Rain Bear called, “I thank you all for coming. Please, go home now and discuss this. The next time we meet, it will be a war council.”
As people began to file out, Goldenrod said, “Evening Star is right. Sometimes you give up a little to get a lot more.” The tone in his voice wasn’t pleasant.
“What do you mean? Only five refused to join us. That’s better than I’d hoped for.”
“They didn’t refuse to join us, Rain Bear. They set themselves up against us. We’re going to have to dispatch half our forces to guard our backs while the other half attacks the North Wind People. I’m not sure where the greater threat will lie. In front of us … or behind us.”
“They need some time to think. They may yet join us, once they understand the stakes.”
Goldenrod wasn’t convinced. “I pray you’re right.”
Black Mountain gestured to Goldenrod, who touched Rain Bear’s shoulder in a show of support and followed Black Mountain outside.
Brush Wasp waited until the lodge was almost empty before rising and crossing the floor. He bowed to Rain Bear, then knelt in front of Evening Star. “Matron, I must speak with you.”
Evening Star frowned. “Yes?”
“I carry important news, Great Matron.”
“I am not a great matron.”
“Not yet. But you will be.”
She cautiously asked, “Who are you?”
Brush Wasp glanced around warily, then whispered, “I am Sand Wasp, war chief to Kaska, matron of Salmon Village.”
Rain Bear heard Evening Star gasp.
Sand Wasp continued, “She wishes you to know that the North Wind People will be leaving Fire Village by the dark of the moon in seven days.”
Evening Star studied him, as though searching for treachery. “Why would she tell me this?”
“Because her mother was murdered by Chief Cimmis’s assassins. She wants him dead. She believes you are her friend.” His gaze searched her face. “That’s true, isn’t it?”
“Tell my cousin that I love her as much today as ever.”
“I was sent to determine if you really were working with these people to attack Cimmis. After the things that were said here, I’m sure.” He glanced uneasily at Rain Bear. “Can you trust him?”
“I can.”
Sand Wasp held her gaze for several moments before he whispered, “Very well. Know this: If you can arrange for an attack on Cimmis, Matron Kaska promises her forces will be at your command.”
Evening Star’s shoulders tensed. Rain Bear waited anxiously for her response. Another fifty trained warriors …
Evening Star said, “What does Kaska think she may gain from this?”
“Cimmis’s death.”
“Others may be killed, as well. Perhaps Matron Astcat and the Four Old Women. Does she hope to become the next great matron of the North Wind People?”
Sand Wasp was taken off guard by the accusation. “No. I mean, she does not! In fact, she suggested that perhaps you might ascend to that position.”
“I cannot accept her offer.”
Sand Wasp blinked in surprise. “Why? After seeing you face down that chief, I’m convinced you are more worthy than ever.”
“You heard what was said here today. Take it to her. Tell her Rain Bear’s intention is to break the North Wind People—not just Cimmis. If she agrees—”
“Wait.” Dogrib held out a hand to Rain Bear. “Great Chief, we can’t allow him to return to Fire Village. He may be an emissary from Matron Kaska, but he could just as easily be a spy for Cimmis.”
Sand Wasp’s mouth tightened. He carefully drew back his cape, allowing them to see his hands, then reached into his belt pouch. He pulled out a magnificent spear point pendant. “Matron Kaska sends you her mother’s pendant as a token of her loyalty.”
He handed it to Evening Star.
Evening Star’s fist closed around the precious gift. “Gispaw was a good friend,” she whispered, “and a great leader of our people.”
Dogrib stepped closer. “Cimmis may have ripped it from her corpse and sent it to you himself! We have no way of knowing if Kaska actually sent it.”
Sand Wasp gave Dogrib an evil look.
Rain Bear considered as he tried to read past Sand Wasp’s building anger. “I say we fill Sand Wasp’s pack with food and let him go.”
“What?” Dogrib asked. “Why?”
Rain Bear’s gaze remained locked with Sand Wasp’s, judging the set of the man’s jaw, the fire in his eyes. “Because even if Sand Wasp repeated every word he heard today, it wouldn’t change our plans. Nor would it change the Council’s. Cimmis already expects us to attack him on the trail to Wasp Village.”