Shadowwyn Moor nine strikes

The girl slunk from her hiding place among ferns and frost.

She saw her uncle standing with a woman alongside, pretty and dark, and another woman lingering out of reach, the likes of which reminded Sulukinak of the rime-riddled plains. As she came to witness this Sulukinak became wary because she did not know either of these women—but it was her uncle's voice that rang out in the telling of a name, and a story.

This was the woman the Sun Eater had spoken of! 'That would make the silver one Suliya,' the girl thought, and spared an appraising look between them. If things were tense, Sulukinak did not notice. She was oblivious to the chill emanating from Suliya and the apprehension of Morwenna.

Boldly she crowded close to first her uncle and then the woman, to ascertain what scents she carried, and to note which might be called 'Creek' and which might be called 'Saatsine'; and in this way she would help to keep any lurking strangers from stealing her away again. Uncle had insinuated it was a possibility.

Once Sulukinak had gathred what she thought she needed, she withdrew from Morwenna and rounded the gathering without a word.