As Allen explained to the others what Darkness might do next, several large camps encircled by enormous wagons had already been established east of the Redwater River. A meeting was also underway in the largest of them.
The meeting took place beside the campfire at the center of the camp. A whole sheep, roasted golden brown, hung over the dying flames. Several blond boys in ragged clothes and shackles, but scrubbed clean, carefully carved the meat with a short dagger.
Soon, the fragrant roast sheep had been carved and arranged on two large silver platters inlaid with rubies and emeralds. The boys carried them toward an immense, luxurious carriage adorned with gold and silver, moving with cautious steps.
Five burly, vicious-looking men sat inside the carriage. The one in the seat of honor at the center was especially imposing. Not only was he larger than the men seated on either side, but the crisscrossing scars covering his face looked even more hideous in the candlelight.
The four young slaves carrying the meat climbed the slanted wooden steps. The first platter was placed smoothly on the wooden table inside the carriage. The two boys who had set it down stood to either side, lowered their heads, and let out faint sighs of relief, so quiet that they seemed afraid anyone else might hear.
When the second platter had also been set on the table without incident, the chieftain in the seat of honor seemed to sense something. He gave a soft snort and fixed his venomous gaze on the two boys who had just put down the platter.
That single snort sent one of the boys collapsing to the floor, his shackles clattering. The other whipped the carving dagger out from beneath the silver platter and hurled it at the chieftain.