Raven's Watch illuktuk

Kigipigak did not know what to say as Stjornuati came at them with questions, his tone accusatory—though he could not help but bristle at the thought of Chanel being whored out as the man so aptly put it; that was the truth of the matter whether the boy wished to face it or not, it had been his idea after all.

Better to stay silent and subservient. He did not like the feeling that trailed down his spine. The tone of voice Stjornuati used as he demanded answers reminded Kigipigak of his dead father; the fury that filled the man when his only son had betrayed him, the shock that became loathing as quickly as a thunderclap. It was happening all over again. Kigipigak's jaw tightened as he forced himself to stay silent, ruminating, listening for the movement of his bond-brother.

Valmua did her best to explain things, twisting very little of the truth. Kigipigak wondered if the issue wasn't so much his roaming or even the addition of foreign bodies, but the fact Stjor had not been consulted. But why would he be? Valmua deserved her rightful place at the top of the Watch. Aside from finding this place, what had Stjornuati done? What had his brother accomplished—the man Kigipigak had yet to even meet?

The moment was tense.

The numbers, yes. I also ranged to the valley next, wanting to learn of the land. Is it wrong to know of rival tribes? When can such knowledge be wrong? Kigipigak looked up finally, glimpsed the rigid jawline of his friend, the glare of his gaze lingering a moment upon Stjor's face before pulling away; he did not want to lose his place upon the Watch before it could be solidified.

The strong rule, is that not the way of our people? Knowledge makes us strong and, and these women, these arrangements, they can solidify your hold upon the mountain—earn you favor with other tribes. It will make you strong if you let it.

Could he not see how this could benefit them all?