“Oh, you’d be surprised!” Old White brazenly walked up to the man, smiling as if at an old friend. “Perhaps, when we bring this all to a conclusion, you would join me for a meal? I’ve been thinking about that shell cup you showed me. Obsessed by it, actually.”
Great Cougar couldn’t stifle his laughter. “Seeker, you amaze even me. We’re here to talk war, not Trade.”
“Ah, but they’re the same, aren’t they? Each is but a method of obtaining something. In Trade it is Power, or an object. In war there is honor, land, revenge. One is white, the other red.”
Blood Skull glanced anxiously at Seven Dead. “Does he speak for us now?”
Old White waved him back. “Later, War Chief.”
“Where is Smoke Shield?” Great Cougar asked.
“Dead.” Old White made a dismissive gesture. “It seems that Power finally caught up with his scheming. It’s a tale for later, and one that tops all of my feeble attempts.”
“You asked for us, War Chief,” Blood Skull interrupted. He stepped forward. “I am Blood Skull Mankiller, war chief of the Sky Hand. This is my brother, Seven Dead, our tishu minko. What do you wish to discuss?”
“Where is High Minko Flying Hawk?” Great Cougar asked.
Before Blood Skull could speak, Old White interjected. “It seems that he took a bad fall this morning and bounced down the length of the Sun Stairs. The man never did seem to keep his mind on repairs.”
Blood Skull shot Old White an irritated look, saying, “The high minko’s body is being prepared for burial. A runner has been sent requesting that Sun Falcon Mankiller, of the Chief Clan, travel to Split Sky City as soon as possible. The Council would like to discuss the possibility of him assuming the high minko’s chair.”
Great Cougar shot a measuring glance at Green Snake. “I have been told that you are Smoke Shield’s brother. Wouldn’t you be the new high minko?”
Green Snake stepped forward, his preoccupation with the morning fading. “Greetings, War Chief. I am a Trader. Not a high minko. But it will be my honor to offer advice to whomever the Council confirms.” Then he smiled as if at an old friend. “It is good to see you again. I would compliment you: The charade at Feathered Serpent Town was brilliantly done. It would have worked, but Old Woman Fox was desperate to Trade for the return of her granddaughter.”
Great Cougar narrowed an eye. “I shall have words with the woman.”
“She did no harm, and served Power in her own way.” Trader waved in dismissal. “But I would take it as a personal favor if you would let her know that we shall be returning her Trade. We did not get the opportunity to use it as she requested.”
“You would return it?” Great Cougar asked. “Even given who you really are?”
Green Snake nodded politely. “I am bound by the Power of Trade. You received the White Arrow war medicine?”
“Gods!” Blood Skull spat, face darkening. He looked murder at Green Snake.
Great Cougar couldn’t mask a satisfied smile. “Trader, your actions on our behalf are worthy and appreciated. That is why we are talking now . . . instead of burning Split Sky City. Had Matron Morning Dew not insisted with such fierce determination—and threatened to walk off with half of my warriors—we would have charged across your flattened palisade at first light this morning.”
Blood Skull and the others gasped.
“Then the great Morning Dew serves all of us well,” Old White added. “But enough of blood and burning. Trader and I would like to offer restitution for the dead at White Arrow Town. As I understand it, Smoke Shield started this by acting like an arrogant fool last summer. If you will offer something to appease the dead at Alligator Town, we can make a satisfactory conclusion to the trouble between our people.”
Heron Wing saw Seven Dead place a restraining hand on Blood Skull’s arm when he started forward to protest. Behind her, the chiefs were whispering apprehensively.
“My warriors are hungry,” Great Cougar stated bluntly. “We expected to find food in Split Sky City.”
“That might be arranged,” Seven Dead said, stepping forward. “But, perhaps we would feed you here . . . a bit farther from the walls?”
“What’s left of them.” Great Cougar seemed to steel himself. “Before we go any further, there is something else. The other reason I have decided to talk before destroying you.”
Blood Skull continued to bristle.
“Easy, War Chief,” Heron Wing whispered.
“And that is?” Seven Dead asked politely.
Great Cougar raised his arm, and the warriors parted behind him. Morning Dew stepped through their ranks. Heron Wing recognized the beautiful dress she wore. It was one of her favorites.