tive tool out of basic materials. The stone head had been filed down to a sharp edge, with the butt of the blade supported by the extended arm of the ninety-degree handle. Tight cords of woven bark wrapped around the shank, securing it tightly to the frame. As I held it up wondering if it could be wielded as a weapon if the need arose, a deep masculine chant suddenly arose from the direction of the fire.
I peered through the copse of trees and saw that the men had raised to a standing position as they danced in a circle around the fire, flexing their spears and chanting loudly, just as I’d seen Manaia and the other young warriors from Teuila's tribe demonstrate a few nights earlier.
Maybe they'll kill each other off and let the two of us live peacefully on our own, I thought, shaking my head at their belligerent behavior.
I squinted my eyes, glancing from side to side to see any sign of Teuila. For the first time in days, I wished I'd had my phone or watch to keep track of time. It seemed like an eternity since she'd snuck off in the direction of the camp.
Where are you? I cursed under my breath, fearing she'd been discovered.
Seconds later, I heard some branches rustling behind me and I ducked defensively behind a bush.
"Jade!" Teuila whispered as I poked my head up.
"Thank heavens you're okay," I said, pulling her tightly against me. Her bare breasts were warmer than usual, toasted from the heat of the enormous fire in the village.
"I said I'd never leave you again," she said, kissing me sweetly on the lips.
I held her closely, feeling her heart beating against mine, then I pulled away and looked into her eyes.
"Did you hear anything?" Do you have any clearer sense about their plans for attacking your village?"
"Yes," she said, tightening her face in concern. "And it's even worse than I thought. They intend to attack two nights from now, during the next full moon. We haven't any time to lose. I have to get back to my village immediately to warn my father."
Teuila picked up the blades from the ground beside me and pulled me back through the forest in the opposite direction of the camp. As we scurried through the brush, I shook my head in dismay. I wasn't sure which posed the greater threat—her father, or this new tribe.
18
By the time we wound our way through the dark tangle of jungle to the other side of the island, the first glimmer of morning light had begun to appear over her village lagoon. Teuila paused at the edge of the forest overlooking the main square and peered in the direction of her hut. Everything appeared to be quiet and still, save the occasional squeal of a seabird returning from the surf with its morning catch of fish.
I glanced at Te', shaking more out of fear than from the cool onshore breeze.
"So what's your plan?" I said. "Everyone still appears to be sleeping."
"I'm going to sneak up behind my hut and try to get the attention of my nona. I want you to stay here and keep a lookout. If you see any unusual activity, whistle softly twice in succession."
"Won't that attract the suspicion of the tribespeople?"
"Not if they're still asleep. Just try to sound like one of those seabirds."
"Fat chance of that," I said, realizing I still had much to learn about her island. "What should I do if you get caught?"
"Same thing we talked about earlier. It'll be safer for you to return to our lagoon until things quiet down. I'll steal away when I can and find you."
I shook my head and furrowed my brow at the fragility of her plan.
"You might not have enough time. The other tribe is going to attack in two days."
"Once my father finds out about their plans, I'll be the least of his concerns. He won't be able to spare any extra tribesmen to watch over me. It shouldn't be too hard to break away during all the distraction."
I placed my hands around Te's arms and stared into her eyes.
"Just tell me no matter what happens that you won't stay and fight. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you."
Teuila smiled at me as she cupped my face and kissed me gently. Then she pulled the heart-shaped stone we'd found on the beach out of a pouch in her loincloth and patted her chest with the palm of her hand to symbolize the beating of her heart.
"You'll always be with me, Jade. Forever and ever."
I pulled her close to me and squeezed her tightly against my chest.