Redhawk Caldera eighty-fourth

senmut would have only gracefully moved them all on had not zaahira spoken. brecheliant had no soldiers and he had thought this was clear.

but then she spoke of their numbers, and the prince was appalled, surprised. why would she talk of akashingo as anything other than strong? "our need for trade has required the protection of such outposts, as you can imagine. pharaoh waits to bring forth children, and her consort builds our forces. brecheliant has contributed a good deal to the history of akashingo, and as such, our investment is indeed in peace between us."

but he was standing now, offering a gentle nod to the caldera wolves in respectful acceptance of their decision. "please do not hesitate to alert our sentinels in the steppes if there is trouble."

they did not want gifts, but senmut did not gather the glass shells, for to him it would have been an indignity. let them throw the objects into their lake for all that mattered.