Chapter 15

“I expect you want to exchange your forces for salt, then?” she asked.

“Yes. We are not eager to lose our sons, but if we could have something in exchange that would keep our tribe thriving, we would be willing to make the sacrifice.”

She drummed her fingers against the table, irritation swelling in her breast. “You speak as though preserving your land and history was not enough of a reason to sacrificeyour men.”

“Of course we wish to do that. But the Vivarrians have not targeted us yet. It is your tribe they wish to punish.”

Thea shook her head crossly. “You have never met a Vivarrian, have you, Brennis of the Tolensi tribe? Because I will tell you now with absolute certainty that they see no differencebetween our tribes. We are all Iosian brutesto them. They will not hesitate to punish you as harshly as they punish us.”

He snorted incredulously. “No difference? Then what about the other tribes? The Vivarrians have not harassed their livelihood, and yet they are Iosian.”