The three stepped through the door without hesitation, but they glanced around to make sure they were not being observed. Mattox noticed this and remarked on it.
“We are being watched even now,” he informed them. “At no time is the battle lord not being guarded.”
“But you’re safe,” Yulen reassured them. He dismissed the soldier, who moved a respectful distance away so he wouldn’t overhear what they had to say. Turning back to the delegates, he perched his hands on his hips. “What is it you needed to tell me?”
The Mutah stared at Mattox, and he knew why. These men didn’t know him. They had heard of him, and knew of his unique feature that singled him out as having Mutah blood. But they weren’t sure, and they wouldn’t be until they were introduced to the entire D’Jacques family tomorrow morning with the official beginning of the conference.
“I’m Mattox D’Jacques, Battle Prince of Alta Novis,” he informed them. Although they’d suspected as much, they’d still needed to hear it.
“I’m Drist Bishlet, of the compound Truegrove,” the man with the living hair replied. “This is Thog Mannsie of Old Oak, and Berryl Trive of Holgard.” He addressed Yulen directly. “We felt it imperative to inform you that Normal guards are infiltrating our encampments.”
“Myguards?”
“No. They’re not from Alta Novis.”
“They wear a different symbol on their uniforms,” the one named Mannsie stated.
“What kind of symbol?”
“A pyramid.” Bishlet made a triangle with his fingers and placed it below his stomach where a weapons belt would be.
Mattox turned to his father. “I’ve seen that symbol. Edge’s men wear it.” A dark cloud he recognized settled over his father’s face. “Looks like your hunch about that guy is panning out.”
Yulen settled a hand on the hilt of his sword. It was a gesture Mattox was also familiar with. Time for talk was over.
“How many campgrounds did they invade?”
“All of them,” Mannsie replied. “Every Mutah campsite.”
“What did they say when you asked why they were there? When you asked them to leave?”
Again, Mattox was mildly surprised at how his father didn’t ask any of the stupidly obvious questions, and went straight to wanting to know the results.
Bishlet almost sneered. “They told us they were there on orders from the battle lord.”
“They said they were just checking things out. Making sure we were settled in,” the one named Trive supplied.
“So you thoughtI’dsent them,” Yulen determined.
“The thought had crossed our minds,” Bishlet admitted. “At first.”
“What made you decide to report to us?” Mattox questioned.
“I went to the other campsites and spoke with the representatives there, to see if those men’s actions were widespread, or just targeting our campsite,” Bishlet explained, and motioned to Trive, who continued.
“One of those soldiers made the mistake of asking one of our hunters how many swords we had at our disposal.”
Yulen smiled grimly. “Apparently they have no idea Mutah don’t have warriors. Or, if theywereaware, didn’t trust their information and wanted to check things out for themselves. They don’t realize how much more deadly and accurate your hunters can be without swords.”
“We found the whole ordeal very disconcerting. That’s why we decided to bring it to your attention,” Bishlet concluded.
“I’m glad you did, Bishlet. Go now and let the other reps know that if those men show up again, to send someone to let me know immediately. But don’t engage them. Don’t fight back if they try to start anything, and don’t demand they leave. Stand down, and let me handle things.”
Waving for Mattox to follow, Yulen strode away, leaving the Mutah councilmen to return to their campsites. It wasn’t until they were on the other side of the stables that his father stopped and turned to face him. “I’m curious as to whether or not Edge pulled that same stunt with any of the Normal campsites,” he said in a soft voice.
“I’ll bet you a peach tart he didn’t.”
The battle lord snorted. “Neither do I. Not this time, anyway. But I’m betting at some point he’s going to do a little reconnaissance to find out how many men each battle lord in attendance has brought with them, including their weaponry. I mean, wouldn’t you if you were playing with the idea of a takeover?” He scanned the compound’s interior, but Mattox knew he was thinking things over. “Go fetch Cole for me, would you? He should be reporting in about now. Then go find Keelor and have her meet me at the lodge.”
