103
THE BLUE FEATHER
“Oh, okay, I need to wake Viviana.” Jonathan said, unzipping
the tent flap, and waking his sister. “Viviana, Viviana wake up.
We have to go help Bardala.”
“Mmmmph! Okay, okay, just let me get dressed,” Viviana
said, putting on a heavy shirt. “I’ll be out in just a minute after I
put on my Rocky Boots.”
“Hurry up, it must be important. Kuó is here to show us the
way,” Jonathan said, as he peered around in the dim light.
Kuó led the way straight to the mountain stream, where his
father waited with two other men from the village. They had
fire-lit torches, so it was easy to see them.
“Father, here they are,” Kuó said.
“Good, now we must go to where Bardala and Tital are
meeting with the Atoo,” Ki Mab lied to the outsiders, in the
hearing of the two other villagers.
“Shouldn’t we tell Zotz and Mahucutah that we are leaving?”
Jonathan asked.
“They already know. They are the ones who told me to show
you the way. Can you shield us, from the volcano’s rocks?” Ki
Mab asked, while lying.
“Yes, we can protect you, but…” Viviana said, still not fully
comfortable with Ki Mab.
“How far is it?” Jonathan asked.
“Not far, but only I know the way. That’s why I was chosen to
lead you. Come, Kuó, take my hand. The path is rough, so be
careful,” Ki Mab said, as he took his son’s hand and started out, “I
will help you with the shield