Qeya River bear tooth

he did not hide his intentions from her. he had never hidden them, and sulukinak was not surprised by his admission. despite being banished from the land of the sunshine people he was fixated upon the boy, and would find a way.

sulukinak did not like this; her spine straightened a little as he spoke of finding ghelan and retrieving him. it would happen with sulukinak or without; and if she involved herself, perhaps she could temper the outcome. perhaps she could sway her uncle away from the danger he faced — because she was his blood too, even if it was not so direct.

mostly, she did not want to lose him. there was a familiarity between them now. beyond that, sulukinak felt a kinship that she had lacked with her dutch man, or with the woman kukutux, or any other — because of that familiar madness he carried. it was only a seed, but if cultivated properly perhaps it would not take so strong a hold.

not like mother.

i will find out. she answered, not letting more than a breath of silence pass between them.