Chapter 28
"We have to make a decision," Roan insists.
"Not immediately," Hukir counters. "Both Hamezaar and the caravan master agreed to remain here until the morning. We still have a half a day's journey to Delzimmer."
"No. Roan is right," Rosie agrees quietly. "This has to be determined now. He's a good strategist and leader but…I just don't know. I don't like how easily he takes command."
"Lord Hamezaar is more than a commander, he's a Deep Lord. He's the natural choice."
"Of course you'd say that Gundur," Roan scowls. "You worship him."
"If you knew him, his history, you would too. He's fought all over Faerun and he's a legend in Eartheart. He's personally put himself in harm's way to rescue captured slaves."
"He may also be guilty of murdering another Deep Lord," Hukir reminds them. He meets Gundur's dark look. "Even in the foreign quarter the rumors persist."
"He also singlehandedly fought off five Drow assassins, on that same day."
"I don't understand the problem," Kanti interrupts. "Every tribe needs a chieftain. We aren't at raid strength but every band needs an elder. He is wise and strong and wins battles."
"I don't like him." Roan mutters. After a moment's pause he concedes, "But he is good."
"He is ruthless, too hard for my liking," Hukir points out. "Also, I feel a tension, before the raid too. There is more going on than just his exile and I fear we will suffer for it."
"I have that feeling too," Rosie nods. "He's not telling us everything."
From a few feet away Iune remains silent. They didn't naturally include her but they didn't argue when she remained behind with them. The Halfling demanded a vote for leadership and Hamezaar smiled. "I'm going to speak with the Caravan leader and see if I can help."
He'd left, confident in himself. With her sharp ears she easily keeps up with the conversation whether they include her or not.
It doesn't matter, she insists. I lost but now I am even closer to him. He'll never see me coming, all I have to do is wait and strike when the time is right. Until then, I will bide my time.
Am I this deluded? He's defeated me three times. Then he beat me like a petulant child.
Silence! I tricked him! I made him believe I could be broken and will follow his orders. Now I'm closer than ever, his arrogance will be his undoing!
"This argument is pointless," Gundur interrupts her thoughts. "How I feel is too. There is no one except him. Who else will lead us? You? You're capable. I know. I've seen it. That doesn't change the fact that he's the most experienced and has a long history of successfully leading. True leadership isn't just running up front, it's consistently making the right decision while being aware of all potential consequences."
"Oh, so he's won before and now we should follow him like dogs?" Roan snarls.
"You? The description fits," Gundur smirks.
"Stop taunting him," Rosie puts a hand on Gundur's shoulder. He shakes it off with a growl and steps away from her.
"If you're so worried about him, why don't you just ask?" Gundur looks at each in turn. "If he's so hard, so terrible, then walk away. Otherwise, stop whining and ask what his plan is."
"I don't agree with Gundur's tone…but…," Kanti says softly. "I believe Hamezaar is the best choice. We can change our minds later, if he fails or another rises to the challenge."
"You're both right," Rosie admits.
"What?" Roan and Hukir stare.
"We can choose another leader if we need to. Until then, we can ask Hamezaar's plan and then either leave or remain. Or we can come up with one of our own and discuss it with him."
The two men share a look and Roan shrugs. Then the tribeswoman focuses on Iune and asks, "What do you think Drow?"
"I think you talk too much," she replies scornfully.
Roan huffs with amusement but the rest scowl at the Drow. Hamezaar returns with another Gold Dwarf, ornately decorated with jewels and gold.
"Your healers made a huge difference," the merchant declares. "I just wish we had more, our losses were minimal but each will be felt."
"There are never enough healers and someone always mourns the dead. Still, we have our duties, and we'd dishonor those lost if we don't follow through."
"Agreed, thanks again for your help my lord," they shake hands.
Hamezaar rejoins the band with a quick look to each, "So, now you've either accepted that I'm the only choice or…you will follow until we arrive somewhere worth leaving at."
Rosie folds her arms, "Do you have to be so smug about it?"
He feigns deep thought before answering, "Yes."
She sets her jaw and looks away from him. Roan throws her a look, implying that she got what she deserved for choosing him.
After a pause Hamezaar apologizes, "Look, I'm sorry, that was very rude."
"Oh, are you sure?" Rosie snaps.
"We are in this together," Hamezaar puts up his hands to halt any further argument. "All of us, regardless of our reasons. Some of you are here for profit and some of you are here for power. Am I correct?"
Hame studies each in turn, gathering even Iune in his gaze, "If you stick with me and survive for a year. Then you'll gain more gold and power than you'd receive after ten years with caravans. We hired on for ease of travel and mutual support. This may repeat itself but will not be a regular event. We will plunder tombs and slaughter our adversaries. Our specific goal will to gather weapons, magic, and lost or new knowledge that can be applied effectively. All of which will go to those who can use it immediately or have the greatest need."
"What's your purpose?" Rosie inquires coldly. "You were exiled and they say you killed a Deep Lord. Don't glare at me Gundur, you said ask, so I'm asking."
Hame's eyes dart to Iune but after a heartbeat he grins. Then he turns back to Rosie and speaks sadly, "My home is under siege. My lover was murdered and five Drow tried to assassinate me in the Citadel. On that same day another Deep Lord allied with the Drow tried to murder me. I didn't kill him. He was assassinated after admitting treason, so he couldn't reveal any more, or be forced to admit it publically. As we speak, Drow aligned thief guilds in the poor quarters are fighting the ones that rebuke them."
Rosie's face is full of concern, Hukir's eyes widen and Gundur declares, "No…no, it can't be that bad. We were just there. It can't be. I mean I was in the Citadel. I would have heard of this, there would be rumors."
"The truth is well concealed but all of the Deep Lords realizes we are in serious and imminent danger. My purpose is simple. I'm going to shore up Eartheart's alliances with the neighboring lands and gather allies and weapons for its defense. Are you with me?"
