Chapter 111

Once we were inside I told all the leaders I wanted to make sure everyone in our camp spent some time showing themselves to the captives. I asked them to see to it all our people took their spears with them when they made their showing. The men left then to set up our demonstration.

Later, I looked out and could barely see any of the captives for all the people standing around them. Everyone went back to their homes just before sunset and we left our visitors attached to the stakes to contemplate a night tied down naked outside.

Our meal that night was rather subdued, even though it was delicious. I wondered if I had shocked the others with what I thought was my cruelty. Even Georgo didn't speak much during the meal and when it was over I asked him to come with me to my office.

"What is your office, John?" he asked.

"You will see."

When we entered it he was shocked. I explained what it was for - the official version anyway. I made it seem similar to his meditation chamber, but told him it was also for other work and planning. I debated with myself whether I should show him the video feeds, but decided it would probably be too much for him to handle.

He'd had the story of today's goings on from others by now and so I asked him about it.

"Do you think I have been too cruel to those we have captured? Have I upset my camp?"

"I'm sure most of your camp is wondering why you haven't killed them already. What their camp is doing is a completely new thing for us. If they keep it up people will be suspicious of all strangers and traveling between camps will stop.

Jakado has started this thing, but he is dead now and some of the others can't seem to see it was his just reward. I am glad you are not letting them do this to your camp and if they can't be made to stop I hope you can kill every one of them who thinks it is good," Georgo said.

"Surely there must be some good men in the camp," I said.

"There may be, but they might have been ruined with Jakado and Cardiato's talk of making all do as they say. They are both dead now, but as you see it hasn't stopped this treachery. If they are allowed to keep it up they will only become better at it. Even if they can't harm us they can harm others," he said.

"I understand Georgo, and I can tell you every leader who continues it is going to die as soon as I find out about it. I am tired of it and if I have to see every man in the camp is killed I will do it.

"I am familiar with the way men such as this think and I do not like it. I want peace in my camp and I don't see how I will ever have it until they are convinced they can not take advantage of others like they have been doing," I said.

"I am afraid you are right and they will keep it up unless you make them stop. Have you asked Jato if he is the leader now?" Georgo asked.

"Not yet. I am going to let him enjoy a night outside with the wolves for company first and see what he has to say in the morning."

We left my office then and though my mates and I went to bed I had trouble sleeping at first. I dropped off suddenly and soundly and I'm sure Argent probably had something to do with it - thankfully he didn't initiate a dream visit this time.

When I woke the next morning it was early, but all my mates except Jaada and Maia were already up. As I stirred they were quick to welcome me to consciousness with kisses and hugs. I thought about a little morning work, but decided I should get dressed, eat, and begin with the prisoners.

Even though it was early my hopes of naked coffee service were dashed when I made it to the kitchen. Raalto and Racaato were already at the table and their multitude of mates were in the kitchen with mine. When Winna brought me a mug of coffee she gave me a look conveying her disappointment too.

I couldn't blame my men, they were probably anxious to see what the prisoners had to say this morning, and besides they had no idea they were interrupting my new morning perversion.

"Did either of you look out at the prisoners?" I asked.

"We both did - we didn't go outside, but we did look out at them. The wolves are still walking around and growling at them every now and then," Racaato said.

"Do you think it was cruel of me to leave them outside naked all night?"

"If I were in their position, after what they tried, I would be glad I was still alive to be annoyed by the wolves. I am looking forward to hearing what Jato has to say for himself," Raalto said.

Nadlo, Jonoco, Danlo, and their mates came in then with Barago, Caato, Bigglieo, and Dargo not far behind. The kitchen was full of women already, so most of their mates sat at the table with us. Natalto and Cahttiea came in before they had all found a seat. Cahttiea gave me a big smile as she sat down.

The food started coming then and we didn't talk much while we ate. Since my first plate was heavily laden I didn't expect I'd be getting a second one unless I asked for it. This was another little indignity the prisoners or their leaders were going to answer for.

After eating, all my leaders and wranglers seemed intent on going with me to speak to our guests. Before we left I told them if any of the prisoners did any serious complaining someone who wanted another mate should kill the loudest quickly to see if we could keep the others minding their manners.

We had barely made it outside and near them when Sadogo burst out berating me and claimed that Bortato and Daggalo would see I was killed for this.