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glanced quickly at Madig who gave an almost imperceptible nod. “Except Rigat, that is. Seg spotted the doe and signaled us. We let him draw first. ’Twas his right. And then . . .”
    â€œRigat pushed me!” Seg exclaimed.
    â€œI was twenty paces away,” Rigat retorted.
    His father regarded Rigat for a long moment before his gaze swung back to Seg.
    â€œI felt it, Alder-Chief. I know it sounds crazy, but . . .” Seg spat. “Who else would have done it?”
    â€œHe still got off a shot as the doe bolted,” Madig said, clearly proud of his son’s achievement. “And ’twas that shot brought her down.”
    Keirith silently willed his brother to look at him. When Rigat gave a small, cool shrug, Keirith quelled the urge to walk over and shake him. Perhaps his frustration showed, for Rigat’s cockiness vanished, replaced by the same pleading expression their mam wore.
    After a few more questions, Keirith’s father said. “I’m not denying what you felt, Seg. Nor can I explain it. A hunt . . . well, it’s always a mystery, isn’t it? Every sense pitched so keen you think you’ll snap in two. I’ve always imagined it must be similar to a shaman having a vision, but I’m a man with no magic, so you’ll forgive me, Tree-Father.”
    A quick smile for Gortin, a self-deprecating shrug. Around the circle, heads nodded. Even Madig smiled, for like all the hunters, he understood the mystery, too. Poor Gortin merely looked confused. These days, his old mentor often was.
    â€œWhatever happened, the credit for the kill belongs to both of you.” He waited long enough to receive nods from all the men before adding, “Rigat. Seg. Clasp hands.”
    â€œNay!”
    Keirith’s stomach churned as his father turned slowly toward Rigat.
    â€œHe had no right to accuse me. He’s just jealous because I’m a better hunter.”
    With a bellow of outrage, Seg launched himself at Rigat, only to be yanked back by his father. “You see how it is?” Madig demanded.
    Fa nodded without taking his eyes off Rigat. “A good hunter doesn’t need to boast about his skills. Or belittle the abilities of others.”
    Rigat opened his mouth to reply, but closed it again when Mam tugged on his arm.
    â€œClasp hands. Now.”
    Keirith winced. Some men shouted when they were angry. His father became very cold and very quiet.
    Madig shoved Seg forward. Mam pushed Rigat. Their fingers met in a fleeting touch. Both boys were turning away when his father said, “You can put your energy to better use than fighting. Go to the lake and fetch water for every family. And at every hut, you will apologize for disturbing the peace of this village.”
    Seg glanced at Madig, who gave him a sour nod. Rigat glowered, but even he knew better than to defy Fa twice. Without a word, he strode toward their hut.
    â€œTree-Father. Memory-Keeper.” His father acknowledged Gortin and Nemek with a small, formal bow before turning back to Seg. “You’re going to be as fine a hunter as your father.”
    A rare smile lit Seg’s face. “Thank you, Alder-Chief.” Madig punched him lightly on the arm as Rothisar and Jadan hefted the doe onto his shoulders. Seg staggered a little, but bore the doe proudly through the earthworks.
    Nemek offered his father a sympathetic smile as he walked away. Gortin just stood there, muttering to himself. Then Othak stepped forward and touched him lightly on the shoulder. Still muttering, Gortin let Othak lead him toward the hut they shared, one hand clutching his blackthorn staff, the other clinging to Othak’s arm.
    Mam was gnawing her upper lip, a sure sign of distress. Her mouth went still as Rigat emerged from their hut with two waterskins slung over his shoulder. After a quick glance at Fa, he strode off, red head high, pointed chin thrust out.
    â€œI’ll talk to him,”