Evening fell over the forested hills of the northwestern regions of the Gurubashi territories. Atop a steep slope, facing out over the forests to the south like a taunting yet unreachable target, stood an encampment. Surrounded by tall fences and parapets built in the wood-and-rope fashion of the Amani people, it was more impenetrable than it seemed. The most alert hunters in the front lines formed an invisible perimeter around it, and though their officer was absent, their watch was exceptionally vigilant.

They had important business to keep from being interrupted tonight. Within the encampment, the widest path worn by foot led directly to the highest hill upon which was erected the chief's hut. It was the largest and most heavily protected establishment in the camp, and here the night's business was to take place.

A small fire burned in the centre of the main room of the hut, surrounded by eight shallow ditches that marked the seating places of the eight members of the chief's war council. Positioned in a small alcove built into the wall furthest from the entrance to the room was Sinjo, chief commander of the western front line encampment.

"We did good work today, boss," stated Vol'maran, the second-in-command who knelt just to the left of the chief. His gravelly voice showed some hesitation. "All the reports say we won all the territories we went for. All the skirmishes were successful."

Sinjo frowned and folded his legs under him. He shook his head lightly, causing the piercings in his ears to clang dully. "I know, mon. That's not the reason why I called this meeting. I'd have talked to you all one by one if I wanted to discuss that."

The mood of all trolls present altered visibly. To the chief's right, Abendi looked particularly uncomfortable as she shifted her weight. "Chief?"

"We can't ignore these Aqir any more. You know they're getting awfully close to the camp. They haven't stopped advancing east since we first saw them, and now they're no more than a week's march away. We need to take action."

Murmurs of assent spread through the room, though Abendi remained silent. She had suspected this would be the reason for the meeting – the Aqir were dangerously close, after all – and she was concerned about the outcome. Would the chief sacrifice the front lines in order to hold off the western threat? "Chief, what do you suggest?"

Sinjo sighed heavily. "I'm thinking about trying to take the entire northwest of the Gurubashi territories in the next week or so, and having the central front lines guard our backs, so that we can hold up a good defence against these bugs."

"Boss!" This time Zul'abar of the first warriors spoke. His face expressed pure shock. "We can't do that! We been fighting over this patch of land for the last three hundred years! We don't have the numbers."

Six others around the fire shouted their agreement. Again, only Abendi was quiet. She, for one, was glad of this plan. It was a long shot, but, assuming it worked, it would solve the problem of the Aqir while also destroying the Gurubashi in the region, hopefully once and for all. Of course, she'd prefer they concentrated all their efforts on wiping out the Gurubashi, but she could accept that it wasn't an option right now.

She watched Sinjo and quietly rejoiced. His jaw was set in a stubborn expression that was all too familiar – he believed he was right, and it would take a lot to get him to change his mind. "I don't want hear your nay saying. This is our only hope. If you can come up with a better plan, let me know whenever you want. In the meantime, ready your hosts for an assault on the temple to the southwest." He stood, helping himself up with his staff. "In two days' time at dawn we march. They won't be expecting us." With a parting nod, he strode out the room.

Watching him leave, Abendi grinned to herself. An attack on a temple! That was always the most gratifying; she took special delight in destroying the home of their vile gods. She stood then as others did the same, and made to leave.

"Abendi."

She turned to face the one who had addressed her: Vol'maran. His face was twisted in a sneer.

"I noticed you didn't have too much to say about the plan. Gurubashi eat your tongue or something?"

"Actually, mon, it's just what I was hoping for." She gave him a serpentine smile.

The second-in-command scowled. "Just you watch your back, woman," he snarled. "You're not so powerful in this room when you don't have Jidali being a hero for you."

"Keep in mind who's commanding who, mon," she told him in a way that suggested she was indeed meaning that in the most threatening way possible.

Vol'maran made a guttural sound at the back of his throat as he glared at her, almost like a growl, and for a moment he looked like he would spit on her. Fortunately Zum'bali still sat gazing into the fire, and while the head witchdoctor was unlikely to take direct action, confrontations had a way of making themselves known to the chief. Instead, the second-in-command turned and stormed out of the hut.

Smiling, Abendi glanced down at the witchdoctor. He was looking back at her, frowning before turning his attention back to the fire. Wondering what sort of hex she was about to be put under, she laughed and entered the cool night.