Traveler's Blessing

Chapter 18: Sadspuna

The embargo with Delfi has dragged on more than two years, and it is wearing thin on the Lake people. Winter the first year was brutal, especially since Floukru didn't join the Coalition yet. It was easier the second year, and the sanction would have failed without Luna's contribution. Indra has been stationed there with an additional 600 Trikru warriors to stop any uprisings. With the start of Winter again, rumors of war are brewing in the region, and she has sent words that the unit needs more reinforcements.

Lexa is leading an army to the northern lakes where Podakru resides. The goal is to bring much-needed supplies to the frontline and reach a diplomatic solution with Delfikru. Titus was left at Polis to handle the everyday politics and governing. She is accompanied by Costia, Han, Gustus, Nya, Anya, and Tristan. Both Costia and Han have been promoted. Costia is now Lexa's strategic advisor against Titus' objection, and Han leads the archery and the defense unit. Tristan is a new lieutenant-general; he is a hardened warrior and highly regarded by others. But Costia does not like him because he has threatened her, well, Clarke before.

I am the man sent to slaughter your people.

Costia presses her lips as she rides side by side with Tristan. It is a strange experience to have an enemy turn ally. Then again, Costia casts her gaze ahead and traces the silhouette of the Commander, her Lexa, riding in front of them. Costia shakes the thought, Lexa was never her enemy, and she is more than just an ally. There is another reason Costia doesn't like Tristan. Throughout the trip, Tristan would constantly challenge and antagonize Anya. Costia thinks Tristan is vying for Anya's position and tries to undermine her even though she was Lexa's Seda.

The sun is setting when the cavalry arrives at Veland, the capital of Poda. The days are shorter during early Winter, and the air is frigid. Costia can see her own breath as she exhales. She is wearing a jacket made out of white and brown fur, and her red sash is tightly wrapped around her head. They have been marching for days, and Costia is excited to see Indra again.

Tristan and Anya are tasked to set up camp at the outskirt of the village, and Lexa and her unit will meet with the leaders of Podakru later in the evening. Compared to TonDC, the forest is not as thick, with fewer valleys in Veland. The village is composed of large concrete structures with buildings decorated in blue and yellow paint. Lexa wanted to walk through the marketplace to gauge how things were amongst the people before the council meeting. Her usual entourage is following behind. Multiple street vendors are selling scrapped goods. Only a handful of merchants offer dried fish, nuts, and fruits from other regions. People respectfully part ways for the group to pass, with whispers of reverence as Lexa walks by, bowing and diverting their eyes out of respect. News of Heda visiting has all the people on their best behavior. Many kids even came out eager to meet the Commander for the first time in their lives.

Lexa stops in front of a fur dealer and starts to inquire about the hunting season in this region. Winter has arrived early this season, and many said this will be the coldest yet in recent years. The lack of cured meat and fur in the market is a concern for Heda. Costia is doing some exploring as well. A few steps behind, she finds herself admiring some of the merchandise on display. There are repurposed armors made of rubber tires that are hard to cut through with a sword but flexible and light for an agile warrior like her. The only downside is that they are hot to wear, but it is wintertime, and Costia thinks she can use more cold-weather gear. She picks up an armguard on the table and sizes it against herself. She likes the way it feels and turns it around to inspect the workmanship.

"If you want it, you will have to pay for it with a kiss." Costia's eyes dart up widen with surprise. She recognizes the voice. Without forewarning, the person behind the counter throws her arms around Costia and draws her in for a passionate kiss. The sudden pull had Costia stumbling forward as she braced herself on the table of merchandise, knocking some of the items onto the floor. The ruckus is drawing everyone's attention. The kiss was playful and blazing, and Costia answers back unwittingly. When their lips finally parted, the woman nudges herself in the crook of Costia's neck and whispers under her breath, "Hi there ... Clarke. "