People of the Black Sun(23)
On the third ring of benches, to the west, a man stands up. I can’t see his face, but I know the way he moves. My father, Gonda, says, “May I be recognized, High Matron?”
Kittle nods.
Gonda hesitates for a moment, before he says, “I have spoken long and hard with my son. I may not agree with his method, but I understand his goal. Sky Messenger is no longer a deputy war chief. Instead, he has become a peace chief. One man, more or less, will make no difference to our survival here. I beseech the council to approve his mission.”
Conversations erupt across the house, forcing High Matron Kittle to lift her hands and shout, “Silence! This council is in session. Is there anyone else who wishes to address this matter?”
“I do.” Hiyawento rises. His gray cape, still blood-soaked from yesterday’s battle, sways around his tall body. His lean face is haggard. He turns all the way around, letting the crowd see him, and know him. He was born in Yellowtail Village. When he left to marry the Hills woman, Zateri, he was declared Outcast and a traitor. Yesterday, when Hiyawento and Zateri turned their forces against Atotarho’s army, they became the stuff of legend, heroes whose names will forever be spoken with reverence throughout the Standing Stone nation.
Hiyawento calls, “I have already discussed what I am about to tell you with Matrons Zateri, Kwahseti, and Gwinodje, and they have approved my request. As War Chief, I must lead my People home and make sure they are safe, but if this council approves Sky Messenger’s mission, I will finish my duties at Coldspring Village, and meet him on the trail to the east of Shookas Village. I—”
A mixture of clapping and cheers rumbles through the house.
High Matron Kittle lifts both hands and holds them in the warm firelit air until the disturbance dies down. Her beautiful face has gone somber. Firelight makes the yellow hawk wings around her collar appear to flutter. She says, “I assume that the assembled Hills matrons believe in Sky Messenger’s mission?”
Zateri answers, “We do, High Matron.”
Gonda calls, “If you please, High Matron, may I say that I think it will make an impression on the Landing People when representatives from both the Standing Stone nation and the Hills nation approach them about peace.”
Nods go through the chiefs and matrons, and spread to the crowd.
I dip my head to Hiyawento, thanking him. He gives me a small smile. We both know the Dream. We must face it together. I only wish Baji was going with us. If we had a Flint War Chief along, our peace delegation would be even more impressive.
Just the thought of her leaves my heart beating a dull staccato in my chest.
Blessed Ancestors, I need her. She is my strength.
Father continues, “I would ask one other thing, if I may?”
“What is it?” Kittle says coldly. She appears anxious, eager to end this council meeting so that village repairs can continue. She must be terrified every instant that we’re already being surrounded.
“I would ask that when Sky Messenger and Hiyawento decide to head for the country of the Mountain People—”
“If they make it that far,” Kittle says ominously.
“Yes, if they do, I wish to be allowed to go and meet them there. Other than Atotarho, I believe the Mountain People will be the greatest obstacle to our alliance, and I may be able to help win them to the side of peace.”
Mother’s face tenses. She takes a step toward Father before she catches herself. They have been divorced for twelve summers, and Father’s new wife, Pawen, is standing in the crowd behind him. Mother says, “Gonda, you know as well as I do that Yenda has been made Chief of Wenisa Village. Surely you do not expect to—”
“I do, in fact.” Father smiles broadly. “I’m looking forward to sitting across the fire from my old enemy—the man who destroyed Yellowtail Village twelve summers ago—and discussing peace.”
“He will laugh in your face,” Mother warns.
“Perhaps. Nonetheless, I understand him. I’ve fought against him often enough that I believe I know how he thinks, and therefore, I may be of use.”
Kittle massages her forehead. This must seem bizarre to her. She is desperately worried that the Standing Stone nation is on the brink of destruction, and she has three fools who, instead of planning to defend their decimated villages, wish to trot out, preaching peace to neighboring nations.
Kittle says, “There are two requests before the council. How do you cast your voices?”
Matron Daga immediately says, “No.”
Mother votes, “Yes.”
One by one, every other matron votes yes, including High Matron Kittle.
Kittle returns to Matron Daga. While the vote was being taken, Chief Yellowtail has been speaking with her in a low calm voice, perhaps explaining the benefits. Her elderly face has gone from fierce to resigned. She lifts her hand and calls, “High Matron, if you please.”