politics

"Quarrels could turn into blood feuds, and rivals used the cover of the hunt to shoot down other participants—their deaths could conveniently be attributed to attacks by wild beasts. Many hunters lost their lives this way. Meanwhile, unfaithful wives plotted against their husbands while the latter were absent hunting; the clan’s enemies took advantage of a prolonged hunt to attack the flocks and kidnap the women left to guard them. These bardic stories functioned as a warning to horsemen and chiefs alike to keep their jealousies in check. By inviting horsemen to join him on the hunt, a local chief could constitute a larger following. He showered hospitality on his invited guests, making sure they enjoyed the best position in the cavalcade to get the best shots off, to kill the choicest game. Over time this ambitious chief could vie with others for leadership over the horse breeders. His hunts would grow bigger, involving as many as three thousand or even five thousand horsemen."