Phonzy gazed at those around him. His eyes rested briefly on the Maid and came to a halt on Magdar.
"We were sent 'to scout', your words Elder, to scout and bring word of assistance after the storms of the past months. We were to bring offers of help, of bonds between peoples."
He looked at the Maid again, and back to Magdar.
"We brought death, and bondage."
The Elder stood silent for a time. Then, "Magdar, what have you to say in answer?"
Magdar half-turned from Phonzy, half-turning to his father.
"What was done is now done. Our influence is spread. There are now men who will stand with us when the need comes."
The Elder pursed his lips.
"With an offer of help we might have had the same," he said.
Magdar turned fully to his father.
"Echtar, their leader, spurned your offer. He bid us leave. He cast our help back in our teeth."
"And swords were drawn," said the Elder.
"And swords were drawn," said Magdar, "and reddened with their blood." He nodded to his father. "They learned of our strength."
"And tribute taken?" asked his father.
Magdar gestured to platinum, gold and iron piled at the feet of his warriors. "And tribute taken," he said. As he said this he gestured, less confidently, to where the Maid stood.
The Elder spoke to Phonzy. "When blood was shed, what did you do, fostered son of this tribe?"
Phonzy's voice was clear. "I fought. I am sworn to protect he who is my brother."
Phonzy's voice was clear. "I fought. I am sworn to protect he who is my brother."
The Elder nodded. "That was well done," he said. "Yet you disagree with your brother."
"People died, people were taken," said Phonzy, "who did not need to die." He turned to the Maid. "Who should not have been taken."
There was silence for a time. Magdar's hand gripped the hilt of his blade. The warriors ringing the three in the circle shuffled, tense.
The Elder, who had been staring off into the distance, turned his gaze once more to Magdar and thence to Phonzy.
"What was done," he said, "is done."
Silence fell again. The warriors relaxed. Magdar loosened his grip on his sword. commanded.
