War Chief White Stone asked, “And the rest of us, Starwatcher?”
“The final stroke of genius, War Chief. We leave immediately for War Gods Village … and we are going straight through Sandy Point on the way.”
“Gods! Sandy Point? Are you crazy?”
A sudden silence made Tsauz tremble. Across the distance he could hear White Stone swallow dryly.
When Father spoke it was with a deadly fury. “If you ever use that word with me again, I will cut your tongue from your body, no matter who you are, or what you are to Cimmis. Pack your men; we move out now.”
“Yes, Starwatcher.” Feet pounded as White Stone turned and raced off.
Tsauz crawled out of his blankets and pulled the lodge flap open a crack to listen. Down the valley, he heard tens of warriors moving and smelled the scents of their breakfasts cooking: roasted venison and lady ferns. From Father’s position, he heard nothing, only a long and lingering silence, as if Father was lost in deep thought.
Runner licked Tsauz’s moccasin, and Tsauz gently stroked the puppy’s side. “Are you hungry?”
Runner perked up. He knew the word “hungry.”
Tsauz felt his way across the lodge to the bag where he kept the extra fried clams the slaves had fixed him for dinner. Runner trotted at his heels, whimpering.
Tsauz pulled out some clams and petted Runner’s side while the dog gulped them down.
“Now, be quiet. Father thinks we’re asleep. He might be angry if he knew we’d sneaked out of our hides to listen to him.”
When Father got angry, things died. That’s what had happened to Tsauz’s last puppy. Mother must have said something that angered Father, because he’d kicked the little puppy so many times he’d killed it. The squeals had been terrible. Then, the following night had been the fire, but Father had been gone. Chief Cimmis said he was high on Fire Mountain speaking with the stars that night, and could not be reached. Father hadn’t returned for days.
Tsauz had been so alone. The strange new darkness had pressed on his eyes and ears like granite weights. The warriors who’d guarded him hadn’t dared to speak with him. Neither had they made so much as a sound when he called out his dead mother’s name, or that of his puppy.
Only Chief Cimmis, passing by, had stopped. Tsauz had heard him, felt his penetrating stare, and then the old man had walked away. A half hand of time later he had returned with Runner, saying in an ominous voice, “Here, boy. This one is a gift. No one will dare to harm him.”
Tsauz tiptoed back to his bedding and quietly pulled the hides and buffalo blanket over him. Runner curled up on his chest.
“You would not have believed my Dream. It was so terrible, filled with Power. And this voice … it called out of the storm.”
Runner wiggled and stomped, weaseling his way up until he could lick Tsauz’s chin. The wagging of the little dog’s tail brought joy to his heart.
“We will be together forever, Runner. You will be my best friend. We’ll always take care of each other. And if you get lonely, I’ll hold you. Just like this.” He wrapped his arms around the squirming puppy.
Runner made soft sounds of joy, his tail lashing the air as he snuffled and tried to lick Tsauz’s chin.
Who was that other man Father had been talking to? War Chief White Stone and Red Dog he had recognized, but that last voice? It had been so low that even if Tsauz had known him, he doubted he would have recognized his voice. He—
Father’s steps pounded the ground, and he tugged the lodge flap aside. “Tsauz? Get up, my son. I need you to travel with me today.”
“Yes, Father!”
Tsauz sat up so suddenly, Runner scrambled as he rolled across the hides.
Father ducked into the lodge. “I’m sorry my journey took so long.” He seemed to be ignoring Runner. Tsauz could hear the puppy snuffling at Father’s moccasins.
“Don’t be sorry, Father. I’m just happy to be with you.” Tsauz dutifully began rolling up their bedding hides. “When did you get back to camp?”
“Hmm?” Father said distractedly, then, “Just a short time ago. Were you asleep?”
“Yes. The sound of your voice woke me. I’m glad to see you.” Tsauz smiled his love at Father.
“And I to see you. I know this trip has been difficult for you. I’m often away, and you are alone with our slaves in Fire Village.”
“I have Runner, Father. I’m not alone.”
Runner heard his name and galloped over to lick Tsauz’s hand.
Father said, “Well, you’re very brave, but I won’t take you on my next trip. It’s too dangerous for you to be away from Fire Village. More and more villagers have been flocking to Rain Bear. Any one of them would love to harm you, and … and I couldn’t stand that.”