Keresa pointed a finger like a bone stiletto at Homaldo. “And tell my clan not to return to the Long Dark without me.”
Homaldo frowned. “I’ll have to figure something out. I’m supposed to be searching the caves for Skimmer.”
“Why?” Kakala asked. “This part, I do not understand.”
Homaldo lowered his voice. “The guard at the Council is my cousin. As we were entering the caves, he told me that Skimmer was accused of plotting to kill the Guide. But in the Council, she accused Nashat of misdeeds. And then, after the Elders left, Nashat threatened the Guide. Skimmer protected Ti-Bish! Dared Nashat to try and harm him!” He blinked. “Can you believe that?”
Kakala and Keresa traded glances, and Kakala felt the dart point fall away, as if Windwolf had lost interest in holding it against him.
Kakala took the opportunity to step forward, out of visible range of the dart. “When it comes to Nashat, I can believe anything. Kishkat was there the night the Guide freed me. Ask him.”
Keresa said, “War Chief? Perhaps it would be a good idea if Homaldo met Ewin? He could save him the trip here, urge him to hurry home and prepare to follow the Guide?”
Kakala gave her the expected look of irritation and said, “Homaldo, can you find Ewin?”
“I think so, War Chief.” He frowned. “But who will carry your message to the Elders?”
“One of these lazy warriors back here.” Kakala barked, “Washani! Bring Homaldo some of that meat to stuff in his pack. We have plenty.”
“Yes, War Chief.”
Kakala took a gamble, and walked over to clap his hand on Homaldo’s shoulder. “Thank you, my friend. We all appreciate the risks you have taken on our behalf. I would ask you as a favor, find Ewin. Tell him the rumor of our capture is a lie formulated by the Sunpath. We are fine, and he shouldn’t waste precious time coming here. By the time he arrives, we’ll almost be home. Can you do that?”
“Yes, War Chief!” Homaldo cried with a grin. “Especially if it keeps me out of Nashat’s way!”
A chorus of shouts rose behind him.
Washani emerged with a pack stuffed full of meat. He cast an inquisitive glance at Kakala, as if expecting some instruction, like, Run off with Homaldo and tell him the whole story.
“Thank you, Washani,” Kakala said. “That will be all. Go back and fill your lazy belly.”
“Yes, War Chief.”
Kakala watched Homaldo turn and trot back down the trail. He called, “Find Ewin!”
“I will!” Homaldo waved over his back.
The Lame Bull warriors eased from the shadows with their nocked atlatls up.
Windwolf stepped forward and peered over Kakala’s shoulder, watching Homaldo until he vanished down the trail. His voice came out unsettlingly soft. “That was good thinking.”
Kakala blurted, “Well, someone had to save all of our skins. You’d just better hope Homaldo finds Ewin.”
“The Guide has found the hole!” warriors called back and forth, excitement in their eyes.
“Yes!” Kakala snapped. “And Hawhak and his warriors aren’t going! The Council has heard that we’ve been captured. If they believe it, we’re not going either!”
They stared at him soberly.
Kakala turned. “All right, Windwolf. The other night, you said that when we could talk like men, we should talk. Perhaps that time is now.”
“What are you thinking?” Windwolf asked.
“I’m thinking it’s not a coincidence that the Guide finds the hole in the ice just after your Dreamer warns of a great flood.” He looked down at his fingers. “My people live on the Thunder Sea. Have you ever seen what happens when a mountain of ice falls into the water? A huge wave washes everything before it. My family died in one of those.” He smiled wryly. “Perhaps, as you said, our war is insignificant.”
At that moment, a low rumble rolled over the land; the ground shook. Kakala could see the warriors glancing nervously at the rock over their heads. Bits of gravel pelted them.
And then it was gone.
Fifty-nine
Windwolf watched Fish Hawk climb up the trail. “Did it all go well?”
“They did exactly as Kakala ordered, War Chief. They walked right up to the hole and climbed down. I have already sent warriors to bring them robes and firewood.” Fish Hawk fixed him with curious eyes. “War Chief, are you sure this is a smart thing to do?”
Windwolf turned and fixed him with knowing eyes. “I just met with Lookingbill. He understands that Homaldo may not be able to find Ewin. At Silvertip’s urging, he reluctantly agreed that it was time to leave. I want every person packed and ready to move by first light.”