Traveler's Blessing

Chapter 11: Seeing Red

The day just dawned, and the morning haze casts a grey blanket over Shallow Valley. There is a solemn stillness in the air as soldiers clasp their hands around their steel, and the cold autumn wind keens and mewls into the canyon below.

Lexa's call-to-arms has Shallow Valley surrounded. From the north, 80 miles in is TonDC. Following the crest for about 100 miles is Blue Cliff's territory, and 400 miles in towards the south is the Board Leaf's land. Because of this, Shallow Valley is a major center for trade and travel. Its geographic makeup also makes it difficult for Shallow Valley to defend itself from three different fronts. The clan is not known for their fighting skills since they primarily consist of hunters and gatherers. This will not end well for the Louwoda Kliron kru.

Lexa is on her horse, looking down the canyon. She is wearing war paint on her face, the wind blowing through her hair. Her eyes resolved for the battle ahead.

"Our enemy has disrespected our Kongeda. We have offered our hands in alliance, yet they spit in our face, poisoned and killed our people." Lexa addresses her army. Her voice carries through the valley. "Will you allow them to think us weak? You will NOT!" She pulls out her sword, making eye contact with her warriors, commanding them. "March with me, warriors! We shall meet them in battle, and they will regret this day! Jus Drein Jus Daun!"

"Jus Drein Jus Daun! Jus Drein Jus Daun! " her army responds, raising their swords, answering their Heda's call.

"Are you a Louwoda Kliron Kru's loufa?" Han asks as they scale down the valley taking shortcuts to get ahead of the army. He is joking, of course, he will never doubt Costia, but there are no other explanations to Costia's intimate knowledge of the area. Plus, he still can't wrap his head around how Costia knows about what kind of poison Louwoda Kliron Kru uses. Sure, she is an amazing Fisa; however, poison and antidote recipes are heavily guarded clan secrets. Anyone that divulges the secret of their clan is a crime punishable by death.

"No, I'm not a spy," Costia answers mindlessly. She has more things to worry about. She is leading the way through a thick brush, directly into Shallow Valley's village. Costia's breath is laborious, and her legs are burning. She is still feeling the strain of being under for a couple of days. But she pushes through for Madi, the Coalition, Skaikru, and everything she holds dear. If she can help it, she will not allow innocent blood to be spilled, again, in this life or any of her next lives. In the distance coming from all directions, they can feel the vibration of Lexa's matching armies. "We are almost there."

"Why can't we go directly to the Commander?" Han asks. "I told you we wouldn't make it to the frontline in time," Costia answers as she clears the path ahead. Lexa is on the other side of the Valley, marching down. The Commander must have selected that vantage point to better direct the attack and to trap Shallow Valley. Also, the infantry needs to take the wider path that happens to loop around the canyon. The hidden, narrower trail Costia and Han are taking will bring them right into the Valley."This is a bad idea," Han mutters, following closely. The two push through the brush and step into the center of an encampment area. They are surrounded by warriors, many of them wearing red and brown, the colors of the Shallow Valley clan. The warriors whip around, bring up their weapons and surround the unexpected intruders who manage to sneak in.

Costia shows both of her hands, slowing inching forward, "I am Costia kom Trikru." She raises her voice assertively. "Personal guard to the Commander of the Blood, the Heir of Bekka Pramheda, I come in peace and seek an audience with the Chief of Louwoda Kliron Kru."

A warrior pushes to the front, his salt and pepper hair dyed in patches of unnatural red color. "For months, you have attacked us on our trade route, and now the Commander marches to annihilate us. Your peace is a lie." The warrior's words spit out like venom, and he points his swords toward Costia. Costia studies the warrior. The more red a warrior wears, the more highly ranked they are. But only leaders, elders, or heroes of the Louwoda Kliron kru can dye their hair red. It is considered a badge of honor.