Redbird sighed. "I feared he would say that."
They climbed a low hill north of the camp and sat on a huge half-buried boulder overlooking a small lake. A newly risen crescent moon was reflected in the still black water.
White Bear put his hand on Redbird's belly and felt the movement of the child within her.
Redbird said, "What is this woman to you?"
White Bear stiffened. Would she understand? Would she believe him?
White Bear searched his mind for a way to explain. "She was a friend to me when I lived at Victor."
"Was she your woman?" Redbird asked.
"No. She wanted to be, but I would not let it happen, because I knew that one day I must leave her."
And I feared that if I let myself love Nancy I would never return to my people, and to you.
"You did not even lie with her?"