“Let me stop, just for a moment,” Kakala said. “I need to drink.”
Keresa nodded, panting. “How’s your head?”
“Feels like a Sunpath warrior split it in two.”
The faintest of smiles flickered and died on Windwolf’s lips.
The rest of the warriors dropped into squats, conserving their energy, taking the time to sort through their packs. The pickings in Headswift Village had been lean after the grand exodus.
Kakala dropped to his knees by a large pool of fresh water spawned by the melting icebergs that had come ashore. He dipped up water with his hand. As he drank, he watched Windwolf and Keresa trade desperate glances. Their longing brought a pang to his heart. He remembered sharing the same with Hako, two cages down.
And the way that ended ruined my life.
Kakala wiped his wet hand on his pants leg. “Gather around. We have planning to do.” The old familiarity of his warriors gathering, the looks of anticipation in their eyes, brought a surge to his heart. “All right, my warriors, here’s the situation: We must assume that Homaldo found Ewin, since we didn’t see his ugly, fat warriors drifting into Headswift Village. That being the case, he is probably off to the west somewhere, running straight home with Homaldo. He may even beat us there, which means the Council will hear directly from him that all went well at Headswift Village.”
They grunted assent.
Kakala narrowed an eye at Windwolf. “We owe a debt to Windwolf. He could have killed us. The Lame Bull and the refugees were most anxious to pay us back for our attacks.”
Another grunting of assent.
“My warriors do not leave debts unpaid.” He walked around, looking them in the eyes, one by one. “Many of you know that I have often disliked the orders we have received. You know that I often warned Sunpath villages to expect people seeking refuge after our attacks.”
The grunting was muted this time.
“This is the situation: Nashat is going to try and use Sunpath slaves to carry our possessions through the ice to the Long Dark. He is doing so in violation of the Guide’s direction that no Sunpath should follow us, bringing their beliefs about Wolf Dreamer to soil the Long Dark.”
He got worried looks in return, and nodded. “Yes, you see the problem. We all know that Nashat, for reasons I can only guess at, changes the Guide’s orders to suit himself.”
Sour chuckles erupted.
“I would cast one stone to knock several birds from the sky at once.” He ground his fist into his palm. “So, my warriors, here is what we are going to do. Just at dusk, we will approach the slave compound. As high war chief, I will order the guards to leave, to return to their villages for the purpose of packing their belongings, or, if they’ve done so, to ensure that their belongings are carried to the Nightland Caves in preparation for leaving.”
He looked from face to face, emphasizing his words. “When they are safely out of sight, you will simply go home.”
They gave him a puzzled look.
“That’s right,” Kakala said. “Go home.” He made a gesture. “It’s over. We’re finished. Go to your families, pack your things, and join the rest of the people. Say nothing about what we have been through. Say nothing about me, or the deputy. You have done all … no, more than your duty to your people. You have earned the right to live the Guide’s promise.”
“And what of you, War Chief?” Corre asked.
“When I have ensured that Windwolf has his people headed south, I will be along.” He smiled. “I, too, will have fulfilled my obligations.” He glanced at Windwolf. “All of them.”
They nodded. Only Goodeagle looked perplexed. But since traveling with Windwolf, the man had remained unusually quiet. Contemplating his faults, no doubt.
“Any questions?”
Keresa asked, “What if one or more guards refuse to leave?”
Kakala shrugged. “He might be surprised to wake up after taking a short but very unexpected nap. You know, caught by surprise from behind when the Sunpath made their break.”
“If that happens, War Chief,” Bishka pointed out, “the Elders might put you in a cage with Hawhak.”
Kakala shrugged. “I’ll take my chances. I owe a debt to Windwolf. I have given him my word that he can take his people home.” He searched their eyes. “We all know the fate of those women and girls if they enter the Long Dark. The war is over. We have won. Having fought this from the beginning to the end, I say it is not too much to let them go.”
He could see the agreement.
“Very well, warriors, you have your last orders from me. I ask only that Raven Hunter bless you all, and especially those who are not with us today. They will live in our memories forever.”