Steel Wolf

Disenchanting Visitors

The cloaked leader stepped forward a few paces, the others remaining where they stood, watching Tanaya's group carefully. He removed his hat with a flourish and bowed deeply, sweeping the hat across his belly then straightening and looking up at the big woman with a smile. Tanaya motioned for the others to stay back, striding forth and giving a curt bow, nose twitching as she picked up the surrounding scents.

"Sup, G?" asked the newcomer leader, totally at ease. "No need for worries, tootsie. We ain't gashin' nuttin'. Tribe Crazy Scar heard you got a prob'm with a skylizard, so we booked it to the capital to help get shed of it. Sorry it took s'long to find you. Slag-damn bandits tried to scuff us. I'm Uyler Crazy Scar." He stuck out a rag-clad hand for Tanaya to shake. "Kinda chilly here."

Tanaya cocked an eyebrow at his mode of speech, only able to make partial sense of it.

"I'm Tanaya Newlander. Welcome to this kingdom. Thank you for traveling to help us. Does your band wish to remain where they are, or do you wish to move closer to the city? You are under our protection now, none shall harm you or yours."

"Well, chickie boo," he scratched his stubbled chin, "our ultra-chief wants to meet your ultra-chief first. Your ultra-chief's Harold Newlander, right?"

"King Harold is walking the sky plains with his ancestors," replied Tanaya. "His daughter, Serenna, is now Queen of the Realm. I am her wife and will take your ultra-chief to meet her."

His eyes widened when she voiced her station. He turned around and yelled something incoherent to his group. As one, they ran forward and dropped to their knees on the dirt road, bowing their heads. Uyler did the same.

"Stand up, please," said Tanaya, motioning with a hand. "You need never bend knee to me. Only the queen."

"High Chieftain Newlander, please accept my profuse and humblest of apologies when first we met," Uyler said, head still bowed. "I had you sussed as a messenger. Please forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive, Good Sir," she smiled. "Your culture is different from ours. When would your ultra-chief like to enter the city? How many will be coming along?" She motioned to Rance who moved the Percheron closer.

"Ultra-Chief Caral Crazy Scar would like to be inside the city tonight, if it's permitted, High Chieftain. He will bring eight under-chiefs with him, along with gifts for your ultra-chief. We'd like to bring some trade goods for the market, too. The rest will camp where they are tonight."

Tanaya turned her head toward Rance.

"Got all that?" she asked. "Also, find a spot for the caravan close to the market, we'll set them up there. Then, inform Her Majesty that I'll be along as soon as I get cleaned up and dress appropriately."

"Aye, Highness. By the time you arrive, everything will be in order. By your leave." Rance wheeled the massive horse and galloped away, banner flying.

Tanaya stuck two fingers in her mouth and whistled shrilly. Six midnight-black-armored wolves raised their heads above the knee-high grass, behind Uyler and his group, looking in her direction. She gave a few hand signals, the wolves obediently trotting to stand beside her. As soon as the wolves began moving, six human figures sat up, rubbing their throats; the wolves had been laying on the newcomer's chests, teeth firmly clamping their windpipes. Shalindra Dragonspring, late of the elven Dragonspring Clan of the Falling Waters of Monfall Forest, sheathed her knife as she stood and followed the wolves.

Uyler grinned.

"Yeah, we're gonna be friends, High Chief," he said.

-o0o-