"I believe this would be an ideal location," Jakal proposed, pointing at the suggested path across the waterway.
"How deep is the water?" Sala asked nervously. After her last experience crossing the great river when they left their camp, she was not particularly eager to repeat it.
When her companion first revealed they would have to cross the river again in order to reach the Fox Clan's Camp, the woman found herself more than a little agitated. Why did she go through all that fear creeping her way across the turbid, rushing water, hanging on for dear life to a log, only to have to do it all over again?
The Tracker explained the first time had been a maneuver to throw their pursuer off their trail, or at least delay him. Despite the fact neither of them heard nor saw any indication they were being followed, the man insisted on maintaining a fast pace from dawn till dusk. When they were alone with the moon and stars he kept up his guard, scanning the darkness beyond the campfire for signs of an intruder. His tension even extended to the furs, where he was unable let go long enough to share bodies with Sala after they retired for the night.
Jakal told her about the dream he had that chilly morning two days ago when they abruptly departed from the haven they occupied for five unforgettable days; he was absolutely convinced it was a warning from the Spirits to make haste because another now pursued them both. His primary concern was reaching the settlement; once they were mates, it mattered less if they were found.
Although the woman worried about him, she said nothing and followed his lead without question. She trusted him and recalled that his instincts eventually led him to her. But she drew the line when he informed her they would need to cross the river again, insisting they find a place where it was shallower or otherwise easier to pass. She would not repeat their first crossing; they had to find another way.
With his companion's parameters in mind, the Tracker kept a watchful eye for places which might prove promising. Unfortunately, Sala was not enthusiastic about any of the options he had presented so far. He indulged her, understanding her anxiety; he also felt a little guilty because his strategizing had served as the catalyst for her new fear.
Still, it grew increasingly imperative they cross soon. They could not afford to lose time on unnecessary detours. Jakal could not rid himself of the fear they were being followed and knew he could not rest until he and Sala were joined.
As much as he sympathized with his woman's phobia, he recognized now was the time to take action.
The water actually appeared significantly shallower here, he thought. The river was wider, but less deep. He turned to her. "Wait here. I will measure it with my walking stick."
Taking off his foot coverings and leggings, Jakal waded out into the river. Sala watched as the water grew deeper with his every step until he was up to his waist a little more than halfway to the other side. Reaching forward with his walking stick, they both watched as the top of it disappeared underneath the surface.
A sickness rose from the pit of the woman's stomach and her heart began to pound as she broke out in a cold sweat. No, no, we cannot do it here. It is too deep. We, I will be swept away, she panicked, her breath growing quick and shallow.
As he approached Jakal saw that she was overtaken by another bout of panicked fear. Realizing they would be going nowhere until they quieted her anxiety, he embraced her though his body was dripping wet.
"Calm breathing, my sweet woman," he crooned, running his large hands the length of her back as her heart thumped against his bare chest.
At last her pulse began to slow and she took her first deep, albeit jagged, breath.
When he believed she had regained control Jakal asked, "What caused your fear, Sala?"
A shudder rocked through her body and the man held her, waiting.
"When you put your stick in the water, it disappeared under the surface...It, it is too deep. We, we might get swept away."
"The river moves slowly here," he reassured her. "When we reach the deeper water close to the other side, I want you to hold onto me and I will bring us both the rest of the way. It is not as far a distance as you think."
"I...do not know, Jakal. Can we not find another way?"
"We must cross sometime, and this great river stretches beyond anything we can see. I truly believe this place is the best location to go back over to the other side."
"But..."
"Sala, have I ever lied to you?"
It was not what she expected to hear. "No," she answered honestly.
"Do you trust me?"
She nodded.
"I need you to do something for me. I need you to trust me when I say that the river runs slowly here, and that I will make sure we both reach the other side safely. I promise you this." He lifted her chin and gazed into her dark brown eyes. "Will you trust me with your life, Sala?"
Though she was still afraid, Jakal's question reminded her of what she had asked of him only a few nights before. She knew there was only one answer.
She took a full, shaky breath and nodded. "Yes, Jakal," she almost whispered, "I trust you with my life. Let us cross here."
~*~*~
The next morning they arose early as always. This day, however, they anticipated their arrival at the Fox Clan's Camp. They had made good progress the first two days, and the Tracker estimated they would reach the settlement before the sun dropped from the sky.
Both looked forward to visiting with their people, but they were also nervous about what would happen once they revealed their intentions. Still, Sala felt more at ease with the idea of being at this Camp than their own. At least here no one was out to do her harm.
The day grew long. The couple began to wonder if their earlier estimates had been too ambitious. Then, in the distance, Jakal spied smoke rising into the air. Campfire. Filled with new energy the pair quickened their pace, narrowing the distance between themselves and the smoke. Finally the dwellings and huts of the Camp stretched out before them.
