Page 123 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

Epilogue

The next morning, after signing the treaty and saying goodbye to Ghalin and Lelin, the tribes journeyed down the mountain together. When they reached the foothills, the western tribes split off to head home. Shuree promised them she would see them soon. The khans had agreed she needed to tour the ten tribes before the first summer gathering to lessen their people’s fear of change. And knowing what Lelin had said about her compassion spreading to the other tribes and enhancing peace, she had agreed.

She had told no one about what the dragons had given her, too uncertain about how it worked to put it into words. Besides, the risk was too great that it might scare someone and the peace would falter. Eventually, when she understood it better, she would tell the others, and hopefully by then Rhora would have been at peace for many years.

The other tribes accompanied her home.

As they rode closer, she noticed people rushing about, many of them mounting horses, ready to form a defence. She raised her hand. “Let me go on ahead. They look a little concerned.” She kicked her horse into a gallop and waved when she recognised Jambal standing guard.

“It’s Shuree!” he yelled and Amar rode out to greet her.

“Sister, you ride with more company than you did before.”

“They are friends, all of them.” She waved them to approach and scanned the warriors around her. This could be the last time they scrambled to defend the tribe. She smiled, pleased to be home. “Let us arrange a communal dinner so I can tell you everything that has happened.”

“Are you sure they’re friends?” He eyed Dagar as he rode up.

“I am. You’ve met my betrothed, Dagar.” She and Ogodai had haggled the groom price on the way down the mountain.

Amar’s mouth dropped open. “Your betrothed?”

“Yes.”

“But I did not approve it.”

“I am khan,” Shuree reminded him. “I do not need your approval.”

He scowled as they rode into the camp and Shuree showed the other tribes where they could set up their tents. Badma ran to her. “You’re back! How did it go?” She flung her arms around Shuree, and Shuree hugged her back.

“It went better than I could have imagined,” she whispered. “We are at peace. Gather everyone around the communal fire. We have a story to tell.”

Nergui was slower in her approach, but no less enthusiastic. “My grandchild, the Gods have answered my prayers to see you safely home.”

She squeezed her grandmother. “They have been listening to us both,” she said. “Permit me to introduce my betrothed, Dagar.”

Nergui hugged him. “Welcome back, Dagar of the Erseg tribe.”

Others did not appear as pleased, but they would learn soon enough that times had changed.

As the sun set, Shuree stood on the same stage where her tribe had made her khan. With her were the other khans, Ogodai standing side-by-side with Bat, his tall leanness in direct contrast with the rotund man, and Bat and Kublai were next to the Adhan and Tungat khans.

She introduced them and then announced, “The ten tribes of Rhora have signed a peace treaty. No longer will we fight amongst ourselves, killing and stealing. From now on, we will trade and help each other.” She explained the terms of the treaty and then Kublai stepped forward.

“We agreed there must be someone the tribes can go to if there are disputes, to prevent us falling back into old ways. We decided we must have a Great Khan, one person who can arbitrate disagreements.” He gestured to Shuree. “All of the khans agreed Shuree shall be our Great Khan.”

She blushed, still not used to the title as the reactions went from shock to pleasure, and then her tribe broke out in cheers. She swallowed hard and held up a hand for silence. “I am honoured by the title. It will be awarded each year at the summer gathering, but this year I shall travel from tribe to tribe so they may get to know me and not fear this change. I will take with me my betrothed, Dagar of the Erseg tribe, a man I chose, who is not part of the treaty agreement.” She wanted that clear. “In my stead I leave my brother in charge as he has led you over the past moon.” She took a breath. “It is now time to eat, but I hope you will make the khans, spiritual advisors and warriors feel welcome.”

She stepped down, pulling Dagar with her.

“I saw some unhappy faces,” he murmured, keeping his hand in hers.

But they were in the minority. “There will be a few. We shall stay here for a little longer so I can ensure there is no confusion about my orders and then we shall start our journey to the other tribes.”

“I shall look forward to spending more time in my new home.”

She turned to him then. “Do you mind moving?”

He shook his head, pulling her close. “I will see my tribe every summer and they are close enough for me to visit, should I wish to. It is you I cannot imagine living without.”

Her heart swelled. “We shall make our home together in the new Rhora.”

And they would prosper with the newfound peace.

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