Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 67

67.

Ibelin quickly gathered her things and headed to Kite—the barbarians' eyes followed her.

"Shouldn't I stay outside?"

Kite shook his head.

"No—I can't let my fiancée suffer."

"Even here?"

"Am I wrong?"

"You're not right either."

Watching them bicker, Kahn nodded.

"A spouse—you suit each other."

"Right? We do, don't we?"

Kite smiled. Ibelin's face flushed again—suit each other? She wanted to argue but held back.

They were invited into Kahn's ger. He offered a white drink with a strange smell.

"Fermented mare's milk."

Kite explained kindly.

"It's a liquor made from horse milk—offered to guests first. Drinking it is polite."

He downed his portion and then hers.

"I could have drunk it."

She protested—he scoffed.

"No—you're a terrible drunk."

Was she? She didn't remember—but she must have caused trouble.

"You care for your spouse—good. A man should be kind to his wife."

Kite nodded.

"I am kind."

"Yes—you're not a bad man. Few who care for their own are bad. So—"

Kahn looked at Kite.

"What's your business?"

Now they could talk. Ibelin had explained her visions to Kite—except the wedding.

"First—do you intend to fight the Empire?"

"No."

Kahn was firm.

"We're cornered—food is scarce, fodder for livestock hard to find. Killing Imperials for food wouldn't last. It only delays the crisis."

"Then what's your plan?"

"Unite like-minded tribes and reach out to the Empire."

"You want friendly relations."

"The North is harsh—but we have something to offer each other."

"The Empire can provide food and land—what can you give?"

Kahn paused, then asked.

"What authority do you have in the Empire?"

"Do you know who I am?"

"I do—the Empire's finest sword, renowned in the last war."

"I'm the head of House Gracias in Pabeln. I act under His Majesty's authority and have full power in this matter—my actions are His will."

"Then this will be easy. Follow me."

He rose and led them out—Kite and Ibelin followed.

"Mont!"

The large man from before approached.

"Yes!"

"Prepare horses—we're going there."

"There?"

Mont eyed them suspiciously but obeyed.

"I'll prepare them."

Barbarian horses were smaller but sturdier. Mont brought three.

"Quite a distance?"

"Seems so."

Kahn mounted first.

"Follow."

They rode, following him.

"Don't you need guards?"

Kahn answered.

"You're the Empire's finest sword—would guards help?"

True—but bold.

They rode until the horses tired, then stopped.

"This way."

Tethering the horses, they walked to a small cave—barely wide enough for two.

Kahn entered first.

"Ibelin, wait here."

"Yes!"

Someone had to guard the horses. She stayed willingly.

Inside, Kite saw it.

"This is—"

"A mine—found by a tribe member who took shelter here. He was interested in minerals."

"Do you know what it is?"

"Likely diamonds."

Kite swept the wall with his hand.

"A diamond mine?"

"We need to dig more, but I suspect there's a lot. I'll give it to you."

"That benefits us—but aren't you tempted?"

"Not really—what would diamonds do for us? We'd only be targeted. Better to trade it for safety."

A wise choice.

"There are other mines nearby—confirmed. Take them too. In return, give us arable land, knowledge, food, and self-governance."

"That's a lot—but not impossible. Done!"

Kite said cheerfully.

"I swear in the name of Kite von Gracias—you'll have what you want, in line with His Majesty's will."

Kahn relaxed.

"Can you decide this alone?"

"Yes—our tribe has discussed this repeatedly. If you hadn't come, we'd have sent someone."

"How many tribes agree?"

"About fifteen—some barely surviving, so numbers are small."

"And Vallak's side?"

"More—they have the wealthier tribes. Persuading them hasn't been easy. We'll talk again—if it goes well, a new era begins."

"If not?"

Kahn smiled bitterly.

"Someone dies."

"Can you handle that?"

"Even if not, what can I do? We can't just die. The Deadlands' influence grows—we'll be driven from our land. Then conflict is inevitable. Would fighting the Empire give us a way to survive?"

No—the Empire was formidable, with new weapons and Kite's presence. Young Kite had been strong; now he was the Empire's best.

"A wise choice."

It was all Kite could say.

Leaving the cave, Ibelin waved. Kite released the messenger bird—small as a sparrow, but remarkably strong, prized by the palace. Leonhardt had lent it to him. It would carry the news back.

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