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Show 120 Chua smiled. "Your father will be pleased with your bird." "It's our bird," Toho said. "I couldn't have caught it without your help." "That's what blood brothers are for," Chua said. Toho turned towards his village, with Quahu on his perch. Chua jogged along the mesa toward his cliff dwelling. A fluttering sounded above Chua's head. "Kwaaa, kwaaa, kwaaa," shrieked Chosovi. She lighted on his shoulder and nestled her head into his neck. "I missed you, too," Chua said, stroking the bird's head. She ruffled her feathers, and flew out over the canyon. Chua looked down the steep embankment where the path started toward the cliff dwelling. Just beyond the path was a sheer rocky drop-off He looked over the edge. There was a ledge and a second ledge further down. Someone could get killed if they fell onto that ledge, thought Chua. He shivered at the thought. I wonder if Ahote is back, thought Chua. The fear-filled beady eyes came into Chua's head. He scanned the horizon to get the eyes to leave. Was Ahote there with his mother? Was he strong enough to protect his mother against Ahote? Clawing Eagle roused himself and stretched his sharp claws. Chua felt strong and safe with him near. Chua climbed the steps to their dwelling. "Chua," Apa hugged him. "Oh, how I've missed you." "I've worried about you every day," Chua said. "I'm glad you're safe." "I'm safe," Apa said, keeping her arms around Chua. "You've grown on the trip. You're taller. You seem more at peace." |
