1 The three chiefs
It was a cautious meeting between the three tribes at the end of Ezra's visit to the sea-side; the first time in six years that the Woodlanders, Mariners and Herders had all traded together, just like they used to. The dozen Woodlanders who came to the meeting-place were wary but hopeful. They could smell the horses while they were still in the forest, where they left their bows and arrows, just in case.
As it was, they were needlessly cautious. Solange, chief of the Herders, came with only two of her braves and no weapons. Their trade goods were packed in saddle bags: a fourth horse towed a sled laden with cow-skins and bales of wool. They brought dried beef and mutton, sheep-stomachs filled with milk and tangy cottage cheese.
While the trading proceeded, the chiefs sat down to talk: Mirselene and Casti represented the Woodlanders, Calliope and Ferne for the Mariners but Solange sat alone for the Herders.
"Galatea is taking the herd to the southern camp," she explained, sharing out her milk and cheese. "We didn't think there was anything so serious to discuss that I needed my lieutenant with me. Or is there, ladies?"
"No, there's nothing serious," Mirselene assured her. "I'm pleased we're trading directly again, Solange."
"Of course you are, Mirselene. You're getting a big discount on what you previously paid for Herder and Cloner goods. It's Calliope who's losing out."
"I hear you've made generous terms with her, so that the Mariners don't actually miss out. I wonder why? Why now?"
"Because of Ezra, of course," Solange admitted. "Not because we want to take him from your two tribes but because the Cloners will want him. You understand that, don't you?"
"I do."
"Do you understand everything it means?" she persisted. "If they can't sell us human cloning, then they'll put up the price of all their other goods and animals, a price-hike I'll pass on to you both."
"I can see a period of adjustment after the Cloners lose their monopoly over new children," Calliope mused; "but I can't see how they can fix the prices of all their goods. Surely they'll have to sell us back some old-Earth goods. I'd like to have some synthetic clothes - or a mirror."
"Don't count on it, Sister," Solange warned. "The Cloners are wily. I'm closer to them than either of you and I know how they think. They've spent ages gathering up every piece of Earthside technology or old-Earth tool they can find and they won't be happy to sell them back to us. Expect a trade-war."
"Which will hit you as hard as any of us," Mirselene pointed out. "So, tell me, Solange: why do you seem to be taking our side and not siding with the Cloners?"
"I have my reasons."
"Which are?"
Solange appeared to change the subject.
"Have you met the new Cloner chief, Gloria?"
"Yes," said Calliope.
"Not since she became chief," said Mirselene.
"Well, she's young and she's been very friendly to us Herders but I think she's hiding something, something important."
"What?"
"My guess is: they're running out of cloning kits. Maybe our days are numbered on Samothea. ... I would expect a visit from the Cloners, Mirselene, and some strong interest in the Earthman."
"I hope you're wrong about the cloning kits," Mirselene agreed, "but I think you're right about a visit. The real question is, Why hasn't it happened yet?"
"Because I haven't given them any transport." Solange was almost boasting. "They could walk all the way here but the Cloners are lazy. They want a ride and I've not been inclined to provide one."
Despite herself, Mirselene was impressed with the Herder chief's insouciance.
"You risk annoying your biggest trading partner, Solange! You're playing a deep game. I hope you understand the risk."
"What's life without risk, Sister?"
While the chiefs talked, the tribeswomen made their exchanges peaceably, then sat down in the shade of the forest-edge to share their packed-lunches. The timid Woodlanders soon forgot the animosity that existed between them and the Herders. Gossip flowed freely, laughter rang across the plain and new friendships were forged.
Dipti and Annela (both very pregnant) had stayed in the camp but Ezra got to spend some time with Sharne, Dagma and, most importantly, Urulla.
"I'm going to break my promise to you again, Urulla," he said.
"No you're not."
"I'm sorry, but I am."
"You're not," she insisted, "because I won't let you."
"Urulla, I promised I'd return to the Forest Camp after visiting the Mariners but now I'm going off with the Herders."
"Oh, I know all that. It doesn't matter. You promised we'd be bedmates and so we will, next month or the month after, whenever you return. That's the promise I'm holding you to - and if you don't return, I'll come and find you and drag you back here."
"Thank you for taking it so well."
"I'll be twenty in six weeks. Come to my birthday feast."
"I prom..." He stopped and corrected. "I intend to be there."
She was satisfied with this and, with a sweet kiss on his cheek, let him go.
When it was time to leave, Ezra made his rounds, saying goodbye to all the Woodlanders and Mariners. The Herders loaded up the sled and fastened their saddle bags to the horses. They sat on blankets tied around the mares by a leather band with wooden stirrups attached.
Solange gave a whistle and her braves mounted their horses; but Ezra asked her:
"Can we walk?"
"We can, for a while, but we've got about fifteen miles to go, so we'll have to ride most of the way. Ash, Glynn," she called out. "You go ahead. Make us some dinner when you get there."
The Herder women kicked their horses and tramped down a path southward across the lush plain.
Walking between her mount and Ezra, Solange had an idea why he didn't want to ride. So, when they were a good distance from the meeting-place, she manoeuvred herself to the other side of the horse and let go of the reins. On cue, the mare lent over and licked Ezra's neck. He jumped and swore.
Solange laughed at him. She got on her horse.
"Come on up, Ezra. She can't bite or kick you if you're up here with me."
"Really?"
"Don't go soft on me now, Earthman."
She slipped her foot out of the wooden stirrup and offered it to him, saying:
"One foot in here. Come on."
She held out her arm and he pulled himself up. He sat behind her on the blanket, holding her by the waist.
"Now let me have my stirrup back and we're off."
She kicked the horse into a trot, forcing him to hold on tightly. She laughed at him again.
"How can a big man like you be scared of a little horse?"
"The beasts don't like me," he answered, plaintively, then he asked:
"Do you notice everything?"
"Noticing things is my skill. It's why the Herders elected me their chief."
"Elected? I assumed you strangled the previous chief and took her place."
Laughing, she kicked the horse into a canter. Though they were moving faster, it was smoother and Ezra relaxed a little. He still held Solange tightly around the waist, surprised at how slight the woman was. She was wiry and muscular but her waist was tiny.