SATIRE | The caucus of the clan was in progress. It was a small yet cohesive group representing the warlords within the extended family and their cronies in their respective factions.

Everyone knew that appeasing everyone would be almost impossible but it was the chieftain’s responsibility to hold them together as a cohesive group.

If there was discord, it was the end of the partnership and their newfound power.

“In the scheme of things,” he started, “we could work out a win-win deal for everyone.

“If he or she has no place in our ruling elite, we can compensate him or her in many other ways. Everyone will leave this meeting with a smile,” he said, confidentially...