Hope Sundered

Jitsa and Eja rode side by side for the first time in generations. Scattered tribes joined them as they passed by on their way to the Orharos Valley, and their numbers swelled. Keila’s heart soared when she arrived. She couldn't wait to see her mother, who had arrived with a thousand more proud Nokri warriors.

The last time Keila had come through this valley, she and Ekard were alone with nothing but a desperate hope in a wild theory. Her gamble had paid off beyond even her wildest expectations, and she was returning to the land of her birth with an army behind her.

From there they rode north until Wyndham’s walls were nearly in view. The Nokri army set up camp just beyond the enemy’s line of si while Keila, Sekka, and Forizu crept onward to scout, using the evening’s dusk as cover.

The sight of Azrahtera’s army surrounding the city stole Keila’s breath, confirming she’d only faced a fraction of this force in Chastin. Her mind raced as she sought some sliver of hope, some manner of strategy which could offer victory, but she remained silent.

Upon returning to camp she noticed the hunger in the Nokri’s golden eyes. Perhaps it was a hunger for justice, or a chance for redemption and reconciliation with those who’d been mistaken as enemies long ago. Perhaps they were eager to fight someone other than their own kinsmen for once.

Regardless, they were ready, and they were indeed formidable. Yajuel had provided her with the army she’d asked for, and now it was time to put it to use.

⸞ ⸎ ⸟

As Sekka made his rounds he noticed Forizu standing some distance away, studying the surrounding landscape. “What’s on your mind?” he asked, approaching his friend.

“Do you see that lafi?” Forizu asked, pointing up at the ridge of a nearby hill. Standing motionless was a horse-like animal, sleek with a short tail, slender nose, and multi-pointed horns. “I’d like your blessing to hunt it.”

“There’s no need, brother. We have ample food here.”

Forizu turned and looked hard at his captain. “That one is special.”

Sekka raised an eyebrow but knew better than to doubt his friend’s instincts. “Very well. Good hunting.”

Forizu clasped his hands together. “Thank you, my Ronos.” Without another word he took off toward the foothills. Sekka returned to camp and joined Ginica, Keila, Colbi, and Ekard by one of the fires.

“Where’s Forizu?” Ginica asked, looking up from braiding Keila’s hair. Her own ginger mane was woven tightly against her scalp.

“He’s developed a sudden taste for lafi,” Sekka answered, his shrug making it clear he couldn’t fathom why. He smiled at Keila. “You look fierce, my queen.”

She hesitated. “Thank you?”

“He’s referring to your braids,” her mother explained. “Every Nokri does this before going into battle. It’s become something of a tradition over time, though it’s also quite practical.”

“I’d like to discuss our strategy once more,” Sekka said as he crouched next to his half-sister.

“Much of it will depend on what we find when we engage the Azrahterans,” Keila admitted. “I know Wyndham sent out couriers requesting help. Hopefully there are militias out there somewhere, waiting for an opportunity to strike.”

“It would be preferable to meet with their leaders first to assure them of our allegiance and coordinate our efforts,” Sekka said.

“Agreed, but I don’t see how we can do that without making our presence known to the enemy. The banners we made with Wyndham’s standard look convincing. We’ll lead the charge, and pray they rally to our side.”

“And if they don’t?”

Keila shrugged. “Then we deliver one blow at a time until our enemy flees or is no more.”

Sekka smiled and nodded with satisfaction. “Forizu will be pleased to know you were paying attention.”

⸞ ⸎ ⸟

Keila emerged from her tent in the soft light of dawn to discover the body of a dead Nokri warrior lying face up at the entrance. A single arrow was embedded in his heart. A hand axe lay inches from his open palm. She called out for both Ginica and Sekka, who emerged moments later from their respective tents.

Sekka bent down to examine the arrow. “This is Forizu’s, which can only mean one thing.”

“Another assassination attempt,” Ginica concluded, to which Sekka nodded his agreement. They soon discovered a second body near the edge of the camp with one of Forizu’s arrows buried in his back.

“Where is he?” Keila asked, looking around. “I never saw him return last night.”

Her question went unanswered until an hour later, when he came trotting back into camp from the south. He headed straight for Ginica and Sekka, whom he knew would be waiting for an explanation.

“Did you know these men were assassins?” Ginica asked him without any greeting, drawing his attention to the pair of Moesa bodies now cleaned and prepared for burial.

“No, my queen, but I suspected another attempt would be made on your daughter’s life. Moesa thinking hasn’t left me, and if I’d been tasked with her execution, I would’ve chosen this time and place to strike. Higher ground allowed me to keep a better eye on her.”

“But how did you end up out there?” Sekka asked, pointing to the open plain south of the camp.

“There was a third man,” Forizu answered. “He ran beyond my reach, so I pursued.”

Ginica frowned. “I hate that we’re forced to make terrible sacrifices like this.”

“I owe you my life once again,” Keila told him, clasping her hands and bowing. “Thank you.”

Forizu dropped to one knee and lowered his head. “It’s my honor to serve and protect my queens.”

“But you failed to catch the lafi, my brother,” Sekka teased with a wide smile.

Forizu rose to his feet. The tiniest of grins slipped past his stoic defenses. “I suppose it was too fast.”

“Why didn’t you just tell me you wanted to keep an eye on the camp?” Sekka asked

“I trust Yajuel, my queens, and my Ronos,” he replied, serious once more. “But in a camp this large I don’t trust the wind; it might carry my words to undeserving ears.”

“I’m glad he’s on our side,” Keila whispered to her mother in Avelirian. Ginica simply nodded.