Chapter 161

The bed bounced and I opened my eyes to see Hannah's grinning face above mine. Her teeth were enormous, seemingly longer than they had been the night before. She was crouching beside me waiting for me to wake up. For a split second, I saw the predator she could be.

Hannah was a ball of excited energy this morning. As I took my morning bath with my men she talked nonstop. She had hunted and eaten both dinner and breakfast in the mountains. The place she slept had been wonderful. She loved living in the rough.

"Mama, you wouldn't believe it, but sleeping on my stomach on the warm stone is so comfortable. I don't have to worry about catching anything with my spears or talons and I can relax," she explained.

At breakfast she told me all about how wonderful sleeping in Nu-reeh's cave had been. I agreed and encouraged, but couldn't find the strength to tell her that was where she belonged. It was easier just to let her talk.

The little medicine cup was at breakfast th