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He was right. “All right.” As long as she was part of the discussions, it didn’t matter how she got there.

He lifted her easily and carried her out of the tent. It was close to midday and warriors were spread through the camp. Someone had set up targets across the meadow and it appeared an archery tournament was underway. Nearby one of the Horkham warriors was wrestling with an Adhan man and others stood around cheering them on. Over by the horses, an Erseg man stood proudly beside his horse, chatting to two other men who were admiring the beasts. It was a community, much like any tribe.

“Where’s Gan?” she asked.

“We buried him,” Dagar replied.

She would have to tell his mother and Amar when she returned. Dagar carried her to the pavilion and set her down next to Erhi and Vachir.

“Shuree, we are glad to see you up,” Kublai said.

“We weren’t sure how long you’d be, so we started,” Ogodai said.

She smiled. “I am glad. I didn’t hear any arguing from the tent, so does that mean you’ve moved past that stage?”

The men laughed. “We have,” Bat said. “Let me fill you in.”

Someone tapped her on the shoulder and Dagar handed her a bowl of soup. “Thank you.”

She sipped the meaty broth as the khans each told her the items they were willing to trade and how they had agreed with her idea of an annual gathering to foster communication and understanding between the tribes.

“They ask we split our harvest with them,” Vachir said, “And I thought we could maybe increase the land we sow.”

An interesting idea. Some people preferred staying in one place. “We can definitely investigate it.” The broth helped her energy but it was still difficult to hold herself upright. Her limbs were weak and her head a little light. Perhaps she’d been too quick to come out here. She swayed a little and Dagar sat next to her.

“Lean against me,” he murmured.

She was too tired to care what anyone thought. Dagar’s body was a warm, solid wall and she liked the feel of his arm around her. The khans discussed options, argued about details and she added her opinion when it was needed. By the time it grew dark and Erhi called an end of the day’s discussion, Shuree was having difficulty keeping her eyes open.

“Have something more to eat, and then go to sleep,” Vachir said. “I’ll keep an eye on things here.” He gestured to the khans.

“I don’t think you have to,” she said. “They seem to be getting along just fine.”

“Thanks to you,” Dagar whispered.

His breath tickled the back of her neck. He helped her to her feet and swept her into his arms again. She didn’t protest. She was too tired to walk.

As they made their way back to her tent, Kublai joined them. “I am so sorry, Shuree.”

She placed a hand on his arm. “It was an accident. I don’t blame you.”

“I’m relieved the dragon could save you.”

“What happened to Ghalin?”

“He flew away with the other dragons after Lelin healed you,” Dagar said.

She would like to speak with him again before they left.

“Speak of the devil.” Kublai pointed to where both Ghalin and Lelin were coming in to land, the power in their muscles and their massive wing span still awe-inspiring.

“Put me down, Dagar.” She shifted and he set her on her feet, keeping an arm around her waist. Nerves tickled her belly.

We have come to see how you are,Lelin said.

And to apologise.Ghalin lowered his head.

“Then please, come to my tent,” Shuree invited.