II
The questing had been exhilarating, but futile. The ambient—had not been helpful. That was worrisome, and even more worrisome when Banedra called the questers back to themselves, to dance off the accumulated energies; afterward to sit, eat, and compare their results.
Tekelia’s questions had been specific, not to say pointed, a method that had produced success in previous inquiries. This time, however, the ambient had been unforthcoming—even bored. Perhaps, Tekelia thought, the questions had been too pointed.
Except Yferen, who specialized in questions so broad as to be meaningless, reported the same lack of interest, not to say success.
In fact, each of the six questers reported the ambient…distant, as if they and their concerns were of secondary importance, behind some other, more highly anticipated event.
That was worrisome.
Were more Reavers on the way? If so, the Haosa had to alert Civilization. The last visitation had taught them that Civilization had some worth in the discovery and containment of enemies, and a valuable lesson it had been.
However, the quest had left them uncertain on the point of more Reavers, and their discussions grew heated. It was at last agreed among the twelve that to go to Civilization with vague uneasiness and maybes would not only cause unproductive worry, it would put Civilization’s eye firmly onto the Haosa, which the Haosa very much did not prefer.
No, the twelve decided—there was but one course open to them. They must quest again, and ask more boldly. They needed answers, and evidence in hand, before they disturbed Civilization’s peace. Indeed, they needed a particular class of evidence—but that was a discussion for later, after they had reaped answers.
In the meantime, there was the village meeting upcoming, and while the Haosa had no compunctions about hiding certain matters from Civilization, their own cousins were served the truth.
Eventually, the talk had run down, and the food had run out. The twelve left the hilltop together. At the base of the hill, they parted, most following the path to the village; others following the stream; and Tekelia, following no path at all, or so it seemed.