Azaria (34 page)

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 Kebar 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 was 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?

"Relax, Azerban. It is of little consequence," Vidai chuckled, seeing his counterpart struggling to hide his blazing fury. "Anyway, I didn't mean to throw you in the fire. It is a matter which can wait until the snows retreat." He had the look of a man who was saying the exact opposite of what he meant and knew everyone around him understood it.

"Yes, of course, Vidai. Your wisdom continues to impress." Azerban was relieved Vidai was not offended by his reaction, although it was clear he very much did intend to trap him. He was sorry he'd brought the subject up and sought desperately for a different topic. "I don't mean to change the subject-"

Loud laughs from everyone gathered interrupted him, as all understood that was exactly what he meant to do. But Azerban struggled on, “...but allow me to return to your interest in our mudbricks. If any of your people were interested in seeing how they were made next summer, I’d be willing to show them."

Vidai seemed especially pleased with the offer. It was clear from his enthusiasm he recognized the superiority of the Natu style. After that, Azerban quieted as the rest of the men spoke casually, taking stock of the success they had achieved so far. He looked around the shelter and noticed everyone seemed to be in good spirit. It turned out to be an astoundingly successful meeting. A further disintegration of relations had been averted and the promise of peace hung in front of them like a bulging, ruby red pomegranate. They simply had to pluck it. It would be hard work of course, but like the juicy seeds nestled inside the hard shell, the rewards would be sweet if all involved were willing to make the effort.