People of the Wolf(141)

Grunts of endorsement carne from around the packed shelter, hard mouths set, jutted chins nodding approval.

Ice Fire bowed his head, clutching his arms tightly across his breast. Red Flint wanted a campaign of extermination. The angry warriors were with him, ready to crush the last of the Enemy before they could escape through the hole. The rest of the White Tusk Clan felt satisfied. They'd run the Enemy out of the good country. Now they wanted to enjoy their spoils before the Buffalo Clan moved into those grounds.

"You do know who this is, don't you?" Moon Water's voice cut through the throng as she elbowed her way forward. "This man is their war leader, Raven Hunter. He's the one who's led the raids against us. He's the one who told them to crush our infants and torture old women. He led them—made them do it. You want revenge? Here's the one to get it from."

She sought out the greatest warriors, chin high, challenging, her swollen belly reminding them of what the Enemy did to captives. "When you kill him, kill him slowly. Then, according to his beliefs, bury him in the ground."

Raven Hunter heaved against the thongs binding him, muscles straining under sweat-smooth skin. "No! Don't bury me! Don't leave my soul in the—"

Walrus kicked him in the side, doubling him over, leaving him grunting and shaking as his stomach heaved from nausea.

Ice Fire studied him.

hatred between our peoples? Has he rent us so far asunder I can never repair the rip ?

Walrus stared down near the Enemy. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I heard that my nephew, Young Bird, screamed for three days while they piled coals on his body. I heard this Raven Hunter cooked his legs off his body. Cooked Young Bird's manhood and then made him eat it. I think we'll make this Raven Hunter die very slowly, very painfully. I, for one, will urinate into his empty eye sockets. Then we will bury him. Perhaps while a little spark of life remains in his body so we know we capture his soul underground."

Raven Hunter's jaws worked, black eyes sparkling with a soul-deep fear. Terror-sweat had begun to bead on his naked body.

Horror gripped Ice Fire's heart. My fault . , . that you're here at all. Tears stung his eyes. He blinked them back quickly, exhaling. "Tomorrow. As the sun rises, we'll begin. We'll torture him for four days. A holy number, four." He looked around. "In the meantime, go to your shelters. Rest well this night, for once we start, there will be little sleeping with this Enemy's screams in the night."

"Even the ghosts of the dead will cower in fear," Yellow Leaf hissed as she spat on Raven Hunter. The Enemy warrior twitched as if he'd been stung.

Walrus looked up. "I'll stay to watch him. It wouldn't do for him to get loose."

Ice Fire nodded, motioning the others to go on about their business. Raven Hunter stared up at him, hate glistening in his black eyes.

"So," Ice Fire whispered as he knelt down. "You'll see what it's like for your victims." He frowned, cocking his head. "Tell me, what do you feel?"

Raven Hunter's thinly pressed lips betrayed his fear. He said nothing, looking away.

Ice Fire nodded solemnly. "It's hard to believe such cruelty could come from me. ..."

He saw the glint of comprehension in Raven Hunter's panicked face. Shock and disbelief flickered in the pools of his eyes.

"You know," Ice Fire whispered. "Did your brother, Wolf Dreamer, tell you? Perhaps the witch, Heron?"

Raven Hunter's eyes narrowed to slits.

Ice Fire watched him for a moment, pensive as he fingered his chin. He turned away and nodded to Walrus, clapping him on the back. "Nice capture out there. I suppose you'll be wrestling white bears next?"

Walrus chuckled, fingering his darts.

"It'll be a long night. I'll make us something to drink." Ice Fire bent over the fire, pulling herbs from his pack and mixing them in a horn spoon.

From the corner of his eye, he studied his son, knowing what had to be done, contemplating the terrible danger involved.





Chapter 57



"Stop! Who are you?" Dancing Fox demanded, darts held loosely in her hand.

She faced them on the narrow rocky trail, twilight falling as the lavender night grew out of the east. Three young men of the People, weapons clutched, crouched warily until they recognized her.

She stepped toward the tallest man, Red Moon. "You're going to raid the Others, aren't you?"

He clamped his jaw, saying nothing.

"You know the Dreamer ordered that no one raid them again. You defy him?"

Red Moon lifted a shoulder. "What business is it of yours, woman?" He lifted his chin, an angry glint in his steely eyes.

"If you raid, you'll split the People. Do you want to—"

"Perhaps I'd leave you with a little something on the way, eh?" He suggestively caressed his crotch.