Page 98 of Moon Chosen

“And it was a short climb to the opening of the building. You can see it from the river,” Crystal added.

“Should be easy to hook towlines around the metal and pull it to the water, load ’em, and off we go,” Sheena said as she and her mate smiled at each other.

“I like the way that sounds,” Wilkes said. “Questions?”

Nik almost kept his mouth shut, but his father’s words niggled at his conscience, goading him to speak up. “Sheena, you said you could see the opening from the river?”

“Yep. Even though it’s still pretty choked by vines and such. We might not have noticed it at all if it hadn’t been for the glass.”

“Glass?” Nik asked.

“Yeah, it musta got caught in the vines when the roof collapsed and it just happened to catch the sunlight as we paddled past,” Crystal said. “That’s why we didn’t see it the other days. How many times do you think we passed that spot before the thing winked at us?” she asked her mate.

Sheena lifted a slim shoulder. “Lots. It was a real blessing that the Sun led us to it.”

Except for Nik, the team nodded and smiled.

“Did you have another question, Nik?” Wilkes said.

“No. No, that was my question. I just think it’s odd. It’s been ten winters or more since there has been a substantial find so close to the river, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, well, looks like we’re getting lucky,” Wilkes said with an easy smile.

“Like the girls said, the Sun blessed them. Shouldn’t be hard for the Sun Priest’s boy to accept that,” Thaddeus said with a caustic smile.

“Oh, I don’t have any problem accepting blessings from the Sun,” Nik said. “If they are blessings.”

“What are you trying to do—chase ghosts again?” Thaddeus’s eyes glinted with malice.

“Nope, Thaddeus. I’m just trying to do my job—same as you. I’m here to shoot things and observe. There’s nothing I’m allowed to shoot right now, so I’m observing.”

“Well, let’s hope observing is all you have to do until we return to the Tribe, loaded with metal,” Wilkes said.

“And glass,” Crystal added. “I spotted an almost perfectly round piece—totally uncracked. I’m going to bring it back and use it as a window for our new nest.”

Sheena slipped her hand in Crystal’s. “Our newspaciousnest. I cannot wait until we don’t have to crowd into that tiny bachelor’s nest anymore. After all, we’ll have pups soon!”

“And on that blessed note, let’s launch,” Wilkes said.

The six gleaming wooden kayaks skimmed easily over the waters of the Willum, slicing through the current like a hot dagger through a bucket of lard. The canines settled comfortably on the ballast mats. Soon they were dozing in the warm morning sunlight.

Nik was glad he’d been teamed with Sheena and Crystal. He liked them. They’d been mates for several winters and, unlike Wilkes and Ethan, rarely argued. Plus, they were half the weight of the men, even taking into account towing their big Shepherds, both of whom were currently snoring loudly.

“Pups, huh?” Nik called from his position in the rear of the boat as the three of them paddled. “That is good news. Captain and Grace will make a fine-looking litter of pups.”

“We’re so excited!” Crystal said.

“You’d think she’s giving birth,” Sheena said, sending Crystal a warm smile over her shoulder.

“Oh, don’t pretend like you’re not as excited as I am. Shecriedwhen Captain and Grace mated,” Crystal said.

“Happy tears,” Sheena agreed. “I admit it. I might as well. I’ll cry again when they’re born.”

“Congratulations. I’m truly happy for you,” Nik said. “And it’s a good thing that more pups are on their way with how fast we’re growing.”

“Don’t you mean it’s a good thing that more pups are on their way so that you have another chance at one choosing you?” Thaddeus called out.

“There’s no reason for that kind of comment,” Sheena said, skewering Thaddeus with a dark look.