Web of Deceit by Richard S. Tuttle

Author:Richard S. Tuttle
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Publisher: KBS
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Dumo

While Chief Dumo’s face burned with rage as he delivered his speech, Yltar’s face was one of profound sadness. Mistake rose so swiftly that the guards lowered their spears to protect the council, but she made no move towards the table.

“You speak ill of the civilization I come from,” said Mistake calmly, “and you are right to do so.”

Dumo’s face registered surprise as Mistake continued, “The problem with Fakara is indeed that is lacks law and order. The country is run by bullies who do kill without reason and take whatever they wish. Would you wish it to be different?”

“No country should exist without law and order,” growled Dumo, “but if you think that by agreeing with me that I will let you go, save your breath. I will not be sweet talked into ignoring our laws.”

“The talk I offer you is not sweet by any means,” continued Mistake. “Fakara is changing right now. You may not be aware of it, but the Jiadin tribe is attempting to unite the tribes under Grulak’s rule. If he succeeds, you had better plan to man your borders once again, for he will not leave you in peace.”

“While that may be so,” retorted Dumo, “my actions have no bearing on that.”

“Oh but they do,” Mistake said. “One of the people you wish to kill here today has made it his life’s work to offer Fakara another solution to their poverty and lawlessness. Rejji has already been in contact with clans in Khadora and arranged to set up a trading port to bring in food and tools to help the Fakaran people rebuild their society. It is a task that will be arduous and difficult, but Bakhai and I have promised to help him. This trip through your land is solely my fault. I insisted that we seek the Sage of the Mountain to learn of my real family before we start the rebuilding effort. When you kill us, you kill the alternative to Grulak’s domination. We can not stop you from killing us. After all, the law is on your side. But before you do, ask yourself one question. Does it benefit the Qubari people more to have Fakarans working in peace to become good neighbors to you, or is it more beneficial to add three young bodies to your graveyard?”

“It is not our desire to kill you to fill our graveyard,” blustered Dumo. “It is to maintain the secrecy of the Qubari Jungle. What you have seen already is enough to aid an attacking army. As the leader of the Qubari, I risk the lives of my people by allowing you to carry word of your discoveries out of the jungle. That is why we have the law and that is why we still exist.”

“Would not our vow of secrecy be sufficient?” asked Mistake. “We have no desire to bring harm to your people.”

“I cannot risk the lives of my people on the vows of strangers,” Dumo shook his head. “Two people have left this jungle in my lifetime.

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