“What proof do we have that Flinthold will keep its promises?” the matriarch asked, her gaze shifting between Airk and Revafour. “I, for one, want a guarantee that your gnomish kin are going to do that. Let’s see them swear an oath to their gnomish gods. And I want to see it for myself.”

Chapter Sixteen

Out With The New, In With The Old

It took the companions two days to travel to the Kutunachke’s gathering place. They arrived on the second day of Growfest, and the Kutunachke had assembled for their annual ceremonies to celebrate the spring equinox, which would happen on the fourth day of the festival. Although the Kutunachke did not formally celebrate Growfest, the spring equinox was an important time for them. They gathered to celebrate the beauty of Oerth’s secondary moon, the aquamarine Celene, and thank it for its role in the flow of the waters that gave them so much.

The Kutunachke hadn’t forgotten the help the companions gave them against the fire giants some weeks ago. That help allowed the companions to meet with several of the Kutunachke’s leading matriarchs and chiefs, who listened attentively as the companions described the conflicts among Flinthold’s leaders and the Scarlet Woman’s invasion.

“That’s all interesting,” said one Kutunachke leader, who the companions recognized as Borrinn Tall Pine, “but why’ve you come? Why are you telling us this?”

“We came to ask for your people’s help in freeing our home,” Airk said, the nervousness on his face clear for everyone to see. “We can’t defeat the Scarlet Woman and her minions by ourselves.”

Several of the Kutunachke’s leaders, as well as some of their citizens who were listening to the proceedings, looked distinctly skeptical. The citizens muttered among themselves as the Kutunachke’s leaders conferred before turning back to the companions.

“You’ve come asking our help when your kin have never lived up to the treaties they signed with us?” one matriarch asked, her expression doubtful.

“If the Scarlet Woman conquers all of Flinthold, she might come after you next,” Airk said.

“If she does, we’ll look after ourselves,” the matriarch replied, unimpressed.

Airk fell silent, unable to think of what to say to that. Most of the rest of the companions were silent as well, not knowing what else to say either. Finally, looking at his friends, and then at the Kutunachke’s leaders, Revafour spoke up.

“Would you help the Flintholders if they made good on their original promises to share the land with you?” he asked.

Almost immediately, the Kutunachke’s mood changed. The eyes of several of the leaders lit up at Revafour’s words, while several of their citizens began speaking to each other much more excitedly.

“That’d be different,” Borrinn said. “One of the treaties’ old requirements was that our peoples help each other if we’re attacked by monsters like orcs or ogres.”

Several of the Kutunachke’s leaders nodded their agreement, but others were more skeptical. The matriarch who questioned Airk spoke up again, her expression showing she still harbored doubts.

“What proof do we have that Flinthold will keep its promises?” the matriarch asked, her gaze shifting between Airk and Revafour. “I, for one, want a guarantee that your gnomish kin are going to do that. Let’s see them swear an oath to their gnomish gods. And I want to see it for myself.”

“What, you want to come with us back to Silverspire with us?” Airk asked. “You’re representing your people to mine, then?”

The matriarch looked at her fellow leaders, and they all nodded their agreement.

“May I ask your name?” Revafour said.

“I’m Pellana Laughing Cloud,” the matriarch said as an introduction. “I’ve often spoken for us when we deal with other nations. I guess I’m doing so again.”

“I’m coming too, as Pellana’s escort. If we agree to help Flinthold, then our warrior societies should have someone speaking for them too,” Borrinn said.

Airk looked gratefully at Revafour, and then at the rest of his friends. He realized he never would have come as far as he had without them, not just for the physical help they’d given him, but also for the support they’d given him through his guilt and shame.

Turning back to the Kutunachke’s leaders, Airk nodded.

“We accept your terms,” he said.