People of the Raven(49)
“In addition,” she decreed, “we decided that we will intensify our raids on Raven villages. The attacks will serve as a diversion while we are readying ourselves, and then while we are traveling to Wasp Village.”
Cimmis just stared at her in disbelief. “Matron, that means dividing our forces. We’ll have warriors running around like ruffed grouse in the fall. You can’t just—”
“My vision was true, Cimmis. I have seen our success. Or do you mock the revelations given by the gods?” Her gaze returned to Astcat, who lay on her side staring at nothing. Old Woman North studied her empty eyes for several long moments before asking, “How long has her soul been gone?”
“Since dusk. She—she had a seizure that shook her soul loose, but I’m sure it will return.”
Old Woman North shoved the door flap aside with her walking stick. Before she ducked out, she said, “I think the next time you tell the Council you are speaking Matron Astcat’s words, we will wonder about that, Cimmis.”
Then she was gone.
In a barely audible voice, he said, “Kstawl, you may leave.”
He had to be alone with Astcat, to think, to talk with her.
“But, Father, I haven’t finished the soup.”
“I’ll prepare the soup! Just go!”
Kstawl grabbed her cape and rushed out into the gusting night wind.
Cimmis stood like a statue, staring at the beautiful, stylized image of Killer Whale, trying to calm himself. Didn’t the old woman realize …
From behind him, a soft, weary voice said, “You mustn’t get … so angry … my husband. It makes your eyes bulge like Flying Squirrel’s.”
“Astcat!” He saw her smiling at him.
He bent and gathered her in his arms, hugging her tightly. “Are you well? I’ve been so worried.”
“Old Woman North is right,” she whispered, and nuzzled her forehead against his cheek.
“What do you mean?” He gazed down into her sleepy eyes. “Right about what? The visions she’s spouting are nonsense that defy—”
“The Raven People will attack this place if they can. We deserve it after the recent Council decisions. We should prepare for the possibility—then, we must leave. Find a more defensible place to live.”
Cimmis hugged her more tightly. “They want to move to Wasp Village. Did you hear that?”
She gave him an exhausted smile. “Yes. But Wasp Village is not defensible.”
“I tried to tell them. They wouldn’t listen. Old Woman North has convinced them these visions are guiding our people. But they make no sense.”
“Tell them again. They must listen.” She twined a hand in his shirt. “If our people gather there, the Raven People will only have to circle the village to starve us out. We don’t have enough canoes, so escape by sea will be impossible.”
“I’ll tell them. Tomorrow morning.” As he stroked her gray hair, she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. “Will you stay with me tonight? Please, try to stay, Astcat. I need you.”
She clutched his arm with no more strength than a baby’s fingers. “The Dream keeps calling me back.”
“Dream? What Dream?”
“Oh, it’s … curious. I’m hovering high above Gull Inlet, watching a terrible battle, and I’m afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
She smiled again, and his heart ached. Just looking into her alert eyes eased his fears. “I don’t know. I always wake before the end of the battle. But I think”—her hand trembled as it tightened on his arm—“I think I’m afraid I’ll never see you again.”
He kissed her. “Well, I’m here now. Forget about the Dream. I’m tired of hearing about Dreams. Are you hungry?”
“Yes.”
“Let me get the soup started.” He started to rise.
“Wait,” she said soothingly. “Be calm, my husband. Talk with me for a time; then start the soup.”
He smiled down at her. “As you wish.”
“I have suddenly come to value the time I have with you. Let’s make the most of it.”
“Gladly.”
Sixteen
A thick bank of clouds had moved in off the ocean, and occasional flurries of snow fell; but in the gaps between, the Star People sparkled like tiny torches. Rain Bear took a deep breath and let it out in a rush. It hung before him as he approached Roe’s lodge. On all sides refugees huddled over fires before makeshift lodges, eating whatever food they had scrounged, their voices dire.
He slowed before Pitch’s lodge and cleared his throat. “Roe? Pitch? May I come?”