Page 9 of Sun Warrior

Isabel took Mari’s hand in both of hers. “Of course you were.”

“But everything happened so fast! No one was supposed to know I was there except Sol and Nik. I don’t know how the Tribe found us.And then they wouldn’t listen to reason—not even from their Sun Priest. I should have waited. I shouldn’t have healedanyoneuntil every Earth Walker was released and safe. I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

“Listen to me, Mari. You did the right thing. You Washed us of the fever. Even those who drowned trying to escape you helped. Today, for the first time inyearsfor some of us, we knew happiness and hope again. We would all agree: Death is not too great a price to pay for such a gift.”

Mari nodded and pushed aside the guilt and regret that threatened to overwhelm her. She would have time to sift through her feelings later. Now there was only time for action.

“Then let’s gather what’s left of our Clan and get them safely home. Finally,” Mari said resolutely.

Together, the two women and the young Shepherd came to a small clearing beside a dry streambed where a group of Earth Walker women, ranging in age from preadolescent girls to adults, clustered together in a soggy, frightened group. They looked up to see Mari and began excited cries of welcome, but Rigel’s presence at her side had their greetings fading, to be replaced by fearful murmurings and looks of confusion.

Mari straightened her back, lifted her chin, and rested one hand on her Shepherd’s head as she looked from woman to woman, waiting for the group to fall silent. Then she spoke in a strong, clear voice that brooked no argument. “His name is Rigel. Yes, he is a Shepherd and he is mine. As you know, I am Leda’s daughter. I am also the daughter of a Companion. Rigel won’t hurt you, and I know it’s difficult for you, but part of accepting me is accepting him. If you can do that, come with me. He’ll lead us home.” She drew a deep, cleansing breath and then added, “If you can’t do that—if you can’t accept me—Rigel and I will still guide you home. From there you will be free to join another Clan as soon as you’ve rested and prepared for the journey. I’ll help you. I’ll do whatever I can,excepthide who I am. I won’t do that ever again.”

The silence that followed stretched so long that Mari’s stomach began to feel empty and sick; then an older woman whose face was familiar but whose name Mari couldn’t remember stood.

“Where is this Companion father of yours?” she asked Mari.

“Dead since I was a baby.”

“And this home your canine is leading us to—is it an Earth Walker burrow or a Companion’s City in the Trees and the enslavement that goes with it?”

“Home is Earth Walker territory and the burrows waiting for us there,” Mari said, trying to keep all resentment out of her voice. “I would never lead you back into captivity.”

The older woman’s gaze didn’t falter and Mari didn’t let her eyes slide away. “Is it true that Leda is dead?”

“Yes,” Mari said.

“And you are Moon Woman in her place?”

“I am. As is Sora,” Mari added, causing a gasp of shock to ripple through the listening group.

“Two Moon Women for one Clan? That’s unheard of,” said the older woman.

“I’m sorry, Mother.” Mari used the formal address for an adult woman of the Clan. “I recall your face, but not your name.”

“I am Serena. I considered your mother a friend, as well as my Moon Woman.”

Mari nodded, suddenly remembering why Serena’s face was familiar. “You were a midwife in the birthing burrow before you were captured.”

Serena nodded. “I was.”

Mari’s voice warmed. “Then you understand the importance of working together as a Clan. You did it daily in the birthing burrow. Likewise, Sora and I have decided to work together. Things have changed since my mother’s death. The Clan has changed. It’s time Moon Women found strength in each other as well as in the moon.” Mari told the truth simply and directly.

“It’s hard to believe anything you say with that creature by your side,” called a voice from the middle of the group.

“Rigel will always be by my side, so get used to it.” Mari’s response rang sharp and clear.

“Canines belong to our enemies!” shouted another woman.

“She Washed us!” Isabel’s voice cut through the mutters of agreement, silencing the group. “This canine was hers then, too. He was there, on the dock, at her side. What’s wrong with all of you? Mari is why we aren’t still in those floating cages waiting to die of Night Fever. She called down the moon, and that means she is our Moon Woman. We’re not slaves anymore. We’re going home! And that’s because of Mari, too. I don’t care about anything else, and neither should you.”

Mari flashed Isabel a quick, thankful smile, then drew a deep breath and regained some of her lost patience. “I know this is hard. Some of you will remember me as Leda’s sickly daughter. The truth is that I’ve never been sickly. I’ve only been different and Mama thought it best that I hide that difference from you. Mama is gone now, and I’m done hiding. Accept me or don’t accept me. Either way, we’re wasting time. Do you really want to be out here, wandering around in a forest on fire, when the sun sets?”

“No, I don’t,” Isabel said firmly. “I want to go home. I’m going to follow Mari and her Rigel.” She turned to Mari and bowed formally, respectfully. Then straightened and skewered the group with her sharp gray eyes. “Who is coming with us?”

Slowly, and with varying degrees of mistrust and hope, each woman stood and bowed to Mari—last to bow her acknowledgment was Serena, who continued to watch Mari and Rigel with wary eyes.

CHAPTER 4