The Elders by Inbali Iserles

Author:Inbali Iserles
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2016-10-14T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

Siffrin’s muzzle was firm, his amber eyes thoughtful. “I cannot take a whole skulk. Isla could come with me. We could seek the Elders’ counsel on your behalf.”

I was about to protest. Quietly, I’d decided to go to the Elders, but I hadn’t shared this thought with Siffrin.

“Not good enough,” snapped Rupus before I could speak. “With the greatest respect, Isla’s not of our skulk—and neither are you.”

Siffrin’s brush was twitching. “So many foxes moving through the Wildlands … someone would see us.”

“Not all of us, then. A couple of our quickest young foxes.” Rupus looked over the skulk. “Take Simmi and Tao.”

They yipped and barked enthusiastically. Mox gave a small whine and slouched against the wall, gathering his tail around him.

Siffrin was quiet a long time. When he spoke at last he was resolute. “I would like to help you, but we’d never make it across the shana.”

I ran my tongue over my muzzle. “What do you mean, the ‘shana’?” I had heard the term before.

He turned his amber eyes on me. “It’s a ring of maa that the Elders weave around the Rock in a secret ritual called ‘shana-sharm.’ Without it, the Mage might attack any time. Even the Elders couldn’t fend off an army of Taken.” Siffrin turned back to Rupus. “Given everything that’s happening, the Elders will be wary. They won’t let strangers pass. Jana knows about Isla, but she can’t know of your skulk. I need to go ahead to assure her that it’s safe. I can return for Isla, Simmi, and Tao if she agrees. It’s the best I can do.”

Simmi’s shoulders sank with disappointment. “If you let him go without us, he’ll never come back.”

“I will. I promise.” Siffrin met her gaze and Simmi blinked at him curiously. My ears flipped back. How dare the red-furred fox make decisions without checking with me! I hadn’t said that I’d go to the Elders. But Haiki’s brown eyes willed me to agree.

“When will you return?” I asked.

“If I run all the way, stopping only to rest, I can be back by the third moon. Then I’ll lead you to the Elders with Simmi and Tao.”

A muffled whimper escaped Haiki’s throat. I thought of him left behind with the skulk, never knowing what became of his family. Going to the Elders was his idea—it was practically the first thing he’d said when we’d met.

“And Haiki,” I added.

Siffrin’s tail-tip fluttered. “And Haiki.”

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