People of the Masks(155)

Gull grimaced at the flames. “Then we may have time to prepare. Patron, I would like to station scouts along the main trails. If they see anything, they can signal our lookouts.”

“Yes, proceed.”

Gull turned to Sparrow again. “Do you know how many warriors are in this war party?”

“We heard there were twenty. We saw around fifteen.”

“You saw them?” Gull asked. “When?”

“Just after dark last night. Outside the ruins of Paint Rock Village.”

“Paint Rock?” Hungry Owl said. “You were at Paint Rock last night? How did you get here so quickly? You must have walked all night.”

“Most of the night,” Sparrow agreed.

Hungry Owl said, “I should have known. You look exhausted. I will have my sisters prepare food and lay out blankets for you.”

“I don’t think either Dust or I could sleep, but Rumbler—”

“You should try to sleep,” Hungry Owl said. “In a few hands of time, you will wish you had. And don’t fear. Our lookouts will warn us if they spot anyone approaching.”

Gull rubbed his heavy brow. “I promise you, if there is danger, I will wake you myself. We need every bow we have.”

Sparrow studied the taut lines around the war leader’s mouth. “How many warriors do you have left?”

“Real warriors? Eleven,” Gull said. “The rest of our people know how to shoot, but they are hunters, not warriors. I don’t know if they’ll be able to hit anything when arrows are flying at them.”

Sparrow clutched his teacup. Badly outnumbered. A battle would leave many more of their people dead. The fact left a bad taste at the back of Sparrow’s mouth. Now he wished he’d listened to Dust, and avoided Sleeping Mist altogether. Though he doubted they would have survived on their own. He told Gull, “When you need us, we’ll be ready.”

Gull nodded, and said to Hungry Owl, “If you are finished with me, Patron, I would like to go and prepare my people.”

“Yes, go. Thank you, Gull.”

The curtain swung behind Gull, flashing sunlight across Hungry Owl’s face, gleaming in his downcast eyes. He said, “Our chances are not good, as I’m sure you know. I have one important question. Do you wish to keep Rumbler close to you during the battle, or would you rather hide him in the forest somewhere? I would recommend hiding him. For two reasons: He will be safer away from the battle, and you will be able to fight better if you are not worrying about him. But it is your decision.”

Rumbler lurched to his feet and ran to Dust, wrapping his arms around her throat in a choking hold. In her ear, he whispered, “Grandmother, please don’t make me go!”

Dust grasped his wrist, and said, “We’ll think about it together, all right? We have time before we have to decide.”

Rumbler gazed at Hungry Owl as if the man had just proposed serving his liver for supper.

“Yes, you do,” Hungry Owl said, “but not much time. Now, I should go and speak with my people. While I am away, I will have my sisters bring you food and blankets.” He rose to his feet. “You really must rest.”

“Yes, we will,” Dust answered. “Thank you, Patron.”

Hungry Owl ducked outside, and Dust gave Sparrow a desperate look.

He could read the tracks of her souls. “Yes,” he said, “I know, but Rumbler’s chances for survival have just improved tenfold. If we hadn’t come here, we—”

“What about Wren?” Rumbler asked. He loosened his hold on Dust. “Can we save her now?”

Sparrow smoothed a hand down Dust’s arm, trying to ease her guilt. She grabbed his fingers and held them.

Sparrow said, “The only way we’re going to save Wren is by fighting to get her back, Rumbler. She may die in the battle, but her chances of living a long and happy life are much greater if we win.”

Rumbler wet his lips, and solemnly repeated, “If we win.”

“Matron Dust Moon?” a voice called from outside. “May I enter?”

“Yes, of course.”

Redbud, the pudgy young woman they’d seen upon entering the village, stepped inside. Her black hair had been chopped off unevenly, leaving gaping holes in her hair. In one arm she carried three blankets. In the other, she had a basket filled with wild-rice acorn bread. She set the basket in front of Dust Moon, then handed the blankets to Sparrow. “If there is anything else you require, I will be by the village fire pit.”

“We have more than we need, Redbud. You’ve been very kind. Thank you.”

The woman smiled, said, “I wish you a good rest,” then left.