Page 72 of Tiger's Tale
“I suppose I can agree to that,” Iriko said.
Danik handed Iriko the boots, and he walked over to Stacia’s head, placing a palm on her shoulder and tracing it down her leg. Then he said, “Okay, boots, you decide: Do you want all of us to go or just us tigers?” Placing one on her foot, he turned and put the other on Veru’s, then stood back and waited to find out what would happen.
This time, instead of a large sleigh, the magic boots created two things long and low to the ground, one was harnessed to each tiger.
“What are these?” asked Zakhar as he clutched his waterproofed bag of precious papers. “What does it mean?”
“I’ve seen these before,” Danik said.
“So have I,” said Iriko, using Veru’s eyes to examine the rigging attached to her sister. “But only with dogs, never with tigers.”
“Of course not with tigers,” Nik replied in a mocking tone. “Like you could put a tiger in a harness.”
“They’re meant for two and two. I supposed that means we can go,” Danik said cheerfully. “Can you drive one?” Danik asked Iriko.
“I suspect the tigers will be doing most of the driving,” Nik suggested. “And don’t get any ideas about me riding with him,” he said, jerking his thumb at Iriko.
“Fine.” Danik said. “I’d be thrilled to ride with you, Mag-ass.” Nikolai glared at him, especially when he heard Iriko roaring with laughter, but Danik just grinned back and turned to Zakhar. “Will you go with Iriko? You’ll sit here on the sled, and Iriko will stand in the back to steer.”
The priest nodded. “I can do that. But don’t you think we need to ask the sisters what they think? Tsarevnas,” he said, nodding to the tigers deferentially, “do you agree to allow us to accompany you up the mountain? The choice is ultimately yours, I should think.”
Stacia and Veru looked at one another, and Veru could see her sister’s slight head dip. She didn’t want to break up the group. Veru felt the same way. They’d come this far together. It felt right to continue that way. To Stacia, the group reminded her of young soldiers sent off on a training mission together. When they endured hardships and learned to rely on one another, it cemented friendships, and they bonded. Perhaps that was the purpose of this journey.
As for Veru, each person was a vital piece. Each added a unique talent or gift. If they learned to work together, there was no telling what they could accomplish.
“Stacia wants you to come,” Iriko said. “She believes the magic of the boots is an indication that the mountain wants us to stay together. And she also said having you along might be of use should they start to fall asleep and begin dreaming.
“Veru says without your help they never would have made it this far. She thanks each of you for your sacrifice and asks if you are willing to go just a bit further. She promises she will not forget your efforts on her behalf.”
The men nodded and smiled, saying, “Yes, Tsarevna,” and, “Happy to serve, Tsarevna.”
“I’ll steer this one,” Danik said. Elbowing Nik, he teased, “Climb aboard, Mag-ass. You’ll be responsible for our supplies.”
Once they were all settled and their bags strapped on, Danik nodded to Iriko, and the young man spoke to the two tigers in his mind.Are you ready to climb the Dreaming Mountain?
I can’t help but notice we have to carry your dead weight, Stacia said to him in reply.
Iriko laughed.I promise as soon as we find the shaman, and we can rid ourselves of these tigers, I’ll carry anything you ask. Besides, after that, the only thing of weight the two of you will have to carry are your heavy skirts and royal head-bashing scepters, right?
That shows what you know about running an empire,Stacia replied. I’d like to see you try it.
What happens if we do start to dream?Veru asked nervously.Your mother said?—
Don’t worry about that. If it happens, we’ll deal with it then,said Iriko.
Veru said,But you didn’t tell the others that you?—
Iriko interrupted.They worry too much. Besides, it only affects tigers. At least I think it does. Anyway, your many suitors are going to get jealous again if I’m talking to you for too long. So let’s get going, then, shall we?
Stacia gave a very unladylike snort that caused Danik to run to the front to check on the harnesses.
“They aren’t too tight on her, are they?” he asked Iriko.
“No,” he replied, trying ineffectually to cover a snort of his own. Then, turning to the other two men, Iriko said with a wide grin, “They’re ready.”
“It’s about time,” Nik said with a grumpy expression.
Still grinning, Iriko flicked the reins.Told you so, he said to Veru and Stacia as they began to run up Dreaming Mountain.Jealous!
