Maximus had considered this, and he answered seriously, "Yes, it can't be concealed forever, but as long as we can keep it hidden for a year or two, by that time these Scodisqi tribe members will have their own houses, their own land, even marriages and children in our tribe. They won't be willing to give up all that they've worked hard to gain, and take the risk to run off to the unstable, possibly war-torn east, even if they learn that the Scodisqi tribe still exists."
Maximus' words received widespread approval, because everyone had been a slave before and knew what slaves yearned for the most.
"Pequot!" Maximus looked at his Guard Captain, a smile once again breaking out across his face, "I didn't expect you to bring such good news to the tribe while achieving such great battle meritorious deeds! If the Political Affairs Hall doesn't promote you two levels, not only I, but all the tribe members won't agree."
