Gallus understood the signal immediately and stood up with the others, pulling out his hammer and a dagger.

As soon as the warriors revealed themselves, the soldier on watch drew his sword and shouted. [i]"To arms! To arms! This one [/i]knew[i] something was wrong!"[/i]

The other soldiers immediately leapt into action. Whether they were armoured or not, they grabbed for their swords and their shields, falling into a practiced formation and looking this way and that. Fear and surprise was laced over their faces, but no inch of their bodies looked unprepared to fight.

The only soldier to not react to the alarm was Qito. He still stood completely still opposite Meesei, arms still crossed and his tail padding side to side deliberately. His stare bored into Meesei with equal parts intimidation and inquiry, trying to work her out as she laid out her ultimatum.

[i]"Sir! They mean to kill us!-"[/i] One of the soldiers began, but was cut off.

[i]"No,"[/i] Qito turned his head slightly when he spoke, but did not take his eyes off Meesei, [i]"Qito thinks not."[/i] Qito turned his head back to Meesei directly. His voice was low and careful, "This leader...her name, Meesei? Meesei...speak as if she not Dominion, as if tribe not Dominion, but she does not wish hurt upon Dominion. Qito wants to trust Meesei. Qito wishes to know what Meesei is enemy of here. However, Qito values the lives of his men and is oath bound to speak of all. So, he will give choice. One last choice."

Qito raised one arm from their folded position and uncurled one clawed finger. "One, Qito goes with tribe to Orcrest. He forgets about all this, for Meesei was misguided and was sick from the sun. There will be no punish of tribe for threat of Qito and his men. Tribe remains free and lawful." Qito then uncurled another finger, "Two - Meesei must be [i]complete[/i] of sure - Qito accepts Meesei offer, Qito rides to Orcrest with his men and supplies to live. Qito will speak of all. All of threats, all of secret enemy, all of Meesei speaking not as Dominion, all of ruse that was slave ship. Meesei and Tribe will be hunt over desert until found. All of tribe will criminal. Lying to soldiers, threat of soldiers, trespass on Dominion." Qito slowly refolded his arm, "Meesei must make choice. There is no other but blood and greater crime. Qito knows she understands."