The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post

piosenniel · 07-18-2003, 03:59 PM

Faruq motioned the other Elders to gather round him, and for a few moments they stood together in a tight knot, the murmur of their soft voices rising and falling in the tent. Hafsa, the Elder of the Civet clan, had shaken her head ‘no’ in a determined manner. Jamílah leaned in close to her, putting her hand on the woman’s arm, and spoke quietly to her as the others waited. Her head shaking ‘no’, still, but in a resigned manner, Hafsa said a few words to the Elders, then turned to face the others in the room.

‘We have decided,’ said Faruq. ‘We wish to join you in this unfinished business of the children.’ Curious glances slid Hafsa’s way, unasked questions about her decision. Had she counseled against the action, saying that they should flee? Hafsa colored under the scrutiny, but stood tall and spoke out.

‘Know this! I thirst for revenge against those murdering ghosts of my tribe. And were it my choice, we would ride out this very moment and destroy them.’ She paused and there were murmurs of approval on the lips of many. ‘But I am an Elder of the Tribe, and I have been asked to take up another task.’ Her fist slapped down hard against the palm of her open hand. ‘My heart rides with you when you do this thing, but I will be with the women and children of the Baobab tribe as they flee to safety. I will be the Elder that ties them to the old ways in their new place.’

She turned back to the Elders who stood behind her. ‘We will lay out the mats for you in our meetings, and look for your swift return.’ Saying that, she went out the door of the tent, already making preparations in her head what must be done.

Faruq nodded his head to her as she left, then turned back to Ishak. ‘We will send some of our warriors with the women and children. Shall we agree to send the treasures of our tribes together on this journey? Will you also spare some warriors for your women and children? And perhaps the horses to see them all swiftly on their way.’

‘Once this is done, then let us go out together and strike down the murderous jackals. The sooner done, the better . . .’

[ July 21, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

07-18-2003, 03:59 PM	#101
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Faruq motioned the other Elders to gather round him, and for a few moments they stood together in a tight knot, the murmur of their soft voices rising and falling in the tent. Hafsa, the Elder of the Civet clan, had shaken her head ‘no’ in a determined manner. Jamílah leaned in close to her, putting her hand on the woman’s arm, and spoke quietly to her as the others waited. Her head shaking ‘no’, still, but in a resigned manner, Hafsa said a few words to the Elders, then turned to face the others in the room. ‘We have decided,’ said Faruq. ‘We wish to join you in this unfinished business of the children.’ Curious glances slid Hafsa’s way, unasked questions about her decision. Had she counseled against the action, saying that they should flee? Hafsa colored under the scrutiny, but stood tall and spoke out. ‘Know this! I thirst for revenge against those murdering ghosts of my tribe. And were it my choice, we would ride out this very moment and destroy them.’ She paused and there were murmurs of approval on the lips of many. ‘But I am an Elder of the Tribe, and I have been asked to take up another task.’ Her fist slapped down hard against the palm of her open hand. ‘My heart rides with you when you do this thing, but I will be with the women and children of the Baobab tribe as they flee to safety. I will be the Elder that ties them to the old ways in their new place.’ She turned back to the Elders who stood behind her. ‘We will lay out the mats for you in our meetings, and look for your swift return.’ Saying that, she went out the door of the tent, already making preparations in her head what must be done. Faruq nodded his head to her as she left, then turned back to Ishak. ‘We will send some of our warriors with the women and children. Shall we agree to send the treasures of our tribes together on this journey? Will you also spare some warriors for your women and children? And perhaps the horses to see them all swiftly on their way.’ ‘Once this is done, then let us go out together and strike down the murderous jackals. The sooner done, the better . . .’ [ July 21, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.