Page 110 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

Chapter 9

They set up camp on the far side of the meadow so the other tribes didn’t feel nervous about approaching. In the centre, they erected a pavilion with open sides where discussions could take place. The first tribe to arrive a day later was the Gertan tribe which bordered Chungson. Seven mounted people hovered at the edges of the meadow and Shuree walked over to greet them, unarmed.

“I am Shuree, khan of the Saltar tribe,” she said. “Thank you for coming.”

The man in front with a long moustache touched the hilt of his sabre. “I am Oktai, khan of the Gertan. You brought more people than you said you would.”

“No, I didn’t.” She smiled. “There are five tribes camped together. Please, join us.”

“Dragon!” A warrior lifted his bow and arrow towards Ghalin above.

“No, don’t.” Shuree flung herself at the man, pulling his arm down. “Ghalin is friendly. We have an agreement with them. Let me explain.”

The khan nodded, and the warrior lowered his bow.

“What agreement?”

We have permitted your tribes to stay in the meadow for your discussions, but no one may leave it for any reason while they are here.

The khan gasped, his eyes widening.

“That was my reaction too,” Shuree said. “Ghalin has given us one moon to resolve our differences. You can choose to camp with us, or choose another location in the meadow if you like. The pavilion is where we will hold our meetings.”

You have very little trust amongst each other, but we will not tolerate any fighting in the meadow.

“All right,” Oktai said. “We shall camp nearby.”

They rode past Shuree and chose a spot not too far away from the rest of the tribes. As she turned, Ghalin told her,Another tribe will arrive within the hour.

And so it went all day as the Danil, Marheg and Adhan tribes arrived. By nightfall, the only tribes not to arrive were the Erseg and Tungat. Tomorrow would be the full moon. Shuree found Dagar sitting by the campfire speaking with the Danil khan, Ulagan. “Excuse me, may I have a word with Dagar?”

The khan gestured for Dagar to go. Shuree walked with him away from the camp. Before she could speak, he said, “I don’t know why they’re not here yet.”

Her skin prickled. “What is your relationship with the Tungat tribe?”

“It is close. My father’s sister married their khan.”

So they were family. And if the two tribes decided to ignore the agreement, they could easily wipe out the khans gathered here. She’d trusted Ogodai, had believed his word, but it was difficult not to worry. She kept coming back to Dagar’s suggestion. Gan could have ridden straight to the Erseg and spread lies.

“Perhaps Ghalin can tell us where they are,” Dagar said.

He might also be able to sense their intentions. “I’ll see if I can contact him.” Before she could walk away, Dagar grasped her hand.

“I am sure my father will not go back on his word.” His thumb rubbed the back of her hand. “Surely you realise I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. I care for you, Shuree.”

She closed her eyes, glad of the darkness around them. “I told you I can’t be distracted.”

“What about afterwards?” he asked. “After this gathering, when peace has been achieved.”

She paused. “Do you really believe peace is possible?” She heard the uncertainty in her voice. She had to stop showing her vulnerability to him.

“I do,” he said. “We already have eight tribes willing to try. If Ghalin can find my father, and the Tungat, we will know for certain all will be here.”

There was so much at stake. “All right.”

He tugged her closer. “When this is over, I will return to our discussion about how I feel about you.” He kissed the back of her hand and then rejoined Ulagan.

All the tribes sat around the large camp fire. Initially it had been the spiritual advisors who had approached each other, wanting to meet others like themselves. Then Turgen had spotted the Danils’ superior wooden bows and asked about them, and soon they were intermingling, though each person was armed. Their level of defensiveness had lowered as they had all contributed to a communal meal. They were one people and it warmed Shuree even as she was troubled by Ogodai’s tardiness.

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