Jeanne G'Fellers - Sister Lost, Sister Found by Jeanne G'Fellers Read Free Book Online Page A

it.
    “Time and patience.” She offered half to her daughter. “That’s what we need.”
    “Can I be the one to tell mamma what we found?” Myrla wiped the seeded juice dribbles from her chin.
    Kaelan reached back to squeeze Myrla’s shoulder before they pushed into the woods. “Fine by me, mighty huntress. You can tell her. She’s the one I’d tell first anyway. Let’s go home.”
     
    The clan’s central fire burned high, the air heavy with roast deer and green wood. The children had been fed and put to bed, their raisers returning to the fireside with their ground mats, ready to discuss the day and plan for the next. In reward for her kill, Myrla had been permitted to remain up, an honor seldom bestowed on one below the age of recognition.
    “Did a team go out this evening?” Jewel snuggled into Kaelan and wrapped her arms about her neck. Myrla sat on Kaelan’s other side, tired, but knowing better than to show it. She unplaitted her hair and stared into the fire, waiting for Kaelan’s response.
    “One left at dusk.” Kaelan fingered the silver wisps that had escaped Jewel’s bright headscarf. “There’s one close to delivering in a compound west of here.”
    “They bringing her back tonight?” Jewel loved when a new baby came into the clan, even though it meant enduring the difficulties of the Autlach mother. They were well treated under her care, not that it mattered. Autlach women were always terrified when brought to a Taelach stronghold to give birth, some going as far as suicide to prevent the Taelach from taking one of their own.
    “Jewel?” Kaelan’s tickling whisper brought her back to the present. “You’re a night’s ride from here. What’s on your mind?”
    “Births,” she sighed. “Births and babes.” The last word led her gaze to Myrla. No matter how big her daughter became she’d always be the tiny newborn Jewel had once cuddled.
    Kaelan pulled Jewel’s face up to meet her own. “Don’t tell me you want another one.”
    “I’m always giving away the things I help bring into the world. It’s natural I feel the urge every now and again.” Jewel’s eyes almost pleaded. “Do you think we could place our names on the list again?”
    “You sure you can bear the wait? Times are dangerous and safe birthing raids are scarce. It may take three of four passes for our turn.” Kaelan looked to Myrla. “How do feel about it, young one? Would you like a little sister?”
    “Would I!” exclaimed Myrla. “I’ve wanted one since I can remember.” Her elation quieted when the clan leader, Recca, held her arms high for silence.
    We’ll sign onto the list as soon as the records keeper opens her curtain tomorrow morn . Kaelan’s gentle mind phase brought a smile to Jewel’s face. She nuzzled into Kaelan all the more and listened to Recca’s booming oration. The Serpent clan leader had to be strong, a commanding woman able to keep her people focused when things went well and capable of keeping them in line when things didn’t.
    “Good day today, all things considered.” Recca’s pale eyes shone pink from the fire’s glow. “The Stores hunters brought in two bandit beasts for smoking and Kaelan’s girl downed the doe you’re all digesting.” Recca cast the youngster an approving nod. “Well done, Myrla.”
    Myrla squared in her seat. She hadn’t known Recca knew her name. The clan leader always seemed too busy to notice the younger clan members, seldom emerging from the caverns when the children were awake.
    Recca’s leathered face became drawn when she saw Myrla’s smug expression. “But, if I may remind the youngest present”— every eye turned on Myrla, deflating her swollen ego to the point she cringed—“there is more to growing up than being skilled with the bow. One’s ability with the scroll and stylus is equally important.” Recca peered at the rising moon. “Such deeds cannot be achieved by a student who maintains late hours.”
    Jewel rose from