It Sleeps in Me Read Online Free PDF Page B

that may not even exist.”
    Her delicate black brows plunged down over her pointed nose.
She handed the box back to Grown Bear. “If it was solely my decision I would refuse to send our young men and women into such a situation. However, I would tell Chief Blue Bow that if he obtained the stone, we would be happy to pay him well for it.”
    “But, Chieftess, we cannot obtain it alone! We are a small clan. We need help.” Grown Bear held the box to his heart, as though afraid to set it down for fear it would suddenly disappear.
    Sora studied his half-panicked expression. “What do the other Loon chiefs think of this? Have they agreed to send warriors to fight this unknown people?”
    Grown Bear swallowed hard. “They will not help, Chieftess. Like you, they are timid.”
    Rockfish lunged to his feet with fire in his eyes, ready to lash out at the insult. Sora gripped his arm and silently ordered him to sit back down, which he did, but reluctantly.
    In a deadly quiet voice, Rockfish ordered, “Do not ever insult our chieftess again—not if you wish to make it home alive.”
    Grown Bear lifted both hands, as though in surrender. “I meant no disrespect. It’s just that this is such a rare opportunity! If we do not act now, the Scarlet Macaw People will find other allies, and we will be cut out of the Trade. We have to—”
    “If the Scarlet Macaw People had other allies,” Sora asked, “do you think they would have approached you, an utter stranger?”
    That seemed to stop him. For several moments, he blinked and stared at her like a duck hit in the head with a rock. “We spent seven days with them, Chieftess. We became great friends. That’s why they decided to include us—”
    “Yes, I’m sure,” she said coldly. “I give you my oath that if the Scarlet Macaw warriors survive the battle with the people who control the quarry, we’ll discuss this again.”
    “But their chances of success are much greater with us than without us, wouldn’t you agree?”
    Sora gracefully rose to her feet. Grown Bear’s eyes followed her; he resembled a man awaiting execution. “As I said, I will
speak with Matron Wink about this, but you should not get your hopes up.”
    Grown Bear blurted “Thank you!” and fell to his knees to kiss her sandals, a gesture of deepest respect. “Blessed be the name of the Black Falcon People. You will not regret this. I—”
    “I just said we would discuss it, Grown Bear. That’s all. Will you wait for our matron’s answer? Or shall we send a runner to Chief Blue Bow when we’ve decided?”
    “I will wait, Chieftess. How long do you think the discussions will take?”
    “I will speak with Matron Wink tomorrow morning. You should have your answer by tomorrow night.”
    He looked up at her with shining eyes and handed her the box again. “I will wait, Chieftess, but please, you must take this back. Chief Blue Bow said it was yours regardless of your decision.”
    She gestured to Rockfish. “Deliver it to Matron Wink, and tell her I would like to speak with her about it in the morning.”
    Rockfish took it and clutched it against his chest like he could barely stand the thought of letting it out of his sight. “Of course, my wife.”
    “Also, make certain that War Chief Grown Bear has a comfortable chamber to sleep in,” Sora added.
    “I’ll put him in one of the chambers we reserve for visiting chiefs.” Rockfish gestured to Grown Bear. “If you will follow me.”
    Grown Bear rose, nodded to Sora, and followed Rockfish out of the council chamber.
    When they were gone, Sora rubbed her arms. Despite the blazing fire, she felt icy inside and out. Cold pimples dotted her skin. She paced before the fire. The watery way alliances ebbed and flowed never ceased to astound her.
    Voices rose in the hallway. Rockfish lifted the curtain, his elderly face pinched with concern.
    “My wife, War Chief Skinner is here to see you. May I send him in? Or do you wish some time?”

    Her