Record of Lodoss War Fansite.

Archives: A New Balance

Chapter 20: Wildlands: The Tribe

    The fractured party followed Ultarik’s guidance along an almost non-existent road. In fact, it was little more than a game trail, but he was leading them almost directly southwest. A low lying range of mountains lay before them, which they would probably reach the foot of by evening. The Luboruza range was little more than high hills, like the range they had passed through where the mantises attacked.

    Anisa had noticed ravens again, on and off during the trip. Flying overhead, or perched in trees and bushes as they passed. She had become very paranoid by now. Was someone watching them? Were the two monster attacks really just the price of crossing the Wildlands? Just where did Ultarik get that map? His original explanation at camp two days earlier was very suspicious now. The half-elf’s ears were alert, her rolling, graceful stride was dangerous and ready to spring at any moment.

    Ooke kept pace, while humming a low dwarven war tune. He pulled out his book and began studying the pages as they walked. There was no better a time for him to brush up on his clergy especially now that the entire party already knew.

    Toan quietly kept up with the party, leading his horse on foot by the reigns. Nearly everyone seemed on edge, and for good reason. Even he became a bit agitated as he became aware of Ooke humming, and anxiously rubbed the silver bangle bearing a representation of Marfa under his sleeve. He began to hope that they would really regroup soon and remove a few from their ranks, as much as he hated to admit it. They were already a shoddy foundation with their group and the real meat of the journal hadn’t even started.

    Ultarik lead them along holding his horse by the reins, unaware of Anisa’s suspicion he followed the directions on the map. The ravens did not disturb him at all, as he had one thought on his mind. A reunion that was promised should he succeed, he could once again be happy. Kaladron had been generous, but after this what would he make them face next? If it involved magic he was weak, he would find it difficult. Having a priest of Kardis with them did not bother him, the dark priest would be no trouble if he was treated with respect.

    “What is the name of that tune, it’s quite nice?” Ultarik spoke as he looked back to Ooke for a second, he was trying to make an effort to get along with everybody.

    Ooke paused for a second and took a quick glance around. “Lord Adoril Dagarkin the Much-Feared,” Ooke replied. “He was a great Dwarven fighter who protected the great stone city, so lore has it.” Ooke found it comforting that someone actually was talking to him and not in a violent manner.

    They’re warming up to you again, his mind echoed.

    “They were never warm to me in the first place,” Ooke said very softly in reply. He then returned to his studies and humming with a bit of warmth in him.

    Granite kept pace with Toan. She definitely wanted to keep her distance from Ooke, and she felt closer to the dark elf than anyone else, aside from Alm. Toan was such a kind person, despite what his races was renowned for.

    After walking in silence for so long, Granite finally spoke up to Toan after hearing Ultarik speaking to Ooke about a dwarven tune he was humming. Every dwarven trait that heretic showed made Granite just a little sick. “I’ve been second guessing leaving home ever since last night,” she murmured to the dark elf.

    Anisa strolled along near Ultarik, walking with her graceful, rolling gait. While some of her companions were worked up over Ooke, she wasn’t one to judge him. She couldn’t imagine she was in Falis or Marfa’s good graces either. Not that she cared much about gods. So far, her attention to Brahms changed little from the day before, despite what happened the night before. She wasn’t done with him though, and if she had it her way, it wouldn’t be the last time they were together.

    Alm had stayed quiet, an unusual event for the usually talkative grassrunner. He was watching his companions, watching their reactions, their movements and their expressions. His lips curled with an insidious smile, his eyes took on a dark gleam. If things would go as planned, this would be the last time he would see Brahms alive. The clever grassrunner had lost to his darker impulses and the more authoritative side of the young fay took over. He would murder the useless one in his sleep, and soon after he would selectively kill the others who stood in his way. There was no reason to keep fools around that wouldn’t listen to his inherent wisdom, even if half of it was psychotic or delusional ramblings of a shattered brain. “One death meets blood, one man meets death, upon the row of bones, our companions fall bereft. Speaking of the dead, long since have they passed, our keepers secret life, a thing which kills quite fast. Horror of the shaken bones, heathen words of wisdom’s scorn, call us to this very night, the child of the broken horn.” Alm muttered under his breath. His poetry wasn’t for chipper ears. With a crooked smile on his lips he burst out laughing and pointed at Brahms. {“First,”} he spoke in grassrunner.

    Anisa only heard bits and pieces of Alm’s ramblings behind her. What she did hear was several mentions of death and morbid themes. Her ears swiveled to try and hear more. Anisa glanced back at the grassrunner curiously. Damn, he’s one crazy little bugger, she thought.

    Alm’s dark impulse flooded Ooke’s mind. I know there is more to that grassrunner then meets the eye. He’s up to something, something dark. Ooke’s mind would feed on these words until it knew what was happening. Ooke put his book away and glanced over at the rest of the party, taking an extra eye full of Granite. He then turned to Ultarik. “I’ve come across many a warrior in my time but, never one who looked as troubled as you. I wonder if with the time we have, you would share with me what burden, plagues your mind?” Ooke asked the silent warrior.

    Ultarik looked to Ooke and broke his silence, he was not doing this for them and maybe the dark priest might understand why. He kept his reply brief as for the moment it was best, so nobody knew. “I’ll tell you what I can, when we have the time and are not continually on watch for trouble. They don’t trust you, maybe you can tell me more about things on your end too then.” He then went back to his silent watch, as they traveled.

    Fenix’s nerves were already shot to blazes, and Ooke’s tune didn’t help them any. When Alm said something he couldn’t understand, he just looked back at the Grassrunner with raised brow. He understood several forms of languages, but unfortunately Alecrastian was not one of them. “Strange little poem, grassrunner. Did you write that?” he said idly, giving Alm a sickeningly sweet smile before turning his attention back to the road ahead. He had no intention of traveling with several of the companions once they reached town. Toan, Anisa, Granite... it would cut the party in half, but he had a feeling that the chances of survival would actually increase because of it.

    Alm grinned, baring his little teeth. It seemed his poem that he meant to mumble had attracted attention from the human he wished to slay. “Yes, I wrote it myself. I write all my poems myself, I can do that, you know. It’s part of being a lyrical person, we tend to speak in rhyme and riddle to confuse and disorient people.”

* * *

    While the party traveled onwards, a swarm of giant ants were busy devouring a dead deer. The workers had been stirred into a frenzy as they quickly stripped the carcass into pieces. The deer was nearly gone, but they would soon have fresh meat.

    The swarm was hidden in the deep grass, but a soldier guarding the workers sensed the approaching party. It couldn’t be certain if the people were a threat to their meal, or a potential meal, but it wasn’t going to take any chances. It quickly went to gather its comrades, then led three others to investigate.

    As Ultarik approached the hidden swarm, the three soldier ants emerged from the grass and snapped their jaws menacingly. Their bodies were raised high, ready to fight. It was their first intent to scare away the intruders, but if they proved aggressive, the rest of the ants would be warned and swarm the party.

    “Whoa...” Fenix said, holding his horse back. He was ready for another fight, although he eyed them warily. They held back, it was defensive. Seemed that way, anyway. “I don’t think we should attack. Since when has anyone here seen only three ants?” Taking a step back, he motioned for the rest of the party to do the same. “We’ll just have to find another path. I’m not in the mood to see how many giant ants we can come across.”

    Ultarik looked around, three of them were here. Stepping back he looked to Fenix and nodded, they would have to find another route. “Let me see the map, if there’s another route it should be marked on it. If not then we’ll have to make our own, but let’s not try to disturb them.”

    Just as he spoke, Nyghtwalker reared up and a hoof slammed into one of the ants. Ultarik worked to calm him down, but he looked down at the ants. Now things had gone from bad to worse, and this was not good.

    Ooke watched the situation before him. He knew they were about to face shear numbers and it could very well overwhelm the party. Rather the pray for rage to imbue the party with exceptional strength, he laid down his hammer and rested upon it. He would wait to see what the very next step would be. Keeping one eye on Ultarik and focusing on assisting him.

    Blessed with rage, Ultarik would become an unstoppable force. His other eye on Coras, his shear willpower alone could bring the party through any swarm.

    Once Nyghtwalker stomped on one ant, another reared up and snapped its jaws while the third ran off into the grass. Seconds later, the grass was rustling all along the side of the road.

    “Shit!” Anisa spat. She drew her blades, then slashed the ant that stayed behind. Its exoskeleton proved far softer than the mantises. However, it seemed as if sheer numbers could overwhelm them.

    The ants emerged from the grass and swarmed towards the group. There were far too many to count.

    Ultarik knew that they could not run from such numbers, but they would be hard pressed to defeat them in battle. To him this would be a situation that if they lived would mean they all could handle this, his horse however was still nervous and he had a thought. “We may not be able to run from them but maybe we can clear a path, cut a straight line through and keep moving. Though it looks like we have no choice but to fight, unless somebody else can come up with a solution.” That was his best suggestion, and his horse might be able to trample a good portion of that path while moving.

    Granite’s eyes went wide at the flood of ants that emerged from the grass. Near the rear of the group, where she was, more ants surrounded them from behind. “Alright, lets run!” she agreed with Ultarik. With a growl of a battle cry, the dwarf woman charged forward, swinging her mace and cutting a path through the ants.

    Ooke gripped his hammer tightly wish both hands and began to chant in dwarven tongue, {“I have hidden the secret of powerful runes, strong runes; now face them in my mighty hammer as I curse you fowl insects!”} A dark glow flowed through Ooke’s hammer as he cast minor curse through it on to anything it hit. He then followed Granite’s lead clearing the path.

    “Then it’s set, keep close everybody. Don’t stop moving at all, we’ve got to keep them from filling any gaps.” Ultarik then got onto his horse and moved forward, guiding him to trample and crush any that got in his way. At least they could get past the ants without trouble now, sometimes all it took was the logic of a warrior to get out of tight spot.

* * *

    Nuan watched, as did his brothers. The strangers were greatly outnumbered and had no hope of beating the ground-crawlers. They were a strange lot, but seemed to be holding their own for the moment, even if they had been ignorant of the signs of this being ground-crawler territory. The skinny tribesman looked at his more muscular companion and whispered, {“Ehini? Do we help them or leave them to fend for themselves?”}

    Ehini bit his lower lip and pulled a pair of sticks from his pouch. He began preparing some of the habba herb from his belt pouch and spoke in a near grating voice, {“We help them. We know not if they are lost or simply traveling through. I need flint and metal, ground crawlers hate the smell of habba and that’s the only thing that will drive them away.”}

    Nuan didn’t like it, outsiders couldn’t be trusted and those who had been encountered before were in rare circumstances, but Ehini was the elder warrior and his word carried weight. The younger tribesman turned to the other six men who watched and waited with them and instructed them to do the same. They pulled sticks with torch like heads from their packs and prepared to burn the habba herb.

    Once the torches were lit, Ehini put a cloth to his face, tying it at his mouth and nose. He launched from the place where he and his companions had been watching. {“Remember, we only get rid of the ground-crawlers. If the outsiders wish to speak, let me. I know some outsider speech but not much.”}

    The tribesmen moved, out shouting and yelling as they waved their torches at the ants. The strong, pungent smoke and the mint-like smell seemed to permeate the area, and for long moments nothing seemed to happen, but soon the creatures began to retreat as the habba herb’s fumes began to have its effect on them.

* * *

    Anisa hacked at the ants as she tried to clear a path. Their numbers were overwhelming, and she would need a moment to create a spark so she could summon Salamander. She swung her swords and kicked at the ants. A few bit and stung at her, but they weren’t able to penetrate her leather boots. However, the horses were in trouble. Their legs were unprotected, and a few had been stung.

    Suddenly, men were shouting and a thick fog of smoke rolled over the road. The smell was strong, causing Anisa to cough and cover her mouth. She looked down at the ants to see them scurrying away. “What the bloody ‘ell?” she murmured, then looked at the men who were running towards them and waving torches. She thought the Wildlands were uninhabited, but hopefully these people wanted to help.

    She waited patiently, covering her mouth. “Ahoy there!” she called to the men, her voice muffled by the back of her hand.

    Ultarik had been riding his horse pretty fast, but the swarm did not clear. With his horse being bitten he realized this was not working, then a cloud of smoke rolled over. Partially choking on the smoke Ultarik covered his mouth and nose, also reaching forward with some cloth over his horses muzzle. “Who are they? I didn’t know this area was inhabited. Anisa, let us know what is going on. I’ll go and check on the others, see if they’re alright.” He was a little surprised, but still, he was trying to do his best, making sure the others were alright. He let Anisa do the talking.

    Alm, for the most part, was spaced out during the encounter. When his nose caught whiff of the smoke he choked, suddenly coming to. Dazed, he looked around trying to catch his bearings. “Where are...?” The grassrunner stopped speaking for a moment and sighed. “Never mind.”

    Coras surveyed the short lived battle in silence. There were people out here, other than them. Treasure hunters like ourselves? Or just natives? Either way, Coras stayed back. When Alm came to out of his daze he looked fuddled, but quickly caught his bearings and left it at that. Coras sighed and continued to stay silent. There was little need for words right now, what was needed saying was already said.

    The haze rose to meet Ooke’s face, which slowed him down a bit. He began to take notice that the ants were clearing away as the smoke got stronger. Ooke then stopped and listen as Anisa called out. He prepared himself in case of a battle with the on comers and waited for a reply.

    Ehini watched as the last of he ground-crawlers fled. The strangers were safe for now at least, and the habba herb’s fumes would ensure that no other creatures would return for quite some time.

    The tribesmen quickly extinguished the torches they had used with water from their water skins. Nuan touched his friend on the shoulder as a female in the midst of the strangers spoke. It wasn’t what she said, but her appearance. She was stunning to say the least, but it was her ears. Nuan noticed that two others bore similar features, a smaller figure and another male. It was clear, they were spirit touched. {“Ehini look at her! She...she’s spirit folk. She has to be, and those two others as well. The strangers...they are...sacred beings.”}

    The leader of the tribesmen scouting party looked and nodded with widening eyes and he understood one thing, she was greeting them. To ignore a greeting from such beings was paramount to insulting and would court disaster.

    Ehini moved closer and held his hands where they could be clearly seen. He spoke, using the language of outlanders, “Yes sacred one? I am called Ehini. You are in the outermost borders of the ‘people’ and I bid you welcome and greetings on behalf of my tribe. Please, allow me to extend the hospitality of my tribe. We can provide food, drink, shelter and whatever else you might require.” The tribesman bowed his head low as he conversed and never once met her eyes, almost kneeling while the other tribesmen did likewise. It was an offer of hospitality and he prayed to his ancestors he’d made a pleasing enough offer.

    Crushing one of the ant’s skulls in, Fenix was a bit happy that their carapaces were softer than the mantises. He was more happy when they were driven back. Watching the newcomers approach, he gave a brief nod. Still, the offer seemed a bit early, but if they knew this area well enough, he wasn’t about to pass up the chance to get out of this monster infested area. “Your lands? Well, I’m not going to pass that up...”

    Toan had decided to keep an eye on Granite and Alm both during the scuffle. With smaller bodies, the ant’s poison would effect them much more, he figured. Not only that, but Alm seemed... not himself, or at least somehow different from before. Seeing as how the smoke had saved him, he put his sword away and turned to check on Alm. “Hey,” he said, patting the grassrunner’s shoulder. “You alright? You look out of it.”

    Toan’s ears perked at the sound of the men talking. He wished he knew their language, but they were so reclusive that he’d never had a chance to pick it up. At least one of them knew their language. “Heh,” he chuckled. “That guy thinks Anisa’s a holy creature...” He kept his distance though, not sure if the spirit-folk status applied to dark elves or if he’d be interpreted as a demon.

    Anisa raised an eyebrow and glanced over her shoulder at her companions, as if checking to see if they really meant to call her ‘sacred one’. Assuming that meant that they wouldn’t dare attack her, she sheathed her sabers. “I can’t say I e’er been called ‘sacred’, but whate’er ye say. Thanks fer the ‘elp,” she replied to Ehini. The half-elf glanced back over her shoulder to ask her party their opinions.“What ye think, mates? Ye want te take advantage o’ their ‘ospitality?”

    Granite’s brows furrowed as she watched the natives and Anisa. It seemed they were big fans of elves. What did they think of dwarves though? Perhaps she’d have to play the part of Velfur again to avoid stirring any fear in this secluded culture. Her armor hid any hint of her feminine curves.

    The dwarven woman stepped up to Anisa’s flank, waiting for a reaction. If they assumed she was male, she’d go with it. If they were observational and unsure, then she would introduce herself as female.

    Alm moved closer to the newcomers. Anisa was getting somewhat friendly with them, and they seemingly ignored poor Granite. The grassrunner puffed up his chest before speaking. “Hello there, if you think Anisa is some sort of holy one, then I must be a freaking god.” Alm licked his hand and stuck it out towards the supposed leader. “I’m insane—er—Alm.”

    Ehini looked at the grassrunner with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. The woman spoke strongly and seemed to have a level head on her shoulders, but this one caught the tribesman off guard as he considered what the custom of licking his hand was. Not wishing to insult them, the scout leader nodded then reached out and clasped the Alm’s hand at the wrist, held it securely then spoke, “Insane-Er-Alm, who licks his hand. Know that you are welcome as well. I know not what a ‘god’ is, if you mean spirit, then I would think you and your fellows are Spirit Touched. The Sacred One there, she is spirit folk as our legends say of the long ears. But, enough talk of such things. Come, we shall take you back to our village where you may all eat, drink and rest.”

    Ehini released the grassrunner’s arm and gathered his other tribesmen. He turned towards Anisa and spoke again, “Follow us please, Sacred One.” Then he and the others broke into a trotting run as the warriors headed through the tall grasses back towards their home.

    Ultarik followed them along with the others, these people seemed quite superstitious but friendly. The group needed some safe refuge, they all lived through everything as he had hoped. Maybe Kaladron would have new instructions for him after this, he took a brief check for the raven that was always nearby to guide him in case they got lost. “Anisa, maybe we could ask them for help guiding us safely the rest of the way. Who knows what will happen next, though my axe and my blood craves for more battle after this brief respite.” He was not at all tired of the battles, if the others were then they had their reasons. To him this was truly a test of his skill, and as a warrior this was something most jobs never really gave him the chance for.

    Anisa scratched her head, shrugged, then followed Ehini. I guess elves are sacred, she thought. Turning to Ultarik, she shrugged again. “Mebbee, tho’ we ‘aven’ ‘ad any trouble dealin’ wit wot we be meetin’ so far. Sure, we lost a ‘orse, but not many o’ us have suffered more than superficial injuries,” Anisa replied.

* * *

    Ehini ran along with Nuan and the others as they led the strangers back towards the village. The tops of yerts could be seen in the distance before they arrived, and as they grew closer, Ehini turned and spoke to their guests, “You are welcome here. Our chief, Britos, will wish to speak with you and offer you the hospitality of our home.”

    When the reached the village, it was abuzz with men, women and children that ran past playing. Tents with cone-like structures were arranged in a circular patter allowing a single path into the village and it was nestled by a small running stream with fresh water. Several warriors gathered with spears and Ehini spoke to them quickly in a strange language and they lowered their weapons.

    Several women, men, and even children gasped pointed and then knelt in supplication. Women with long raven dark hair and deep brown skin exited from two large tents and food and drink was presented to the party. Each of Ehini’s people were simply dressed, the men wore leather vests or simple long loin cloths and the women wore tops and a skirt.

    A low hush came over the gathered tribesmen, and a young man with long, curly raven tresses exited a larger tent. He wore a stylish loin cloth and was lean and muscular, his face was clear and he had strikingly handsome features. He had deep brown eyes, which were curious and intelligent, which fell upon each person, finally to settle on Anisa. Ehini stepped over to the fellow quickly and spoke with a bowed head in the same strange language.

    When they finished conversing, Britos stepped over to the party with Ehini beside him and spoke in common tongue, “Welcome strangers. I am Britos, chieftain. We are graced by the presence of spirits that have taken on flesh. Our home is your home.”

    Anisa seemed to be enjoying the attention and the half-elf sashayed along with her head held high and a smirk on her lips. She was surprised to meet such a young and handsome chief. “Yo,” she greeted Britos. “Thanks fer the ‘ospitality, mates. We didn’t expect te find any folks out here in the middle o’ nowhere.” She struck out her hand to the chief, intending to shake.

    Alm stood back and took in the sights. People everywhere, rustic living quarters, this was not Alm’s idea of a fun looking place. The chieftain was a young man, another looker after Anisa, Alm was sure. The gold-eyed grassrunner stared at the tribe, taking in the women and men in turn. He looked at Brahms sideways. His plans of killing the man would have to wait until they were out amongst the brush. Unfortunate turn of events indeed, he thought.

    Coras kept silent and let Anisa do the talking. They seemed more interested in the elves than in the human company they kept.

    Ultarik was surprised by this, they had quite the village here. Looking to the chief who greeted them, he replied when there was a chance, “Thank you for the hospitality. This reminds me of home in a small way...” All of the women looked beautiful, but they could not match his beloved. She would return to his arms and they would be happy again as soon as this was over. He could relax here without fear of attack. He lead his horse on by the reins and looked for a spot to tie them off so he could let him graze.

    Britos smiled and nodded, then took Anisa’s hand. He held it, then grasped it at the wrist in a primitive greeting of some type. The young chief glanced around, observing them all, but his gaze once again settled on Anisa. “You are welcome. Please allow us to show you the grace of our homes and the warmth of our tents. If you are tired you may rest, if you hunger you may eat, if you thirst you may drink. I invite you all to my tent and places of rest will be provided to you. We have a moot planned this eve and there will be Makata. You would know it as a strong drink, like your water of grapes.”

    “I dunno the ‘alf of what ye say, but ye mean booze, right?” Anisa asked, leaning toward Britos as she shook his hand awkwardly.

    “Yeah, I think that means booze,” Fenix chuckled, leaning lightly against

    Anisa. He cocked his head at her. “I believe he means he is going to have a party in celebration of Toan, yourself, and Alm.” Giving a light shrug, he looked around. “Well, I don’t think stopping here for a while will kill us. Continuing on that road would most definitely, though. The possibility of a guide would make our trip a whole lot easier. I suppose our ‘spirited’ members of the party make the decision, since they seem to be the guests of honor.”

    Most of the tribes folk stared in wonder and a few others with duties in preparing for the night’s celebration for a good hunt and now guests went back to their tents and attending to making food and preparations for later. Many of the tribesmen children were entranced by the strangers some pointed fingers others whispered but mostly they were all well behaved. Whenever one got too curious and stepped over to touch one of their guests an adult would pull them away or a stern glance by one of the many warriors put that activity to a very quick rest. In all, they were a generally friendly people and Anisa’s party were made welcome.

    Britos smiled and looked into Anisa’s eyes, then the young chieftain spoke in a lower voice and nodded to the two more lavishly adorned tents where he’d stepped from earlier. “If you mean strong drink that is both warm and soothing, yes. I believe the lands outside call it alcohol. We make our own and it is strong. I invite you and your companions to drink as much as you wish and join us in the moot.” He looked at the lovely elf woman and offered his hand. “May I have the honor of showing you and your companions to places of rest?”

    Britos turned towards the young warrior and smiled, then spoke in response to the mercenary’s words, “You are most welcome. Food, drink and merriment will be made most available to you if you wish to partake.” The tribesman’s grin grew wider when he noticed a few women eying Fenix then giggling to themselves and he smirked and replied, “I think you’ll not have to worry about drinking alone either.”

    “Thats alright, I don’t drink,” Fenix said, leaning rather lazily against his staff, and giving a light nod to the giggling women. He did feel a bit jealous that Anisa was getting awfully close to Britos, although she seemed that type of woman to him. Well, whatever, they had both used each other equally the night before. “I’m a glass jaw when it comes to the stuff, I’m not to proud to admit that. Besides, I have to figure out some things tonight...”

    That was in serious. The primary concern was the money division once he had gotten rid of Ooke and Coras. He wasn’t so sure about several others each other. He knew for sure he would likely try to keep Anisa, Granite, and Toan. Alm was creeping him out, something about the little grassrunner was off; it wasn’t just the fact that he had knocked Coras out without breaking a sweat. The other thing he wanted to figure out was the series of calamities that had seemed to plague the group from the start. He wasn’t exactly a seasoned merc, but he had gone on enough missions to know to many bad things had happened to quickly. Bad luck was one thing, forced bad luck was quite another.

    A woman with full curves and long braided hair approached Brahms. She was lavishly dressed and her grass skirt left enough leg showing to keep a man’s interest, while the multicolored beads which covered her breasts kept her modest. Her face was beautiful and she had deep hazel eyes, which were sensual and searching. She had intricate tattoos drawn on her arms, legs, stomach and the sides of her neck. She gazed at Brahms, then turned back towards Britos to bow and said something in their primal tongue. Turning back towards Brahms, she smiled sensually then stepped off towards a gathering of tribesmen and women who bore flutes, drums and string instruments.

    Britos turned towards Brahms with shocked eyes and spoke, “The Fire Dancer has caught your gaze, I think you’ll see more of her later. There are few she ever smiles at.”

    Watching as the woman approached, Fenix continued to give his attention to the whole group. When she spoke something, he restrained a ‘what did she say?’ comment. Best not to pry in such things. When she gave him the look, however, he was inclined to be interested. When Britos informed him what the smile meant, he did a mental whistle. Well, this culture didn’t see sex as a taboo. Not that he was complaining. “Good to know...” It would be interesting. Still, a pang of disappointment was there. He couldn’t take Anisa up on her promise, after all.

* * *

    Ehini saw Ultarik searching the area with curious eyes as he held his horse by its reigns. The tribesman stepped over to the stranger, then spoke, “You wish a place for your animals? Come, I will show you where they may graze and water themselves. There is a stream nearby.”

    The tribesman stepped away towards the back of the village where a stream ran clear and free. There were several wooden stumps nearby and would serve as decent hitching posts if needed. By the water there was someone else as well. A young tribes woman not dressed like the other women, but in the leathers and loin cloth of a warrior and holding a long spear in hand.

    Ehini called to her and the girl turned in his direction, she was quite pretty and wore the decorative face paint of her tribe. She looked at Ultarik, surprised, then nodded and turned back towards her vigil watching the grasslands near the stream.

    “That is Heart like Warrior. She has taken the warrior’s path and never speaks. She will make sure your mount is well guarded.”The tribesman spoke with an almost awe in regard to the woman.

    “Thank you, he’s been with me for a long time,” Ultarik replied as he was led to the stream. Once there, he let go of the reins and let Nyghtwalker go. Looking to the woman he was introduced to, he replied, showing respect for a fellow warrior, “His name is Nyghtwalker, I am Ultarik Grimeye. Thank you for watching over him, you have my respect.” Ultarik left his weapons on him, the axe needed some work before they left. He would need to sharpen it more and wash it off from the battles.

    Heart Like Warrior turned to nod stoically at Ultarik and the female warrior watched as he hitched his steed to one of the posts. She considered his words, then spoke with a smooth and even voice, there was a quiet hidden strength in her tone and it was thick with respect, “None will disturb him, by my blood I promise this. Enjoy the moot, warrior. When you return he will be as you left him, safe and sound.”

    Ehini looked at the stranger with the most profound respect, as they turned and stepped away the tribesman clapped the stranger on the shoulder in a friendly manner and spoke smiling. “By my ancestors... She has barely spoken more than two words or more to anyone at a time. Truly, you must have impressed her, my friend. Come now, there is much drinking and enjoyment to be had.”

    This surprised Ultarik as well, it was an unexpected honor. Not sure of what to say next, he headed to join the others. He felt quite at ease here. No trappings of civilization, only a simplicity that he could enjoy. “Most likely. Perhaps she knew I walk the same path. The people I come from have seen many battles, often between the tribes themselves. The victorious return with honor and glory, the defeated finding survival difficult afterwards. Some are given a name other than their own, one earned in battle.”

    He spoke with pride about his heritage, though he did not wish to speak of himself right now. The barbarian was content with his life; by now his own tribe might be dead or defeated and his place gone. The moot tonight was something he would not miss, it had been a while since he had even drank and enjoyed his time at a tavern. “I will enjoy the night, thank you.”

* * *

    More than a few tribeswomen found fascination with the dark elf, Toan. A very pretty young tribeswoman caught eyes with him then looked away blushing. They seemed enamored with his deep brown skin, and a few extra treats of food were presented to him.

    Toan was intimidated to say the least, flocked by the flock of girls. This had never happened in his many years of travel. Normally he was shunned for being a dark elf in other cultures, and for being a Marfa worshiper in most dark elf cultures. He laughed awkwardly and rubbed his head where beads of sweat were beginning to roll down his face. “Thank you very much for your hospitality ma’am!” he said and gulped hard. “I uh I-I- Granite?” he looked around for the dwarf girl. “Alm? Anybody?” He was only answered by a busty tribeswoman trying to shove more food into him.

    “Dear Marfa,” he prayed under his breath, “I appreciate your abundant grace and beauty present in this world, but could you save me from it at this particular moment? I would be eternally grateful, sincerely, your humble dark elf servant, Toan.”

    Alm heard Toan’s wish and he came to his rescue. His hand slipped up the leg of one of the women that was crowding him and grabbed her buttocks. “Yo,” he said blandly, rubbing her posterior. “I think he needs some air.”

    The tribeswoman looked down at Alm, and bore an expression that was a mixture of shock and amusement. The woman knelt and placed the food aside then looked into the stranger’s face studying it closely, he looked like a child, but clearly wasn’t. She took his hand then spoke slowly, “You...are...young or old? Such things are not... allowed in polite company. I forgive you ...honored one. If you are truly a ...spirit born. I would be honored to... dance with you during the moot though.” The girl smiled and thought a dance couldn’t hurt. If he was a young one, it would be a nice gesture, if he was older then she might spend time with him after the moot.

    “I’m twenty-five years old. Not really young, but not that old either,” Alm stated. He took the tribes woman’s hand gently in his and gave her a small smile. “I’d be delighted to dance with you.”

    The girl blushed, then nodded as he held her hand in his. “Then tonight I shall dine with you and we shall enjoy the moot. You can tell me of your land and wonders, and I will tell you of my people. But we will dance and dance and enjoy ourselves.” She looked curiously at Alm for a moment then spoke, “Do...do you like sweets and strong drink? There is a treat I would make for you if you would like to try it...”

    “The ‘moot’?” Alm raised an eyebrow in question. “You mean meat? I ate a manticore heart last night, it was pretty tasty. As far as my land, I don’t really have any land, I’m no lord or anything. I mean, I’m unusually tall for my race, but that doesn’t necessarily make me lordly.” Alm eyed the girl’s figure scrutinizingly. “I’ll drink a little, but I’m not huge on sweets, just sweeties...although I’d like to try your treat if I can.”

    The blush that spread over the young tribe woman’s face, neck and finally to her shoulders was impressive indeed. Alm’s comment caught her truly off guard and she looked away coyly, smiling, then spoke with a soft voice, “Then...tonight you shall enjoy such sweets as you have never had before.”

    She found the courage to meet his eyes still blushing then spoke again. “I am called Mahya, in my people’s tongue it means ‘flower that smiles’ and you have made me smile. But, I forget my hospitality. You must be hungry and tired. Would you allow me to prepare a place for you to rest until the moot?” The girl looked at him expectantly and offered her hand to the outlander.

    Alm looked to the blushing girl with a soft smile on his lips. “Thank you,” he said softly, pressing his fingers into her palm gently. “Perhaps, to dance now would make you more at ease in my presence.” He gave her a slight bow and gestured outward a little. “If no music is worthy to dance to, then we’ll listen to beat of each other’s hearts to accompany our feet in our dance.”

    Mahya blushed even more deeply, nodded and offered the grassrunner her other hand, then spoke, “I would be honored. Tell me what does your name mean? Our tribe always believes the name carries meaning, which shows the call of one’s spirit.”

    The girl smiled gently and stepped out into the open where they would have more room for their dance. The preparations for the moot progressed sharply around them as food was cooked, drinks were made and daylight was quickly beginning to give way to night. A large bonfire was made and a fire-break was placed around the fire to keep all dancers and onlookers safe. Flutes could be heard as well as drums and a primal but pleasing beat began.

    Alm shrugged. “I’m not too sure what it means,” he stated in response to her asking about his name. “I was just saddled with the name. Other than that...” he shook his head. “Well, ‘nuff about names. Let us partake in the careful delight of dance, my sweet.”

    Mahya took Alm’s hands gently leading him in a simple tribal dance. The girl said nothing and smiled gently, showing him the correct way to move and enjoy the dance. Tribes folk gathered and games of chance began as the moot was well underway. Mahya leaned close to whisper in the outlander’s ear, “This is just the first of celebrations, there is far more to come.” She whirled and spun leading him into a crowd of other dancers that hooted, laughed and enjoyed themselves in turn as they moved around the couple.

* * *

    While Alm had managed to distract one of the girls, Toan was still flocked by three of them, and seeing as how about half of the party was taking up offers of this nature, they expected him to do the same. This calls for a little acting, he thought, and cleared his throat. He began to speak in a dramatic tone. “Please, before your efforts go to waste, I must tell you all that I am, in fact, a sworn virgin! A pure being of the goddess I am, and to bed with me would not bode well for your clan. To thank you for your kindness though, I will pray to the goddess for umm... your hunts and your crop and good weather, and—” Lets see, what else do these tribe people like? “Fertility!”

    Several tribes women giggled at the Toan’s statement and more than a few appreciative stares, and there were several murmurs until one young woman moved closer to hand the outlander and handed him a set of beads as she spoke. “We respect and honor your purity. Please forgive us, we didn’t know you were under oath. Though you cannot partake of such past times, please eat and enjoy the music and dance.” The girl smiled then moved off into the crowd as the others who’d been trying so diligently to seduce began to disperse..

* * *

    Coras ate without really saying much, small thank yous here and there, the polite courtesy of responding when talked to, but he had thoughts on how convenient this tribe’s appearance had been, almost as if they had been guided into their territory. A boon or bane? He mused silently.

* * *

    The food came and went but Ooke refused to eat any of it. He was still hot from battle and not focused on eating. Ooke walked away from hustle and flow of the tribe, moving to the out skirts of the village to put his mind to work. He would also need a place to pray when the night came.

    Beating a spot in the earth with his hammer, Ooke created a work area in which he laid out a variety of stones and gems. Here he would carve some simple dwarven runes and decorate them. His mind began to echo. What is that little grassrunner up to? How can so much darkness hide in such a little body?

    Then Granite popped in to his thoughts. “Why? I have no need to think of her.”

    ...but how quick she was to change face on us.

    “Maybe she’s right, maybe I should change my ways.”

    No! We’ve made a vow.

    “You’re right.” Ooke fought with himself for a bit then push the thought away, and began to hum another hymn to occupy his mind, while he worked.

    A few curious onlookers watched as the gems and stones were placed out for the dwarf to work. A curious child stepped over and spoke as he pointed at a small sapphire. “Pretty. I know where there are lots of those, in a mound where Masha and I play. Did you get yours playing too?” The little boy was perhaps eight summers or so and wore simple pants with no shirt. Like most of the other tribes people his skin was brown and he had curly black hair.

    “You’ll have to show me where these blue stones you talk about are later. In the mean time take this.” Ooke handed the small child a stone in the shape of a dove with a green gem polished and cut to perfection. “Green is the color of envy and greed which is wicked, but it is also the color of rebirth and purity with is beautiful. It’s what you make of it that matters.” Ooke said to the child, while he stood up.

    Then he whispered in the child’s ear, “I didn’t find mine while playing, I got them while praying, I can teach you someday.” He then gathered his things and walked back into the crowd to join in conversation.

    The child’s eyes were wide as saucers. With a happy nod the little boy thanked Ooke and ran full tilt to a gathering of children who’d been near. A quick foray of speech between the children and several “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” resulted in several tiny eyes following Ooke as he’d unknowingly made several small friends. A statuesque tribeswoman stepped from a tent to see what the commotion was all about, then knelt to speak with the children and found herself smiling as she shook her head in total confusion, but her eyes followed the adventurer’s walking form as well.

* * *

    Granite seemed to have gone by unnoticed, which was fine by her. The female dwarf was playing the part of a man again, concealing her gender by walking stiffer and keeping her hips from swaying. Toan, Coras, and Fenix’s horses had gone untended too, so Granite took their reins and led them after Ultarik and the warrior woman.

    An older warrior watched the figure leading the horses curiously, then rose from where he was stretching some hides over a frame then followed her. He kept his distance following slowly, trying to satisfy his curiosity. Of all the strangers this fellow seemed the most unusual, but all the outlanders were unusual. But he had no wish to insult them and decided to keep his distance.

    Granite felt someone watching her and glanced over her shoulder to see an elderly man following her. She kept walking, leading the horses along. He still followed. Granite continued her duties and tied the horses near Nyghtwalker. At her height, she was unable to unsaddle the horses, so she let them be and hoped they’d be comfortable enough.

    The dwarven woman left the horses and found the old man still watching her, so she greeted him. “Hey there,” she said in a gruff voice, nodding her head to him. As she looked up toward the human, she noticed a black form in the sky. Another raven.

    The bird landed on a tall yert, perched on a pole sticking out of the top. It was watching the party and the tribe. Granite felt a chill go up her spine. She nodded to the old man again and walked by him, but now she was scanning treetops and poles for ravens. She spotted one perched near the creek, and another on a high pole sticking out of some part of the camp further away.

    The old warrior gave Granite a slight nod, still watching the dwarf curiously until he noticed the stranger look up at the raven perched in a tree. And the elder glanced along the tree line, noticing another then finally spoke, “It is an ill sign, the black bird bodes the call of blood and ill fortune.” He looked at Granite and his eyes were serious, “You people welcome here...but you bring something else I think. I am Mushrak, son of Igithar. Did you encounter evil spirits upon your journey here?”

    “Velfur, son of Folkner,” Granite greeted Mushrak, using her male identity and voice once again. “No, no evil spirits, but a lot of mishaps with monsters. Those ravens have been watching us since we left Raiden. It makes my skin crawl. I should go find Brahms and tell him.”

    Mushrak nodded and glanced in the direction the dwarf was staring in. The tribesman didn’t like the feel of it. The ravens felt wrong somehow and he walked over to the outlander and spoke as he still watched the birds warily, “I agree. There is a saying amongst my people; ‘let not the dark fall upon you.’ It means that when there is opportunity to prevent something that could happen, then one should take it.” He glanced down at the dwarf and spoke once again, “I shall accompany you, if this Brahms of yours is a wise man, perhaps I should tell our chief. Sometimes evil spirits can abound at a moot.”

* * *

    Ooke saw Granite walk away with the horses, and quickly noticed her posture change. {“Be proud, you’re beautiful,”} He whispered in dwarven. Then he diverted his attention over to Coras. He made his way to him slowly watching everything around him, and taking note of the group and what they were all doing.

    “It’s been a whirlwind of a day, wouldn’t you agree?” Ooke opened a conversation with Coras. “I wanted to thank you again for coming back for me; I’m not use to having people look out for me. I couldn’t help but notice you starting to make your indifferences with the grassrunner... that’s a good thing. Quite frankly I feel he is more of a story then his cover reveals. So tell me, how do you feel about this tribe and its hospitality? I wonder with all the trials we’ve faced so far, if this is just another test,” Ooke spoke with a troubled mind because thing weren’t quite right.

    Coras nodded in response to Ooke. “Damn right,” he grumbled. He meant both towards the tribe’s hospitality as well as the grassrunner. Alm was too much of a question mark. “Hopefully this doesn’t bite us in the ass.”

* * *

    The music started slowly and began to build as the bonfire was readied. The Fire Dancer stepped over to the young stranger who had caught her eye and spoke in a broken version of common speak, “Dance with me, care you? I be Sifani.”

    Other warriors who noticed the gesture hooted and yowled their approval, it appeared that Brahms had been afforded a great honor.

    Sitting down, he was contemplating the whole situation, still. Honestly, this tribe seemed a bit too nice. When things were too sweet, generally it was done to hide something. Still, his luck could also have come into play, so he wasn’t about to bring it up. Instead, he watched for anything suspicious. When the Fire Dancer invited him to dance, he gave her a sidelong look. “I’m not much of a dancer, you must understand. But, if you wish to dance with me, I’m not about to oppose you. I’m...” He came close to saying his real name, but caught himself, and managed to “ahem”, as if he was clearing his throat. “Brahms. Pleased to meet you.”

    Ooke found his way near the fire and watched Brahms. He decided that Brahms need Ooke’s eye most.

    Odd! Is he not? his mind echoed.

    “Not my concern right now, just keeping him close,” Ooke replied to himself. He laid down the hammer and sat. This time he pulled out a small cup made from the skin of various animals and two small bones that resembled dice. He called some near by kids over and began to show them how to play a game of chance. Although he had only played this game a few times he remembered the rules well and played it for free with the youth. He even went as far as to give them die he had made of stone.

    The children loved the game and each of varying ages crowded around Ooke watching and learning the game. A small girl looked up at the warrior with wide eyes and spoke, once the game reached a pause point. “This is a fun game. I have pretty stones too. Murtha, my big sister, found a pretty red stone. Would you like to see it, sir?”

    Another boy much older grunted and spoke in reply, “He doesn’t want to see your stupid stone. Besides what would you do with it anyway? Give it to him? It’s useless besides looking pretty. Stop being foolish Nisa.”

    Nisa looked down disappointed and then at Ooke slowly, “I promise it’s not a stupid stone sir...it’s very pretty. Do you want to see it?” She was undaunted despite the older child’s statement.

    Ooke looked at the older boy, then at the little girl. He then smiled and reached into his robes and pulled out a small pouch. Upon opening the small pouch which was filled with random precious stones and gem, he said to the little girl, “I would gladly trade you any two of my ‘stupid stones’, for your pretty red one... Boy, no stone or gem is stupid or useless, only those who don’t understand them are useless and stupid.”

    Ooke smiled and gathered his belonging. “Lead the way precious,” he said to the young girl, and began humming a low tune.

* * *

    Ehini led the barbarian to a series of tents where other warriors were gathered. The men young and old sat laughing, and some drank a small bit as the moot would begin in earnest when the sun set. A large bonfire was being prepared in an area where dancing, and revelry would take place. Upon sighting the newcomer, the men grew quiet and their eyes met Ehini, and then surprisingly two stood and clapped Ultarik on the back as though he were an old friend come home.

    A wine sack that was being passed around and drank from was given to him and Ehini laughed as he sat down. Conversation started again with laughter and good cheer. “They like you, my friend, as I knew they would, that is what we call the laughing water.”

    After a small while more, warriors greeted the barbarian warmly and many commented about his garments and weapons respectfully. The brief moment of surprise was gone and both drink and pipe were passed around to him just as warmly and openly as any tribesman.

    Ultarik sat down. He seemed more relaxed than before on this journey. He still thought of her though, and the promise that he could have her back. Hopefully he would not fail in his duties; this wizard was not one to be crossed if he could give back life. “I feel like I am back amongst my people, with their camaraderie and rivalry. Before I leave, I would wish to hear some tales of battle, even a beast is as great a foe as another man.”

    Ultarik felt at home amongst these warriors. He had never really liked the city much, but it was where he got his jobs. When the wine sack and pipe were passed to him he drank and smoked, after that he passed it on the next person. His weapons sat nearby him, and he was ready at all times if they were required.

    Tales of hunting, battle and good times were shared by all, the gathered warriors warmed up to Ultarik quickly and they laughed, joked and talked with him as though he’d been one of their own. And in their eyes he was, he’d smoked the pipe of peace with them, drank good wine and had tales of his travels, people and battles asked of him.

    Ehini laughed and drank as well and mentioned a battle the tribe had undergone with a large creature, much like a man, but not a man. More of a beast which was vicious and cunning. Many warriors had fallen before until the creature itself was finally felled, but for all the pain the battle had caused there was great honor and renown for those who’d died bravely as the echo of their war cries would be heard as they entered the lands of the afterlife.

    “And so my friend, what tales of battle in the outside world can you tell us? There is no doubt you have won much honor in your trials,” Ehini spoke good naturedly and offered his newfound friend the wine sack once again as it’d made its way back around to them.

    As the wine sack was passed back to him, Ultarik took a drink and passed it on. He looked at them with the look that earned his name. He laughed then and spoke, the look gone from his eyes. “My people have been victorious in many battles; the outside world is quite civilized compared to the worlds we come from. I don’t have a lot to say about it, I’ve only stayed in cities to find work. The only place I have amongst them is as a mercenary, which is at least an honest living.”

    After that he proceeded to tell them of his first battle, not even thirteen and he could kill a man without flinching. The stories he told were of tribe against tribe, rivalries that could not even be quelled in blood. Then he got to one story that he became different on, one of a dark elf woman he left home to follow. This was a story that was about his only love and their battles, and the tragedy of her death which not even the gods could have foreseen.

    Ehini nodded and drank as the wine sack passed his way again, and commented at his newfound companion’s tales of the outside world. “Truly the outlands are a strange and wondrous place. But know this good friend you have a home here with us should you ever wish it. You have drank with us and smoked of the pipe. You are a brother.” He looked at the gathered circle of warriors and all old, young gathered nodded and shouted in agreement. “EEKAA HEURI!”

    The tribesman laughed and smiled looking at Ehini and spoke once again. “You are accepted brother. The elders here have approved you, will you hunt with us come the morning? There is good game in this land and plenty.”

    Ultarik was honored to be considered like kin here. Joining them in their cheer, he laughed and looked around before replying to the offer. They might be heading out in the morning, back on their journey of trials. “I will join you, should my companions and I not be departing the morning. It would be an honor to hunt with you.” Perhaps once his love was returned to him, he would return here and they could settle. Life might be easier here than in the city; here where out here an inability to read would not be a detriment. “Perhaps one day I will return once I have tired of the city. By then perhaps I shall not be alone then either.”

    Ehini smiled and the wine sack had found its way around to him once again. The tribesman drank deeply then spoke, “Ahh good then. Know this my friend, you have a home here. Should you wish to return, we will welcome you and any who wish to join you as folk.”

    The other warriors nodded in turn and agreement and one warrior produced a drum and another pipe and began to play as other drums began to play in concert along with flutes.

    Ultarik took another drink and passed it on. There was no work to be found here, but then he did not need money here. The thought of having a home where civilization was not near was a good one, the cities were a necessary bane for him. “Thank you, I will return one day.” He sat there and enjoyed the time to relax, all he wanted to do for now.

* * *

    Granite nodded to Mushrak, then began to trudge back into the campsite. It was hard to find her way through the masses of people to find her party members. It seemed that their entire group had spread out to enjoy the tribe’s hospitality. Finding Brahms was her purpose, and she recognized him as the most intelligent (and stable) leader the group had.

    Finally, she found Brahms near a large fire speaking to a dancer from the tribe. Approaching him from behind, she tugged on his sleeve and cleared her throat to get his attention.

    Sifani merely smiled and led the young warrior over to the great fire where the dancing would commence. When Brahms’s other companion approached them the girl seemed not to notice as she turned to the drummers and flute players and spoke in a strange guttural language.

    Fenix noted something tugging at his sleeve. While he originally thought it was a child, given its height, there was more strength, and the feminine ‘ahem’ was a clear indication that t it wasn’t one. Turning back, he noted Granite. He didn’t think he could shoo her off with a ‘let me alone, I’m trying to get some’, so he opted to simply talk to her. “Oh? Hello. Didn’t think you’d want me for something. What can I help you with?”

    “The ravens are here,” Granite said softly, just enough for Brahms to hear. She then pointed at a nearby pole with a raven perched on it. The bird was transfixed on Granite and Brahms.

    Ooke stopped at the sight of Granite in the area. He saw that she was focused on telling Brahms something important. As she pointed, Ooke’s eyes followed the path, straight to the raven. As it didn’t seem to pay him mind he ignored it, but he did find it strange that it had been following them. As the girl lead Ooke passed Granite, he brushed his hand against her hand as if it wasn’t on purpose, but he knew better.

    Granite didn’t react much when she felt someone brush against her, as it was a crowded area. However, when she saw Ooke walk by her with a child, she felt a little sick. She sneered under her beard, but held her tongue. He had done it on purpose, but there was nothing left for him with her so long as he served Kardis.

    “What?” Brahms said, although not looking. Why is it those things seem to follow wherever we go? And this time, he couldn’t shoo them off like before. Who knew what these people thought of those birds. They could be quite sacred, and he didn’t want to turn a band of merry individuals into bloodthirsty ones. “Keep an eye out for movement then. We can’t do anything about those accursed birds until we’re out of camp...” He kept his voice low, and his face remarkably cheerful. Still, he was thinking about what those meant. He had studied enough to know a little about familiars. Whether those birds were a familiar, or not, was beyond him, however.

    Granite nodded to Brahms. She had no intention in joining in the merriment, so she would watch the ravens. She left Brahms to enjoy the company of the dancer, but she trusted that he wouldn’t get too carried away. He seemed just as worried as her.

* * *

    Britos took Anisa’s hand in his own, then led her to the largest tent in the small community. He moved a flap aside to allow his guest entry, then spoke, “There is revelry, dancing, drinking and much more. The moot is one of our few celebrations of life. All are welcome whether they are of the tribe or not. It is a time of music and much happiness as well.”

    The inside of the tent was surprisingly large. Furs, skins, and leathers covered the walls and floors with a fire break in the center of the floor. No skins or furs were placed near the firebreak’s stones and a flap cover could be seen at the top of the tent to allow smoke from the cook fire out, as well as let in fresh air. Cushions lined the floor in different areas and something akin to chairs with cushions were gathered for sitting. A bed could be seen through another flap, which led to adjoining part of the tent partitioned off by privacy curtains. Woven baskets of items, ornate flutes, spears, hand axes, and other things were neatly placed in corners. “This tent is my resting place. There is another smaller one where the elders and I meet. Please make yourself comfortable.”

    With gentleness and ease, he indicated to Anisa how to sit in one of the cushioned chairs then gave her a deep smile. He stepped over to a basket and removed some cups and an earthen bottle, then sat down next to her. “It is rare we have visitors. And even rarer those who are sacred and so very beautiful.” The young chieftain poured a clear, slightly amber looking liquid into one cup for himself and then another for Anisa. It had a strong cinnamon aroma to it and he grinned as he handed a cup to her. “It is the main drink of the moot, but this is my own personal drink it is stronger and has a better taste to it. Care to try?”

    Anisa looked around his tent, glancing over his belongings and the set up of the “room”. She took notice of the “bedroom” behind a flap as well. “Cozy,” she commented. The half-elf folded into one of the cushion chairs, then stripped off her jacket. The small silk undershirt she wore left little to the imagination, and revealed at least two of her tattoos. The armband tattoo around her right bicep, and the upper portion of the sea serpent tattoo swimming up from her hip, from beneath her belt.

    Anisa’s intentions were to now get Britos into his bed with her. Brahms had no complaints, but it wasn’t as if he was anything more than a fling. Britos was handsome, and she would have a taste before they left. She lay down on on the cushions, stretching her long, lean, curvaceous body across them, propping her torso up on her elbow.

    Reaching out, she took the cup Britos offered, then sampled the liquor. “Oooh...that’s good stuff, mate,” she replied, before finishing off her cup.

    Britos drank his cup as well and made sure there was much more available. The young chieftain laid down beside her and spoke, looking into the elf woman’s eyes, “You know, lovely one, it is the custom of my tribe to make sure that our guests are shown the greatest of hospitality.” He smiled at her and spoke again, “My home is your home...my bed your bed, lovely one. We have time before the moot, so tell me of your travels.”

    Anisa smirked as he offered her his bed. That was easy, she thought, then finished off her cup. Now she had the chance to impress him with how worldly she was. “What’dye wanna know? Me time on the seas, or me time on this li’l speck o’ land ye call ‘ome?” she asked, then offered her cup for a refill.

    Britos smiled and refilled her cup. Smiling as he drank a sip of his own, he spoke, “I would know both please, your tales of traveling upon the great water and on land. You did travel in... what is the name? A boat then?” She was lovely, and it she seemed wanted the same thing he wanted. Which was fine by the young chieftain as he had no complaints, it was a moot, and a moot meant celebrating in anyway one wished to. The sounds of beating drums and flutes could be heard from outside, which helped solidify the comfortable mood within the tent.

    Anisa chuckled. “Nah, boats are tiny. On the seas, we sail in ships; galleons, schooners, an’ carracks,” the half-elf explained, using the unfamiliar words to impress him. “A galleon can carry a thousand men, an’ be like a floatin’ city. I grew up on a caravel, with a crew ‘bout a hundred men strong. Me feet dinn’t touch ground ‘til I was six years old. ‘Twasn’t ‘til I was marooned ‘ere on Lodoss did I even see a forest. I been landlocked for fourteen years, of me own free will. See, after I lost me ship, I decided to check out life ‘ere on land. I started workin’ as a mercenary. Soon enough, I’m gonna return to the sea. It ain’t normal for an elf, but I be only ‘alf-elf. The sea is me ‘ome. I’d like to get me own ship though, so I be savin’ up till I can afford a little sumthin’ an’ a small crew.”

    Britos moved a bit closer, smiling and pouring another drink for Anisa and himself. “You are an amazing woman. I have never seen the great waters, but I think I would very much like to see your ship. A floating city? I like the sound of that. So tell me, what other wonders of life have you conquered?”

    Anisa was pleased to see how impressed Britos was. What else could she impress him with? “Well, I conquered Kraken,” she said with a grin. “When I was still a pirate, I made a contract wit’ the spirit king o’ water.”

    Britos’s eyes widened in wonder and he spoke, “Kra..ken? What is Kraken? Was it a mighty foe you defeated? I would like to hear of who this Kraken is and how you did defeat him? And you spoke with the king of water spirits? You are great indeed.”

    “Kraken is the king o’ water, mate,” Anisa replied. For someone who worshiped spirits instead of gods, she was surprised he didn’t know the king spirits.

    Britos thought for several moments then spoke, “Hmm, we call the lord of water, Arthu. I think you speak of the great water chieftain my people do sometimes pray to. But your name for him...Kra...ken it is a different name, but the same spirit.” He grinned at her, “So lovely one, tell me more of yourself...do your people dance?”

    “Well, I ‘eard that Djinn likes to be called Aruku too, so I guess Kraken might ‘ave another name too. ‘e don’t say much as it is,” Anisa replied. “An’ dancin’ pirates? Well, I guess we only be dancin’ when we got a belly full o’ rum.”

    “Oh really? Then I shall attempt to give you as much as you wish to fill your belly. It is not this ‘rum’ you speak of, but I think if one drinks enough it can inspire one to dance.” The young chieftain drank more himself. He was feeling very warm and enjoying the company he was with. “So...ask me a question lovely one. You must have questions.”

    You just wanna see me shake me ass, don’tcha? Anisa thought, taking a long draught of her drink. Well, mebbee ye’ll ge lucky. She really didn’t have questions about him. She wasn’t interested in culture, all she wanted to do was get the man in bed. “Does a ‘ansome man like ye have a little wifey about?” she asked. It seemed his intentions with her were obvious, but she thought it would make sense that a man his age and of his station was married.

    Britos couldn’t help but laugh, and after he’d taken a good gulp of drink, he spoke. “That would be wives. I have five and each has her own place in my heart and home.” He studied her a moment, then continued, “It’s accepted and expected among my people for the chieftain to have more than one wife. Though there are times that I cannot fathom why this tradition was ever thought of. Not that I do not appreciate my wives, I do most indeed, but five…can be…taxing at times.” The young leader said it with a slight blush and took another swing of his drink as he awaited Anisa’s reply.

    Anisa nearly choked on her drink. “Five bleedin’ wives?! I ain’t ‘eard of anyone ‘avin’ more’n one, and if he did, then none of ‘em knew ‘bout the others!”

    Britos chuckled gingerly at Anisa’s reaction to what he’d said. The young chieftain smiled, then continued, “Yes. Four wives. My father had five, but I’m still young. All leaders of my tribe are expected to have many son’s and daughters, though my father only had two…that…is there is only me now. The one who came before me was banished, but enough of that. I am more interested in you beautiful one.” He tried not to think about Phaeton and his banishment. “To be true to four wives all chieftains are taught from birth how to…well attend them.” Britos grinned and spoke again, “The men of your lands only have one wife?”

    “Four now? Ye losin’ count? Or were ye thinking of makin’ me number five?” Anisa said with a wink. Talk was getting boring. She set her drink aside, then threw one leg over Britos’s lap and straddled his legs, kneeling over him. “I ain’t interested in bein’ no one’s wife, but if ye want to ‘attend’ me, I don’t need a ring on me finger,” she said with a grin, looking down at the young chieftain.

—-END—-

« Previous Chapter

Chapter List | A New Balance Storyline