Page 64 of Planet Zero
“Chele?”
Before Chele could reply, Vircea marched over from the direction of the disagreement.
“One of your brothers again?” Chele questioned her.
“Oh’nil got in trouble with the High Counselor,” Vircea reported.
“What was the quarrel about?”
“Something about unsafe territory.”
“Unsafe? Here?”
“The other scouts didn’t see anything wrong. But Oh’nil said they weren’t looking hard enough. The High Counselor scolded him somethingbad.”
Oh’na’s eyes got very round as Vircea recounted the story where the High Counselor got angry. He sure knew how to put fear in children.
“Has Oh’nil been out scouting?” Illied asked.
“No, but Zoark has. They didn’t want to listen to Zoark, though. Or to Oh’nil.”
“Zoark talked again about the dangers?” Illied’s question held a hint of annoyance.
“Yes. He says he’s seen signs. It’s nothing, there’s nothing out there. A lot of men are watching the area at all times, andnonehave seen any sign of danger. He alone believes it.”
“Now, hush, Vircea.” Chele put a consoling hand on the younger woman's back and rubbed it. “What is it he claims he saw?” Chele posed the question casually.
“He says Wrennlins are lurking under these grounds.”
“The scouts would have surely noticed if it were the case,” Illied said with conviction.
“Zoarkisone of the scouts,” Vircea pointed out and signed. “I wish Oh’nil didn’t go along with him. Zoark may not care, but Oh’nil has a future in the tribe. He should listen to the High Counselor, not argue with him.”
“What signs does Zoark claim to have seen?” To Addie’s surprise, Chele pressed the issue, even though she did it matter-of-factly.
“Some rocky mounds that he claims are Wrennlin-related.” Vircea gave a small embarrassed laugh. “Rocks!” She spread her arms wide. “Look around. There’s nothing but rocks here. We’re in the mountains.”
Illied joined in laughing, and Melmie snickered too.
Chele’s brow scrunched into a worried look.
Vircea sat down, drained. “Zoark wants us to keep going, but the High Counselor seconds the Chief’s opinion. We’re staying put. Might as well go to sleep.”
Chele harrumphed but said nothing.
The women went to talk about provisions and tomorrow’s trek that promised to be even more difficult. Eventually, everyone settled down on their pallets.
Addie couldn't get Zoark out of her mind. Preoccupied, she sat down and started to pull her boots off.
“Don’t take them off, Addie,” Chele said quietly from a nearby pallet.
Addie’s hands froze as she slowly turned to face Chele.
“Do you think Zoark is right?” she could barely whisper, fear coiling her insides into tight springs. She looked up sharply seeking her Yuux, but the critters were not visible, having grounded themselves somewhere for the night.
Chele responded after a beat of silence, “Zoark’s mind is sharp, I’ll give him that. He notices things better than others.”
Addie swallowed. “Do you think that Wrennlins…” She couldn’t finish, she was so spooked.
