Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 76

76.

Squawk!

A hawk cried overhead—chasing clouds or prey? Watching its high flight, Ibelin lowered her gaze.

Today was the meeting between Vallak and Kahn. She was disguised as the shaman's assistant; Kite mingled among the warriors. Though he'd promised to watch and not interfere, he stood out—even among the burly warriors, with his trained body and striking features.

"The weather is fine."

Iranna smiled.

"Yes—fine, Lady Shaman."

But the atmosphere was tense—especially among Vallak's tribe, who seemed ready to fight. They were on edge too. Yet Iranna remained calm.

Soon, Vallak emerged from the warriors—a large man covered in ornaments, towering over the others.

"Oh?"

His gaze fell on Iranna.

"Kahn's shaman—not sure what that means, but—"

According to Iranna, Vallak had no shaman; some tribes had them, others didn't. Vallak's didn't.

All because they'd forgotten their name.

"Vallak."

Kahn stepped in front of Iranna.

"Kahn! Long time!"

Vallak grinned, yellow teeth showing, and slung an arm around him like an old friend.

"Didn't I say we should meet often?"

"I was busy."

"Ah?"

His gaze slid to Iranna. Ibelin clasped her hands to stop them from moving.

"Fine—shall we have this meeting you wanted?"

A tent had been set up. They entered—Vallak with two warriors, Kahn with Iranna and Ibelin.

"You seem to have many women?"

Vallak mocked.

"Iranna is our shaman—I thought it best to have her."

"Even with a serving girl?"

"Vallak—that's enough."

Kahn's patience was thin. Vallak whistled and fell silent—an annoying man.

Patience, patience.

Drawing a weapon now would hurt Kahn's cause.

"Fine—since you wanted this big meeting, say what you will."

"Do you remember our old name, Vallak?"

"Old name?"

"Nordin."

Kahn used their pre-barbarian name as persuasion.

"Hm?"

His smug expression shifted.

"A name we forgot."

"Better than being called barbarians."

"To reclaim it, we must change—stop attacking northern Imperials, unite the tribes, set rules, and join hands with Pabeln."

"Ha—future! Our future! How many Imperials have we killed? Will they forgive us easily? Weren't they the ones who named us barbarians?"

"Past yes—but need it continue? The North grows colder, grass for livestock disappears—we'll all die soon."

His words were true—but Vallak wouldn't accept them. He crossed his arms and sneered.

"You found a mine, I hear?"

Kahn hadn't told other tribes—fearing it'd derail negotiations. Only his people, Ibelin, and Kite knew.

"And an Imperial stays in your tribe."

"You planted a spy?"

"Common, isn't it?"

Not all northern tribes were allies—they enslaved others, stole property. Vallak was skilled at that.

"And who's the traitor now? Not me—you! Offering a rich mine to the Empire, bowing down—you're the traitor!"

He raised his voice.

"If we develop it ourselves—is that possible? We can barely handle the cold and food shortages—mining isn't easy."

"Why impossible? We have idle tribes—use them! If they die, kidnap Imperials!"

"Vallak!"

Kahn gritted his teeth.

"Lives aren't to be spoken of so lightly!"

Vallak shrugged.

"I didn't think you'd listen—you've always been stuck in foolish ideals. But you understand this: give me the mine, and get out! Then I'll forgive your betrayal."

"Vallak—you're the one who won't listen!"

"When words fail, there's a good solution!"

Vallak grinned, and his warriors drew weapons.

Thud—

In that instant, Ibelin kicked the central table—crude wood, easy to move. Startled, Vallak flinched—and she drew her hidden gun. Kahn had told her not to act, but she couldn't let Iranna get hurt.

Vallak drew a crescent blade and aimed at Iranna.

BANG!

Her shot hit the blade, deflecting it—Iranna was safe.

"Iranna!"

Iranna hid behind Ibelin as Kahn blocked Vallak. The other two warriors hesitated to approach.

BANG!

A shot pierced one warrior's hand—blood sprayed, but she stayed calm. She threw a dagger at the other, drew another, and slashed his leg as he closed in.

The commotion drew warriors from outside.

"Vallak!"

Kahn gnashed his teeth.

"This was your plan all along!"

"It's not like we were friends."

Vallak retreated, replaced by his warriors.

"Fight properly!"

"What if I don't?"

"I challenge you to a sacred duel!"

"I don't want that either—"

"Vallak!"

He was gone. Fighting off warriors and shielding Iranna, Ibelin noticed something—some fought differently.

I see.

Just as Kite and Ibelin were among Kahn's people, outsiders were among Vallak's. Realizing that, she fought harder—it was her first time seriously wounding people, but she wasn't afraid. Hesitation would cost Iranna.

"Once you decide to act, don't hold back—or you'll regret it."

Her grandfather had said that. So she gave her all.

Kite joined in—walking calmly through the chaotic fight, each step felling those hidden among the warriors.

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