Kaye knocked on the doorframe before stepping inside the Odion tent. She was there to check on Gar and blushed at the sight of the couple lying in bed together. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She never would have thought to see her sister show so much affection to a man.

“It’s fine, come in.” Kindra sat and pushed the hair from her forehead. “We were resting.”

“You could use the rest.” Kaye dropped the door flap behind her and stood awkwardly. “I came to check on Gar. I have good news.”

“We also have good news,” Gar said and propped himself up with a pained look. “What is yours?”

“They found Cougar. He’s alive.” Kaye smiled, glad to deliver some small condolence. “He looks worse than you, but his wounds are superficial.”

“Thank Aleda.” He squeezed Kindra’s hand and nodded. “Why don’t you tell her your good news.”

Kindra’s smile was bright, if tired. For the first time since their father died, she looked truly content. “My mark is complete. Gar can see a name.” She turned so Kaye could see it.

“For the Mother, he’s right.” Kaye reached out and followed the fresh wound with her finger. “It looks like the ocean.” A wave crested behind her nail, the water so clear she could see the rocky bottom, and there was a pang of longing in Kaye's stomach for Gaerlom.

“It’s a river,” Kindra said.

Kaye nodded slowly, contemplatively. “A large, clear river. That’s a powerful mark.”

“Better than a fish,” Gar agreed.

“I’ll speak to Monk about it. He’ll want to hold a ceremony as soon as he’s chief. People need something to celebrate right now, and the naming of their monster-tamer will be a celebration indeed.”

“Eoin’s not a monster,” Kindra said, but grinned. “When will they make Monk chief?”

“Soon. They have to choose a new High Priestess first.” Kaye dropped her gaze with a frown. Priestess Ashley had already asked her to be High Priestess, and Kaye neither refused nor accepted, but said she would give an answer soon. She needed to talk to Bryant first, and that was a conversation she was dreading.

“How much time will they need? You’re the only one who can do it.”

“Maybe.” That was all Kaye would say about it now. There was no need to upset her sister over the possibility that she may leave again—if the choice even existed, and Kaye was growing surer that it didn’t.