you went up this way, towards this passage, and
my people joined you here, we could all head north, along this trail.
But unless I can reach my people, and have them change their route of
march, they will never meet you."
92 "Then you must repair your flying thing," announced the Chieftain,
"return to your people tomorrow, and have them meet us here. Beyond
this point we know no land. If we were to go into the desert on our
own, we could become lost, die of thirst and hunger."
93 "If I can reach my people," promised Sleepy Crow, "they will come to
you. We would leave no one in the enemy's hands to be slaves."
94 "Bring your people to us," answered the Old Chieftain, "and anything
we own is yours."
95 "Unfortunately," sighed Sleepy Crow, "the only thing in your village
I would desire cannot be bargained for." He looked up at Yellow Thorn
standing nearby.
96 "She is untaken," remarked the Chieftain, "if you demanded her as
your prize, she would gladly accept."
97 "That is not my people's way," explained Sleepy Crow. "Our women
must come to us of their own free will. We do not buy and sell them, or take them as prizes."
98 The old man nodded. "All that I have heard of your people," he said,
"is true. Never have we known men of honor other than our own. I am
glad."
99 Suddenly a man rushed in, and began to say something in the Goat
People's language. The Chieftain called out some hurried orders, and
people scurried in all directions. "An enemy patrol comes," he
announced, "they're just outside the village. Quickly! Get out of those
clothes! We have to dress you in ours. Just sit