The leader of the band signalled a stop. Around him his men began to make a camp for the night. They have explored a great deal of land, and chance had brought them upon this place. Amazingly bountiful, food seemed to be in endless supply. Not for the first time he was grateful that the expedition turned southwards, for this discovery would please the lord greatly. He is certain that a fair reward would be waiting for the soldier who had first suggested investigation of the southern river. Knowing that this area is most likely to become a city site in the future, he idly wondered if they would be remembered in the far future as the ones who first found it.
***
Sashie VII waited. The explorers had sent word back to the city of their discoveries thus far. News of the fertile lands by the southern river was good, but what took his attention was their meeting with the people called Mayans. Foretold by his dream, he was still uncertain of how to deal with these foreigners. Future enemies, yes, but at the moment the nation is ill-prepared for war. After a day of contemplation, he decided that for now he would treat with the Mayans fairly, and not seek enmity. For now.
"We shall fight on our terms and no others." said the lord softly.
"My lord?"
"Never mind. Are the Mayan envoys here?"
"Yes, my lord. They await your pleasure outside."
"Bid them enter. I would see them now."
Sashie VII pushed aside dark thoughts, and turned his attention to the envoys. They look different from Moraien, slightly darker. He noticed that the three Mayans were given to painting their faces with symbols, which somewhat amused him. Nevertheless, they seemed strong and able fighters to his eyes. He said nothing as the envoys came to stand in front of him. After a minute of silence, the lead Mayan spoke.
"I bring you good greetings, Lord Sashie. Our fearless leader, Great Instigator Smoke-Jaguar, have seen it fit to extend his hand in friendship to the Moraien people." said the envoy, every word dripping with contempt. He held this foreign lord's gaze for a moment, then bowed slightly. Only then did his companions bow, and that was only briefly.
The faces of the advisors hardened, as the Mayans showed no respect to the leader of Moraie. Yet Sashie VII chose to ignore the slight insult.
"Bring word back to your master that the Moraiens accept his friendship." said Sashie VII, coolly eyeing the envoys. "My advisors will speak with you further on possible cooperation between our peoples this afternoon, before you leave at first light tomorrow."
The envoys said nothing in return at the dismissal, but inclined their head ever so slightly and left.
"Farei, Cad, find out what they can offer us. I want a detailed report in the council tonight." speaking softly to his advisors, Sashie VII did not take his eyes off the Mayans's retreating back until they were out of his sight.
"Yes, my lord." both his Foreign and Science Advisors hurried to overtake the Mayans.
For a long time Sashie VII was silent. He could hear the voice in his dream, and the words resound in his head over and over;
"..
eventually they shall seek to destroy you and your people."
" We shall destroy them first." he whispered.
***
"They have knowledge of making clay pots, great one. These clay pots allow excess food to be stored, certainly a boon to our growth." Cad, the Science Advisor was visibly excited at the prospect acquiring such a knowledge. But before he could continue, Traa, the Trade Advisor interrupted.
"They also have a spice to add flavor and variety to their food." Traa, Trade Advisor seemed envious.
"The people would be happier if we could get some of these spices too, my lord." Domea, the Domestic Advisor and Traa looked at each other and nodded vigorously.
Shaking his head, Cad gave a deliberate cough and said, "They also lack our archery skills, great one. Perhaps we may gain the art of Pottery in exchange for teaching them?"
"No, it's not possible. Even the merest hint of that almost insulted them. You saw it as clearly as I did." said the Farei, Foreign Advisor, frowning at his friend.
Sashie VII ponders this. Surely the art of archery is as valuable as pottery skills, if not more. That the Mayans did not value it as highly as they should could only mean on thing; they were close to understanding the secrets on their own. "Tell me, what else can they offer us?"
"Only 10 bags of gold, my lord."
Obscenely cheap for an art long perfected by the Moraie. However, Sashie VII knows better than to put his pride over his mind. Swallowing hard, he said, "Instruct them on the use of the bow, and ask for all their gold in payment."
The advisors looked at each other.
"Is it wise to let them gain such weaponry, my lord?" his nervousness showing, Milliad, the Military Advisor clearly thought it is not.
"Do it."
***
Humming a nameless tune, the Moraien warrior walked alongside his companions. They have only completed their training but for a few days ago, and have already received their orders. The northern lands are unknown to the people, and they shall be the ones to explore it. Glancing down at his new stone-axe, his heart swelled with pride at the thought. Absently he wondered if his brother would also successfully complete his training, and what his assignment would be.
Ah, I'll find out when we return, he thought.
And then I figured, why not make a story out of it? 
I guess there's no time like now. 
