ICE BURIAL: The Oldest Human Murder Mystery (The Mother People Series Book 3) by Joan Dahr Lambert Page B

way.
    When they reached the woods, they separated. Durak ’s heart contracted with pain as Rofina walked away. Rofina belonged with him now; he knew she did, and to part from her was terrible. He turned away, unable to watch her disappear from view, and forced himself to walk in the opposite direction.
    Rofina walked until he turned, then she slid behind a tree and watched him. With each step she saw him take, some of the feeling she had liked so much drained out of her. By the time he disappeared, there was nothing left inside her at all, nothing to hold her up or give her strength. Exhaustion took possession of her. She stumbled through the woods into the Leader ’s hut and fell onto the pallet that had been placed in one corner for her to use. Within moments, she was asleep.
    A short time later, the Leader entered the hut. He stared down at Rofina ’s still form. She looked different, older somehow, he thought. That was a good sign. Soon, perhaps, he would be able to approach her. He longed for her, had always longed for her, but he did not want to force her. Rofina was special, one who had been touched by the Great Spirit, and he must be patient. Still, he did not think it would be wise to wait much longer. A woman could not remain a child forever.
    He watched her lips curve into a slight smile as she slept and felt a pulse of desire that almost made him gasp. What would happen if he took her in to his arms? Would she be afraid? He did not think so. She trusted him, and there was a languorous quality to her now that he had not seen before, as if she was finally becoming aware that she was a woman.
    He was about to lie down beside her when Korg entered the hut. The Leader sighed. There were times when he wished Korg w as not quite so attentive. Still, he must n ever forget how important Korg was to him. Without Korg, the tribe could not function in the way the Great Spirit wished; without Korg, he sometimes thought the Great Spirit might not come to him at all.
    Korg ’s voice interrupted his thoughts. ‘s he is weary, ” he said dryly. ‘s he has been picking flowers in the fields. ”
    His eyes raked the hut. “ It is strange that she did not bring them with her, ” he added as he turned and left.
    The Leader frowned. What did Korg mean? The question left his mind as Rofina slowly stretch ed out a hand, as if searching for something in her sleep. The gesture was sensual, enticing. Perhaps he should try after all. Impulsively, he knelt, ready to stretch himself out beside her, but Rofina suddenly moved again. This time, she pulled her body into a tight, defensive ball, and he knew the moment was lost.
    Another moment will come, he assured himself as he rose reluctantly to his feet. He would make sure it came, for Rofina ’s sake even more than his own. For her to make the transition from child to woman was essential, and he was the one was best suited to help her in that process. He had helped many young women before her, and they had always been grateful . Rofina would be grateful too; of that he was certain. He smiled down at her and moved away, leaving her to her sleep.

 
    CHAPTER SIX
    The owl ’s hoot came sooner than Zena had expected, not long after dusk. She slid out of the hut and stood perfectly still until her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Carefully, she scanned the area, seeking movement, even the faint glint of skin or eyes. There was nothing. She took two small steps and waited again. No one must see her, the young woman had said . To be sure no one did , she had darkened her pale skin with soot from the fire. The moon had not yet risen either , which also helped. Perhaps that was why the owl had called so soon. Later, the moon might come.
    She moved further along a route she had memorized earlier, toward the nearest bushes. She had even cleared the way so no twigs or branches would snap underfoot and give her away. Again, she stopped and stared into the gloom; then she ducked into the bushes.