Exile's Children Read Free Page B

trade insults here, in Matakwa.”
    Yazte grunted agreement; Tahdase nodded as solemnly as his youth allowed.
    Chakthi stared fiercely around for a while, then Hadduth spoke softly in his ear and he lowered his head. “My brother Racharran speaksthe truth. Our opinions are our own to hold. I intended no insult to the Matakwa.”
    It did not sound like an apology, but under the pressure of Morrhyn’s fingers, Racharran nodded his acceptance.
    â€œSo, then, do we return to this matter of Arrhyna?” Juh sounded relieved.
    â€œWhat’s to discuss?” Yazte smiled with deliberate calm. “An offer has been made, an offer rejected; the maiden has chosen. What else is there?”
    Chakthi’s teeth ground behind his thin-pressed lips and the eyes he turned on the Lakanti were cold as winter ice. “As akaman of the Tachyn, I object to her choice.” His voice was no warmer than his gaze. “As akaman of the Tachyn, I ask that the Council decide this matter for her.”
    This was without precedent, but it was no more than Racharran had expected. Times were, a maiden could not decide between two suitors or her parents might object to her choice, then the matter could be decided in Chiefs’ Council, all concerned presenting their views and the Council’s decision final. In this case there was nothing for the Council to decide: Arrhyna had chosen, her parents did not object. Chakthi pushed too far—as Racharran had feared—solely on behalf of his son. He looked past the Tachyn akaman to where Vachyr sat amongst the warriors. The young man was glaring across the Council fire—at Rannach, Racharran guessed.
    â€œDoes my brother Racharran object to this?” asked Juh.
    Racharran shook his head even as Yazte murmured, “You need not do this, brother. This is a farce.”
    He flashed the Lakanti a smile and made a small, quieting gesture. It
was
a farce: he had no doubt of the immediate outcome, for all he might wish Arrhyna would stand up and renege her promise to Rannach, declare her mind changed, and go to Vachyr. The future should be easier that way. But still—he could not help the small flame of malice—it should be good to see Chakthi humbled.
    Ceremoniously, he rose to his feet, blanket cradled, and said, “I have no objection. Let those concerned be heard.”
    Old Juh nodded. Yazte scowled dark as Chakthi. Tahdase looked nervous. The ancient Aparhaso chief raised a hand. “Then I summon them,” he intoned. “Let the maiden and her parents step forward and be heard. Let the warriors step forward and hear our judgement.”
    The protagonists moved through the crowd encircling the Council. Vachyr and Rannach trod proudly, glowering at each other like youngbuffalo bulls in rut. Arrhyna came with downcast eyes, nervous as a deer, Nemeth and Zeil close behind and no more confident. The crowd fell silent.
    Juh said, “Let the maiden Arrhyna speak,” and smiled encouragingly. “Child, you are much honored—two brave warriors ask your hand and offer many horses. Which would you have?”
    For a moment, Arrhyna’s hair curtained her face, red as the fire’s glow. She spoke from behind its veil, too soft she might be heard. Yazte said, “Child, do you speak up? You’ve naught to fear; none shall harm you here, nor say you nay.”
    Arrhyna raised her head at that, green eyes wide as they fixed on Rannach. “My choice is Rannach,” she said.
    Vachyr’s scowl darkened, the corners of his angry mouth downturned. Rannach beamed. Juh said, “Now we hear the parents.”
    Zeil glanced at Chakthi, clearly loath to earn the akaman’s further disfavor. Juh motioned that he speak, and the man touched his wife’s hand. With his eyes fixed on the ground he said, “Vachyr’s bride-offer is generous, but my daughter has made known her choice and I cannot deny her.”
    â€œYou name