Web of Deceit (42 page)

“Interesting,” frowned Mistake. “There is something about Brakas that rubs me the wrong way. He is always showing up, but never really helping.”

“Yes,” agreed Rejji. “I found myself being cautious when speaking to him also, although I wasn’t sure why. He was interested in being the one to lead the defenses, but he has been unsuccessful in finding the free tribes. Do you think his stories are false?”

“I don’t know,” admitted Mistake. “I just will not share much with him.”

“Like the location of our gold?” chuckled Rejji.

“Definitely not that,” laughed Mistake. “I did not lug that sack around the country to let someone else’s fingers get into it. Are you going to get more when you take Lord Marak to Angragar?”

“I don’t think we can spend what you already took,” Rejji shook his head. “Besides, can you think of a safer place for it to be?”

“Yes,” laughed Mistake. “It could be in a room guarded by a door that only opens to my touch.”

“Where is Bakhai at?” queried Rejji.

“He is tending to the wasooki,” replied Mistake. “We are about to have our first calf born.

“That should please everyone,” Rejji said. “The way the people are eager to build Ghala into a city is very warming. I did not think it would go this well. Are you going to give another talk about escape procedures in case of attack tonight?”

“I gave it this morning,” answered Mistake. “You were meeting with Plesy and Riktor at the time. It went very well. The newcomers were very attentive and even suggested a practice run. I think it is a good idea.”

“Then schedule it,” stated Rejji. “We are well ahead of schedule on most things, so a day off for the practice is a great idea.”

“I will set it up,” chirped Mistake as she pranced off.

Rejji spent the rest of the day checking out the progress of each of the projects that was going on. At each stop he saw new faces and was introduced to those who had joined the effort recently. The rate of people coming to Ghala surprised him. He had thought the idea of a city would be hard to sell to the Fakaran people, but the reverse was true. The people came not just for the abundant food, but also to be a part of building something for the future. By nightfall, Rejji was exhausted and fell asleep before Mistake and Bakhai returned to the small hut.

It was still dark out when Rejji awoke and he strolled down to the beach. He sat in the dark for some time, lost in thought about the construction activities and the trip to the jungle. As the sky began to lighten, Rejji saw a ship anchored off the coast and excitement rippled through his body. He ran back to the hut and woke Mistake and Bakhai and the trio raced to the dock. Others had started to awaken in Ghala and headed for their tasks full of eagerness to greet the new day.

The ship noticed the activity and hoisted its anchor. As the ship navigated slowly into the mouth of the river, seamen tossed lines to the trio and they secured the ship to the dock. No sooner than the ship was secured, Halman and Gunta jumped to the dock. Lord Marak was only seconds behind them.

“Greetings, old friends,” smiled Lord Marak.

“Welcome to Ghala,” greeted Rejji. “I am looking forward to showing you around Fakara’s largest town.”

“And I am anxious to see it,” smiled Lord Marak.

Ghalans had already started to crowd around the dock to see Lord Marak and his Torak soldiers, who were dressed in black and silver uniforms. Lord Marak’s cape fluttered in the wind as Rejji led him off the dock. Lord Marak touched Rejji’s sleeve and indicated that he wanted to wait while his men exited the ship. Riktor led some men forward carrying a long ramp and positioned it so the horses could walk off the ship. The people murmured with glee as the Torak soldiers exited the ship, each with a beautiful horse in hand. Bakhai showed the soldiers the way to the corral, which was unnecessary, as the path was lined with workers anxious to see the arriving Khadorans. The soldiers came back and escorted another horse each before they were done. When they returned the second time, they stood in formation awaiting orders.

“I was concerned that my men might upset the people of Ghala,” Lord Marak stated loudly. “It is a warm welcome indeed that Ghala has extended to their Khadoran friends. I thank you for this welcome. Squad Leader, you may dismiss the men.”

Botal dismissed the squad and people immediately crowded around them with all sorts of questions about Khadora and battles and uniforms. Lord Marak smiled and put his arm around Rejji.

“Now show me this wonder you have built,” he smiled. “I followed your progress from the information Mistake has relayed to us and it sounds like you are doing everything right. You should be very proud.”

“I guess I am,” smiled Rejji. “I just haven’t stopped long enough to realize it. How did you know I could do it?”

“I didn’t,” admitted Marak, “although I have always felt that there is something special in you. Judging from this mural Mistake described, I think we were destined to meet. I am glad that we both followed through with what we thought was best. Have you had any luck in bringing the tribes over to your cause?”

“No,” frowned Rejji. “I have someone in town who spent a great deal of time searching for them, but he has not been successful.”

“I think that is key to your survival,” declared Marak. “You cannot expect your skilled workers to be skilled fighters as well. Now that I have seen the reaction of your people to my men, perhaps I can be persuaded to lend you a corte until you are able to find defenders.”

“That may be necessary,” replied Rejji, “but I would like it better if I can get Fakarans to defend us. I do appreciate all that you are doing for us, Lord Marak, but this is supposed to be a Fakaran movement and I would like it to be seen as one.”

“I understand and agree with you,” nodded Marak. “Still, I do not want to see you fail. I will leave the offer on the table for you to accept if you need to.”

Rejji spent several hours showing Lord Marak around the town. At each area, he stopped and introduced the Khadoran clan lord to the workers. At first the workers bowed to Lord Marak when introduced, but soon the word spread that the Khadoran did not stand on formalities. Rejji noticed the Torak soldiers mixing freely with the citizens and smiled in approval. Rejji was surprised to see the stockade wall complete and wondered if the workers had kept going the night before so it would be ready for Lord Marak’s arrival. The tour ended at the wasooki fields and Rejji suddenly realized that he had kept his guest busy all day without food.

“I am sorry, Lord Marak,” apologized Rejji. “I had no idea we were doing this so long. I have kept you from meals and even a chance to relax after your long journey.”

Marak gazed up at the sun and laughed. “I am as guilty as you are,” Marak replied. “I guess I was so involved that time did not register. There is plenty of time for food and relaxing now that I have seen all of Ghala. I must tell you that I am very impressed. Your workers are happy and content. Their workmanship is fine and they all seem to get along well with each other. This is not the picture of Fakarans that we have in Khadora. If all Fakarans are like this, Khadora will have a wonderful neighbor and trading partner.”

“All Fakarans are no more like this, than all Khadorans are like you,” Rejji retorted. “Your compliment is well received though. The people of Ghala have concocted a feast in honor of your arrival. It is with your own food, but I trust the local flavor of preparing it will delight you.”

“Let us not keep them waiting then,” chuckled Lord Marak. “I hope your people have had more sense than us and eaten something during the day.”

Rejji led Lord Marak to the center of town. The people had built long tables with construction lumber and the tables were heaped with food. There was a merry atmosphere amongst the people and several had gotten together to play music on improvised instruments. The Torak soldiers were interspersed with the locals. With the exception of their black and silver uniforms and the weapons they carried, it would have been hard to tell them apart.

Marak made a motion with his fingers, unseen by most, but Halman and Gunta appeared swiftly by his side. He gave them instructions to have his men go lightly on the ale as they were leaving in the morning. Rejji watched as Halman and Gunta casually infiltrated each group of people that contained a Torak soldier and passed some undetected signal to the soldiers.

“How do they do that?” asked Rejji. “I have not seen either one of them open their mouth and yet each soldier is putting his ale aside.”

“When men have lived and worked together for a long time,” Marak explained, “they come to know one another well. My men know that drinking and missions do not mix. It only takes a tap of a finger from Halman or Gunta for the soldiers to know that I am requesting something of them and they know what it is. They are good men and well trained. Botal is an excellent squad leader.”

“I have learned from Botal,” nodded Rejji remembering the tripwire trick. “You seem to inspire the best in your men.”

“You do as well,” smiled Marak. “I am very pleased with Ghala and you should be too. I look forward to meeting your other people, the Qubari.”

“I hope you do not take offense, Lord Marak,” stated Rejji, “but I do not wish to take the whole squad into the jungle.”

“No offense is taken,” responded Marak. “I would do the same in your position. I do hope that you will allow Halman and Gunta to accompany us. The stress it would cause them to have me out of their sight would be cruel punishment.”

“I have heard them called your twin shadows,” chuckled Rejji. “I have planned for them to come with us. I figure a small party should be able to sneak past the hellsouls easier.”

“Our party will not be much smaller than your last,” stated Marak. “I think wading through the hellsouls will be a more accurate description. As long as you have your staff, we will be fine.”

“You are optimistic,” frowned Rejji. “There are hundreds of them and one nick of your skin can be fatal.”

“Then we shall not let them get close,” Marak said seriously.

Plesy and Copi approached Rejji and Lord Marak and the conversation changed to talk of Ghala and Khadora. The festive atmosphere continued well into the night, but the Khadorans slipped off one by one and went to sleep. Rejji retired when Lord Marak left and shut the festivities out of his mind.

Rejji awoke at dawn and found the Khadorans already enjoying their morning meal. None of the men showed any signs of over imbibing the ale. Rejji joined them for the meal and then they all walked to the corral. Bakhai and Mistake arrived to wish them a safe journey as they mounted their horses and headed for the gates of the stockade. Many townspeople had arisen and they all stopped whatever they were doing to watch the Khadorans leave.

Rejji announced that they had reached their destination and Squad Leader Botal signaled for the column to halt at the edge of the Qubari Jungle. Botal dismounted and indicated that the squad should make camp.

“We will be leaving the horses here,” Rejji said to Lord Marak.

Rejji felt he was being watched and he waved in the direction of the jungle. Marak issued orders to Botal to keep the squad on alert, but ordered that they were not to enter the jungle. Rejji led Marak, Gunta, and Halman into the jungle.

“Welcome home, Astor,” Mobi called softly.

“Greetings, Mobi,” smiled Rejji. “Meet Lord Marak and his men, Gunta and Halman.”

“Welcome Khadoran friends of the Astor,” smiled Mobi as he appeared on the trail before them.

“Thank you for allowing us to enter your realm,” replied Lord Marak.

“Are you alone?” quizzed Rejji.

“I am,” answered Mobi. “Dumo felt it best if I was the only one to accompany you into the city.”

“Actually,” frowned Rejji, “there is no need for you to enter Angragar again. You have already shown your courage and skill. I merely wanted a guide to the ancient city from this direction. How is Voltak?”

“Voltak is fine,” responded Mobi. “The timing was close, but adequate for his recovery. I will show you the way to Angragar as you wish. I will also accompany you into the city unless you expressly forbid it. I do not do this to show my bravery or courage. I do it to protect the Astor and because I consider it an honor.”

“Mobi speaks wisely,” smiled Marak, sensing that the Qubari was feeling as if Rejji thought the Khadorans were better than the jungle warriors. “As Astor, you are important to your people. It took me a while to accept Halman and Gunta as my shadows, but I have never regretted it. There can be no finer warrior in the jungle than one who lives here.”

“You are both correct,” nodded Rejji. “I fear the loss of any Qubari, but this struggle is as much theirs as anyone’s. I welcome you to this expedition, Mobi, and I am glad that you made me see the faults of my thinking. Let’s go to Angragar.”

Mobi grinned as he spun and led the way down the narrow trail. Mobi stepped up the pace gradually as he sought the optimum speed for the Khadorans in their fancy outfits. He thought he would feel more distaste for the foreigners, but the sight of the warrior, who he had seen in the mural, and his understanding words, pleased Mobi. The pace he was able to maintain also pleased him. Well after the sun had set, Mobi called a halt and indicated they would spend the night in the clearing just off the trail.

“We are not far from Angragar,” announced Mobi. “We will be able to enter as the sun rises.”

Mobi prepared a meal and Lord Marak peppered him with questions about the jungle and the Qubari people. Mobi appeared pleased with the interest Marak showed and began asking questions about life in Khadora. Mobi’s eyes landed on Marak’s sword as the Khadoran lord removed his black cape.

“Is that the snake sword in the mural?” Mobi asked.

“I have not seen the mural yet,” reminded Marak as he drew the sword and handed it to Mobi. “Did it look like this?”

Mobi nodded his head and held the Sword of Torak up to examine it. “What is so special about this sword?”

“I really do not know,” frowned Marak. “It was a gift from the Chula people to me, yet I have been told not to say that it is a gift. It has great significance to the Chula. They call it the Sword of Torak, which is also the name I chose for my clan.”