15 Stones by Paul Telegdi

Author:Paul Telegdi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: bow and arrow, cave dwellers, shamanism, prehistoric adventure, bison herds, hunting and gathering, language diversity

Chapter 16

After the deal had been made, the atmosphere between the cave and the visitors relaxed palpably. The retinue even started mixing with the locals. Of course they were used to this hot and cold maneuvering of their master, expected to adjust to all his whims and moods, but it made for a very vigilant type of behavior. The two younger ones even cast interested glances at Ela, so suddenly she became very popular, for Ushi had also discovered her attractiveness. She bloomed and laughed gaily from all this attention. Her only problem was the Great Man himself and thus she shriveled up every time he looked in her direction, which thankfully he did rarely.

Corrigan Lebow sat with the leaders. He was in some measure even satisfied; he had made as good a deal as that hard-nosed young upstart would let him, getting his name on that wonderful weapon and was thus assured of immortality. It had been like squeezing water from a stone. Still he did not mind, for he enjoyed the contest. It had been his long-standing strategy in life to push and push for what he wanted until he wore any opponent down. Chaiko had proved to be a harder nut to crack than most, that was all. He shrugged his shoulders. In years to come the young man might actually go far, but it would be a problem for his successor and not for him. He looked around at the others, Baer, Tusk and Cosh and calculated their measure. Yet he was at least halfway polite and at times even listened to the others airing their concerns. He promised Chaiko and Baer to promote a counterclaim against Tael, for it was no longer in his interest to maintain that charade.

He listened likewise to news of the incursion of Tolmecs into clan lands, not overly interested as Black Clam territory was deeper in the heartland of the clans, and he did not feel threatened. He promised, however, to send runners to all the clans with warnings, but offered no other assistance.

Ushi kept a close eye on developments since these were significant events being played out right in front of him which could affect his travels directly. He was pleasantly surprised that he had not been squeezed out of the deal and lost rights only to the Black Clam Clan, a much smaller price than he had expected the Standing-Rock Clan would be forced to cede by the overbearing master of the Council. Once again, his respect for the young shaman grew. Of course, rights were of limited use, for the idea was now out there and soon other craftsmen would be making Falcons, or Lebows, whichever name they would be called. But for a little while yet, Chaiko’s expertise would be in demand. Thus Ushi was fully preoccupied, watching events unfold and following Ela and her interesting curves. It had been some time since the trader had been intimate with a woman and at the sight of Ela’s charms his loins ached from the pressure of wanting.

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