Blind Fury by Linda I. Shands

when he could talk again, “you sound just like your mother!”

O N F RIDAY MORNING , Wakara’s alarm went off at 6 A.M. She hit the snooze button and rolled over, burrowing under the covers. She had another ten minutes before she had to wake Ryan and crawl into the shower. Suddenly she was wide awake. Dad and Greg were leaving today! She tugged on sweatpants and the oversized flannel shirt that served as her bathrobe and hurried into the bathroom. The mirror reflected blotchy skin and red-rimmed eyes.
    Last night, she’d finally asked Colin if he would help her put together a presentation for the field trip. He’d said “Sure!” right away, and she had stayed up until two going over the manual Mr. Jaminson had given her. There was only one copy, and Colin would have to read it when she was through.
    She washed her face, brushed her teeth, and quickly braided her hair. The shower could wait until after Dad was gone.
    She found Ryan in the kitchen wolfing down cold cereal and a thick slice of Anne’s whole wheat toast dripping with strawberry jam. Dad stood on the service porch, pushinghis arms into the sleeves of a thick, blue parka. Outside, a horse whinnied, and someone clucked gently, coaxing it into the trailer.
    â€œWe’re taking Buck and Chief, and one mule.” Dad slipped an arm around her shoulder.
    She had wondered which horses they would ride. Both of these were Appaloosas—big, strong, and even more stubborn than the pack mule, but they were surefooted and spook-proof. She nodded. “Good choice. They can handle that rugged terrain.”
    She looked up to see Dad’s teasing smile. “Well, I’m glad you approve.” He hugged her hard and kissed the top of her head.
    He ruffled Ryan’s hair before doing the same to him. “Be good, okay?”
    Ryan glared into his cereal bowl. “Do I hafta mind Kara?”
    â€œYes, you have to mind your sister. Anne too. And I’m counting on you to go easy on them.”
    â€œCan I ride Star?”
    â€œOnly if someone has time to go with you.” He cupped Ryan’s chin in his hand. “And don’t drive them crazy asking, got it?”
    â€œI won’t.” He hesitated, then said, “Dad?”
    â€œWhat is it, Tiger?”
    â€œCome home, okay?”
    Dad closed his eyes, and the pain on his face made Kara want to cry. Sometimes she forgot that Ryan must be scared of losing Dad too, like they had lost Mom. She knew, though, that their fear only made Dad’s job harder.
    She crossed the kitchen and gave Ryan’s shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Come on, Ry. Time for school. And if it doesn’t rain this afternoon, we’ll take Star and Lily into the pasture and practice rounding up cows.” She knew shewould probably regret that promise, but it was worth it just to see her little brother’s bright smile.
    Wakara watched until the truck and trailer pulled out of the drive, then realized they had missed the school bus. Tia’s mom came to the rescue again and dropped them all off at school. “You’re on your own this afternoon, though,” she warned. “I’ve got a late meeting.”
    â€œNo prob.” Tia kissed her mother on the cheek. “Wakara and I have to do some research on the computer, so I’ll be at her house for awhile.”
    Kara groaned inwardly. She had forgotten she’d promised Tia they would do another search on the web this afternoon. That paper on the Yahi-Yana Indians was due in three weeks.
    She was excited about Tia’s project. In her heart she had this dream that their research would prove once and for all who her true ancestors were. But she also had to put together supplies for the survival demonstration. The field trip was scheduled for next Monday, and she and Colin planned to do a trial run tomorrow afternoon. Even without the ride she had promised Ryan, she would be up again until