Chapter 19
The forest enfolded us, and its inhabitants were no less welcoming. That inclusion would last until sunset, they’d informed us, at which point we were to lock ourselves away in two bunkhouses while private petroglyph-related ceremonies were performed by those in the know.
For now, though, our motley crew had been seamlessly folded into the Bearclaw funeral. “Want any more?” a young woman asked as she passed by with a steaming kettle of the best soup I’d enjoyed in months. Behind her, Jacob banged his palms against a hide-stretched drum while Emily, Noah, and Patricia undulated to the rhythm. Given the dozens of other drummers and dancers, their youthful energy blended right in.
“No, but thank you. It was delicious.” I smiled combined thanks and dismissal while peering out int
