others. You have seen other babies like this, you
said. Should we try again?"
113 I have seen women have babies like this," explained the Healer,
"then have a dozen perfectly normal ones. I have also seen women have a
dozen like this. I can't promise you the next one will be perfect. I
can only say the chances are it will be."
114 "Thank you," said Thundering Dove.
115 He took out his purse but the Healer shook his head. "This time,"
he remarked, "my services are free. I insist."
116 Thundering Dove put the money away. One more time he went to the
egg. He lifted the cover, bent down and kissed it. "'Til we meet
again," he wept, "on that Distant Shore." He left the Healer before he
lost his nerve.
117 Back at the house Little Blossom met him outside the door. When she
saw his arms were empty, she began to weep and ran down the hall.
"Murderer!" she whispered back over her shoulder.
118 When he entered the room, Bay Blossom lay facing the wall. "You
have sent him Home?" she asked.
119 "By now he rocks in Our Mothers' arms," answered Thundering Dove.
120 She began to weep, and she wept all night, but in the morning her
tears were gone. She insisted on getting up, and asked for a battle
report. She was all business; a little snappy, but not one person
complained. Within hours of hearing Thundering Dove's report she had
letters going north- one to their cities there, and one to all their
allies.
121 Within days fresh troops were marching into the city and being
readied for the voyage across the lake. "I'm going with you this time,"
insisted Bay Blossom, "but before we go there's a small problem