People of the Thunder(142)
Flying Hawk shook his head. “I don’t understand. The Men’s House was full of warriors, wasn’t it?”
Blood Skull shrugged. “Many claim they were awake all night, seeking Power for the coming fight.”
“Come closer. The rest of you, please stand back. I would speak to Blood Skull in private.”
He watched the room rearrange itself, the others crowding into the back. Amber Bead did his best to maintain his distance from the Sky Hand around him.
Blood Skull leaned close. “Yes, High Minko?”
“Did you do as I asked?”
“Yes, High Minko.” Blood Skull’s voice dropped to a whisper. “In your name I ordered most of the warriors north, as you directed. When the Yuchi try to infiltrate, they’ll find a screen of scouts watching every trail.” He hesitated. “Also according to your order, I told them that this was at the war chief’s command. You have told Smoke Shield, haven’t you?”
Flying Hawk sighed; the sense of defeat was welling again. “There are complications.”
Blood Skull’s penetrating stare fixed on him. “High Minko, the war chief will find out.”
“I am hoping he won’t until the Council is called tomorrow morning. You have told the tishu minko?”
“Seven Dead knows, and understands. He will back you, as will I.”
“The collapse of the palisade along with the theft of the medicine box may buy us some time. And, as you have just heard, the war chief has other problems.” With any luck Smoke Shield would be pestered all day by Crawfish Clan men demanding satisfaction for the beating of Two Beavers.
“This once,” Blood Skull said, “I hope you are right.” He hesitated again. “I have another report.”
“And that is?”
“The Albaamaha, High Minko, they are moving. It seems that the farmsteads have been abandoned to the west. Half the Albaamaha are heading north, the other half to the south. I’ve had the same report from several bands of warriors traveling here. Do you know anything about this?”
Flying Hawk straightened, calling, “Amber Bead? Could you approach?”
The old Albaamo mikko stepped forward, bowing and touching his forehead in respect. “Yes, High Minko?”
“Blood Skull tells me that Albaamaha families have been seen moving north and south, west of the river. Do you know anything about this?”
Amber Bead looked oddly nervous. “Yes, High Minko. Those moving north are preparing to carry the food you need for the new town. Others are headed south in anticipation of logging activities. The mikkos are fully aware of the number of logs that will need to be cut to repair the palisade.”
Flying Hawk sighed with relief. “A single ray of sunshine in a day filled with storm. For that, I bless you, Councilor.” He shook his head. “Imagine that. I am surrounded by nothing but trouble and confusion among the Sky Hand, and it is the Albaamaha to whom I can offer thanks for a job well done.”
Some masked irony gleamed behind the old Albaamo’s eyes. “Perhaps it was my desire to go fishing in your pond, High Minko.”
“Quite so. And we shall do that. I promise.” Flying Hawk tapped his fingers on his stone mace. “I send my compliments to your wise mikkos. At least we have solved the Albaamaha problems.”
“Oh, indeed we have,” Amber Bead replied, his head lowered.
“Thank you, my friend. I shall see you tomorrow at the Council. You may go.”
He watched the old man turn and walk softly from the room.
Blood Skull had a curious look on his face as he watched the man leave.
“Yes, Warrior?”
“Oh, nothing,” the man mused.
From the corner of his eye, Flying Hawk thought he saw movement, as if a dark, winged shadow flitted across the wall. When he looked, only the masks hanging from their hooks stared back.
“Nothing, Blood Skull? Then why do I sense that we are balancing on the edge of catastrophe?”
Twenty-nine
Trust me. The words echoed between Morning Dew’s souls as she picked her way along the forest trail. Around her the endless maze of trees seemed to brood and growl. The way was precarious, filled with sticks and branches the fierce wind had ripped from overhead. Here and there she had to circle massive deadfalls where the gale had toppled old and diseased trees.
She had seen worse when the mighty storms blew in from the gulf. Then high winds and tornadoes blew down vast swaths of trees, often creating impassable barriers to travel.
Trust me. She had spoken those words with such conviction to Heron Wing.
Turning, she glanced back in the direction of Split Sky City. By now her friend would be fully aware of her treachery. She would have discovered the missing war medicine and realized what Morning Dew had done in the night.