They didn't have time to act. Heart-wrenching cries reached their ears before they reached the clearing, causing them to sprint toward the longhouse. Dark Star, Brown Sparrow, and Small Bird were on their knees, using river water to cool the limbs of those who burned up with fevers.

Dark Star looked up, meeting Strong Oak's eyes.

"It doesn't look good..." She whispered.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Strong Oak crouched at her side, using the back of ...