Son of Thunder (39 page)

Sungar trained his eyes on Kellin. “You would deprive our tribe of one of its warriors?”

“One warrior will not make the difference between victory or defeat,” Kellin answered.

“Do you truly think this is the best thing for Vell?” Sungar asked.

“Yes,” she said. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

Sungar’s face reddened and his grip on the axe tightened.

“I don’t need your approval, my chief,” said Vell. “I have earned the right to my own mind. But I would like your blessing.”

Silence hung over them for a long time. At last, Sungar spoke, his voice kindly. “If you want my blessing,” he said, “you have it. And as my last gift to you for your services to your tribe, Vell the Brown, I promise you this. I will ask Hazred the Voice to write a song about you, of great length and surpassing beauty. It will tell of your bravery, your sacrifice, and of your valiant death.”