Chapter Ten
Everyone began to speak at once—everyone human, that is. Feather saw the canini withdraw a little as he fended off the questions and exclamations of the tribesfolk. One good result of his news was that Freya pushed her way through the crowd to throw her arms around him, evidently moved and thrilled to hear of Helm’s unexpected return. As Feather answered questions and made promises, Freya hung about him. For this if for nothing else in his life, Feather was glad of Helm’s influence.
Yet his announcement made a very long event of the tribe’s leaving. All the elders had questions, some of which Feather found annoying, some of which cut him to the heart.
‘Helm is alive,’ cried Willow, a spark in her eye. ‘That is wonderful news! Oh, Feather, why did you not say so?’
‘I am only
