Traveler's Blessing

Chapter 13: Bringer of Peace

Lexa arrives at the negotiation location later than the Louwoda Kliron kru. It is unwise for her to arrive early without doing some reconnaissance of the area first. Earlier the day, a cease-fire was called by Levi kom Louwoda Kliron kru, the second-in-command and the son of the Shallow Valley clan chief. He had Costia's daggers with him when he requested an audience with Lexa. Lexa recalls her blood running cold when she saw the set of blades. Unbeknownst to Levi, it took all of Lexa's willpower not to strike him down at the very same spot. The meeting with Levi was short and brief. He said they would negotiate a truce per Lexa's personal guards' recommendation, which Lexa took as a threat. She had assumed the Louwoda Kliron Kru kidnapped the injured as leverage.

In her meeting with Levi, she avoided asking about the blades and the hostages. She didn't want to show her hand, nor did she want Louwoda Kliron kru to realize how important Costia is to her. Even though logically, they must have some idea since they have brought her Costia's blades.

Lexa had ordered her scouts to run back to check on the casualty unit afterward. Her scouts confirmed that Costia and Han are the only ones missing. Since then, she had feared the worst, and the sense of dread has been suffocating.

It is now high noon. The negotiation location is at a forest clearing a few klicks away from the battlefront. Lexa selected this area because open fields are the ideal place to negotiate; there is less chance for an ambush, hidden archers on the tree, and other surprises. Both sides have agreed to hold their force back for at least half a mile to await further orders.

Lexa had Anya and Gustus with her, along with a handful of personal guards. Indra had stayed behind to lead the army in case the peace negotiation turned south. The group steps out into the clearing and makes their way towards Louwoda Kliron kru.

Lexa can hear her heartbeat in her head. She notices Costia right away, and she feels like she can finally breathe. Costia is sitting on the ground next to Han, and they both have their hands bound. Levi and another Louwoda Kliron kru warrior are standing by them. Costia appears pale and sickly, and she is leaning on Han for support. She looks like she is about to reel over any moment—a mix of relief and worry wash over Lexa. Costia is finally awake, but she is clearly not well. Lexa diverts her eyes as they approach their opponents, looking indifferent to her personal guards' plight.

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Costia feels exhausted. She had pushed herself too hard since she woke up. She hadn't had a chance to eat, and she was finding it increasingly hard to concentrate. The Louwado Kliron kru had given her water, and she drank it greedily. Drinking too fast after being dehydrated is a bad idea. Costia knows this, but she couldn't help it; she was too thirsty. Unfortunately, she is now paying for it with a nauseating and throbbing headache. The beating sun above their head is not helping, and the sun's blinding light only makes the world spins faster.

Costia can see Lexa and her generals walking towards them, and the Commander is avoiding eye contact with her. She tries to listen to what the Chief and the Commander are discussing. But she is just too fatigued to pay full attention. Something about this being a setup, how Costia and Han broke into their camp, the hidden enemy will pay, and joining the Coalition. Lexa is holding her fist tight, a sign the Commander is not pleased with what she is learning. Costia has learned how to read the Commander well over the years. She catches a quick disapproval look on Lexa's face that dissipates as fast as it had appeared. Lexa is still not meeting her gaze.

She is angry with me.

Costia sighs. No matter, the plan is working. History will repeat itself, and Louwoda Kliron Kru's conflict will end in little bloodshed. The group continues to discuss the provisions of a truce. Costia closes her eyes.