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Can you imagine?!
Miranda yawned discreetly on the other side of the campfire.
Using her language, Dreibrand whispered,  If you want to be included, you will
have to listen to his stories.
She smiled at his teasing.  You listen for me.
Before Taischek progressed any further with his celebration, the challenges of
sentries rang out on the perimeter, and Taischek quickly became serious again.
Dreibrand stood up and drew his sword. He had expected some trouble.
To Miranda he said,  Stay close to me and Shan.
A modest commotion moved through the camp and a warrior trotted into the light
of his King s fire. Dreibrand recognized him as Iley.
Bowing to Taischek, Iley reported,  Sire, a party of Hirqua warriors has
approached the camp.
Scowling, Taischek asked,  Do they attack?
 No, Sire. They announced themselves openly and in peace. They wish to speak
to Shan Lord Shan, Iley added respectfully and dipped his head to the rys.
With raised eyebrows, Taischek faced Shan.  Maybe you re a little more popular
than you thought, eh?
 Perhaps, Shan mused.
 Can we trust them? Dreibrand wondered openly.
 The Hirqua are still our allies. We must allow the visit. They have joined us
in refusing tribute to Jingten, Taischek said.
 All a deception maybe. To get close to Shan, Miranda suggested.
The rys considered things for a moment and decided,  I must receive these
Hirqua. But prudence is required. Iley, have the Hirqua choose three
representatives, and I will speak with them. Keep them guarded though.
Taischek approved the plan and sent Iley on his way.
Remaining on his feet, Dreibrand put his sword away but intended to stand
guard between Shan and the Hirqua.
Iley returned leading three Hirqua warriors who were guarded by several
watchful Temu. The Hirqua kept their black hair short, but they were racially
very similar to the Temu with dark eyes and pleasing faces.
Stiff leather armor covered their torsos and forearms. Brilliant multicolored
cloaks hung down their backs, and the design and weave of each garment
signified each man s family. Swords hung from their waists, and they normally
carried spears, but the Temu had temporarily confiscated them.
 Why do the Hirqua approach my camp at night? Taischek demanded gruffly.
The three warriors were young men, in their teens or just beyond. The oldest
replied,  We meant no harm or offense, King of the Temu. We wish only to speak
with Lord Shan.
 King Sotasham said he could send no warriors. Why does he send them now?
Shan said.
The Hirqua bowed deeply to Shan, but his awe of the powerful rys did not make
his words falter.  Our King has not sent us. We are individual warriors that
come to serve you, Lord Shan.
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 You go against your King s orders? Taischek asked with displeasure.
Quickly the Hirqua explained,  No, we have King Sotasham s leave to come here.
He cannot commit our tribe to war, but a Hirqua warrior is a free warrior.
Some of us want to join Lord Shan as an individual interest.
As long as there are enough to defend the Hirqua homeland, warriors are free
to pursue private warpaths.
Very interested, Shan asked,  What is your name?
 Tytido of Clan Gozmochi, he replied proudly.
 How many have come with you, Tytido? Shan said.
Gesturing to his companions, Tytido answered,  Besides us, thirty five more,
Lord Shan.
 And why do you join me? Shan inquired.
 I believe, and so do the others, that more must be done than sit home and
await the outcome of this rebellion. My tribe has agreed to withhold tribute,
so our interest is firmly based upon your success, Lord Shan. I am willing to
fight so that Clan Gozmochi can live free of Onja s tyranny.
Today the Zenglawa showed us that people would serve Onja against you. I
wish to defend you from her servants who would prevent you from reaching
Jingten. Shan regarded the other two Hirqua and said,  Tytido of Clan
Gozmochi speaks well. Do you think as Tytido does?
The other warriors introduced themselves and echoed the sentiments of
Tytido. One of them added,  I will fight to return this lady her children.
This comment startled Miranda. The concern of the stranger touched her deeply.
Miranda remembered how her own people had openly disregarded her suffering,
even when she had screamed for help when
Barlow attacked her.
Shan declared,  This is all very excellent. Hirqua warriors make your camp
where the Temu instruct you. We shall speak more in the morning.
And welcome.
The three Hirqua bowed to Shan and thanked him for his acceptance.
When the Hirqua were escorted away, Shan commented,  That was a pleasant
surprise. I wonder if more men will join us by spring.
 There will be more, Taischek said.  If the Hirqua really intend not to pay
their tribute, they will have to send more. It is good to see Sotasham
will not keep all of his warriors at home. He probably even encouraged this
Tytido and his lot to come to you. He is trying to have the best of everything
without risking his army.
 Yes, but the Hirqua are our second best ally after the Tacus, and this
Tytido is sincere. I must find a place for these Hirqua warriors, Shan said.
 We will absorb them among our ranks, Xander offered.
Thoughtfully Shan shook his head.  I do not know if that would be best. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]