The group of trees was near the forest, at the edge of the final field. As they drew close it could be seen that vines and thornbushes encircled the grove, leaving only a single entrance to the strongpoint. Stallan pointed out the Yilanè with a hèsotsan, on a platform above. “When they watch, none shall pass,” she said.

“It appears satisfactory,” Vaintè said, turning to Alakensi and receiving a reluctant agreement to her request for an opinion. She then started past the grove and Stallan requested her to stop.

“There are creatures of all kinds out there. You must let guards precede you.”

“Agreed. But I am Eistaa and go where I wish in Alpèasak. With my advisors. You may keep the rest of the group back here.”

They only proceeded when a line of attentive guards, guns ready, went cautiously on ahead of them. On the far side of the grove Stallan pointed out the traps and defenses.

“You have done well,” Vaintè said. Alakensi started to disagree but Vaintè ignored her, turning to Erafnaiś instead. “Bring word of all this to Malsas< when you return. Alpèasak is guarded and in no danger.”

She turned about and in the moment when only Kerrick could see her she signaled to him to speak— intensifying the order when he gaped. Then he understood.

“There!” He called out loudly. “There in the trees. I see an ustuzou.”

The urgency of his words was such that all turned, all looked. In that moment, when everyone’s attention was focused on the trees, Vaintè let her cloak drop to the ground. Held beneath it was the stone-tipped, wooden arrow.

Grasping it firmly with both hands she turned slightly and plunged it into Alakensi’s chest.

Only Kerrick saw, only his attention was not upon the trees. Alakensi clutched at the shaft with her thumbs, her eyes open wide with horror, opened her mouth to speak—then slumped and fell.

Kerrick realized then what his lie was for. And he improved upon it instantly.

“An ustuzou arrow, it came from the trees. It has hit Alakensi!”

Vaintè stepped aside, body rigid, as the excitement swirled about her.

“An arrow from the trees,” Inlènu* called out; she usually repeated what she heard. Others said the same and the fact was established. The word was the deed, the deed the word. Alakensi’s body was rushed away. Stallan and Erafnaiś hurried Vaintè to safety.

Kerrick came last. He looked one more time at the jungle wall, so close yet infinitely distant, then plucked the lead secured to the collar about his neck and Inlènu* came obediently after him.

CHAPTER TWENTY