“It is something evil, some vicious spirit that is growing inside him, eating away at his life.”
“You’re sure you can’t kill it?”
“No, and neither can he. Snakes know, we’ve tried everything.”
“I am sorry to hear that. He has always been good to me.”
Bobcat was silent for a time. “The Serpent picks few people for his close association. He is fond of you.”
“As I am of him.”
“I know. It is a rare thing for him to show that kind of affection: therefore, I will have you know that I extend my own friendship, no matter what the future brings.”
Salamander smiled wistfully as droplets of sweat tickled on his face. “You may wish to reconsider, Bobcat. I am caught between Masked Owl and Many Colored Crow. I don’t understand my destiny yet, but I fear it will not be pleasant. Those who stand close to me should fear the lightning.”
“As your brother did?”
“As my brother should have.”
Salamander stared sadly at the faint glow of the hot rocks. They lay like giant red eggs in the shallow pit—cobbles imported from the source of the White Mud River. A hot fire of white ash had been burned around them for several hands of time. The heat rolling off the stones curled his skin when he reached out.
“You should know that Deep Hunter is enraged.” Bobcat’s voice caressed the darkness. “His nephew’s face is ruined. I have done what I can for Saw Back. He will be marked for the rest of his life, and his sight is blurry in the left eye.”
“You should not tell me these things. When you become the Serpent, you must favor no one.”
“I have learned something from the Serpent that you have not. I must favor those who are favored by Power,” he replied. “I know the responsibilities of the Serpent. I will not abuse them, Speaker. Not for you, or for anyone. But being the Serpent doesn’t mean that I can’t help those I think work for the common good.”
Salamander steepled his fingers. “Do you think that of me?”
“I do.”
“I am not so sure, Bobcat. Trouble is brewing around me like a pot of black drink. Sometimes I think it would be best if I simply left, went down to the Owl Clan holdings at Twin Circles on the gulf, or over to Yellow Mud Camp, or one of the outlying camps, and lived out my life.”
“You can’t, Salamander. You have responsibilities.” Bobcat trickled another finger of water onto the rocks. Steam popped and billowed, the cloud suffocating in the close confines of the lodge.
Salamander leaned his head back, mouth open, and let the steam drive needles into his flesh. His skin might have been blistering, splitting from the muscle beneath. He coughed when he inhaled, and the damp fire stung his throat.
“Someone wants to kill your wife,” Bobcat said softly.
“I know.”
“He says she is a witch, come to kill us all. He says she was the prisoner White Bird brought back from the Swamp Panther raid at Ground Cherry Camp.”
“She was.”
“He says that malevolent spirits freed her in the middle of the night.”
“No malevolent spirits freed her. It wasn’t magic, or anything nearly as frightening,” Salamander said wearily. “I did, Bobcat. I cut her loose that night.”
“Why?” An incredulous tone filled the young man’s voice.
“Masked Owl told me to. He came to me in a Dream, when we were flying, and told me she would be important.”
“Then she’s not dangerous?”
“Oh, no, Bobcat, she is very dangerous. Perhaps the most dangerous person in Sun Town.”
“If that is so, why do you keep her? Why don’t you cast her out, send her back to the Swamp Panthers and let them suck on her poison?”
“I don’t know.”
“That’s a crazy answer.”
“Perhaps, but she’s part of Masked Owl’s plan. I just don’t know what it is yet.”
“Be very, very careful. She made a great many enemies when she wounded Saw Back.” Bobcat hesitated. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but I have heard that someone is following her. I have not heard who, but word is that she is stalked every time she leaves Sun Town.”
Salamander took a deep breath. “I shall be careful, Bobcat. Not only is she part of Masked Owl’s plan, but she carries my child within her. She is my wife. I will take care of her.”
“Even if she destroys you in the process?”
“I think I will have warning before she does.”
“You think? That doesn’t sound very promising.”
“No.” He smiled. “I suppose not.”
“Beware, Speaker Salamander. Your enemies are growing stronger by the heartbeat.”