"Kargen broached the idea," said Shaluhk, "but I fear he is not to be trusted."
"If he is not to be trusted, why are we helping him?"
"We are not helping HIM," said Kargen, "but rather his people. THEY will accept us, even if HE will not."
"And where will that leave King Eadred?"
"Without his throne," said Shaluhk, "hopefully."
"Then who would lead his people?"
"Athgar," said Shaluhk. "I believe he will see the wisdom of it. It is for the good of his people after all."
"It is dangerous to play such a game," said Kirak, "but I see the reason behind it. War is coming to our land, whether we want it or not. Better to rally against a common enemy than fight amongst ourselves."
"Then you agree?" asked Kargen.
"I am not opposed to the idea, but you must seek counsel with the Stone Crushers. Their participation would give us a great advantage. Bring their chieftain, Zahruhl, into the fold, and I will agree."
"Then I shall travel to Khasrahk and convince him to join us."
"I fear you will have your work cut out for you," said Laghul.
"Why is that?"
"Zahruhl is stubborn. In many ways, he reminds me of King Eadred."
"In what way?" asked Shaluhk.
"For years, he has been trying to make his tribe the strongest."
"Is that what led to the animosity with the Black Axe?" asked Kargen.
Laghul looked at Kirak, who merely nodded. "He has been difficult for years," she said.
"Meaning?"
"He has actively tried to recruit our hunters to his tribe."
"Yes," added Kirak, "despite our insistence that he cease. He seeks to dominate us, perhaps even eventually absorb us, but he plans a long hunt."
"He managed to convince seventeen of the Red Hand to join him," said Kargen.
"The Stone Crushers are not evil," said Laghul, "but they are easily swayed by their chieftain."
"Agreed," said Kirak. "If only my own tribe were so easy to convince." He laughed at his jest, spilling some of his drink. He looked at Kargen in shock. "My apologies."
"It is of no consequence," said Shaluhk, "and it would not be the first time such a drink was spilled." She looked at her bondmate, who blushed, turning a darker shade of green.
"I see we have something else in common," said Laghul, "aside from having younglings, that is."
"You and I enjoy the popular support of our tribes," said Kargen. "Is it not so with Zahruhl?"
"I can not speak for his tribe," said Kirak, "but he has been their chieftain for as long as I can remember. I do not recall ever hearing of an election."
"And yet he must have been chosen. That is our way."
"I suspect he has some form of control over them. The master of earth and his apprentices hold considerable sway over their people. Could they be the power that stands in his shadow?"
"I am still resolved to try negotiating with him," said Kargen. "Is there anything you might be able to suggest that would be of use?"
"Yes," said Kirak. "Get Rugg on your side. He may be able to sway Zahruhl to see reason."
"What does Rugg want?" asked Shaluhk.
"That is difficult to say. I barely know him, but Laghul knows him better than I." He turned to his bondmate.
"It is true," she said. "I have met him a number of times. I have always found him to be reasonable enough. I believe he wants what he thinks is best for the Stone Crushers."
"Which is?"
"That is hard to say with any certainty."
"You will have to tread carefully," warned Kirak. "Zahruhl is quick to take offence."
"I found him to be reasonable enough," said Kargen, "but then again, our meeting was brief."
"Yes," said Shaluhk, "but he did end up gaining some of our tribe, a loss we felt keenly."
"They joined of their own free will," said Kargen. "We can not fault them for their choice."
"I think there is a greater danger," said Laghul.
"What is that?"
"If you fail to convince Zahruhl of the wisdom of your plan, he may take more direct action."
"Such as?"
"There is a very real possibility he might kill you."
"Surely not," said Shaluhk. "He is a chieftain!"
"He has nothing to fear from you," Laghul continued, "or from either of us, in fact. His village is walled in stone. We have no means to breach it, even if we had the will."
"That is not true," said Shaluhk. "We saw how the Humans attacked our palisades. Such tactics are not beyond us."
"Perhaps, but he will have no knowledge of such things. In his mind, his people are safe and secure behind his walls. He will see it no differently."
"I see I will have to be careful," said Kargen.
"No," said Shaluhk. "WE shall have to careful. I can not let you go there alone."
"Do you think that wise?"
"Even Zahruhl would think twice about killing a shamaness!"
"Shaluhk speaks with wisdom," said Laghul. "In any event, the task before you will be difficult. There is the very real possibility he will simply deny your request. That would allow us to decimate our own forces fighting the Humans. He could then sweep in and swallow up what remains of our tribes."
"Let us hope he sees reason," said Shaluhk.
"He will," said Kargen. "He has to."
"I wish you well," said Kirak, "but I do not begrudge you your task."
The next morning found Kargen and Shaluhk once again bidding farewell to Laruhk. Agar ran around the hut, unaware of the seriousness of their trip. Shaluhk found it difficult to part with him so soon. Even after they left, she thought of him, her silence leading Kargen to worry.
"Something is wrong," he said. "You are not yourself."
"I sense we are travelling into danger," she said, "and I can not reconcile it."
"It is not the first time we have travelled under such a threat, nor do I think it will be the last."
"True, but something is different this time."
"Should you have consulted the Ancestors?"
"We can not expect the dead to know the living. Zahruhl is dangerous; that much we know, but what worries me is that
