Page 51 of Sun Warrior

Mari saw Nik’s head jerk up. “Really? You’ve met a Wind Rider?”

“Several of them, actually. I guided a small group of Healers from a northern Tribe through the Rockies to the plains that are Wind Rider territory. They wanted to trade their balms and salves for some of the Wind Riders’ crystals—you know their rocks and crystals have powerful properties, don’t you?”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Nik nodded, motioning for Antreas to continue.

“That’s about it. I led the group into Wind Rider territory, and then went back after the next full moon, ready to guide them on the return trip through the mountains, but none of the Healers were there. I waited two days. No one came. So Bast and I left.”

“Didn’t you ask a Wind Rider about what had happened to the Healers?” Mari said, not so much because she wanted to know but more because Nik was listening so intently.

“Wind Riders are only found whentheywish to be found, and they didn’t wish to be found.”

“Wind Riders—they’re mostly women, right?” Davis said.

Antreas nodded. “I only met women. And their equines, which are as magnificent as they are dangerous. I’d never seen a creature so big! They’re larger than even the mightiest stag. And they carry their Companions on their backs, as they run like the wind—even faster than a Lynx can run, I do believe,” he finished, sending Bast a teasing look.

“But their equines couldn’t be as soft and wonderful as Bast.” Danita spoke up as she petted the Lynx. “Plus, they’re all the way over the mountains, and she’s right here.”

Jenna turned her attention back to the feline. “Her fur does look incredibly soft.”

Showing more animation than Mari had seen her show since she’d been attacked, Danita asked the feline, “Bast, do you think you could let Jenna touch you? She’s my friend.” The Lynx cocked her head, listening intently. Then she chirped and rubbed against Danita’s hand.

“That’s a yes,” Antreas said.

“I know!” Danita told him, though she didn’t look directly at the cat man.

“I’d love to touch her,” Jenna said. Then she paused, making a quick gesture at the big Shepherd who had resettled himself in front of the door. “Um, who is the other Shepherd? He looks like a huge version of Rigel.”

“That’s my Companion, Laru. He should look like Rigel—he’s his father,” Nik said.

“Laru?” Jenna stopped halfway across the room. “But that’s the name of the Sun Priest’s canine.”

“Hewasthe Sun Priest’s canine,” Nik said quietly, and went back to studying his stew.

“But isn’t the Sun Priest your father?” Jenna said.

“Yes. He was.” Nik didn’t look up from his food, though he’d stopped eating. “He died yesterday.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, Nik,” Jenna said.

Mari motioned for Jenna to join her on the crowded pallet, scooting over to make room. “Nik’s father was killed saving my life,” Mari said.

“Nik,” Jenna said, and he finally looked up at her, tears in his eyes. “I’ll say a prayer to the Earth Mother for him and burn a branch of rosemary in remembrance.”

“Why? Why would you do that?” Danita blurted. “He was the Leader of the people who killed your father and enslaved you!”

“He also helped Nik get me out of there, and you heard Mari—his father lost his life saving our Moon Woman. Danita, I miss my father every day. I think I always will. But sometimes you have to let love shine through or the hate will consume you.” She looked from Jenna to Mari and then Davis, Antreas, and finally Nik. “That’s what I learned from being captured and forced to be a slave by the Tribe of the Trees.”

Danita bit her lip and pressed her face into Bast’s fur. “I’m not as good as you, Jenna. I don’t think I could forgive the Tribe if I’d been through what you have because of them. I—I don’t know if I can forgive the Tribe for causing the death of Leda, which made our men lose their way and attack me.” She peeked up at Nik and Davis and then added softly, “I’m sorry.”

“Danita, there is no more Tribe of the Trees,” Nik said firmly. Davis started to speak, but Nik’s raised hand stopped him. “When we rebuild—and we will rebuild—our Pack won’t be like the old Tribe. No Pack member will ever capture an Earth Walker—not as long as I am their Sun Priest.”

“Which is exactly why I’ve sworn to follow you as the new Sun Priest,” Davis said earnestly. “I agree with Jenna. There has been too much hate. The fire finished that for me. I want something more—and I don’t want that something to be at the expense of another people’s freedom.”

“Clan Weaver is no more,” Mari said. All attention turned to her. “The Clan was broken when my mother died. I agree with Davis. I want more than to just rebuild a Clan that I had to hide my true self from. I want a Clan where we can be ourselves, in our best and truest forms.”

“Then let’s rebuild together,” Nik said. “You and I, Mari—Sun Priestand Moon Woman. We can bring alive our dream—for us, and for people who want the same things we do.”

Mari felt the warmth of Nik’s words wash through her. “Yes, Nik. Yes. Let’s rebuild together.”