Azaria (46 page)

Buoyed by the shouts of protest, Siryah of Wolf Camp raised her voice above all others, "Sacrifices?" she asked. "So there was more than one? Would you be speaking of the young Boar Camp girl whose life was taken just last autumn?"

Takur panicked, realizing in his frustration he’d let on more than he'd meant, and his expression showed it.

"Another sacrifice?" more than one Ta'araki called out.

"A
Natu
girl? How can this be?" someone else yelled.

General chaos broke out, as any semblance of order was lost. Takur was helpless as squabbles began amongst the crowd, with those who’d backed the action arguing with those who’d been blindsided by the information. Siryah again raised her voice, finally quieting the rest, "Ta'araki, it seems again Boar Camp bears responsibility for what has happened. Should not Boar Camp clean up this mess?"

The entire body gazed silently at him, waiting to hear his response. Although discouraged, he was also relieved, as he was better prepared to answer this question than the interrogating ones concerning the young girl's sacrifice. "You may be right, Siryah. Perhaps Boar Camp does bear the most blame for what has happened. I certainly feel guilt for the path my late mate led us down. In hindsight, maybe we should have proceeded differently. However, I don't see how that matters now. We
have
been attacked. The Kebar want us to abandon these lands. They reject the Ta'ar. We tried negotiating with them. Boar Camp attempted to 'clean up our mess', as you put it, Siryah. Our honest efforts were rejected. I don't see how else we can proceed other than to respond in kind."

"How do you know this, Ta'araki?" asked the lead man from Mammoth Camp. Although rather young for his position, he was generally considered wise and fair, if not somewhat overly deliberative when making a decision. Like many in his camp, his long, straight hair and complexion were much fairer than that of most Natu. His high cheek bones and bright blue eyes always brought him the continued attention of many curious women at Summer Gatherings.

Takur didn't fully understand his question at first. "Is it not obvious, Beltan? We’ve been attacked. I think we can safely conclude our treaty has been rebuffed."

"Pardon me, Ta'araki," Beltan responded. "I'm not questioning that point. But you said the Kebar want us to abandon these lands. That they reject the Watchers. How do you know that?"

"Ahh," Takur brightened, realizing he’d not yet made that point. With all the interruptions, his focus had been shattered. "That is a very good question. The truth is they admitted as much to us. During our negotiations, the Kebar leader told us many of his people wish to claim the lands on which the Great Temple lies. I have the sense they fear it. That is why they are intent on destroying it, not because of retaliation, despite any meaningless drawings they might have left."

"And there were witnesses to that discussion?" asked Gutz, the Second Ta'araki of Mammoth Camp. Like his leader, he had pale skin and light eyes, although his hair was much darker. The two were so close in age and looked so similar compared to those outside their camp, many mistook them for brothers. "You were present were you not, Azerban?"

Azerban had not been paying attention for several moments. He'd been lost in his own thoughts, distracted regarding the other matter he feared Takur would bring up. The direct question startled him. "Huh... Oh, yes. Ta'araki is correct."

Beltan and Gutz humphed almost simultaneously, seemingly satisfied, although Gutz eyed Azerban before returning his attention to his elder.

Beltan continued, "If that is true then, it seems their admission is more damning evidence than this drawing. Perhaps a robust response is justified."

Azerban, his attention brought back to the discussion at hand, saw heads mostly nodding in agreement with the Mammoth Camp Ta'araki. He realized Siryah's objections, although well argued, were not strong enough in the face of the new evidence.

"What response do you suggest then, Ta'araki?" Siryah asked warily.

"A firm and equivalent reaction," Takur quickly replied, somewhat surprised at the sudden turn in sentiment toward his side. He’d practiced this part of his argument and easily fell back into a rhythm. "Our response should be carefully considered. We should think first of what we desire to achieve so that our actions do not appear arbitrary. The Kebar have attacked our shelters with fire. I propose we do the same. Force is justified and required. The Kebar must know any provocation taken against us will be met with a similar response. They must also know we will never abandon these lands or the Great Temple. We will protect our people and defend our sacred beliefs.

“Therefore, I propose an assault on the nearest Kebar settlement, which is west of Boar Camp. It is also the camp from which the attacks originated. Because it is closest, Boar Camp will likely endure any backlash. I’ve already attained approval in this matter, but I intend our response to be so clear that the Kebar will think twice about attacking us again. Afterward, we can go to them in peace and make our demands. I suggest we ask them to move their camps further away from ours in the future. The open land will act as a buffer against any further action."

Takur's speech was greeted with mostly grunts and nods of approval. Even Azerban had to admit the plan sounded reasonable, despite his doubts the actual attack would be as limited as presented. He feared Sakon and Dizon might not be so easily controlled once unleashed.

"We must gain the approval of the non-Ta'araki leaders also," said Siryah's superior. "In Wolf Camp at least, the Ta'araki are not the only ones with the right to be heard. But if this Council agrees to proceed with your proposal, I should be able to convince my people."

"That is true, as it has always been," Takur answered, looking suspiciously at the man, sure he heard judgment in his words.

Thirty-one Ta'araki stood inside the walls of the Great Temple. Each was given an equal vote. If more than half agreed to Takur's plan, he’d be given wide latitude to carry it out as he saw fit. But Azerban already knew Takur had won the argument and when the vote was tallied the count wasn't even close. Almost all agreed. He also voiced support of the plan, knowing a stand against would be futile anyway and hoping his reasonableness would be remembered.

Although they’d largely acquiesced to Takur's leadership, the numerous Ta'araki felt varying degrees of apprehension. Warring tribes were almost unheard of. Stories were told to children of faraway peoples who couldn't find a way to get along and turned to more violent measures. They were tales of caution, meant to encourage peaceful resolutions to disputes. As such, they almost always ended horrifically, with ghastly consequences for all involved. In the very rare cases they did know of, the real results weren't much better than those of the children’s’ tales. Conflict was costly. It drained a community's resources, took lives, and left a mark on those who survived. A loss of reputation was unavoidable, even for those tribes who'd been acting defensively from the beginning. More peaceful neighbors simply didn't want much to do with those who’d been involved in such distasteful exchanges.

Beltan, the Mammoth Camp lead Ta'araki, spoke first after the vote. "Although we’ve consented to your leadership, Takur, Mammoth Camp expects you to keep this offensive limited. I for one, want to be notified of any reprisal attacks. And I think everyone here would agree we should gather again to discuss the results of the actions you take - before any secondary actions."

The entire group nodded or vocalized their agreement. Takur responded, "As always my pale friend, your shrewd discretion impresses. I give my word, I’ll not take secondary actions without your approval and will send runners to report developments as soon as we are able. However, I do hope you all realize, Boar Camp will require your assistance in this endeavor. We will not succeed without a full effort."

"What is it you require, then?" Beltan asked.

"Your strongest hunters and other resources. As much as you can spare. I understand each camps' capability differs, so I’ll discuss with each of you what shall be provided based on individual circumstances."

Those present murmured agreement. Siryah spoke first, "I’ll agree to this, Ta'araki. However, I want an end to the executions. If any are to be killed, outside of battle, I believe we all should have a say in the decision."

"Agreed," Takur quickly acceded. "Are there any other concerns?"

Azerban looked from Takur to Siryah and then back again. He couldn't believe Takur agreed so quickly. No more executions. That would be the end of it then. Azaria was safe.

"Not from me," Beltan answered for the group. "I tire of these talks. I look forward to a little poison and perhaps some of your special herbs, Manumen," he said, addressing the lead Ta'araki from Red Deer Camp, Fox Camp's northern neighbor.

"I thought you might," Manumen responded with a sly smile. "I recently traded for some interesting new specimens I think you'll like."

"Excellent!" Beltan said, flashing her a brilliant set of healthy white teeth.

Others snickered at the back and forth. Although Manumen was happily mated and somewhat older, it was well known the relationship between the Ta'araki of Mammoth and Red Deer Camps went beyond that of just colleagues. The large distance between their camps limited their contact with one another, but whenever their camps did meet, the two could often be found together experimenting with different compounds or in more intimate exploits. Manumen's mate knew of their special relationship, but he wasn't a jealous man. He knew many still found his mate attractive and didn't see much harm in her other pleasurable pursuits. It left him open to seek out his own fresh experiences and in the end, she always returned to his hearth.

"Before I grant leave," Takur spoke, sensing everyone else's attention lapsing too. "I'm afraid there is one other unpleasant matter we must discuss."

Azerban's heart sank.

Weary grunts rose through the ranks of those gathered.

"As I'm sure many of you already know," Takur continued, "Azerban's hearth has suffered the recent loss of his mate, Zephia."

Many nodded in understanding or looked to Azerban with compassion.

"Unfortunately, his troubles have not ended with the one loss," Takur went on. "His daughter Azaria has been afflicted with the same sickness that took her mother."

Pangs of regret sounded from those who were unaware of the status of Azerban's daughter.

"While we do not wish to add to the tragedy that has befallen his family, I fear the evil will spread. I fear for the other lives of Boar Camp and of your camps as well."

Azerban countered immediately, "Ta'araki, your concern is unwarranted. Azaria will soon recover. She is young and strong-"

"Open your eyes, my Second. Her mother's sickness also waxed and waned as Luna does in her travels around our world. The parallels are impossible to ignore."

"I disagree most vehemently, Ta'araki," Azerban rebutted. "There is nothing to worry about. She was already recovering when we departed. I swear to everyone here, Azaria's sickness will be contained."

"How can you promise that, Azerban?" Umar said. "Do the Ta'ar speak to you when you lower your head for the night?"

A few nervous snickers interrupted the awkward silence.

"Of course not, Umar," Azerban answered, staring him down. His despair grew as he recognized the same old battle lines being drawn. "I speak from first-hand experience, having seen both cases from start to finish."

A few nodded in agreement, but Siryah of Wolf Camp spoke, "As has Ta'araki, Azerban. Do you claim superior expertise?"

His hopes wavered. He’d thought surely Siryah would come down on his side, but now wasn't so confident. "No, of course not. Just greater experience with these isolated cases." But even as he spoke, he found himself doubting the sincerity of his argument. Azaria was not healthy. And there was something to be said for Takur’s position. The back-and-forth pattern was difficult to deny, just like Zephia’s illness. The thought of losing his daughter was too much to bear, but he would rather that than lose both her and Quzo.

"Assuming there is a threat to Boar Camp, Ta'araki," Siryah said. "What is it you ask of us now?"

"Her sickness cannot be allowed to harm any others. We have already suffered enough and cannot afford more misfortune as we prepare to respond to the Kebar attacks. I see three options. I’ll let you decide between them."

"What are they then?" Beltan asked impatiently.

"As leader of Boar Camp, I cannot allow Azaria to remain within our confines. She must be evicted one way or another. The first option - and the one I hope for - is that one of your camps would agree to take and care for her. If Azerban and his other child wish to join her, I will not object."

Azerban hadn’t thought of this option and looked up anxiously at the other faces in the crowd. But none met his eyes, all keeping their heads down and mouths shut.

Takur continued, "The less desirable option is banishment. Azaria will be removed from Boar Camp."

Although they did not want her among their own, many thought this was overly harsh. "That would mean her death, Ta'araki. You might as well put her on the altar next," objected Meltek, the Second from Lion Camp who’d earlier inquired about Azerban's daughter.