Groups of Barbarians crossed the temporary wooden wall at the border in orderly lines, guided by Two Rivers County soldiers. Unease about the future still showed on their faces.
The men dropped their weapons on an open patch of ground beside the line and formed a separate queue from the women and children. Cries rose from the crowd now and then.
Horne and Zaro stood outside the crowd, watching with mixed feelings. By agreeing to let most of their tribespeople lay down their weapons and enter Two Rivers County under its army's supervision, they had all but surrendered control over them.
But without Two Rivers County's help, they would lose those tribespeople when the Iron Bone Tribe's pursuers arrived anyway. At least this way, they could secure a good price and preserve some hope of rebuilding their tribes.
Zaro was much older than Horne and was the current chieftain of the Iron Hoof Tribe. He had sent his son with Horne to make contact with the Two Rivers County army.
Worry clouded Zaro's face. "Horne, my boy, do you think Marquis Victor will keep his promise?
"He says that if we hand our tribespeople over to Two Rivers County to assign as it sees fit, they'll receive enough food, clean clothes, and warm rooms.
"Even without counting the other tribes, the two of us brought more than a hundred thousand people. Two Rivers Territory was founded less than ten years ago. Marquis Victor may hold great power, but can he really provide that many supplies?"
Horne answered firmly, "Don't worry, Uncle Zaro. Marquis Victor isn't an ordinary noble. You know his reputation on the grasslands, and you've seen his army. He can do it.
"And Marquis Victor is especially close to Duke Alex. Even if the marquis truly can't manage