The pinoni stems work faster than I anticipate. As long as I chew a fresh bit occasionally, the cramping eases.
Firelight fans and falls. At least Ratho finally believed I’m strong enough for my shift, and he lay down in the Sleeping Pit. But now he’s up again.
“Tiadone! With your illness, I forgot to tell you that I saw tracks along the line at the southern point. Beyond the distant pinyon pine.”
“Tracks?” I shade my eyes from the fire.
“Definitely desert cat. Must be moving closer because of the long cold season, driven in for our village goats. The marks turned back out into the open sand, but we need to watch carefully.”
“Right.” A spark imbeds into my boot, glows bright, then dies.
Ratho lies down. “I don’t think the cat’s very large. The prints were smaller than my palm.”
“That’s good,” I say. Mirko stretches one leg then another, and we both peer into the darkness.
No one has stood against a cat since our arrival at Perimeter. It takes all manner of skill to defeat one before it breaks through the line and attacks the village: goats or children.
I narrow my eyes to see beyond the flames. There’s nothing out there now. My gaze drifts to the fire, where the glowing embers at the base look like cat eyes. I stare, mesmerized, and wiggle my fingers deep in my mittens.
The coals flicker like my thoughts do. So much has changed since I have come to Perimeter. My father loves Frana. My bleeding has begun. I have visions shared with Mirko. Unfortunately, we both feel a desire for affection.
I look over at Mirko, who whistles softly to me. “At least you will mate,” I whisper, “once you return to the Cliffs.” He fills his chest and flaps his wings. When I return to the village, he will mate in love. There is a hope for him after our Severation. The thought salves my centerself. Until my own future returns fully to mind.
I kick the sand with the heel of my boot. Oh, stop the self pity. What good comes of it? I have a purpose. I’m raising Mirko for safe return and contributing to the village. There’s worth in that. As Father says, others may declare their firstborn females male with my success. I squeeze my knees close and watch the flames grasp at the darkness.