The Longest Day by Erin Hunter Page B

thought away.
    â€œAre you coming?” Taqqiq called.
    Kallik shook her head. “We’re going to the woods.”
    â€œThe woods are for brown bears!” Salik called.
    â€œAnd black bears!” added Iqaluk.
    Taqqiq hurried up the shore toward Kallik. “What do you want to go to the woods for?” he hissed.
    â€œWe need to find herbs,” Kallik told him.
    Anxiety glittered in her brother’s gaze. “White bears don’t find herbs! They swim and hunt!” He glanced over his shoulder at Iqaluk and Salik, then looked back at Kallik. “Stop being so different ! Please!”
    â€œLusa’s friends were hurt in the accident,” Kallik explained. “They need help.”
    â€œYou’re with us now!” Taqqiq snapped. “You have to forget about Lusa and Toklo.”
    â€œI can’t walk away from my friends!”
    â€œYou walked away from me !” Taqqiq didn’t give Kallik time to respond. Spinning around, he marched toward the others.
    Kallik began to clamber up the ridge, feeling numb with sadness. Taqqiq was right. She had left her brother to follow her friends. Distracted, she slipped and bumped back down the jagged rock face. Landing heavily on her hindpaws, shebegan to scramble up again, irritated at herself for being so clumsy and at Taqqiq for making her feel guilty.
    â€œAre you okay?” Yakone called behind her.
    â€œI’m fine!” Kallik heaved herself up the rocks. Trees grew at the top, their trunks matted with lichen.
    Yakone climbed after her. “Do you know what herbs to look for?”
    She turned to face him. “Do you agree with Taqqiq?” she challenged. “Do you think I care too much about my old friends?”
    Yakone calmly met her gaze. “I think you care about everyone. It’s one of the things I love about you.” Kallik blinked as he slid past her and began sniffing at a clump of leaves sprouting between the roots of a tree. “Are these any good?” he called.
    Kallik padded to his side, feeling guilty about her temper. “I’m sorry.” She didn’t look at the leaves. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you. You’re the only bear on my side.”
    â€œThere aren’t any sides.” Yakone looked up. “There are old friends and friends still to be made. Choosing one doesn’t mean you must stop caring about the other. We are all facing the Longest Day together. It’s why we’re here.”
    Kallik dropped her gaze. She knew he was right, but she wasn’t ready to agree.
    By the time the sun was high in the clear blue sky, they both carried wads of fragrant green leaves. Following the forest around the lake, they skirted the stone tower and wove between mossy trees until they reached the lighter, leaf-strewnstretch where the black bears had made their camp.
    â€œWhere are you going?” A black bear blocked their path.
    Kallik squinted at him, the scent from the herbs stinging her eyes.
    Another black bear appeared. “This isn’t your land!”
    Kallik smelled fear scent; it was strong. They’re scared of me!
    Yakone laid his leaves on the ground. “We’ve brought herbs for Lusa.”
    Kallik tipped her head, hoping to look friendly.
    The first bear curled his lip. “We’ll make sure she gets them.”
    â€œKallik!” Lusa’s bark sounded through the trees. “Yakone? Is that you?” She pushed her way between the two males. “You brought herbs.” Her eyes shone, but Kallik could see she was exhausted.
    She put down her leaves and stretched forward to touch Lusa’s muzzle. “Are you okay?”
    â€œI’m fine,” Lusa told her. “The swelling on Chula’s leg is going down. I think it’s just a sprain and not broken.” She glanced at the herbs. “You found big leaves! That’s great! I need lots. Oh, and we found Miki! Toklo