Azaria (33 page)

"You have him and he is alive. My men have seen him."

Azerban was shocked at how quickly the man came to his point and how bold he appeared. He wondered if he was bluffing. Could the Kebar spies be so good? Or was he skilled enough to determine Takur was indeed lying?

Ta'araki stayed silent for a long while before allowing a small smile to grow between his thin, cracked lips.

So the Kebar have won the first round,
Azerban thought.

"It's possible I could find your man, Kebar," Takur conceded. "But why should I help you after you attacked our Camp, destroyed our property, threatened and injured my people?"

The man returned the smile. "Ahhh... We've come to the point then. I told you this meeting could be short. Perhaps before we continue however, you'll allow me an introduction. I am Vidai, First Leader of East River Side of the Kebar, son of Vinrai, previous First Leader of East River Side. To my left is Ufek, father of Ufli, who you are currently holding captive. To my right is Urvet, Ufek's eldest son." He held out both hands with palms facing up, a custom his people shared with the Natu.

Azerban's thoughts turned back to his youth. As a boy he'd once accompanied his father to one of the nearby Kebar camps, back when their peoples traded regularly. He knew that although the Kebar were nomadic in the summer, they identified their groupings by the locations in which they wintered. He thought Vidai looked familiar. Back then, he would have been a young man. Azerban's mind raced, trying to remember all those blurry faces so long ago.

Takur took the man's hands. To do anything else would break the laws of the Great Earth Mother, who he still respected enough to honor in this small manner. "Greetings, Vidai. I am Takur, First Ta'araki of the Natu, Ta'araki of Boar Camp of the Natu, chosen of the Ta'ar to lead the Natu, son of Nemak, Master Healer of Boar Camp of the Natu." Although he honored the old customs in greeting Vidai, he ignored the two other men, which was considered quite rude. By the expression on their faces, it was plain all three took offence at the slight. He continued without meeting their eyes, "This is Asek, Master Trader of Boar Camp of the Natu." Asek nodded and smiled slightly. "This is Sakon, Master Defender of Boar Camp of the Natu." Sakon's upper lip distorted as he nodded almost imperceptibly. Takur then gestured to Azerban and Hadir, who were still standing to the side. "This is Azerban, Second Ta'araki of Boar Camp of the Natu, and Hadir, Third Ta'araki of Boar Camp."

Azerban walked over to the men and offered his hands. All three took them and nodded. Hadir followed his lead.

After allowing the greeting, Takur continued, "I see you’ve brought no food or water. I will have some provided. We will share a meal as we discuss further."

"We would be honored," Vidai responded.

"Please sit down." Takur then called in one of the hunters standing outside and directed him to bring meat and water.

The three Kebar men sat on the floor of the shelter with their legs folded beneath them. "Before we begin discussions over Ufek's son," Takur began, "we demand an explanation as to why we've been attacked."

Vidai shifted uneasily. Azerban wondered as to his answer. Surely he must have known he'd be expected to account for his camp's actions. But Ufek, the father of the captive Ufli, spoke next, directing his words to the Kebar leader. Azerban understood only a word or two, but guessed he'd heard his name and was asking what was being said. Vidai answered him in the Kebar tongue and the man seemed satisfied with the answer, although he and his son both also looked uncomfortable.

"It was the unfortunate actions of a few hot-headed young men. It was not condoned. I apologize for the transgression." Azerban marveled at his ease with the Natu words. Clearly this was a man of great intellect and capacity for foreign tongues.

Takur thought carefully before speaking. "Young men often act immaturely. However, this was not the first attack upon one of our camps. Our two peoples were once friendly, Vidai. Why have yours chosen violence against us?"

Vidai also paused before answering, "Your youths attack our camps too. Let’s not forget that. But the truth is some do not believe you belong here. The lands you've chosen were once our hunting grounds. Some would like to use them again."

Sakon butted in angrily, "So it is true you wish us to leave?" Takur looked annoyed, but waited for Vidai to answer.

"Some do wish that."

"And you?" Takur asked.

"If it is the Mother's wish that you leave, then eventually it will be so," he answered.

Ufek's frustration at not being able to understand finally got the better of him. He barked a few Kebar words at Vidai, one of which Azerban remembered as
translate
. In return, the elder man stared him down until his gaze turned to the ground. Azerban listened carefully as the old leader explained to his escorts what had previously been said, trying to identify more comprehensible words.

"Your man looks agitated," Takur said, after waiting for them to finish. "Perhaps he doesn't share your confidence in the Mother's will."

"He has confidence in my will. Forgive him his interruption," Vidai said. He continued to translate to his men as the conversation furthered.

Takur nodded. "I understand his desire to see his son safe. That is a desire our peoples share. And yet I still don't understand why your people wish us to leave. We have long shared these lands in peace. There is plenty, for both peoples. You know we don't always camp in the same place. We often wander to other places to allow the lands to replenish."

"Yet you mark the lands with your structures. Many of my people, especially the younger ones, see this as an offense." Vidai answered neutrally. "Do you claim these lands for your own, Takur?"

Understanding bled over Azerban. Although their mudbrick shelters largely dissolved during the winter season they were much more permanent than the thatched huts made of large branches and bone draped with leather that the Kebar were still using. He could see how they might see them as a claim on shared lands. He opened his mouth to answer the Kebar leader, but thought better of it. Takur was doing a good job of teasing out the motivations behind the Kebar actions. However, his acolyte couldn't control his tongue so easily. "Our shelters will eventually melt," Hadir said. "We’ll have to repair them when we return next spring. Surely, you understand they aren't a claim."

"It is not your shelters that bother my people, Third Ta'araki! Do you deny the stones to the northeast - which you cut from the Mother's belly and erect unnaturally - aren't proof of your claim?"

Azerban forgot his annoyance with Hadir's outburst, as a deeper understanding of the man's concern swept over him.
So it’s the Great Temple which offends them.
He had to admit, the Temple was a permanent structure. It could definitely be seen as a claim. But the Natu never meant it as such.

"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."