by J. H. Hayes
"The Great Temple honors the Ta'ar. It facilitates our return to Them after death. It is a small claim in such a vast world. It is of no concern to you," Takur said roughly.
As Vidai quickly translated, the men next to him lost their cool. Soon a yelling match broke out. Azerban and Hadir watched as both sides shouted, not comprehending the words of the men across from them. The hunter Takur tasked with bringing refreshments nearly dropped his load as he entered. He managed to lay the offerings on the ground before grabbing his spear from behind his back. The Kebar quieted at the sight of the sharpened weapon.
Takur hushed his party and instructed the hunter to put his spear away and pass the offerings around. Silent agitation filled the air as they ate. Takur waited for it to settle before he began anew, "This is all beyond the point, Vidai. We will not abandon the Great Temple. Whether you like it or not matters not. If this is what you came to tell us, we have nothing further to discuss."
"Of course, Ta'araki. I agree it is beyond the point. And it is not what we came here to discuss. I was merely answering your questions," Vidai replied, keeping his calm. He took the bag from the younger man to his right and emptied it in front of them.
Out spilled many impressive objects, including an exquisitely carved bone spear-thrower, shell jewelry, an ivory knife with a detailed wooden handle and several chunks of obsidian. Azerban could see from the quality of the carved pieces' workmanship that they must be cherished possessions of great value, perhaps passed on from father to son for generations. Raw obsidian was also very valuable, having many uses. Whoever was forfeiting the items was making a great sacrifice. The damage the Kebar had done was inconsequential compared to what they were offering. The burnt shelters were easily rebuilt; in fact the work was almost finished. Azerban felt the trade would be more than fair.
Vidai continued, "We are willing to compensate your camp for the damage our young men have caused. In exchange, we only want Ufli's release."
Takur laughed, "Do you think I have use for Kebar rubbish?"
Clearly Vidai also felt their offer exceeded what was required. His neutral expression turned to a snarl at the rebuff. "What is it you want then?" he said, his voice rising.
Takur raised his to match. "What I want is for East River Side to pay for their provocations, not in treasure, but in blood." Vidai opened his mouth to object, but Takur spoke over him, tempering his voice. "I want assurance the attacks will stop. It is clear you cannot control your young men, Vidai. They have caused great damage. We lost much. We therefore demand you leave these lands. Only then will my people feel secure. But I also understand the art of negotiation and realize I must make a compromise. So here is my offer. We will take Ufli to our wintering spot. We will keep him safe and well cared for. If your people have abandoned these lands when we return and promise never to come within a two sun’s walk of any of our camps, we will hand him over to you in the spring."
Vidai was beside himself. After a long, menacing glare he gathered the items he had spread out and stood, neglecting to translate Takur's refusal to his escorts. He spoke words Azerban didn't fully understand, although he grasped their meaning well enough. As he turned to leave Takur smiled indulgently.
"Stop!" Azerban called, using one of the Kebar words he remembered. Vidai turned and scowled at him.
He held his hands up to let them know he meant no threat. "Perhaps there is another way..."
"Azerban, what are you doing? Be quiet, boy!" Takur commanded.
"You do not speak for your people, Second," Vidai growled at him. "Why should I listen to you?"
Azerban ignored Takur's glare and answered Vidai directly. "Let us explore another option. Perhaps I can convince everyone here to a more satisfactory resolution. Stay long enough to hear me out. Please sit."
The three men eyed him warily and continued to stand, but at least they weren't leaving.
Azerban drew a deep breath and continued, now addressing the entire room. "Vidai, Ufek would like his son returned to him. What we want most of all is our security guaranteed. Can we not come to some agreement concerning these two goals?"
Vidai spoke to his men and then nodded silently. Azerban went on, "I know everyone here has their doubts, but I believe we can, if everyone is willing to listen for a short while longer. Vidai, you say these attacks inflicted on our people have been at the hands of young instigators. Can you give us your word you don't condone their actions?"
Vidai sighed deeply before responding, "Yes, of course, Azerban. I already have."
"And can you give us your word those responsible for these acts will be sanctioned?"
Vidai looked uncomfortable, but responded affirmatively. Takur and Sakon humphed their doubt.
"And will you take responsibility for any further attacks, Vidai?" Azerban continued.
"What do you mean by that?" Vidai asked.
"That in the future, you will hand over anyone involved in further attacks. To be sanctioned as we see fit."
After Vidai finished translating to his colleagues the men bristled and began speaking vigorously. After a long moment of listening, Vidai responded, "I give you my word, Second Ta'araki. If there are further attacks, I will hand myself over for whatever sanctions you see fit."
Azerban finally summoned up the courage to look over at Takur. The elder man glared back at him but didn't object.
"Agreed. We also demand recompense from the men involved. Next summer, when we begin work on the Great Temple, you must send those men to contribute. For a full moon. It is hard work, Vidai, and your men will not enjoy it. But it is my hope they will come to appreciate our dedication to the Ta'ar and our reasons for our labor. The Great Temple is not meant to be a claim, but facilitates our path to the Ta'ar upon our death. Perhaps, laboring together, we will each develop some respect for the other and learn to live together, as we once did."
Vidai's skepticism was apparent. "You suggest we send some of our strongest hunters into your possession," he said. "What guarantee do I have you will not simply kill them?"
"Vidai, if we are to come to peace it will require trust on both sides. We will make the first gesture by returning Ufli immediately. However, you must give your word, by the Mother's Witness, that you will agree to this. It is the only way. Surely, the alternative is worse, as neither you nor I are ready to abandon these lands."
Vidai stood staring at him, calculating. After a moment he spoke, "I cannot make this decision on my own, Azerban. I will need to return and beseech those involved to agree. I cannot guarantee they will. But a gesture of goodwill on your part will say much. Will you release Ufli tonight?"
"We will not, Vidai. Come back in two suns. You have my word he will not be harmed before your return." Azerban turned to Takur.
Takur was cornered. He'd been listening intently as Azerban's strategy played out, despite his anger with him. The Kebar might not live up to their side of the bargain. He could easily object and the matter would be over. The Kebar would leave and they'd have to figure out what to do with the Kebar captive, not to mention the consequences of whatever they decided. On the other hand, he knew an untended wound would fester, and could very well result in the rotting disease of continuous war. It was prudent to deescalate now.
Takur was inclined to approve Azerban’s proposal, but was worried about Sakon. He’d heard whispers his powerful clan felt he’d acted in weakness in the past. In many ways he was more concerned about them than the Kebar.
In the end though he decided he could blame Azerban if the Kebar betrayed them. "If you make this agreement, Azerban, the blame for their treachery will fall upon you. But I agree he will not be harmed until their return."
"So be it, we will return in two suns," Vidai said, before exiting with Urvet and Ufek behind him.
"I hope you know what you're doing," Takur said, glaring at Azerban once the three Kebar had left.
"So do I. But I feel they’ll agree to our terms."
"And if we hand over the K
ebar and they decide not to honor the agreement?"
"Then we will have lost a small prize and gained a larger one. We will know their true intentions," Azerban said.
"We already know their intentions," Sakon said. "We should kill them and the captive."
"What will that achieve?" Hadir asked incredulously.
"They’ll know the consequences of attacking us," Sakon almost spat at him.
"No. They will know the consequences of coming to us in peace," Azerban said. "And word will spread the Natu are not trustworthy negotiators. What you suggest is an affront to the Mother and the Ta'ar, Sakon. To slaughter unarmed visitors? Surely you understand it is not possible."
Sakon grunted and looked away. Even he knew Azerban was correct.
"Azerban is right, Sakon. We cannot slaughter them. It would bring dishonor upon Boar Camp, upon all the camps," Asek said.
"Fine!" Sakon growled. "We won't kill them."
"We will wait to see what they decide," Takur said. "If they agree to Azerban's terms, we’ll release the Kebar to them."
"Agreed," Azerban said.
"Agreed," Hadir, Asek and finally Sakon responded.
---
That night Boar Camp was put on heightened alert. Everyone knew it was possible they’d be greeted with a full attack, instead of a second meeting as Azerban desperately hoped. Every capable hunter was tasked with guard duty, encircling the entire camp. No one was allowed to venture past the defense circumference. The apprehension in Boar Camp was palpable.
However two suns passed without event and on the early evening of the second, Azerban was on his way to Ta'araki's shelter for yet another meeting. A crowd of Natu was gathered outside, filled with lively conversations and high spirits. Many of them nodded and smiled as he walked by. The preliminary agreement between the Kebar and Natu was well known, as was his involvement. He was gratified most approved of the offered terms and proud of his role in designing them. Coupled with his pride, he also felt a tinge of fear of what might happen if they failed to come to agreement. Azerban doubled his resolve to make sure that didn't happen.
He recognized Hadir standing near Ta'araki's shelter, then noticed Asek, Sakon and Takur with him. They all stared grimly in the same direction. Following their eyes, he spotted Vidai, Ufek and Urvet making their way down the shallow eastern slope of Sunset Hill. Most of the spectators watched with heightened curiosity as the three Kebar approached, but some were glaring at them or even murmuring insults. Azerban noticed Daneel surrounded by a few of her girlfriends, giggling as they watched the men arrive. They appeared particularly interested in Urvet, Ufek's handsome and muscular son. He smiled to himself, knowing some - especially young women - always seemed to have an attraction to anything new or different. They'll probably like his younger brother even more, if they get a glimpse of him, Azerban surmised. The thought brought a sudden sprout of inspiration, but he expelled it from his mind before giving it a chance to develop. There were more serious concerns at the moment.
He arrived at Ta'araki's side as the Kebar approached. "Greetings, Ta'araki," Vidai began. "It is good to see you again." He offered his hands to him.
Takur took them and replied, "Greetings, Vidai. Welcome back to Boar Camp. I trust you journeyed well?"
"It was uneventful, as I’d hoped," the other man said, before turning to Azerban and offering his hands. "Azerban, it pleases me to see you again. I think the last occurrence was not the first though. Recently, I was thinking back to when our people were on friendlier terms. Do you remember when we first met?"
Azerban thought back to his childhood when he’d visited the Kebar camp with his father. He realized one of those blurry faces belonged to Vidai. "I believe I vaguely do, Vidai, and the feeling is mutual," Azerban responded. Although he was eager to reminisce about that long ago visit with the older man’s people, he didn't want to appear too friendly in front of all of Boar Camp. "Thank you for coming," he said.
"It is my pleasure. Your people have built an impressive encampment," Vidai remarked, taking a moment to look around.
Azerban studied the lines on Vidai's aged face. Was there hidden insult in his words? He chose to believe in the other man's sincerity. After all, what advantage would it serve to offend now, when they were so close to ending their dispute peacefully? "Thank you, Vidai," he said. "We are proud of it. Perhaps you and your men would enjoy a tour after our discussions conclude."
"Perhaps, if the sun permits," Vidai responded. "I have to admit, I would like to get a closer look at your mudbricks."
Azerban paused again before responding. Was he hinting at some sort of additional component he'd like included in the final agreement? "I would like to show them to you," he said. "If not this sun, then another."
"Vidai, please join me at my hearth," Ta'araki said, stepping in. "We can renew our discussions in private."
"Of course, Ta'araki. I would be pleased. But first, with your permission, I would like to present Azerban with a gift."
Azerban, caught off guard, replied swiftly, "That is not necessary..."
But Vidai would not be rebuffed. "I have heard of the troubles which have befallen your mate, Azerban. I had our First Healer prepare a mixture she assures me will help her fight the evil spirits which shadow her." He presented a stomach lining filled with some sort of thick liquid. Azerban held it up and inspected the dark brown fluid inside.
He was sure he wouldn’t risk employing it, but saw no harm in accepting the offering. What concerned him more was how the Kebar leader knew of his family's troubles. Were their scouts really that good? Or did they learn of it indirectly? He knew they shared some trading partners. "This is a kind gesture, Vidai. I accept it with gratitude," he said.
"It is the least I could do. While we do not know what ails her specifically, our Healer tells me this mixture is good for many lung ailments. I would also be happy to bring her to your mate, for a full examination."
"Again, thank you, Vidai. Your generosity honors me. I will consider it."
"Of course," Vidai responded. "I understand."
"Vidai, if you and your companions would follow me," Takur said. He led the two parties into his shelter and bid them to make themselves comfortable. A wide assortment of appetizing morsels and different varieties of poison was laid out. Stuffed pads were also strategically placed.
After several rounds of discussions, Azerban was more than satisfied with how the talks were proceeding. The poison had served its purpose in making softening some of the harsh dispositions left over from their first meeting. Takur agreed to release Ufli and affirmed they made no claim to the lands. The Kebar agreed to cease any attacks and to make clear to their youngsters that no more would be tolerated. In addition, Vidai agreed to take responsibility for any further hostilities and swore he’d either hand over any perpetrators or himself in their stead. Both groups agreed hunting was allowed in the areas surrounding each other's camps, as long as notice was given first, mainly to ensure no hostile actions would be taken by a surprised party, but also to ensure they wouldn’t disturb each other's hunts. This was a concept which had held fast for thousands of years among neighboring peoples. Now the Natu and Kebar were reaffirming it. If nothing else, it would serve to ensure occasional friendly contact between them, helping to dispel distrust which had arisen from many winters of isolation and growing unfamiliarity.
One sticking point was Azerban's demand that the Kebar hunters involved in the last attack work at the Great Temple the next summer. Some of them had rejected the idea outright when presented with it, although there were a few Kebar who were open to the idea. There were some who were curious about their Natu neighbors and the monumental structures they were building. Perhaps others were pressured by their strong-willed leader. In the end they compromised, agreeing it would be acceptable for only the men interested to participate, as long as a predetermined amount of work was completed, regardless of the number of visitor workers or duration it took for completion. It wa
s also agreed the Kebar workers would not be involved in any of the riskiest labors. Asek joked the refusers might regret their decision when they were told of the beautiful young women attending to the workers, producing knowing laughter.
The comment made Azerban think back to the idea he'd had when the Kebar arrived. He might not have mentioned it had he not indulged in the poison while they talked, but he was in a good mood, in part due to the success of the discussions so far. It was an idea worth entertaining, he decided - it could be useful on several fronts. "Vidai, I noticed several of our young women seemed very interested in Urvet when you arrived," he said.
"That does not surprise me," Vidai laughed and then translated. Urvet's ears perked up after being told what Azerban had said. "Many of our women are interested in him also. And his young brother."
"I am sure that is true," Azerban remarked. "Ties between peoples can be very useful, I'm sure you're aware."
"That's true," Vidai responded, curiosity apparent in his voice.
"Perhaps next summer we can arrange a meeting between some of our young men and women. Maybe there will be some... mutual interest," Azerban continued. He had the sense Vidai knew exactly what he was getting to, but was waiting for him to fully express the idea.
"A plan worth pursuing, Azerban," Vidai answered. "It could be very powerful in dispelling any distrust between us and for bringing our people further together."
"I agree completely," Azerban said, pleased with himself again.
"Your daughter, for instance. I have heard she is very beautiful, and capable."
Azerban was startled. He hadn't meant to suggest his own... And how did Vidai know so much about them? "Ahhh..." he answered, "I'm afraid my daughter is spoken for."
"I don't think that is any longer true, Azerban," Takur happily volunteered. "I believe Dogahn is now interested in Yumineh of Swan Camp, is he not?"
Azerban glared at him. How dare he? Was this payback for usurping control of the talks during the first meeting? And since when was he so interested in the affairs of their young?
