Every Battle Lord's Nightmare by Linda Mooney Page A

them. “I seek the Three Laws of Equality.”
                The council head glared at him in undisguised shock. Yulen understood why. Only Mutah knew of the three laws. It would be unheard of, if not terrifying, for them to think that knowledge of those laws had been revealed to a Normal such as himself, and a battle lord. A man who, in many ways, was still an enemy.
                He hid his smile, keeping a calm expression on his face. Sooner or later, the council would come to understand that he and Atty had no secrets between them. There couldn’t be if their love, their marriage, and their lives depended on each other’s trust.
                The council member turned to the hunter standing next to him, but Fortune shook his head before the man could demand an explanation. Snuffling softly, the councilman faced Yulen.
                “We know of you, D'Jacques.” Golden eyes darted to Atty. “We know of the treaties you've forged. Fortune has informed us as to why you are here, but we don't have accommodations for all your men.”
                “All we seek is safety within your walls for the night,” Yulen responded, then lifted a hand in Atty's direction. “And a meeting with your council.”
                “For what purpose?” the snouted man asked gruffly. He was being defensive, which Yulen could understand. But he was also curious and more than a bit in awe of their presence, as were the rest of the inhabitants. Putting a reassuring smile on his face, Yulen stepped forward and held out a hand.
                “My name is Yulen D'Jacques, Battle Lord of Alta Novis. This is my wife, Atrilan D'Jacques, Battle Lady. We seek temporary asylum, and ask for the chance to bring peace and prosperity to your compound.”
                “You're wanting to add North Crestin to you list of conquests, is that it?” asked another council member standing behind the snouted man.
                Yulen faced the man. “Conquests come about when one entity dominates or overruns another. This is not a takeover. If you grant us the three laws, we’ll seek to repay you for your kindness.”
                “How? What can you offer that we don't already have?” the man insisted.
                “More trade, for one thing,” Atty spoke up. She climbed down off her horse, which allowed the crowd to notice her rounding belly. Murmurs passed among the townsfolk as the realization swept through the gathered masses. The sound swelled when she walked forward to stand beside her husband and openly clasped hands with him. In all aspects, she was showing them that she was his equal, and not relegated to standing behind him as they’d expected.
                Atty began to say more when the crowd grew more agitated. Yulen glanced over to see Twoson Pike striding toward them before taking his place on the other side of the battle lord. This show of solidarity was unheard of, forcing the head of the council to raise his hands for silence. Slowly, the noise subsided, but whispers continued to race among the people.
                The man stared at Twoson, whose Mutah features were clearly evident, unlike Fortune’s. “I am Willhem Obrey, head councilman here in North Crestin.”
                Twoson bobbed his head once. “I am Twoson Pike, head of council in Wallis.”
                Obrey’s eyes flickered to Yulen, then back to Twoson. “I know Wallis is under D’Jacques’ banner. Is that why you’re here? To try and influence our decision?”
                “I am accompanying the battle lord to Corado as a representative of the Mutah people. I also consider D’Jacques as a friend and ally. He and his men have been instrumental in helping us through bad times, as well as protecting us from Bloods and other enemies.”
                “Don’t listen to him,