Free Sky Child by T. M. Brenner Page A

wondering about," I say.
    "Yes?"
    "How did I get my name?" I ask.
    "Sam, your name was stitched into the blanket we found you wrapped in," says Charm.
    "I thought that maybe you had named me."
    "I wish I had, but no, the Sky Gods had already given you a name."
    I nod my head, not really believing that the Sky Gods had named me, but not disagreeing with Charm's memory. Ebb and I leave.
    Once we are well away from Charm's room, I turn to Ebb.
    "Ebb, please don't tell anyone what Charm and I talked about. If anyone outside of us knew what she said, it could be dangerous. It could be dangerous for a lot of people," I say.
    "Sam, I would never betray you like that," says Ebb.
    "Thank you, Ebb, for protecting both my life, and my secrets."
    "It is an honor."
    While checking for danger along the way, Ebb walks me back to my room. As I make my way inside, Ebb smiles then turns and stands guard at the entrance of our room. I smile, because finally I may have made a friend.

 

    13
    It's not until I wake up that I realize how hard yesterday was on me. I am sore in my entire body. Every time I breathe out, it feels like my life is flowing out of me. When the people that drink too much beer talk about what the next morning is like, I imagine that this is how they feel.
    Jet and Flot are busy snoring, which is what they both do best. I poke my head outside our room and see that Ebb is still there. She looks very tired.
    "Ebb, I am up now. Thank you for protecting us last night. Please, go get some sleep," I say.
    "Are you sure you will be safe?" asks Ebb.
    "Yes. I have my brothers with me now, and they are more than enough protection for me," I say.
    "I can tell that they are dangerous by how well they snore," says Ebb.
    "They are amazing snorers," I admit.
    "Well, take care then Sam."
    "And you, Ebb."
    I watch as Ebb leaves.
    After a while I grow bored because I have nothing to do, and Jet and Flot are still asleep. I decide to make breakfast. I realize it may not be safe for me to be on my own right now, but things are most dangerous at night when they think you are asleep. Most killers in the Crag are cowards, and they won't risk attacking someone who can defend themselves.
    I make my way to the mouth of the cave. The sun is still rising, and it is low enough that I cannot see it yet. The sky is gray and covered in clouds that cast white light all around me. It is barely raining; just enough to wet your hair, but not soak you. I hurry to where we keep the animals, so that I can stay as dry as possible.
    When I reach the chickens, I see one of the hunters, Anchor, collecting his own breakfast. Anchor is tall and thin; so thin that I wonder how he stands without falling into pieces. His arms and legs move in strange ways, like they are not a part of him. His black hair covers his moon-white face when he leans over. I can tell that he must wear his helmet whenever he is outside in the sun.
    Anchor catches me out of the corner of his eye, and turns to me. I stop quickly, not knowing whether I am in danger or not. I keep my hands at my sides, formed into fists, ready to use them if necessary.
    "Sam, you startled me! Can I call you Sam?" asks Anchor.
    "Yes, that would be okay," I say.
    "I just didn't know if that is what you liked to be called, now that you are the Leader of the Hunt and all," says Anchor.
    "Sam is fine," I say.
    I calm down a little. I start to realize that anyone worried about what they should call someone probably isn't a killer. I also remember that Anchor, although not one of Lagan's protectors, was still a loyal friend of Lagan's. I have to hope that means that Anchor will be a loyal friend of mine as well.
    "I have news for you!" says Anchor, excited.
    His excitement reminds me of Flot and Jet many snows ago, when they wanted to tell me something that they thought was important. I relax more, realizing that Anchor is probably harmless. Or at least harmless to me. I have seen him use a big spear, and he is very good