mats, not daring to make a sound. All eyes were riveted on the council shelter.

Musselwhite’s eyes again drifted to where Thorny Boy sat fanning Diamondback. Seedpod followed her gaze. Thorny Boy seemed to sense his mother’s attention, or perhaps he’d been constantly glancing up. He waved his fan at Musselwhite and she lifted a hand in return. Thorny Boy smiled broadly.

“Musselwhite?” Ashleaf pressed. “Will eight tens of warriors be enough?”

An eerie sense of disaster to come filled Seedpod, as if one of the Four Shining Eagles had just fallen to earth and Hurricane Breather now stood on one foot.

“Perhaps,” Musselwhite said tiredly. “Yes, we might have a chance.” She looked up with numb weariness. Seedpod’s heart ached. “Father, send word to Moonsnail. I will go with you when you meet to discuss the marriage. I will wish to speak with her War Leader, and I want to meet this Lightning Boy.”

Seedpod got to his feet and walked over to put a hand on Musselwhite’s shoulder. Pride filled his old chest. He patted her gently. “I will do it immediately.”





Eight

Bah! Where did you hear that, child?

Hmm? Speak up! … Well, Red Bark is a fool. He always has been. Never listen to his stories. He makes most of them up, whereas I am telling you the truth.

… At least so far as I recall. it.

When Pondwader dove into the Sacred Pond it really did wash away all his human souls, that’s why he became so ill. For three days Pondwader lay on the verge of death. He would have died if the Lightning Bird had not flown down and laid a thunderegg in his chest to replace his souls. Oh, yes, he came very close. Poor Pondwader. That event was just the beginning. From the moment that baby bird began to peck holes in its fiery shell, his life changed forever. Every time a fragment of shell burned away, Pondwader began to shake and see flashes of light … .