The Blinding

Chapter 50 - Tissa

Emerging from my brief moment of seclusion, I immediately noticed Hani locked in intense combat with a Council member. Not far from them, Elmi and Idil sparred in earnest. The spectacle was intriguing; watching them parry and thrust, a subtle dance of offense and defense. What captivated me most was the sly grin that curled on Idil's lips as she effortlessly dodged Elmi's advances. Elmi, seemingly enjoying the challenge, displayed an infectious grin, bouncing energetically from one stance to the next.
"Mark my words, you won't have the upper hand for long!" he teased with a playful laugh.
Yet, Idil's response was swift. With an agility that belied her age, she deftly pinned Elmi to the ground, the cold steel of her Bilbao dangerously close to his throat. Her chuckle was soft but triumphant.
"Perhaps you need a bit more speed," she teased, retracting her weapon and offering him a hand up. Elmi's stunned expression was fleeting, replaced soon after by hearty laughter as they prepared for another round.
While engrossed in their duel, the sight of Hibo and Aweys, flanked by Samkaab, caught my attention. Their demeanor hinted at an underlying urgency. Before I could query the reason, Samkaab, with a gentle but firm grip, pulled me aside. His gaze was inscrutable, and his voice carried a hint of unease.
"I assume your training has been fruitful?"
"Considering the circumstances, I believe so," I replied cautiously.
He cleared his throat, searching for the right words, "While your progress is commendable, I must impress upon you the necessity to abstain from the impending battle unless absolutely cornered."
His words bristled. "You would forbid me?"
His response was maddeningly composed, "Indeed."
Indignant fury surged within me, "I won't sit idly by while you and the Council risk everything!"
He responded with an infuriating calm, "Your presence on the battlefield would be tantamount to presenting you to our adversaries on a silver tray. Should you fall, our cause is lost."
"But haven't I already proven my worth against the Shifters? If the prophecies hold truth, am I not our best chance against the Palace?"
He sighed deeply, "Your powers, while significant, remain unpredictable. To pit you against a seasoned army would be premature. You know the might of the Palace's warriors firsthand."
His logic, as vexing as it was, rang true. Memories of Loyaan and the warrior tribe's relentless training sessions flashed before me. Overcoming them would indeed be a Herculean task. Could Loyaan possibly stand beside us tomorrow? I quashed the thought quickly. Nodding slowly, I acquiesced to Samkaab's plea, noticing the visible relief that washed over him.

As Samakaab's voice resonated with stern caution, he said, "You must keep your distance from the others during the confrontation. Aweys has already set up a sequestered tent for you, a safe distance away. If, by some unfortunate circumstance, you are discovered, I want you to wield your Bilbao with every ounce of determination. We, on our part, will do our utmost to intervene and protect you. But if we are overcome, Tissa, your priority is to escape. Seek safety wherever you can, and don't waste a single moment. Disappear swiftly into the shadows. If anyone among us remains standing, we will put every effort into finding you. But you mustn't linger in misplaced hope."
He concluded his words, pausing for a heartbeat, and his eyes searched mine for understanding. I nodded slowly, absorbing his directives.
"You will stay in this sheltered tent until the tumult outside suggests the conflict has ended. Aweys will stay within earshot. But remember, if anything should draw him away or if the sounds outside grow too alarming, it's your cue to leave. Our time has come to part ways, at least for now, Tissa. It's my sincerest wish that fate allows our paths to intersect again. But if they don't, always trust your instincts, be brave."
"I will," I whispered, more to myself than him.
"May the winds favor you."
As he turned, making his departure, an overwhelming urge made me reach out and gently grab his shoulder, compelling him to face me once more. My hand found its way to his sun-warmed cheek, as I murmured, "Guard yourself well, my friend." He seemed to struggle for words, but with a poignant nod, he merged with the night.
Aweys approached then, breaking my introspection. He led me to the designated tent, a sanctuary meant for protection, not confinement. The tent was modest, with a single bed, yet it felt like a fortress. I took my place inside, acutely aware of Aweys' gaze, a silent promise of protection, reminiscent of the protective cloaks I wore.
"I'll rejoin you at dawn's first light. Rest and gather strength," he suggested with a hint of warmth in his usually stoic demeanor.
Left alone with my thoughts, the gravity of the situation settled heavily on my chest. It dawned on me that I hadn't had the chance to say my farewells to Hani, Idil, Elmi, and even Hibo. Each had, in a short span, left an indelible mark on my journey. Silently, I sent up prayers for their safety, for all those braving the morrow. And a part of me, that ever-hopeful part, wished that Loyaan would find his moral compass and make the right choice.