His grandfather had his arm wrapped around his shoulder and he could feel the elderly man's hands tapping in time with the warrior's spears. They had been watching the ships approach slowly over the last cycle of suns. At first only one ship had been spotted out in the deep waters. Then another arrived during the night, the next day four more arrived. They made no movement towards the shallows and his people stayed within the jungle waiting and watching.
They prayed to Xolantis, goddess of the sea and fertility, and to Trillkrin bringer of death, for protection and the strength to defeat the newcomers, should the need arise. Plat-Paulu petitioned the council to send a raiding party out to the ships during the night. He was supported, in due course, by the Paulu and the Clalu clans. Marn-Walu petitioned for diplomacy and gained the support of the Walu, Mialu, and the Fenalu.
Both petitions were largely meaningless unless Rain-Drilu, Chief and Holy Xolan to all clans had agreed, but he did not. His hold on the largest of the clans was absolute, and so when, in his fear and weakness he petitioned for the clans to stay in the jungle and observe the Drilu, Yanilu, Kapilu, Slalu, and Titalu all fell behind him.
His grandfather had sworn that day when he had arrived back at his hut.
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