Those Who Sharpen the Mind

Strangers and Riots

"I be no rock or light. I'm just a simple travela tryna 'elp my brotha escape chaos." The speaker said wearily after seeing the tense position Un'tra was taking.

"Do you speak of the chaos of the Holi-inte?" Un'tra questioned as he focused a bit more and realized the gritty voice came from a woman.

"Aye, 'aimore's in some sorta uproar. Folk are takin' to the street. Those ar'gant donkeys of Senators are gettin' some sorta comeuppance. Seems they took a club to a 'ornet's nest. Folk are fed up with the 'oli-com and the one's giv'n 'em orda's. Ya, I think the 'oli- whateva you call'em are aparta it." The traveler told Un'tra as he stared intently through the pain surrounding his eyes.

"Please speak more, my friends are Holi-inte." Un'tra begged.

"You sure you ok? What's on ya face? Those purple marks are givin' me the chills." The traveler was now tightening her grip on the reins.

"Please! I fear my Path has turned to a River and now I must fight against the current. Any bit of information helps." Un'tra continued to beg. He didn't know what else he could do.

"You talk 'bout rivers an awful much. My brotha warn'd me of strangas on the road. Please find it in your 'eart to let me pass in peace an' I shall do the same. I'm just tryna get my brotha outta 'aimore." the traveler said with a new panic in her words.

"Please, if you are heading to Haimore may I ride with you? I do not have any possessions with me or I would gladly give them to you." Un'tra almost fell to his knees with desperation.

"Well, I can see that you 'ave no weapons. I 'ave been mighty lonely on my journey so far. 'op in the bac', but be warn'd, my brotha knows I'm comin' and he'll bring fury on any person who 'arms his sweet sista."

"I promise ma'am that I have taken many vows to never harm innocent souls!" Un'tra exclaimed with joy at the fateful ride. "I shall personally make sure you return to your brother unharmed."

The two traveled in the direction of Haimore. Un'tra figured that by carriage the return journey should take about two days. No matter Un'tra's pleas, the woman traveler would not increase the speed. She claimed that she couldn't rush the 'ole neigh' or he might keel over. The two talked for much of the journey and their conversations began as many usually do.

"Name's Bekel, you?"

Un'tra looked at Bekel with an inquisitive look. "My name is Ro. What did you say your name was?" Un'tra trivially gave his name. Getting to the question was his true intent.

"Bekel, you know rabbit in the ol' tongue. I know it's silly, but my ma swore a rabbit talk'd to her when I was insid'r." Bekel said sheepishly. Un'tra pondered on this for a moment and chuckled to himself.

"Now c'mon mista, It's not so kind to laugh at a person's name. 'specially a someone given' a ride t'ward danga."

"Bekel is a wonderful name. I mean no disrespect. My Path has been arduous and full of peril. To be in the company of a rabbit gives me comfort."

"Well, don't go gettin' strange on me. I ain't no rabbit. It's just my name. I sure 'ope you know whatcha doin' goin' back to a city of anga." Bekel was now trying to get the conversation away from the name she never enjoyed owning.

On their trip, many discussions were had about the current state of Haimore. Un'tra learned that the abhorrent use of violence imposed upon the Holi-inte sparked protests and riots throughout the city-state. There was no disguising this power grab by the Senate and the multitudes of overlooked citizens took the chance of upheaval and change. The Holi-com had focused its forces on the Holi-inte and the city quickly became overrun with rioting citizens.

Un'tra also learned that Bekel had been away from her family's property when the rioting started. She was doing a trade run to Docmore. She had a fruitful trip and was extremely happy to return to her family. Bekel had a huge smile on her face for the money she made would provide her jovial family with plenty of drink. On route back home she received a message from the family's crow. The crow was sent to Docmore but spotted Bekel on the road. The news of the riots stressed her dearly and she turned around to head to Docmore to gather supplies for her family. This fortunate delay was the reason that she had come upon Un'tra leaving the sewer when she did.

Un'tra was attentive and compassionate in hearing Bekel's story. From his training, he could listen to Bekel and think deeply to himself about events to come. He had no clue of the final damage to the Holi-inte, or if he was riding to his death. Un'tra listened to the wonderful stories Bekel happily told. Inside him, however. he could feel the River running. He feigned laughter at the end of a funny story, but inside of him there was no laughter. Un'tra was heading to a critical moment in his Path.

The river was raging, but the 'ol' neigh' trudged along.