Page 44

Movement calls my attention, and I turn. Elodie rushes toward me and suddenly I am enclosed in a smothering—but welcome—embrace. “You told me you’d be back before the evening meal. I’ve been freaking out that something happened to you.”

I glance quickly at the other males who observe us before I return her hug. “I did not mean to cause you to worry. We tracked a herd of dhibani farther than expected. It is why it took us longer to return, but all is well.”

Elodie draws back and when she notices the other males watching us, she blushes and ducks her head slightly. “Maeve, Sage, and Iris told me you guys were fine and just running late, but I couldn’t help it. This is my first experience with sending somebody off to hunt for the day.”

“I cannot always promise I will not return later than planned in the future, but I will always do my best.”

“You better,” Elodie mumbles.

Jodah claps my shoulder. “Why don’t you go with Elodie and your kit and get something to eat. There is always food waiting at the central fire for any hunters who return home late.”

“I should help with the bounty we brought back.”

“You deserve to celebrate,” Benham says. “Go. We will take care of this.”

For a moment, I hesitate, but finally dip my head and fist my chest. “You have my thanks.”

All three males return the gesture and proceed ahead, dragging the sled behind them in the direction of the tanning tent. I face Elodie and Gannen who has moved to stand next to her. They both smile at me.

“Come on,” she says. “Let’s get you fed. Plus, your son has been bursting at the seams waiting for you to get home so he can tell you all about his day.”

The two of them turn and start toward where the central fire lies, leaving me to follow. Gannen glances over his shoulder.

“Elodie and I practiced throwing my war axe.” He laughs. “I do not think there is enough practice in the world that will make her better.”

She sputters. “You’re supposed to be telling me I didn’t do as bad as I thought and that no doubt I’ll get better. It’s just going to take some time.”

“It is wrong to lie,” Gannen says, but his amusement is evident, as is Elodie’s.

“Yeah, yeah.” She swivels her head. “I can admit how badly I sucked and that I’m pretty sure no amount of practice or guidance is going to change that. But I still had fun and would do it again if for nothing else than to entertain you.”

“You will have to show me your technique. Perhaps I can help.” It is the perfect excuse to hold her close so that I may show her the proper way to throw.

We reach the central fire where a few people linger. A large pot still hangs over the flames that burn low. Elodie glances at me.

“Trust me, there is no helping the disaster that I am at axe throwing. It’s fine though. I still had fun and it’s not like I have to be good at it.” She does have a point. “As long as we stay far away from people when it’s my turn to throw, it’ll all be fine. We don’t need any rogue axes lopping off someone’s head.”

“I am not certain the shefir would approve.”

Elodie stares at me for a moment. “Did you just make a joke?”

“Perhaps.”

She grins and rolls her eyes. “We’re going to sit. Gannen, will you please grab your dad some food?”

He hustles to where a female Tavikhi is scooping meat and a root vegetable onto a platter. She passes it to him and he races back to where Elodie and I have already reached her favorite seat. Normally, it is Gannen who sits beside her, but this time, she gestures for me to take the spot next to her.

“You’ve had a long day and deserve a small bit of comfort. This is, after all, the perfect log for it.” She laughs.

Gannen shoves the platter under my nose. “Here is your meal, Gogo.”

“You have my thanks.” I take it from him and have my first bite. “Did you go swimming?”

He bounces on his feet in front of me. “We did. Even the halflings came into the water with us. Dasha cried when Graham splashed her. I do not think he meant to do so though. She did not care, because after, she grabbed a peshku in her bare hands and threw it at him. It was a terrible throw and she missed, but when it landed in the water, it jumped out again and smacked him in the face with its tail.”

Elodie snorts and covers her mouth with her hand. “It was quite the interaction. I suspect Graham is going to think twice in the future about messing with the shefir’s daughter. He might be bigger than her, but he’s younger and she has no fear. She’s going to be like Cecily when she gets older, I’m sure. No boy is going to do anything she can’t do and she’ll maybe even do it better.”

“The shefira’s oldest kit is filled with fire. I suspect she will grow to be a great leader.”