Traveler's Blessing

Chapter 7: Shallow Valley

The clan that produces the new Heda enters an era of power. This is because of the mythology that the Commander spirit chooses their next successor wisely and will lead the new clan into prosperity. Allies will strengthen their allegiance. At the same time, enemies will plot for the new Heda's demise, so the power dynamic can be reshuffled again.

The Heda previous to Lexa was Kemji kom Trishankru, from the Glowing Forest. It was an easy sell for Trishankru to believe Kemji chooses Lexa kom Trikru so they can continue to thrive. Therefore, they were the first clan to join the Kongeda , or the Coalition, when Lexa proposed it. What better ways to honor Kemji's legacy and for Trishankru to extend its influence.

Trishankru's allies, including Boudalankru, Rock Line, and the Podakru, Lake People, followed Trishankru's lead and joined shortly. In many ways, Lexa rode on the success of Kemji's relationship to broker her first three alliances.

Trikru allies like the Yujleda, Broadleaf clan, and the Ouskejonkru, Blue Cliff, with the exception of Floudron Kru, also didn't take much convincing to join the Coalition. Lexa was able to convince two of the three allies to join. She was incredibly generous when she sweetened trade deals with them. By the time she was fifteen, she had already united six of the twelve clans.

These six clans are also in close proximity to each other and centralized geographically. Giving them a strategic advantage against the other clans.

Neutral states like the Louwoda Kliron kru from the Shallow Valley, the Ingranronakru, and the Delfikru, are not interested in joining the Coalition. Stubbornly so, mainly because they want to stay autonomous.

While Sankru, the Desert people, one of the most hated, due to Sheiheda's history, and Azgeda, Ice Nation, remains as enemy states and scheme for the death of Lexa kom Trikru.

Thud.

Lexa stabs a small dagger into a map resting on her desk. The dagger lands on Louwoda Kliron, Shallow Valley. The area is right in the center of her new Coalition. They have refused to negotiate, and the conflict has escalated. Lexa has ordered her people to avoid confrontations in the region. However, the travel routes are frequent with violent encounters, and the impending war gives Lexa a headache. She frowns. Even her routined meditation to consult with the other Commanders is not helping. In fact, all the arguing in her head is making it worst.

Knock, knock.

Lexa straightens herself up, her expression passive. Only a handful of people Gustus and Nya would let in without being summoned. "Come in."

Costia walks in with a cup in her hand. With her recent growth spurt, she is only slightly shorter than Lexa. She still has a small frame, no longer skinny but physically fit with a touch of softness. Indra had described Costia as a shadow of Clarke. Indra had seen Costia before and knew what she would look like once she grows older. Still, perhaps it's the knowledge that Costia and Clarke share the same soul that had changed the warrior's perception. Indra can see so many similarities in the two bodies that she can't help but see Costia and Clarke as the same person. But for those without this knowledge, Costia and Clarke may look alike, but they are different altogether. Costia has always been cute, but she has grown gracefully in the past few years. Her beauty is the desire of many warriors -- much to Lexa's displeasure.

After the conclave, Lexa does not allow anyone to get close. When you have to kill those close to you, and when those close to you try to kill you, trust is no longer something the Commander can afford. But ever since the poisoning incident, Costia became an exception, slowly chipping away the wall Lexa had put up. Not only does Costia double as Lexa's personal Fisa, but also as her confidant and sounding board. During Costia's night shift, Lexa would often use the opportunity to discuss tactics and political strategies with her.

"Here, I brewed something for your headache." Costia walks over, handing over the cup to Lexa, and their hand brushes lightly in the exchange.

Lexa relaxes her stance, wondering how the young warrior/fisa can always anticipate what she needs.

"Thank you." Lexa takes a sip of the tea, already feeling better with Costia here, standing next to her.

Costia trances her fingers on the map. Her hand stops at the borders of Shallow Valley. Seeing a dagger there makes her nervous.

Shadow Valley assumed vital strategic importance geographically. Its agriculture is bountiful, and its natural avenue is ideal for movement. Angling from the southwest to the northeast, framed by the Blue Cliffs mountains to the west and the Broad Leaf to the south, the region appeared as a giant lance pointed toward the heart of TonDC.

"All negotiations have failed. Sanctions are not working. Perhaps a show of force will convince them." Lexa's voice is emotionless as she sounds off her plan with Costia.

Costia winces at Lexa's tone. She knows underneath that calmness, a storm is stirring.

Hey, my little nightblood. It's time to wake up ... No lessons today.

"There may be another way." Costia offers.

"Go on." Lexa has learned to trust Costia over the years. She has proven to be a capable strategist and wiser than some if not most of Lexa's generals. This greatly displeases Titus, as he has grown accustomed to being the advisor to the Commanders in the past, and he dislikes the idea that Lexa seeks counsel in Costia.

Titus might be right in this case if he knew Costia is not entirely unbiased. Even Costia recognizes that her love for a yet-to-be-born baby, Madi, is probably clouding her judgment. But this Coalition has to succeed to guarantee the safety of Skaikru.

"Sanction alone is not working for Shallow Valley because they are self-sustainable." Costia takes a moment to study the map, recalling the landscape from her previous life. "But, here, here, and here. These are the main lifelines for the Valley. Send in your infantry, set up a peaceful blockade, but choke these areas. This will enable us to disrupt their trading routes, hunting grounds, and main water and food sources. I can lead the campaign for you. Then we seek a diplomatic solution and reopen negotiation." Costia wants to be there to prevent any slight provocations from turning into an outright war.

Lexa eyes Costia thoughtfully. It has always puzzled her how Costia seems to possess knowledge that shouldn't be privy to her. Such as geographic information of a foreign clan or healing skills beyond her age...being able to anticipate her headache. Costia is standing close to her, only a breath away. Lexa can smell the faint floral and herb scent in Costia's hair. Costia must be dabbling with her potions again. Restlessly, Lexa turns her head and takes another sip from the cup. "When can you leave?"

"As soon as possible. We are in mid-Autumn. Without the ability to hunt and gather for winter, the Louwoda Kliron kru will fall in line within two moons time."

"And the team?"

"Indra, Anya, and ... Han. Indra and Anya are from TonDC, and both Han and I trained there. Shallow Valley is right by our backyard. We will roam the forest when we are not training. The geology is not that different, and they will be familiar with the terrain."

Is that the only reason? Lexa puts her drink down, her thoughts darken.

"I will also accompany you. Gustus as well. I cannot forge a Kongeda without being at the helm of the negotiation."

"But the Coalition is young, and your ambassadors need you here, and ..." Costia begins to protest.

"No. My mind is set. Ready the team and the infantry. We march in three days," interjects Lexa ending the conversation.

"Sha, Heda."

Costia takes leave, and as the door closes, Lexa looks up at the exit longingly.