“I was asked to do this.” Panther spread his bony feet and locked his wrinkled knees to keep standing. “If you were to demand that I leave, I might be tempted to ask why. Such a demand might stir a great many curiosities.”
“We have nothing to hide!” Shell Comb’s fists knotted at her sides. “Search, for all I care.” And with that, she wheeled, and shoved her way through the clustered people. Hunting Hawk sighed wearily. Any advantage she might have had had melted like ice in spring. “I don’t want a night traveler in my village.”
Panther’s eyes seemed to glow. “There will be no witchery within the walls of Flat Pearl Village.” He paused. “At least, not on my part. I give you my word before Ohona and Okeus. I have told you why I am here.” A slow smile crossed his face. “And, from what I have heard and seen with my own eyes, I think you need me.”
Hunting Hawk struggled with the sick feeling in her gut. Did she dare say no? Terrible stories circulated about this man, about his dark Power.
“I honor his word,” Nine Killer said, placing himself solidly at The Panther’s side. “But, as always, Weroans qua, I will do your bidding.”
Hunting Hawk’s mind raced. What was it that bound Nine Killer to this dreaded witch? People were watching her, waiting for her decision. Did she dare tell him to leave? Okeus take her soul, any turn in Flat Pearl’s luck would descend on her head like a weight of stone. Turn him away, and there was no telling what evil he would work against her.
She wet her lips. “I will hear what you have to say, Panther. Then I will decide what to do with you. You have one day to convince me.”
With that, she made a gesture of dismissal, then pointed to Nine Killer. “You will stay, War Chief.”
People drifted off slowly, talking in low voices as they eyed The Panther. When they were far enough away, Hunting Hawk said, “Now, War Chief, what is this about?”
Nine Killer related the events at Three Myrtle Village, omitting nothing. “So, I brought him here, Weroans qua.”
Through it all, The Panther’s eyes never wavered, and wary young Sun Conch studied the departing villagers. The girl had grown a full hand since the last Coming of the Leaves, but she had yet to develop a woman’s curves. In her green dress, she resembled a moon faced willow stalk.
“So, it seems I must thank you for saving my warriors,” she said. “But I still don’t want you here.”
The Panther sighed and looked toward the village, where people gathered around the palisade. “Oh, I can understand that, Weroansqua. Were I you, I wouldn’t want me either, but I am here. In the beginning, I didn’t really wish to take on this task;’ however, my curiosity has been piqued. Too much of this sad event makes little sense. High Fox is the likely killer, and indeed, he may yet prove to be the culprit, but too many people of fair judgment do not believe him responsible.” He paused. “How about you, Weroansqua? Who do you believe killed Red Knot, and why was she killed?”
“High Fox,” she growled. “Because Red Knot was promised to another.”
“Too easy,” The Panther replied. “And, talking to High Fox, my soul can’t seem to place him as the murderer.”
“Your soul?” she countered. “You place things with your soul? I have heard that animals tell you secrets.”
Nine Killer tensed at Panther’s frown. Ah, that prodded a sensitive spot!
“Sometimes,” The Panther conceded. “But not in this instance. No, my crows only told me about Sun Conch’s arrival. They have been mute about who killed Red Knot.”
“Too bad. Perhaps you should go ask them, and leave us alone.” The Panther was staring up at the last light. Absently, he said, “If they discover the truth, they will come and tell me. Really, I would rather beat them to it.”
“Weroansqua,” Nine Killer begged. “Please, we have enough difficulties as it is. If The Panther can make sense of this, why not let him try?”
She pinned him with her hard glare. “I don’t understand your part in this, War Chief.”
Nine Killer hunched his shoulders, as if expecting a blow. “I trust him, Weroansqua. And you told me yourself that if I could find an alternative to war with Three Myrtle, you would take it.”
Yes, she’d said that, hadn’t she? Sworn on the name of the dark god—and look what good it had done her!
She wet her thin lips. “I give you one day, witch.” Her stomach crawled at the admission. “But, I don’t want you sleeping within the palisade. Do you understand? And, War Chief, he is your responsibility. I want him watched, constantly.”