SIX
SAIG SHIFTED TOWARDS a far corner of the house, away from where her mother lay sleeping. They were alone for the moment. Voices raised in conversation and the creak of wagons as they carted by sounded from outside. With everyone on high alert, Running Water was awake and working, the people scrambling to complete their tasks. Even most of the women were outdoors, planning how to best secure the area.
Saig’s mother should’ve been with them, but she tired more easily than she used to. Maybe Saig could have explained that away, could have told herself that her mother was a bit sick and going to get better, if it wasn’t for the gray hairs and wrinkles that were rapidly accumulating. But there wasn’t any denying it. Deanis’ bond with Wata was finally taking its toll, aging her prematurely
