Estella and her warriors hosted Dravo's party that evening on a bluff overlooking the river. Fish were netted and roasted on sticks along with some small meaty lizards caught while sunning along the riverbank. Tubers and fruit wrapped in leaves completed the meal. The feast was quite low key as there was the possibility – however remote – that Davama's people and the remaining desert warriors would try to pursue Estella's troop.
The surviving hill folk and desert folk had numbers but no organization or leadership; besides, they'd witnessed the 'demons', Vera and Dravo, in action. They would have no will to pursue that sort of power much less to attack. Estella had witnessed Vera's speed and strength at the waterfall. Nonetheless, she posted sentries in two shifts. The warriors grumbled about it, but by the shaking gods, when did they ever enjoy standing watch? They were in enemy territory after all. Estella spoke sharply to Makalla, the lead warrior, about the necessity of vigilance: "If I so much as smell those filthy cave dwellers, I will personally castrate the watch!" Her eyes blazed, her nostrils flared above her rich, full lips; she swept her gaze over the assembly. "Am I understood, Makalla?"
"Yes, m'lady." He turned and set to assigning the watch.
Dravo joined her and quietly said: "Well done, Headwoman; by issuing the obvious orders you've lifted the burden of resentment from Makalla's shoulders and focused the ire of the rank and file to your fine self." He winked.
"I'm glad you approve." She smirked back clearly not giving a damn if he did or not. "Will you join me for a meal?"
"I would be honored." He followed her to the fire, accepted a portion from the cook, and sat next to her. As they ate, the warriors finished their final preparations for the night. Vera ate with Salema and her guards. Dravo finished, excused himself, and inspected the perimeter. When he was satisfied he rejoined Estella. Salema and Vera had already joined her. She was speaking to Salema.
"We'll have a proper welcome feast for you and Lord Dravo when we get to Suballa's village." She smiled. "And another when we reach mine. Of course you both will be sharing the festivities with Vera and Roga." She turned to Dravo. "Where are Roga and Asawa?"
"I sent Roga to scout the trail ahead and Asawa to check behind us. Davama was no fool, if any of his lieutenants survived they'll be leading a force to harass us after they've restored order. This is their domain."
Estella nodded. "They were quite panicked and beaten when we arrived. There is always a chance that they could regroup and follow. Thank you for sending them."
"You're quite welcome, but besides protecting Salema, I would like to keep my trophies between my legs." He laughed and winked.
The masa were being skinned and wrapped for the tanner. Estella had assured Vera that a garment would be fashioned for her from the masa skin of her choice or both. She had slain both beasts and thus the honor was hers. Vera had asked Dravo about the custom regarding the disposition of masa kills. The huge felines were held in high regard by the monkey folk. Slaying a masa brought great honor to the slayer and his tribe. Dravo explained that bestowing masa skins, skulls or other body parts were an honor. She should consider carefully those whom she would honor with a trophy. She agreed to think about it and discuss her choices with Dravo.
