“You want me to get a couple of my best men on him? See if he heads right back to Sinsca?” asked Reuma.
“No. They already think we’re about violence. The last thing I want is for him to catch us following him. Just let him go. For now, we’ll take solace in knowing that Paki may one day come around. And more importantly Ava is alive and well.”
“A good way to end the day,” she said, sounding hopeful.
I grunted. “Yep. Here’s hoping that feeling continues for a while.”
* * *
Three days following our visit from Paki’s messenger, I concluded once again that hope was for the gullible.
The small, brown plant leaned precariously to one side. Its wilting leaves barely clung to the yellowing stalk. Unfortunately, it’s condition was not unique. More than half our field looked as bad. I closed my eyes, counted to five, and opened them again. Nothing had changed. This wasn’t a nightmare.
Gods, all our hard work for nothing.
I was well aware of Udo’s stare and his purposefully low breathing so as not disturb my thoughts. I was even more aware of those muttering fifty feet behind us near the wagons that hauled in our farming tools and other supplies from town. Ira waited with that group to keep them back. Still, I knew that many would likely overhear our conversation.
I flicked my attention over to Udo. He wore guilt and shame plainly for all to see. Based on the hunch in his shoulders and the way he hung his head, I think he expected me to erupt at any moment.
“This isn’t your fault,” I said softly.
He looked up. “You were sick. You put me in charge. I was here. I should have noticed something was happening before it got to this point. Whose fault could it be but mine?”
I had hoped that hearing news of Ava would settle my nightmares. I was wrong. They had been especially vivid as if I had gone through sympathy pains. Try as I might, for two days I hadn’t been able to bring myself to face the world after waking from them.
I had lied to my kids, faking an illness that hadn’t existed. They had Ira run a few messages on my behalf to keep Kasala moving forward while I’d felt sorry for myself in bed.
I didn’t sleep though. I was too scared to face what might be waiting for me when I closed my eyes. Instead, I had briefly found comfort in some of Lasha’s letters, reading them over and over until the hollowness of that comfort dawned on me. Her kind words and joy had been a lie to protect me from the truth while I was at war. In many ways, it was no different to the half-truths I told my kids each day to keep my struggles a secret to not burden them. It was the kind of realization that forced me out of my slump. I had put the letters away after that.
I shook my head. “You’ve never seen sabotage like this before.”
“Sabotage?”
I spat to the side. “That’s how I see it.”
“I thought this was because of bugs or not enough water or something else.”
“Something else?”
“A curse from the gods, maybe. That’s what some believe.”
“C’mon Udo, You’re better than that. The gods, if they exist, care little about us.” He looked uncomfortable at that. People usually did when I spoke ill of the deities. “Look closely at what’s actually there, not at what you think you should see. If we had some sort of infestation, we’d show signs of the plants being eaten. Dig a small hole around this plant a few inches down. Use a spade. Not your hand. Tell me if anything looks odd.”
He did so and said, “There’s a dead centipede and worm. The dirt looks almost slimy near the base of the stalk.”
“Just what I thought. Someone poisoned our Molak-be-damned fields.”
“With what?”
“Cyanogen. I’ve seen it used before. Long time ago. Someone did the same to my Father’s farm, but he caught them in the act. They only ruined a small piece of the land, and we were able to isolate it. Still, it took almost three years before we could use the soil again.”
He frowned, brows furrowed. “Cyanogen? Why does that name sound familiar?” He gave his head a slight shake, adding, “So you mean we’ll need to wait three years before planting in this part of the field?”
“Longer. Based on how quickly the plants turned, a higher amount of Cyanogen was used. Whoever did this either had little experience with the poison, thought we wouldn’t figure it out, or didn’t care if we discovered the truth.”
“Raiders?”
“Raiders don’t operate like this. They’d just attack and take. Or if they were really that bent on destruction, they’d trample the fields with horses and then burn what remained. Poison doesn’t offer the immediate gratification most raiders seek.” I paused as other possibilities rolled around in my head. Only one made sense to me. “This came from Sinsca.”
“What? Why would they send you news about your sister then? It doesn’t make sense.”
“Of course it does. It was all a gods-be-damned distraction and a way to throw us off their scent. Blasted messenger said he had to see to his orders. Guess I know what that means now.” I swore again. “Should’ve listened to Reuma and put some men on him.”
I spat and kept right on ranting. “Pieces of crap are jealous of our progress. Saw us as competition. We both have charters to provide food to the army and the rest of the Southern Kingdoms. If their crops aren’t as plentiful as they hoped, they could always point out to the council how much worse we failed.”
“That’s stupid,” said Udo, more upset than I had ever seen him. “The food is for everyone.”
I shrugged. “People often do stupid things.”
Udo looked to those behind us. Even though we had kept our voices low, our conversation had been overheard. What started as uneasiness in the group began to grow. Those from Turine quickly arrived at anger. Those from the Southern Kingdoms seemed to still be stuck at disbelief, Udo included.
“I can’t believe that. My people wouldn’t do that to their own. They would . . . .” his voice trailed off mid-sentence as he sat back on his heels. The look on his face had become one of horror.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Cyanogen. I remember where I heard the word before. My uncle was a merchant like Chadar and Galya. I heard him mention it once after returning from Turine. The word we use in our tongue for the poison translates to “the long blight. It . . . it is a weapon.”
That took me off guard. “A weapon? I don’t understand.”
Udo said, “The long blight is mentioned in our scripture. It is a tool given to us by Engai himself in order to fight against those who sought to harm us early in our history as a unified nation. We haven’t used it in centuries, but it was once used to destroy the crops of our enemies.” He paused then continued with shoulders hunched. “Not just anyone could obtain this poison as the council only allowed the plants it comes from to grow in select areas due to its potency. I guess it is possible that raiders stumbled upon any patches nearby, but it would be very difficult. However, a natural citizen in a leadership role like Paki might know where to look.”
“So then you do think it was Sinsca?
“I can’t say for certain, but sadly it would make the most sense given how he spoke to Chadar and Glaya about those from Turine. He saw your people as enemies, so why not use the long blight against Kasala? Gods, what have our people become to do this to one another?” whispered Udo.
Seeing his pain, I said, “I’m sorry.”
“Me too.” Udo met my eyes, “What are we to do?”
“First, we’re going to walk the field and figure out the extent of the damage. As sloppy as this was done, some of the plants might have been missed. If so, we might be able to transplant a few and save them. Afterward, we’ll section off this whole area and check the other two fields we’ve been working to get ready in case they were poisoned too. If they weren’t, we need to get them pl
anted all the sooner. We no longer have the luxury of taking our time.”
“Long day ahead of us,” he sighed.
“Very.”
I gestured over my shoulder for Ira to join us.
He came up, cursing. “I ain’t seen that hard look on your face in a long time.”
I explained the situation to fill in any gaps he missed while managing the crowd of people.
He responded as I expected. Lots of swearing. Some of his best work actually.
“Do we leave now?” he asked.
I shook my head.
“You mean you’re just letting this go?” he pressed.
“Never said that. Poisoning our fields is no different than someone taking food from the mouth of my kids.”
He nodded. “Then it would be better if we got at them before they had a chance to get ready for us.”
“They will have readied themselves before today. Besides, making sure things don’t get worse here is more important. Grab a horse and run into town. Don’t get into specifics. Just make it known that all other work is temporarily placed on hold. Every able bodied person must report to the fields immediately.”
* * *
We worked the fields until there was no light left to work by. Bone-tired, we made our way back into town. I had allowed news about what we discovered that morning to spread. Despite everyone’s weariness, anger and disappointment still dominated the faces of Kasala’s citizens. Many from Turine openly expressed their desire for revenge. Some attempted to offer suggestions on how best to enact that revenge. A sharp look was all it took to let them know I wasn’t interested in hearing them.
Those from the Southern Kingdoms were initially less vengeful in their response to Sinsca’s damage to our fields. Many seemed unable to grasp that their own countrymen had harmed them. However, the more time passed, their mindsets matched that of the Turine views. I couldn’t decide if that was a good thing or not.
Marching through town with a purpose I had not felt in months, I met Reuma in front of the stables. Either she had long grown accustomed to my hard looks or I had let it soften without realizing it because she spoke without hesitation.
“Got your message. Watch has been set not just in the fields, but around the entire town. I also stocked the two northern towers. They’re close enough to completion to be used. It’s unlikely they’ll come at us in force, but it’s better to be over prepared. I also took the liberty of meeting with Boaz. He’ll have every able mount fit for battle saddled and ready at dawn. Fifty in total. The guard is out contacting another two hundred men to spend their evening preparing weapons, armor, and a pack ready for travel tomorrow. Based on Chadar’s reports of Sinsca, two hundred veterans seem more than adequate to handle what Paki might throw at us. . .” Her voice trailed off.
I raised an eyebrow.
“Sorry, if I overstepped myself with any of this, sir.”
“Don’t be. I’m pleased you got things moving. That’s why I gave you the position.”
She nodded. “Myra is personally contacting another hundred men who’ll stay behind and defend the city should the need arise while we’re away.”
“Good.
“I also decided to place Abishay in charge of Kasala’s defenses while we’re gone.”
I frowned. “That won’t do.”
“Perhaps Benayah then. Though I really think Abishay is the better choice because—”
“That’s not what I meant. I need you to stay behind.”
“Sir, but—”
“I need someone here I can trust, Reuma.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “Abishay is more than capable to maintain order.”
“I’m sure he is.”
Her mouth pressed into a thin line. “This is about me being pregnant.”
“In part,” I admitted. “Don’t tell me the thought of putting your child’s life in danger hasn’t crossed your mind.”
“Of course it has.”
“And?”
“And, you still gave me a job. I don’t want to let you down.”
“I doubt you’d ever let me down. But remember, you have more than one job now. The one I gave you and the two you took on as wife and mother. Staying here will see that all three are seen to. Understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
I could tell that emotions warred inside of her. She obviously didn’t want to risk her baby, but she also didn’t want to seem incapable in her role. In an effort to drive home how important it would be for her to stay, I added, “Reuma, it’s not just about your pregnancy. I’m sure Abishay is a good man, but if things go poorly, there will be more involved than just maintaining order.” I paused. “You were in the fields today. I know you felt the tension.”
“Emotions are high.”
“And when emotions are high, people can be led by them. I need you to not just maintain order, but keep us unified on something other than our hatred of Sinsca.”
Her voice shook a bit. “I-I’m not really sure how good I’ll be in that sort of situation.”
“You’re married to Ira. Don’t tell me you’re not good at getting through to hard-headed people when their emotions are out of control.”
She snorted. “Good point. I won’t let you down, sir.” She paused. “You’re not planning to take Ira with you. Are you?”
I don’t know what took me back more, the thought of not having Ira at my side or the tone of Reuma’s voice. Underneath her question lay fear that she would not be pleased if I said yes.
I thought about that for a moment. “He’s told you about his struggles then?”
“Came clean before we got married. Said he wanted to lay it all out so that it didn’t seem like he was lying to me. I know he’s doing better because of his talks with you, but I don’t want him in a spot that might make all that stuff rear up again. Especially since I wouldn’t be with him.”
I wondered if Ira had shared with her my struggles. It didn’t seem like she knew much. In truth, I liked the idea of having him along in case I needed his help in keeping my head straight. But who was I to lay that guilt on her for wanting to protect her husband? And besides, she was right. Being in an aggressive situation might make Ira backtrack on all his progress. He had a wife now and a baby on the way. Both were more important than me.
“Same thing I was thinking actually. Of course he’ll stay.”
“Thank you.”
I inclined my head to the side. “C’mon. There are other things I want your help with in order to get ready.”
CHAPTER 27
The next morning our small army gathered in the center of town just before dawn. Chadar and Galya had mentioned that the trip to Sinsca took at least two days. That was on horseback though. With a hundred and fifty men marching besides the fifty men mounted, we’d take longer.
Despite the early hour, the rest of town was up to see us off. They looked concerned, but none appeared displeased with my decision to confront our saboteurs.
I said my goodbyes first to Reuma and Ira, the latter not pleased with my decision for him to stay. Next, I passed on last-minute instructions to Udo about the fields and asked Nason to help him manage the work.
After shaking a few more hands, I walked over to our force, frowning at the sight of Damaris, Zadok, and Myra waiting for me. The frown didn’t come from seeing them. It came from Myra being mounted and in full gear.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked while trying to keep a calm voice.
“Waiting for you to give the order to move out.”
“You’re not coming.”
“I am,” she said, her voice hard and filled with anger.
“I don’t want you in danger.”
“You allowed me to be Reuma’s second with the city guard.”
“That’s different.
There was a small possibility of an attack, but no definitive threat. But with Sinsca, who knows what will happen.”
“Which is why you need me.”
I shook my head, “You’re too young to—”
“To what?” she cut in, surprising me. I remarked to myself how confident she appeared, not hesitant in the least to speak her mind. “Too young to take care of myself? Between the training you and Aunt Ava gave me, I’m more than capable of handling myself in a fight. Too young to lead a group against an enemy? I helped Aunt Ava do that for months. I’m young, but I’m not a child.”
She was right. I knew all those things. But still, she was my daughter. And as a father, I couldn’t purposefully place her in harm’s way.
I opened my mouth, but she cut me off before I got the first word out.
“I’m done arguing with you, Pa. I’m not letting you do this alone. Either I ride at your side out of town or I follow at distance to catch up later. One way or another, I’m coming.”
I tilted my head at the sharpness of her tone, but she didn’t back down. That had me wondering about her motivation. “Why are you so concerned about me?
“I’ve known something has been going on with you for a while, but I haven’t been able to figure it out. Neither could Zadok. So last night we went to Damaris to see what she knew.” Her gaze flicked over to Damaris, scowl deepening. “Apparently, we don’t have the friends we thought since everyone has been lying to us. Ira, Reuma, Damaris, Aunt Ava, and worst of all you.”
“I never lied to you,” said Damaris. “I respected your father’s wishes by not volunteering the information. I trusted he knew what was best. But when confronted, I no longer held back.”
“Splitting hairs,” spat Myra. “And I doubt it was about what was best for us. Probably only worried about Pa getting angry at you.”
Damaris wore a look of shock and hurt, obvious Myra’s words cut deep. I had never seen my daughter so angry.
“That’s enough,” I said, adding some grit to my voice. “You’re mad at me, not her.”
“There’s more than enough anger to go around, Pa,” said Zadok. “Every morning Myra or I asked how you were doing or if something was wrong. Always you said, ‘I’m fine’ or ‘Just groggy.’ Each time was a lie. Since you came back from the war, you have only talked about family and sticking together and about trusting each other. How could you have kept so much from us?”
Forever Soldiers: The Tyrus Chronicle - Book Four Page 21