Sky Knife followed the king into the temple. Glowing Knife stumbled and fell against the table. Rabbit supported him on the right side. Sky Knife rushed over to support him on the other.
“What’s wrong?” asked Rabbit.
Talking Storm laid a hand on Glowing Knife’s shoulder. “Nothing,” he said softly. “The god that has been within the boy has left. When he wakes, he will be merely a boy again.”
Talking Storm’s words relieved Sky Knife. He had been afraid that the strange too-adult too-wise demeanor would remain on the king beyond the ceremony. He was glad the boy could go back to being just a boy, at least for now.
“And who will rule for him?” asked Sky Knife. Grasping Fire came over and leaned down to pick up the king.
Talking Storm looked around the room. “I think we shall all try our best to guide him and advise him. But his mother will have the final say. And I think she will be amenable to the counsel of myself, Grasping Fire, and Lily-on-the-Water.”
“Yes,” said Jaguar’s Daughter. “I will listen. But I will do what’s best for my son.”
“Now is not the time to get into this,” said Rabbit. “This boy needs sleep.”
Grasping Fire laughed. “Already the Wife looks out for her husband’s welfare.”
“As it should be,” said Jaguar’s Daughter. She came and linked her elbow with Rabbit’s. “I shall enjoy getting to know you, my dear.”
Rabbit nodded. “I’m sure we’ll all find it very interesting.”
Talking Storm grunted. “Life in the king’s palace is never dull, Rabbit. Never. I can guarantee that.”
Sky Knife looked over at Whiskers-of-Rat. The guide’s smile stretched all the way across his face. He bowed to Sky Knife.
“See what a story I have to tell?” he asked. “No one will ever believe it, even though it’s all true.”
Sky Knife laughed. “I can’t wait to hear you tell it,” he said.
Whiskers-of-Rat ran his fingers through his hair, preening. Sky Knife followed Grasping Fire and the others out of the temple, still laughing.
Who’d believe it, indeed?
Sky Knife took one last look back at the table where Deer had died. Had been sacrificed.
Thank you, my friend. It might have been the wind, but it sounded like Deer’s voice.
Sky Knife glanced around, but the temple was empty. He smiled and nodded toward the table. “I’ll miss you, my friend. Rule well in heaven.”
Sky Knife descended the steps of the pyramid alone. So it was only he who heard the bright sounds of laughter coming from the temple. He smiled and hurried after the others.
Also by Marella Sands from Tom Doherty Associates
Sky Knife
This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this novel are either fictitious or are used fictitiously.
SERPENT AND STORM
Copyright © 1999 by Marella Sands
All rights reserved.
A Forge Book
Published by Tom Doherty Associates, Inc.
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New York, NY 10010
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First Edition: April 1999
eISBN 9781466889194
First eBook edition: December 2014
Serpent and Storm Page 30