First Deliberation

The clan elders gathered in Rebecca’s hut. They had heeded Pabonya’s call. Caring for the clan, none of them would ignore an invitation to deliberate on any problem affecting it.

Pabonya had made it known to them that Tesot was around and had convinced them to accommodate his participation in their meeting.

Tesot was taking long appearing. And they did not wish to begin in his absence. Pabonya alternately glanced at his wrist watch and at the entrance door hoping he would not keep them waiting for too long. Soon, footsteps were heard from outside and every eye gazed at the door. He came in and went around the room shaking hands with each one of them.

When he finally sat, an immense silence reigned. Any keen observer would not have failed to feel the tension in that room. They looked at one another as if unsure what the next move would be. Pabonya irritably tapped a gentle rhythm on the table with his fingernails. Did they fear Tesot? Were they afraid of offending him?

Tesot w