Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li - Brian Pratt [63]
Abula-Mazki stares him down, never once blinking or glancing away.
The Chief of the Sunset Hills comes to his feet and stands between them, “Enough! We are not here to fight amongst ourselves but to decide what to do with the outlander.” Pointing to James he continues, “It first must be decided if he and his friends are to be allowed within the Gathering without penalty of death.”
Both Abula-Mazki and Therin’s father look away at the same time as several of the other chiefs begin speaking out in agreement of the Chief of the Sunset Hills’ statement.
Resuming his seat, Therin’s father says, “So be it. Who believes they should be granted safe travel?”
Six chiefs raise their hands. “And who believes the Token means nothing and they should either be executed or given over to Abula-Mazki?” Four hands go up.
“It’s decided then,” he says. Looking to Abula-Mazki, he says, “They are granted safe passage through our lands.”
Face burning with anger, Abula-Mazki’s eyes practically spark with pent up rage. “So I am to be denied?” he cries out to the assembled chiefs. His anger and rage roll over those in the tent like a red tide.
“As long as they are in our territory,” Therin’s father says, “yes, you are.” When he sees how dark his anger is, he adds, “Harm them in our territory, and you break the centuries long peace between us.”
He turns and gives James a look of naked hatred and anger before stalking out, the air practically sizzling with his rage.
Therin’s father turns to James and says, “You are granted safe conduct within our lands, and none here will gainsay that. It is the will of the council. But once you leave our lands, you leave our protection.”
“I understand,” James says. “And thank you.”
Therin gives the council another bow and again, James follows suit. He then turns for the exit and James follows him as he leaves the council tent.
“You probably better leave in the morning,” he tells him as they walk back to his tent.
“Will we be safe here until them?” James asks him.
“Yes,” Therin replies. “He dares not violate the Treaty.” Sighing, he continues, “I really didn’t think they’d go against him. I’m surprised so many voted in your favor.”
“Why?” he asks.
“Even though you bear the Token of the Lady,” he explains, “we really dare not anger the Empire, their might is too strong. But many saw this as a chance to strike out at the Empire, even in so small a way.”
“Your people don’t care for the Empire?” he asks.
Shaking his head, he says, “No. The Tribute takes too many of our horses and goods every year. We are honorable people, or at least most of us are, and so we abide by it.”
“Maybe some day you can be free of them,” James says.
“It would be a good thing for our people,” he agrees. “But until that day comes, we must do what honor dictates.”
They come to James’ tent and he lifts the flap and enters. He stops suddenly when he sees only Jiron sitting there on the floor.
Jiron looks up as they enter and asks, “Isn’t Miko with you?”
Worry comes over James as he replies, “No, he isn’t.”
With confusion on his face, Jiron says, “Two warriors came and said that the council had requested his presence, so he went with them.”
“The council made no such request,” Therin tells him.
“Then who came and took him?” James asks.
Anger suddenly blossoms upon Therin’s face as he replies, “The Grey Wolf Clan no doubt!” He spits on the floor as he begins pacing. “Since they can’t move against you or it would violate the Pact, they’ve arranged for you to move against them.”
“You mean they’ve taken Miko to cause us to go after him and break the Pact?” James asks. “So we’d be given to that warrior priest?”
“It would seem so,” he replies.
“Damn!” curses James.
“Are we going to tell the council?” Jiron asks him.
“Tell them what?” he replies. “We have no proof other than your word which will not be believed over that of one of us. You can be sure the Grey Wolf Clan will deny any involvement in this.”
“So what are we to do?” James asks.
“You