Read Online Stolen Away by Christopher Dinsdale - Free Book Online Page B

Her job was to herd the young children along at a pace that kept up with the adults ahead. She was one of a ring of young women who encircled and encouraged along almost every child of the band capable of walking.
    Kiera would have found the sight of so many excited, swarming children amusing if she had been in a more familiar world. The guilt of not being able to help her adopted family with the journey only added to her inner anguish. Her dull eyes stared aimlessly at the young crowd until it fell on a face that seemed to mirror her own misery. It was the little girl whom Sooleawaa had introduced as Shawnadit.
    The young child dragged her body along at the back of the young herd. Her eyes were fixed on the ground, just ahead of her feet, and her face held none of the excitement radiating from the rest of the children. It wasn't right for someone so young to be so sad. Kiera's heart went out to her.
    The path took a downward turn as the band followed the trail into a valley. Kiera felt Chocan pick up speed as gravity assisted his descent. She turned in her chair. “Chocan, could I ask a favour?”
    Chocan stopped. He turned, his face strained with effort and shiny with perspiration. He took a couple of breaths before answering. “Yes?”
    She nodded towards the children. “It's Shawnadit.”
    He looked at the little girl. “She's not happy. We are not far from where her mother died.”
    â€œIf it is not asking too much, do you think she could ride with me while we go down the hill?”
    Chocan looked at the load on his frame, then to the path running downhill, and finally to Shawnadit who, along with the other children, was now passing them on the path. He sighed but nodded.
    He placed Kiera gently on the ground, walked through the group of children, weaving in and out of the little bodies, until he caught up to Shawnadit. With a nod to Sooleawaa, he picked the young girl up in his arms and carried her over to Kiera.
    â€œI have a very important job for you, little sparrow. Do you know our guest, Kiera?”
    For the first time, Shawnadit's big, dark eyes glanced directly at Kiera. Her eyes widened in fear, then she quickly curled into Chocan and looked at the ground.
    â€œYou see, little sparrow, she is lonely. You know it is Beothuck custom to ensure that all guests are welcome in our band. That is why I'm putting you in charge of looking after our guest. You are in charge of cheering Kiera up. Can you do that for me?”
    Shawnadit didn't answer. She just buried her head even further into Chocan's shoulder. Kiera reached up and took the girl from Chocan. Shawnadit didn't fight the exchange, but curled up quietly in Kiera's lap, her eyes shut tight.
    Kiera tilted her head. “Hello, Shawnadit. Thank you for being with me.”
    Kiera and Shawnadit were lifted upwards as Chocan took his position within the frame. “Hold tight. We don't want to fall too far behind the others.”
    And with a lurch, they were off.

N INE
    N ear sunset on their fifth day of travel, the weary band of travellers relaxed at a campsite located in a notch between what looked like the humps of two enormous stone whales. Upon arriving, Shawnadit had jumped from Kiera's lap to run and join in with the other children. She had not said a word during the entire afternoon, but Kiera did get her giggling with some of her attempted Beothuck banter. Shaking his head, Chocan would translate Kiera's remarks back into Celtic, such as “I like Chocan's hair. It looks like a nesting fish in the snow.” Kiera would join Shawnadit in the laughter. It was a good distraction for all of them.
    Chocan rotated Kiera's sling so that she could see what lay ahead. Kiera took in the change in scenery. The land was considerably scrubbier than that of the mighty forests along the coast. Below, she could see a wide, rocky valley. A river slithered its way through the distant rocky hills. On the far bank of the river, an