The Seeker stifled a smile. “Yes, it is true.”
Paunch used a stick to stir the stew. “I can help you. Albaamaha and Koasati are related. According to the story, we were the same people once, back before we emerged from beneath the roots of the World Tree. They came out on one side of a root, and we on the other. Trading with them would be like Trading with brothers. My skills could be of good use to you.”
The Seeker nodded. “That is pleasing to know.”
“Whippoorwill and I will act tirelessly to help you make back the value of that gorget.” He gestured with the stick. “Do not think for a moment that we are ungrateful for your actions on our part.”
His stomach was growling at the smell of the stew. By Abba Mikko’s eyebrow, he’d dreamed of such while eating bugs and nuts in the forest. Traveling with the Traders would have him putting on fat in no time.
Trader came walking in, a perplexed look on his face. He was scratching his hair, his blanket rolled under one arm. The dog was pacing at his side, tail swinging. The man glanced around, noted Whippoorwill’s flat blanket, and lifted an inquiring brow.
“Do not worry,” Paunch cried brightly. “I’m sure she’s out in the forest. You know, attending to women’s things.”
Trader started. “It’s not her moon, is it?”
“No, no. She passed that not so long ago. Just before the Chahta caught us.”
Trader seemed to take a relieved breath.
“Nothing to worry about,” Paunch continued. “She’ll tell me before she has to go into seclusion.”
The Seeker said something in Trade Tongue, and Trader shot a glance at the Contrary, who spoke softly. At that Trader turned, staring out at the woods for a moment; then he rushed down to the canoes where they lay beached at the foot of the levee. He took quick inventory of his packs, and muttered to himself in obvious relief.
Paunch felt fingers of worry clutching at his souls as he furtively searched the woods. Come back, Granddaughter. This is starting to worry them.
Trader said something reassuring as he strode up the incline, and squatted beside the Seeker.
“We were discussing the Albaamaha,” the Seeker said in Mos’kogee. “The ringleader is a mikko called Amber Bead. But Paunch tells me the Albaamaha are split. Some want revolt; others are afraid.”
“What would it take to start an uprising?” Trader asked, eyes on Paunch.
“One atrocity by the Chikosi and the whole country could erupt,” Paunch told him darkly. “You can’t trust their Council or leadership. Most of them are thieves.” He paused, seeing unease rising in Trader’s expression. “The Seeker and I were just talking about heading downriver and Trading with the Koasati.”
“They have stingray spines and hanging moss,” the Seeker said mildly. “Things of great value in the northern Trade.”
“I see,” Trader said with equal aplomb.
“You know this Amber Bead well?” the Seeker asked.
“Oh, yes. An old friend. Kin of mine, actually.”
Trader and the Seeker were giving each other knowing stares.
“Could we Trade with him?” the Seeker asked.
“He wouldn’t have much to Trade.” Paunch gestured at the canoes. “The kind of goods you carry can’t be parted with for a few baskets of moldy corn. No, for good value, you would want beautiful shell, things from farther south that would make you a handsome return in the north.”
“Which the Koasati have,” Trader replied, nodding. “I think I understand.” He paused. “But wouldn’t the Chikosi have those things, too?”
“Trust me.” Paunch affected ease. “They’re as crooked as a sassafras root. We’ve been dealing with them for years. No one knows how sneaky they are better than me.”
Trader nodded, a grim set to his lips as he found his bowl and scooped up some of the stew. After a taste he said, “Paunch, you’d make a lousy Trader, but your stew is pretty good.”
No one said more as they ate, but Paunch couldn’t help staring out at the trees.
Whippoorwill? Where are you?
After the meal was finished the Traders began packing.
“I’ll be right back,” Paunch called. “Just need to use the trees for a moment.”
He hurried down the slope, eyes on the swamp. Under his breath, he muttered, “Whippoorwill?”
The empty forest showed no sign of her.
“You coming?” Trader called from behind him. “Or are you going to run like your granddaughter did?”
Paunch hesitated. Go after her? For what? More hiding in the forest?
He rubbed his belly, full to bursting since he’d eaten enough for two. No, there was no turning back. If he was to have any chance, it would be downriver, among the Koasati.