to see the Queen out and among the people again. Even though I knew it was hard for her to tear herself away from Damara it had been a blessing for the people that the Queen's milk had dried up. The tribe was responding to her attention and her plan to go a trading.

My brother Cloch had grown tall these past several months. I wasn't sure who had adopted who watching him and the quiet warrior, Dryw together. Thier bond was that of brothers. They hunted together and Dryw had become as skillful as myself in communicating with Cloch. I watched them now as Dryw readied for night watch. I felt a twinge as I realized the muscular man had won my brother's affection. Was I jealous? I told myself I was silly if I was. Cloch had in Dryw an example of what a warrior and man should be and I had wanted that for him as much as anything. Still, I missed the togetherness we had had. Both looked my way now. I smiled at them and waved. Dryw spoke to Cloch as he signed to him and Cloch nodded. Cloch trotted toward me and I watched Dryw watch as my brother came toward me. But Dryw was not looking at Cloch. His eyes locked with mine, probing, questioning. He had never said anything untoward me but it was not unusual for me to catch his eyes upon me. I felt my cheeks warm and turned my attention to my brother as he came to a halt and enveloped me in his strong arms. I gave Dryw a glance and nodded a thank you. I knew he had refused Cloch's company on night watch so I could enjoy some time with the boy before leaving with the Queen.

Cloch took my hand in his and gently led me away from the Commons toward the Reflecting Pool where we had shared our free time whe we first came to live among the Amazons. I looked over my shoulder and saw Dryw disappear into the thick forest on his way to his post. He was a caring and thoughtful man. I was glad for his influence on my brother.