Chapter FifteenA sudden storm had swept across the city, screaming from the prairie to the west to batter at the palisades and lift thatch from the rooftops. Men and women had sheltered from the fury, while the slaves in the compound cowered without shelter or compassion. Some had died, and their bodies had been left to rot among their less fortunate companions. Nobody cared in that place where hope was a stranger.
Chaytan used the distraction provided by the weather to return to Cahokia, bringing Melcorka and a chosen few in his train.
'The veterans are in charge now,' Chaytan said. 'They are going to pick their wives. It is their time.'
'I am more interested in the Citadel Guard.' Melcorka watched as the veterans lined up outside the Guard's barracks. They were laughing, nudging each
