Page 49 of Red Hawk's Woman

“They won’t tell you.”

“Your friends won’t have to tell me. I know how to listen.”

Effie gave a deep sigh and, resigned, said, “Oh, very well. If you turn your back and blow out the candle, I will show it to you.”

He nodded and did as she directed, listening. She must have adjusted her clothing once again, for he could hear the rustling of her garments.

She commanded him to turn around, and when he did so, he saw it.

She held out both hands to him. In the center of her palms were two pieces of white, glittering rock, beautiful even in this lighting, which was only a mere streak of moonlight. But it wasn’t only the rock that caught and held his attention. Imbued into the niche of each piece of quartz was the golden image of…

She said, “I don’t know if you can see the engravings well, for we have little light by which to view them. But they are figures, half bird, half human. They are supposed to represent the⁠—”

“Children of the Thunderer,” he finished for her.

Her curious eyes caught his. “You must have heard about this particular part of the legend, then?”

He didn’t answer her right away. He couldn’t, for without warning, a memory had pressed itself into his consciousness:

“Four golden images,

When all in a row,

Slaves, your people will be,

No more.”

It was the song, the poem of his protector, the sea dog. He hadn’t understood it then. He did so now.

“Mr. Hawk,” she was saying. “Is something wrong?”

“Saa,” he replied after a long hesitation, “nothing is wrong. In truth, something is very right. And now it is time I tell you the truth about me, because we are united in cause.”

“I don’t understand…”

“’Tis simple. I am of the Lost Clan.”

Chapter

Twelve

“Did you find them?” The voice was deep, baritone and masculine.

“No, I didn’t,” the second person, in a tone that was higher-pitched, as well as sweet and feminine, said. “And I almost got caught. She screamed so much, even I became scared.”

A masculine finger reached out to lift the woman’s dainty chin. He smiled. “You have no reason to ever be scared. I am here for you. I will always be here for you, as you are for me.” He kissed her.

“Oh, hold me, darling, just hold me. It was awful, just awful.”

The man took the woman in his arms and pressed her lithe form against the hard contours of his. “I picked up something for you today.” After reaching into a pocket, he pulled out a pair of golden earrings.

“Oh!” she exclaimed. “They’re beautiful.”

“But you can’t wear them…not yet. When our job here is finished, there will be more where these came from.”

“Really?” She giggled.

“Yes,” said the man, his voice low and resonant. “Really. And now to the more pleasant aspects of life. My darling, come lie down with me. I must admit I am weary.”