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“I understand your grief, as I feel it, too. Allow me to tell you my shame. Believe it or not, I considered abandoning our people for Elena. I still do. She was the death of my honor. Each day, I live to help her, to somehow find a way to fix this situation.”
“And yet you do nothing?”
I’m surprised that he is not disgusted with me, for I half expected him to call for my removal as chieftain. It is clear that Fenrick is more beguiled than I realized by these women.
Perhaps I should open up more because two minds are better than one.
“Once they survive the first cold season, we could call to open trade. Perhaps things will progress from there.”
“But they seek to build their home at a place dangerous animals will soon claim.”
My brow furrows. “You know this?”
“Many of our men have grown curious with their movements.”
I nod. “Every so often I take a day to clear beasts from the area, but I worry it is not enough.”
“Then we post hunters around the outskirts of their encampment.”
“Our men would never allow it.”
“We are always sending hunters. If some of our men just so happen to hunt in that area, it will not matter so long as they bring back the meat. And I know several who take keen interest in the women’s survival.”
My jaw drops in shock. Why did I think my men so much more honorable than myself?
Relieved, I say, “See to it that certain hunters be made aware. I trust you know which ones.”
Fenrick gives a curt nod.
I add, “And if a few beasts are left near the cave, they will have greater access to food and warmth. But we must be careful not to let our own stores suffer, lest we attract attention.”
“I know a few that would work day and night to ensure enough for both camps.”
“Good. Go now and—” The sight of Ramsey stays my tongue. He’s frowning, his eyes hard, muscles tense.
Though our votes were cast publicly, I left right after my own, partially because I was too anxious to watch, but also because I did not want to hold my people’s votes against them.
I was so sure that the numbers were on my side, thinking that even Ramsey was charmed. I was wrong, and it’s hard for me to withhold my bitterness.
“What has you so worried?” I ask.
“The terraformer has stopped.”
“Impossible.”
“You’re welcome to see for yourself. It’s broken.”
“What about the articulated arm? Can that not fix it?”
“Broken.”
His words make no sense to me, not because he does not speak them clearly, but because in order for them to be true, it would mean sabotage.
“Veriskans?”
He shakes his head slowly from side to side. “They would never. You know this.”
“I must see for myself.”
