Page 90 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

She stiffened.

“He will find out who did it and punish them. He has also spoken to those who kidnapped your women. They will not do it again.” His expression was fierce.

“Thank you.” There would always be people who broke the law and as much as she wanted to demand vengeance, peace was more important.

The communal campfire was on the south side of the camp. A number of people were already there, monitoring the sheep roasting on spits over the flames. Dagar introduced her to a small woman who had a grey streak through the front of her hair.

The woman beamed at her. “Welcome, Tribal Mother. Narangerel told me what you proposed. You have given so many of us hope when we thought there was none.”

Shuree’s heart filled. “Thank you. I am pleased others feel the same as I do.”

“Sit here and I’ll get you something to drink. You are our guest of honour tonight.”

Shuree glanced at Dagar and he nodded.

Another woman approached, twisting her hands together as she walked. Her eyes were red and her face splotchy. She’d been grieving.

“I heard you gave our dead a proper burial,” she said.

“That’s right. Our spiritual advisor said the rites and we buried the bodies together.”

Tears glistened in the woman’s eyes and she said, “Did you see my boy? He wore a carving of a wolf on his vest.”

Pain twisted inside her and she quickly got to her feet. “I did. I am so very sorry. He rides now with Qadan.”

Tears ran down the mother’s face and Shuree opened her arms as she would for any of her own tribe. The woman fell into them, sobbing. “Thank you. He was too young. He never should have gone.”

Determination filled Shuree. These deaths had to stop.

Even if she had to travel alone to each tribe and speak to them, she would bring peace to Rhora.

* * *

“This horse is for you.”Dagar led a chestnut horse over to where Shuree was saddling her own horse.

She sucked in a breath. The animal was two hands taller than her own, its glossy coat begging to be stroked. She ran a hand down its withers and felt the strong muscles underneath. It was made for speed and distance. “Thank you. She’s beautiful.”

“Leave your horse here. I’ll get someone to return it to your camp in a few days, but it won’t keep up with us and time is of the essence.”

It was. Even now her brother could be saddling his own horse to mount an attack. Shuree adjusted her sabre strapped to her waist, and mounted. The sun’s rays were peeking above the horizon. Dagar, Mengu, and three other riders rode out of the camp with her, along with extra horses for the Saltar messengers. They rode hard across the steppes, faster than Shuree had ridden before. The Erseg horses were indeed superior to their own.

By late morning, the Saltar camp appeared in front of them. Home. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she spotted children gathering horse dung for fires, and women beating wool to make felt. Such normal everyday activities. Shuree pulled up her horse and the others followed suit. She pointed to the west. “Your people are buried over there, but first we should go into camp so I can introduce you. I don’t want to have any incidents.”

They continued at a slower pace, until they reached the outskirts where a guard waited. Shuree grinned. “Greetings, Vachir.”

Relief flooded her friend’s face and his crooked grin was full of joy. “Shuree! I’m so glad you’re back.” He eyed the others. “Who have you brought with you?”

“This is Dagar, son of Ogodai Khan, and Mengu, the spiritual advisor of the Erseg tribe.” She introduced the messengers as well.

Vachir’s eyes widened. “Then I guess you had some success. Welcome. Your brother is in the khan’s tent.”

Shuree raised her eyebrows. “Has there been a ceremony?”

“Only the burial ceremony for the men Jambal’s family brought back.” He glanced at the Erseg men again and lowered his voice. “Amar was furious about your father’s body. He’s trying to convince the others to ignore your instructions and seek revenge.”

A quiet growl from Dagar and she held up a hand, her heart pounding. She hadn’t come this far to fail now. “I will find him immediately.” She turned to Dagar. “All of you, stick close to me. I’m sure this can be sorted out. Vachir, come with us. There is no need to fear an attack from the Erseg.”

Vachir followed them to the horse area and Shuree called over some youths. “Vachir, stay here with the Erseg messengers. Help them with the horses and then find them some food.” She turned to the youths. “Spread the word I have returned with some of the Erseg tribe. Tell everyone they are our honoured guests and under my protection.”

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