the scale of the losses suffered by both factions, the traditional
rivalries between individual clans and bloodlines would suddenly have
become pointless, grotesque. But how would the clan elders and
delegates feel now - as the shock of the event began to recede?
Old habits die hard. When they assembled at Sioux Falls - if they came
at all - would it be to build on those first expressions of solidarity
or would it be to withdraw their hasty pledges of eternal
blood-brotherhood?
As the Plainfolk entered the period known as The Yellowing and then The
White Death, which was both an end and a beginning, they faced the
prospect of a new year in which there would be no journey to the
trading post. No walking on the water. No chance to exchange furs and
skins for tools and weapons and the many other things that only the
Iron Masters could provide. As that thought sank in, would they regret
their stand against the Iron Masters? The treacherous D'Troit and
their running dogs, the C'Natti and San'Louis had been dealt a blow
they richly deserved, but perhaps the She-Kargo would, upon reflection,
feel they had paid too high a price for their defence of Mr Snow, the
Clan M'Call and the honour of their bloodline. And whatever conclusion
the She-Kargo reached would be shared by the M'Waukee and San'Paul.
On the other hand, what could they do? Mr Snow and the entire clan had
perished in the battle at Twin Forks or in the simultaneous raid on the
settlement. He, Cadillac Deville, was the sole survivor.
No . . . that was wrong. He was no longer a M'Call
For the foreseeable future, the clan identity would remain the basic
unit but there could be no going back.
They had to build on that first fragile consensus. The Mutes had to
develop a wider allegiance, a bond that went beyond their clan and
their bloodline. He and Roz - two of The Chosen - were the first
members of the Plainfolk nation that would be forged by Talisman.
Cadillac knew he had to go to Sioux Falls and brave whatever hostility
he might encounter. He had to impose his view, his vision of the
future. It would not be easy. In fact, it would be incredibly
difficult and, above all, dangerous. The change of heart and mind that
were required would be seen as an attack on the cherished traditions
and fundamental beliefs of the Plainfolk.
Talisman, the Thrice-Gifted One, would no doubt have the power to
impose his views by his presence and by the defeats he could inflict
upon the enemies of his people. But Talisman was not here now - at a
time when the Plainfolk were in greater danger than ever before. The
first step towards nationhood had been taken. To maintain the
momentum, Cadillac realised he would have to lead from the front.
