The eldest moved to the back of the warrior line, and told them to disperse. The huge man grinned widely and walked forward, heading to the campfire around which the council was in session.
He sat on the ground next to the fire, then rummaged into his pouch and produced a green leaf. He then rolled it deftly in his fingers, took a small burning branch and lit it. Finally he put it in his mouth and puffed happily its smoke.
This small ritual completed (watched with interest by the keepers of fire), he addressed the council:
"Again, do not be afraid, and thanks for allowing me to speak. As I anticipated, I come bearing a warning from the Seer of the Mountains. We are a tribe living in the plains faraway from here – he gestured towards the distant horizon – at the feet of a great chain of mountains. The Seer is the most talented of our shamans, with the boon of farsight. He can see future events, helping to steer the destiny of our tribe, letting us avoid some dangers and exploit some chances."
He stood up, gazing at the elders through the flames: "Several days ago, the Seer woke up screaming from a nightmare. He ran to me, the chief of the tribe, speaking of a great peril being unleashed from this, the lone mountain at the end of the plains. He spoke of a tribe of fire worshipers, armed with wondrous black stone weapons, much more advanced than us. Yet ignorant of the ways of the spirits."
"He spoke of an ancient ward being weakened, of the horrifying consequences that would follow the event – his eyes take a distant look – The next day, he came running to me again, screaming 'Too late, it's too late! We must save them!' and implored me to take a fast party here, to implore you to heed his words."
"So, these are the words I bring you: you must flee this place, as quickly as you can, or a great doom will befall your people. I also bring you an offer to come with us, to greener pastures, to the open plains where the buffalo and the zebra roam free. Leave this accursed place while you can!"
He fell silent, then sat again. The eldest thanked him and offered him some food: "You must be tired from your journey. Please rejoin your men while we discuss your words". The chief stood again and bowed, following one of our warriors back to his riders.
At that moment, everyone could feel a small tremor coming from the ground. The elders gazed warily at each other, then the debate started.
A. The militia chief spoke first, glaring at the others:
'You are not seriously considering the words of this so called friend of ours? And this Seer? It's preposterous! Since we gave them hospitality, we should feed them, thank them and send them on their way... with a scout on their tail, to find out where they live and how much truth was in their words."
B. One of the elders took his place:
'Although his words do indeed sound preposterous, there is no harm in heeding them, for now. We have fast boats, we can move downriver for a few handful of days, while our herds follow on the riverbank. If nothing happens, we'll just come back here and carry on as usual.'
C. A keeper of fire rose up:
'Those men know the fire spirit and seem to commune with it in ways we never thought of. I dearly would like to see what he did with that leaf! I like them, we should take them up upon their offer.'
D. Another keeper angrily shouted him down:
'Are you mad? The fire spirit is strong in this place, we can see it everywhere, in the shiny black and dull black stones! I think this so called Seer of theirs is just envious of our mastery of fire and is trying to lure us out to steal our secrets! Kill them all!'
They must be first on our hitlist when we get around to making it in a thousand years or so.
