Donovan shrugged, his face still smooth, impassive.

"I do not know the Chieftan's reasoning. Only that he wishes you to refrain from bringing him the child. Perhaps he is worried that he will be caught."

"Then he is not only a fool but a coward. Tell him I will not bring him the child; but I will not bring him what we gain either. I will leave him to stew in his hut. Tell him!"

For the first time, Donovan's face reflected the faintest concern; but it was swiftly gone.  He bowed slightly, and touched his forehead with his smallest finger in farewell.

"You are foolish, but I will tell him. Farewell, my sister."

"Farewell, my brother."

The man melted back into the darkness, and Khoreia stared after him with some distaste. Chieftan Ventrixi was old and hidebound, and her brother was soft and cautious. Neither of them could be trusted.

Thrusting the problem out of her mind, she padded away to find the Ringmaster once again.