“So, I traveled until I reached the People.” “When did you learn you were pregnant?” “I already knew that, Owl. That was one reason I had to escape. I could not bear your baby among the Head Splitters. The child of our love must be raised by the People.” He chuckled and hugged her more closely. “Child of my life’s springtime,” he teased, “it makes no difference at all, but you know the chances are very poor that the baby is mine. You were with Many Wives so long, and we were together only one night.” Tears came to her eyes, and for a moment she pushed him away in anger. Then her face softened and she cuddled against him again. “Of course,” she said gently, “you did not know. Many Wives was unable to father a child. That is why he tried with every young woman he could buy. Owl, you are the only man who could be the father of Red Bird.” She looked directly, lovingly into his eyes. “Did you not see how much she looks like you?” Yes, Owl thought, the child did resemble him a great deal.
