by Paula Boer
The pain evident on his friend’s face tore at Yuma’s heart. Should he be pleased or worried at the lack of news from Waterfalls? Had the clan perished, or were they locked in the shelter of the valleys, safe yet unable to go far? He tried not to dwell on the calm voice of his mother or the nagging of his sister. The demand of his father to find a lifemate seemed trivial and irrelevant now.
By the next morning, Yuma’s news had spread among the entire population. He couldn’t even relieve himself without people quizzing him about jade arrows and magical unicorns. Some accused him of being mad to suggest they ride horses. Others, particularly the young, sounded interested in having a try, though few liked the idea of hunting down bloodwolves. And the problem of how to tackle the scorcheels remained unsolved.
His throat ached from talking. Against Chaytan’s protests, he retreated alone to the woods with a flask of mead. He would be expected to regale the entire community with his stories that night around the communal fire. Hoping to bring cheer rather than alarm, he climbed into the safety of the branches and rehearsed the songs he had composed.
“Your voice is as pleasing as your rhymes.” Laila stood at the base of the trunk, her arms wrapped around a bundle of corms.
Yuma slid down the rough bark and greeted her. “Should you be wandering out here?”
Laila placed the lily bulbs down and settled on a mossy log. “People fear their shadows these days. I prefer to be out gathering than shrouded with their misery.”
After briefly relating his adventures, Yuma explained how the cave bear had been distracted with the bumblebee nectar. “Without your gift I doubt I’d be alive, and Jasper would never have escorted us to Seashore. Your kind act may well result in saving the clans from the bloodwolves. I don’t know how to thank you.”
Laila fingered the jade otter hanging around her neck. “You already have. You’ve given me a name. I’m now Laila Otter.”
Surprised the girl had come of age, Yuma acknowledged the appropriateness of the name for one who immersed herself in nature. “What of your apprenticeship? There must be great need for a trained healer these days.”
Laila shook her head while keeping hold of the otter. “There are still those who think I’m unsuitable. I learn what I can, but my father keeps me busy. I should have left for the women’s hut but he demands I remain at his hearth. I think he plans to send me to a distant clan in return for some favour, but no-one is travelling far these days. And I have no desire to be anyone’s partner.”
Laila’s eyes glittered. “There must be a need for a wandering healer, like the roaming minstrels or adventurers like you. Maybe there are people stranded in their villages that I can assist. I hate remaining in one place.”
Yuma had always believed he was unusual in his need to explore. He had never considered other people might be constrained by society, especially a girl. “These aren’t the times for needless risk. I advise against you venturing out until we’ve overcome Shadow’s beasts.”
Laila grasped his arm. “I can’t stand another season here. Please, when you leave, take me with you.”
Chapter 21
King Flash stood guard as Fleet descended toward a herd of mares. The large mob raised their heads in unison as he approached, ears flicking in all directions.
The buckskin stallion galloped to meet him, snorting his disapproval. “Keep your distance, Fleet of Foot of Dark Woods. Your mission doesn’t give you access here.”
Fleet drew on the strength of the land to fill him with confidence. His coat glistened with power and his muscles rippled as he strode forward. “I’m not after your mares. I’ve come to share news.”
Flash snorted in derision before leading the way to a stand of fir trees, keeping a distance from Fleet. “Tell me what you must and be on your way. There’s too little food here for strangers. It’s bad enough my brother has brought his own herd to my territory.”
Surprised two herds could graze in one area, Fleet quizzed the king of Oakvale. “Streak is here? Why has he left Flowering Valley?”
“The people came south, for protection from the bloodwolves we presume. The horses followed. They’d starve without the harvest.” Flash’s ribs protruded and his hip bones jutted above his flanks. His coat was patchy and dull, even though his mane and tail were well groomed.
Knowing the king of Flowering Valley was nearby, Fleet didn’t want to inform the buckskin of his news. He still held to his promise to Sapphire and her command to warn King Streak. “We need to meet with the other leaders to save me telling my story more than once. Where will I find them?”
Flash gave several loud whinnies, the calls echoing through the trees and rolling across the open spaces. “Let’s go to the creek.”
Although Fleet had no desire to drink, he assumed the king was trying to keep him away from the mares. He trotted alongside as they crossed the clearings to a shallow brook. The water tasted bitter and muddy. “Why don’t you drink from Oakstream? Isn’t it cleaner and sweeter than this?”
Flash rolled his eyes and curled his upper lip. “The deeper water can hide the burning eels. I’ve no evidence they’ve come this far, but we won’t take the risk. One of the women was taken only a moon ago. It’s not a nice way to die.”
Blackfoot galloped up.
Flash tasked him to gather Streak and the queens.
Curiosity roused in Fleet. “How do two herds live in the same territory?”
Looking towards the large mob of mares, Flash tossed his head. “I told my brother he is a guest here, not a leader. I don’t want to fight him, especially not in our current condition. We agreed to guard as equals until the evil is overcome. The herds run together, but there’s no harmony between the lead mares. Starburst doesn’t know this territory but insists on making the decisions. My queen is much younger and lets herself be bullied.”
Fleet had the impression that Flash would prefer the entire herd to be his own. He dreaded to think what would happen when the mares and fillies came into season.
Four horses cantered towards them—Streak and Blackfoot, accompanying Starburst and a delicate liver chestnut mare.
Flash nickered as they slid to a halt. “This is my lead mare, Queen Acorn of Oakvale.”
Fleet blew into each of their nostrils and thanked them for coming. “Much has happened since I was at Flowering Valley. The unicorns believe we have a solution to the beasts that are harming horses and people.”
While Fleet regaled the leaders with the events that led to his vision of the goddess, the horses paid him full attention, interrupting only to clarify some point. When he explained they needed to fight the bloodwolves with people like a hog hunt, all five fidgeted in alarm.
Blackfoot lashed out a hind leg at an invisible enemy. “We’re not like you, so desperate for company we’ll carry a man. Besides, my warriors don’t have the skills to do battle with those creatures.”
Streak interjected. “Wait, we need to consider this seriously. As you say, we can’t fight the bloodwolves on our own. Yet the herds are being decimated.” He faced Fleet. “Will the unicorns aid us? How would the men kill such beasts?”
Fleet described the jade arrow tips and the prophecy’s reference to green stone. “We think it means jade. Yuma only has two weapons left. We must go to Shimmering Lake for more. When we return, we’ll build an army.”
Streak glanced at Flash. “Who will lead this army? Where will it go?”
Flash snorted. “What of the mares and foals while the warriors are off fighting? Who will keep them safe?”
Fleet looked from one stallion to the other. “You must decide for yourselves. As much as I long to settle in a herd, I must travel Equinora and share this strategy. Echo has gone over Rattlesnake Ranges to see the situation there. Diamond has returned east of Dragonspine Mountains. The bloodwolves hadn’t reached that far before they left their homes,
but there’s no telling how fast the foul creatures can travel.”
Starburst stepped forward. “We haven’t had any news from afar since the mare transfer in spring. The delegates from Hawk Plains had no experience of the terrors we face here. You’ve experienced a lot. Thank you for the news.”
Blackfoot shoved in front of her. “Without Wolfbane, all the bachelors are under my control. You haven’t said what’s happened to the mastermind behind this evil. What can we do against Shadow?”
Fleet reassured the horses that Shadow couldn’t escape Obsidian Caves. “Hopefully, once he knows we can defeat his bloodwolves, he’ll stop creating them.”
The lead stallions conversed among themselves.
Fleet took the opportunity to speak with Queen Starburst. “Is there any news of Princess Tress?”
The chestnut mare looked about as if hoping to see the black filly appear from the trees. “We fear she’s gone for good. There haven’t been any horses arrive from across River Lifeflow.”
The news saddened Fleet. “Can’t one of the bachelors look for her?”
Starburst’s head lowered in anguish. “She made her choices. We need them here.” She hesitated and snatched a peek at the stallions. “Golden Breeze was heartbroken when she had to leave without my daughter. They’d been together every day since birth, which was why Streak negotiated for them to travel together. Blackfoot was supposed to go with them and start a herd with Breeze, but without Tress we had to send Breeze to King Socks and Blackfoot returned.”
Fleet had never heard of Socks. “Where’s his territory?”
A wistful look came into Starburst’s eye. “Hawk Plains is far away over Dragonspine Mountains. Tress would have loved it there, wide open spaces and plenty of grass. Streak and Socks ran together as bachelors and were great friends. Queen Meadowlark is getting frail and Socks wanted fresh blood to replace her.”
The fate of the black filly weighed on Fleet’s mind. There had been a time when he had dreamt of building a herd with her. Then he had met Gem, making a coldblood horse appear dull in comparison. Had he been wrong to abandon Tress to her fate? Even though he hadn’t known of his warm blood at the time, perhaps that was part of what drove him to seek the unicorn. What did Gem think of him? From travelling with Jasper, he knew how naïve he must have seemed. Had she taken another lover? Although his mission forced him to return to Shimmering Lake, Fleet dreaded the reaction he’d receive.
Streak interrupted his thoughts. “You’ll have to talk with the men for us. If we’re going to fight together, we’ll need to work out a method. It won’t be as easy as hunting hogs.”
The depressing confines of the village and the despondency of the people drained Yuma’s energy. His head throbbed from Chaytan’s ale and he had tired of being the centre of attention. Although the horses’ strategy to fight the bloodwolves had given the clans hope, many people still doubted their ability to succeed. Killing driven hogs was one thing, hunting and attacking venomous beasts another.
Winter had started to lose its grip and buds struggled to open. A hint of green crept across the meadows with the promise of new life. Yuma hoped the coming summer would be more fruitful than the last. He doubted many of the old or frail would last another lean year.
He met Fleet in their usual place, as had become their routine through the negotiations with the horses. Today was different; it was time to head to Shimmering Lake. After brushing Fleet, he gathered his possessions and mounted. They headed away from the village.
Fleet turned his head and then halted. “There’s a woman following. Did you forget something?”
Yuma peered into the glare of the sun, shielding his eyes. “It’s Laila. She’s the one who gave me the bumblebee nectar.”
“She seems in a hurry.” Fleet strode back down the hill towards the panting girl.
Yuma dismounted. “What brings you out so early?”
Laila kept her head down. “I want to go with you.”
Yuma threw out his arms. “I’ve told you. That’s not possible. We must travel fast and are likely to encounter many dangers. Besides, what would your father think? Neither of us has a lifemate.”
Brushing the hair from her face, the young woman pleaded with her eyes. “I can’t remain at Oaktown. I don’t care what people say. I’m of age and entitled to go where I please.”
The bruise across Laila’s face shocked Yuma. Even though he knew Jolon had a temper, he’d never thought the brute would hit a girl. “I’m sorry, it’s impossible. I’ll be riding and you won’t be able to keep up. Can’t you enter the women’s hut? The council of elders will defend you against your father.”
Laila ignored Yuma and approached Fleet with her hand held out. “Prince Fleet of Foot of Dark Woods, I am Laila Otter of Bloomsvale. I’ve heard how good and strong you are. May I accompany you? I bring skills of healing and can gather you nutritious foods.”
Before Yuma could intervene, Fleet nuzzled the woman’s hand. “Greetings, Laila. Thank you for the bumblebee nectar that enabled my sire to be cured.”
“You really can speak!” Laila stepped back before advancing again and stroking Fleet’s neck.
Fleet snuffled her hair. “You’re welcome to join us.”
Yuma threw up his hands. “It’s too dangerous! And she can’t ride.”
Fleet pinned back his ears. “It’s not for you to say who may or may not ride me. I’m strong enough to carry you both.”
“You don’t understand. There’ll be trouble among our people if we go together. It would be like you stealing another stallion’s mare.”
Fleet nibbled at Laila’s fingertips. “I may not understand your clan rules, but I can see it’s dangerous for her to stay. It sounds as if you’re making excuses because you don’t want her along.”
This stubborn streak in Fleet was new to Yuma. He confronted Laila. “Please, return to Oaktown. I can’t be responsible for you. We’ve no idea what we’ll encounter.”
Straightening tall next to Fleet, Laila stroked his neck. “I’m not asking you to look after me. I only wish to join you and help. You’re not the only ones who care about the land. If I can’t be of help at home, I’ll assist somewhere else.”
A sharp wind grew as the sun rose above the trees. Fleet flared his nostrils. “It’s time to move. If you don’t accept this woman’s company, I’ll take her to Shimmering Lake instead of you.”
Taken aback by the threat, Yuma could think of no more arguments. Believing the escapade a mistake, he gave Laila a leg up onto Fleet before vaulting on behind. The stallion’s broad back was spacious enough for them both, even with Laila clutching her sack in front of her. “We’d better go fast. Once Jolon knows his daughter is missing, he’s likely to raise trouble.”
Laila steadied herself with her hands on Fleet’s neck. “I didn’t leave without telling anyone. Delsin, my younger brother, knows my intentions.”
The girl’s warmth seeped through Yuma’s leggings. He squirmed. “And what do you think your father will do to him for not stopping you? It’s not too late for us to take you back.”
Fleet didn’t wait. He broke into a rolling canter. “Tell me if you need to dismount and rest. It took Yuma a while to get the hang of riding.”
Despite their need for haste, Fleet paced himself to Laila’s comfort. The girl quickly found her seat and rode well. When they camped, she lit a fire and prepared a meal as Yuma tended to Fleet. Having another person along had its advantages.
His fears of what the villagers would make of the situation faded the further they travelled; he had never been one to follow etiquette. Laila was pleasant company and they shared an interest in plants and animals. He was sure his mother or Winona would accept her as an apprentice. He imagined his father’s surprise at him returning with a horse and a medicine woman rather than a mate. No doubt the clan would be glad of an extra healer wi
th the troubles. That idea soured his mood and increased his worry.
The trio lingered only long enough at Silverlake for Fleet to search for any bachelors. He returned looking grim, saying many horses had perished from either their wounds or the poison.
Setting up camp on the outskirts of the forest, Laila snapped off branches from the fir trees to make a bed near the fire. Finished, she shivered and crouched to hold her hands to the flames.
Yuma laid his arm over her shoulders. “You’re welcome to share my furs.”
She shrugged off his embrace, keeping her eyes averted. “I didn’t leave Oaktown to replace my father with a bed mate. I don’t need men in my life. I know you didn’t want me to come along, but I’m sure I can be of assistance. I had a dream I must venture to far lands.”
Yuma retreated to his own side of the fire. She was still a girl, regardless of having been through her naming ceremony, more of a sister than a possible lover. That thought reminded him of Winona, and he laughed to himself. He couldn’t think of two more different women—Winona with her forthrightness and bossy ways, and Laila with her quiet determination. Or maybe they weren’t so different; both were stubborn and shared a love of all the Mother’s creations.
When they reached the fork of Silverstream, Yuma called a halt. “I know it’ll take us out of our way, but I must see my family. The Waterfalls clan need to know how to fight this terror too. I doubt Echo will have journeyed this far north before crossing Rattlesnake Ranges.”
Neither Fleet nor Laila disagreed. Yuma sensed Fleet was happy to delay their mission, even though he would have thought the young stallion would have been eager to return to Gem. But his experience on Tern Island had changed him. His friend no longer revelled in simple pleasures.