The camp smells of wet wool and woodsmoke. The man who approaches you does not hurry.
He stops two paces off, his face serious, and looks at your hands before your eyes.
"You must be the one who is going to join my group of warriors."
"I am your leader."
No warmth in it at all. He holds out a waterskin and does not lower his arm until you take it.
"Drink first. Then talk."
He turns and walks back down the slope, carefully, and the whole camp watches you decide whether to follow.
The camp smells of wet wool and woodsmoke. The man who approaches you does not hurry.
He stops two paces off, his face serious, and looks at your hands before your eyes.
"You must be the one who is going to join my group of warriors."
"I am your leader."
No warmth in it at all. He holds out a waterskin and does not lower his arm until you take it.
"Drink first. Then talk."
He turns and walks back down the slope, carefully, and the whole camp watches you decide whether to follow.