People of the Owl(143)

“I would prefer that you wait,” he told her. “The time is not right. Not yet. Will it bother you to stay for several more moons?”

“Why?”

“Anhinga, think about this very carefully. You can learn about them, discover who their leaders are. Not just the ones now, but the ones who will lead in the future. You can come to know them as none of our people ever will, discover their strengths and their weaknesses. Do you see how such knowledge could be used to our advantage?”

She considered the passion in his eyes. Could she do that? Go back for a long period? She felt a tearing in her souls. “You ask: Would it bother me? A little. It is not pleasant, but not unbearable. The worst part is the loneliness. I miss friends. Family.”

“You can come here. Meet me. At this place. Every time the moon is full. Sometimes I will bring your mother, or your brother. Any of your friends.” He smiled. “Just as long as they don’t learn what we are really about.”

“In the end I am still going to kill them.”

He nodded. “Yes, but I think we need to reconsider given what you’ve told me. What good would it do to simply kill Wing Heart and Salamander? No one would notice that they were gone.” He steepled his fingers, thinking. “Which clan is dominant?”

“No one is sure. Thunder Tail, of the Eagle Clan, has been voted leader of the Council. Snapping Turtle is gaining in prestige. Alligator Clan is fighting them.” She smiled. “When Salamander delayed Saw Back’s warriors and allowed you to escape, it infuriated Speaker Deep Hunter.”

“He did that?”

“Most cleverly, Uncle. If for no other reason, we owe him for that.”

“You are growing fond of him?”

“No, Uncle. I remember your warning. I constantly guard against forming any attachment to these strangers. I need only remember Bowfin, remember them butchering my friends, and my heart hardens.”

“Good.” He frowned, staring down at the soil. “In that case Salamander’s action on my part has earned him a quick death, out of respect.”

She took a deep breath. “I do not wish to, Uncle, but I will go back. I will wiggle my way into their confidence and learn what I can about them.”

“Trust me, Niece,”—he smiled grimly—“it will make them that much easier to destroy.”





Thirty-six

From the heights atop the canoe landing, Salamander watched Green Crane’s slim canoe as it paddled northward across the calm waters of Morning Lake. The wake, in the form of shallow Vs, trailed behind the long dugout; the surface looked pocked where their paddles had swirled the water. He gave one final wave as the two Wash’ta Traders looked back. Each waved in turn.

“It is good,” he told himself. “Masked Owl, see to their safe return.”

“If you ever need anything,” Green Crane had said as he took Salamander’s arm in a firm grip, “send for the stone owl. I will come.”

“Make her a good husband,” he had answered, before giving both Green Crane and Always Fat sturdy hugs.

Now he watched as they nosed their craft into the narrow channel that led north along the floodplain.

“So,” Pine Drop’s familiar voice said from behind him. “They are off.”

Salamander nodded. “Indeed they are. I wish them safety and a speedy journey.”

“I sincerely hope they don’t get lost again.” She stepped up beside him, tangles of her black hair curling around her shoulders as the breeze played with it. Her thoughtful brown eyes followed the Traders’ canoe as it disappeared behind the willows.

“I think I explained the channels correctly.”

She glanced at him, a question in her eyes. “Was it worth it? You almost stripped your clan for the meat and hides you received in return.”

“Oh, yes, it was worth it.” In his imagination he watched the canoe winding its way northward. “I have heard the talk. Others are saying that I make as poor a Trader as I do a Speaker.”

“Do you, Salamander?”

“Would you believe me if I said there was more to this than the textiles, beads, carvings, medicine plants, and dyes?”

For a moment she hesitated, then said, “I think I would, Salamander.” Her attention turned to his face as she said, “I think there is more to you than most people think.” Her gaze went to the canoe landing. “Anhinga has still not returned?”

“No. It is but five days.”

To his surprise, Pine Drop reached out and linked her arm in his. “Do you think she’s coming back, Salamander?”

“Oh, yes. She doesn’t want to, but she will. She can’t stay away.”