by J. H. Hayes
Directing his attention back down to the gazelle skin, Azerban thought the scene through. Could the beheaded man symbolize the Kebar spy who'd been sacrificed the last summer? If correct, the ramifications were disturbing. It meant the Kebar had known all along about the sacrifice. Further, it made clear the toppling of the stone was an intentional retaliation. All of his negotiations with Vidai had been false then, in vain. There’d be no honoring of their commitments. He let the captive Ufli go in good faith - and for nothing. After a moment of self-reflection, Azerban slowly raised his eyes to Takur's.
Ta'araki looked positively smug. "That is all for now, Xanni. Thank you, dear. I’ll have further instructions for you later."
"Yes, Ta'araki," Xanni answered, before nodding to both men and taking her leave.
Once out of earshot, Takur said, "Do you appreciate my skepticism now, my son? The Kebar are not to be trusted."
Azerban threw the gazelle skin against the wall. He'd lost all credibility. Takur had won. Standing up and turning away, he took a few moments to swallow his anger. When he turned back to his First, he was completely quailed, like a young boy who'd just been taught a particularly embarrassing lesson. Finally, he sighed, "How do we respond, then?"
"It’s not for us to decide, Azerban," Takur replied, still smiling. "The Council must be called. I'll send runners to the other camps. There's much work to be done. For now, go to your children and get a good night's rest. We'll begin in the morning."
Azerban nodded, knowing he'd just lost a great amount of status. He picked up the drawing before leaving, with his head down, beaten. If he'd had a tail like Grayfoot, it would've been between his legs.
Takur watched him take the gazelle skin, but didn't object. It would serve as a reminder of what happened when his Second defied his First.
---
The next morning Azerban stepped outside after detecting a growing chorus of voices. He made his way to the gathering area where he found Shaledar, huddled with her family on the far periphery of the crowd. After asking her what was going on and being embarrassed to hear she’d expected him to tell her, he strode directly to Takur's shelter and slapped the leather flaps, waiting for an invitation before entering.
"Ahhh, Azerban. Come in," Takur said. "You've finally arrived. Where is Hadir? I sent for the two of you quite a while ago."
"I didn't get the message," he answered, not completely believing the story. He noted Sakon and Asek were already present. Asek wore a grim expression. He couldn't entirely read Sakon's, but guessed Takur had told them both about the violation of the Great Temple.
"It doesn't matter, you're here now," Takur said. "We were just discussing our response to the latest Kebar attack. I'm sure you've noticed Boar Camp gathering outside. I’ll address them shortly to explain the situation."
"Do you think that wise, Ta'araki?" Azerban asked. "I hardly think they need the added burden now, what with the winter moons not even behind us and so much work yet to be done."
"I share your concern, Azerban. However, we face a threat of unprecedented consequence. I feel the people have a right to know what confronts them. Would you keep them in shadow?"
Azerban looked at Asek, whose face was stony and then to Sakon, who now wore a taunting smirk. "What do you plan to tell them, then?" he asked.
"To be honest, my Second, I don't entirely know. I slept little last night, the proper course of action long eluding me. I’ll tell them what has happened and hope the Ta'ar guide me in the rest. I do know this though. We need to present a united face, or the peoples’ will shall waver. I already have Asek and Sakon's word they’ll stand with me. Do I need ask for yours?"
Azerban faltered in his reply. The trap was well laid. He couldn't dare refuse his support after his earlier failure, but how could he make such an oath? He had no idea what Takur planned, and couldn't trust he hadn't yet determined his path. If Sakon had already offered support, he was sure he wouldn’t like it. In the end though he had no other choice. "I'll stand behind you, Ta'araki," he answered, "but reserve the right to object to any future actions in private."
"Of course, Azerban. That is always the right of a Ta'araki," Takur said. "Well then my sons, shall we face the crowd together?"
Takur accepted his cane from Asek and hobbled out into the light of a bright, late-winter sun. Azerban, Sakon and Asek followed him and fanned out behind. When they appeared, the crush of people quickly hushed, curious as to the purpose of the unexpected meeting.
"Children of the Ta'ar," Takur began. "Thank you for coming to listen to our words. I know you all have many things you'd rather be doing. Rest assured, we would not have called you if the matter was not urgent. We’ve all made it back to Boar Camp safely, and for that we thank the Watchers. Sadly, we lost one of our esteemed daughters this winter, Azerban's beloved mate, a woman I also dearly loved. Azerban's loss is one we all feel deeply, one which shall affect all of us for many seasons. And many for much longer.
“But we did not call you here to dwell on sorrow. There has been a troubling occurrence which I feel you must be made aware. There has been another attack..." Takur waited for the exclamations of surprise and fury to build and then die down before continuing, "The Great Temple has been desecrated!"
Takur paused again to let his words sink in. He was answered with a very loud communal gasp. Azerban saw heads turn, the audience looking to each other to gauge their neighbor's reactions. Takur waited for them to settle before he continued. "One of the great stones in the First Temple has been toppled and destroyed. It was a cowardly act we know was perpetrated by a gang of Kebar." This last announcement was greeted by howls of rage and indignation, exactly the response he was looking for.
"As you all know, we treated with the Kebar before we left for our winter dwellings and arrived at a compact which we thought was in good faith. My Second, Azerban, worked hard to reach a just agreement and although I had my doubts, I'm saddened that his efforts were in vain. We released the Kebar captive without punishment in the hope they could be trusted."
Azerban flinched, knowing this last part was directed at him. But he was prepared for Takur to put the blame on his shoulders - or at least he'd been expecting it.
As Takur delivered his speech, his voice crescendoed and ebbed and a choral grumbling waxed and waned with it. Anger was rising, tempers flaring. Takur detected the building emotions and fed off them. "We have never taken any action against the Kebar," he soared. "Yet they persist in their aggressions against us. We negotiated in good faith, and were rewarded not with peace, but with the defilement of our sacred sanctuary." He paused and reset his pitch to just above a whisper. "But Azerban's efforts were not completely futile. Through his valiant attempts at peace and his unfaltering determination, we were able to gain some insight as to the purpose of the Kebar attacks."
The crowd quieted, anticipating some glimmer of meaning in the outrage Ta'araki was relating. He let them calm before continuing, his voice rising as he spoke, "By the mouth of the Kebar, they explained their rationale for their hatred of us. And I tell it to you now. They reject our beliefs! They have no use for the Watchers! They see the Great Temple as an abomination, a scar on the land! They see our way of life as a threat to be eliminated!"
Azerban bristled inside, objecting furiously to this part of Takur's speech. But he kept his face emotionless. The crowd was nearly at a frenzy. To show disapproval now could be dangerous. Besides that, he'd given his word, and intended to honor it. He'd speak to Takur about his objections later, in private. I cannot tolerate this, he told himself. He's manipulating the people, twisting the words of the Kebar. They didn't object to our beliefs at all. They simply see the Great Temple as a claim on the land, on land they once hunted and feel should be shared. And he's lying. We did take hostile action against them. How could sacrificing their scout be seen as anything else? Their drawing on the great stone proves that was the reason for the attack. But Takur doesn't mention it. Instead he uses their candor to
stir up resentment and hatred.
Indeed, the audience was stirred. Some were yelling insults. Others were calling for immediate reprisal attacks.
Takur hushed them with a raised hand. "Do not despair," he said, "for your leaders have a plan laid out. The Kebar will pay for their actions. It will take great effort, but together, we shall prevail. We will strike against the offenders and they will feel the fury of our wrath. Asek will reach out to our friendlier neighbors to the east, south and north. With his skill we’ll trade for the resources we need to carry out our response. Sakon will be in charge of devising a plan of attack. With his son at his side, our greatest warrior Dizon, and the rest of our fierce fighters, we will teach the Kebar the consequence of attacking us. And finally Azerban and I together will reach out to the Ta'ar and implore their assistance in our efforts."
As the crowd cheered wildly, Azerban regretted his decision to give Takur his allegiance. He feared it would be something like this, but he had no choice. Takur took Sakon's hand and pulled him forward. "Do you, Sakon, son of Boar Camp, son of the Ta'ar, agree to protect your people in every manner required of you?"
"Yes! Gladly, Ta'araki! We will destroy the Kebar," Sakon responded vigilantly. The crowd roared its approval.
Takur next brought Asek forward. "Do you, Asek, son of Boar Camp, son of the Ta'ar, agree to provide for your people in every manner required?"
"Of course, Ta'araki," Asek said, nodding confidently, smiling to the crowd reassuringly. Another wave of cheers welcomed him.
Takur then turned to Azerban, not bothering to take his hand. "Step up, Azerban! Do you agree to take whatever action is required to assist your people?"
Azerban looked out at the throng, who stared back at him encouragingly. He had no idea what Takur expected of him. How could he make such a vague oath? But how could he deny the crowd? He saw their desperation. Having fallen into yet another of Takur's traps, he knew he had no choice. "I do, Ta'araki."
The gathering broke out in wild cheers and dance. Drums began beating and a chant rose up, "Attack the Kebar! Attack the Kebar! Attack the Kebar!"
It took a short while for Takur to settle them down again, despite the several signals he'd given. When they did quiet he continued, "While we know you’d like to see instant justice meted out against our enemies, it is necessary to properly prepare first. Azerban and Asek will accompany me to the Great Temple in two suns. We will assess the damage ourselves and meet with the other Ta'araki leaders who have already been called. We will also make a sacrifice on the Vernal Equinox and beseech the Watcher’s assistance."
"There is much work for all of you, also," Takur said, pausing before continuing. So far, everything was going as he'd planned. The one remaining variable he couldn't be sure of was the crowd's reaction to the added burdens asked of them. He was pleased with their response so far. There were no audible complaints, no gripes or grumbling. In fact, most were nodding their heads affirmatively. Of course they are, he told himself. They are happy to do their part. The added labors will keep them focused and alleviate their anxiety.
With confidence he continued, "You will all be expected to redouble your efforts this spring. After our shelters are rebuilt, we must focus on repaying our enemies for their violations against us. Stone must be mined and blades cut. Wood must be collected, to craft more spear shafts. We will also need to gather large amounts of food resources. It is still early to begin the hunting season, but scouts will be sent to find the first herds. Soon, hunting parties shall be sent in every direction. Every man, woman and child of at least seven winters will be required to do their part. I'm afraid there will be little opportunity for leisure this summer - we cannot afford that privilege now. But once the Kebar have been humbled and driven back, we will celebrate peace and return to our traditional ways. I’ll leave the details in the hands of Sakon. While I’m away, he will act as leader of Boar Camp. Look to him and his sons for direction."
Two suns later, Azerban arrived at the Great Temple with Takur, Asek and a couple of stoutly built hunters. Takur had assured him they were only there in case of trouble during their transit, but Azerban had a sinking suspicion the escorts were more likely meant to keep him in line. After meeting with many of the other Ta’araki leaders, Asek continued his trek, intent on beginning his trading negotiations with the neighboring peoples as soon as possible.
Azerban hadn’t gained much insight into exactly what it was Takur was planning in the suns ahead, a worry that filled his mind constantly. Takur had not mentioned Azaria since the evening they learned of the attack and he hoped the Kebar had drawn his attention away from her, but remained plagued by the thought Takur might somehow try to link the two. She’d improved some by the morning they departed for the Temple, but Azerban feared it might not be enough to appease Takur’s concern.
Another matter also troubled him. Takur had asked Hadir to remain at Boar Camp. Azerban protested the issue, arguing that if the Ta'araki were going to make any significant decisions, then all members should have their voices heard. But Takur had brushed off his concerns, maintaining their absence may be lengthy and that with all the work Boar Camp would be performing, they needed access to a skilled healer. Azerban had dropped his complaint after that, deciding he also wanted Hadir there to look after his daughter. If a battle with Takur lay ahead, he would have to wage it alone.
Inspecting the damage to the Great Temple was the first order of activity the morning after they arrived. It was indeed considerable. Azerban nearly gasped upon first taking in the scene. One of the smaller standing stones - the ones that ringed the two larger central pillars - had been dug out from the side wall and toppled over. Because of the close proximity of the stones, the slab must have just grazed one of its neighbors as it fell, partially nudging it out of place so that it now leaned gently to one side. The first stone now lay broken in two on the shattered, red terrazzo floor. On the larger of the two pieces, drawn in charcoal was a crude image closely resembling the one Xanni had made on the gazelle skin. The original drawing made it even more obvious the Kebar were brashly claiming credit for the destruction. By the garments the headless man wore, there could be no doubt he was meant to symbolize a Kebar. Seen in person, the vandalism was sickening. It was clear it would take much work to repair the Temple, perhaps the whole summer would be wasted replacing the broken stone and resetting the other - if the Ta'araki decided the work would continue that summer at all.
Azerban was surrounded by bleak expressions staring down at the severed pillar. When he finally raised his head, he saw many stony Ta’araki faces trained on him. He shook his head grimly, returning his gaze to the destruction, finding it less disconcerting.
Takur was the first to speak. "It is evident we have much to discuss, my friends. I understand the rest are to arrive soon. We’ll let them take in the scene themselves, have some refreshment and then the Council will meet after midsun."
Most nodded and chose to return to their tents. Azerban trailed Takur, unwilling to allow him any opportunity for mischief.
The Council of Ta'araki was held outside, since none of the tents were big enough to contain all present. Takur suggested they gather on the floor of the Great Temple instead, surrounded by the monumental pillars. Azerban guessed Takur meant to keep their minds focused on the desecration as he urged them to join Boar Camp in their revenge against the Kebar.
There were many camps represented. Ta'araki had come from the north, east and south. Azerban greeted colleagues from Red Deer Camp, Fox Camp's neighbors to the north. Ta'araki from Wolf Camp, whose summer dwellings lay northwest of those of Red Deer, had also arrived. From the direct east travelled members of Aurochs Camp and also their northeast neighbors, the Ta'araki of Leopard Camp. From the south came representatives of Falcon Camp, Lion Camp and ironically, Mammoth Camp.
Mammoth Camp's previous summer dwellings had once been far to the north, above a body of water almost as endless as the southwestern Great Mother Sea. Not too long a
go they’d relocated south. Their primary means of nutrition and resources, the majestic mammoth, had become hard to find. It had been a struggle to make the adjustment to a new location and to, more devastatingly, give up their traditions hunting the legendary beasts. But eventually, with the assistance of the other Natu camps, they adapted to new sources of survival. They clung to their heritage fiercely however, choosing to take the name Mammoth Camp. When asked, every one of their members would answer their true hearths were in the old northern lands and swear to return there some sun. It wasn't hard to find those volunteering epic songs or tales concerning the great hunts for the massive beasts, stories which were among the most favored at Summer Gatherings.
It was occasionally discussed whether Mammoth Camp was really Natu, or more of an adopted camp. The subject was not brought up for any nefarious reason, but out of general curiosity. The common belief was that the Natu had once lived along the mild coasts of the Great Mother Sea. They had migrated away from that area after the Watchers had warned them of an impending great flood. As they settled on higher ground in the eastern regions, some of the indigenous tribes, impressed with their advanced technology, had accepted their intrusion into their lands with open arms, helping them identify the local flora and fauna and crossmating with their sons and daughters. Some tribes eventually joined their ranks as full-fledged camps. Mammoth Camp’s origins were thought to be similar. Indeed, some of their members looked so different from those of other camps - having paler skin and hair and lighter eyes - that Azerban always found himself easily convinced by the common line of reasoning.
With all gathered, Takur - now considered First among all Ta'araki - began solemnly. "Thank you all for coming. It is good to have so many present. It’s been too long since I've seen many of your faces." His words carried more meaning than just a simple welcome. Some of the more distant camps avoided participation as much as possible in the activities concerning the Great Temple, seeing little use in it. They made excuses for skipping certain rituals and sent only token work forces in the summer, even though most were within a sun’s journey. In fact, there seemed to be an inverse relationship between a camp's intensity of effort and their distance from the Temple, with the closer camps exhibiting more pride in the undertaking and the further out ones viewing it as little more than a burden. Takur was making sure everyone present knew he was keeping track.