People of the Thunder(134)

“They shall not act against you. Few understand how their lives are going to change. Split Sky City will be a different place after this. The falling of the walls is but the first sign of the changes to come.”

He narrowed an eye. “I could have used more warriors, but that scheming Blood Skull was missing all through the day. I sent him to ensure that the warriors are where I want them, but he shouldn’t have been gone so long.”

“The Chahta will see no warriors when they arrive.” She smiled at him. “It’s a fascinating game, misdirection. You are good at it. Even the Underworld marvels.”

“Is that how it will be? My name spoken among the worlds?”

“It already is.”

He grinned, stripping off his dirty shirt and breech-cloth. “Wash me. And while you do, tell me what will come next. I am interested in Green Snake and his dealings among the Yuchi. You have already told me I will denounce him before the Council.”

She wet one of the cloths and began sponging his body. “Your brother has made peace with Born-of-Sun, the Yuchi chief. They have discussed a lasting alliance.”

“So, he really has betrayed us.” He reached up to finger the scar. “Will I ever have the chance to repay him for this? He won’t be killed before I can get to him, will he?”

“In the end, I promise you will see him stand before the Council. There, before your people, you will denounce him and expose his true nature so that all might see. And when that time comes, my lover, you shall take his wealth.” She smiled. “Power cannot be stopped.”

“After I destroy the Chahta, how will I defeat the Yuchi?”

“Look no further than your Dreams, High Minko.”

“In my Dreams?”

“All great Visions are like Dreams. Ever so clear, and with a truth all their own.”

“But I need to know how! What obstacles are in my way?”

She was washing his genitals now, her fingers adding to the effect of the warm cloth. He watched himself stiffening in her hands. She looked up, excitement in her eyes. “I have things to tell you . . . about treachery, a stunning theft that will rock your warriors, and betrayal that will enrage your very souls.” She waved down his sudden dismay, and added, “All in due time, my lover. First, let me tend to this swollen member.”



Heron Wing tossed a handful of corn into the fire. It was little enough offering to the winds for ceasing that angry blow. She could hear cold rain pattering outside, and the drips falling from the eaves had a reassuring rhythm. Glancing up, she was so relieved that her roof had survived. Many had not, and now people were sheltering with family, or spending a miserable night listening to water plopping into pots placed under leaks.

She dropped her head into her hands, worry chewing at her insides like a voracious wood rat. The slow and eroding fear that had become her constant companion was new. Living like this, she decided, was like a slow death.

Even when Smoke Shield had been at his worst, the subtle knowledge that he might beat her, or perhaps even disfigure or maim her, had been tempered by the knowledge that clan justice would make him pay in the end. People liked and respected her—and perhaps Smoke Shield knew that deep down inside. It had held him back, supplied a restraint that not even he was willing to challenge.

Through all of those dark days, she had been buoyed by a deep-seated courage, some hard fiber woven into her souls that had kept her resolve from crumbling. But now, with so much at stake, she had to face the fact that deep down, she was terrified.

The sensation of complete impotence had left her adrift, helpless. Not even in the days following Green Snake’s flight had she experienced this. Though her heart was broken and the future had grown uncertain, she still had possessed the core belief that she would manage. The birth of her son, and her people’s constant reliance on her counsel, had given her direction.

Then Old White had walked into her house; and her world had fallen apart like the ramada roofs in the wind. No matter how she tried to picture it, the future was dark and menacing. Should even a whisper be passed that Green Snake was here in Split Sky City, Smoke Shield would act with immediate savagery.

Nor did the Traders’ wild plots hold much hope of success. She glanced over at the fire where it flickered. She half expected to hear shouts on the night, the cry of triumph as Green Snake was apprehended. And once captured, even if Green Snake kept his mouth closed, Smoke Shield would be coming, eager to know if she’d seen Green Snake, and what they’d talked about.

He will destroy me.

She glanced at her son’s bed. On this night he was at his aunt’s, tucked in safe where he couldn’t witness any odd comings or goings.