Star of Daylight (Book Two of the Viking Series)

CHAPTER EIGHT - Star of Daylight

My breath coming in gasps, I finally managed to reach the village. I made it as far as the lake on the outskirts before I fell to the ground. Liberty squawked by my side, clearly agitated. I could hear her in my head, and her frantic heartbeat matched mine. She screeched loudly and concerned voices surrounded me, though I could not lift my head.

Reaching in my pack that was on the ground beneath me, I withdrew a root and chewed, then guzzled down what remained of the water in my bag. It was not enough, and I crawled to the edge of the lake and stuck my head in, the root still in my mouth. I felt a hand on my shoulder and then two men came and lifted me between them.

“Shaman, are you hurt?”

I do not know who spoke to me, but I shook my head anyway.  They led me to a log and I put my head between my knees, desperately trying to slow my raging heart and steady my breath. Dizziness washed over me, nearly causing me to fall, but hands kept me in place. Gradually, I came to myself and was able to look around me. Many concerned faces greeted me, but Sister was not among them.

Thinking of her reminded me of my purpose in running all night long to reach home. I rose unsteadily to my feet, swaying from side to side like someone who had drunk too much ale. Hands tried to force me to sit back down, but I fought them off. My throat was burning, but I managed to croak out, “White Owl.”

 A voice I recognized, but could not place at the moment, enquired, “Do you need the shaman, Star of Daylight?” to which I nodded my head vigorously. My legs threatened to give way, and eschewing the walk across the village, someone picked me up in their strong arms and set off at a fast clip toward the center of camp. My child in my womb took up a war dance, knocking what wind I had left out of me, and I leaned back in the arms of the man who carried me. Looking up, I realized it was my own adopted father, Night Wanderer. His handsome features were etched with concern and concentration, and I doubt he even noticed me watching him.

The root began to take effect, and I felt my strength returning, so I reached out and touched his cheek. He gazed down at me with such affection that I was again taken back to the day he first asked me to call him Father. My heart warmed at the expression on his endearing face. “You can put me down now, Father. I can walk. I feel much better now.” My voice had almost returned to normal by that time.

He stopped and gently set me on the ground. We were already to the central fire when I turned to head to White Owl’s lodge, only to see my sweet Running Deer emerge from the entrance flap. All thoughts of White Owl and Night Moon were momentarily forgotten and I ran into his arms, nearly knocking him over. His strong arms enfolded me and I knew I was home.

I knew I had missed him, but the reality of being in his arms again was almost too much to bear. Leaning away from him I peered into his face and he swooped down to kiss me. Suddenly, we were both laughing and crying. He picked me up and spun me around, but as soon as he put me down, he began inspecting me. He placed his large hand atop my rounded stomach and tears gathered in his eyes again.

A voice behind him startled me. “Now, Running Deer can be nice again, since you have returned.” Raging Bear’s laughter stabbed fear into my heart and I remembered what I had come for. It flooded my brain, and panic caught me in its grip again.

“Where is Sister?” Those three words seemed so simple to those around me, but would prove to bring my world crashing down around me. “Where is she?”

“Why, she went to gather clams with the women, Sister, but she should be back soon.” With one glance at my face, the smile died from his. I could only imagine what I looked like, but the agony I felt at his words, tore into my heart like a dagger.

“I have come too late.”

Running Deer’s face came into view, his worry evident. “What is wrong, Dear One? What do you mean?”