They travel to Red Rock Canyon, home of the Great Khans. Annoyed at how long it was taking Karl to obtain an alliance, Caesar sends Agnes with Vulpes loping beside her.
In the Khan's long house, Agnes weathers stares from the men and women as Karl introduces his superior to Papa Khan and the council. Papa Khan is pleased to meet them while his right hand man, Regis seems less than enthused. She sits with the council members while Vulpes sits at the head table next to Papa Khan. Much to her dismay, Regis keeps his eyes on her during the entire meeting.
A yurt is erected for their use. Nestled against the back wall of the box canyon, the structure has a great view of the entire encampment. Agnes is surprised at the size of the yurt, palatial compared to her small tent at the Fort. She meets Karl, who stands silent, nodding politely when introduced. Vulpes dismisses her to wander while they discuss Legion matters. Unsure of what to do, Agnes goes outside and sits on the cliff edge, watching the activities below.
Situated at the end of a box canyon, towering red and orange striped walls enclose the settlement. Various slot canyons exist along the sides, trails leading off to places unknown. On the canyon floor below, there is a large wooden enclosure, housing a smaller wooden enclosure. Within this smaller enclosure, men and women train in hand to hand combat and melee tecniques. Agnes remembers Boone telling her of how the Great Khans prefer close combat and will swarm like "flies on shit." She watches the mixed sets of young men and women spar.
Her attention shifts at the sounds of yelling, a pair of older boys wrestle on the dusty ground, exchanging punches and kicks. Fighters closest to the pair stop sparring to watch the fight develop as others run over to watch the spectacle. A pair of trainers slowly make their way over to the disturbance. Agnes watches the men break the boys apart but instead of scolding them, she is surprised to see the boys given short, wooden clubs. The fight begins anew. The trainers yell, giving pointers and criticising sloppy hits while the encircling crowd shouts words of encouragement. The event ends when one of the boys collapse after taking a particularly heavy blow to the back of the head.
Agnes twists her head at the spectacle as the winning boy is guided away while the loser is left behind, laying on the dusty ground as a trainer yells, kicking the fallen boy in the ribs.
"Barbaric," Karl says from beside her.
Agnes didn't catch his arrival, too engrossed at the spectacle below.
"Khans only know two things: chems and violence," she responds.
"Spoken like a true NCR dog," Karl sneers before walking away.
Agnes curls her lip, muttering unkind words under her breath at his retreating form.
...
Vulpes begins to meet more with Papa Khan while Agnes is left to her own devices. Her Mentor encourages her to go out and mingle with the Khans. Despite the easy smile on his face, his eyes do not share the friendliness, leaving Agnes with the uneasy feeling of being set as bait for an unknown trap.
She begins to wander the camp, helping where needed. Outside the large wooden enclosure, she meets Jerry, a sullen teenager, unsure about his place amongst the tribe. She listens as the boy confesses his reluctance of violence, desperately wishing for another way. The boy listens with rapt attention as Agnes tells him about the Followers of the Apocalypse and their peaceful ways.
"Do you think they would take me?," Jerry asks.
"I'm sure they would," Agnes smiles. "They are always looking for more hands."
The tender moment is broken when Jerry is hit from behind by a rather large rock, causing him to stagger forward.
"Go pound sand, you freak," a lanky boy yells.
The other boys flanking him laugh along.
"She don't wanna talk to you!," one of them calls.
Agnes narrows her eyes at the group of boys, fists clenched.
"Don't," Jerry says. "You'll only make it worse."
"You gotta stand up for yourself," Agnes chides. "If not, assholes like them will run you over for rest of your life."
"Doesn't matter," Jerry replies. "I'll be leaving this place soon enough."
Agnes shakes her head, "Whatever kid, it's your life."
...
The next day Agnes meets Jack and Diane, who lay tucked away in a side canyon with shining metal trailers and matching lounge chairs. Jack was more than happy to teach her how to create Stimpacks in exchange for caps and "supplies". Upon making her first viable Stimpack, Agnes is ecstatic, her happy cries echo off the canyon walls.
Agnes had been aware for some time that someone had been trailing her around camp. This feeling intensifies as she makes her way back from Jack and Diane's. Feeling as if she is being watched, she walks faster, eager to be amongst others. Looking behind her, Agnes nearly walks into a tall pillar, causing her to jump back in surprise, her hand gripping her knife. Upon realising her mistake, she laughs nervously, touching the sandy rock.
"Damn Agnes, you need to calm down," she tells herself, patting the red surface. "You're acting like a crazy person."
Still chuckling, she walks past the pillar and into its long, cool shadow. Relief flows into her as she begins to hear sounds of the camp. Her peace is short lived as Agnes is suddenly pushed by an unknown force against the canyon wall, a wide palm pressed over her mouth.
"Don't worry, my pet. I just want to talk, nothing more," a man says quietly.
Agnes looks with wide eyes at her assailant, scowling as she recognises him. Regis.
"No sudden movements and no yelling," he tells her. "Understand?"
Agnes nods, eager to have some space between them.
"Keep your hands where I can see them," Regis adds before removing his hand and taking a step back.
"If you hurt me, my Mentor will be very upset," Agnes warns.
"Oh, so that's your relation," Regis says, adopting a relaxed pose against the pillar. "I was curious to if he was your lover or master, maybe both."
"He is my Mentor," Agnes says firmly, crossing her arms over her chest.
Regis nods his head as he pulls a slim, battered, metal case from his back pocket. Pressing a small button, the case flips open to revel a line of hand rolled cigarettes. He offers one of Agnes, who declines, before taking one and lighting it with an equally battered lighter.
"Between you and me, I could care less about the alliance, I think Karl has been lying to us," he begins.
"What makes you think that?," she asks.
"I'm not as stupid as I look," Regis jokes. "I was educated by the Followers, I can read and write. If Karl thinks he can pull a fast one on us, he's fooling himself. I have heard of the Legion and their practices, how they keep slaves and view women as inferior. I doubt many of our women would appreciate a life of "domestic bliss" that the Legion wants to offer."
"It's safety," Agnes corrects. "Women are the center of the household, they create families and nurture future generations. Women are just as important as men, we simply serve in a different way."
Regis laughs, "I don't expect a child such as yourself being able to understand..."
"I'm twenty five," Agnes snaps. "I'm not a child!"
Agnes proud stance withers as Regis gives her a hungry look.
"My apologies," he mummers as he looks her up and down. "Your youthful looks hide your age very well."
"Thanks," Agnes mutters. "I get it from my Mom."
"I'm sure she's every bit as lovely as you are," Regis says breezily.
"She was," Agnes says.
Regis says nothing, only taking another deep drag off his cigarette.
"Was your community "absorbed" by the Legion?, " he asks, looking at the sky.
"We were," she replies. "I was ten when the Legion came. Our council decided to join peacefully."
"And?"
"And here I stand before you, serving as Caesar commands."
Regis gives a sly grin, "You are not telling me the truth either."
"If you fight the Legion, your people will be enslaved," Agnes says flatly. "That's all you need to know."
"They will be enslaved regardless," Regis says dismissively. "What makes you any different from a slave?"
"I have rights," she says firmly. "Due to their sacrifice, I will never be a slave nor will my children. Sign of your own accord or not, it makes no difference to me, but just know that it is your right as leader, to do best for your people. Don't let others suffer due to your own ego and stupidity."
Regis playfully smirks, "Very inspirational."
Agnes fights to hide her annoyance, "What do you want?"
"Easy," he says, "I want to know how are you really treated. As you just said, I have people to look after. You've meet Diane, pretty little thing and clever too. I'm sure that Jack would be devastated to learn what could happen to her if we side with the Legion. Same with my daughters and their mothers."
Agnes heaves a sigh, "It boils down to rights. If you resist and they capture you, it's slavery for all. If you join voluntarily, you become citizens. Slaves do not have rights, they are property and are treated as such. Citizens..."
"Have rights," Regis finishes.
"That is correct," Agnes smiles, happy to see the end of this conversation.
The moment is broken when Regis speaks.
"Do you have any children?"
"No," Agnes answers hesitantly, "Why do you ask?"
The smile he gives her makes her suddenly aware of just how alone she was with him.
"A crazy idea just entered my mind in regards to solidifying this alliance."
"Solidifying?," Agnes questions.
"Yes, something more binding than paper and handshakes."
"What do children have anything to do with?," Agnes says incredulous, squinting her eyes at Regis's smiling face. Her eyes widen when realization hits her like a Deathclaw.
"Oh," she says simply.
Agnes can feel her cheeks begin to flush while Regis's face looks ready to split from the mightly grin that reigns there.
"I have to go," she blurts before quickly walking away.
.
Agnes can hear Regis laughing clear across the camp as she makes her way back to their yurt. Thankfully by the time she walks to their lodgings, her face had cooled from her embarrassment.
"That junkie bastard," she mutters.
Karl is standing outside, looking as if he had tasted something awful.
"Hey Karl," she said, "Is Vulpes around?"
The spy motions inside, the unusual look on his face capturing her attention as she walks inside the yurt.
.
Before she could call for her Mentor, strong hands wrap around her neck and hold her firm.
"Where have you been?," a gruff voice demands.
Agnes struggles against the pressure, twisting and kicking.
"That's right,"he says. "Fight for your miserable life, show me you are worth keeping."
Vulpes, her mind supplies as her mouth works to talk.
"Keep your whore mouth shut," Vulpes snarls as he moves in front of her.
Her Mentor looks positively terrifying as he glares at her.
"What have I told you about mettling with my work?," he growls. "Karl saw you talking to Regis."
He narrows his eyes, his face inches from hers.
"Tell me Courier, what else have you been doing while I wasn't looking?"
Agnes shakes her head in response. With a sneer, Vulpes throws her down. Ragged breathes fill the yurt as her Mentor stands over her, his fists balled tightly. Agnes chances a glance up at him, only to rewarded with a backhand that knocks her onto her side. Vulpes notices her untucked shirt and open jacket. He kneels beside her, placing his hand on her hip, pressing her into the carpeted floor.
"Tell me Courier, what else have you been doing with Regis?," His eyes running down her form, his tone dangerous.
Agnes' eyes flare as she realizes what he was asking.
"Nothing," she says quickly.
"You lie," he hisses, tightly squeezing her hip.
"I swear," Agnes exclaims. "He's been following me around the past couple days. I was leaving Jack and Diane's when he surprised me. Said he just wanted to talk."
"About what?!"
"He wanted to know how a woman is traveling with the Legion. How I was being treated?"
"And?"
"He is concerned for the women of his tribe. Regis was educated by the Followers, he knows how the Legion treats women."
"Educated tribal," Vulpes scoffs. "What did you say?"
" I told him that I am a citizen. I told him what he knew was true, female slaves are treated poorly but citizens have rights. I told him about when my town was annexed, nothing much changed for me and my family. "
"But that wasn't the whole truth, now was it?," Vulpes asks, clearly taking delight of her frightened state.
Agnes looks away, "I told him what he wanted to hear. Many things changed when the Legion came."
Vulpes made a pleased sound.
"Do you think he believed you?"
"I don't know," she replied. "He seemed relieved to hear about citizenship."
Agnes knew the Legion would offer no quarter to the Khans should they resist. Some wild things were not meant to be tamed, her Father once told her.
"Very well, we shall see," Vulpes says, giving her hip a squeeze.
.
Agnes watches from the floor as her Mentor leaves the yurt. Relief floods her form, she didn't die, always a plus. Her body shakes as she slowly stands, brushing herself off. The look of concern on Karl's face as he peeks into the yurt, she could do without.
...
"Absolutely not," Vulpes barks.
"But Regis asked me," Agnes counters.
"We are here to negotiate, not go on raiding parties!"
"We want them to help us so why can't we help them?", she challenges.
"There is no WE about this, YOU are not getting involved in this petty tribal squabble!"
"She's got a point, Dominus," Karl interjects. "We should assist as a token of good faith."
Vulpes glares at his agent, causing the man to look downwards.
"WE are going to assist, Karl but Agnes isn't."
"Three are better than two," she quickly adds.
Agnes fights the urge to look away as Vulpes turns his fiery gaze on her.
"Please," she tacks on, a hopeful look upon her face.
"No," Vulpes says firmly.
"But"
"If you ask me again, you're not going to like my response," he threatens.
This time Agnes is unable to keep her resolve, quickly casting her eyes downward.
"Yes Dominus," she says in a small voice.
...
Later that night, Agnes is awoken by hard nudge.
She startles at the silhouette of a man looming over her before recognizing who it is.
"Get up," Vulpes says harshly. "Get dressed, you have three minutes!"
Outside the yurt, she approaches Vulpes.
"Thank you Dominus for allowing me..."
"Stop," Vulpes growls. "It was Regis that insisted on your participation, go kiss his ass."
Agnes cringes at the sharpness of his voice.
"Stay close and don't get in the way!," he snaps.
Agnes mentally rolls her eyes, she had been in countless engagements and knew how to behave.
"Yes Dominus," she answers, bowing her head, to which Vulpes storms away.
...
Agnes is thankful for the darkness of night, which hides her disgust and shame.
The Vipers really didn't have much of a chance as the Khans outnumber them two to one. Personally, she had no personal grudge against the Vipers, just another tribe trying to survive the harshness of the Mojave. Like the Khans, the Vipers had also fallen from once a lofty empire to homeless, wandering bands of raiders, thieves and junkies, all thanks to the NCR and it's ever expanding push Eastward. In her opinion, these exiled groups should combine forces instead of being at each other's throats.
The sunbleached timbers catch quickly as the fire jumps from building to building. Agnes assists Vulpes drag a struggling man from his bed, forcing him to kneel in the dust as the dwellings go up in flames. Covered in blood, the young man casts daggers at his captors.
"We have done nothing to you," he growls.
Regis steps forward.
"Is that so?," he grins, appearing devilish in the flickering fire light.
"Regis?," the man questions.
A masked figure joins Regis, revealing themselves to be a young woman.
"Clover!," the man calls, attempting to stand before being shoved back to his knees. "What is the meaning of this?"
Clover smiles, "Oh now you remember my name?"
"Why attack us?! For what reason! We had an alliance!," the man yells.
"I told you you'd regret breaking up with me Raze," Clover says proudly, drawing a firm look from Regis.
Agnes glances at Vulpes, catching the same look on her Mentor's face.
The man looks at Clover, his mouth hanging open before furrowing his brow in anger.
"You stupid whore! Is that...you're unbelievable!
Oh all the childish and immature things to do," Raze curses. "Regis," he calls. "Regis, please understand, I didn't mean for any of this to happen."
"That's not what she told me," Regis grumbles, intensely eying the man kneeling before him. "You hurt my daughter, I've come to kill you."
Raze freezes, his mouth falling open.
"I would never!," he stammers. "Regis, you must believe me! I would never disrespect you like that."
"Who was that other woman?!," Clover snarls.
"That woman is my wife!, you idiot! They are all my wives!," he gestures. " I told you this, you are so childish and insecure. Not even my wives are that jealous of each other, you stupid little girl! That's why I broke up with you!," Raze yells.
.
"Enough of this," Vulpes growls, passing his knife over Raze's throat.
A thick river of blood pours from the cut, confusion on his face, Raze slumps to the ground. Loud crying and wailing is heard from the captured group of women and children that stand on the edge of the flickering light. One of them breaks free, running to the dead man. She falls to her knees, cradling his limp form, screaming in anguish. Agnes watches as Clover sneers at the hysterical woman.
"You Bitch!," the crying woman yells at Clover, catching her expression.
Clover smiles mightily at her anguish, causing Agnes to wince in disgust.
"You stupid bitch! This is all your fault! I'm going to kill you!," the woman screams, running towards Clover with blood covered hands.
Regis shoots her down, the woman's body colliding into Clover.
"Thank...," Clover begins, when Regis punches her in the gut, causing her to fall onto the dead woman.
Enraged, Regis begins to kick Clover as she covers her face.
"Dont you cry!," he growls. "Don't you dare cry! You brought this on yourself! You lied to me!"
"Daddy please!," Clover pleads.
None of the Khans make a sound or try to interfere as they watch Regis beat his daughter. Regis stops, grasping Clover by her short hair.
"You made me into a fool. We lost two good fighters because of you and your lies!"
Vulpes clears his throat, "If we are finished here."
Regis fixes her Mentor with a stern look. Releasing his daughter, Regis spits on the ground beside her.
"We'll finish this back home. Help carry the bodies."
Spinning on his heel, Regis leads the procession back to Red Rock.
...
"What a mess," Agnes says to Vulpes as they walk back.
"Tribals," is all Vulpes offers in response.
"What do you think will happen to the women and children?"
"How should I know?," he says flatly. "Ask Karl."
Agnes drops back to ask Karl but receives no response from the silent spy. She sighs as Karl walks away from her.
"The children will be offered to those families of those that had fallen, a replacement of sorts," a voice says from beside her.
Agnes jumps to see Regis beside her.
Since when had he circled back?
Her reaction seemed to amuse him as he softly chuckles, touching her arm, to reassure that he meant no harm.
"Papa Khan gets the pick of the women."
"And the others?"
"The other Council members will get what's left."
"You aren't looking for a woman?"
"I have my eye on something a little more special, " Regis smirks.
Agnes cringes.
"So, Clover is your daughter?," she says, changing the subject.
"Yes, one of my oldest, her Mother was murdered by the NCR."
"BitterSprings," Agnes says.
"The main reason why Papa Khan wishes to ally with your forces," Regis continues. "Retribution for the wrong perpetrated against us. Even if it takes every last Khan, the NCR will know our pain."
Agnes thinks of Boone, of his anguish over what transpired at BitterSprings. She wants to explain that his people do not suffer alone but remains quiet, his story was not hers to tell.
"What's going to happen to Clover?," she asks instead.
Regis chuffs softly, "What do you care?"
"Some would say I care too much," Agnes counters.
"The widows will be allowed to challenge Clover if they wish. I will make her run the gauntlet due to her stupidity."
"You would do that to your child?"
"I would do that to any of my fighters, " he says firmly. "She lied to me and because of that we broke an alliance and lost two good fighters. Those Vipers weren't much but their job was to warn us of any approaching trouble. Now it will be difficult to get others to trust us once word spreads of this fiasco. We might not have much but we still have honor."
...
"Papa Khan wishes to speak to Agnes, alone," Karl says.
Agnes gulps, her eyes quickly shifting to Vulpes, who regards her with a unreadable look as his thumb rubs his bottom lip.
"Fine," Vulpes says after a moment of contemplation.
He approaches Agnes, grasping her firmly by the shoulders. Despite her best efforts, she still flinches at his touch.
"Be polite, answers his questions. Remember our mission, remember what's at stake."
Agnes nods, understanding his message. If she messed this up not only would she suffer but her family as well.
"Yes Dominus, I will do my best," she answers.
...
Karl escorts Agnes to the Khan longhouse, unceremoniously leaving her at the doorstep. Taking a deep breath, Agnes opens the door and steps inside.
Sitting at the long table is Papa Khan, deep in conversation with another man, one that looks vaguely familiar. Papa Khan looks up and beckons her to approach.
"You wanted to see me Sir?," she asks hesitantly.
"Is this the woman?," Papa Khan asks the man sitting beside him.
The man leans forward to get a good look.
"Looks like her but can't be certain. It was almost a year ago. "
Agnes is curious as to the what and why she was summoned.
"You look familiar as well," she offers to the unknown man.
"Did you ever catch up with that asshole Benny?," he replies.
Agnes smirks, "Sure did, killed that checkered coat wearing bastard."
The man smiles widely, "Serves him right. Yes Papa Khan, this is her, this is the Courier. She is the one that helped us out in Boulder City against those NCR bastards."
Papa Khan nods his head, "You're the Courier?"
"Yes Sir," Agnes affirms, "though I haven't delivered anything in quite a while."
"Hmmm," Papa Khan says, "when I heard the stories somehow I imagined you a man."
"I get that alot," Agnes smiles.
Papa Khan leans back in his chair.
"It's seems that I owe you for saving one of my leaders from the clutches of the NCR."
Agnes bows her head, "It was nothing really. I just don't like seeing injustice."
"Funny you should say that," Papa Khan speaks. "Jessup here was working with this Benny that shot you but you still helped him. Why? If it was up to me, I would have left him to die."
Agnes shrugs her shoulders, "It seemed like the right thing to do."
Papa Khan nods absentmindedly, striking his beard.
"Tell me Courier, what do you think of the potential arrangement, should we align with the Legion?"
Agnes smiles as she screams internally. She wants to tell Papa Khan to take his people and get the hell out of the Mojave, go as far as they can from the Legion. After a seemingly long moment, she speaks.
"It would be off benefit to both parties. You would receive tactical support from the Legion while the Legion would gain strong fighters. I am aware of your people's struggle against the NCR. I know your history, a one proud tribe reduced to tatters all because of the NCRs selfishness and heavy handed tactics. Look at the Mojave, once again the NCR is trying to establish themselves by force. The NCR wants to resurrect the old ways, the ways that led us to the Great War that destroyed everything. Caesar has a better way, one in which all people are equal. Join us, not only will you have your revenge but you will be welcomed as citizens."
"And if we resist?"
"You will all die."
Papa Khan nods.
"You are Legion?"
"Not born but adopted. My town was incorporated when I was ten. We did not fight."
"Regis told me about citizenship, I was quite surprised. I though all under Caesar were slaves."
"NCR propaganda," Agnes says curtly. "Not all are slaves, only those that resist, those that comply become citizens. I am a citizen, not a slave."
"My council is not together," Papa Khan says after a long moment. "Regis does not believe we should be involved at all. He tells me that we can do this on our own, that we need not yoke ourselves to another's plow. What do you say to this?"
Agnes nods as she thinks.
"It's true that the Khans not necessary require the assistance of the Legion but it is truer the other way around. It is the Legion that need the assistance of the Khans. As mighty as the Legion is, we are unable to a mass a large gathering of support so deep in NCR territory. Of all the tribes that inhabit this area, the Khans are, by far, the best and most able to assist us. Together we can overcome the NCR and drive them back to California. Your contributions will be greatly rewarded."
...
"Nice speech," Regis says, leaned up against the side of the longhouse, surprising Agnes as she walks away from the building.
"Didn't see you in there," Agnes replies tightly.
"I was in the back."
"Papa Khan says you still abject to the alliance," she states.
"I do, I know that it will not end well for my people.
If you resist, it will not end well either."
"I know that too. We are in a unique situation of regardless of which way we go, we will be fucked.
Just have to figure out which way causes the least damage or whatever you are willing to live with," she replies.
Regis smirks. "What are you willing to live with?"
"What's that supposed to mean?," she challenges.
"You're in way over your head,"he explains.
"No shit," she blurts.
"You don't have to do it alone."
Agnes rolls her eyes, "Enough double speak. What do you want Regis?"
"I was serious about what I said earlier, if you agree to stay with me, I will agree to the alliance."
Agnes looks Regis up and down.
"No."
"Then I'll never agree," he counters. "I'll be the ever present thorn in your side."
"You already are," she says flatly. "I already have one man trying to run my life, I don't need another."
"You would be an equal," Regis offers. "The Khans allow female leadership."
"No thanks, I don't feel like getting my ass kicked by all the members just so I can call myself a real Khan."
"It's not that tough."
"Not that easy either, I've already been worked over by the Khans before, didn't care for it."
Regis is silent.
"Why do you want me to stay?," Agnes asks. "What makes me so attractive?"
" I want to protect my people, to keep them safe. I know no piece ofpaper nor pretty words can guarantee that but an alliance with the Daughter of Mars, that has something of substance. "
Agnes digests his words. Daughter of Mars? What in the world?
"So you think that by marrying me, would somehow ensure proper treatment of your people by Caesar as I would be like his daughter?"
"He would be indebted to you," Regis says.
Agnes can't help but laugh, "Caesar indebted to me? I'm sorry Regis but thats damn funny."
"You're selling yourself short," he growls. "I can see your potential as can Papa Khan."
"You only see my potential as what I can provide, I mean no more to than a Brahmin does to a caravan. As a beast of burden, a vehicle to carry your message." "What would I get out of it?"
"The potential to lead us out of the desert," Regis bites. "Like one of those prophets of ancient days."
"You know, they never got to the promised land for they were found undeserving," Agnes mutters.
Regis fixes her with a stern look.
"I'm not a leader," Agnes says, turning to walk away.
"Now wait just a minute," he says loudly, grasping her shoulder, spinning her around.
"Don't touch me," she snarls, shaking his off his grasp, turning to face him. "I've given you my response. How dare you try to pin this on me! Like I'm your fuckin' savior! The fate of your people rests in YOUR hands Regis! I meant what I said in there, you need us but we need you more, use that information to your benefit."
"How do I know that afterwards we won't be betrayed?," Regis grumbles.
"I can't tell you that, I do not speak for Caesar, I only act on his wishes. Speak with Karl, request a token of good faith. I cannot agree to anything."
Regis crosses his arms, a stern look upon his face.
Vulpes words float to the forefront of her mind, remember our mission, remember what's at stake.
"If Caesar wishes an arrangement, I will consider it," she finally offers. "It's the best I can do."
Regis regards Agnes as if she had grown another head.
"If you wish an answer now, you may ask my Mentor," Agnes says, doubtful that Regis would ask Vulpes such a request.
A young girl runs up to Regis, interrupting the conversation.
"Papa Khan wishes to see you in the long house," the messenger says.
Regis nods and bids Agnes a good evening.
...
The deal was struck.
Vulpes smiles greatly as he and Papa Khan shake hands. The Khans would aid the Legion when the time came.
It was time to celebrate, Papa Khan declares to his tribe. Agnes was certain they could hear the joyous yelling down in GoodSprin gs. Alcohol and chems flow, when the sky grew dark a massive bonfire is lit, throwing flickering ghosts on the canyon walls.
"Degenerates," Vulpes sneers, watching the Khans as more alcohol and chems were brought out. The trio sat in old plush chairs on a small outcropping that overlooked the festivities. Karl sat on one side of Vulpes with Agnes on the other. Food, beverages, and a bowl of chems lay on a table beside them. Papa Khan had long since retired for the evening, a giggling young woman on each arm. Regis was somewhere in the throng of celebrating Khans.
Vulpes and Karl nursed warm beers while Agnes drank water. A group of young men walked by, looking intently and whispering amongst themselves. This had been going on all night.
"What are they looking at?," Vulpes asks Karl.
"It's Agnes," Karl explains. "I've been hearing about her all day, the young ones are very interested. I'd be careful if I were you," he says looking at Agnes. "The Khans have been know to raid settlements in order to capture brides. A bit of forceful negotiations isn't beyond their grasp."
Agnes drinks her water, trying not to look concerned. Vulpes would protect her, right?
She looks to him, quickly wishing she hadn't as he gives herself a wolfish smile.
"Is that right?," Vulpes says, staring intently at Agnes.
"Watch this," he smirks to Karl.
"Agnes," he calls, spreading his legs wide.
"Sit," he indicates to the open spot.
"Please," he offers with a mischievous grin.
Agnes rolls her eyes as she stands, careful to hide her expression. Vulpes runs his hand across her back as she sits between his legs, guiding her back til she is resting against the chair, firmly caged by his legs.
They all watch as the young men come by again, sour looks on some of their faces. Vulpes put his hand on the nape of her neck, his thumb tracing small circles. She hears him laugh and begin to speak with Karl .
...
Agnes awakes with a lurch, she had fallen asleep against Vulpes' leg.
She hadn't meant to but with him rubbing her neck and the boredom of simply watching the party had put her to sleep.. Agnes lifts her head and finds herself looking at Regis, sitting where Karl had sat. Furrowing her brows in confusion, she is further puzzled when his leg begins to rumble. Agnes looks up to see a set of blue eyes staring down at her. It dawns on her that she was curled against Vulpes' chest, his arm wrapped around her to keep her from falling.
"You fell asleep," Vulpes says, rubbing her back as she quickly sits up on his lap.
She looked to Regis, with his wide pupils and glassy eyes. Its hard to interrupt the look on his face.
"Its getting late," Vulpes announces. "We'll talk more in the morning."
Regis simply nodded, never looking away from Agnes. Taking her by the hand, Vulpes leads her away.
...
"You did good," he says from across the yurt.
"Thank you," she replies meekly.
Vulpes sounds proud but she certainly didn't feel it for she had helped the Legion conquer yet another tribe. In fact, she felt terrible.
I did it for my family, she tells herself as she rolls over to face the wall, willing sleep to come.