The Big Tent

Fallon turned back to Sarten. Alpen grabbed his arm and handed him some gulath. "The women have been in there for an hour. They will have eaten their last meal." The leaf pocket held Ibik meat and plants. Fallon took the meal and nodded his thanks, then stooped to kiss his boy. Being separated from his mother and father in such a short time was too much and he let out a howl. Alpen turned quickly and said, "A rabbit!" He held out his hand and the boy waved to Fallon and excitedly followed Alpen after the invisible rabbit.

Alithea's eyes grew wide when Fallon entered the tent. "Is everything all right? What are you doing here? Where is Erthen and our egg?" she asked. Fallon assured her that their boy and the egg were safe with Alpen. She was astonished that he was to be the translator. Altiss shushed them and led Fallon to a seat between the two tribes of women.

There was no food left but there was water. He listened and translated. The sound of the Glade language bounced around in his head like rocks. His tongue struggled to make some of the sounds when translating. Sometimes, the Glade women rolled their eyes. Another time, they laughed at his pronunciation.

During the negotiations, there were many deferences to status, to dignity, to each other's children. Taking turns and rules for this and that, the preparation of food with respect for each tribes tastes and ceremonies. Warriors would not waste such time on idle niceties. After several hours, the light dimmed in the great tent and they had not reached an agreement. He was relieved when Altiss asked him to leave the tent until negotiations resumed in the morning. A fairy flew in, settled on Altiss' shoulder and leaned toward her ear. She waved Fallon away. Neither fairy nor Fae were allowed in the tent during negotiations.