Chapter 7
Isika looked into Jabari’s face with as much indignation as she could dredge up, worried as she was. He looked back, not with anger, but a sort of resigned irritation that stung her more than anger would have.
“You brought your horses,” he said, his voice flat. “To a fire.”
“I can protect them,” Isika said, bristling. “Ask the horses, if you want. They’re doing fine.”
Jabari put a hand on Wind’s muzzle, lifting his eyebrows at the horse as he spoke in animal speech from mind to mind. He didn’t shield it from Isika, so she could hear his question, as well as her horse’s response.
Is she right? he asked, his thoughts gentle and probing. Are you okay?
Wind blew into Jabari’s hand. We follow her, he replied. Isika’s face grew hot. She heard what her horse wasn’t saying. The ani
