“Welcome to Alta Novis!” he boomed, and waited for their reaction. As expected, everyone ceased talking and gave him their attention. Step two, several visibly reacted once they saw his cherry-red eyes. He continued. “My name is Mattox D’Jacques. I’m the Battle Prince of Alta Novis. On behalf of my father and mother, the Battle Lord and Lady, we’re glad you were able to make it. You are welcome to have free rein of the compound, with the exception of the private apartments, and a few other locations where a guard is posted to prevent trespassing. Please be aware they are there for your own protection, so please heed any notice or warning they give you if you accidentally encroach.
“Our men are waiting outside to escort you to a location where you can set up your tents and establish your campgrounds. And before you ask, yes, you’re being placed outside the compound. You may have already seen others’ established camps on your way in. Don’t worry about surprise attacks. We’ve also stationed ample protection around the perimeters as backups for your own men.”
He stared at the sea of faces. Some wore expressions of curiosity. Some wore outright hostility. Others continued to show undisguised fear. All except for a few handful. Those, he knew, were the battle lords, their seconds, and their heads of state, or other some such nonsense.
“If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to try and answer them,” he concluded. As there always was whenever his father didn’t do the welcome shtick, the first question was:
“Where is the Battle Lord? Where’s D’Jacques?”
Funny thing. When his mother did the welcome, she was also asked the same question. It was as though these visiting diplomats either didn’t realize she was on equal ground with them, or they didn’t want to accept it. Not at first. He smiled to himself. They soon learned not to make that mistake again.
“My father is currently involved with a delegation from several Mutah compounds. He has called a general meeting first thing tomorrow morning here in the main hall, right after breakfast. If you take your morning meal at your encampment, listen for the bell to ring five times. That’ll be your signal. Oh, and because of the number of compounds we have represented this year, we’re having to limit attendance to just the battle lords and their seconds.”
“We can’t bring security with us?” one man demanded irritably.
“Security against what?” Mattox questioned. “You and your second can defend yourselves adequately, or else you wouldn’t be in the position you’re in.”
“We demand to speak to the battle lord!” another voice shouted.
“And I say he’s busy,” Mattox tightly responded. “Better get used to disappointment. You’re onourturf now. This isourconference, and you are expected followourguidelines and restrictions. Ifyouwere the one holding this little shindig, you’d expect yourgueststo observe your rules just like everyone else.” He flashed them a smile, but he doubted they noticed it. They were too enthralled with the dark redness of his eyes. His mother often told him they seemed to glow with a light of their own whenever he got really pissed off. And this was definitely a pissy moment. “Any other questions?”
“Will we meet the battle lady tomorrow morning?”
“Of course.”
“How many compounds are represented?”
“Counting you two, forty-eight, and that includes Mutah. We received fifty responses, so there are two compounds yet to arrive. Hopefully they’ll get here soon.”
“What if something happens? Who do we report to?”
“As I said earlier, we have armed security throughout the compound, inside and out. If you need immediate help, contact one of them.” He hooked his thumbs in his weapons belt. “If there are no more questions, please help yourself to our hospitality. We’re looking forward to having a successful convocation.”
He waved at two sentries, who stepped forward. “Please escort them to section three when they’re done here.” To the guests, he concluded, “You’ll be shown where you can set up your camps. Thank you again for coming. I’ll see you in the morning.” He expected to have someone shout out one last question as he turned to leave via the side entrance, but he didn’t hear one.
Nevo followed him outside. “That went well,” his childhood friend remarked after he closed the door behind them.
Mattox snorted. “I wonder how long it’ll take before someone gets their feelings hurt?” The remark got a chuckle out of the young man.
“You’re too late. The battle lord from Two Pines is already bitching about not having the right kind of wood for his fires.” Nevo rolled his eyes as Mattox chuckled. He suddenly got serious. “It’s just five days, Matt. That’s all we have to endure, and then it’s five more years before the next one.”
“Ifthere’s a next one.”
“Oh, there will be,” Nevo assured him. “As long as your father and mother live, these gatherings will continue. And even afterwards, you’ll keep their tradition alive. You, and Misty, and Luc.”
“Don’t count on it,” Mattox growled.
Nevo punched him playfully on the bicep. “I know whereof I speak, and you damn well know it’s the truth. So where you off to now? The practice field?”
“Yeah. You?”
“Dad told me to meet up with him over by the second gate when we were done here. I’ll catch you later, okay?”
“Sure thing. Later.”
Seeing Nevo trot off, Mattox shook his head. “Yeah, I know I’ll keep the tradition alive after Mom and Dad are gone. I won’t like it, but I’ll do it. If for no other reason than because I love them too much not to.”
2
