Day 2
AFTERNOON

Andahar knew the way to Rainen's camp, but he'd forgotten how tedious it was
to travel by foot.  If Amar hadn't been pushing him on, Andahar would have
wondered why he didn't just call Bohoc and fly out to the camp!  But Amar
didn't want to risk being transferred again, and kept him driving forward.
Amar would let nothing else enter its host's mind except the overwhelming
desire to reach Rainen's tribe.  Suddenly the world around them blurred as a
sharp pain exploded behind his eyes as Trissana's locator found them.  They
fell, rolling down a small incline.  When they came to, Andahar could only
think that he needed water -- and fast.  His mind reached for that of his
dragon's out of habit, but suddenly another sharp pain lanced behind his
eyes, as Amar became aware of what it was that he had been about to do.
Amar pushed Andahar on -- it wasn't too much further to the camp and they
could rest there, but Amar could feel Andahar's fear, as thoughts of heat
exhaustion crept in unbidden.


****
LATE NIGHT

This felt familiar.  A younger Andahar had often sat by his father's side
during war councils. The warriors of Rainen's tribe discussed and argued on
how to defeat the riders of the devils of Cleft.  Andahar/Amar sat back and
smiled.  It was working much better than expected.  He softly mentioned that
the best way to defeat the riders was to cut off their head -- like any
snake -- destroy Cynthia and the riders would leave.

Rainen listened to his council, as well as he listened to all of the war
party.  "You were one of these dragonridah, Andahar, my nephew-of-my-heart,
how is it now that you speak against Cleft?"

Amar/Andahar considered this.  The leader of the Nomads was not a foolish
man and would not be easily deceived.  Amar pulled upon the emotions of
Andahar and found the only weakness... Reain... and Amar knew what he could
use to convince Rainen of Andahar's change of heart

"Dragonridah has no honor -- not like Nomad has honor!  Dragonridah turn
woman against man, strip man of honor, make man no better than woman!"
Andahar/Amar spat out.  "Look what has become of Hanan Tribe?  Diggers of
dirt! Pah!"

The young men of the clan nodded and murmured their agreement.  Nothing
would be worse than having their women turned against them, and they had all
seen the way the women dragonriders acted -- as if they were as good as
men -- showing no respect!  Amar/Andahar continued to exhort about the
shameful behavior of Rainen's niece, especially the latest action, the
attempted murder of Andahar's newborn twins.  The hiss that met this was
more than a slight grumbling.

But the old man was not going to be swayed only on matters of the heart.
There were practical matters to consider as well, "What about evil wraith?
Dragonridah protect clan from attack from wraith.  What will clan do if
dragonridah driven from Nomad Land?"

Amar/Andahar growled low in his throat, the wraith's hatred for these weak
beings, who looked to dragons to protect them, burned deep within the
creature, showing through as a surprising fierceness on Andahar's face.
Amar had to think quickly, though -- what could he say that would satisfy
the old leader?  Another of Andahar's memories of Bohoc chasing wraiths --
right at a nomad camp -- flashed through Amar/Andahar's memory and Amar
laughed and knew just what he had to say, "There are true nomad among
dragonridah -- nomad such as me!  Nomad who ride dragon will protect
tribe -- but keep tradition! Man will fight as warrior, as is meant to be!"

Again, assent was strong among the council, and Rainen could only nod and
agree.  His own son, Adien, stood to be recognized, and Andahar sat back
down.


Adien gazed around the circle.  His friends silently nodded their support.
He stared across the fire at his father -- the man whom one day he would
replace as leader of their tribe, but not today.  Respectfully, he began,
"Father.. Andahar has seen what tribe of Rainen has let slip by.  Nomad has
been blinded by woman who rules dragonridah but now must take off blinder
and remember who tribe of Rainen is.  Man uses sword to protect Nomad
people... Nomad woman.  Is man to become woman now?  No.. I say fight! Fight
and remember that tribe of Rainen is Nomad! "

Several young men around the fire jumped up at his words echoing the call to
war.  Amar/Andahar noted which ones did not... those he would deal with.
They would not come back from the battle if Amar had his way.

The skins of the ceremonial drink was passed around, and all consumed great
quantities.  They shouted and danced in the firelight, until the drink and
the hour took its toll.  One by one they wrapped themselves up in their
blankets and fell asleep.  They had drank enough that the "call of nature"
would wake them in the early morning hours -- in time for the war party to
get a good start towards the warren.

****
Day 3
Pre-dawn.

Andahar woke and for a moment he could not recall what he was doing sleeping
among the Nomads.  Then Amar woke and reasserted itself, but realized that
its power over this human was slipping.  It would have to act on its plans
today -- or transfer to a new host that might have better chances at getting
to the warrenlady.

The other warriors were stirring and it wasn't long before the war party was
on the move.  It would be several hours riding to reach the warren... and
then what?  Andahar/Amar could see Rainen worrying about it.  He could not
have persuaded the younger men to turn from this action, but he could do his
best to see that they did not ride into a trap.

"May I make suggestion?"  Amar/Andahar asked, head bowed in respect.  He
also didn't plan on this failing.   He needed the dragons out of their
warren.

Rainen nodded, "I respect your council, Andahar of Anavasha.  You have shown
to be wise, if young."

Andahar within Amar's control, thrilled to that compliment, and also
realized that in a back-handed way, Rainen was comparing him to Adien.  "It
would not be wise to attack Cleft.  Dragonridah has watch that will send
alarm.  Need to get dragonridah away from Cleft..."  Andahar/Amar looked
thoughtful.

Rainen nodded, "But what would make dragonridah leave protected Cleft?  And
what can warrior attack?"  He asked, knowing that the hot blood of his
warriors would need something to quench them.

Amar/Andahar knew just the target that would send the dragonriders
running... the landbound settlement of people from the DragonLands.  "Head
for Cleft, but then go up-river -- to village of Landbound -- dragonridah
will come to defend."  Amar/Andahar said with confidence.  "Then, wait above
plain.  Dragon will come."

So, it was agreed and when they had moved into position, they waited,
watching the sky for the dragons.  Andahar/Amar moved off to a safe distance
where he could watch the watchers.  He would put an arrow into the backs of
those that might side for peace -- just as soon as the melee started.  As he
watched the dragons land he felt a small thrill that the plan was actually
working!  He was so intent on the scene before him that he was unaware of a
small figure dressed in Nomad robes coming up behind him.

****
TAG Barb!

Respectfully submitted by:
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Andahar, rider of Bohoc, of Cleft Warren