Keresa tossed a stick into Windwolf’s fire. As the flames licked around it, she studied Kakala. He walked around, staring at the stone, fingering the bedding, and idly ran a finger down one of the long war darts leaned against the wall.
Kakala glanced at her as he studied the darts. “Do you think he remembered these were in here?”
“He’s getting tired. Making mistakes.” She flipped the bone stiletto from the top of her tall moccasin. “He never asked for this back, either.”
Kakala picked up one of the darts, glancing down its polished length with a practiced eye. “You two must have spent an interesting night.”
Keresa glanced at the fire. “I just hope it wasn’t the only night we ever have together.” Coolly she asked, “Why didn’t you order us to rush Windwolf’s pitiful little band of warriors when we climbed out of the hole?”
“Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe I wanted to see what Windwolf would do.” Kakala was balancing the dart experimentally. “What does pssst mean?”
“Phiisst! It’s the sound that one buffalo bull makes when another dominant bull walks up. You’ve heard it.”
Kakala nodded. “And watched them tear up half the scenery. Is that what you think Windwolf and I are? Buffalo bulls?”
“You act like it when you get together.”
“Well, at least he didn’t kill me when I stepped out to clap Homaldo on the shoulder.” He paused, bouncing the dart up and down in his hand. “Do you think the Guide has really found the way to the paradise of the Long Dark?”
Keresa shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Kakala searched her eyes. “Are you going?”
She shook her head slowly. “As much as it will break my heart not to be close to you, no. I’ve been different all of my life, Kakala. The only place I felt at home was with warriors. If the Guide is right, and the Long Dark is paradise, where will the warriors be?”
“Hunting.” He grinned. “And I will never have to look at another dead child and say, ‘I did that.’”
“I wish you all the happiness in paradise, Kakala. You, of all people, deserve a little.” She shot him a sidelong look. “Give my regards to Karigi.”
His expression fell. “Somehow, I forgot. I hope paradise is large enough that I can live on one side, and he on the other.”
Keresa frowned. “What is this nonsense about Windwolf going with us as our captive?”
“I have no idea, but I will enjoy the reversal of roles.”
Keresa gestured impotence. “It’s madness. He doesn’t have to do this! Our warriors can just leave. We can promise never to raid another Sunpath band. They’re going west; our people are going into the ice.”
She looked up as Windwolf—looking weary and concerned—stepped in. He stopped short, seeing the dart in Kakala’s hand. “I hope you’re not having creative thoughts about that.”
Kakala balanced the shaft, feet braced. “Actually, I was. I was thinking how happy I am that it isn’t sticking in one of my warriors’ guts.”
“Or your own,” Windwolf said warily, ready to duck.
Kakala neatly bounced the shaft off his hard palm, caught it, and laid it back against the wall. “After all we’ve been through, War Chief, it appears that I am as flawed as you are. For some reason that defeats me, I don’t wish you dead either.” He smiled. “I’m tired, Windwolf. Sick of it. And after the last couple of summers wondering what it was all for.”
“Don’t we all?” Windwolf asked, and finally seated himself beside Keresa. He reached out and took her hand. “How are you?”
She smiled, tightening her grip in his. “Still confused.” The smile fell. “Why do you think you have to go with Kakala to the Nightland villages? I don’t understand. My warriors can take their chances, and by returning, no one will believe that they were captives. Homaldo can tell them otherwise.”
Windwolf’s probing look sent a shiver through her. “They have my people. Tell me, Keresa: Why would Karigi be herding still more captives north? Why do they need more women and children?”
Kakala exhaled bitterly. “The captives are to carry the Nightland possessions into the Long Dark.”
Windwolf narrowed his eyes. “But I thought the reason you killed so many of us, destroyed our happiness, was to ensure that no Sunpath People followed you through the ice. Every one of those captives believes, Kakala.”
Keresa saw Kakala nod slowly. Then he walked over and seated himself across the fire from them. “It is Nashat’s order. Probably without the Guide’s knowledge.”