Walker of Time by Helen Hughes Vick Page B

people!” Gray Wolf’s high-pitched voice screeched.
    â€œA child has more logic than you,” said White Badger staring at Gray Wolf. With firmness, he spoke just loud enough for all to hear. “Why would witches save Flute Maiden from the rattlesnake? Witches would have let the snake bite her, just so they could enjoy watching her die in agony. No, these strangers are not witches. They are just very courageous.”
    Turning his back on Gray Wolf, White Badger looked around at the frightened men. Meeting each man’s eyes, he continued with a firm voice. “As the Warrior Chief in command, I say we take them to Great Owl. Only he can—”
    â€œTake them to your father?” Gray Wolf interrupted with scorn. “His eyes and heart will be blinded because of Flute Maiden. He is just an old man ready to die like our chief,” he ranted, throwing up one arm and shaking his fist.
    The men shifted from one foot to the other, whispering to each other. Fear filled the air.
    â€œNo,” stated a man to the left of Walker. He was abouttwenty-five years old and had a long, deep scar running down his right cheek. “Great Owl is a Seer. He will know if they are witches. He has always held the good of the people in his heart; his eyes have always seen truth for our people. If there is danger here, he will see it. Let’s take them to Great Owl now!”
    Walker’s heart pounded in his throat. He glanced at the men surrounding him. They talked to each other in low voices for a few seconds, then heads began to nod.
    â€œYes, let’s take them to the Seer!”
    â€œThe Seer will know what they are.”
    â€œWe must take them to Great Owl now!”
    Walker looked at Gray Wolf. His face was twisted with disgust and hatred. With a growl, he swung around and stomped to where two of his men stood together.
    â€œCome quickly before Gray Wolf changes their minds,” White Badger whispered to Walker.
    Walker nodded. “Thank you, friend.”
    â€œYou saved my sister’s life. It is I who owe thanks.” White Badger looked deep into Walker’s eyes. He continued in a low voice. “We must go before any more can be said against you. We have waited a long time and time is running out.”
    With brisk strides, White Badger started up the path. Flute Maiden smiled and nodded at Walker and Tag, then followed behind White Badger. In silence the other men lined up in single file and began climbing the steep, rocky path.
    Gray Wolf glared at Walker, growled, then fell in line. But just before he started up the path, he turned to stare at Walker. An ugly smile curled his thin lips.
    Walker waited until Gray Wolf was well up the path before he looked at Tag. “Are you okay?”
    Tag nodded. His freckles stood out on his pale face. “Boy, I thought we were goners for sure. What is going on?”
    â€œI’ll explain as we walk. You’re doing great. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”
    Tag screwed up his freckles in confusion. “What am I doing?”
    â€œKeeping quiet!” whispered Walker. He started up the path to the ancient ones’ village and possible death.

9
    Being accustomed to climbing the rugged terrain of the canyon, White Badger and the others moved with remarkable speed and agility. Lagging behind, Walker and Tag followed with less ease and grace.
    â€œWhy did Gray Wolf accuse us of being witches?” asked Tag, his worried voice audible to only Walker.
    Walker wiped the sweat out of his eyes. He turned his head so the warm breeze carried his words back to Tag. “For some reason we are . . .” Walker reached up to touch the eagle pendant hanging on his chest. “That is, I am a threat to Gray Wolf. He wanted to kill me the minute he saw my pendant. But he couldn’t in front of the others, not without a good reason. So he gave them an excellent one, hoping they would kill