Part 17 (2/2)
The Tecuyas are three to one of us.
PAMAQUASH
But the luck of Simwa is more than three times that of Tecuya.
PADAHOON
The fortunes of Simwa! What are they but the accidents of time and weather. A landslip on the trail, a rainstorm that wetted their bowstrings and left ours dry. The damp has slacked your wits, Rain Wind, that you are not able to distinguish between the Arrow-Maker and his luck.
CHIEF
The witness of the G.o.ds in his favor.
PADAHOON
The G.o.ds are not always so attentive. Where was the luck of the Arrow-Maker that it has not saved us from this? (_Shaking the arrow as he descends._) Show me something which we owe to Simwa if you would have me trust in him.
CHIEF
I will show you the pit of your own heart, Padahoon, and the adder that bites at the root of it. You are jealous of the fame and the office of Simwa, but you shall not sink your venom in the minds of the Fighting Men.
PADAHOON
I would I could sting them to understand that if Tecuya comes against us, they will not trust so much to luck as to war craft.
CHIEF
Understand yourself that whatever comes of this business of Tecuya, Simwa is still war leader. You are too old a man, Padahoon, to be told that whoever lessens the credit of the war leader saps at the strength of Sagharawite.
PADAHOON
Aye, I am an old man and in my dotage when I seek to set years of good faith and experience against the fortunate moments of a fool.
CHIEF
The Chief has spoken. No more of this until the Council. In the mean time, not a word to the women. It is an ill omen for a feast.
(_He goes out, followed by all but_ TAVWOTS, CHOCO, PAMAQUASH, _and_ PADAHOON.)
TAVWOTS
(_Laying his hand on the shoulder of_ PADAHOON.) By the Bear, Padahoon, I have been on your side in this matter heretofore, but now I think the Chief is right. It is an ill business setting men against the war leader in time of danger.
PADAHOON
You too, Tavwots--you have looked at the lure of the Arrow-Maker's luck and do not see the snare which his want of wit spreads for your feet?
TAVWOTS
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