by Linda Mooney
“Who’s that?” a voice asked at her elbow.
Atty glanced at Paas, whose eyes were wide with wonder, as well as no small amount of fear. “That’s Memnon, Fortune and Tory’s son. Don’t worry, Paas. Everyone here is an ally.”
“Yeah, I know, but they’re all…”
“Strange looking?” Atty smiled.
Paas tossed her an apologetic grin. “Sorry. It’s a bit…disconcerting at first to see all the…abnormalities.”
“Yeah, well, now you know how I felt when I saw those other tribes when they attacked yours. Especially the guys in the body paint who wore those animal heads like hats.”
Paas chuckled at the memory. “The Kintucks and Orlins can appear pretty fearsome. I’ve fought them for years, and the sight of them still sends shivers down my spine whenever they attack.”
“Atty!”
She barely had time to turn around when a giant of a man engulfed her in a warm embrace. “Twoson, it’s good to see you!” She laughed at the man’s look of surprise when he noticed her bump.
“Another little battle prince on the way?”
“More like a battle princess. You’re looking well. Still head of the council?”
“Among other things. Come on.” The Mutah gestured at the group. “Let’s go to the meeting lodge where it’s warmer and discuss why you’re here.”
“What? I’m not allowed an occasional visit to one of my territories without it being questioned?” Yulen jested.
Twoson rubbed the side of his nose. “I sense an ulterior motive, Battle Lord. That and…” His eyes jumped to the people he was unfamiliar with.
Yulen paused for introductions. “Twoson Pike, this is Zane Batuset, Battle Lord of Foster City. The man beside him is his second, Dardin Tabb. Our traveling physician is Dr. Fergus Thrasher. And the young woman beside my wife is Paas. She’s from the Lanta Tribe out east.”
This last caught the council head by surprise, and he addressed Paas directly. “There are compounds out east?”
“You remember when I went missing last year during one of my hunts?” Atty asked the man. “Paas found me and took me in. She saved my life. When Yulen rescued me, she and Cole… They became a couple, but Cole felt it was his duty to remain with Yulen.” Atty gave the woman a warm smile. “Love won out. Paas came to Alta Novis to be with him. And I feel very fortunate to have gained a good friend and excellent hunter.”
Twoson noted the markings on the strange woman’s face, including the little nose ring, and nodded. “You fit in with us,” he simply said, startling Atty. When the man turned to enter the lodge, Yulen bent to whisper something in Batuset’s ear. Atty made a note to ask him about it later.
They took seats in the audience as other members of the council sat around the table located on the small stage in front. Twoson, being the head, sat directly in the middle. Others from the compound filed in, filling the lodge until people were forced to stand along the walls. Atty noted how she was triangulated in, with Yulen to her right, Paxton to her left, Mastin directly behind the battle lord, and Paas next to him, behind her. Renken sat beside Paas, completing the protective circle. She wanted to tell them she was perfectly safe within her old home compound, but decided not to argue the point. They were doing what they felt was right. The thought pleased her.
“All right. This meeting will come to order.” Twoson pounded his meaty fist on the table, then addressed the battle lord directly. “You asked to consult with the Council of Elders?”
Yulen stood. “I did, your grace.”
Atty tried to hide her smile. Technically, because of the treaty, Wallis flew the half-red, half-blue banner of Alta Novis. Which meant Yulen could, if he demanded, be totally in charge of this gathering. But she knew that part of the treaty included allowing each Mutah compound to continue governing themselves by their own system. The battle lord would only intervene if he felt there was an immediate need to do so, such as the threat of a preemptive attack or other dangerous situation, which couldn’t wait for any long decisive measure.
Yulen continued, and Atty took the moment to study the council members’ faces, including the crowd.
“I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but Alton Highcliff, Battle Lord of the Rocky Gorge compound in Corado, has invited me and Fortune Batuset, Battle Lord of Foster City, to attend a summit conference. From what we understand, they want my testimony and possibly my assistance in extending further treaties between Normal and Mutah compounds.”
“We haven’t heard of this conference, D’Jacques. Personally, it sounds like a great opportunity to provide guidance and establish more such treaties,” Twoson said. “Is that the purpose of this visit? To inform us of this summit? Or is there another reason?”
“My reason is twofold, your grace. I want you and any representatives you choose, to accompany us to Corado. To be a voice for the Mutah. I have reason to believe no Mutah compounds have been invited to attend, and it’s imperative that other Normals are aware of the type of governing system you use. There are a many factors to initiating a treaty, and if they are to be accepted and work, both parties need to be familiar with each other’s customs and traditions.”
Yulen glanced down at Atty. “The battle lord is aware of our marriage, but it won’t be enough to sway the diehard disbelievers. They need to talk with you. They need to witness firsthand your intelligence and strength of character. I will be the first man to admit I had no knowledge of how similar my people were to yours. Not until Atty showed me.”
“Let me see if I got this straight,” one of the council members spoke up. Atty didn’t recognize the man, which meant he must have moved to Wallis after her departure. And if the man was one of the elite council, chances were he was one at his old compound.
Yulen nodded once. “And you are?”
“Berris Dullay. You want some of us to go with you to this Normal compound?”
“That’s correct.”
“How far away is this place?”
“From here, six to seven more days’ journey northward, then west.”
“Can you guarantee our safety in the presence of the Normals?”
Atty felt a tenseness blanket the crowd. They trusted Yulen not to harm any of them, but their trust did not extend to all compounds under Normal rule.
“No, your grace,” Yulen admitted. “But I will do what I can. I also promise to try and maintain order, and come to your defense if there is a threat.” He held out a hand to encompass the others sitting around him. “You have our word.”
Dullay nodded, making the skin flaps cresting his bald skull bounce up and down. He coughed, then wiped his sweaty face with a limp handkerchief. “D’Jacques, I have heard much about you.” He pointed to Atty. “I’ve heard even more about you, Atty. And although I feel your intent is worthy, I am very reluctant to risk our lives on the basis of your promise. I vote we don’t send an envoy.” He slapped the table for emphasis, and leaned back in his chair.
Twoson glanced at the other members sitting on either side of him. “That’s one vote nay. What say the rest of you? Raise your hands if you also vote nay.”
Atty watched in astonishment as the other councilmen raised their hands. All except for Twoson. She started to get to her feet to protest their decision, when a strong hand pressed down on her lap.
“Let it go, Atty,” Yulen whispered.
“But—”
“No.” The word was final, allowing for no argument.
Atty clammed up. There had to be a very good reason for her husband not to push the issue, but her people’s refusal stung her pride. She was left with glaring at the other council members and mentally accuse them of cowardice. A loud clearing of a throat jerked her attention back to the center of the table.
Twoson drummed his fingers for a few seconds. When he finally spoke, he stared directly at Yulen. “The council has spoken. However, their decision may be final, but so is mine. I will accompany you to Corado as a representative of Wallis
and our Mutah community.”
The lodge erupted in protest and cheers. It was obvious the people were split as to whether or not anyone should go with the battle lord to such a faraway location, especially if there was no guarantee they would survive the trip. Yet there were those who were tired of being oppressed, of always having to hide what they were. They were the ones who believed the only way to overcome decades of hatred and misunderstanding would be to side with the battle lord.
Yulen stood and faced the noisy crowd, waving his hands for quiet. The people continued to protest the council’s decision, until Twoson also called for calm. Slowly, the bickering subsided, allowing him to speak.
“Friends, whether you agree or not with our decision is a moot point. I am willing to try and bring about a more lasting peace between us and the Normals. Please accept my decision and theirs. And wish us good luck. D’Jacques?”
Yulen pivoted around, waiting for the man to continue.
“I’m placing my faith, and those of Wallis, in your hands. When do we leave?”
Yulen looked to Atty, who shook her head.
“If we may camp here tonight, at first light tomorrow.”
Twoson nodded. “You are welcome. Now…who’s up for a celebration?”
Chapter Nine
Smell
“This place knows how to throw a party.” Thrasher walked over to where the battle lord stood near a large tree. “I just have one question.”
“Shoot.”
“What are we celebrating?”
Yulen snorted. “Our arrival was reason enough. But I’d like to think they’re trying to put a good luck whammy on the possibility of more treaties.”
Thrasher mused over the comment. “I hope you’re right.” He gave a glance at the contents of the mug the man held in his hand. “Is that beer?”
“It’s lemon verbossa.”
“Verbossa? Never heard of such a thing. Any good?”
“It’ll knock you on your ass after two sips. Half a mug will throw you under the table.”
The doctor grinned. “And what happens after you finish a full mug?”
Yulen shrugged, keeping a straight face. “I have no memory of what I did afterwards.”
Thrasher laughed aloud. “Sounds like my kind of brew. Are you able to point me in the direction where I can get some?”
Yulen gestured toward a small knot of men near the outdoor tables where they’d been served their meal. The physician thanked him and ambled off.
“D’Jacques?”
Yulen turned around to find Berris Dullay studying him. With darkness fallen, and the Mutah’s back to the large bonfire where a wild pig had been roasted for dinner, it was difficult to read the man’s face. Dullay took a few steps toward him. He suddenly paused, averted his head to hawk and spit, wiped his mouth on his coat sleeve, then held out a hand to shake.
“I don’t want you think I have any hard feelings about my vote today,” the man told him.
“You have the right to your opinion. Just like I have the right to know you’re wrong. Mind if I ask you a question?”
“You want to know why I objected to attending the summit.”
“Actually, I’d like to know where you’re from.”
Now that the Mutah was close enough to observe, Yulan caught his surprised expression.
“I’m from Denam. It’s in the Oka territory.”
Yulen made an appreciative face. “That’s quite a ways. What brought you to Wallis?”
Dullay’s eyes narrowed. “Is this an interrogation?” The man’s unexpected switch from cordiality to apprehensiveness put the battle lord on alert.
“No. Just a friendly question. I didn’t recall seeing you during my past visits. I figured you were new to the compound.”
Dullay retreated a little, but his guard remained up. “I moved down here last month.”
“Last month, eh? Well, welcome to Wallis.”
The man suddenly turned and walked away without a goodbye, leaving Yulen with more questions than answers. The sound of someone sniffing behind him caught his attention.
“He smells.” A loving figure moved up next to him, draping an arm about his coat at waist level.
“That’s not all that smells,” Yulen muttered.
Atty wrinkled her nose. “That’s not what I meant. He’s putting out a sickly odor.”
“Maybe he just needs a good hosing down.”
“No. I’m telling you, it’s not that kind. It’s not body odor. It’s something else, but I can’t put my finger on it.”
“The man has a head cold.” Yulen glanced at his hand that had shaken Dullay’s. As a precautionary measure, he poured a little of the verbossa over it, hoping the high alcoholic content of the drink would kill any germs the man may have transferred to him.
“What did he say to you? He didn’t look too happy.”
“Actually, he started out being quite pleasant. He apologized for his decision not to attend the summit, and for the way it swayed the other members of council.”
“He started out?”
He nodded. “Then I asked him where he was from. He acted as if I’d questioned his integrity.”
“Oh? Did he tell you where he’s from?”
“The Oka territory. A month ago.”
He waited for her reaction. He wasn’t disappointed. Atty’s eyes widened, and she stared in the distance at the figure gradually disappearing into the evening shadows.
“And he’s a council member?” she remarked.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, my love, but to be a council member here who wasn’t voted in by the local populace, wouldn’t he need to be a council member at his old compound?”
“Of course. At least, I think so.” She nodded her head emphatically. “But…he’s only been here a month? A month?”
“Is that a problem?” He had his own speculations, but he wanted first to see if their thoughts were on the same road.
“If he’s a council member up there, why did he move down here? Most council members I’ve known have waited years for the honor. And once they’ve achieved it…” She glanced up at him. “I wonder how Twoson verified his claim.”
“Guess we’ll have to ask Twoson. As you’ve probably noticed, Dullay was very reticent about answering any further questions from me.”
“Speaking of, I got another question for you.”
“Ask away.”
“Earlier, I heard you mention something to Zane about Paas. When we were entering the meeting lodge.”
“It was because of something Twoson said to Paas.”
He watched her search her memory. “You fit right in. He told her she could fit in with us here. I guess because of her tattoos and hair color and all.” Atty bit her lower lip in that way that made him want to kiss her. Instead, Yulen took a last swallow of what was left of the verbossa in his mug. Although the drink was chilly going down, it managed to warm his insides.
“I told him we’d have to be extra careful about Paas when we reached Corado. Fortune can pass as Normal, now that his tail’s been docked. But you, Paas, and now Twoson will need additional protection.”
“But Paas isn’t Mutah.”
“I know that. But at first glance, do you think others would think so?”
She had to agree with him.
“I’ll have a talk with Cole and Fortune before we leave in the morning,” he added.
“Okay. I’ll speak with Warren and Garet.”
Thrasher walked up to them, his nose buried in his mug of verbossa. His gate was already somewhat unsteady.
“That’s some good drink,” he grinned, peering one-eyed into his mug. “I spilled a little on my pants. Hope it doesn’t burn a hole through the fabric.”
“You were warned,” the battle lord wryly remarked.
“Fergus?”
“Yes, m’lady?” The physician gave Atty his best undivided attention.
“The council member named Berris Dullay.”
&n
bsp; “The gentleman with the rooster comb on his head?”
“Yes. Him. Would you do me a favor and check him out?” Atty requested.
“You have to be more specific, Atty. Check him out as in how? You want me to give him a physical, or what?”
“He smells.”
Thrasher stared at her. “And?”
“I think there’s something wrong with him,” she insisted.
“He has a cough. He’s been sneezing. And he has the sweats,” Yulen added.
“Sounds like a cold, but it could also be an allergy.” The physician nodded. “Can never be too careful these days. Unfortunately, I have no jurisdiction in this compound to request that he come see me. Much less order him to remove his clothing so I can poke and prod him.”
Yulen corrected him. “Actually, you do. Wallis is flying my banner, which gives me ultimate control if I wish. For the safety of these people, including their health, I can have anyone I feel might pose a threat quarantined until they’ve been diagnosed. If Atty says he smells, then maybe it’s worth checking out.”
Atty put a hand on her husband’s arm. “Considering how he refused to answer your questions, he may balk if he thinks he’s being given a command.”
“Good point.”
She turned to the doctor. “Why not check with Gilter? He’s our physician here in the compound. Let him know your concern, and see if he can examine Dullay. The man may not object if the compound’s doctor makes the request. In the meantime…” Atty returned to Yulen. “You can grill Twoson once we’re back on the road.”
“Which won’t be soon enough,” the battle lord admitted, glancing up at the evening sky. “The verbossa is already affecting my thinking processes. Either I hit the hay now with the intent of sleeping it off, or I can pass out heaven knows where until someone finds me and wakes me up.”
Atty laughed, her breath misting in the night air, and took his free hand. “This way, husband. You can do both in my tent. Goodnight, Fergus. And watch yourself with the drink.” She giggled again as she led Yulen toward the blue and silver structure erected near the tall oak tree located at the opposite end of the compound.