Eyes of Crow (36 page)

Alanka lifted a pack, which was lighter than she appeared to expect. Her face lit up. “Bread?”

They went outside to where Tereus waited with the Kalindons. A line of ponies stood in the early morning sun, tails shooing flies and mosquitoes. Her father stood close to Elora—closer than friends would, but not as near as lovers. Rhia was glad someone’s companionship had eased his loneliness, if only for a short time.

She bid her father and brother farewell and took Marek’s hand. He insisted on walking instead of riding, but she knew he’d change his mind once he discovered how much his injured leg slowed the rest of the party. It would be a battle of his pride versus…his pride.

Before they moved into the woods, she took a last look behind her. In the distance the river shimmered blue in the morning light, already dotted with the white sails of boats come to trade at the village port, now returned to peace.

She put a hand to her belly, feeling the power swell within her. As long as new life grew and flourished, like the leaves and branches of a tree, there was hope. Even Crow, death’s constant companion, had taught her so. Who better to love life than One who existed on its borders, where He could see all its beauty as a whole and perfect vista?

Coranna wanted Rhia to live in such a way, on the outskirts, merely observing the attachments of others. Perhaps it would ease the pain of her burdens. She turned to look at the Crow woman, whose smile must have had a source besides her false distance from humanity.

Rhia walked on with the Kalindons, her hand in Marek’s, until the forest enveloped them in its own lush life.