“I ramble too much these days. Age must be getting to me, eh Akan?" She sighed as she spoke. These days her mind went to those thoughts far more often than should be the case. Her age was getting to her. She didn't want to speak to other of her fears but then these days there was hardly anyone else to speak to besides this man who wanted to protect the clan as much as her.

"Of course not, Sister," he assured her. "I tend to talk more when we are a little fearful of what the future may hold and I can understand your fears. The tribes of the north are far more barbaric than we give them credit for. They are people but they have forgotten mercy. They are here for something other than war, this time. Yet I am afraid they come for something that is far more difficult to understand. They come asking for a groom for a daughter of their clan. An alliance of blood for them. I wonder why they ask for blood from us. Do they not consider us to be weaker than them? Do they not disdain us for our 'weakness’? Sister, I am unsure of their intentions and wonder if there isn’t something else at play here." Akan spoke in calm even tones. Some of his questions were questions he asked himself. Sometimes the best solutions came only when the two of them put their heads together. Yet he was a little confused. Why did it seem like his sister got more interested now? She sat up straighter and listened closely as compared to when he was talking about the boy and his problem with the clan.

"And you believe that this is their intention?"

"I have word from our scouts.“ Akan took a deep breath. This was part of their actions that made him worry about what their truth was. He hated everything to do with the tribes of the north. They were of the people and therefore deserves respect but they were far too calculating and far less accommodating in their ways. It had much to do with where they lived, all the way in the deep north. The environment bred them into such warriors that even they, the clan Tor needed to stay wary when it came to battle.

“They bring only the lightest of guards but they carry a lot of goods. There has been a report from our watchers. It has been confirmed. There is a woman in the procession and it looks like she could be of marriageable age. It was hard to tell because they were hiding her carefully like they would a real bride. I have my doubts but then I do not think we need to fear them this time. They seem to be trying to marry her off, strange as it may be."

"Very well, I know what we must do. Relieve all of those of marriageable age from watcher duty, patrols or any other duties. Tell those lazy married bums to get ready with their weapons and to speed up the shearing. All of the work needs to be completed within the hour. Will that be possible?“

“It will be a hard thing but sister, we can do it if all of us pitch in.”

“Good, then do that. Be warned, there may be treachery. Tell the priests to perform duties that you may have assigned to them. Ask all of the marriageable men to get ready. Tell the women to prepare a feast fit for a wedding. Cull a few of the spent ewes. That should accord them enough honour for their visit. Don’t you think so?”
“All is fair then, they cannot smear our name as being less hospitable at this rate.”

“Good but brother, less bootlicking next time.” Sister Tor smiled a toothy smile despite what she told him. “Tell them to prepare for a wedding ceremony. If they want a wedding, this will be held as soon as they arrive. They arrive tonight, do they not?" The old woman seemed to grow younger almost. There was a joy that came in her features. It was as though she thrived on such times of turmoil and her infirmity existed only due to the calm and tedious nature of the day to day life of the people. It was at times like this that Akan felt that his sister was truly more fearsome than any of the dangers posed because no normal person could thrive on such chaos and enjoy it like her.

"Yes they will arrive by tonight and soon," said Akan timidly. The implications were far too much for him to put in a word edgewise. He hadn't expected his sister to become so decisive so soon. She had seemed to be losing her edge but that was his mistaken analysis of the situation. He understood that now. Still, despite his thoughts grinding to a halt, this was good news. His sister was back and that meant that whoever was trying to screw with his people would get what was coming. She was the leader and even among leaders, she was something exceptional. He was a good man but then a lot of the people depended on politics to make things work and this single wedding might undo all of the work that he had undertaken for the past few weeks. It was not a matter that he would consider anymore. His sister was back in charge and she would make decisions that would make far better end results form than any idea that he might be able to hatch.

"Go on then, prepare for this night. I have to get ready." She dismissed him with a casual wave of her hands. Akan knew that whatever he thought deep inside, this woman was the heart of the people and no matter what. Her choices were always for the good of the people rather than herself. So knowing what he had to do, he left and the chaos began. Tonight would be a wedding night. And he had a lot of work to do.