The Devil's Advocate

The Devil's Advocate (Short Story)

Elder Pinto wiped the sweat from his forehead as he shoveled the dung of his best friends. It would take him all day, but the tribe relies on these droppings for many things. With the wheel barrel full, he chucked his shovel to the side and began the long journey back to the Faba Tribe.

The first stop he made was at the warriors' training ground. He gave them enough for their families. Ahe walked up to him and slapped his shoulder in a brotherly way. 

"Elder Pinto! I'm glad to catch you today. I plan to leave for my old village next week and would love to have some extra for my journey." 

Pinto grinned, "Ahh, of course. Your love awaits you. Next week, you will have enough for your journey."

 Lucero approached as Ahe mumbled, "We can only hope." Pinto tried his best to disguise his pity and turned towards Lucero.

"How's the trainee life? I don't even understand how you're still a trainee after you won that battle nearly by yourself."

 Lucero shrugged, "Age, tribe rules. You know how Katoka is."

 Pinto chuckled, he did know how she was. Katoka spent her whole life waiting to be the tribe's leader. Now that she was, she took her job just as seriously as he took his.

With the sun starting to set he bid the warriors goodbye and continued on his route for the day. Ajulo, the tribe's blacksmith was next and Pinto made small talk. He asked him about his last travels and where he planned to go next. He even asked him how he became such a good blacksmith. 

"When I joined this tribe they told me, 'To wield a sword perfectly, you must know how to create one beautifully.'" Ajulo smiled softly to himself as he recalled a fond memory. They said their farewells and once again Pinto was on his way.

Delivering to the farmers was Pinto's second favorite part of the day. Zahra, the head farmer, was also one of the best female warriors. She always fought for what she believed in and never asked for anything in return. The two had been close friends ever since he was welcomed into the tribe.

She turned around as if she felt him enter the field. 

"Pinto! Umm, hi." Zahra hated that she was extremely awkward whenever she spoke to him. Inwardly, she cursed herself. 

"Zahra, here's this week's fecal, be sure to use it tonight." She looked at him confused. What's so special about tonight?

 Noticing her confusion he quickly explained, "The temperatures are supposed to be dropping, you need to make sure to stay warm." 

She stiffly nodded and turned to continue her work, cheeks blazing. He chuckled; he loved how awkward she was when he caught her off guard.

The healer's tent came into view and he sighed in relief. The day was almost over. Uchenna was the oldest member of the tribe and the best healer he had ever seen. In the corner of his eye, he saw something move. Apate stood with the wind blowing through her hair. She was laughing with some of the other tribe members. He shook his head to clear her from his thoughts and entered the tent.

"Elder," she bobbed her head, "how has work been today? You must be glad to be at your last stop." Her voice was rough, but soft, showing her age. 

"It was fine. Everyone seems to be doing well."

 "Everyone including Apate? You know I've never trusted that girl." Her eyes glared toward him, and for a second he forgot she was blind.

 "There's nothing wrong with Apate, she's just been dealt a hard time." Uchenna scoffed, "A hard time. You make sure not to get too close, that young lady is nothing but trouble."