Deals.

“We are simply following the will of Alba, the tribe leader,” he bowed slightly, hoping for more recognition than a reward, so naive was he.

“Certainly, my praetor, you have proven competent in your tactics, but the fact is that, if we come in the name of Alba, there is a Lasha kingdom not far away.” I clarified, giving them an undeserved title and an address to go to, in case they were confused about what I meant; I wasn't the one who was going to prepare a further explanation. “I assume you already know, given the attacks these past few days. Am I mistaken?” I asked more out of politeness than curiosity.

“Yes, the bastards have favored the Arbos tribe for quite some time and we are not on good terms to be clear.”

“I am aware, but know that you should not put all the blame on the kingdom, but on a house.”

"Home?"

“Noble houses are like small tribes within those walls, and the more there are, the larger the kingdom or empire, as you might better understand.” I took the poured glass with some trepidation. “The aid you've given your enemies is but a fraction of the resources House Lica had. I represent another house and tribe not far from here.” After the first sip, I threw away my drink, along with my companion's.

“What is the reason for this act?” the girl asked.

"Your illustrious father doesn't seem to respect our help and is trying to kill us with poison, or perhaps one of his followers who remains suspicious." I raised my half-still-still glass and saw the nervous one among the guards. "If I'm wrong, you drink first."

The leader took the glass and the warrior rushed to knock it over, a pitiful act of apology, a wish for punishment and officially to take from the leader's reserve liquors were carried out as quickly as possible and we met calmly, but now the warrior who was supporting me seemed more suspicious and in a bad mood, although I spoke in favor of the hosts, it did not seem to appease him completely.

“Since we’ve already resolved our last incident,” I gratefully took the glass.

“Yes, I apologize for the actions of my subordinate, he will receive an exemplary punishment,” he said with the closest thing he had to punishment to offer.

“I doubt it, but it’s none of my business either.” I took a sip of liquor. “Back to our business.”

"I'm talking about belonging to the Lasha Kingdom and the Lica House," the girl clarified before checking the troops on both sides.

“Which house do you belong to, young man?” the leader asked, somewhat more willing to continue the conversation.

“House Sol, illustrious in its name as it is, will soon be crowned the new ruling family of Lasha, and when the time comes, we want you to join us.” I set my glass aside as I extended my left arm, pointing more at the warriors who were supporting me. “Weapons.” I placed the dagger from my waist on the table, revealing its gleaming iron. “Food.” A small sack of emergency rice appeared. “Knowledge.” I presented myself as the most direct example of that fact. “Improvements to the walls, all of this and more will be given to you, one by one, if you choose to follow us. Otherwise, you may lose at the hands of House Lica and the Arbos tribe.” I noticed how none of them liked the threat at all, but I left it there, seeing as I couldn’t think of anything more worthy of being considered part of the deal.

“Can I have time to think?”

I shook my head, time was running out and the merchant would arrive the next day, and besides that, having bases prepared for the coming war, things couldn't be anything but complicated and the sooner I had my answers, the sooner I could rest easy.

“I fear I am the only one with the authority to deal with you, and I have been given limited time. If I do not arrive with an answer by dawn’s farewell, the armies will march here with the sole purpose of wiping out both tribes. The King of Lasha, Boris, is an impatient man. The five noble houses speak in favor of the three tribes, and I have been entrusted with bringing peace through words, not blood.” I emphasized his ideal of negotiating a war. “What you saw and experienced in these final rituals is proof that resources will be given to a tribe. Whatever happens when the warriors arrive will not take a single moon to end everything you have experienced.” I bowed, finding the slightly less expected sound of astonishment. “My family and I yearn for peace. Please, expedite your response. With two tribes in favor of peace, war can be properly avoided.”

“I will deliver my answer before your dawn is eclipsed by the surrounding trees.”

“Thank you, with you on our side, the second tribe will make peace, and we'll have more time to solve our mutual problem called Arbos.”

“Yes.” The smile we shared told me we had the same answer in mind.

—0—The path of the wall at the entrance to the forest—0—

“Sir, regarding my position.”

“It’s still close to being official, but know that it will do you a lot of good, as well as harm.”

“Hey, why?”

“It's the title Ari has coveted for quite some time,” I clarified, as I watched the sun rise over the treetops. “This could end in silent resentment, which is why I've announced a fact in words, not actions.” I handed him the bottle the chief's daughter had given us. “Only we are aware of this. When I speak with the Holy Faith, we will formalize your position, don't doubt it.”

“Honestly, I don’t feel worthy of that title if you ask me.”

“It’s none of my business whether you feel ready or not.” I saw out of the corner of my eye his surprised look. “When Alba calls, it’s our duty to answer her call, no matter what.” I returned the most serious look I could manage, suppressing a laugh at a playful joke. “You don’t see me. I came even though I knew my death was certain, and I’m ready to return at the first opportunity.”

Laughter arose as we lost our cool and only the footsteps to our right told us they had come with an answer and the leader brought a pipe, from what I could see and held it out for me to take.

“Today, we will join your house as you promised. I hope everything you said and in our pact, I hope it holds the same value as your oaths to Alba.”

“Don’t doubt it, I will make sure it is fulfilled.”

“I have given my answer before the sky turns like fire, the sunken tribe is ready to follow it.”

"I'll leave the beast on the defensive. If it decides to come, just blow into this whistle and it'll go away." I handed him the whistle, instructed him on how to use it, and had a spare one. "Do you have a light?"

They extended a torch with blue flames, which surprised almost everyone, while they lit the pipe and after a quick use of both with the respective carving of the deal, we left on better terms, while we left to meet with the other group that seemed to be enjoying a comfortable nap and after our passage, they woke up, we explained the pact along the way.

We arrived just in time to sleep, while small stories of the warriors marched, making it very clear how upon their arrival to the battlefield the enemies fled and how the tribe was not as trustworthy as they thought, while the leader of that small expedition of naive people swallowed my praises of his ignorance, I did not show more interest than necessary and planning my entry into the Arbos tribe, with a little calmer and how I would search for the bearer of the dying blade.

By morning when my dream was fulfilled and Alba's greeting called me to fulfill it, I passed without many problems and with it the few inspired speeches as always, while we welcomed the merchant, fortunately for me it was the same one that went to Lasha, which made the reunion at least pleasant, while we entered into negotiations, we had much to tell each other, but we limited ourselves to the first purchase as always.

"And all that happened." I noticed the nod, and also the long contract I proceeded to make. The subsequent conversation was limited to future planning and good news.