Exile's Children by Angus Wells

These … invaders … could not breach them?”
    â€œNot then,” Colun answered. “When I left, the seals held intact. But …” He spread his hands wide. “Did the Whaztaye speak arightand they
did
come through the farther mountains, then they’ve such powers as I’ve not seen before; nor ever believed could be. Still, when I departed the tunnels were secure. And do these creatures gain entrance, the passage shall cost them dear. But if they succeed …I deemed it wise to warn you.”
    â€œAnd our heartfelt thanks for that,” Racharran said.
    Morrhyn said, “What did they look like?”
    Colun shrugged again and told him, “I never saw their faces—I saw only their armor, which is not like any I have seen before. Like insects they were, all bright, shiny colors that hid their faces and their forms.”
    â€œThey were not men?” asked Morrhyn.
    â€œThey have two arms, two legs,” Colun said, “and they’ve each a head. But are they men, I cannot say. I thought them demons.”
    Wakanisha and akaman exchanged a look. Racharran said, “This news must be brought before the full Council.”
    Morrhyn nodded and said, “Yes, and must be discussed in Dream Council.” He turned to the Grannach. “You’ll tell all this again?”
    Colun said, “Do you ask it,” and favored them both with a somber stare. “I fear this threatens us all. Perhaps all the world.”
    â€œI’ll send word now.” Racharran stood, crossing to the lodge’s entrance.
    When he stepped outside, Morrhyn saw that the sun was up, the wind abated. Streamers of white cloud ran out across a sky of pure blue and all the Matakwa camp was awake, loud with cheerful laughter. He turned to Colun’s gruff voice intruded on his thoughts.
    â€œYou dreamed of this?” the Grannach asked.
    â€œPerhaps; I’m not sure.” He felt that doubt dissolving even as he spoke. “I’ve had such dreams as deny clear interpretation.”
    He told the detail of his recurring dream, and when he was done Colun said, “And the other Dreamers?”
    â€œOne at least,” Morrhyn advised. “Save he believes it a scrying of different trouble.”
    Colun gestured that he explain and Morrhyn told him of Kahteney’s interpretation. “Perhaps,” the Grannach murmured, “you are both right.”
    â€œHow so?” asked Morrhyn. “Trouble with the Tachyn is scarce so fearful as what you’ve described.”
    â€œSave,” Colun said grimly, “that does this horde find a way into Ket-Ta-Witko, it were better the clans fight unified, not betwixt yourselves.”
    Morrhyn felt a hollow place open inside him at that, and for a whilecould only stare aghast at the craggy little man. Then all he could find to say was “Yes.”
    Racharran came back on the heel of the affirmative, halting as he saw Morrhyn’s face. “What is it?” he demanded. “Some new alarm?”
    Morrhyn reached out to clutch his wrist. “There must be peace between the clans.”
    Racharran studied his friend and ducked his head in confirmation. “All well, there shall be. In light of Colun’s news, I doubt even Chakthi can harbor such petty grudges.”
    â€œEven so.” Morrhyn did not release his hold. “Do you impress that on Rannach? And in council seek to bind Chakthi with solemn vows?”
    â€œI shall,” Racharran promised. “Even now messengers go out with word. I’ve asked that we sit in Council this night.”
    Morrhyn had a single akaman and he could only wait until the messengers returned with their answers. He loosed his hold and reached unthinking for a cup. He had raised it to his lips and drunk before he knew Colun had filled it. He did not taste the tiswin, only the heat spilling through the void inside him. Across the fire he saw