"Ought to be," somebody whispered down in front.
"Order," Alan said. He knew it was a growing belief in the clan that giving up the nomadic life had been a mistake. From raiders, they had become the raided.
Sally said, "The second order of business is the disposal of the Horse and Crow prisoners captured in the action today."
Vivian said, "We can't afford to waste valuable ammunition. I say shove them into the canyon."
Most of those seated in the hall approved of that. Some were puzzled of face, wondering why the matter hadn't been left simply in the scout chief's hands.
Sally said, dryly, "I haven't formed an opinion myself. However, our chairman has some words to say."
Vivian looked at Alan as though he was a precocious child. She shook her head. "You cutie, you. You're getting bigger and bigger for your britches every day."
Two or three of the warriors echoed her by chuckling fondly.
Alan said nothing to that, needing to maintain what dignity and prestige he could muster.
He stood and faced them and waited for their silence before saying, "You feminine members of the clan are too busy with work and with defense to pursue some of the studies for which we men find time."