ICE BURIAL: The Oldest Human Murder Mystery (The Mother People Series Book 3) by Joan Dahr Lambert Read Free Book Online Page B

again .
    An idea came to her. She would go to Mara’s village with the traders. Each spring, the y set off along well-used tracks that led from one village to the next, carrying food and other items to be exchanged for the materials they needed . This year, she would ask them to include Mara’s village. She would have many days to find out what had happened to Mara while the trading was accomplished. She could also ask about Teran. Mara had known nothing of her, but some of the others might.
    Excited by her idea, Zena ran to find Larak .
    “ That is an excellent suggestion , ” Larak agreed. “ I am anxious to find out more about th e leader in Mara ’s village . It is especially important to know if he is as persuasive as others say. I feel the Goddess in these happenings, ” she added thoughtfully. “ It is as if She wishes something from us, but I do not know what it is. Perhaps you will discover this, as well as finding Mara. ”
    “ I will try, ” Zena re plied , and then wondered if she could in fact find Mara’s village. All she knew was that it was across the mountains to the north , which meant the traders might have to spend days looking for the right village . Teran would have anticipated th at di f ficulty, she thought despondently.
    A newcomer to the tribe called Lief unexpectedly solved her problem. He had lived in the north for many years and had traveled widely. He knew Mara ’s village; in fact, he told them, he had passed through the place only a few moons ago , and he would be happy to show Zena and the traders the way.
    Zena had noticed him first when he had come to the Great Sea to watch the sacred ceremonies . She had been aware that his intense gaze was often upon her , though he had not spoken to her . Then, one day toward the end of winter, he had turned up in the village and asked to join the tribe. He was welcomed gladly. To have new people, especially a man as able and experienced as Lief, was always good. He was renowned for his skill with a bow and arrow or a slingshot, and could hit a target with great precision from long distances with both. His well-formed features revealed little of his thoughts, even less of his emotions, but the intensity in his deep-set eyes and the attention with which people listened to him told Zena they were there.
    Oddly, he still had not made an effort to speak to her, nor had she tried to speak to him except to exchange polite greetings . She was aware that her manner with him was stiff, even as she was intensely aware of his presence.
    Larak had also noticed that although Lief did not speak often , people listened with great attention when he did . Partly, that was because of his deep, soft voice , which carried a note of authority even as it was gentle, but his remarks were also worth hearing . Larak was especially eager to know what he had learned about the new leader during his travels . She suspected his opinions would be perceptive and interesting, and she was not disappointed.
    “ I have not seen the new leader myself but I have often heard others speak of him, ” Lief told her when she question ed him. “ He is indeed persuasive and many people wish to follow his ways. Others follow him because they are afraid, though he does not use violence to make them obey, only words. In that way, he may be better than the northern leaders of the past, ” he added, trying to keep skepticism from his voice. His travels had taught him that it was wise to determine how others thought before expressing his opinions.
    Larak, however, left him in little doubt. “ That can also be worse, ” she remarked wryly. “ It is harder to fight persuasive words than fierce actions. ”
    Lief nodded, impressed. Larak was indeed a wise woman. “ You are right, ” he agreed. “ I have seen the effect of this leader ’s words. It is very strong, and those who follow him seem unable to think for themselves.
    “ I do not think his ideas will last long, though, ” he