Page 6 of Barbarian's Treat

Sessah looks startled but defers to his mate. "If you insist."

Sam just grins. "Maybe come back to us."

It doesn't get any easier when we go to Kemli's hut. She shares with Borran and Vadren, and Farli and Mardok are right next door with their baby. None of them have a clue of what we're talking about.

Drayan and Drenol, the two bachelor elders, look displeased at the thought of another holiday. "More human celebrations," Drenol says sourly. "Are we all just a tribe of humans now?"

"Come now," Asha says, moving to sit with the two of them near the main fire. "This is an event to make the kits smile. My Shema is going to dress up, and I know she will like the opportunity to do something special. And think of how much fun Lukti will have. That boy needs to smile more."

Drenol's sour face softens a little. "He is very serious for his age," he agrees. "Perhaps he needs a bit of fun."

Boy, Asha knows how to work everyone. It's downright impressive. Josie and I exchange a look and leave Asha to her work amidst her tribesfolk while we continue with the other couples.

Summer and Kate are sitting together, watching as Kate's fat snow-cat, Mr. Fluffypuff, is manhandled by Wrek and Hopper as they play tag. I was initially worried that Puff was going to be a problem as he got older and much, much bigger. He's bigger than a lion now, but he's also the sweetest, laziest creature who adores the children. Even now as we approach, he grabs Wrek between his paws and begins to groom him, licking his messy black hair as Hopper pulls off his cloak and stalks towards the two of them.

"Ew! Puff!" Wrek squeals. "Yuck!"

"Play nice with Puff," is all Summer says, then goes back to her conversation with the rest of us.

Hopper lets out a bellow and dives onto Puff and Wrek, making his friend squeal again.

Oblivious to the noise the kids are making, Kate is excited at the prospect of another holiday. "I absolutely adore any excuse for fun, so I'm in. I've already got an idea for a costume. Puff has these huge wads of loose fur that come free and I've been saving them for Tiffany, but I might use them for his costume instead." She rubs her hands gleefully. "Is there a prize for the best costume?"

"Er, I don't know. We didn't get that far?" I look over at Josie, who shrugs.

"There should be," is all Kate says, and Summer giggles.

"I guess I'll see what I can come up with?"

"All I'm saying is that you know Tiffany is going to make something glorious, and if I'm going to put in the effort to try and beat her, I need more than a back pat."

"How about your kid loves their costume?" Josie retorts.

Kate just grins. "Have youmetmy kid? If I can keep him clothed for a few hours, I'll count that as a win."

I purse my lips to keep from laughing. I'd forgotten that Hopper loves nothing more than to pull off layers of clothing.He doesn't like the confinement, he says. The kid's gonna be a nudist when he grows up, I just know it. I glance over and Hopper has his pants off at this point, because of course he does.

Maybe Kate is right about not bothering with the costume.

CHAPTER

FIVE

SESSAH

I stand on an icy plain,the wind whipping at my mane as Mardok and Hassen argue in front of me. At my side is my precious mate, shivering despite the many layers of furs she wears. Poor Sam did not realize how cold the brutal season can be until she came to Croatoan with me. She never complains, though, just slips her gloved hand into mine and stands a little closer so I can protect her from the worst of the wind while Mardok and Hassen slow things down.

"I made up a schematic," Mardok says to Hassen again. He holds a rolled-up skin out to the other male. "If we approach the building of the snow maze in an orderly fashion, we'll be more productive. We need to have a plan before we start."

"Why? It is a maze, a twisty path and nothing more." Hassen throws his hands up. "Why do we need to scheme about anything?"

"Schematic! I've said it's a schematic twice now! You're not keffing listening!" He glares at Hassen, who shoots a smirk in our direction even as Mardok frantically unrolls the skin. "Take a look at it, will you?"

Hassen just raises a hand in the air. "I need to see nothing. I know how to make a maze."

"Oh, you do?" I call out. "What is your plan, then?"

Hassen gestures at our surroundings, at the snow that even now drifts over our boots. "We gather snow. And we dig a path until we get lost. Then we dig another. A maze. See?"