[b]That Night:[/b]

As Kengetar was drifting away to sleep, an arm grabbed his bicep and a voice hissed into his ear, "What is this? This isn't part of the plan. She has our women and children!" the chief whispered angrily. Kengetar moaned.

"She's changing the game. But if she's put herself in a tent with all our children, she'll be dead by sunrise." It was only half a joke. "And besides, there's nothing we can do. Playing along for now is the only thing keeping us alive. We'll see what tomorrow brings and plan again."

"For all our sakes, you'd better be right," the chief said, and slipped away. Kengetar drifted to sleep, but his dreams were haunted by a three-tailed snake with a woman's face.

[b]Morning:[/b]

Kengetar was surprised to see Melody looking so well rested after a night with the children. He was even more surprised to hear that the whole tribe would not be travelling with her, it would only be him and a few other volunteers. He returned to the tribal tent and explained the situation and asked for volunteers. The chieftain gave Kengetar a nonplussed look, and Kengetar shrugged. In the end, only two males, younger than Kengetar, were willing to join, hoping that this would be the adventure that gained them their first tattoos.

Kengetar and the two boys prepared quickly. Each of them was given a pair of shoes, a leather vest, and some food that had been spared from last night. Within an hour, they were ready. Kengetar and the two boys joined the caravan as it headed out.