“He won’t dismember you. No one would allow it. You’re an honored deputy war chief.”
Gosha gave Kallen a confident nod, which slightly unnerved her. She took a deep breath, pulled back the curtain, and stepped into the firelit warmth of the longhouse. Forty fires burned down the length, lighting each family’s compartment and reflecting from the faces of the council members. Matron Tila sat on the bench in the back wrapped in so many hides she resembled a fat furry animal, except for her pain-stricken face. Matron Kelek of the Bear Clan sat to Tila’s left, apparently holding her up. The other council members—Hiyawento, Zateri, War Chief Sindak, Matron Ganon of Turtleback Village, and Matron Kwahseti of Riverbank Village—were seated on mats around the fire. Kwahseti’s war chief, Thona, stood just behind her with his war ax shining on his belt. Next to him stood Negano, the chief’s personal guard. The sight of Atotarho made Kallen’s bowels go watery. A beautiful black ritual cape, covered with circlets of bone cut from human skulls, covered his twisted, deformed body. Gray hair, braided with rattlesnake skins, haloed his bony face. When he gestured at Hiyawento’s wife, Zateri, his bracelets, made of human finger bones, rattled.
Atotarho said, “You seem to have forgotten you are my daughter. Have you lost all respect for the elders of this nation?”
Matron Zateri calmly stared him straight in the eyes. She was stately, but unattractive. Her face was too round, and her front teeth stuck out slightly, but she had a powerful presence. “I respect those who obey the will of the people, Father. You consulted no one before you and your village council decided to raid White Dog Village. It seems to me it is you who has shown disrespect. Did you think the other village councils would not care?”
Atotarho’s eyes narrowed in anger, but his voice came out with deadly softness. “I expected them to be grateful. The destruction of White Dog Village has demonstrated to the Ruling Council of the Standing Stone nation that we will not be toyed with. Perhaps in the future they will not take our threats so lightly.”
Hiyawento said, “They did not take our threat lightly, Chief. In fact, I’m sure from High Matron Kittle’s response that they are already preparing for our attack. If we were wise, I think we would try to arrange a meeting to discuss the situation before it gets out of hand.”
War Chief Sindak said, “I agree with Hiyawento. We are standing on a precipice. Any wrong move now and we will all fall into chaos. Many lives will be lost.”
Matron Kwahseti tucked gray hair behind her ear and let out a sigh. “I am also forced to agree with Hiyawento. We should all take a step back. My village council is outraged by the attack on White Dog Village, and we will not stand by and be drawn into this conflict. We—”
Matron Kelek’s raspy voice called, “You would take sides against your own people, Kwahseti? You would fight against your relatives? How many times have we sent our warriors to protect your village from Mountain war parties? Hmm? How many times?”
Matron Kwahseti lowered her eyes in shame. “Many times, Matron, but—”
“There are no buts. Either you are part of this alliance, or you are not. Choose.”
Zateri softly said, “None of us should be forced to choose, Matron Kelek. But you are right. That is where we stand, as War Chief Sindak says, ‘on a precipice.’ Before we all push each other over the edge, let us calm our voices, and …”
While Zateri continued talking, Kallen eased up behind Hiyawento and knelt. The war chief was a tall man with sharp eyes and a hooked nose. Black hair brushed the collar of his buckskin shirt.
Without looking at her, Hiyawento asked, “This had better be critical, Kallen.”
“A Trader came through. He said he had a message for you.”
“Yes?” He still didn’t look at her. His gaze moved back and forth between Zateri and the matrons, judging their expressions. “What is it?”
“Odion wishes to meet with you in the aspen meadow at midnight.”
Hiyawento seemed to stop breathing. His eyes widened. He leaned closer to Kallen. “What do you mean? He’s here?”
“Apparently.”
“Dear gods, is he alone?”
“No, the Trader said there’s a woman with him.”
“A woman! Why wasn’t I informed immediately! They need protection. Organize six guards and meet me at the aspen meadow. Hurry.”
Hiyawento scrambled to his feet and strode for the door curtain. Everyone in the meeting stopped to stare. Leaving without the consent of the elders was considered a grievous insult to the council. Atotarho leaned back and glowered at Hiyawento’s back. Matron Zateri just watched him, concerned.