“We will do as you say, but we will spell you on the hill throughout the night and be gone before the sun comes up.”
“I will pack food and provisions for your trip.”
“Panther will give you our empty parfleches to hold them. You have our thanks, Otter.”
When the moon was high in the sky, New Star came to relieve me on the hill behind the house. I tarried awhile, pleased to be in the company of youth. Although I was not one who hungered for childish flesh, I took pleasure in young people’s energy and curiosity. I spoke to the lad a few minutes before slipping back to the house and catching some rest.
The sound of the others stirring woke me while it was still dark. I went outside, carrying extra rations and ammunition for hunting. The old man clasped my forearm in the native fashion befo
