“I will,” Lightning Strike said.
“And you,” Wild Winds said to Snowfall. “You must challenge for Simus’s Token-bearer.”
“I do not see why I should leave your side,” Snowfall said calmly as she retrieved her cloak from her saddlebags. The wind was coming up fiercely now; the rains would start soon.
“You must. If our people—not just what is left of us but the people of the Plains—are to survive, there must be change. And that is no easy thing.” Wind Winds urged his horse forward. “I would have you return to the Heart. Watch Simus, Snowfall. Hide yourself, and watch him. You will see another side to him.”
“I do not wish—” Snowfall started.
Wild Winds cut her off. “Keir, Simus, and Joden lead the herd in this. They must come to trust us.”
“They would trust you,” she argued.
Wild Winds barked out a laugh at that. “No, that deer has bolted. Simus must needs come to know us, and how better than to offer him your service? Besides, with Hail Storm alive, there is the issue of protection.”
That brought a frown to her lovely face. “You think Simus needs our protection?”
“No.” Wild Winds shook his head, his dreadlocks dancing over his back. “I think we may need his.”
Pain filled Snowfall’sheart. “Master.” She slowed her horse, and met her master’s eyes. “I have no wish to leave you.”
Wild Winds stopped his horse. Snowfall did as well, letting her gaze fall to the reins in her hand. The others continued on. The wind was picking up, and the rain was starting to splatter Snowfall’s hood.
“Snowfall.” Her master’s voice was a rumble. “I do not wish this either. You have been an excellent student, and we both know you are close to attaining mastery, closer than any other.”
“Master.” Snowfall didn’t look up, letting the pleasure at his words mingle with her pain.
“This is a path you alone can walk to try to bring peace back to the Plains,” Wild Winds said.
“Lightning Strike—” Snowfall started.
“Has a temper he still struggles with,” Wild Winds said smoothly. “Can you see him trying to deal with Simus?”
Snowfall allowed herself a small snort. “No,” she admitted.
“You have the patience and the cool head. Your skills, your use of the power lies more in protection and defense of others,” Wild Winds said. “You are my truth that I send to Keir and Simus. My truth, my teachings—you have learned them well. Stand at his side, and let there be no more secrets. You can offer your blade, and your knowledge, and provide Simus with your truth.”
Snowfall raised her eyes. “My oaths are sworn to you.”
Wild Winds nodded, and gave her a bittersweet smile. “No longer can I hold you at my side, warrior-priestess in training. Dismount.” He slid from his saddle to stand at her horse’s side.
She obeyed from long habit, and they stood, facing each other, sheltered by their horses.
Wild Winds held out both his hands, palm up. “Give me your hands.”
She placed her hands on his, and then with a long sigh, slid them up his arms to grasp his elbows. His warm fingers grasped hers as well.
“Snowfall, warrior-priestess of the Plains, let the elements witness that I release you from my service. Your training is complete, your powers under your control. Your tattoos are free from my control and—”
Golden light surged up from the ground, dancing along their bodies. Snowfall looked into Wild Winds’s startled eyes, wide as her own as the light surrounded them.
Deep within, as if settling next to her heart, a feeling grew. Joy, and a feeling of wild freedom. But then an urgency, a sense of dread.
Their tattoos moved, powerfully. Wild Winds’s writhed all over his body, the colors dancing as they watched. Snowfall’s vines stayed on her shoulders and upper arms, but they danced as well, growing and adding new leaves.
Wild Winds licked his lips and continued to speak, his voice hoarse with emotion. “—and your gifts are your own to use in the Service of the Plains. Serve them well.”
The golden light twirled about them once more, then sank within the earth.
