The Snatchers

There was, at that time, in the Hinterland, a quite strict tradition by which a chieftain may be selected to rule the Federation of Fifty. In the early days the great house would be packed with delegates. The council of elders would choose from among the people of the federation those they felt most suited to rule, and delegates would choose from among them. Now, it was known, that some people of the Fifty could not send delegates. There was much argument over who may be a delegate, about who may be selected. Some, speaking in whispers, said that only nobles were ever chosen to compete. They said that it was blood, not skill, that gained one access to the houses of the elders. But the elders were deft and chose with skill. Though many grew to see it later, they had not seen it in those early days. But over time, the houses of the elders grew senile and foolish. They grew too feeble to hide their intentions, and delegates grew weary. It is by this way that the great fool, Dothur the…