Chapter 54
The current puhagant, the head shaman of the Mukua’poan, was Tuku’isa. To emphasize his wolf puha, he wore a wolf-skin cloak and a traditional headdress. He didn’t have the lined wizened face Mateo had expected, but he had pronounced cheekbones and a tight-lipped mouth. That mouth held a slight frown as Mateo stood before him.
“You must be hungry,” he said. His voice was deep and wooden, like a strong wind passing through a hollow log. He gestured to a small table to Mateo’s left. “Eat, and then we will begin.”
On the table sat a bowl of bread and a jug of water. A prisoner’s meal. I would have preferred a few pounds of meat, but fuck it. I don’t want to go into this cranky.Mateo nodded politely as he picked up a loaf. “Thank you.”
Tuku’isa nodded in return. “You know why you are here, don’t you?” he said.