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CHAPTER NINE

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But when they arrived late in the morning the next day, Lynx found himself not at all glad that his journey with Caliko was over. He knew he would have to return to the city.

Caliko looked around as they entered the clearing in the forest. It was unlike anything she ever could imagine existed outside of the movies. The Gaians had constructed a whole village from the forest around them. Their homes were placed in the very trees themselves. She was amazed at their ingenuity. She knew no city-kid could ever acomplish what they had.

He led Caliko down through the center of the camp, towards Eagle's home. With each step he felt himself wanting to stretch out these last few minutes with Caliko. He knew that when she was handed over to Eagle, he would say his goodbyes and leave. "There is Eagle's place." Lynx pointed.

"And this Eagle, your leader, she won't mind you dropping a pregnant girl on her front step?"

"No, not since Bray sent you." He looked over his shoulder and smiled at her. "Well, you made it."

"Yeah." Caliko replied as they climbed the steps to Eagle's treehouse.

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Some hours later, Lynx found himself returning to Eagle's.

"Eagle," Lynx started. He hesitated, not knowing quite how to put his request. "I want to stay here, at the camp."

Eagle, picking up a feather, turned around. "You do? Look, Lynx I know you're miserable there, but we need your help."

"No, its not that. I just think that I should stay here with Caliko, until she settles in. She'll need a place to stay. I think I should stay, at least, until I can build her a place. I don't want to abandon her." His face reddened.

"Lynx, that is very noble of you to want to help her. But I think she will only cause you trouble in the end. I'll never understand why Bray sent her. Who knows where she comes from or what is chasing after her. I think it would be best for you to return to Bray and the others. Leave her here. She'll be taken care of, and more than likey, she'll leave soon after the baby is born. I just hope she chooses to take the child with her when she does." Eagle put down the feather she had been playing with. "Now come on, we prepared a big feast to celebrate your safe return."

"Eagle, I don't want to disappoint you, or not take your advice, but I'm staying. I don't know what it is, but I feel like everything is telling me to stay here."

Eagle could tell his mind was set. "I don't agree with it Lynx, we really need all the help we can get out there to get rid of the Chosen. But, I see it on you, you're determined, so, fine, go ahead. Stay. She's your pet now."