Sindak grabbed it and let her pull him to his feet. As he dusted away the old leaves and twigs that stuck to the wet leather, he said, “You’re faster than I remember.”
“A fact you’d be wise to ponder.”
He rubbed his aching throat, and turned to his men. “Never disobey one of Matron Jigonsaseh’s orders, or she will—without a shred of shame—publicly humiliate you before your friends.”
Several of his men broke out in laughter, shook their heads, and slipped their war clubs and stilettos back into their belts.
Sindak gave her a sly look from the corner of his eye. Both of them smiled faintly, remembering times past when they’d had similar discussions. Men expelled breaths. Expressions relaxed.
Sindak spread his feet and turned back to face his warriors. “As I was saying before the arrival of the only war chief I respect more than myself”—more laughter—“Negano doesn’t know which of our warriors pledged allegiance to our true high matron, Zateri. He doesn’t know who has given up and gone home, or who has fled into the forest to fill his belly before he returns to duty. If we can get into position tonight, we can use that against him.”
“Sindak,” Saponi said abruptly. Burly, with a pockmarked face and a nose like a flattened beetle, he looked uneasily at the other warriors. He was Snipe Clan. Interlocking green-and-blue rectangles ran across the middle of his cape. He had a rocks-rubbing-together voice. “You can’t go into that war camp. Negano may not know the identities of the men who joined you, but he does know for certain that you betrayed Atotarho. Every man saw you switch sides at the end of the battle and side with High Matron Zateri.”
“That’s right Saponi. I’ll remain in the forest, coordinating—”
“Respectfully, War Chief, you shouldn’t go at all.”
Whispers passed between his warriors.
Sindak’s expression tightened. “Why do you say that?”
When Saponi propped his hands on his hips in defiance, it caused his cape to flare and sway. He appeared hesitant to speak.
Jigonsaseh filled the uncomfortable silence. “I agree with Saponi. I know you wish to lead your warriors, Sindak, but it’s too risky.”
“Too risky?” he objected. “You don’t mind having me crawl around the base of Yellowtail Village while hundreds of Atotarho’s warriors are staring over the edge of the palisade at me, but you—”
“War Chief?” Saponi softly said. “May I speak with you alone?”
Sindak nodded, and the two men walked a short distance away. Sindak let Saponi talk while he listened for twenty heartbeats. Jigonsaseh caught the phrases “death would be devastating,” and “dishearten our men.”
Jigonsaseh strained to hear more. Saponi was right: Sindak was the one thing that held his men together. They fought for him—not for her, not for the alliance.
When Saponi stopped, Sindak’s mouth tightened into a line, and he grudgingly nodded. Loud enough for everyone to hear, he said, “I don’t like it, but I yield to your judgment.”
He started to walk back, but Saponi gripped his shoulder. “Now that we’ve settled that, I wish to volunteer for the duty. Allow me to lead our warriors. I’ll make certain the task is accomplished.”
Their gazes held. “I know you will.”
As they walked back, Saponi added, “Once you tell us what the task is, of course.”
Sindak stopped at Jigonsaseh’s side. When he shoved wet hair behind his ear, a black smear striped his cheek. Ash falling from the night sky blended with mist so that where it alighted on skin and clothing it ran like watery charcoal paint.
“Matron Jigonsaseh,” Sindak said, “tell us your goal tomorrow, and we will figure out how to accomplish it.”
She scanned the faces of his warriors, meeting each man’s gaze. From their expressions they undoubtedly thought she considered them as more expendable than Standing Stone warriors.
“First, let me make a few things clear. We’re fighting for more than the survival of the Standing Stone People, or the Hills People. We’re struggling for something greater. Sky Messenger’s vision of a Peace Alliance. We’re fighting for a better future for our families.”
Saponi spread his hands. “Matron, don’t worry. We’ll attack with all of our hearts.”
She gave him a smile filled with appreciation. “Saponi, you are a brave man. But I don’t want you to attack anyone unless you’re forced to defend yourselves. If everything goes well, no one—on either side—will die in this raid. If it goes wrong? Well, make your own decisions. Pretend you are Atotarho’s loyal warriors, blend in with his army or head home and find your families. Do whatever is necessary to stay alive. Does everyone understand?”