Epilogue

Pavel was standing near the front of the column when Lee approached.

“Pavel, get food from the kitchen and head out; I want you guarding the left flank, so move off to where you can watch as we leave. Stay off to the left, watch for danger, and if you see tracks let me know. If there are tracks, then the animals are moving back and we really need fresh food. We’ll send out hunting parties as soon as it’s worthwhile.”

“Do it yourself, kid,” Pavel said dismissively. “I’m busy with my group this morning, then I plan on looking in on your group this afternoon. I won’t have time to wander around in the woods.” Robert had come up while this was going on. He watched, waiting to see how Lee would handle himself.

“Pavel, you were told before,” Lee said. Do what you’re told, work for the whole group, or take your personal stuff and hit the trail. You can go anywhere except where we are. That’s still the only offer you’ve got; you’re flank guard, or you’re out. We’ll leave without you.”

“Suppose we just keep up with the rest of you,” Pavel argued. “We’ve been doing that and we can keep on doing it.”

“Not you, Pavel,” Lee said. “I’ll lay it out in a way that even you can’t misunderstand. We’ll go on, you won’t. If that means we leave you dead by the trail, so be it.” While speaking, Lee had unslung the spear that always hung across his back now. The long, sharp blade pointed between Pavel’s eyes from less than a foot away. Pavel turned pale and took a step back.

“You would kill me because I won’t pull your guard duty?”

“No. I’ll kill you because you’re eating our food and not doing your share.”

Robert spoke up. “Pavel, are you leaving the tribe?”

“No, Robert! I’ll do the guard shift if that’s what you want, but this kid has no right to be giving orders! I’ve been part of the tribe a lot longer than he has, so why is he in charge?”

“Pavel, he’s in charge because I trust his judgment,” Robert said. “Matt and I delegated that authority to him. It’s his until I decide it should go to someone better qualified, and I don’t know anyone who’s better qualified.” When he said this, Robert looked squarely at Pavel.

Pavel stomped away and took up his post. Robert organized the train into family groups and soon had them moving. Travel now would be slower by necessity; everything moved now by travois or backpack. But at least they were far enough from the mine that any danger from there had passed. Robert missed Matt. It was not easily explained, but the man had exuded confidence. You simply knew that whatever came up, Matt would deal with it. It was hard to believe he was dead.

Briefly, Robert wondered how Gregor and Vlad had found Matt and Pavel. Coincidence? Well, perhaps they had all used the same location to cross the river.

Pavel came into camp late and decided to look in on the women of Matt’s group. They now cooked for themselves, rather than sharing the communal kitchen; perhaps they had treats hidden away?

“Pavel, you should be over at the kitchen,” Lilia said. “They’ll be shutting down shortly and if you don’t eat now, you won’t get anything before morning.”

“I came over to get to know you ladies better,” Pavel drawled. “We need to work together now, right? So I thought I’d have my dinner with you. What are you making?”

“Whatever we’re making, there’s only enough for us,” Lilia said icily. “We’re taking our meals with family members only.”

“Still, there are four of you women,” Pavel argued. “you’ll need men around, especially if there’s danger.” Pavel felt a sudden cold feeling alongside his ear. He reached up absently to brush it away ... a bit of snow, fallen from the tree perhaps ... but froze when he felt the sharp tip. “I wouldn’t turn my head just now if I were you, Pavel,” Lilia said. “Sandra’s pretty good with that spear, and if she doesn’t stick you Millie’s waiting for her chance.” Millie was holding her own spear, relaxed, the shaft held across her body but ready for instant use. “I’ll go, I’ll go!” Pavel gasped. “There’s no need for threats! I was just trying to be helpful!”