Tarashana by Rachel Neumeier (little red riding hood ebook TXT) 📕

easy-tempered to be either lord or warleader, but he would do very well settling the hard tempers of other men.

Other people came in, important people of all different tribes, so that my mother’s tent quickly became crowded despite its generous size. She would have put up one or two sides of her tent, to make space and keep the air from becoming too close and warm, except for the Lau. She was speaking to Aras in her placid way, waiting for everyone else to come in and settle. After a moment, I realized she was explaining that inGara had taken great care of his horses and that all but one had survived.

“We built them a shelter inside the largest shelter for our beasts, so that they have more warmth,” she was explaining. “The darkness is bad for them, as one might expect for animals born to the country of the Sun. We put lanterns in the shelter, with children to watch that the lanterns do not tip or spill. On every bright day, we take them out into the sunlight to graze a little. We put blankets over them, and fasten the blankets underneath their bellies, and wrap their legs in cloth. We cook grain for them and offer this while it is still very warm, and this seems to help them endure the cold.”

“I am very grateful for the kindness and generosity of the inGara people, who have put themselves to so much difficulty in carrying for my horses,” Aras answered, speaking in taksu so that everyone could understand him. “They are fine beasts of their kind, and I was sorry to think I had brought them here to die.”

“They are very fine, we have no doubt of it,” my father said briskly. “We have taken the liberty of putting a pony stallion to two of your mares, on the advice of my son Gayata. He believes the foals may be worth something if they are crossed back to good pony stock. But this is all an unimportant discussion for another day. Now, my guest, let us hear all the tale of your remarkable travels.”

Everyone settled back, each smiling or somber according to his nature. I settled back as well, though I did not like to think about coming to some parts of that tale.

Then Geras looked up suddenly. He said to me in darau, “Ryo, wait a minute. Where’s Tano?”

 

 -30-

I had not realized until that moment that Tano was not among us. But the instant Geras asked me that question, I knew where he must be, and I thought I knew why. I thought this could be bad, or perhaps very bad. I could think of no good reason for Tano not to have come into this tent with the rest of us. I looked at Aras. He had straightened, his hands tensing. His expression became concerned, and then abstracted. I was looking directly at him when his expression became alarmed, and when the line of his mouth hardened.

I had come to my feet without realizing I was moving. Turning to my father, I asked, “Where is the camp of the inTasiyo?”

He did not reprimand me for this unmannerly demand. He began to lay a hand to his knife, but stopped himself almost before he moved at all—I saw the little shift of muscle and position or I would not have known. He said, “My son, is this a problem the lord of the inGara should notice?” in a tone that made it clear I had better be correct in my judgment.

I thought for half a heartbeat. I was not perfectly certain. Everyone was here. Koro inKarano. Everyone. Whatever happened, everyone would know of it. There would be no hope of keeping anything private.

Then I looked at Aras again. His mouth was tight, his expression calm, but with strain behind the calm. He met my eyes, but he said nothing at all.

At this, I became certain. I said to my father, “Yes, lord, this is the kind of problem the lord of the inGara must notice. Where is that camp?”

My father stood up. He moved like a tiger, flowing effortlessly from sitting to standing. He did not often trouble to move like that. His expression did not change, and even now he did not set his hand to the hilt of his knife, but the effort of that restraint trembled through his muscles, more felt than seen. He said to me, “My son, I will show you where that camp lies.” Then he said to Koro, “I will not break the ban. But someone should witness what happens so there is no question later that I did not break it. Royova inVotaro should witness this, so that the king of the winter country need have no doubt later regarding anything that happens.”

This was an insult and an accusation in itself. He might as well have said aloud that he did not trust the inTasiyo to speak truthfully regarding any matter. If he had ever in his life said anything of the kind regarding any other tribe, I could not recall it. If he had ever said anything so directly scornful of the inTasiyo, I did not remember that either.

Koro stood up. He said, “As this matter seems so important, I will accompany you myself. The warleader of the inVotaro may witness as well. Anyone who wishes may witness. I suspect this is a matter for warriors, but perhaps the opinion of women would be good to have as well.”

At those words, Darra rose, and Lalani almost at the same time—I could not help but notice the contrast they made one with the other, strength and grace in very different proportions. And my mother, but more slowly, because she would not move hastily for any reason.

The king’s statement had ensured we would have the greatest possible audience.