Page 89 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

Chapter 5

It was mid-afternoon before Dagar returned. Shuree had tried to sleep, but Dagar’s question about her brother looped around her mind. Would Amar honour her agreement? She had to believe he would decide this was the best course, but seeing their father’s dismembered body might spur him to action. Hopefully, her brother was occupied burying the dead Yesugen and Tegusken had returned. Maybe Erhi or Nergui could talk some sense into him. If not, then she had at best another day before they would attack the Erseg.

Her skin prickled. Please, ancestors, give him patience. Don’t let him ruin this.

“Shuree?” Dagar’s call outside the tent was a welcome distraction. When she opened the door, the expression on his face gave nothing away.

“Has the council decided?”

He nodded. “Come with me.”

Her chest tightened. This was it. As she walked back through the camp, her hands were clenched and she relaxed them. Whatever happened, she had done her best. She was proud of that.

Ogodai’s tent was still full of the same people. She stood at the end of the table and inclined her head at the khan. Dagar stood next to her.

“Your proposal has opened many old wounds,” Ogodai said. “We have lived in distrust of our southern neighbours for so long, it is difficult to overcome it.”

She waited.

“Many of my people believe your proposal is a trap, but more of them agree it is time to stop fighting.”

Hope stole her breath and she met Ogodai’s grave expression. He wasn’t happy and the concern for his people was clear. She felt the same way.

“So we agree to a temporary truce,” he said. “We feel it is best not to risk antagonising the other tribes by agreeing to peace with only the Saltar tribe. We believe your suggestion of gathering all ten khans together is the best outcome. Our spiritual advisor, Mengu has spoken with the Gods and they have proposed the Dragon Mountains as the meeting place as it is neutral ground, not part of any tribe. We will meet in the low meadow on the night of the full moon, two moons hence. Each khan may bring their spiritual advisor and five warriors. We must start slow, engender trust, before we meet in any large numbers. We will contact the Adhan and Tungat tribes and you will contact the tribes to the east. To the tribes to the far west, we will both send messengers.”

Ogodai wasn’t after discussion. If she didn’t agree, they would refuse any further talks. Fortunately, it was a good proposal, though members of her tribe would argue it might leave them vulnerable to attack while the khan was gone. “Agreed. I will return to my tribe to inform them and then we will contact the other tribes. Should we perhaps send our messengers together to the tribes in the far west? That way they will see the truce is already working.”

“A good suggestion,” Ogodai said. “I will send three riders as well as Dagar and our spiritual advisor with you.”

She blinked in surprise, but pleasure filled her. Showing her people the Erseg were so similar to them would hopefully help them accept the proposal. “When do we leave?”

“First light.”

Would it be soon enough? But suggesting her brother might not obey her commands would lead to more distrust. She smiled. “Thank you for this opportunity.”

He scowled. “You will come to the communal dinner.”

She wasn’t sure whether he disliked negotiating with a female, or whether it was because she was Saltar, but it didn’t matter. They were getting somewhere. “I would be honoured.”

He glanced at his son. “Take her to the campfire.”

Dagar took hold of her arm and his light touch sent a shiver through her. When they stepped outside, he asked, “Are you happy?”

“I am optimistic,” she said. “We have a long way to go, and the other tribes may not agree with us, but it is a good start.” She glanced at him. “How do you feel about it?”

“I am pleased. When will you send word to the tribes to the east?”

She bit her lip. They only met with them once a year, and they had their gathering last moon. It would take time to reach them and she couldn’t send a simple messenger to them. It had to be someone who agreed with the gathering and who could convince them to come. “I will send some trusted men as soon as I return.” She wanted to go herself, but it would be wise to stay close to her brother.

“My father has ordered me to stay by your side until we reach the gathering.”

It was the only way to gain their trust, but she wished it didn’t send such a thrill through her.

“And I will get you a better horse so you can keep up with us.”

She smiled. “Thank you. Could my tribe have three more for the messengers I send to the eastern tribes?” They would be faster.

“I will speak to Father about it.” Dagar stopped walking and faced her. “I told the khan about what happened to your father’s body.”

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