Early the next morning as they are getting ready to continue on their way, James looks to the east and sees a band of horsemen coming through a gap in the ridge. “Jiron!” he exclaims, pointing over to them.
“Let’s move!” Jiron hollers as they quickly run to the west, hoping to avoid detection. But that hope is short lived when they hear a horn, blaring. They glance back toward the horsemen and see them moving quickly in their direction, one of the riders is pointing to them.
Running through the trees as best they can, James tries to find a place to defend as he knows escape is no longer an option. They come to a steep side of the cliff where they can put their backs to as they face the oncoming horsemen.
The horn blares again and the riders come into view as they make their way through the trees before them. These horsemen aren’t part of the Empire’s forces, they wear leathers and most have short curved bows. Several of the bowmen have arrows knocked and aimed as they use their knees to steer their steeds.
“James!” Miko cries out. “What are you waiting for?”
The horsemen, though targeting them with bows, don’t feel necessarily evil or dangerous. So he holds back and waits to see what they’ll do.
At the horsemen’s approach, Jiron draws his knives and Miko brings up his crossbow. James puts his hand on the crossbow and lowers it back down. He steps forward, holds his hand up and says, “Greetings.”
Two of the horsemen exchange looks and one of them replies, “You are trespassing in Windrider territory.”
“Our apologies,” James says with sincerity. “We did not know that this area belonged to anyone.”
“None are allowed here,” the rider explains. “You must turn around and go back!”
“James!” Miko exclaims.
“Shut up!” he says to him. Turning his attention back to the rider he says, “There must be some way that we could be allowed to continue.”
“There is none,” the rider asserts. He nods over to the ridge to the north and says, “Had you crossed over, your lives would’ve been forfeit. But you have not yet crossed the sacred boundary, so I will let you live.” He pauses for a moment and then adds, “If you leave, now.”
Suddenly, he feels Jiron’s hand on his arm as he whispers, “James, look at their tunics.”
“What about them?” he whispers back.
“The beadwork,” he explains. “It’s the same as on that necklace Lyria gave you.”
James looks closer and he slowly nods his head as he sees the same pattern of shapes and colors as is on the necklace.
He begins to reach into his pouch for it when the archers begin to draw back their arrows at his movement. He stops and says, “I have something I wish to show you, if I may?”
Nodding, the rider holds up his hand and the archers relax somewhat but still have their bows at the ready.
He reaches in and pulls out the necklace, holding it out to the rider.
The rider gasps and takes it from him as several of the others gather around to examine it, the archers lower their bows a little bit more. After several moments of exchanging words in their language, the rider turns to James and asks, “Where did you get this?”
“It was given to us some time ago by a lady,” he explains.
“What lady?” he asks, an odd expression forming on his face.
“She called herself Lyria and she lived on an island in the middle of a lake,” he replies. “The lake sits at the southern edge of these mountains.”
His explanation generates more intense discussion among the assembled riders. The bowmen continue to keep their bows ready, but are no longer aiming them at James and the others.
When the conversation ends, the rider turns back to them and says, “We will take you to our camp.” Then he says something to the bowmen who put their bows away. They put the unused arrow in a quiver slung across their backs and then sling the bow alongside it.
The rider turns his attention back to James and says, “My name is Therin, sub-chief of the Windrider Clan.”
“I’m James,” he replies. Motioning to his companions, he continues, “And this is Jiron and Miko.”
“So we will be allowed to travel in your territory?” Miko blurts out.
“The lady has given you our token,” he says. “So you will not be immediately turned away. But whether you are allowed to live is up to our chief.”
“Live?” James asks.
He gestures to the southern ridge and says, “Our camp lies beyond the ridge. If all is as you claim, you have nothing to fear. If not, you’ll not live the day.” He speaks to one of the horsemen and he quickly rides off toward the southern ridge.
Turning his attention back to James, he says, “Now, if you’ll all mount behind one of my riders, we’ll be on our way.”
“It’s okay,” James assures Jiron and Miko. “I think we’ll be alright.”
As Miko is mounting behind a rider, he says, “I sure hope so.”
Once they are mounted, Therin leads them toward the southern ridge. It takes them a half hour to reach it and when they crest the top, James hears a gasp from Miko. Looking out beyond the ridge, he sees a vast circular valley, surrounded on all sides by mountains. James is reminded of a meteor crater, one must have hit here some time far in the past.
The valley is filled with tents and horses. Thousands of horses run free within the valley. “This is where the Clans gather each year to ready the tribute to the Empire,” Therin tells him as he rides along side of him.
“Tribute?” James asks.
“Of horses and gold,” he explains.
“How many clans are there?” he asks.
“Ten,” he replies. “But four have yet to put in an appearance. The Windrider Clan claims the gathering area as part of our territory, but during this time, all the clans are allowed to come.”
“I take it you don’t all get along?” James asks.
Shaking his head, he says, “No, not all. Most work together for mutual benefit, to make the clans strong.”
As they continue to work their way down the side of the valley toward the Gathering, James looks out over the tents, now able to discern the different patterns of the various clans, each clan having its own unique pattern of color and shapes. The tents, which at first looked to be randomly scattered about, can now be seen as being grouped according to each clan.
Near the center of the gathering, James can see tents bearing the pattern of the Windrider Clan. It’s by far the largest group of tents in the valley, probably due to the fact it’s their territory.
When they reach the edge of the gathering, others begin to notice them riding behind the clansmen and the word of their arrival begins to spread. A crowd gathers around them as they progress toward the Windrider tents.
Therin exchanges words with some as they ride but most are simply following along after to see what’s going on. Upon nearing the Windrider tents, James observes a clansman enter the largest tent and after a few moments, an aged man exits. Though he’s seen a few years, he still has strength about him and a commanding look.
“The Chief of the Windriders,” Therin tells him. “My father.”
Coming to a halt in front of his father, Therin dismounts and greets him with a hug. He then begins talking to him in their language.
James can hear their names being said during the course of the conversation. At one point, he holds up the token Lyria had given him and the Chief’s eyes widen and several in the crowd begin muttering.
Therin turns toward them and says, “My father would like to meet the friends of the Lake Lady.”
Dismounting, James and the others come forward. Giving him a bow, he says, “Greetings, Chief of the Windriders.” Miko and Jiron both bow just like they saw James do.
“Greetings,” the Chief says. “Never has the Lady given our token to another. This is indeed a strange occurrence, though what to do with you remains unclear. Outsiders are not allowed here, yet you bear the favor of the Lady.”
“Therin,” he says to his son, “find them a place to stay.” Turning back to James, he says, “When the moon is full, the meeting of the clan chiefs will take place. At that time, we shall decide what to do with you. Until then, you can move freely among us.”
As if that’s that, he turns his back upon them and returns within the tent from which he’d emerged.
Therin returns Lyria’s token to James and says, “That will be tomorrow night.” He points off to the east and says, “The Black Tails have just arrived. By tomorrow night, all the clans should be here.”
He leads them away from his father’s tent over to a smaller one set up a dozen yards away. Opening the flap, he says, “You may use this tent while you’re among us.” Once they’ve entered, he follows them in and closes the flap.
“What do you think they’ll do with us?” James asks him.
Shrugging, he says, “The laws are clear about outsiders. To be in the Valley of the Gathering is to die. But yet you bear the token of the Lady and that is something they must strongly consider. They will not wish to anger the Lady.”
“Why?” Miko asks him.
“She is beloved by all,” he explains. “Many have been the times when she’s appeared and helped us in our times of need. She even saved my father’s life once when he’d been bitten by a snake. We all had begun the final rites but she appeared, gave him some medicine and ministered to him. I needn’t tell you how happy we were when he again walked out of his tent.”
“No, I don’t think death will be your fate,” he says. “What it may be, I couldn’t even begin to guess.”
“I suppose being here for a day wouldn’t be that bad,” Jiron says as he lies down on a blanket.”
“If you wish to remain in this tent,” he tells them, “you may. It might be the best thing to do. Some of our warriors are brash and easily offended. It wouldn’t do for trouble to happen before the chiefs have a chance to come to a decision. If you should leave your tent, try to stay within the Windrider’s camp, they all know you are under our protection until the meeting of the chiefs.”
James says, “Alright.”
He lifts the tent flap and leaves.
When the flap shuts closed, Jiron says, “Think they’ll allow us to leave?”
Shrugging, James says, “I don’t know. Thank goodness Lyria had given us that token or there’d be a war going on right now.”
“There still may be one if they decide against us,” observes Jiron.
“Let’s hope not,” Miko says from where he’s stretched out on one of the blankets. “We have at least till tomorrow night before anything will be decided.”
“True,” agrees James.
From outside the tent, a sudden outcry erupts. James glances to the others and says, “I’m going to go see what’s happening.”
The other two get up and join him as he goes outside the tent. The warriors are talking amongst themselves and James can see they’re angered about something.
Seeing Therin talking to several warriors who are obviously distraught, he goes over toward him. Therin glances at him as he approaches and James asks, “What’s going on?”
Pointing to the north, he says, “The Grey Wolf Clan has just arrived.”
James looks and sees a large body of horsemen coming over the ridge. Along with them is a herd of horses, most likely part of the tribute. “And why is that causing such a problem?”
“That they’re here, none,” he explains. “It’s that they’ve brought twice the number of warriors as is agreed upon.”
“And that’s bad?” he asks.
“It’s an insult!” Therin says with anger. “To bring so many here, within our territory, outrageous!”
His father exits the tent and looks in anger at the Grey Wolf Clan approaching the assembled tents. Warriors of the various clans stop what they’re doing and watch their approach.
James glances to his father and can tell he’s seething within. When he looks back to the approaching riders, he can see there’s someone else with them, someone who’s obviously not a clansman. Riding at the head of the riders is a man in armor and a chill runs down James’ spine when he sees him. A memory comes to him of a storm tossed sea and a man in armor wielding magic.
“Is that…?” Miko begins.
“I think it is,” James replies. “If it is the one from the boat, how did he know we were here?”
“Then we must get out of here!” he whispers to James.
James shakes his head, “Therin’s father has given us leave to be here, I don’t think he’s one to go back on his word for an outsider.”
“Maybe we should go back into our tent, then?” Jiron suggests. “We wouldn’t want him to see us.”
Nodding, James says, “That might be a good idea.” Yearning to know what is going to happen, he reluctantly goes back to their tent with the others. As he pauses at the entrance, he looks back to Therin and his father. Many of the Windrider warriors have gathered around them as they move to intercept the Grey Wolf Clan. He can tell none of the warriors are very happy about the situation and all are bearing weapons of one sort or another. Then he goes into the tent and closes the flap.
They sit there, anticipating hearing the sounds of battle erupt around them. But other than raised voices and conversations of warriors going by, nothing happens. They wait anxiously for almost an hour before Therin opens the flap and enters.
“What happened?” James asks as he comes in.
“My father was all for driving them out when several of the other clan chiefs warned him about violating the Pact of the Gathering,” he tells them.
“Pact?” Jiron asks.
“Yes, it’s what keeps the peace during the Gathering while the tribute is being brought together,” he explains. “The highest law of the Pact states that no blood shall be shed during this time. Those that do are sentenced to death.”
“Kind of harsh,” says Miko.
Turning to him, he says, “Maybe, but it’s kept the peace this long.” Then to James he continues, “If a clan as a whole should violate it, as we were about to do, then all the others would fall upon it.”
“So what are you going to do?” asks James.
“Endure the insult,” he says, seething with pent up anger. “But when the Gathering is dissolved, then we shall have our retribution.”
Just then, the tent flap opens and several warriors come in with food and drink for them. They place them on a rug lying in the center of the tent before turning to leave. Once they’re gone, Therin says, “Since I was the one who brought you to the Gathering, it has fallen to me to see that you are treated well.”
“Thank you,” James says appreciatively.
“There is another thing I must tell you,” he says.
“The armored man with the Grey Wolf Clan?” asks Jiron.
A little surprised, he replies, “Yes.” He takes his seat around the food, as do the others and then grabs a piece of meat as he begins eating. “He wants you, and wants you bad,” he tells them.
“Why?” asks James.
“He didn’t say, just that he’s here for you and we must give you over,” he explains.
“Are you?” Miko asks, worried.
Shaking his head, he says, “No, you bear the Token of the Lady and we respect her more than we fear him.”
“Why would you fear him?” Jiron asks. “You are many yet he is one?”
“You don’t lightly anger a warrior priest of Dmon-Li,” he tells them. “They have fell magic and much influence with the Empire.”
“So what’s to stop him from just coming here and taking us?” asks James.
“You are under our protection,” he says. “And if he broke the Pact, then all would fall upon him. We also would no longer send the tribute, for he’d have broken the peace the tribute guarantees. So he must tread carefully if he doesn’t wish to start a war the Empire can ill afford.”
“I see,” James says.
“Is that why he’s in with the Grey Wolf Clan?” Jiron asks.
“They’ve long been the dark ones among us,” he replies. “The fact that he’s here and that they’ve brought so many with them cannot bode well. They are our sworn enemies, but have allies among the other clans so we dare not do anything outright against them.”
“So, what are we to do?” James asks.
“As before, wait for the council,” he tells him. “If the council should decide against you, you most likely will be handed over to him instead of killed. They would see that as being one and the same thing. If they find for you, you would be allowed to leave but once you left our territory you would no longer be under our protection.”
“So he could come after and kill us?” Jiron asks.
Shaking his head, Therin replies, “No, not here or that would be violating the Pact. But once out of the valley and in the plains below, he could. The Pact only covers the land within this valley.”
“What can you tell us about these warrior priests?” James asks.
“Not much more than what’s been handed down from generation to generation,” he tells them. “Never has one been among us, but they’re believed to be great in battle and to wield the magic of their god, Dmon-Li. They know no fear and the power of their god helps them to heal quickly from wounds. It’s even said to bring them back from the dead.”
“Great,” James says as he looks to Jiron and Miko. Miko stares back at him with a worried expression. Then he turns his attention back to Therin and says, “But he won’t do anything until we either leave, or the council gives him permission?”
“That’s right,” agrees Therin. Finishing up his last piece of meat, he stands up and makes to leave. “You might wish to remain in here until the council, it would cause fewer problems,” he says and then opens the flap and leaves.
A few moments after he leaves, Jiron says, “Maybe we should try and sneak out of here.”
“I doubt if we’d make it very far,” says James. “We’d stick out like a sore thumb if we tried. They’d quickly realize what we’re doing and move to stop us.”
“Why is this priest even after us?” Miko asks.
“Therin said they have influence within the Empire,” explains James. “Perhaps we’ve irritated them enough to bring out the big guns.”
“Big guns?” Jiron asks.
“Sorry,” James apologizes. “I mean, what they’ve thrown at us so far we’ve been able to handle, so it would stand to reason that they’d send in stronger, more deadly adversaries. Those better able to defend against or counter the magic I use.”
“I suppose,” Miko says.
Suddenly, James begins to feel the prickling of magic being used and he signals everyone to be quiet. “Magic is near,” he whispers to them.
They both quiet down, they understand what that has to mean, the warrior priest is near.
A shadow falls across their tent, one bulky with armor. The prickling sensation increases as the shadow pauses at the entrance to their tent. They hold their breath, Jiron gets his knives ready and James takes out a small rock he’d acquired earlier. The shadow’s arm reaches for the tent flap but then several warriors approach and the shadow draws back its arm and returns the way it had come.
They wait for several minutes until the prickling sensation disappears and James says, “I think he’s gone.”
“He almost got in here!” Miko exclaims.
“But he didn’t,” James reassures him. “So try to relax, being edgy won’t help the situation.”
The tent flap opens and Therin walks in. “The last clan has arrived earlier than expected and the council will be beginning later this evening rather than tomorrow. Due primarily to the fact of the warrior priest being here among us. They want the situation with him resolved as soon as possible.” He looks directly at James and says, “They’ll probably want to see the Token and you, the others need to stay here.”
“Should I go now?” he asks.
Shaking his head, Therin says, “No, there’s going to be a banquet first and after that, I’ll come to get you.”
“Alright,” says James.
“Try to get some rest if you can,” Therin tells him. “Sometimes the councils can go till morning. Is there anything else you require?”
“No, you’ve been most generous,” he replies.
Nodding his head, he says, “Good.” He then turns and again lifts the flap as he leaves.
James lies down on a blanket and tells the others, “I better try to get some sleep before the council.”
“Alright, James,” Jiron says. “We’ll keep watch while you do.”
He closes his eyes but sleep is hard to come as he keeps thinking about the warrior priest and how they’re going to get out of here. Eventually though, he does manage to fall asleep.
Later, after the sun goes down, he wakes up when their dinner is brought. Feeling much refreshed, he eats with a hearty appetite. They have a fire going in the center of the tent, the smoke escaping through a gap in the top.
An hour after they’ve finished eating, Therin enters and says, “It’s time for the council.”
James gets up and follows him out of the tent. “Good luck!” Miko says to him before he leaves.