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A quarter moon later,Vachir ran up to Shuree as she was heading for the training ground with Dagar.

“Shuree.” He placed his hands on his knees and panted before pointing to the east. “Riders are coming.”

She exchanged a glance with Dagar and they moved as one to the outskirts of the camp. Perhaps half a dozen riders moving at a trot towards the camp. Around her warriors gathered with their weapons ready.

“There is no need to panic,” she called. They were probably members of the Bulgat or Horkham tribes. “Shall we ride out to greet them?” she suggested to Dagar.

He nodded and they mounted two horses and trotted out.

As they drew closer, she recognised the short, rotund man at the front. “It is the Bulgat tribe,” she told Dagar and raised a hand in greeting.

Bat Khan raised his hand in response and Shuree’s nerves settled. When he was close enough she said, “Welcome, Bat Khan. I am pleased to see you.”

His eyes flicked to Dagar and then back to her. “Shuree. I hear you are the new khan. My condolences on the loss of your father.”

The jolt of loss was one she was getting used to. “Thank you. Permit me to introduce Dagar, son of Ogodai Khan of the Erseg tribe.”

Bat grunted. “I never thought I would see the day when we rode side by side.”

“It is a new world,” Dagar agreed. “One which we hope will prevail.”

They entered the camp and Bat greeted those he knew. Shuree showed him where they could set up the tents they’d brought with them and invited them to her yurt for refreshments. Before they could settle, the Horkham tribe arrived and Turgen strode into her yurt, his orange tunic almost offensively bright.

“Don’t mind me,” he bellowed, pouring himself a drink.

Shuree smiled. “Turgen Khan, welcome to my yurt and my tribe.” She introduced Dagar.

Turgen studied him and then turned to Shuree. “You’d better tell us why you think this ridiculous proposal of yours will work.”

Shuree chuckled, not the least bit offended. Turgen was mostly bluster. She’d always enjoyed seeing him at their yearly summer gatherings. If she could convince these two men, they were well on their way to peace. “It will work, because we all want it.”

A few days later the Kharil representatives rode into camp with Kublai Khan at the front, his thick, bushy beard resplendent.

Shuree invited the khans and spiritual advisors to dine with her along with Amar and Dagar. With members from five tribes, they represented half of Rhora.

“I want to thank you all again for coming,” Shuree began. “It is heartening to see we are not the only ones who want peace.”

Kublai held up his hand. “We have come, but we have not decided our stance yet,” he said. “Peace is a lofty goal but so is trust.” He glared at Dagar.

“Perhaps we can start by discussing what we each want,” Dagar said. “That way we will have an idea of what we can offer each other.”

Shuree nodded. “The Saltar tribe wish to live in peace, without fear from raid. We would like to trade with other tribes and learn from them. The Erseg horses are of fine stock and the Bulgat tribe have access to eagle feathers for arrows.” She smiled. “I would also like more marriage between the tribes. When you grow up with the same people, it can be difficult to see them as a spouse.”

Bat laughed. “I agree. My tribe is far healthier and happier since we began our yearly gatherings.” He glanced at Shuree. “I was disappointed you turned down my son.”

She flushed.

“Will others agree to trade when they can simply take it?” Turgen asked.

“I believe so,” Dagar said. “I am not sure what the catalyst for the raids was. It must have been so long ago to have been forgotten from our memory.”

Mengu spoke. “I have spoken with the other spiritual advisors and we all agree the Gods are ready for our fighting to end. As long as we control our tempers, we believe the khan gathering will strengthen this land and make the Gods happy.”

They spoke into the night, debating and negotiating. As they finally left the yurt, exhaustion blanketed Shuree, but she was full of optimism. Amar hung back.

“I owe you an apology, Khan,” he said. “You were right to hope, right to try something different. I haven’t seen these men so animated in a long time.”