Forever Soldiers: The Tyrus Chronicle - Book Four

by Joshua P. Simon

  “Why?”

  “The sun. She loved the sun. She would wake each morning before everyone else so she could dress, see to her most pressing chores, and have breakfast ready for all of us. Then she’d just stand on the porch and watch the sun rise. She liked everything about the sunrise—the purples, reds, and oranges, but most of all the yellow that came when it cleared the horizon. Her entire body seemed to relax then. In the evenings, she’d do the same, watching the sun melt until completely out of sight. When it was over, she didn’t seem half as happy, almost like she worried it would be gone forever.”

  “She would have hated the sky after the eruptions then,” Myra grunted.

  “With a passion. I’m not exaggerating when I say the gray or even the orange sky after the second eruption would have broken her heart.”

  “I thought you said that some of your favorite memories as a kid were of you, Aunt Ava, and your parents spending time on the front porch when it rained and no work could be done in the fields?” asked Zadok.

  “They are.”

  “How can that be if grandma hated the weather so much?”

  “Because like a good mother, she tried her best not to let things bring her down in front of us. On those days, she would look outside at the dark sky then turn to us and say ‘today will be a good day.’ But we all knew it was hard for her. Your grandpa knew especially. He’d make her sit beside him on the porch, and he’d wrap his arms around her. They’d just stay that way for hours. His comfort helped keep her smiling.

  “Ava and I never fought on those days either. It was as if we both knew the focus needed to be about making your grandma happy. Sometimes we’d sing songs or do tricks that weren’t really tricks. You know, the things kids do to try and impress their parents. Ma would laugh and clap for us regardless. She absolutely loved every minute of it.” I paused as realization dawned on me. Shaking my head like a fool, I fought back a tear at the sudden longing for my mother. I whispered, “Molak-be-damned.”

  “What is it, Pa?” asked Zadok.

  “I just realized what she meant by ‘today was going to be a good day.’ She wasn’t trying to convince us of that or even herself because of the weather. She knew it would be a good day because she knew what all three of us would do because we loved her. That was why she always seemed extra upset when it was time for bed on those days. It wasn’t because the sun had failed to shine. It was because our efforts to make her happy had come to an end.”

  My mother had been gone for ages, yet in that moment my heart ached for her as if she had only just died.

  “I’m sorry, Pa. I didn’t mean to bring you down,” said Zadok.

  I reached across the table and patted his hand. “There’s nothing to be sorry for, son. If anything you did me a favor. I learned something about my mother that I had never understood before. Thank you.”

  * * *

  I left the house with my spirits high.

  Ira and I hadn’t talked much in private about my trip to Sinsca so we used the morning to catch up. I was in no mood to bring up my failure at keeping it together, not when my conversation with my kids had ended so positively. However, because of our friendship and all we had been through, I owed Ira the truth.

  Or at least part of it.

  As was my usual, I held back a detail or two. Or three. I mentioned Lieutenant Dar’s concoction, but I left out my continued use.

  Ira didn’t say a whole lot during my recounting of events. I think he knew there was little to say that I hadn’t already considered. His worry was obvious though when he stayed by my side through my rounds.

  “Ira, there’s really no need to follow me. I’m doing better.”

  “That’s good,” he said without breaking stride.

  “I don’t want to put you behind on your work.”

  “I know. But I also know that you might be doing better now, but things can change quickly again.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  To make sure I continued to do “better,” I uncapped the water skin and took a small swig. The drink no longer held the same bitter taste it once had. Thinking on Dar’s warning, I reminded myself that it was important not to allow the weaker taste to fool me into taking larger doses of the potion throughout the day. I’d force myself to take smaller sips as a precaution.

  We hustled through town and talked to my engineers on the town’s various projects. Progress crawled along, especially on the second well, but Lemuel had avoided any major catastrophes.

  Working my way down a mental checklist, I jumped from our blacksmiths, to our cobbler, to our tailor, to our physician, and so on. I poked my head in on Vered’s apothecary as well, but didn’t stay long as guilt tugged at me for the vial I had taken from Dar.

  After a more thorough update on our towers, I went to the fields. I had originally thought about starting the day with Udo, but chose instead to give him a chance to speak with the people he had found to accompany the two groups I wanted to send to Ekarta and Lalara.

  Though he had given me an update on his progress the night before, sometimes seeing is easier than hearing.

  I could see that Udo had embraced the difficult task I had assigned him before leaving for Sinsca. Not only had he finished transplanting the plants he saved from the poisoned fields, but based on the condition of the second field, we could probably begin planting in a couple days.

  “Once again, you’re doing an unbelievable job,” I said.

  In response, a great weight seemed to lift from Udo.

  Nason put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a warm nudge, “I told you not to worry.”

  “You were worried?” I asked.

  Nason said, “Almost as bad as you get. No matter how much we get done, it’s never enough. I had to force him to go home every night while you were away because after he dismissed everyone, he’d try to work the fields on his own by starlight for a couple more hours.”

  I frowned, “I’m sorry for making you think I was disappointed in all you’ve done.”

  Udo looked embarrassed. “It’s not that. I just don’t want to take the opportunity you gave me for granted. The last thing I want is for you to regret giving me this chance.”

  “I can say without hesitation, that I have not had one moment of regret concerning you. Giving you the fields might be the best decision I’ve made since coming to Kasala. With another dozen like you, there’s no telling what we could accomplish.”

  He looked up, eyes shining bright with pride. “Thank you.” He added quickly, “But I can’t take all the credit. Nason helped tremendously.”

  Nason grinned. “Whatever you need.”

  Witnessing the exchange made me marvel. In just a few days, they had connected in a way that many long-term friends never did. But it did make sense. Both were two of the kinder, more unselfish people I had known.

  For a brief moment, jealousy ate at me. Probably because my childhood friend was suddenly so close to another. But the jealousy passed swiftly. Nason and I were still good friends, just not as close as we once were. Not like I once was with Dekar or Hamath. Not like I was with Ira.

  Nason added, “While you’re catching Tyrus up, I’ll make a pass on the northern border of the new field to make sure there aren’t any problems.” He glanced my way. “Yesterday, we found a boulder almost the size of a wagon wheel. It took half the day to dig up and remove.”

  We nodded goodbyes.

  “Do you want to inspect those plants we saved?” Udo asked.

  “I do, but first did you find me two people?”

  “It took more effort than I thought it would, but yes.”

  “Oh?”

  “Well, you have to understand that given what recently happened, many are worried about their safety on the road.”

  “Of course. Who were you thinking?”

  He pointed beh
ind me. “You see the shorter man with the wide shoulders and thick arms? The one with the wide-brimmed hat? His name is Rufaro. He was actually the first person I thought of. He said he’d do whatever we needed. He speaks with confidence and measures his words carefully. He never gets too angry or excited. Just the sort of personality I imagine you’d prefer.”

  “That easy?”

  “Yes. He’s a deeply religious man and follows an older sect of the Southern Kingdom belief system that gives a great deal of respect to those in authority like you or even me. I don’t think he could say no to a request we made of him even if he wanted to. He’s intelligent, and for a time, was trained to be a leader in the faith.”

  “But not anymore?”

  “No. He said he prayed and was given a different destiny.”

  Given my own view on religion in general, I wasn’t sure how I felt about someone as zealous as Rufaro speaking on Kasala’s behalf. Still, Udo had done right by me in all that I had asked of him, and he knew the people better than I did.

  “I’ll have a word with him when we’re done. Who’s your second choice?”

  His mouth twisted. “Well, my second choice is a bit more interesting. My luck with Rufaro did not continue. Of those I thought would be best suited to visit Lalara, none wanted to. Several volunteered, but they were terrible choices. Finally, one made a very compelling argument for her case.”

  “Her? Who?”

  “My mother-in-law.”

  “Ayodele!”

  He snorted. “Yeah, that’s how I thought you’d react.”

  “Didn’t you just laud Rufaro because of his calm demeanor?”

  “I know my mother-in-law is not exactly in the same mold, but she was born in Lalara. So, she has a connection to the town. I also thought that Lalara’s mayor would likely not feel as threatened by a woman’s presence.”

  “That’ll change once she opens her mouth,” said Ira, cutting in for the first time.

  “I know she’s not gentle with her words, but you can’t deny she knows how to get her point across. She’ll take respect and understanding from Lalara if they won’t grant it willingly.”

  I sighed. “Is there really no one else?”

  “Not unless you’ve changed your mind about sending me.”

  “I guess we’ll go with your mother-in-law then. Where is she?”

  “Packing, of course.”

  Of course. The old woman wouldn’t wait for my answer. She had decided she was going and that was it.

  * * *

  I arrived at Udo’s home and found Ayodele packing as he said. I knew his mother-in-law well enough that there was no need to dance around any issue or concern I had. Still, it helped to at least sound grateful for her willingness.

  “Thank you for stepping up like this,” I said after entering her home. “I really appreciate it.”

  “Just doing what’s needed,” she said while moving back over to the things she had laid out for her trip.

  “You probably already know this, but I wanted to say it anyway. It’s likely that Paki has already contacted Lalara previously. And if so, he will likely have sent another messenger to let them know about our confrontation with them a few days ago. No telling what lies he spread about us. The town could be resistant to your arrival.”

  She clicked her tongue in dismissal. “That would be their mistake. You have nothing to worry about, Tyrus. I know how to talk to people. They’ll see my view of things soon enough.”

  That was exactly the approach I didn’t want to take. Still, I did my best to remain calm. “I appreciate the confidence, but the last thing we should do is ride in and be puffed up while ordering people to do as we say. A softer approach would be more beneficial in countering any of Paki’s lies.”

  Ayodele made a clucking sound as if amused by my suggestion. She gave me her back and rummaged through her sack.

  I was not accustomed to being dismissed in such a way, and I had my limit with what I would accept.

  “Stop!” I snapped. She stiffened noticeably at my tone. “This is exactly the type of attitude I want you to avoid. Look at me when I’m speaking to you.”

  She turned slowly. As she did, the surprise from my tone left her face, replaced instead with annoyance. “What gives you the right to speak to me like—”

  “Enough,” I snapped again, but lower.

  To my surprise, she kept her mouth shut. However, the look she wore could have frozen water. I knew the look was meant to intimidate, but I had faced tougher stares in my day.

  “The only reason why I trust you with this task is because of Udo. He feels like you can do this, and your son-in-law hasn’t steered me wrong yet. However, you will make sure the message you give is mine and mine alone. Do not alter or add to the heart of the message just because you think you know better. The people of this town elected me to run it. If you have a problem with that, then move back to Batna.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “I won’t mess this up. And I won’t change your message.”

  I blinked, having expected to argue for longer.

  “Satisfied?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” She turned back to her sack. “Now let me finish packing.”

  I glanced over to Ira. He shrugged with indifference and we headed to the door.

  “Tyrus?” she called.

  I turned to her eyeing me over one shoulder.

  “Yes?”

  “You know Udo thinks the world of you, right?”

  “He’s a good man.”

  “He’s getting there.”

  I shook my head. “No. He already was one. That’s why your daughter married him. You’re just finally seeing what she always knew.”

  She grunted. “Perhaps. Doesn’t happen often, but I do make a mistake on occasion.” She smiled. “Anyway, in case something does happen, I wanted to say thank you for giving him a chance.”

  More than the honesty of her comment, it was the crack in her tough exterior that startled me. Despite all her bravado, she worried about her return. I saw her in a different light then. She was not just a tough, old woman, but someone volunteering to do what others wouldn’t.

  I opened my mouth, ready to offer her some sort of reassurance, but she must have sensed it for her scowl returned. She spun back. “Now leave me be so I can concentrate on what I’m doing.”

  I smiled slightly and left.

  We made it twenty feet down the street when Ira said, “I think I’m actually starting to like her.”

  “I was just thinking the same.”

  * * *

  That evening I sat at my kitchen table, reviewing the list of supplies I needed to purchase while in Batna. Myra and Zadok sat on either side as I talked through weighing the town’s wants and needs, trying to determine if a need was really just a want.

  More than once I glanced over my shoulder as Damaris busied herself with dinner. She had insisted on cooking for us. I thought of no reason to deny her request and really didn’t want to.

  Hearing her preparations brought forth a deep longing for the life I had wanted with Lasha. As the sorrow for her memory came over me, I quickly drank the last two swallows from my water skin. I hadn’t remembered consuming so much during the day. That was unsettling.

  I had to pay better attention to what I was doing with the potion. On the plus side, even after consuming more of the liquid through the course of the day than what I should have, I had yet to feel any negative effects from it.

  Zadok furrowed his brow. “Is there a reason you started drinking from that skin?”

  “I just find it handy as I’m walking about all day.”

  “But you’re home now. You can get a cup.”

  I tried to downplay the observation. “Maybe I’m just getting lazy.”

  He rolled h
is eyes.

  Damaris placed a cup of water in front of me without a word. I know it wasn’t her intention, but the gesture cut me. She acted so unselfishly simply because she thought I needed something.

  Sadness from not having Lasha around and guilt from enjoying the company of another woman ate at me. Without thinking, I almost reached for my water skin again. I made a mental note to be more careful. Besides being empty, I had not let the last couple swallows take effect.

  Molak-be-damned. That was twice in a matter of minutes I caught myself acting carelessly with the potion. Lieutenant Dar would have a fit if he knew that. I had to do better.

  “Back to the list,” Myra lectured.

  Zadok studied our quantities and scribbled down notes on cost as I hashed out other details with Myra.

  There was a knock on the door as we were wrapping up our discussion. I made a move to stand, but Damaris touched my shoulder in a gesture to stay seated as she passed by and answered the door.

  Ira and Reuma entered.

  “Man, it smells good in here,” said Ira. He looked to Myra. “Thanks for inviting us over.”

  “Anytime.” She looked my way. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Why would I?” I said. “Let me grab more chairs.”

  Not long after, we sat around the table with full mouths of braised beef, glazed carrots, and honeyed bread. We spoke little as we ate, silently enjoying each other’s company. I only wished Ava was with us.

  With a mouth still half full of food, Ira made a gesture to Zadok’s notes and asked me, “Figured out how many wagons you need?”

  “Three should do it,” I said.

  “I thought we were going to do four?” asked Zadok.

  “I changed my mind. Three will be tight, but we’ll make it work. Udo is almost ready to start hauling in dirt from the lake so I’d like to leave behind as many wagons as possible for him to use.”

  Ira ripped off a piece of bread and jammed it into the side of his cheek. “You decided who else is going besides us?”

  I raised eyebrow, “I didn’t realize I had decided you were coming.”

  “You just did.”

  Normally, I’d expect a wink or something similar, but he wore a serious expression. Reuma didn’t seem thrilled, but she didn’t say anything to contradict it. She must have known before they came over.