"My Lord Chief," Surshen began, his voice trembling slightly as he bowed deeply, "since the Duskin Tribe has submitted to the Silver Mane Tribe, we are now your people. As members of the Silver Mane Tribe, it is our duty; no, our honor, to stand united against the coalition forces. We dare not take any undue credit for fulfilling this duty!" His words spilled out hurriedly, as if afraid to be interrupted.
Kule and Mamuti exchanged startled glances. They could scarcely believe what they were hearing. Surshen, the ever-defiant and prideful leader of the Duskin Tribe, was groveling with such fervent loyalty. This wasn't the Surshen they knew.