As we march through the verdant lands of Aimue, the shift from the chilly highlands of Qantua to this milder climate brings a subtle change in the air around us, instilling hope within me that this is a sign of the positive events to come. Having never traveled this far north before—my battles during the war were primarily in the jungles of the continent—I'm not certain what I expected, truth be told, but I didn't envision a sight such as this. The land here is a panorama of fertility, with small villages nestled amidst sprawling fields reaping bountiful harvests. Those of us unfamiliar with the Aimue territory anticipated approaching a distinguishably visible villages, but only a few roofs peek above the fields of golden grasses that stretch out among the vast plains. Upon asking those within the squadron who are aware of the Aimue lands if we somehow bypassed any civilization, or headed in the wrong direction, they respond with a hearty chuckle and inform us that the homes are built low to the ground, purposely shrouded by the tall grasses and to aid in making their houses aerodynamic so as to not get blown over by the intense winds that sweep these fields. It's a baffling concept to someone such as myself, who originates from the jungles, and I'm eager to witness these structures.
The farmers' toils have crafted the landscape in a patchwork of greens and golds, and the richness of the dark soil stretches under our feet. Our passage through these tranquil villages is marked by curious glances from the locals, their faces etched with a blend of awe and caution. The occasional brave villager will peek their heads out from their small huts to glimpse the amalgam of factions represented in our marching army, but when approached, they immediately retreat back into their homes. Supposedly, they are not the most social and engaging faction, according to the few who have interacted with the Aimue. I take it as a their nervousness from seeing an intimidatingly large group of warriors, and we continue on toward our destination.
I watch the rows of crops swaying gently in the breeze, a peaceful sight that belies the urgency of our mission. Each day, when the sun dips lower and casts a warm, amber glow over the fields, the warriors' conversations turn to hushed tones, their expressions a mix of weariness and skepticism. I sense the shift in their mood, a subtle change from the initial relief at the milder climate to a simmering frustration due to exhaustion from the long journey. Their eyes, once bright with the prospect of battle, now scan the horizon with a hint of disillusionment. Occasionally, people like Tiahesi glance over at me with subtly-cloaked disdain, but I pay them no mind. There will always be those who abhor being powerless to a woman, viewing this as some slight. Yet I have earned the respect of the majority of Qantua warriors, and I am prepared to do whatever I can to maintain that invaluable trust.
During a night's rest just beyond one of the small farming villages, Mexqutli sits by me at the campfire, holding a bowl of boiled quinoa that's topped with recently cultivated herbs found during our march and the latest hunt—some dark brown chunks of roasted rabbit.
"I do not want to raise concerns," Mexqutli says between bites, "but the warriors are discontented with this long march, only to see no action. There is word going around that the Eye in the Flame has been fabricated."
"What are you saying, exactly?" I confront him. He waves his utensil in the air as if the gesture is an attempt to settle me down. But to me, it sounds as though he buys into these rumors and is pretending to be on my side.
"Look, Inuxeq," he says, his voice as tranquil as a gently flowing stream. "We have experienced great peril, and you and I know the Eye in the Flame is out there, somewhere beyond the Tuatiu territory. Yet I'm afraid there has been no indication of their presence out this way. How do we know they are in Aimue country?"
"Because," I shout, drawing the attention of some nearby warriors who look on with curiosity, "when we drove them out of their outpost, they clearly traveled in this direction. They are regrouping in a territory where they don't need to fear retribution because of how passive the Aimue are. It's as clear as day!"
YOU ARE READING
Revolutions
FantasyAt long last, the oppressive rule of the titans has ended. We are finally free, thanks to the sacrifice of The Eleven, who unified a fractured land and used their supernatural powers to defeat the Timuaq. There are many like myself who have only kno...
