Kunthar finishes his private discussion and shouts across the river once again. “Oh good. I’m glad to hear it was just the cold. I thought you might have changed your mind about the swim because of those lions behind you.”
Fear courses through Grak’s veins. He begins to turn, but stops an instant later.
You’re right, Lago! The area is far too well-traveled of late. Lions wouldn’t come around here. That clever fiend!
Grak shouts to his people, “Don’t look! He’s trying to trick you! So they can shoot us. Trust me, there are no lions behind us!”
Thanks for your quick thinking, friend. Probably saved us all. Now for retaliation.
“That was a good trick, Kunthar! But not good enough!” Grak suppresses a smile. “And it earned my people the time they needed. They’re sneaking up behind you as we speak!”
Kunthar seems tempted, but makes his decision in an instant. “Don’t look either! He’s trying to trick us. There’s no one back there!”
Hmm, clever indeed. Seems we’ve reached an impasse here. Any other ideas, friend?
Grak tries to control his disappointment.
Well, why not? You’re my adviser. I would expect at lea—
Frolan pokes his head into Grak’s formation. “Sir. This doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere at the moment. Perhaps we could suggest a neutral meeting point without weapons. Just for you and Kunthar.”
Grak conceals his excitement about the idea. “Hmm, yes. Just what I was thinking.”
But how to word it so Kunthar doesn’t argue?
He taps his lips pensively.
Ah, good idea. Thank you, friend. That almost makes up for your failure a moment ago.
“Kunthar!” shouts Grak. “I suggest you come alone and unarmed to a meeting on our side of the river.”
The stranger quickly discusses the idea, then shouts back, “I don’t know if I can trust you. Why don’t you come over here?”
Grak didn’t expect that reply. “Well, I don’t know if I can trust you either!”
Kunthar’s response is quicker this time. “Well sure, but realistically, only one of us here has held the other one captive.”
Grak opens his mouth to deny that, but stops short, unable to think of a way to deflect the point. He turns to Frolan for more ideas.
The brute simply blinks. “By neutral, I meant somewhere in between.”
Grak laughs derisively. “In the water? Get realistic! That’s the worst idea you’ve had yet.”
Frolan’s expression remains unchanged. “Actually, I was thinking of the ford just upstream. It seems far enough away from both tribes for everyone to feel comfortable there.”
Grak stops laughing. “Yes, that was my idea. Just wanted to see if you could think on your feet. Chances are, you’ll have to put up with Kunthar’s mocking during the meeting, so I wanted to prepare you in advance.”
Frolan nods. “Yes sir.”
Grak breathes a quiet sigh of relief and turns back to Kunthar. “Let’s meet in the middle!”
The stranger lets out a hearty and exaggerated laugh. “In the water? Tha—” He stops abruptly as Dernue whispers in his ear.
Grak peers inside his tent. Its size made it the obvious choice for the meeting, but Kunthar would only allow it if they set the thing up on his side of the ford.
And that certainly warrants suspicion. And shows no small amount of lethargy on the man’s part. Can’t even be bothered to cross the water?
Seeking to teach a lesson on apathy, Grak insisted that Kunthar should be the one serving refreshments. To his surprise, the man had no qualms about this and only demanded to choose them as well.
Of course, Grak was hesitant to give him that one, as it would create an equal number of concessions from each tribe. But in the end, he relented, deciding that his victories were of a higher quality, if not a higher quantity.
Clearly, I won. Remind me to have Opa record it as such. And don—
Oh, here we go. We’ll talk about that later.
Spotting Frolan’s signal for “safe to approach,” Grak stands tall and strolls in with confidence. But he loses some of that assurance upon entering the empty tent. Without furnishings or decorations, it feels quite a bit smaller. “Lonely” would be his description. Or perhaps “sad,” save for the strong scent of jasmines in the air.
Grak sniffs Lago’s hair to verify the man didn’t change his flowers.
No, clearly not you. I suppose someone else has your fine sense for fragrances. And I’m not referring to myself this time.
He chuckles as he sits down.
True. So true. But enough humor. We’ve got important matters to deal with.
Grak adopts a somber demeanor and turns his focus toward the meeting attendees. As expected, Kunthar brought Dernue as one of his two permitted advisers. However, the bald man sitting on his other side was not anticipated.
Grak considers his own selections of Frolan and Lago.
I wonder if I should have brought Brak instead of Frolan. Just to match their bald fellow. In case that gives them an edge I don’t know about. Well, I suppose only time will tell. Best to get on with this thing.
He decides to begin with simple pleasantries. “Why are you in our restricted zone?”
He glances at Lago.
Hmm, you might be right. Remind me to start with a more palatable topic next time.
He shrugs thoughtfully.
Well, maybe. Though, I’m not certain there’s much to discuss about the weather.
Grak nods slowly as understanding sinks in.
Ah, I see. I suppose that would make it a decent subject to lead with. Alright, we’ll go with that one next time.
Dernue looks offended, but stays silent while Kunthar responds. “We didn’t know you gave the area a name. We were simply passing through.”
Grak chuckles derisively. “Passing through? On the other side of the river? What? Did your herd cross the water?”
Kunthar looks troubled. “How did you know that? Have you been following us?”
Dernue leans in and whispers something. Kunthar responds with an equally quiet comment of his own. Grak shakes his head, marveling at their abilities.
Kunthar nods to the woman and turns back. “Yes, they did cross. And we followed them.”
Grak finds their behavior furtive and suspicious. He rubs his chin to show careful deliberation.
They seem rather on edge, don’t they?
He raises an eyebrow at Lago.
You think so? Well, that’s an interesting theory. They did show up rather soon after Cordo’s attack. And I imagine the strangers over the hill are probably connected too. I knew we should have killed them off right away! Well, stay quiet about this. Can’t let on that we’ve seen through their guise. At least, not until we gather more information.
Grak puts on his formal demeanor. “So, Kunthar. I find your timing unusual.” He adds his most suggestive tone. “Met anyone new lately? Or been involved in any schemes I should know about?”
Kunthar’s eyes go wide for an instant. He leans in and whispers to Dernue. She rolls her eyes and releases a powerful snort before whispering something in return.
Kunthar returns to the meeting, attempting a calm front, yet betrayed by the manic activity in his eyelashes. “No. Why do you ask?”
Aha! Did you see that, Lago? Looks like you were right. But how does it all connect? You think on that one while I distract him. Let me know the moment you come up with something.
Grak rubs his chin. “No reason. No reason at all.” He smiles knowingly in an attempt to make Kunthar uneasy.
The stranger begins to speak, but is interrupted by a rumpling of the tent flap. Grak whirls in his seat to spot Brak and one of the strangers entering together. It’s an awkward ordeal, considering the small space of the opening and how both men are determined to hold the tray unitedly.
Good man. Following orders to the letter.
Grak turns to his enemy. “I forgot
to mention one thing, Kunthar. I have to be certain that you haven’t poisoned the refreshments. So my team will serve them, and you’ll drink first.”
Kunthar whispers with Dernue for a moment before turning back. “Alright. But only if you serve them in plain view.”
Grak nods, and Brak pours the first drink. But as liquid splashes into the clay cup, an aroma rises and fills the tent, tickling the recesses of Grak’s mind.
What is that scent? Do you recognize it, friend? Has a certain famil—
Now he remembers. It’s a spice Grak hasn’t smelled in some time. Cinnamon tea. His mind races.
Is it just a coincidence? But how could it be? How probable is it that they’d be drinking the—
He gasps. Noticing the stares, Grak attempts to turn it into a yawn. Barely passable. He adds a stretch, both to enhance the ruse and to subtly bring him closer to Frolan’s ear. He whispers softly, actually managing to keep it quiet this time.
The brute’s eyes go wide, and he stands. “Excuse me. I forgot to … m … p …” He leaves abruptly.
There’s a good man. Swift to obey. Though now we’re down by one. Two if we get in a fight. No offense, Lago, but you’re in no condition to brawl.
Kunthar’s worry is obvious. “Where did Frolan run off to?”
“Oh …” Grak reviews possible explanations. “He just had to switch out the river guard. End of their watch and all.”
Kunthar’s worry swells into panic. “What is this?” He stands in a show of anger. “We agreed not to have our forces at the river during the meeting!”
Hmm, can’t have him ending things just yet. Not before Frolan reports back.
Grak raises his hands to calm the man. “Relax. It’s just our standard guard. We always have a troop of nine to watch the river.”
This only creates greater concern in Kunthar. “Nine? Why would you need so many there? If not to move against my people?”
Grak chuckles at that sentiment. “So many? Oh, was that a lot of guards? I hadn’t realized.”
He smiles and turns to Brak, nudging him with his elbow. The man avoids eye contact and pulls away slightly, evoking a frown from Grak.
At least tell me you got the humor, Lago.
He grins with relief.
Thank you! I can’t tell you how nice it is to have someone around who enjoys a good laugh every now and then. I swear, the fools around me normally are far too serious.
He rolls his eyes at Brak and returns to the conversation. “In our tribe, nine guards isn’t much.” Best to clarify, just in case Kunthar doesn’t quite get it. “Because we’re so strong, I mean. We have a lot of guards. Far more than nine.”
The stranger raises an eyebrow, but quickly catches himself and replaces it with a more aloof expression. “Oh? Like three times more? Or four?”
Grak grows indignant. “Pssh! Try six times more!” The need for caution dawns on him.
Hmm, might have been best not to give away our exact numbers. Should have exaggerated a bit. Ninety would be a solid number.
Grak gives Lago a look of pleasant surprise. “Oh, good thinking.”
He rushes to implement the man’s idea. “But that’s just active. We have another thirty who train regularly but have other duties.” Still sounds too small. “And another fifty that train, just not as regularly. So, yes, we have a lot of guards.” Grak commends himself for such a smooth recovery.
Kunthar looks troubled. “Well, we have even more than that. Maybe around one hundred regular and another hundred that train but have other duties.”
Grak rolls his eyes. “Maybe around one hundred? You’re not a very good liar, Kunthar. If you’re going to make up numbers, then at least be definite in them.”
Kunthar whispers with Dernue before turning back. “We have exactly one hundred.”
Grak raises an eyebrow. “Oh, and you think I’ll believe you now? You can’t just recover that easily after being caught in a lie.”
Kunthar grows frustrated. “We do have that many! And I’m not the liar here, Grak. You’re the one who went back on our agreement to keep your soldiers from the river!”
He’s trying to change the subject now? Must be nervous. We can certainly use that. Just need to keep him arguing until Frolan returns.
Grak chuckles. “Funny thing to call them.” He slowly enunciates the word. “Sol-diers. We just call them guards.”
Kunthar calms slightly, but fails to hide his offense at that comment. “Well, ‘soldiers’ just sounds better.”
Grak rolls his eyes and whispers to Brak, “Sure, for dumb people. Am I right?”
Brak shrugs and mumbles, “I thought it sounded nice.”
Grak finds that response annoying.
Proves my point then, doesn’t it, Lago?
Kunthar shakes his head in confusion and fury. “But, regardless of what we call them, I demand an answer! Why do you have forces at the river? That’s in direct violation of our agreement!”
Hmm, maybe a bit too angry. Best to calm him down a little. Don’t want him resorting to violence while Frolan’s away.
Grak makes another calming gesture and puts on a soothing tone. “No, they’re not at the river. They’re in the woods. They’re just guarding the river.” He detects lingering confusion. “From my people.”
Kunthar hesitates. “You post soldiers to keep your own people away from the river? Why would you do that? It doesn’t even make sense.” His tone takes on a touch of indignation. “Now who sounds like a liar?”
It’s Grak’s turn to be offended. “I’m not lying! And it makes perfect sense. If we don’t keep our people away, then they try to hoard the water. Obviously I’m just being a sensible leader, watching out for my people during the water shortage!”
Kunthar’s eyes go wide—an effect amplified by the man’s luxurious lashes. “Water … shortage? Wh—?”
Dernue angrily tugs at the man’s tunic. With surprise still coating his face, he turns to the woman and leans in. The two whisper fervently for a moment while the bald man fails in his attempts to join in. Finally, Kunthar turns back and stands tall.
He’s wearing an arrogant expression now. “Yes, the water shortage. We’ve known about that. For some time now, really.”
I knew it! They do know about the water shortage! But did they cause it?
Grak rubs his chin in consideration.
Hmm, you’re right. Probably need Escha’s analysis if we hope to be certain. But how do we respond until then?
He gives Lago a subtle wink.
Ah, good thinking. Best to play it down for now.
Grak proceeds with caution. “Well, I’m not surprised you know about it. Simple theory, really. Obvious, once we noticed the river was drying up. Something anyone could have figured out.”
Kunthar thinks for a moment. “Yes, certainly. But you should still tell us more about it. Everything you know would be good. And be specific. Just so we can see if your information is accurate.”
Wait a moment. That doesn’t make much sense, does it Lago? Why would they need to know—
Of course! They didn’t actually know about it yet. Not until they stole the information from me just now. Those fiends! Those clever fiends! We need to stall! Throw them off the trail until Frolan gets back.
He thinks quickly, desperate for a solution. “Well, it takes a while to explain. With all the numbers … and such. Wouldn’t expect your people to understand in one sitting.”
Kunthar returns to fervently whispering with Dernue. They’re a little too good at that. Grak can’t tell if they bought the excuse.
He leans in to Brak and tries his best whisper. “I need you to casually walk behind them and listen to what they’re saying. Then report it back to me.”
Brak looks confused. “But won’t they be suspi—”
Frolan storms into the tent, breathing hard. He takes a moment to catch his breath before leaning in and whispering to Grak. Kunthar stops his own conversation to watch these new pro
ceedings with great concern. As Frolan completes his report, Grak’s eyes go wide.
His breathing grows ragged and furious. “So, Kunthar. I’ve asked you twice now, and both times you’ve lied to me. I’ll give you one more chance to tell the truth. Have you met anyone outside of your tribe recently? Before the event at the river today?”
Kunthar’s eyes dart back and forth between Grak and Frolan. He’s obviously considering the possibility of keeping his lie going.
But Grak doesn’t let him make that decision. He stands, full of rage. “Let me put it another way. Frolan has just confirmed it for me, and I’d like to hear your explanation of the matter. Why are you hiding Jafra and Groka among your people?”
Kunthar grows bewildered. “How …? You stalled! You stalled while your brute sneaked off and secretly espied my encampment!”
Grak likes the sound of that word. Though it’s a little too bulky.
Espied. Let’s keep that one in reserve and work on it. Maybe we could whittle it down for regular use.
Trusting Lago to commit it to memory, Grak returns to the conversation. “Don’t change the subject.” He remembers his anger. “That woman has committed heinous acts against our people. Return her to us so we can have our justice!”
Kunthar allows a slight smile. “Hmm. So it seems I have something you want. That just leaves me to wonder one thing. What do you have that I want?”
Grak ponders it for a moment.
What’s the fool getting at? Does he want something in particular? Or is he just asking me to make an offer?
He taps his lips and sneaks Lago a slight nod.
Yes, you’re probably right.
He puts on his nonchalant voice. “I suppose I could trade you one of my people. Brak here, for example. If you’d like.”
Brak is outraged. “What?”
And Kunthar is offended. “What kind of an offer is that? For something as important to you as your justice? You’d have to at least trade … maybe the big fellow. And then I’d still have to be talked into it.”
Things Grak Hates Page 28
