‘Leaders all,’ Feather said into the continuing silence. ‘I come to wish the tribe safety and good companionship on their journey back to the paths of the annual circuit. Once more, I beg the boon of travel. I must return to Newkeep Port to confer with my partner Jana. I hope, in a few weeks at most, that Jana and I will join the circuit.’
‘Probably not until spring, would you propose?’ asked Willow, her brows raised in inquiry, or maybe disapproval.
‘As you say,’ agreed Feather. He kept his tone quiet, his manner mild. There was no need for heat over this small matter. Of course the elders were by now accustomed to his habit of spending large portions of the year with his partner. He was sure they would agree that the makers of Newkeep needed his help more than the experienced tribesfol
