Free Follow the Wind by Don Coldsmith Page B

long enough to determine that this would be the plan. Her captors had determined the general area where the travelers would camp after one day’s journey north. They could be attacked while they slept, with very little risk to the attackers. The plotters finally dispersed, though not before the listening girl had departed. She must be sure no one suspected that she had overheard.
    Three times that day, she wandered close to the travelers’ camp. Each time, she was prevented from contacting Cabeza by the approach of some of the other women. She did not wish to draw attention by making an issue of it, so she temporarily diverted her mission each time.
    After darkness fell, South Wind knew that she must make her move. The beat of the dance drums was still throbbing at the council area and there was still feasting and revelry, but not so much as last night. The village was quieting for an earlier sleep tonight.
    The girl slipped quietly away and threaded her way among the dark lodges. She was certain she would be followed, but she did not need much time. It would take only a moment to give the warning, once she found Rah-mone. Then they could do with her as they wished. She would have saved the travelers.
    It was some time before she found him, walking toward his sleeping robes.
    â€œRah-mone!” She called softly.

    The young man turned, smiling broadly, and held out his arms.
    â€œNo!” She shook her head. It was important that she not be distracted. She began to hand sign rapidly.
    â€œYou are in great danger!”
    â€œHow?”
    â€œThey plan to kill you for your horses and supplies. When do you leave?”
    â€œIn the morning. When will they try to kill us?”
    She was pleased that he was quick and to the point. There was so little time.
    â€œWhile you sleep, at the first camp. You must be well prepared!”
    â€œCome with us!”
    For a few heartbeats, that suggestion appeared the most desirable thing in the world. Then reason returned. It would be too risky to attract the sort of attention that would ensue.
    â€œNo.” She shook her head firmly. Then, almost by chance, the girl saw, over the shoulder of the young man, an approaching figure. She recognized Lean Bull. Thinking quickly, she threw herself into the arms of the startled Cabeza, embracing him passionately. He instinctively returned the embrace, only to be startled again by the roar of Lean Bull.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?”
    South Wind cowered before him. Good, she thought. He is too angry at my being here to wonder what else might have happened.
    â€œYou gave me to him!” she gestured, sobbing.
    â€œNot now! Daughter of a snake! You belong to me!” He gave her a shove. “Go to the lodge!”
    His tirade was in his own tongue, but South Wind understood. Even Cabeza grasped the general meaning of the outburst.
    â€œWait!” he signed. “Let me buy her from you!”
    This appeared to further infuriate Lean Bull. He struck out at the girl, the backhand slap knocking her to the ground. Her tormentor whirled to face Cabeza. A knife had appeared in his hand. The other, instantly on guard, drew his belt knife and the two circled warily in the bright moonlight.

    Others came running.
    â€œNo, Lean Bull!” a man cried out. “He is a guest in our village!”
    The newcomer placed himself between the combatants, facing Lean Bull.
    â€œDon’t be stupid!” he continued softly. “You will spoil everything. You can kill him tomorrow!”
    Slowly, Lean Bull’s anger began to cool. He straightened, turned, and walked haughtily away, followed by his friend.
    â€œCome,” said the other, “let us eat some more!”
    The two walked toward the council fire. Cabeza sheathed his knife and began to breathe more easily. He glanced around, but the girl was gone.
    South Wind had slipped quietly away as soon as it became certain there would be no bloodshed. She saw