People of the Raven(17)

“Hello!” Rides-the-Wind lifted a bony hand in greeting as the youth trotted closer.

The youth lifted a hand in return, but the smile died on his lips when he recognized Rides-the-Wind. The Soul Keeper wasn’t like other people. He was a revered elder of the North Wind People—a man of great mystery and Power. It was tiresome.

The youth glanced around as though looking for another trail, but seeing none, plodded forward. Long black hair whipped around his shoulders.

“Pleasant morning to you,” Rides-the-Wind began. “Have you traveled far?”

The skinny youth halted five paces away and gave Rides-the-Wind a wary scrutiny. He had a narrow beaked face with soft brown eyes, kind eyes. “I’ve been running for a day, Soul Keeper. I’m on my way to Antler Spoon’s village.”

“Well, then, you should be there by nightfall. You’re from Sandy Point Village, aren’t you?” He gestured to the youth’s shirt.

“I am called Pitch, of the Sea Whistle Clan.”

“You are married to Roe, are you not?” When Pitch nodded uneasily, Rides-the-Wind added, “I know of you. A young holy man.You are of Chief Rain Bear’s family. He has a reputation as a peacemaker.”

Rain Bear often angered his people by giving far more in negotiations than he received. They didn’t seem to understand that in these perilous times, that was the reason they were alive and their village intact, not a burned heap of rubble. Rides-the-Wind had never met Rain Bear, but he’d admired him for many winters.

“A peacemaker? Yes, in the past.” Pitch shifted uneasily. “We have received word, however, that Ecan comes to make war.”

“War?” Rides-the-Wind arched his bushy gray eyebrows. “I have been away for a time, tracking the stars. Please tell me what’s happened.” At Pitch’s obvious hesitation, he added, “I understand your reluctance, but I bear your people no malice. On my soul, I seek only to know what I might be walking into.”

The youth sighed and plopped his butt on a boulder. Sweat beaded his hooked nose. “All I can tell you is that we received news that Starwatcher Ecan is about to attack Sandy Point Village.”

Rides-the-Wind stroked his long gray beard. “I don’t understand. Why would Ecan do that? Rain Bear always faithfully delivers the tribute he owes Fire Village. Ecan has no reason to attack.”

Pitch seemed to have relaxed a bit. “I agree, but that’s what the North Wind woman, Evening Star, told Rain Bear. He can’t ignore it.”

Rides-the-Wind clutched his walking stick hard. “I heard that young Evening Star had escaped. Did Rain Bear grant her sanctuary?”

“Yes. She came looking for Dzoo, but when she discovered Dzoo was gone, she asked for Rain Bear’s protection—which he gave in exchange for information.”

Rides-the-Wind let out a relieved breath. “At least she’s safe.”

Pitch looked skeptical. “For the moment, but no one likes it. Why did she come to us? Harboring her is dangerous. If Ecan didn’t have a reason to attack before, her presence might just goad him to now.”

“You’re suspicious of her, are you?”

“Of course,” he said, half angry. “Why would a North Wind matron, even an escaped captive, come to us with these tales? Things she supposedly overheard her guards saying.”

“You think she’s trying to trick you?”

“Elder, in these days of treachery and deceit by the North—” He suddenly realized what he’d been about to say to the Soul Keeper. His thin face flushed.

Rides-the-Wind smiled. “No, young Pitch. She’s an honorable young woman who just saw her husband and two-summers-old daughter slaughtered before her eyes. I can’t guarantee the accuracy of her information, but I’m sure she is faithfully reporting what she heard.”

Pitch made a soft skeptical sound and rose to his feet. “I had better be on my way. A pleasant day to—”

“You said she was looking for Dzoo?”

“I have been sent to bring the Healer back to Sandy Point Village, Elder.”

“Then you should be about your business. Travel in safety, young Pitch.” Rides-the-Wind propped his walking stick and struggled to stand up. “We shall talk some more when you return to Sandy Point Village.”

Already started up the trail, Patch whirled, his brown eyes huge. “We—we will?”

“Yes. If Rain Bear will permit, I would like to spend a few days in your village. Perhaps we’ll be neighbors.”

“Neighbors?” Fear and dismay edged his voice.

“Yes. Why? Does that concern you?”