Every Man's Fantasy Ch. 11

"Yael? Of course. Congratulations on finding your mother," Solange said. "It must have been quite an adventure. I hope you'll tell me about it. ... I see Sam... er, Wildchild over there. Will you come with me to talk to her? She should at least greet her mother."

It was a reasonable request. As Tamar helped Solange try to be peacemaker between Wildchild and Galatea, the other women unloaded and sorted out the trade-goods.

Wildchild was reluctant at first but she didn't run away. She spoke to Solange for a few minutes, then the Herder chief walked over to her deputy for another chat. Solange had a considerable power of charm and must have used it all because, five-minutes later, there was a poignant moment when Wildchild and Galatea stood together and spoke politely. The estrangement between the two women was unresolved but they were civil enough to talk for a few minutes.

When she was back with the chiefs and other deputies, Solange whispered to Galatea:

"You took it very well. I'm proud of you."

"What choice did I have? She's nearly of age and while anger may drive her away forever, kindness may entice her to return."

This was a much gentler woman than the stern and proud fighter of the past. Galatea regretted giving a harsh message to Ezra for her daughter and was making up for it.

"Very wise," Solange said. "Especially now. I don't want you distracted. I think we've some keen negotiations coming up at the Cloner Fair."

"Are we ready, Ladies?"

This was Calliope, keen to get the meeting started. When everyone said "Yes" she suggest that Solange talk first.

This was out of politeness. Although Mirselene had been chief longest, Solange was chief of the largest tribe.

"No. I think I'll let Mirselene go first. I want to know what other surprises she has for us."

"Only one," she said, "though I'm sure you've already worked it out. Ezra will give you the details of your parts in the salvage operation, but I suggest it should happen during the Cloner Fair."

With this, a lively meeting began, though the general sense was agreement, with only the question of who should go with Ezra and his party. At this point, Ezra was invited to join the discussion.

As the meeting went on, the women made their exchanges and began to pack the horses and baskets. It was a short meeting all around. The Woodlanders needed to get home to prepare for their long journey to the Cloner City. The Mariners had a similar journey and also had to prepare extra accommodation for Dagma, Wildchild, Carlin and Tamar. The Herders had a short journey to transport the goods to their Northern Camp.

So, with friendly goodbyes all around (extra-friendly between Eloise and Tamar, more restrained between Wildchild and Galatea, tearful between Erin and Carlin, poignant between Ezra and his bedmates), the first members of the salvage party were loaded up with their equipment and set off with the Mariners on the two-hour trek across the hot plain to the beach settlement.