War Of The Wildlands(63)

Sal lowered his bow and drew a dagger. He kept both eyes on Mi’tal and only glanced at the path ahead to be sure he was going the right direction. This man knew the camp was near, and if he decided to run, Sal would have to kill him. He would not fail Essa.

As they entered the camp, Essa strode over to meet Mi’tal. Being among the tallest of Wild Elf women, she stood equal to him in height. “Take his weapon,” she commanded. “Bind his hands as well. He doesn’t need them for speaking.”

Reylana grabbed the hammer and laid it next to a tree. Sal sheathed his dagger and bound Mi’tal’s hands with a thin strap of leather. Both of them remained close at hand in case Essa required their assistance.

“Why have you come here?” Essa asked.

“I have come on a mission from Prince Aelryk,” Mi’tal replied. “He has sent me to negotiate peace with your clan.”

“There are many clans here, not just my own,” Essa stated proudly.

Reylana stepped forward, her hazel eyes fierce. “The prince led the raid on the Sycamore Clan. He forced them across the river and threatened them if they did not comply.” She looked at Mi’tal and spat on the ground. “He doesn’t want peace. He wants obedience.”

“King Domren commanded that raid,” Mi’tal replied. “The prince had no choice in the matter. He spared your lives and moved your people to safety.”

“What if they had refused?” Reylana shouted back. “Would he have killed them?”

“He would have spared whoever he could,” Mi’tal responded.

“Silence!” Essa shouted. “I have heard what happened with the Sycamore Clan, and I have not decided about this prince of yours. He may be honest, and he may be laying a trap. Is there an army with you?”

“No, my lady,” Mi’tal replied, not knowing how to address the elf. “The king and his armies have no idea I’ve come. The prince himself has sent me.”

“You are brave to come here alone,” Essa said. “You were very lucky not to be shot on sight.” She looked over at Sal with a curious expression. “Some of our kinsmen are not as hostile as others, it seems.” Essa was a dedicated warrior, and she understood why Sal had stayed his hand. He had returned to his commanders for their decision before acting. She had no doubt that he would have killed Mi’tal had she ordered it.

“There will be trouble when Reylin returns,” Reylana said coolly. Her brother was not going to like having a Na’zoran in his camp.

“Reylin is not our leader,” Essa said. “There are other clans among us now, and they should have a say in any peace talks. Reylin will never talk peace. He sees only war.”

“Reylin has done everything he can for our clan, and he is the only leader we’ve had for months.” Reylana could feel the redness rising in her ears as she defended her brother. He and Essa did not get along well and had been competing for leadership since the Overseer was killed. Essa led the sword maidens, who were staunchly loyal to her, but many of the archers preferred Reylin to make the decisions. The two so far had managed to get along, but a rift could easily form should they find themselves unable to compromise.

“I don’t doubt his loyalty or his skill in battle,” Essa said in an unusually soft tone. “Reylana, you must realize that your brother’s behavior is unpredictable. He is not the right person to negotiate peace. I doubt he will ever stop fighting, even if a treaty were signed.”

Reylana stared at Essa and did not respond. She knew Essa was right. Reylin’s temper was uncontrollable, and his heart only lusted for revenge. If there was a chance for peace, Essa would be better suited to the task. She was a fair and honest warrior, and she loved her clansmen deeply.

“Tell me what this prince has to say,” Essa said, turning back to Mi’tal.

“The prince wants an end to the fighting. His father is determined to take all of the land east of the river, and someday he will also try to take the land to the west as well. Your people will be annihilated if King Domren has his way. You can help avoid this by ceasing to raid villages full of innocent citizens and helping us to find Princess Lisalla, who has disappeared en route to Na’zora.”

“Your princess is here with us,” Essa said. “She has not been harmed.”

Mi’tal’s face reflected his surprise. “She is Prince Aelryk’s betrothed, and he will give anything to have her returned safely.”

“How will he convince his father to stop fighting?” Essa asked.

“If you stop the raids and return the princess, it will be a show of good faith. The prince can prove to his father that you’re ready to negotiate, and the talks can begin.”