Page 45 of Captured on Film
Caleb ventured, “What kind of guests?”
“You’ll see for yourself in a minute.”
“Give us a hint!” Josheb had always been the persistenttype. “What clan?”
“Clans. Two.” Hesper didn’t seem worried by the incursion.If anything, she seemed … impressed. “Care to guess?”
Josheb blurted, “Dog!”
Equally sure that he was right, Caleb answered, “Cat.”
Warming Welcome
Oaken and Hesper carried them right into the kitchen,where two chairs waited before the hearth, each with a large, foamy basin setbefore it. Steam carried a pleasant scent, but Caleb hesitated to plunge hiscold feet into hot water.
Josheb dipped in a toe. “Are we in some kind of hot seat? Oris it spa day?”
“You want a mani-pedi?” Hesper asked lightly. “I’ll do it ifyou let me unbeard you.”
“Not a chance.” And with a roll of his eyes toward the otherend of the room, he quietly asked, “You thinking what I’m thinking?”
Caleb, who was already sizing up the newcomer, could onlynod.
A big guy with long, auburn hair stood chatting with Andor,who had a tall glass poised below the spout of one of the mid-sized wine casks.Stray thoughts flitted through Caleb’s mind. Like … it was a lot of wine for sixpeople. And that Sasquatch was well-named, since he looked larger than life. Hisheight rivaled Andor’s, and while his build was more lean, that didn’t diminishhim a speck. Indeed, his presence dominated the room to such a degree, Andor cameoff modest and retiring by comparison.
Turning slightly, Sasquatch raised his glass.
His easy smile was the same Caleb remembered.
“You’retotallySasquatch,” accused Josheb.
“And you’re not bothered?” His nostrils flared, and hissmile widened. “Are you pleased to meet me, or simply pleased to be correct?”
Josheb laughed. “Guessing right hardly counts. The hints youdropped were bigger than Andor’s barrels. Why the subterfuge?”
“Curiosity, at first. And necessary caution.” IndicatingNessie, he added, “I needed to stick close, and you seemed the sort to beaccepting of dogs. In truest form, I am somewhat less alarming.”
Hesper snorted. “In truest form, but not at truest size.”
Sasquatch’s copper eyes sparkled. “The past several dayshavebeen an exercise in restraint. But what else could I do until my good friendarrived?”
Caleb sheepishly glanced around. Not six people. One moremade seven.
“I am here.” The new arrival quietly stepped into the centerof attention. “Is the water too hot?”
Josheb dropped both feet in and asked, “Do you guys havenames, or do I get to pick one for you, too?”
The new guy, who was dressed in gray, gestured gracefully toSasquatch.
“My name is Harmonious Starmark, and I speak for the dogclans.”
“Speak for?” interrupted Josheb. “As in … their leader?”
“More of a representative.”
Turning to Caleb, Josheb gleefully accused, “You totallybiffed the King of Dogs.”
Harmonious chuckled. “That’s hardly worth mentioning.”
