The book, characters, and artwork are (c) Ronald J. Lebeck (that's me).

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Chapter 02 - Into the Wild Places

Sounds reached me through the mists of distant memories and pulled me back into the "now." I listened for a bit and realized the birds had started their singing, preparing for the coming light. Indeed, there was the first faint glow in the east; it was time to be leaving. I padded quietly into the building, moving with stealth least I should wake someone and they start screaming (not only would that be annoying, but it would cause a delay in my plans...too many questions would have to be answered). I found Dahmietra's room and lightly tapped on her door. I listened carefully to see if she was awake...there were no sounds of movement, so I tapped again--still no response. I tried the door handle, it was unlocked, and so I carefully opened the door trying not to make a sound. I slipped into her room and just as quietly shut the door behind me. Dahmietra was still lying in her bed, apparently asleep. I noticed a small bundle in the darkness on the floor near her bed. Good, I thought, she had already packed her things. I slipped my hand over her mouth and woke her. Dahmietra gave a startled cry, muffled by my hand, and opened her eyes wide.

"It's me, Mist Runner," I quickly whispered in her ear.

It took her a moment to realize that it was just me, and I felt her relax and she closed her eyes for a moment.

I withdrew my hand and said, "Time to go."

She gave a yawn and stretched, and asked me to give her a few minutes to dress.

"I will wait over there," I said, motioning towards some cushions on the floor for sitting.

I sat down and waited while she slipped a robe-like garment over herself prior to getting out of bed. I realized that I have not actually seen much of what this girl looks like, only her face and hands. Her scent alone would be all that I would require to recognize her, but still I wondered what she looked like under all of those layers of clothing that these females must wear. Both of the factions seem to have bizarre rules about clothing. For my own people, it was up to the individual. I chuckled to myself thinking what these fools might think of our females. It would scandalize them, no doubt.

When Dahmietra finished making herself ready, she came out from behind the privacy panels, picked up the bag with her things, and announced that she was ready. I inwardly groaned at the voluminous clothing she was wearing, thinking that a simple tunic, long pants, boots, and a cloak would be much better for her, but she knew nothing of traveling, so I would simply have to deal with it for now.

"I left a note on the table saying that you thought it better to keep me safe somewhere other than here, and that we would be at the Great Gathering in plenty of time. I hope that will keep them from thinking the worst and come looking for us with weapons in hand," she said.

Dahmietra seemed pleased with herself with that little bit of subterfuge, and I had to agree. After all, it saved a bit of time having to argue with the High Cleric and his minions. Maybe they will accept it, maybe not, either way we were going.

We quietly slipped outside and went to the wall at the far end of the enclave. I motioned for her to hide near some bushes while I went to check on the guards. I listened for a few moments and heard nothing. I leapt to the top of the low wall and looked around--nobody in sight. Good. I motioned for Dahmietra to come and reached down and took her by the hands and pulled her up with me. I looked around again, and still detecting nothing, I took her into my arms and jumped to the ground below. I landed on my feet and crouched low for a moment, listening for any movement. Hearing none, I held a finger to my closed mouth indicating that she shouldn't speak. She looked at me with surprise at making it over the wall so easily...then she looked more closely at my eyes and covered her mouth, suppressing a gasp. Apparently, she saw the dim light reflected in my eyes, like the eyes of a wild beast that hunts in the night. Briefly, while still in a crouching position and still holding Dahmietra in my arms, an odd thought crossed my mind as I looked at her face...and apparently, she too was having an odd thought while looking at me. I chased the thought away and stood up, setting her on her feet.

"We need to be moving," I whispered.

"Whatever happens, thank you for at least getting me out of that place for a little while," she whispered back.

I smiled and nodded my head once, and then we cautiously made our way into the sparse woods next to the enclave.

Once we got far enough away from the enclave and I was certain that we had not been followed, I told Dahmietra that she would have to climb onto my back and hold on so that I could run while carrying her. I crouched down and instructed her how to hold on; once she was situated, I rose and began to run. None of her people could have traveled on foot at the pace I set. I ran at what was for me an easy loping stride, which I kept up until it was midday. We stopped for a bit so that she could rest and we ate a cold meal.

"You are truly a wonder!" she said to me. "Are you not tired of carrying me on your back for such a distance?"

I laughed.

"Not at all, while hunting, we can keep up a pace like this for the whole night non-stop." In somewhat more serious and quieter tones I continued, "In battle, and wearing armor, we pursue the enemy just as relentlessly. We do not stop until they can run no more."

I looked away for a while, remembering the two wars I had fought in with her people and the terrible things done during those times.

Dahmietra saw the pained look in my face and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I...was thinking of the wars between our people," I said after a moment. "The warriors of your people would have killed every last one of us if they could, and they did kill many of the Woodland People, but we only took down those who actively fought. So many lives were lost...I wonder, though, at what cost did this 'peace' come."

"It troubles you?" she asked after a bit.

"Yes. Believe it or not, we mourned your dead as well. We did not celebrate their defeat as perhaps they might have if the circumstances were different; we felt the loss of life, of what they could have achieved. To us, all life is precious."

Dahmietra slipped her hand into mine and smiled a sad smile, and we sat there like that for a few minutes.

"We should be going," I said at last.

Just a little before sunrise everyone at the enclave started to wake up and begin the new day. The elder Holy Sisters went about making sure the younger ones were awake and getting dressed so that they could be ready for morning prayers. Sarneh knocked on the door to Dahmietra's small room. When there was no answer, she knocked again a little harder and called out to her.

"Sister Dahmietra? Are you awake? It is nearly time for First Gathering.

Sarneh held her ear up to the door and listened, but when she still did not hear anything, she opened the door and looked in. Holding up the lamp she was carrying, Sarneh looked about the room. Dahmietra's bed was neatly made, but there was no sign of her.

"Perhaps she awoke early and is already on her way to the temple," Sarneh thought to herself, but just then, she spied the note on the table. It read:

Belsar 20, y.1000

Blessed Day! When you have discovered this note by my own hand, I should be long gone from the enclave. Please do not send anyone to look for me, for I am safely with my protector, who thought it best that we should be elsewhere until it is time for me to come before the Grand Council of Elders. He has given his solemn word to the High Cleric himself that he will keep me safe, and I have no doubt of my protector's ability to do so. Please tell Sister Sarneh that I shall miss her while I am away, and that we shall see each other again.

Dahmietra

"My dear child, what game do you play at?" Sarneh spoke softly to herself after

reading Dahmietra's note. "I pray that the madness that plagued her ancestors has not taken her! I must take this at once to His Holiness!" Sarneh thought as she hurried on her way towards the temple.

Upon entering the temple, Sarneh went straight to the chambers of the High Cleric with the note from Dahmietra. She met with one of his assistants and begged an audience with the High Cleric. Sarneh refused to say what it was about, only that it was extremely important that she speak with him immediately. In a bit of a huff, the assistant reminded Sarneh that it was nearly time for First Gathering, and that some foolish woman in hysterics could not bother His Holiness at this time over what is probably some trivial matter. Just as the assistant was about to berate Sarneh for the disruption, the High Cleric emerged from a private study. Ignoring protocol, Sarneh slipped past the assistant and quickly approached the High Cleric.

"Forgive me, Your Holiness!" Sarneh pleaded as she fell to her knees before him. "I must speak with you about an urgent matter!"

The assistant scowled darkly, grabbed a short lash from the wall, and rushed to the High Cleric.

"A thousand pardons, Your Holiness, this woman's hysterical state surprised me. I will personally see this one is reminded of her place!" the assistant said as he raised his hand holding the lash.

"Stay your hand, Trav'nan!" the High Cleric ordered sharply before the assistant could strike Sarneh for her breach of protocol. "Sister Sarneh is not known for being easily upset over minor things. You may leave us, Trav'nan. Go, and prepare for First Gathering."

"But, Your Holiness, she...,"the assistant started to say, but he was quickly cut off by the High Cleric.

"Do as I say, Trav'nan, or it will be you who will feel the gentle kiss of the scourge."

Surprised, the assistant quickly bowed low and said, "As you command, Your Holiness."

Remaining in the submissive posture, he backed out of the room and shut the door as he left.

The High Cleric waited for a few moments before speaking in a low voice,

"What is it that causes you to risk my assistant's heavy hand so early in the day?"

Still looking down and not saying a word, Sarneh held up the note with a trembling hand. Frowning a little, the High Cleric took the note from her hand and quickly read it. At first, his eyes widened in surprise, but then he quickly narrowed them as he rubbed his chin in thought, mulling over the words written on the piece of parchment.

"An unexpected move, but perhaps a wise one, given who will be coming here soon," he thought to himself.

He thought of a particular individual who he knew would be arriving at the enclave within a day or so, someone who made him very nervous for some reason, and who would once again be demanding that the girl be given to him.

"This is bound to stick in your craw, you arrogant little cave digger," the High Cleric thought to himself. "Sister Sarneh, you have done the right thing by bringing this directly to my attention. I trust no one else has seen this?" he asked.

Sarneh shook her head and said, "No Your Holiness. I discovered it myself as I made my rounds earlier, and came straight here with it."

"Speak to no one of this matter for now. I will think of what to tell the others in a little while, but first we must proceed with our daily routine. You may go," the High Cleric instructed.

Sarneh bowed deeply and made her way for the door. Just as she was about to close it behind her, she quickly looked up for a moment and briefly made eye contact with the High Cleric. He gave a little reassuring smile and nodded his head once.

After clearing all traces of our presence from where we had stopped for our midday rest, Dahmietra again climbed onto my back and we continued on our way. I purposely avoided places where we might be seen to make it more difficult for anyone to determine the direction of our progress. On and on we went, stopping only for short rest periods. In nine day's time, we finally neared the edge of The Great Forest. Dahmietra, as exhausted from the trip as she was, stood silent as she looked upon the huge trees. I could see a mix of wonder and apprehension on her face. Her people had only ever known the wide-open places--this was something totally outside of their realm of experience.

"It has been a long time since any of the other peoples of this world has set foot inside The Great Forest," I said. "Part of that has been due to superstition and fear of the unknown, and part due to our own efforts. We have not encouraged outsiders from entering...oh, there have been a few that have strayed into our lands, chasing game or having become lost. Those we do not mind so much...those who come to cut down our trees or bring their thoughts of conquest are not taken kindly to. This is a place that will remain wild and free for as long as my people continue to exist."

"I have only heard of this place in myths," Dahmietra said. "To my people, it is a place of mystery, of the unknown, a place to fear...the Wild Places, where demons dwell."

"This is my home, Dahmietra, and that of my people. Am I one of your 'demons', as you call them?" I said in a somewhat amused voice.

I started prancing around, making exaggerated faces, and childish monster sounds.

"OoooOOOoo! Watch out! The Big Furry will Eeeeeat you!!! Ha, ha!"

I leapt over her head and landed behind her, quickly spinning around and snatching her up. We danced around for a bit and had a great laugh. We sat down by the nearest trees and had a little to eat and drink.

"You always seem so serious, well, most of the time, anyway," Dahmietra said happily. "I didn't know you still played."

"Oh, my people know how to play, Dahmietra, in fact we do rather know how to enjoy ourselves," I said with a grin. "We're not always so 'grim and proper'."

She laughed a bit, and said, "I am seeing that."

"It will be dark soon, so we should be moving. We still have a ways to go until we get to my village," I suggested.

So we picked up our things and I removed our traces, and then we proceeded into The Great Forest.

"The most important thing you need to remember, Dahmietra, is to be respectful of all that lives within these borders...even of the water, the soil and the stones themselves. Stay close to me, and be mindful of the things around you. Your presence will not go unnoticed."

"Unnoticed by what?" She asked, suddenly nervous.

"Everything," I said. "Listen very carefully...what do you hear?"

"I hear nothing."

"Listen closer," I said.

We stood very still and quiet. Faint were the sounds, barely heard...creaks, groans, and a gentle whisper in the leaves of the trees above.

"See, the trees already speak of our arrival. I should call to my people and see if any are within hearing."

There was a small rock outcropping nearby and I leapt to the top of it. I knelt and lifting my face skyward, I called out to see if anyone was in the area. I paused and listened very carefully for several moments. Again, I called out, and again I listened. I was about to call a third time when I heard a reply! Distant, it was, but I recognized the voice--it was my love mate, Red Moon. I called out again, this time longer, saying more in our ancient tongue than could be conveyed in the Common Tongue, and could be heard for far greater distance. I paused to listen again, and sure enough, it was indeed Red Moon who had answered me...she replied back that she was gathering materials for making her pottery near the lake, where she usually could find the right clay.

"We're in luck," I told Dahmietra, "a dear friend of mine is near the lake, about a day from here."

I sang out again to Red Moon that I brought an outsider with me and needed to speak with the Lore Masters about an urgent matter. After a few moments, she called again to me, saying that she would relay my message and that she would head my direction. I could hear her call to others and pass my message along, though I could not hear their replies. In a few minutes, I heard Red Moon call again, this time to me, saying that they will be waiting for us. I called back and told her that I was on my way to her.

When I had finished, I jumped down from the rock and told Dahmietra what I had heard.

"I have never heard your speech before...it is beautiful, yet I must confess that it makes me feel...strange," she said.

I smiled at her and thought to myself if that simple exchange made her feel 'strange', then it will be interesting to see how she feels when we get to my village.

We made our way through The Great Forest following old game trails. It was dark among the trees, though I could see well enough in the night. Dahmietra, on the other hand, was virtually blind. I held her hand and steadied her as she walked along. I had found a stick that she could use to walk with and that helped her go a little faster. We stopped a couple of times so that she could rest and drink some water. About midnight I sensed that she was too tired to go any further so we stopped for the rest of the night. I found a suitable place to make camp and spread my cloak over some branches and we sat underneath it. We ate a bit and exchanged small talk, though soon Dahmietra began to yawn and grow sleepy. She said her nightly prayers, laid out her blanket and curled up with her cloak for a cover. It wasn't long before I felt her begin to shiver in the cool forest air, though she said nothing of her discomfort.

"These people are so cold-natured," I thought to myself, "for coming from such a hot climate. Poor girl, she's been through so much since we left the enclave, than she has nearly the whole of her life."

Though I would have liked it to be even cooler than it was, I gave a short sigh and lay down next to Dahmietra to keep her warm. I wouldn't be a very good protector if she should become ill, I reasoned. We passed the remainder of the night, with her sleeping as soundly as a cubling and I thinking about and planning for different contingencies. I thought about Red Moon, too...the thought of seeing her again made me happy. I recalled her scent, the feel of her next to me, her amber eyes catching the moonlight, nuzzling her thick silver-white tipped reddish hair, the gold vine jewelry she wears...sigh, she is so beautiful! Then I thought about Dahmietra. How different she is from my own kind: small, fragile, those smoky green eyes that seemed lost and sad. Her kind had cut their own selves off from the Great Circle of Life; they did not seem to know the sheer joy of living as we do. They were quick to take offense and often became belligerent if anyone questioned their beliefs. But Dahmietra was a bit different than most others of her kind that I have met in my wanderings. She has a good mind, but little chance to use it outside of her books. Dahmietra is calmer and more inquisitive, has a gentle humor, and is caring. However, she seems as if there is a great weight on her young chest, a weight that is oppressive, though she carries it in quiet dignity. She also seems to have no other skills in life other than reading, writing, and doing some kind of stitching threads to make pictures. She certainly doesn't know how to use a knife or how to get food and can't even see in the dark. I suddenly had a humorous thought that made me chuckle to myself, and I could almost hear Red Moon's howl at the idea: what if Dahmietra stayed with us and we taught her how to live and be free? I'm sure I'd never hear the end of it.

When I perceived the light growing in the east, I got up and went some distance away to take care of the morning necessities, and came back and woke Dahmietra up. She sat up, rubbing her eyes and yawning. I broke out some of the food and water for first meal and inquired as to how she slept.

"I'm not used to sleeping on the ground," she said sleepily, "and I could use nice long hot bath."

"Well, there is a stream not far from here...might not be quite what you want, but it's got good clear water. That's the best I can do for now," I said.

She sighed and said that she supposed it's probably cold as well.

"Ha, one sure way to find out," I teased.

Dahmietra thought for a bit, then her eyes widened when she realized what I said.

"Don't you dare!" she shot back.

With an exaggerated look of shock, I exclaimed, "Why, I wouldn't think of it!"

Then I gave her a teasing smile and she threw a twig in my general direction.

After breaking camp, I led Dahmietra to the stream. After a quick look for a suitable place, and to make sure nothing else was around that might give her cause for alarm, Dahmietra asked if I would give her some privacy. I moved a respectable distance away from the bank of the stream and found a place to sit and wait. Shortly I heard a splash followed by a shriek that came from the direction of the stream.

"It's cold!"

I couldn't help but to snicker because I knew that the stream was fed by a spring--I just didn't mention that part to her. After she had finished bathing, she came back up to the trail where I was waiting. Her lips had a blue tint and she was shaking. I took my cloak, wrapped it around her, and held her close until she stopped shivering.

"Oh, by the way, that stream is spring-fed. I guess you found that out."

"You...I...Oooo!"

Good thing she was wrapped up in both of our cloaks and didn't have an arm free.

"Now," I gently chided, "whether or not I told you beforehand that the water was going to be cold, it wouldn't have made any difference. You still would have ended up getting chilled and I would still be helping to warm you up."

Still pouting, she mustered an "I guess so."

I chuckled and said, "Come, let's get moving. That will help as well as anything."

Around midday, we stopped for our meal. I was getting a bit tired of eating dried meat and fruit. If I had my bow, I might have been able to get something a little fresher...and tastier, but I had left it at home when I originally set out on this trip, opting instead to only carry Battle Fang--the rather wicked looking magical sword that I had slung across my back--and a dagger. I would just have to wait a little while longer, I suppose. Dahmietra had not said much of anything since the stream. The People of the Wastelands were not as expressive as we were, and they also tended to not speak plainly; many had the annoying habit of saying one thing while meaning something else. I suppose that they didn't much care for the very direct speech of my people. If we didn't like something, everybody knew it even if we didn't say a word--provided they were paying attention. We didn't hide our feelings. Sometimes that worked to our advantage, sometimes it didn't. But that is just the way we are.

After putting things away, I called out to Red Moon to see where she was. She replied right away, and she was fairly close. We would likely meet within an hour or two if we made good time.

"It's time to go; we'll meet up with Red Moon soon."

As we were shouldering our bags, Dahmietra asked, "This friend of yours...Red Moon, how did she come to have such a name?"

"You'll see why when you meet her," I said with a smile and started walking.

We traveled at a better pace than we did during the night, now that Dahmietra could see where she was going. There wasn't so much undergrowth here in this part of The Great Forest, being that we were away from the edge. There were plenty of downed branches over grown with moss and lichen, patches of ferns and berries. There were small streams here and there, winding their way across the uneven floor of The Great Forest; some of the larger ones have small fish and other water animals.

The light breeze that made its way among the trees shifted a bit, and I caught a familiar scent--it was Red Moon, she was close. I stopped and stood still for a few moments, motioning to Dahmietra to be still, too. I could sense her presence...no doubt she could also sense mine as well.

"What is it?" Dahmietra asked, whispering.

With a sly grin on my face, I motioned for Dahmietra to follow me. Walking up and out of a small ravine, there she was, lounging on top of a moss-covered log lit with sunbeams filtering through the leaves of the trees.

"Red Moon!" I howled excitedly, as I bounded over to her.

"About time you came back, dear...I was beginning to wonder what was keeping you," she replied in our language.

After a luxurious stretch, she rose up and then pounced on me. We fell to the ground laughing, hugging, and nuzzling each other.

Red Moon held my face in her hands and held her nose to mine, "I've missed you, Mist Runner," she said softly.

"I've missed you, too, Red Moon."

There was a small cough that brought our attention back to other matters. Red Moon looked around and saw a stranger standing there at the edge of the ravine.

She looked coyly back at me and said, "Bringing home strays, are we?"

I kissed Red Moon and said, "Come, I'll introduce you two."

We got up and brushed the leaf litter off of us, and I motioned for Dahmietra to come over.

Switching to the Common Tongue, I said, "Red Moon, this is Dahmietra, the reason why I need to see the Lore Masters. Dahmietra, this is Red Moon."

Red Moon bent her head down to Dahmietra's face and sniffed the side of her neck...Dahmietra stood there, seemingly frozen, not knowing what to expect. Red Moon curiously poked at the voluminous clothing Dahmietra wore.

"Is there anybody under all of this?" she said jokingly.

Dahmietra looked away from Red Moon, embarrassed because Red Moon only wore a simple breechcloth and her jewelry, along with the dagger strapped to her thigh.

"Well, we can't have you running around wearing that ridiculous getup; you might get caught in brambles or something." Looking back at me, she said "Come on, we should make it back in time for the hunting party to return."

"I have not had a decent meal for a whole moon," I stated.

"Well, my dear, maybe you will save some room for dessert," Red Moon said coyly with a wink.

She started walking away, adding just a little more sway to her hips, and swishing her tail suggestively.

"She can be such a tease," I thought.

Dahmietra gave my hand a tug, bringing my attention back from happier thoughts.

"Are we going?" She asked.

"Yes, of course, we should be moving," I replied, still watching Red Moon.

We started walking in the direction Red Moon was going, who was still walking a slow pace.

As we were catching up to her, Dahmietra asked, "Are you two married?"

"What is 'married'? I do not know that word," I replied.

"You know, are you two...mates?"

"Oh, I understand. We've been love mates for some time now, but we're not bondmates, not yet, anyway, though we have talked about it. Why do you ask?" I asked.

"Forgive me, I should not pry into things which do not concern me," Dahmietra said apologetically.

"Its okay, our people are more open about things than yours. If you don't ask, then how can you ever learn anything?" I asked.

"I...understand," Dahmietra said, almost under her breath, looking to Red Moon a short distance ahead. "I see why you like her, she's beautiful, graceful, nice, and she seems to care about you a lot."

"Yes she is, and she does," I agreed. "Red Moon and I have been through a lot together. I care a lot about her, too."

When we caught up with Red Moon, she slipped her arm around my waist and I put mine around hers. I could feel her tail flicking across the back of my leg.

"What's your name again, little one?" Red Moon asked as she peered around in front of me.

"Dahmietra."

"Ah, interesting name, that. So tell me, Dahmietra, how did you fall in with this old scoundrel?"

I gave Red Moon a little pat on her rump and nodded to Dahmietra to tell her the story. She proceeded to tell about being called to the High Cleric and of meeting me, a little about the meeting we had and our subsequent journey to The Great Forest.

"Well, lucky for you Mist Runner is your protector...if anyone can keep you safe, he can. You'll be hard pressed to find anyone more determined," Red Moon said.

In two and a half days, we made it to our village. We stopped just outside of it on a little knoll overlooking the village proper.

"Welcome to Hope's Spring, Dahmietra, this is our home," I said.

Dahmietra was stunned by how everything blended in with or complimented its surroundings. There wasn't a straight line anywhere. Many of the buildings were open, airy structures, providing shade or shelter from rain, with rooms built into the landscape. Moreover, the size of things was meant for people much taller than herself, making her feel like a small child in a world of adults. Overall, it was a village built with natural beauty and harmony in mind, not a rigid, unnatural orderliness.

As we entered the village, some called their greetings, some stopped and starred at the stranger, others went on about their business as if not noticing (but you can be sure they did). A young male by the name of Warri came running up to us--he was one of the youths who assisted the Lore Masters.

"Ayooo! Sire Mist Runner! Dam Red Moon!" he called out at he approached.

"Ayooo! Warri!" I greeted the youth.

He approached with ears dropped and his tail down, showing respect for his elders.

"Sire, the Lore Masters wait for you and your charge at the Council Rock," Warri said, giving Dahmietra a quick glance.

"Then run ahead and tell them we will be there shortly," I instructed.

He held up his hand in acknowledgement, took his leave, and went on ahead.

"Well, so much for stopping to eat first and get cleaned up," I grumbled.

Dahmietra walked between Red Moon and I as we walked through the village, looking in wide-eyed wonder at all she saw. I noticed that some curious villagers had started to follow us, keeping a respectable distance.

A curved line of whitewashed stones marked the boundary to the area around the Council Rock, with a stone arch in the center. Two guards stood at either side of the arch each armed with a spear, dagger, and wearing light armor. Warri stood in the center of the archway waiting for us.

"Dahmietra, when we step before the stone archway Warri will ask us to state our names. Red Moon and I will speak our names in our own tongue, when we have spoken our name you speak your name in your own tongue...not in common. He will then ask the reason why we have come. I will speak then for all of us, since it is I who requested this audience. He will ask one more question, and that will be to both Red Moon and you. He will ask if you concur--say 'yes', again in your own tongue. We will then be allowed to enter. Once we are before the Lore Masters, speak only when spoken to and speak truly, from your heart of being."

"I'm frightened!" Dahmietra said in a near whisper.

"Don't be, little one," Red Moon reassured, "it is just sign of respect. No one is going to bite your head off." Red Moon smiled at Dahmietra, "You will be okay...the Lore Masters know you don't understand our ways, though just don't be rude and speak the truth as you understand it. Simple."

As we approached the archway, the two guards crossed their spears before it, blocking our passage. Warri greeted us from behind them.

"To those who seek the council of the Lore Masters, if your hearts be true, I welcome you. I see three who come, speak your names."

"Mist Runner," I sang my name.

"Red Moon."

"Dahmietra."

Warri intoned the next question: "State the reason you have requested audience."

"I seek guidance concerning how best I may protect this woman-child of The People of the Wastelands from her own kind, as I have been charged to do," I responded.

Warri asked the last question: "Do those who have come here with Mist Runner concur this is indeed his request?"

"Yes," replied Red Moon.

"Yes," Dahmietra said in her own language.

"Then enter, friends, and be heard."

Warri said as he stepped back and to the side. The two guards pulled their spears back to an upright position and allowed us to pass. Once we passed through the archway, they again crossed their spears to show that no others were allowed to enter while the proceedings took place.

We made our way to the Council Rock, a large, low flat stone that rose slightly above the ground. Behind the Council Rock were two stone benches and a single stone seat between them. The five Lore Masters sat, two on each bench: Stone Toucher and Stream Chaser to the left, and Cloud Shaker and Fire Weaver to the right; and in the center sat Spirit Feather, the head of the Lore Masters of the Five Eastern Forest Clans. I knelt on one knee with head lowered, and Red Moon followed suit, motioning to Dahmietra to do the same. Spirit Feather rose from his seat and mounted the Council Rock.

"Mist Runner, we feel the turmoil in your heart of being concerning this outlander. You seek our guidance in how best to fulfill your pledge to keep her safe from her own kind. Stand before us and speak your part of this story."

I stood as requested, and recited the events that had occurred, from the incident at the inn to our journey to The Great Forest.

"Thank you, Mist Runner, you have again shown your restraint and compassion and skills in dealing with those not of our kind, as well as your determination to perform this duty you have taken upon yourself to the best of your abilities. We will now hear the story of the outlander girl, Dahmietra."

I bowed and took my place beside Red Moon, motioning to Dahmietra to take her turn before Spirit Feather.

"Come child, do not be afraid, no harm can come to you here," Spirit Feather spoke gently with the voice of a grandsire.

Dahmietra stood and walked slowly to stand before the Council Rock. She was visibly shaking. Spirit Feather looked at her quizzically for a moment, and then smiled his usual knowing smile. Sometimes a situation calls for being creative, and Spirit Feather could always find a way to get a troubled heart to speak. He sat down on the edge of the Council Stone and patted the rock next to him.

"Come, sit with me, child."

Dahmietra did as she was told, sitting down next to Spirit Feather. He put his arm around her and comforted her as a grandparent might a child.

"Tell me your story, Dahmietra, from the beginning--as much as you know."

Dahmietra told how her mother and father had left their home in the Wastelands, as we knew it by, and brought her when she was but a small child to the village of Zahr-Rey. When she was 5 turns of the seasons old, she was brought before the Council of Clerics who determined that she was indeed the descendent of one of their greatest holy men from long ago. She was sequestered and raised as a Holy Sister in their religion. Her family had given her up and she had been deprived a normal life, all because the two factions viewed her as a political tool to further their own ends. She did not want the life she was being forced to follow and it made her terribly sad to never be thought of for the person that she is. She did not know the full particulars as to what would be made of her at the Great Gathering of both factions; though she knew that there were rumors of ill deeds, talk of war to obtain her as well as to do away with her. The two main factions were themselves divided and nearly at each other's throats over what she represented to whom and why. All she wanted was for a way to end this insane bickering and escape the even worse fate that would certainly be in store for her. No matter how she looked at it, she would lose and nothing good would come from any of it.

Red Moon looked at me with tears in her eyes.

"How can anyone inflict such upon this child? This is horrible! No wonder the poor thing feels so crushed and alone!" She threw her arms around me and laid her head on my shoulder. "Oh, Mist Runner, one of their slaves would have a better life! If there is any way to save this one and give her kind one less thing to fight over, you must find it!" Red Moon looked me straight in the eyes, "You must find a way!"

I hugged her and said, "I will do all that I can...I just hope whatever it is, that it will be enough."

Dahmietra continued speaking with Spirit Feather for some while, telling about what things she had dreamed of doing one day, about how she felt since she has known both Red Moon and me. She also mentioned how grateful she is to get to visit our village and to see the wonder of The Great Forest.

She looked up at Spirit Feather, and looking into his eyes said, "I would rather die among your people than live among mine."

If her statement shocked Spirit Feather, he didn't show it, though the way she said it pierced his heart of being.

Spirit Feather thanked Dahmietra for telling her story and instructed her to return to us. He slowly got up, talked with the other Lore Masters for a few minutes, and then returned to the Rock.

"Mist Runner and Red Moon, please take this child to your den and see to her needs. The others and I must confer for a time; we will summon you when we are ready. Go in peace, my friends."

Red Moon and I bowed and Warri led us back to the stone archway. Warri smiled and wished us a good night, for it had become dark and the lights of the village were lit. As we stepped through the archway, I saw that Warri looked at Dahmietra for a long moment, and then he looked at me. I could feel the sadness he felt from overhearing what was said since he was present, and saw the pleading in his eyes. In equivalent terms, Warri would be similar in age and development as Dahmietra being that he would be undergoing the Coming of Age rite soon. There was also the fact that since he was apprenticed to the Lore Masters, he spent a lot of time reading scrolls and scribing records. I grasped him by the shoulder as I passed by and nodded my understanding.

"If your duties permit, you are welcome to have evening meal with us tomorrow," I offered quietly.

"Thank you, Sire, I will try."

I smiled and gave Warri a pat on the shoulder, then passed through the archway.

"This could be interesting," I thought with a grin.

On the way back to our den, Red Moon and I decided that a warm relaxing bath would be nice before evening meal, so we asked Dahmietra if she would be interested. At first, she seemed delighted at the idea, and then she thought on it and asked if the baths had any privacy. Red Moon and I looked at each other in astonishment. Dahmietra apparently was dismayed by the looks on our faces.

"Uh, aside from being inside...not really," Red Moon said, "why would somebody need privacy just for getting wet and smelling good?" Then she gave Dahmietra a comically suspicious look, "Is there something hiding under all of those layers that we need to be aware of, dear?"

I fought to keep from laughing as Red Moon started poking Dahmietra's voluminous clothing.

"No!" Dahmietra said in exasperation, "It would violate our rules of modesty to be seen by a man."

"Dahmietra, look around you...see any 'men' here? Last I knew, you're the only one of your kind here, dear," explained Red Moon. "I've heard about how your kind keeps your males and females separate from one another, though I've never known why. So, why_do_ you wear all of those layers, Dahmietra...did all of your fur fall out for some reason? Do the females of your kind even have any fur?"

Although Red Moon was actually asking because she simply did not know, I think Dahmietra was starting to get upset.

"Dahmietra," I began, "please understand that our people just don't view things like you were taught to, and to us it seems very strange that somebody would feel ashamed of their body. We appreciate life in all of its forms, including our own. If you're afraid of drawing unwanted attention, think of this: you come from a place where people can't accept you for who you are--all they care about is if you do what they tell you; here, everyone will appreciate you for the person that you are. Your life is what you make of it." I let her think about that.

"Maybe Dahmietra and I can go first," offered Red Moon, "and you can sit outside and wait for us."

"If that will make Dahmietra happy, then I suppose I can wait," I said. "It's been at least a whole moon since I have had a chance to do more than splash some water on me, another hour won't make much difference," I sighed.

I proceeded to take a seat on a bench outside while Red Moon checked to see if anyone was inside at the moment. She came back out motioned for Dahmietra to enter. While I was waiting, I heard a familiar sarcastic voice call my name.

"Ayooo, Mist Runner! I thought I smelled something...been playing 'hide the bone' in the dung heap or something? You know, you'll get cleaner if you actually use the bath."

"Bane Flower, how I have missed your sweet, bubbly personality while I was away," I replied with a forced smile. "Why, I was just sitting here thinking how much of a joy it would be if you would join me for a good soaking."

"Why would I do that?" Bane Flower asked with heavy sarcasm. "You wouldn't want me any more than anyone else does."

"Well, I guess you'll never find out unless you give somebody a chance," I retorted. "As long as you keep walking around with a bone on your shoulder, nobody will have you."

Bane Flower flattened her ears and curled her lips. I rose from my seat slowly to my full height, pointing my ears forward and raising my tail while giving Bane Flower a hard look. I could only take so much. Bane Flower noticed that others in the area were starting to back away. She looked again at me and saw that I wasn't going to let this slide.

Bane Flower thought to herself, "Stupid! Why do I do this, and to him in particular? He's stood up for me so many times when I was being picked on, and now I've got him angry with me! Dung! I don't dare challenge Mist Runner...ooh, I can't out run him or out fight him! Maybe if I just leave he won't jump me in front of the whole village." Bane Flower dropped her ears and said, "I think I'd better be going."

Just as she turned around, THUMP! She walked right into a tree! Only, this tree was covered with black fur, and spoke in a really deep, rumbling voice like living stone.

"Bane Flower."

She looked up with fear into the dark face of Grimm Tooth, who towered over her with huge arms folded across his massive chest, staring down at her with smoldering amber eyes and looking very much annoyed. Grimm Tooth is by far the largest of our people, a veritable giant. He is the leader of the defenders, her senior in command...and he is my best friend. Bane Flower dropped her ears as far as they could go, tucked her tail between her legs, and crouched in submission, trembling.

"She was just heading home to get some rest, Grimm," I said, "weren't you, Bane Flower?"

"Y-y-yes, S-S-Sire," she stammered.

Grimm Tooth, still looking down at Bane Flower, waited a few moments, and said, "Good. For a second I thought I might have to give an insolent pup some extra duty. Dismissed, Bane Flower."

"Y-y-yes, S-S-Sire!" She quickly stood; ears still lowered and tail between her legs, and hurried to her den, keeping her eyes cast downward hoping no one could see the tears running down her cheeks.

I watched her trot off towards her home until I felt a huge hand on my shoulder.

"Get you a drink?" Grimm Tooth offered.

"Sure, old friend. Think I could use one."

Red Moon led Dahmietra into the communal bathhouse. While most times members of the village would just clean themselves at home, the bathhouse was something of a luxury. There was one large main pool surrounded by several niches with smaller pools that could be heated, each large enough for up to four adults. The attendants made sure that plenty of clean towels, brushes, and scented washes were available. They went to one of the niches in the back, away from the front entrance.

"Not too likely anyone will come in about this time, Dahmietra. Most people will be heading home for evening meal," Red Moon said.

"This is so different than our baths back home," Dahmietra commented.

"Oh, how so?" asked Red Moon as she began slipping off her jewelry and setting it on a table nearby with her other things.

"Well, ours are just a large narrow, metal tub with one end high enough for a back rest. We pour buckets of water into it to fill it about half way, and then add water that has been heated over a fire pit until we get it as warm as we want," Dahmietra explained.

"Mist Runner has told me of those, he's seen them at that inn he stops at when he is away. He doesn't stay there to sleep, just stops to eat and bathe if he has time. He knows the innkeeper well enough, I suppose...he's broken up some fights there and has done some odd bits of handiwork around the place," Red Moon said.

She unfastened her breechcloth, tossed it onto the table, and climbed into the pool.

"Ah, this feels good! If Mist Runner was here, he'd be brushing my fur for me."

"He really does that for you?" Dahmietra asked in astonishment.

"Yes, we do things like that for one another," Red Moon replied smiling.

"I wish our men could be like Mist Runner...he actually seems to care about others more than himself," Dahmietra said quietly.

Red Moon simply smiled and said nothing.

While Dahmietra was busy peeling the various layers of garments from her body, Red Moon watched with interest. First was her cloak, next a large shawl, followed by a loose coat, an apron dress, a long tunic, a snug fitting head covering, a shorter tunic, her shoes and foot coverings and finally her braies. Dahmietra shook out her long thick curly auburn hair and gingerly climbed into the pool opposite of Red Moon. Settling into the warm scented water, she looked up to see Red Moon looking at her intently. Dahmietra lowered her eyes and blushed under Red Moon's gaze.

"Forgive me, Dahmietra, but I've never seen one of your people so...completely. Honestly, I don't see you can even breathe with all of those clothes you wear...must be horrible in the summer."

"It's all made from lightweight airy fabrics, so it's not so bad," Dahmietra said. "I would think all of that fur would be hotter."

"It thins some during the warmer months, and gets thicker again for the winter. You have beautiful hair, Dahmietra, you shouldn't keep it covered."

"Thank you," Dahmietra replied. "I can't imagine living like you do, being so...so...free." Dahmietra looked down into the water.

"You could be, you know," offered Red Moon.

She busied herself with scrubbing her fur with one of the brushes provided for that purpose, working out little mats that were trying to form in the thicker parts. She undone her braids and brushed them out, working her way down her arms, chest, and midsection. She was quietly humming to herself while she went about cleaning her fur. For a moment, though, she stopped and perked her ears up, listening to some distant sound. Dahmietra, who was trying to clean her own hair, noticed Red Moon's sudden shift in attention.

"Do you hear something, Red Moon?"

She paused for a little bit longer, then relaxed and went back to what she was doing.

"I wonder what that was about," she thought to herself, making a mental note to ask Mist Runner about it later. "Oh, I'm sure it was probably nothing...sounded like somebody was having a little disagreement about something. It's nothing to worry about."

"Oh," said Dahmietra. "I didn't hear anything."

Red Moon just smiled and pointed to her ears.

Red Moon turned around so that she was facing away from Dahmietra and held her brush out behind her.

"Would you mind brushing my back for me, dear? Just start from the shoulders and brush straight down."

Dahmietra hesitated a little, then took the proffered brush and started brushing as instructed.

"That's it, dear...a little firmer, if you would. Ah, that feels good!"

Dahmietra had to remove the loose fur from the brush several times and put it into the small bucket she had seen Red Moon putting it in. When she was done, Dahmietra handed the brush back to Red Moon, who thanked her.

"Now, let me brush your hair...turn around, I promise not to pull too hard."

Dahmietra said okay, and let Red Moon brush her wet hair with the herbal mixture she used on her own fur.

"I really think it's a shame that you keep this all covered up. Tell you what, Dahmi...mind if I call you that? I'll take you to the village's seamstress and see what she can come up with for you. Who knows, maybe a new look might be fun."

Red Moon was already thinking of some ideas for Dahmietra's new look. Dahmietra wasn't certain what Red Moon had in mind, but after seeing what the other females in the village wore (or didn't, as the case was more often than not), she was afraid to imagine.

Grimm Tooth and I went to a nearby vendor and got something to drink. We sat down by a large tree next to the bathhouse.

After a minute or two, Grimm Tooth spoke, "Why do you always stand up for her?"

I thought a moment, and then said, "Because I'm the only one who will." I looked at Grimm Tooth. "I know Bane Flower's sarcasm irritates everyone...even me. Today, if she had said the things she did in a private situation, I probably would have let it slide. If you hadn't come along when you did, I would have had to do something about it...and you know what would be the result of that."

"It is fortunate, then, that I arrived when I did," Grimm Tooth agreed. "On one hand if you had let her get away with it in front of everyone, it would weaken your position in the clan and it would encourage Bane Flower to continue being disrespectful; on the other hand, if you had put her in her place for such insolence, both of you would be brought before the clan. You would be in the right, of course, and Bane Flower's humiliation would deepen, her bitterness would worsen, and her credibility would suffer. She would likely be removed from her post, which would disgrace her, and the whole would suffer from her pain," Grimm Tooth continued.

As much as he often lived up to his name, Grimm Tooth could be rather philosophical about things...and he was usually right.

"I know that there is something that is causing her to act the way she has been, but I just don't know what. I could talk privately to Lore Mistress Fire Weaver about Bane Flower. If I go before the Council Rock and formally petition to have Bane Flower brought before her for 'examination', it would likely cause more hostility and resentment. However, if it could be suggested in private, 'off the record', then maybe she could just happen by at an opportune time and sense for herself the deep seated pain within Bane Flower, and have her brought for healing."

Grimm Tooth rubbed his chin as he pondered the idea for a moment.

He said, "While a direct assault often has its advantages, I believe in this situation the more subtle approach would be the most advantageous."

"I invited Warri to share evening meal tomorrow with Red Moon and me, his duties permitting, of course," I said casually.

Grimm Tooth glanced at me with a raised eyebrow.

"The outlander girl I brought here, she's in there with Red Moon right now," I motioned towards the bathhouse. "Earlier, at the Council Rock when I took her before the Lore Masters, Warri was there and he heard the girl's story. As we were leaving, he seemed to have taken an interest with her...perhaps it is because they are both nearly of age and they have at least one interest in common, that he feels a sort of connection with her. I was thinking that having someone closer to her age to be with might be of some comfort to her. Perhaps this might also be a possibility for the other matter as well."

"I heard about an outlander being in the village, which is the reason why I am here--I wanted to see for my self if the rumor is true. Now I find that it was you who brought the stranger to us," Grimm Tooth said. "Since I know that you are not prone to foolishness, you must have had good reason to bring an outlander here. Who is it, one of our distant cousins from the mountains?" he asked with a grin.

"No. Her name is Dahmietra, she is one of The People of the Wastelands, and I am her protector," I replied.

The normally stoic Grimm Tooth dropped his jaw in utter surprise.

Red Moon and Dahmietra finished their bath and got out of the water. Red Moon gave herself a good shake and then proceeded to dry herself with the towels. Dahmietra wrapped a towel around her and then wrapped her hair up in another towel so that it looked like she had mound on her head. Red Moon watched intently as Dahmietra wrapped her hair up.

"Is the only time you uncover your hair is when you are in water?" Red Moon asked.

"Oh, this?" Dahmietra said pointing at the towel on her head. Red Moon nodded. "This just absorbs more of the water in my wet hair without getting it more tangled," Dahmietra explained.

"Ah, okay...that makes sense," Red Moon replied. Red Moon brushed her fur out, with Dahmietra again brushing the fur on her back until it was smooth. When Dahmietra removed the towel from her hair, Red Moon felt it and nodded her approval. Red Moon slipped her breechcloth back on and her jewelry and waited as Dahmietra went through the process of adding all of the layers of her clothing. They went outside feeling better and spotted Mist Runner sitting with Grimm Tooth next to the tree.

Red Moon came trotting over to where Grimm Tooth and I were sitting with Dahmietra in tow. I could see that she felt better after a good bathing by her playful smile. I stood up, gave Red Moon a hug, and took a long, deep breath.

"You smell great," I said with a grin.

"Ah, but you don't, my dear!" and she quickly pulled back from me. "Go scrub!" she chided me playfully.

"Proprieties first, dear," I told her. "Grimm Tooth, this is Dahmietra, who I told you about; Dahmietra, this is Grimm Tooth, he's in charge of our clan's defenders...our warriors, if you will."

As Grimm Tooth slowly stood the leather of his arm bracers and weapon belt creaked like the lines of a rope bridge. Dahmietra's eyes grew wide with terror and she clung to Red Moon at the sight of the monstrously huge black shape rising before her. Her mouth was open in a silent scream for she was too terrified to breathe. Dahmietra suddenly collapsed to the ground and wrapped her arms around Red Moon's leg, hiding her face.

"Dahmietra, what's wrong, dear?!" Red Moon exclaimed.

Dahmietra was shaking violently. Grimm Tooth looked at me with a raised eyebrow and then at Red Moon. People were beginning to gather to see what was going on.

"I don't know what's got into her!" Red Moon gasped.

Grimm Tooth looked down upon Dahmietra with a look of deep concern. He knelt down close to her, reaching out and gently lifting her chin so that he could look at her.

"Child, why are you so afraid?" he asked gently in his deep voice.

Dahmietra screamed a word in her own language...and then fainted. Grimm and I looked at each other in shock. We have both heard that word before, though it was many turns of the seasons ago and on the battlefield when her people first invaded the lands next to The Great Forest. In the Common Tongue, it was "death".

Howls crying "Healer!" went up by several of the bystanders in the crowd that had gathered.

Red Moon pleaded, "What did she say? Tell me, Mist Runner!"

"I don't know their language well enough to know exactly how she was meaning it, but the word basically means "death".

Grimm Tooth was distressed; Red Moon was beside herself. I could hear murmurings working through the crowd of villagers and soon they parted to allow one to come through.

"Give the child to me," a grandmotherly voice demanded gently.

I looked up, saw a face with golden eyes, and wreathed in long, thick flaming red fur. Lore Mistress Fire Weaver! Grimm gently lifted Dahmietra as if she were but a newborn pup and handed her to Fire Weaver.

"Come with me, the three of you," she commanded.

Grimm Tooth, Red Moon, and I followed Lore Mistress Fire Weaver who carried Dahmietra like a child in her arms. We went to her den; there she had a low bed in a separate room that she used for her patients. Grimm had to bend down because he was too tall to stand upright. Dahmietra was laid on the bed of furs and Lore Mistress Fire Weaver sat down beside her.

"Now then child, let us see what ails you so."

Placing one hand on Dahmietra's head and holding her hand in the other, Fire Weaver let her healing magic flow through Dahmietra's body. "This is no injury or illness of the body or mind, though this child has certainly known a deeply ingrained terror. I am inclined to think this may be something cultural with her kind. Perhaps Lore Master Spirit Feather might be of help. Fern Leaf, be a good dear and run and fetch him for me...his abilities are needed."

Fern Leaf, who was standing nearby, bowed and quickly left on her errand.

In a short while, Fern Leaf returned with Lore Master Spirit Feather. We knelt when he entered the room and he waved his hand to acknowledge our display of respect.

"Mist Runner, it seems your young friend here has had quite a fright."

"Indeed Sire, though we don't understand why," I said.

"I have eased her distress and she now rests," Fire Weaver spoke quietly to Spirit Feather. "As I told the others, this isn't due to any illness or injury that I can find; perhaps you may discover the cause."

"Sire, may I speak?" I asked of Spirit Feather.

"Certainly, my son, if it might be of help."

"Grimm Tooth and I were sitting by a tree next to the bathhouse, waiting on Red Moon and Dahmietra to finish their baths. When they were finished, they came over and I introduced Dahmietra to Grimm Tooth. When he stood up to greet her that is when she became terrified. She has never seen him before, and she has not exhibited any kind of special awareness or behavior that would be marked as odd by the standards of her people that I understand, so perhaps it might simply be something that his likeness reminds her of. Before she fainted in her terror, she screamed a word in her tongue--'Sheh'k'tahwa'. Grimm Tooth and I have heard this word before, during our battles many turns of the seasons ago with her people when they first pushed into the lands near The Great Forest. In the Common Tongue, it loosely means 'death', but what it means to her and how she was meaning it, we have no clue."

"What you say may have relevance, Mist Runner. Let us 'look' and see where the path may lead," Spirit Feather decided.

"Gather 'round, all, for we must journey into the dark place Dahmietra has fled, find the cause of her fears, and help her defeat them," Spirit Feather instructed.

We all situated ourselves around Dahmietra: Spirit Feather by her head, Fire Weaver and Grimm Tooth at her left side, and Red Moon and I at her right. Fern Leaf stayed nearby in case she should be needed. We placed our hands on Dahmietra's body, and closed our eyes. Spirit Feather's magic pulled our conscious thoughts into the landscape of Dahmietra's mind.

It was indeed a dark place: a rocky, twisted wasteland, sunless, with fires burning. There was nothing resembling life in this place. In the distance, we could hear screams of unending pain and agony.

"What manner of place is this?" Red Moon cried.

"I do not know," answered Spirit Feather. "Mist Runner, do you know what Dahmietra's studies were of?" Spirit Feather asked.

"I only know for certain that she studied religious texts, what they were of, I was never told," I replied. "I know very little of their beliefs, though what I have learned has always brought an illness to my heart of being."

"We must find where she is hiding...she is here, I sense her, and she is terrified," Spirit Feather said. "Stay close together."

We called Dahmietra's name and listened. Spirit Feather guided us according to his sense. Each time we called her name, he seemed to sense her more strongly. Climbing over the smoking rocks and the twisted shapes that may have been distortions of the real world, we traveled on. One time when we called her name, we thought we heard someone sobbing. We rushed in the direction of the sound and we found her curled up in a ball between some rocks. I knelt down next to her and saw that her clothes were torn to shreds. I reached out to her and took her hand.

"Dahmietra, we're here with you--I'm here. You're safe now, no one can harm you."

"Aaiiiii!!!" she wailed, "Noooo!!! Sheh'k'tahwa has come for me; I am being punished for not being good enough! I have transgressed!"

I looked up to the others who had gathered around. Spirit Feather nodded for me to keep talking to her.

"Dahmietra, listen to me--I am your protector; I and my friends have come to save you."

"Nooo!!! I am lost!" she cried.

"Dahmietra, no you are not! Look at me! Look at me!" She raised her head opened her eyes. "Good! See? I'm here, Dahmietra." She blinked a few times and then I could see the recognition in her eyes at last.

"Mist Runner!" She sat up and threw her arms around my neck.

"You're safe now, Dahmietra, nothing is going to hurt you. Not here, not ever."

I held her for a while then got to my feet bringing her up with me. As we stood there, the others came and put their arms around us both, even Grimm Tooth. Dahmietra began to relax and calm down. She looked at everybody and smiled, but when she looked at Grimm Tooth, she panicked again and tried to pull away but we held her fast. "Dahmietra, why do you fear Grimm Tooth so much? You've never seen him before today, nor has he ever seen you before. He has never done anything to you," I said.

"It is Sheh'k'tahwa!" Dahmietra cried.

"Child, who is this 'Sheh'k'tahwa' you speak of?" Spirit Feather asked. "

You do not know? He is the Destroyer of Life, he is the Punisher of the Unworthy! He comes in the night and sows destruction! He is the Bringer of Death!"

"Dahmietra, this is Grimm Tooth, not this 'Sheh'k'tahwa' you speak of, he is one of my people, and he's like me only bigger. Grimm is our best warrior and the leader of the defenders of the clan. He's really a nice person when you get to know him. He's here because he cares about you...we all care about you, Dahmietra."

"Mist Runner, perhaps we should bring light to this place of darkness," suggested Spirit Feather.

A star stone! I reached into my pouch and felt around for the other star stone that I had and found it. I held it up for Dahmietra to see.

"Remember this?" I asked.

"It's that stone you gave Jamella! How..."

"I had another one with me," I said.

I placed the star stone into Dahmietra's hand and held it up.

"This one has already absorbed the light of the stars. See how it shines?"

She looked at it and it flickered into life and began to glow.

"Dahmietra, just relax and close your eyes."

Just as its companion had done for Jamella, this star stone began to glow brighter and brighter. Its light began to absorb into Dahmietra's skin and spread throughout her body. She gasped as the power of the stone filled her entire being with the light of the stars. The place we had found ourselves in instantly began to change. The rocks stopped smoking and the landscape became more rolling. The fires stopped burning and grass began to cover the ground. Trees sprouted up and reached for the ever-brightening sky. The landscape that was once blackened, barren and twisted into nightmarish shapes became green, fertile, and full of life. Daylight had come and Dahmietra awoke to see smiling, friendly faces around her. The nightmare was over.

"Welcome back, child! You gave us a cause for concern when you ran away like that, we had to come looking for you and bring you home again," Lore Mistress Fire Weaver said.

"Home?" Dahmietra asked feebly. "Where am I?"

"You are in my den, cubling. Mist Runner, dear, she is awake now. You should thank Mist Runner, Dahmietra, after all, he found you and brought you back to us...with a little help," Fire Weaver said with a wink.

I lifted my head from my arms and saw Dahmietra awake and smiling, though a little confused. I nudged Red Moon who had dozed off, and she woke up.

"Huh? Did I miss something?" Red Moon asked a bit groggily. "Oh, you're awake finally! Good."

"How do you feel, Dahmietra?" I asked.

She took a slow deep breath and let it out. "Better. Tired...and a bit hungry, too."

I smiled at her.

"Well, it is almost past evening meal, and we haven't eaten. And I still have not had a chance to get bathed after our trip. Mistress? Is it okay to take Dahmietra to our den now, or should she stay here for the night?"

"Oh, I think it should be all right for her to go back to your den. You all could use some rest, especially you Mist Runner. You had a long hard trip, and then this on top of it."

"Red Moon, let's get Dahmietra home," I said.

I helped Dahmietra up out of the healer's sick bed and thanked Lore Mistress Fire Weaver for her aid. I carried Dahmietra back to our den, with Red Moon holding my arm. We had a few looks from the other villagers and there were some murmured comments, though nothing out of the ordinary. Once inside, I sat Dahmietra down on some furs, lit a few oil lamps, hung Battle Fang in its place on the wall, and deposited the rest of my traveling items next to the wall. I got a clean breechcloth out of my trunk and headed to the bathhouse for a well deserved (though quick) scrub. By the time I returned home, Red Moon had some food out and she and Dahmietra had just sat down to eat. Though I had not had fresh food for a while and was hungry, I was more tired than anything at the moment. I dipped the ladle into the stewpot, put some in my eating bowl, and ate quickly. I finished with some wild berries and washed it all down some water.

"Well, ladies, I don't know about you, but I think I am going to get some sleep. As Lore Mistress Fire Weaver said, it's been a long hard trip and a lot has happened."

"We'll be with you shortly, dear," Red Mood said. "You go ahead and get comfortable."

I went back to the sleeping area, tossed my breechcloth on my trunk, crawled onto the pile of furs, and pulled the covering over me. Red Moon put out all of the lamps except for the one near the sleeping area, which she turned down for the night. Dahmietra didn't bring her usual sleeping garments since she had to travel light, so she peeled out of everything except for her short tunic and braies. Red Moon tossed her own breechcloth on the top of her trunk and slipped in under the covers next to me. Dahmietra stood there for a moment wondering what to do next.

"Oh, come on, Dahmi...just make yourself comfortable," Red Moon said sleepily, patting the furs.

I snuggled against Red Moon, having missed her scent for far too long. We said our good nights and she was soon asleep. I lay awake for a little longer, though just before I drifted off to sleep, I felt a small form settle in against my back. I smiled to myself and reached behind me, I patted Dahmietra and whispered good night to her, and put my arm back around Red Moon. The thin fingers of a small hand slipped into my fur and a thickly accented voice whispered back, "Good night."