• The Prouds 16

Chapter Two

Seven years before King Matthew decided to invade them,
the Prouds had a dispute with their ally, the Sendeys tribe.
Both tribes were strong allies, as their lands were very
close to one another, so they were almost one family and
knew everything about each other.
At that time, Leader Shawn, leader of the Sendeys,
paid Leader Addison a visit where they greeted each other.
The Prouds welcomed the leader of the Sendeys and
offered him food and coffee. Leader Shawn was a
fataverage man and had thick grey facial hair with few
black hairs.
As the two leaders sat down together, Leader
Shawn said, “I have something to ask of you, Leader
Addison, and I am confident that you will do it without any
objection.”
With his usual generosity, Leader Addison replied,
“Very well, Leader Shawn. What is it that you want?”
“I have been having this idea for quite some time,
and I wish we can do it together,” said Leader Shawn.
He paused then added, “Many trade caravans pass
through our lands, and I think we should collect taxes from
them in return, or else we will use force to prevent any
caravan that refuses to pay taxes from passing by. We are
two strong allies and we should use our strength and unity
to our benefit.”