Page 42 of Captured on Film
“Oooh.” He caught the faint sheen of copper, whichcorroborated the claim. “That’s all right, then.”
“You are thoroughly drunk, dear boy.” Even in an undertone,it was a big voice.
Caleb didn’t know the face, but he liked the smile. Andsomething even more important. “You speak English.”
“As it happens, I do.” Sasquatch gravely added, “I can hearyou out, if you have any complaints about your treatment here.”
So easy. He definitely had one. “Warm socks, please.”
“That can be arranged.”
“Mmm … more star wine?” He hugged the flask to his chest. “Evertasted it?”
“It’s an especial favorite of mine.” Sasquatch leaned closerand his voice took on a sing-song quality. “To drink star wine is to rememberthe scent of ancient trees and the kiss of starlight and to hope for a paradisewhere remnant songs are sung in full.”
“Yasss,” Caleb agreed, clumsily patting Sasquatch’s arm. “Justlike that, only better. The best.”
“It is.” Sasquatch’s gaze was so full of concern. “Have youbeen mistreated in any way? Even in … intangible ways?”
“Isthatwhat you think?” Caleb was a littleoffended.
“No.” Sasquatch smiled. “You clearly trust Andor. And he iscareful with you.”
“Not at first.” Looking back, it was easier to see it now. “Mmm… guess we worried him almost as much as he worried me.”
“You made peace with the First of Bears. Not many do. Heisn’t what I’d callsafe. Too close to the old ways.”
“Didja know he’s bigfoot.”
“Bigfoot is a myth.”
Caleb’s eyelids were growing heavy. “So’s Sasquatch, buthereyouare.”
“You’re a long way from home, Caleb Dare. Why come here, ofall places?”
“Map. Tip. Star. Trip. And Josheb is Josheb.” He was the reasonfor most of the trouble Caleb found himself in. “My brother was looking for bigfoot.Funny, huh?”
“Not really.”
And because it was the direction his thoughts had been taking,Caleb added, “I wasn’t looking, but I found something, too.”
Sasquatch, who’d been sniffing the air, patted his cheek,keeping him awake. “What did you find?”
“Where I belong.”
“That’s unexpected. You want to stay?”
Caleb snorted. “I want togo. With Josheb. We’ll goand go and go. Josheb will love it.”
Shaggy eyebrows furrowed. “So youdowant to gohome?”
“Iamhome.” He shook his finger at Sasquatch. “I’mhome wherever I can hear the stars. Mine most of all. See?”
Big hands cupped his face, angling him toward the softnessof candlelight. With a low chuckle, Sasquatch said, “Maker bless. It’s slylydone, but it’s done.”
“Oh, that?” Caleb rubbed his forehead. “They kissed me.”
“Say no more. I know a thing or two about souls who’ve beenmarked by stars.”
