We got to work right away. Once that was done, the women, children and elders were moved to their new home. After a week or so, elves from the Lyari Clan came to see what happened for themselves. Our clan elders and chief handled it. They assured them that we were loyal and that we would be inhabiting this territory. Graciously, we allowed the remainder of the Ralora Clan to use our old village. That way, there would still be 16 clans in the forest. We did not have much to offer the Lyari Clan so they did not ask us to pledge any warriors or goods. They just looted everything that they could take from the village as tribute. That was fine. We would soon be able to replace everything taken. There was a plot of farmland near the river. The river was also plentiful with fish. The grounds had lots of game to hunt. There was even a small forge at the base of the trees. We would be able to make better armor and weapons than we had before. All that was needed was to drive up the population to be able to man everything. We had lost quite a bit of hunters and warriors in the battle as well.
You could imagine our shock a few days later when a clan from the western quadrant crossed the river. They were the Cithrel Clan. They were fair skinned and their hair was black and their eyes were green. They ranged from pastel to jewel tones of green. They spoke to the leaders and chief in private. They then left us. A new meeting was called to bring us up to speed. The elves of Cithrel Clan wanted an alliance with us. Taking on the Ralora Clan had apparently greatly inspired them. They wanted to pull off a coup against the leader of the western quadrant, the Kilyn Clan. It would take them decades to pull off, but that was like single digits for elves. They would look after us and provide us with supplies and protection if we needed them in battle. We would do the same and pledge to do battle with them during their coup attempt. The cunning Kearie Clan added another stipulation to the deal when we went to visit them. The highest of the concerns that the Kearie Clan had was population growth. They would agree if there was an exchange. The 2 of our best warriors for their best healers.
I was chosen and I knew why that really was. They really just wanted to get rid of me. However, I was going to take it with total pride and honor. As far as they were now concerned, and as far as the Cithrel Clan would soon learn, I was being named as one of the greatest warriors they had. All of them looked at me. When they took this to the clan, they agreed to it. When the 2 healers were gathered, I was put forward along with one of the female warriors. That made the Cithrel elves really angry. "We were promised 2 of your greatest warriors for our healers. What has this human to do with our deal!?" their chief snapped. The Kearie Clan chief said "David is one of our greatest warriors. He was pivotal for the skirmish." It was obvious that he was being sarcastic, but nothing could be done. They signed the treaty. The black-haired elves were all furious. I saw an opportunity. "I am here as a gift to serve you. If you doubt me and my skill, I can fight any of your greatest warriors to the death. If I die here, so be it. If I win, you will adopt me as a full member of your clan." I spoke up. It was brazen.
