21

"I think they just stopped being dangerous, if you take my meaning. As if someone came through and took all their headhunting gear away but couldn't do anything about their teeth. And since I've never heard of this 'Triune,' I think they must be new."

"Our god has many powers," Skull Ripper says, first looking to the Triune as if for approval. "He has brought us food and ended our wars." You get the impression Skull Ripper isn't entirely happy with that, but the Triune seems pleased.

"Only after these people did well for themselves," Alexius says, hooking his thumb toward a well-guarded hut in which you can see the glint of ivory and other plunder.

"Why have you come, Riverlanders?" one of the Triune says.

"They are not like the sky hunters," Skull Ripper tells the Triune. "I saw how they look different, so I did not kill them."

"I think," Alexius whispers, "honesty is the best policy, especially if skull ripping is on the table."

The others nod, but honesty has risks.