Page 99 of Circle of Days

“I suppose you’re right,” Scagga said reluctantly.

“There’s a large empty house over by the river.”

“I know it. No one sleeps there because the roof leaks.”

“Can you round up twenty strong men and women with stone hammers and suchlike, and put them in that house?”

“Easily.”

“Tell them they probably won’t have to fight, just look mean.”

Scagga grinned. “You want to give the farmers a fright.”

“Exactly.”

“I’ll get it organized.”

It was not much later when Scagga returned and said: “All ready. Twenty strong youngsters, all armed.”

“Right.” Now Ani would see whether her scheme would work.

She sought out Troon. He was with a dozen other farmers, including his son, Stam. They were gathered around a fire where an enterprising herder was roasting split cattle bones so that the delicious marrow could be scooped out and eaten. In exchange the farmers gave him cakes made of grains and cheese, their usual traveling food.

Ani took Troon aside. “I’ve found your Pia,” she said.

He looked skeptical. “Really?”

“If you want I’ll take you to her.”

He said suspiciously: “Why would you do a thing like that?”

She had anticipated the question and she had an answer ready. “Because your search is distressing my people and we herders hate conflict.”

He feared a trap. “I’m not coming on my own.”

“Bring your men. Bring all of them.”

He looked reassured. “I will.”

The farmers finished off their split bones, wiped their hands on their tunics, and followed Ani. They went from the Monument to Riverbend, then through the village to the big house by the river. Scagga stood by the door and said: “She’s in here.”

Ani said: “This way,” and walked in ahead.

She was pleased with what Scagga had arranged. The place was dark but for the light from a small fire in a central hearth. Behind Ani, Troon said: “I can’t see a thing. Where’s Pia?”

The door closed with a bang.

Ani said: “Let’s have some light.”

A dark figure stooped over the fire, lighting a torch. It blazed into flame and the man held it high.

The farmers gasped and grunted with shock. Twenty young herders stood just the other side of the fire, all holding weapons, staring in silence. After a moment’s shocked hesitation the farmers turned to run. But the door would not open. Scagga had barred it from the outside.

Troon turned, scared and angry. He looked at Ani and said: “You’re going to murder us all.”

“No one is going to be murdered today,” she replied. “But I will not have you and your thugs intimidating the people of Riverbend.You will leave now and go home. If ever you come back, you will behave peaceably while you’re here. And if you break my rules again you will be killed. Listen to me. There will be no second chance.”

She raised her voice. “Open up, Scagga!”