People of the Mist(84)

“I don’t know. I need time to think about it.” Hunting Hawk tucked her blanket over her legs. The possibilities raced through her head like little mice. “There is more to this than …”

The deer hide hanging over the entrance was thrown back, and Copper Thunder ducked through with two of his warriors. He strode across the floor like a brooding thunderstorm. His necklaces clinked with each step.

“Weroansqua, a word, please.” He stopped before her, chest heaving, and propped both of his hands on his hips.

“Speak, Great Tayac.” Now what? He looked as if someone had slapped his face, and it set her blood to prickling. Not for the first time, she wished she had a guard standing at her back.

“I want that old man cast out of Flat Pearl Village tonight!” His jaws clamped, the muscles knotted.

“That old man?” Hunting Hawk kept her expression blank. Shell Comb at least had the wits to remain silent. “The one who calls himself The Panther. I want him out of here. Now!”

Hunting Hawk stiffened. How dare he order her as if she were some lesser chief? “Great Tayac, he is a guest here, as you are. If his presence offends you, I will do all that I can to minimize his contact with you.”

“You don’t—”

“No! You don’t order me in my village. Were I in your village, I would never presume to use the tone of voice you just used with me.” She raised her hands in a calming gesture and lowered her voice. “We are both upset, Great Tayac. Please. Let us not lose our heads over a triviality. We are better than that.” He fumed for a moment, but when she said no more, he took a deep breath. “Yes, you are right. I apologize for my outburst. However, if that old serpent crosses me, I will not be responsible for the consequences, do you understand?”

Hunting Hawk’s curiosity roused at the mixture of anger and uncertainty in his eyes. What had the old man done to fracture the iron will that had dominated Copper Thunder’s actions during their association?

“Great Tayac, I cannot control The Panther any more than I can control you. But, tell me, what has he done to upset you so?” She gave him the mild look of curiosity and challenge that had worked so well for her in the past.

“Nothing’s changed! He’s still the same old arrogant reptile he’s always been. A troublemaker, meddling in other people’s …” Copper Thunder stopped short, a clenched fist raised. His gaze sharpened, the cunning returning to his expression. “Well played, Weroansqua. Your reputation for competence is deserved indeed. You almost made me forget myself.”

“And my curiosity is stirred.” Hunting Hawk made a gesture. “Please, seat yourself, Great Tayac. Someone, bring my guest a cup of hot tea.”

Copper Thunder gave her an amused smile and seated himself with the smooth agility of a cougar. “A cup of tea will do me quite well, thank you.”

One of the slaves scurried to comply with her request. Shell Comb stirred for the first time since Copper Thunder’s entrance, watched from behind large dark eyes.

Copper Thunder arranged himself, straightening his strings of beads and the spider gorget. He smoothed his breech clout flap and smiled as the steaming mug was handed to him. “Mint tea. My favorite. And what is this? Blackberry added for extra flavor?”

“I find it a soothing mixture on a cold night like this.” Hunting Hawk waited, the chill forgotten.

The Great Tayac sipped the brew, grunted his pleasure, and cradled the gourd cup in strong hands. “Yes, I knew him before. On the other side of the Mountains-of-the Setting-Sun, far to the southwest on the great river called the Black Warrior. He and I crossed paths. At the time I was traveling with my father, a Trader. The man you know as The Panther was called Raven then, a wandering magician and rumormonger. No, that’s too strong. Let’s call him a storyteller, a man who made his way by entertaining the great chiefs with incredible stories. The greater the flights of fantasy, the more they liked it. The stories he told became more and more fantastic.”

“That doesn’t sound like the sort of thing to prompt his being thrown out of Flat Pearl Village.”

“No, but he was also known for poisonings, assassinations, spying for other chiefs. He would report on their defenses, on the comings and goings of war parties. It was whispered that he betrayed several of the towns to their enemies.” Copper Thunder’s eyes slitted. “Keep one thing in mind: No matter what he tells you about himself, about his past, it will be a lie!”

Hunting Hawk studied him as he talked, seeking any hint of deception. Copper Thunder betrayed none. “I will watch him, Great Tayac. I assure you. At any sign of treachery, I shall have him removed at best, burned alive at worst.”