Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li - Brian Pratt [58]
“The lady has given you our token,” he says. “So you will not be immediately turned away. But whether you are allowed to live is up to our chief.”
“Live?” James asks.
He gestures to the southern ridge and says, “Our camp lies beyond the ridge. If all is as you claim, you have nothing to fear. If not, you’ll not live the day.” He speaks to one of the horsemen and he quickly rides off toward the southern ridge.
Turning his attention back to James, he says, “Now, if you’ll all mount behind one of my riders, we’ll be on our way.”
“It’s okay,” James assures Jiron and Miko. “I think we’ll be alright.”
As Miko is mounting behind a rider, he says, “I sure hope so.”
Once they are mounted, Therin leads them toward the southern ridge. It takes them a half hour to reach it and when they crest the top, James hears a gasp from Miko. Looking out beyond the ridge, he sees a vast circular valley, surrounded on all sides by mountains. James is reminded of a meteor crater, one must have hit here some time far in the past.
The valley is filled with tents and horses. Thousands of horses run free within the valley. “This is where the Clans gather each year to ready the tribute to the Empire,” Therin tells him as he rides along side of him.
“Tribute?” James asks.
“Of horses and gold,” he explains.
“How many clans are there?” he asks.
“Ten,” he replies. “But four have yet to put in an appearance. The Windrider Clan claims the gathering area as part of our territory, but during this time, all the clans are allowed to come.”
“I take it you don’t all get along?” James asks.
Shaking his head, he says, “No, not all. Most work together for mutual benefit, to make the clans strong.”
As they continue to work their way down the side of the valley toward the Gathering, James looks out over the tents, now able to discern the different patterns of the various clans, each clan having its own unique pattern of color and shapes. The tents, which at first looked to be randomly scattered about, can now be seen as being grouped according to each clan.
Near the center of the gathering, James can see tents bearing the pattern of the Windrider Clan. It’s by far the largest group of tents in the valley, probably due to the fact it’s their territory.
When they reach the edge of the gathering, others begin to notice them riding behind the clansmen and the word of their arrival begins to spread. A crowd gathers around them as they progress toward the Windrider tents.
Therin exchanges words with some as they ride but most are simply following along after to see what’s going on. Upon nearing the Windrider tents, James observes a clansman enter the largest tent and after a few moments, an aged man exits. Though he’s seen a few years, he still has strength about him and a commanding look.
“The Chief of the Windriders,” Therin tells him. “My father.”
Coming to a halt in front of his father, Therin dismounts and greets him with a hug. He then begins talking to him in their language.
James can hear their names being said during the course of the conversation. At one point, he holds up the token Lyria had given him and the Chief’s eyes widen and several in the crowd begin muttering.
Therin turns toward them and says, “My father would like to meet the friends of the Lake Lady.”
Dismounting, James and the others come forward. Giving him a bow, he says, “Greetings, Chief of the Windriders.” Miko and Jiron both bow just like they saw James do.
“Greetings,” the Chief says. “Never has the Lady given our token to another. This is indeed a strange occurrence, though what to do with you remains unclear. Outsiders are not allowed here, yet you bear the favor of the Lady.”
“Therin,” he says to his son, “find them a place to stay.” Turning back to James, he says, “When the moon is full, the meeting of the clan chiefs will take place. At that time, we shall decide what to do with you. Until then, you can move freely among us.”
As if that’s that, he turns his back upon them and returns within the tent from which he’d emerged.
Therin returns Lyria’s token to James