Without hearing a word, she had already come to the conclusion that he was very, very dangerous.
His initial comments only reinforced her preliminary opinion: they were completely unexpected.
“I agree with knowledgeable and wise Cecolou-tiu. Is folly to think we can kill some Deyzara and just push rest off our world.” Wide eyes and astonished murmurings from his supporters showed this was not what they had expected to hear from one of their most admired and aggressive colleagues. But such was the commanding power of Aniolo-jat’s presence that none rose from their chairs to try to channel him. There was some violent swinging, however.
The Yuiqueru’s voice rose just enough to be heard over the chorus of creaking wood and quivering supports. “I have no more love for the hairless ones than any of you. But I am realist. I have made some study of politics of our new ‘friends’ and benefactors, the Commonwealth. Its history shows it will tolerate some local fighting. But not killing of all one kind of species by another. They have special word for that. So . . . we may kill some Deyzara but not slaughter all.” His mouth twisted into the Sakuntalan equivalent of a sardonic smile. “I contain my unhappiness at this.”
“What then we do, Yuiqueru Aniolo-jat?” asked one of the neutral members of the assembly.
The war chief turned toward the speaker. In replying to her, he continued to address all of them. “We still fight. Planning been ongoing for some time now. Very soon all is readied. We pick careful which Deyzara to kill. Not wealthiest ones. Not technicians. We still need learn from them.” He turned slowly, trying to confront each one of his fellow chiefs individually. “Most Deyzara think they smarter than any Sakuntala. But we know we not stupid. Just some bit behind. We smart enough to learn, even from our enemies. We kill specific Deyzara. Kill some offspring just to show hint of irrationality, strike greater fear. Idea is to put Deyzara in position of permanent scaring. Not eliminate. Just render always inferior. If they always in fear of us, they always be willing accommodate whatever we ask.” Taking a mouthful of rain from the central column, he sprayed his open hands with it, held dripping fingers up for all to see. “Water runs. Fear clings. The Deyzara are naked. We will clothe them in fear.”