People of the Mist(186)

Flat Pearl Village bustled. The very earth under his feet shook with the shuffling stomp of the solstice dancers as they circled the bonfire to the beat of the pot drum and the shishing rattles of the priests. Over the singing voices, Panther could just hear Green Serpent’s high wavering voice as he led the ritual songs that rose to First Man. The words thanked him for the life he’d given in the last year, and asked that tomorrow morning, he begin his journey northward across the sky again.

On a platform, the statue of Okeus had been placed to watch over the festivities, his shell eyes gleaming in the slanting sunlight. He looked even more malevolent than usual, as though seeing into Panther’s soul, and sneering at the grim truth hidden there.

Panther shook his head, his gloom heightened by the sight of Nine Killer working his way through the knots of visiting warriors. Those who were not dancing with Flat Pearl Villagers sat about their fires. The War Chief stopped at each, assuring himself that their needs were met, sharing a joke here and there, and moving on.

The men smiled up at him, often reaching up to clasp” his hand, or to offer a taste of their food. Was it Panther’s imagination, or did the Guardians smile in the bright sunlight? The smell of cooking fires and roasting tuckahoe, hominy, steaming walnut milk carried over the sweeter smell of tobacco shared in friendship.

Finally, the War Chief stepped over to Panther’s side. He looked out over the assemblage of warriors and dancers, his hands propped on his hips. He wore his feather cloak over his shoulder, his war club tied onto his breech clout his quiver over his back, and the famous bow hung unstrung over his shoulder. Not only had he greased his skin and stained it red with puccoon, but he’d used a dusting of antimony to add sparkle.

The War Chief noted Panther’s lingering gaze, as he watched the old woman disappear through the gate. “Did High Fox quibble about letting the old woman go?”

“I never bothered to ask. I just freed her. Besides, that little weasel owes me. He lied to me.”

“One thing is sure, I’d hate to be the man who crossed you.” Nine Killer glanced over at the big bonfire. Every once in a while, through the gyrating dancers and leaping flames, Black Spike’s blackened skull appeared down among the coals. Within days, it, too, would be consumed to ash.

Panther leaned against one of the Guardians, feeling the chill closing around him with the cool air. “I wanted to thank you. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend out there. It’s something of a new feeling for me.”

Nine Killer unhooked his war club and rested the head between his feet, his alert eyes on the feasting warriors. After all, this was still a hostile force, and a great many injuries were being smoothed over for this one special day’s peace. “You never had a friend? In all of your wanderings?”

“War Chief, people are the same everywhere. I was always an outsider, one who never spoke about his past. No matter where you go, tribes are made from clans, and clans from lineages, and lineages from families. No one has room for a clan less man.” How long would it take for High Fox to discover that?

“You’re no longer clan less Elder. You’re Sky Fire.”

When Panther started to shake his head, Nine Killer added, “And, if you’re not Sky Fire at that particular moment, you’re Greenstone. By Ohona, I’ll swear to it on my life.”

Panther smiled and clapped the War Chief on his shoulder. “You’re a good man, Nine Killer. I’m happy to share a clan with you.”

“I stopped by the long house just a while ago. Rosebud is back. She’s keeping an eye on Sun Conch in case High Fox tries to return.”

“I saw her, too.” Panther felt his good mood drain away. “Sun Conch is mending, I believe. I’ll have to drain the pus again tomorrow, but the fever’s breaking.”

He had talked with Rosebud about the Women’s House, and learned the other dark facts. He considered telling the War Chief, then realized that Nine Killer was enjoying himself walking among his old enemies, being pointed out and admired for his courage.

No, keep this to yourself. He smiled. “Did you hear the latest? Copper Thunder and Water Snake were drinking black drink from the same cup. Hunting Hawk was gloating over both of them, acting as if she had authority over the whole world.”

“He’s still angry with you.”

Panther shrugged. “A man doesn’t forget an injury. I killed his father, enslaved him and his mother. He has a great deal to hate me for.”

“I suppose he does.” Nine Killer paused. “But he and Water Snake and I had a little talk earlier. For now, Copper Thunder is willing to let bygones be bygones-especially since you are Sky Fire Clan.”