“All of the ustuzou now avoid the coast where others of their kind have been killed. But once a pack of them came and laid a trap for us. When I see this new pack on the shore I see this same trap again. This means that two things must be done. The trap avoided, the ustuzou trapped instead.”
“How will you go about this?”
“We will leave the city in two groups. Stallan will command the first which will proceed north in boats to attack the ustuzou in the same manner that we have done in the past. Her group will spend the night on the shore before the morning of the attack. I will take the second group in fast uruketo out to sea, out of sight of the shore. We will land to the north of the ustuzou and strike suddenly before they are aware of our presence.”
Malsas< signed understanding—but puzzlement as well. "That will rid us of the ustuzou pack, but what is to prevent other ustuzou, who may be in hiding, from attacking and killing Stallan and her fargi during the night, while they sleep on the beaches?" "The Eistaa shows her wisdom in that most important question. When the ustazou watch Stallan's landing on the shore they will see only meat and water unloaded. Not until after dark will these supplies be opened to reveal our new night weapons. After this has been done, the Yilanè who are proficient in this operation will board the night-trained boats. If the attack comes the boats will leave; only death will remain on the beach." Malsas< thought about this, then signed her agreement. "Do it that way. It is a well-considered plan. I see that you have given much thought to this, Vaintè." There was a note of mild admonition in this, that Vaintè while still in doubt about her status, had already been making plans. But it was a very small comment, and a deserved one, and Vaintè did not object. She was sarn'enoto again—that was all that mattered. Still keeping her elation under control, she spoke as calmly as she could. "There is something else about the force under Stallan's command that I must tell you about. When we were developing the night weapons we found that there were only a few Yilanè who could operate in the dark, even with lights. It is these specialists who will release the weapons, then follow the light-markers to the boats. The rest of the fargi will have to remain on the shore. If there is an attack there is the strong possibility that all of them will be killed." "That is not good," Malsas< said. "Too many fargi are already dead." "I know that, Eistaa, I of all people know that. Therefore it is my strong desire to see no more fargi deaths. So I suggest, since they will not be expected to fight, that we replace the fargi with the Daughters of Death. Surely these parasites on the resources of our city should be good for something." Malsas< was gracious in her show of appreciation for this suggestion, the color of her palms yellow-hued with pleasure. "You are sarn'enoto, Vaintè, because you produce ideas of this nature. Do it, do it at once." "The arrangements will be completed this day, the supplies loaded. Both forces will leave at dawn." The time was short, but Vaintè had been planning this assault for days, not knowing if she would ever be able to order it, but ready still if that opportunity should come. The hurried preparations were accomplished with the efficiency of all Yilanè cooperative ventures, only Enge causing any difficulties at all. She insisted on talking to Vaintè, was fiercely determined to stay until the audience was granted. She was surprised that her request was instantly granted. "What are these orders you have issued, Vaintè? What do you wish to do with the Daughters of Life?" "I am sarn'enoto. You will address me that way." Enge drew herself up—then realized that personal pride was not important now. "From one lowest to one highest, I spoke in haste, sarn'enoto. Please inform me of the nature of your commands."