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Leotie shifted from horse to wolf as she reached the overgrown forest. Her mother followed along as heavy mist and trees hindered her night vision, forcing her to rely on scent. She remembered all her happy times with Keme, especially the way he always told her his latest ideas. Despite her feelings, no matter how frustrating it was, it would be wrong to allow her people to fall into the hands of Chapa or the outlanders. Yet, part of her still wanted some revenge. Izrah always said it was more important to forgive for one’s own good, no matter how difficult that might be. If Keme still lived, he was already paying for betraying her.
“Are we getting any closer?” Mother asked.
“I think so.” Leotie pressed on through mud and weeds, and squeezed through some tightly spaced trees. The drizzle turned into a shower. The smell of grass, leaves and mud overpowered everything else. Their scent became less and less until it disappeared. She sniffed around, unable to tell where the camp was or even what way to go for the cabin.
She considered heading for the river, but what if the scent was missing there too? Panic welled up. Her mother needed shelter, and going in the wrong direction wasn’t an option. Leotie felt the ring around her paw. It’d be so easy to touch the ring and beg for Markus’ help.
Perhaps someone at the camp could guide her to the cabin, but she dreaded risking someone’s life. Leotie continued ahead, hoping to pick up more scent. Her mother made little noises of frustration.
“Leotie, I don’t know how much longer I can keep walking through this mess. We must find a place to shelter for the night.”
“Alright, and I’m so sorry for all this trouble.” She looked around for a good place to put up a quick shelter, hating the delay.
“Now Leotie. I’m only tired. I wanted to go with you. We’ll get through this.”
“Love you Mom...” A distance voice reached her ears. “Wait, I hear someone.” She hurried to the left and approached a group of people.
The two ducked behind some brush and watched. It was Enola and the others. A wave of relief rushed over her. Everyone was watching Enola and a few young men load a sled with supplies. She had a bow on her back and wore her medicine pack.
Enola turned to the group. "Everyone keep on the watch and stay close to the camp. Pray that we can bring them back."
Perhaps she knew Keme was captured. The group looked to Enola as if she was the chief. A most unusual choice. Leotie anticipated a lot of talking and delays if she revealed herself, which was the last thing she wanted. All she needed was one of them to guide her to the camp. Out of them all, Enola had to know how to get there because Keme would’ve told her everything. Sure, the healer would be in some danger, but Enola had changed. She was a lot tougher now, and had already put herself in danger by supporting Keme's tribe. She was now giving orders, and looking to save Keme, as if that would ever happen on her own.
“We must talk to them,” Mother said.
“I don’t have time. I’m taking Enola with me to the cabin. You can explain to them when I’m gone. Stay here and wait for me to return.”
“Alright, but how will you take her?” Mother asked.
“Watch.” Leotie shifted into the form of a skin walker, needing her strongest form, and charged for Enola. Several women screamed at what appeared to be a large wolf walking upright with claw-like hands. Enola's mouth dropped open. A couple of the boys shot arrows at Leotie, but missed. Leotie scooped up Enola, tossed her over her shoulder and ran.
She headed east and waited until they were well out of range of the camp before speaking. "Sorry, no time to explain. I need your help to get to the cabin.” Enola seemed oddly still. “Enola?”
Nobody answered.
"Enola?"
Still no answer. Enola felt like a limp rag.
"Don't even tell me you fainted."
Leotie needed her awake and stopped, setting Enola on the ground. She lay face up with the rain splattering on her face. Enola started to blink.
A human form would be less shocking, but Leotie couldn’t spare energy and time needed for such a shift. Instead, she softened some of her features to look less scary and slightly more human.
Leotie tapped Enola on her cheek. "C'mon, wake up. Someone has to save your lover.”
Enola blinked. "Keme?"
"No, he’s not here. I need you to guide me to the cabin fast. The odds of saving Keme are bad enough as it is. Not that he deserves my help."
Enola bolted upright. "Leotie!" Her eyes widened.
"Yes, can we go now?"
Enola scrambled backwards. "I must tell you I wasn't ever with Keme. He refused me."
"What? But you admitted it.”
"That wasn't me. I suspect it was a skin walker who knocked me out and took my place. Keme told you the truth, but whoever this thing is...he must’ve wanted to make you jealous.”
"Markus!" Leotie blurted out. "It had to be Markus. If only I was as powerful as him, he'd pay for this!"
Enola watched with her mouth hanging open.
“So Keme never betrayed me?”
“No, not at all. He still loves you.”
“Even as I am?”
“Yes.”
Leotie regretted ever doubting Keme. So many others had got to her and made her lash out in fear. Tears welled up in her eyes. “But you wanted him?”
“Er...yes. I know it was wrong, and I’m sorry.
Leotie tried to shrug it off the best she could. "I need your help to find the cabin. Now get on my back." Leotie knelt down.
Enola looked up at the stars and the almost full moon. "This is just great. I don’t even know where we are.”
"I went directly east from your camp. We’re almost to the river. Now stop talking and get on my back."
Enola climbed on her back and tightened her grip. She pointed to the right as the sun came up over the horizon. If Keme was dead, she would never forgive herself. Water glistened ahead as the first rays of sun came over the horizon. Leotie stopped at the river edge, wanting to jump in, but Enola would be soaked.
“Look what I found.” Enola pulled a canoe out of the brush.
Leotie helped her the rest of the way. Enola got into the canoe. Leotie went into the water and swam, pushing it all the way to the other side. Enola got out of the canoe. Leotie shook and drops of water went flying.
Enola backed up. “Warn me next time.”
“Sorry.” Leotie knelt down.
Enola climbed back on. “Ick...you’re cold and wet.” She pointed south. “Go that way!”
Leotie ran as fast as possible, but had to slow down, feeling Enola about to fly off.
She smelled smoke mixed with human scent. It grew stronger.
She let Enola off. “You stay back and I’ll handle this.”
Enola folded her hands and brooded. “You might need me."
“It’s too dangerous. Don’t come out until I get back.” Leotie didn’t want to say that Enola would only get in the way.
She turned around, shifting as she walked into wolf form, staying low and leaving Enola behind. She crept closer and closer to a large crowd around the cabin. She stayed tucked in the brush as usual and flinched at seeing Clawson's men there too.
They were speaking in English, and for some reason she could easily understand what they were saying, even better than the last time.
She guessed being turned into a shifter had something to do with it. Their horrible words came to her – words about turning her people into slaves. Her heart raced and anger welled up along with her rising chops, baring pointy teeth.
