Everlasting - Iris Johansen [59]
The slightest smile broke the gravity of his face. “Yes, ma'am. I'll try to keep that in mind.”
“See that you do.” She was blinking furiously as she jumped from the helicopter to the ground. She would not cry. Nothing could happen to Zack now. Surely the worst was over. Yet this self-admonition did very little to loosen the fear that was clawing at her, and she felt tears brimming in her eyes. She didn't want to be parted from him now, dammit. She had been so close to losing him in those woods tonight. All she wanted to do was run off with him somewhere. She wanted to hide and hold him until the realization finally sank in that he was safe and blessedly alive. No, that was a child's reaction and she mustn't give in to it. She must get on with her responsibilities and release Zack to do his.
She forced herself to smile and to lift her hand in a jaunty salute. Then she slammed the door and turned to walk toward Paulo and Marna. She heard the engine start, but didn't turn around to see the helicopter lift off.
Paulo's sympathetic gaze was raking her tense face and glittering eyes. “He's taking Karpathan to his men?”
She nodded silently.
“Nothing will happen to him. Zack is very strong and so is Karpathan.” His lips curved in a curious smile. “An interesting man, that Karpathan. I would like to go hunting with him sometime.”
She shivered. Karpathan would be the deadliest of hunters and the civil unrest in which he had involved himself would offer ample opportunity to display that lethal talent.
“You think he would have the qualifications you demand in your hunting companions?” Her voice was still a little ragged, despite her attempt at lightness.
Paulo tilted her chin up so that he could look into her eyes. His big calloused hand was as gentle as his gaze. “I just might decide to take you along the next trip, little one. You have learned one of those qualities very well.”
“When to let go?” She shook her head. “I haven't learned it very well at all. I want to scream and stamp my feet and howl at the moon.”
“But you are not doing any of those things, and you did let him go. That is what is important.”
“What is important is getting Kira back to camp and getting her something to eat,” Marna said crossly. “And you are not to take her hunting, Paulo. You never know when to stop. You would have her starved and exhausted before you brought her home.”
“I'm afraid there won't be any hunting for anyone in the near future.” Kira was abruptly jarred back to the realities of the situation. “We have to pack up and move the tribe farther into the hills. Sandor said it would be very dangerous for you to stay here. There's going to be a war, Marna.”
“So? Will it stop the war if you do without dinner?”
Paulo's deep chuckle boomed out. “Give in, little one, we will go nowhere until she's satisfied.”
“But there's no time. How can you be so calm? The war will—”
Marna stopped her with an abrupt gesture of her hand. “There are always wars. Lands are invaded, old governments fall, new governments rise. Everything changes.” She tapped her breast with her fist. “Everything but us. We stay the same. That is our strength.”
Yes, that was the strength of her people, Kira thought, traditional values which didn't change with each waft of the wind, but stood firm through the centuries. Kira shook her head in resignation. “All right. While I eat, you pack. Is it a deal?”
“Of course.” Marna's brows lifted in surprise. “That is very sensible. When have I ever been anything but practical?”
“Never.” Kira stood on tiptoe to brush a light kiss on her broad cheek. Magic and strength and love. For Marna, these qualities defined practicality, and who was to say that she wasn't right? She linked her arm through Marna's and urged her gently back toward the encampment. “You're quite right. No one in the world is more pragmatic than you.”
TEN
KIRA LIFTED THE two-year-old back into his parents' wagon,