Rain Bear raised a fist. “Refugees flooded in all day yesterday and for most of the night, fleeing your attacks. Do you—”
“I want to speak with my slave,” Ecan rudely interrupted. “Alone.”
Ecan’s son gripped his father’s war shirt and stared blindly at Talon as a deafening roar of disbelieving voices rose from the crowd.
Someone shouted, “There are tens of us! Let’s kill them!”
Rain Bear swung around, but saw only a swimming sea of hateful faces. “Stay where you are!” he ordered. “Ecan and his party are under my protection until we’ve finished speaking! Back away!” He signaled several of his warriors.
Shouts and curses rose as they used their spears to move people back.
A small smile curled Ecan’s lips. He petted his son’s hair, but said nothing. Something wiggled and whined inside the pack on the little boy’s back. A puppy?
Evening Star shook her head, stepping forward. She seemed to have found her control. “We will speak here, piece of filth. Where all can hear, and where no warrior will sneak up and slip a stiletto into my back.”
Blessed Spirits, she was beautiful. Her long red hair hung in thick waves to her slender waist, and she had skin like white chalcedony.
Ecan tapped one of his warriors on the shoulder, and the man opened a space in the protective circle. Ecan and the boy walked through. The Starwatcher bowed respectfully. “Slave, I come at the invitation of Matron Weedis to attend the Moon Ceremonial. That is all. Since I must pass through Rain Bear’s village, I came to ask his permission. Did you tell these people I was going to attack them?”
She nervously wet her lips. “Where are the rest of your warriors?”
“I thought it might be provocative to arrive with such a large party. I told no lie when I said they were on their way to Fire Village.”
“More like Antler Spoon’s village,” Talon muttered under his breath. “Which is close enough that they could double back and strike us at any time.”
Ecan’s green gaze shifted smugly to Talon. “Then I’m sure your scouts will give you ample warning, War Chief. All the more proof that my story is true.” He sniffed in derision. “My slave, here, wouldn’t know truth if it caressed her in the daylight.”
The hissing of the crowd grew louder, and people began to glare at Evening Star, as though angry that she’d lied to them about Ecan’s intentions.
Evening Star shot Rain Bear a pleading look. “Don’t let him pass. He’s not on a holy mission.You must believe me.”
Before Rain Bear could respond, Ecan said, “As you see, she knows nothing about me or my plans. We stand here at your mercy, Rain Bear. Would I bring my son into the middle of a battle?”
Rain Bear glanced down at the frightened boy. What man in his right mind would place his only son at risk?
Ecan added in a bored tone, “You may kill us, or respect Matron Weedis’s wishes and grant us permission to attend the sacred rites at War Gods Village.” He tilted his head, eyes narrowing. “What kind of message would that send, hmm? Killing the Starwatcher on his way to conduct one of the most sacred rituals in your calendar?”
The refugees began shouting, “Kill him … . Kill them all!”
Rain Bear lifted a hand, and the angry voices dwindled. “We will allow you to pass, Starwatcher.” The crowd roared. “We will even send a party of warriors to make certain you arrive at War Gods Village in safety.” He smiled. “After all, it is a sacred ceremony. We would want nothing to jeopardize it.”
Rain Bear turned and, one by one, singled out several warriors. They trotted forward, following his signals to surround Ecan’s party. He could sense the humiliation and anger boiling up within Evening Star. She perplexed him, and just looking at her, he could see her trembling with hatred and desperation.
The Starwatcher watched suspiciously, as if trying to read what might lie between them. Layers upon layers, that was how his mind worked. “That is very kind of you. Now, if you do not object, we will be on our way. I’m sure your villagers wish us to leave as much as we do.”
Rain Bear stepped close to Ecan. “Please do not make me regret this. If anything were to happen to mar the Moon Ceremonial, I would take it as a personal affront.”
The threat in his voice was clear for all to hear.
Ecan nodded obligingly. “It is my great respect for you that has brought me here today.”
“Then perhaps you have a dose of wisdom in addition to audacity.” He turned to the lead warrior. “Running Cat, collect their weapons.”
“What?” Ecan stiffened.