“It’s not that.” How could she explain? “Knowing I can protect myself gives me strength. I can protect my grandmother and any children nearby, freeing the warriors to fight those who attack us. I don’t like feeling helpless or reliant on others.”
“I can’t imagine you ever being helpless,” he said.
A flush of warmth spread through her. Dagar knew all the right things to say. Many of the single men in the tribe had seen her as a way to get closer to the khan, and not as a woman in her own right. Though perhaps that was Dagar’s aim too. Now she was khan, he would have a position of power as Tribal Father if she was to marry him.
Her face heated. Not that she was thinking about him in that way. He was simply an attractive man who was being kind to her. The silence grew between them and she had to say something. “Thank you.”
“Your people have a lot of faith in you. They want peace as much as you do. It surprised my father and brother to discover how many others in our tribe agreed with you.”
She entered her yurt. “Did it surprise you?”
“Yes. My whole focus was on protecting my people. It didn’t occur to me there might be a better way.” He studied her. “I’m glad there is.”
“Me too.” She strapped her sabre to her belt and then retrieved her quiver of arrows and her bow. “Do you want to find Mengu?”
“I’d like to watch you teach.”
His presence would be a distraction, but she could deal with it. “This way.”
Across the camp, the group of women Shuree had taught last time had grown. Amar and Gan wandered over with a couple of their friends.
“Are you trying to get all the women to take on men’s roles now, Shuree?” Gan ran a hand over his bald head and then adjusted the sabre at his waist.
Engaging him would only rile him further, so she ignored him.
“We’ll continue with shooting today,” she said. “The bow maker is making you all your own bows, but these are built for men, so they may be a little tricky to draw back initially.” She demonstrated how to hold the bow and notch the arrow. “Sight the target and pull back.” She released her arrow and hit the bullseye.
They had three targets to work with, so the women lined up and took turns. Shuree monitored their grip and aim, correcting their position, offering suggestions for improvements. Some couldn’t pull the arrow back far enough so it had enough speed to hit the target, and some of the women’s aim was off.
Gan laughed and plucked some grass off his dark tunic. “They’re terrifying. I’m shaking in my boots.” His sarcasm was clear and Badma flinched.
“Ignore him,” Shuree said as she corrected her friend’s elbow. “You will improve.”
Dagar stepped forward. “May I help teach? You can’t correct everyone at once.”
She smiled. “That would be great. Thank you.” She stepped back so he could help Badma and went to the next woman.
“What’s he doing?” Gan exclaimed.
“Helping,” Shuree replied. “Which is what you could do rather than stand there being insulting.”
“You’ve turned into one of them, haven’t you?” Gan demanded. “A couple of nights in the Erseg tribe and now you think they’re better. Did you hump all of them or just him?”
Amar leapt to his feet, fury on his face and Dagar spun around, his fists clenched.
Shuree held up a hand to stop them from responding and stalked over to Gan. “I’ve had enough of your attitude. Give me your sabre.”
The man glared at her.
“I am your khan and you will obey me.”
He glanced around as if looking for support and found none. Slowly he undid his sabre belt and handed it to her.
“Now you can help the children gather horse dung for the fires.” At the look of absolute outrage on his face, she continued, “When you stop acting like a child, I’ll stop treating you like one. Now go. I want to see what you have gathered when I finish here.”
She waited, heart racing, until he shifted and then strode away, muttering curses under his breath. She exhaled quietly and then turned back to the woman she’d been helping. “Shall we continue?”
Later that afternoon Shuree left Dagar talking with their horse master. She wasn’t sure how much Dagar could tell him about why the Erseg horses were so much stronger and faster, but she liked that he tried.
She needed to find Amar and speak to him about Gan. Vachir intercepted her, concern covering his face.
“Gan has been trying to convince the warriors that Amar would make a better khan.”
She sighed. “Are many listening?”
“Mostly his friends. Some tell him to be patient because they don’t believe you’ll return from the khan gathering alive.”
Surprise made her laugh. “Well, that would certainly solve the problem.”
Vachir grabbed her hand. “Don’t laugh. I heard someone suggest they kill Dagar which would stop the Erseg from wanting peace.”
Goat dung. “Thank you for telling me. I was on my way to speak to Amar. Will you keep an eye on Dagar? He’s with the horses.”
Vachir nodded. “Good luck.”
She was going to need it. She found her brother sitting at the table in their tent, a drink in front of him. “We need to talk about Gan.”
He looked up at her and sighed.
“Did you know he’s trying to convince the warriors you would be a better khan?”
“I can’t stop him voicing his opinions,” Amar replied, shifting in his seat.
“But you can tell him you’re not interested.”
“You want me to lie to my best friend?”
Shuree stepped back, shocked. “You still want to be khan?”
Amar shrugged and played with the cup in front of him.
“Amar, talk to me. This is serious. The fate of our people lies in communication, trust and peace.” She sat next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
He shifted away. “It hurts,” he said. “That everyone chose you and not me.”
Her heart went out to him. “They didn’t choose me, they chose peace. If you had offered it, they would have chosen you.”
“You can’t guarantee peace.”
“No, but I can guarantee I’ll try. Our people want change.” An idea popped into her head. “Have you visited the families of the grieving yet?”
“You did that.”
“It’s not a one-off thing, Amar. As Tribal Father you need to continue to nurture them. It has been almost a week since the raids. Go to them, see how they are coping, find out if they need anything and talk to them about what they want.”
“I wouldn’t know what to say.”
“None of us do. Take Nergui with you. She will be able to help.”
He sighed. “All right.”
If that didn’t change his mind about fighting, she didn’t know what would. “Amar, you need to talk to Gan. He’s also been suggesting someone kill Dagar.”
The surprise in his eyes soothed her. “What?”
“He sees it as a way of ruining our truce. You need to talk him out of it, or at the very least, keep a close eye on him.”
“I will.” He sipped his drink. “Gan was ropeable when he overheard the girls talking about the way Dagar danced last night.” He rolled his eyes. “A few want to marry him.”
Unwelcome jealousy surged through her and she forced a smile. “Then our attempts at peace may still work.” She touched his arm again. “I really need your support, Amar. The gathering of the khans is a turning point, but we need to get there first.”
Amar gave her a small smile. “All right, little dragon. You’ve convinced me. I’ll keep Gan in check.”
Her heart squeezed as he hugged her.
She hoped he was telling the truth.
A quarter moon later, Vachir ran up to Shuree as she was heading for the training ground with Dagar.
“Shuree.” He placed his hands on his knees and panted before pointing to the east. “Riders a
re coming.”
She exchanged a glance with Dagar and they moved as one to the outskirts of the camp. Perhaps half a dozen riders moving at a trot towards the camp. Around her warriors gathered with their weapons ready.
“There is no need to panic,” she called. They were probably members of the Bulgat or Horkham tribes. “Shall we ride out to greet them?” she suggested to Dagar.
He nodded and they mounted two horses and trotted out.
As they drew closer, she recognised the short, rotund man at the front. “It is the Bulgat tribe,” she told Dagar and raised a hand in greeting.
Bat Khan raised his hand in response and Shuree’s nerves settled. When he was close enough she said, “Welcome, Bat Khan. I am pleased to see you.”
His eyes flicked to Dagar and then back to her. “Shuree. I hear you are the new khan. My condolences on the loss of your father.”
The jolt of loss was one she was getting used to. “Thank you. Permit me to introduce Dagar, son of Ogodai Khan of the Erseg tribe.”
Bat grunted. “I never thought I would see the day when we rode side by side.”
“It is a new world,” Dagar agreed. “One which we hope will prevail.”
They entered the camp and Bat greeted those he knew. Shuree showed him where they could set up the tents they’d brought with them and invited them to her yurt for refreshments. Before they could settle, the Horkham tribe arrived and Turgen strode into her yurt, his orange tunic almost offensively bright.
“Don’t mind me,” he bellowed, pouring himself a drink.
Shuree smiled. “Turgen Khan, welcome to my yurt and my tribe.” She introduced Dagar.
Turgen studied him and then turned to Shuree. “You’d better tell us why you think this ridiculous proposal of yours will work.”
Shuree chuckled, not the least bit offended. Turgen was mostly bluster. She’d always enjoyed seeing him at their yearly summer gatherings. If she could convince these two men, they were well on their way to peace. “It will work, because we all want it.”
A few days later the Kharil representatives rode into camp with Kublai Khan at the front, his thick, bushy beard resplendent.
Shuree invited the khans and spiritual advisors to dine with her along with Amar and Dagar. With members from five tribes, they represented half of Rhora.
“I want to thank you all again for coming,” Shuree began. “It is heartening to see we are not the only ones who want peace.”
Kublai held up his hand. “We have come, but we have not decided our stance yet,” he said. “Peace is a lofty goal but so is trust.” He glared at Dagar.
“Perhaps we can start by discussing what we each want,” Dagar said. “That way we will have an idea of what we can offer each other.”
Shuree nodded. “The Saltar tribe wish to live in peace, without fear from raid. We would like to trade with other tribes and learn from them. The Erseg horses are of fine stock and the Bulgat tribe have access to eagle feathers for arrows.” She smiled. “I would also like more marriage between the tribes. When you grow up with the same people, it can be difficult to see them as a spouse.”
Bat laughed. “I agree. My tribe is far healthier and happier since we began our yearly gatherings.” He glanced at Shuree. “I was disappointed you turned down my son.”
She flushed.
“Will others agree to trade when they can simply take it?” Turgen asked.
“I believe so,” Dagar said. “I am not sure what the catalyst for the raids was. It must have been so long ago to have been forgotten from our memory.”
Mengu spoke. “I have spoken with the other spiritual advisors and we all agree the Gods are ready for our fighting to end. As long as we control our tempers, we believe the khan gathering will strengthen this land and make the Gods happy.”
They spoke into the night, debating and negotiating. As they finally left the yurt, exhaustion blanketed Shuree, but she was full of optimism. Amar hung back.
“I owe you an apology, Khan,” he said. “You were right to hope, right to try something different. I haven’t seen these men so animated in a long time.”
She beamed at him, filled with relief. He had finally come around. “Thank you, brother. I would like your help in choosing the warriors to come with me,” she said. “We must choose those who support our aims, but I am wary about leaving those who disagree behind without a strong leader to prevent them from spreading dissent.”
He pursed his lips. “Gan is still making trouble, isn’t he?”
She nodded. Though he hadn’t been vocal in front of her, others had told stories of the lies he was spreading.
“I’ll have another word with him.”
“Thank you.” She hugged him. Now he had given her support, she knew what to do. “I will leave you in charge when I go to the mountains. You will be able to temper disputes and ensure my wishes are carried out.”
Amar smiled. “I’d be honoured.” He left, disappearing into the darkness between the yurts.
“Do you truly trust him?”
Shuree jumped at Dagar’s voice and turned to find him waiting beside her door. She placed a hand over her rapidly beating heart. “I do. Can I help you with something?”
“I have seen Amar speaking with Gan and it does not appear as if they are arguing. It surprised me he didn’t defend your honour more when Gan insulted you.”
“I can defend my own honour.”
“And yet it is also a man’s duty to defend those in his family.” He stepped closer. “If I wasn’t aware of how tenuous the trust is between our people, I would have beaten him until he had no more teeth.”
In the light shining through her open door, his eyes were dark, anger simmering in them. A shiver went through her. He could be a very dangerous man. “I am not your family.”
The intensity in his gaze took her breath away. “You are my hope… my people’s hope for a better future.”
She stepped closer, drawn to him. “Do you believe we can achieve what we want?”
He nodded and brushed a stray hair from her face. “There is something about you… I’ve not seen it before. Every khan in there let you lead the discussion, showed you utmost respect even though you are female and the first female khan any of the tribes has had in living memory. You inspire confidence and trust.”
Pleasure and embarrassment swept through her and she glanced at her feet. “I was merely foolish enough to try something different.”
Dagar lifted her chin. “I have spoken with the warriors who came with their khans. They all told the same story. The moment the women of their tribes heard what you had proposed, they all stood in support of you. In the Horkham tribe, the women stopped cooking and cleaning for the men, and wives wouldn’t sleep with their husbands until they took your proposal seriously.”
The feeling of his warm touch lingered on her chin. He was seducing her with his words.
No, she couldn’t let it go to her head. Other tribes may not agree.
“Let’s hope I can inspire the same in the remaining tribes.” She stepped back, forced a smile. “I must get some sleep, so if there’s nothing else you want?” She lifted her brows, waiting for his answer.
“Just one thing.” He pulled her close and his warm lips covered hers.
Chapter 8
Shuree froze as her mind caught up to the fact that Dagar was kissing her. His lips were warm, gently brushing her mouth, and with a groan, she kissed him back. Hot, tingly sensations spread through her body. She’d been kissed before, but not like this. Not with so much intensity, Dagar’s firm arms around her, him controlling every touch. She wanted more from him, but suddenly Gan’s words sprang to her mind. She stepped back, pushed him away, catching her breath. “We can’t do this.”
“Why not?”
She shook her head, trying to clear it. She wanted to step forward again, into his arms. Instead she stepped back, into her yurt. The walls gave her strength. “There’s too much at stake. I can’t afford to be
distracted.”
He shifted, and smiled. “Isn’t the point of the exercise to improve relations between our tribes?” he asked. “What better way to show you mean what you say?”
Shuree stiffened. “There are people in my tribe who already disagree with what we’re attempting. If they see me kissing you, they’ll think you’ve seduced me, think I’m not capable of leading, think I’m weak and easily led.”
“There are those who already believe that,” he said. “Why should we let them stop us? I admire you greatly.”
He truly didn’t understand how much more her actions would be judged because of her gender. “I can’t risk it.” She reached for the door. “Don’t kiss me again.”
The door closing shut off anything else he might have said. She exhaled and closed her eyes.
In any other situation she would follow her feelings, but she didn’t dare now.
Out of everything she had done, everything she was attempting, why was this the most difficult?
“We should hold a wrestling tournament tomorrow,” Turgen announced a few days after the Kharil tribe had arrived. “Our warriors are getting restless and it’s best they are kept occupied.”
“Good idea,” Kublai responded. “Where’s the best place, Shuree?”
“I’ll get Amar to arrange it,” she replied. Everyone enjoyed watching the tournaments which were held at the summer gatherings and it would be nice to have a day spent outside.
The next day, the sun shone brightly as most of the tribe gathered on the outskirts of camp. Shuree had let Amar choose the Saltar warriors who would take part and Gan was among them. Gan shouldn’t be rewarded considering the unrest he was spreading, but perhaps Amar believed it would allow him to let off some steam.
Someone had erected pavilions for shade around where the wrestlers would fight. She joined the other khans and Dagar in the centre one from where they could see all the matches.
“Dagar, you should take part,” Bat said, clapping Dagar on the shoulder. “You’re the only Erseg warrior here, and my men need new challengers.”
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