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those
animals roaming about, why don’t we focus solely on heading east, instead of
dividing our resources?”
    “It’s too dangerous,” Vashayn muttered.
    “Bullshit. You’re just too scared,” she countered
hotly.
    The Mutah growled, the furred stripes covering his
body almost bristling in anger. “I have never backed down in fear!”
    “Then come with me. I’ll go east,” Atty
challenged. “I’m not afraid to face whatever nature has created. Or have you
all forgotten what I’ve already fought and defeated?”
    She sensed Yulen’s amusement. In addition, much to
her satisfaction, the others appeared properly chastised. Undaunted by their
refusal, she made up her mind. Getting to her feet, she placed her hands on her
hips.
    “All right. If you all are too scared to go, I’ll take
a group east with me. When do we leave?”
    “Sit down, Atty. It hasn’t been decided yet if
we’re even going to go through with the plan,” Vashayn ordered her.
    Yulen casually stood and took his place next to his
wife, silently showing the men his absolute support. “On the contrary, Vashayn.
I think the plan’s very doable. And given the circumstances, the sooner it’s
put into play, the better. Fortune, prepare the notices for the messengers to
deliver to the compounds. How long do you anticipate it’ll take before we
receive their replies?”
    “A little over a week. Give or take some delays,
perhaps ten days. Our furthest call will be delivered to New Bearinger, and
that’s four days away.”
    “Perfect,” Atty smiled. “That’ll give us plenty of
time to get supplies and weapons ready. Since we’ve come to a decision, please
excuse me. I have a few details to settle.” She gave them all a curt nod and a
smile, then hurried back toward the compound.
    Her heart was beating furiously, and it had little
to do with her announcement to travel east in search of food. It was because
she had grown increasingly aware of his arousal and his heat, and the way he
kept brushing up against her. Each touch, each moment of contact, had sparked
the deep hunger inside her that hadn’t been satisfied in weeks. A hunger that
nearly overtook her last night in the kitchen, but regrettably wasn’t
satisfied.
    She planned to fetch her bow and arrows, and get in
some long overdue practice on the field. Hopefully, it would help to take her
mind off the burning need between her legs. As she stepped through the gate and
into the inner courtyard, a glance over her shoulder revealed an empty field
where the meeting had taken place. She looked around to see if she could spot
where Yulen had gone, without any luck. A twinge of sadness went through her,
although she couldn’t explain why. Maybe she had been wishing Yulen was behind
her, following her, perhaps planning on ambushing her in some remote, out of
the way location where they could have their fill of each other.
    Now you’re daydreaming, Atty. Those days are long
over. Once you became a mother, those times of carefree and uninhibited
exploration vanished like mist on a sunny morning. The best you can hope for
now are those stolen moments when Mattox is asleep, and you’re both not too
exhausted from the day’s events to find a little pleasure.
    “Madam?”
    Atty jumped, startled by the voice interrupting her
thoughts. She laughed nervously. “Goodness, Warren! You surprised me!”
    “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I saw you were
preoccupied in your thoughts, but I need to deliver this message and be off.”
    “What message is that?”
    “The Battle Lord says he needs to see you over at
the granary immediately.”
    “Did he say why?”
    “No, Madam. You know I don’t question his orders.”
The Second appeared to be a bit offended by her remark. Atty placed a hand on
his shoulder.
    “I’m sorry, Warren. I have a million things on my
mind at the moment. You know I didn’t mean to imply anything.”
    “No harm, Madam, but I think his request might have
something