Without any ceremony, a titanic man with a colossal belly appeared at the makeshift table, flanked by four equally heavy set men. He was past his prime, and his beard was already gray, but Aldith could tell he was still a formidable fighting man. Battle scars marked his thick arms and legs, and Aldith had no doubt his upper torso, covered with a fur cloak, also bore signs of warfare. His hair was tied back in a topknot, and three feathers were stuck in place for decoration. He carried a small ceremonial war axe with a smooth green obsidian blade, obviously a sign of authority. His four chieftains were similarly dressed, but they carried carved war clubs, signifying their respective roles. Without a word to their guests, they all sat and immediately began to eat.