The Colonial Heart ✓ (Editing)

Chapter 30

                                A M A

"No thank you."I declined the little girls offer for mangos. My appetite remained elusive. With a gentle clearing of my throat, I commanded the attention of our weary group. "We must form groups," I declared, my voice firm yet measured.

"The first contingent will serve as messengers, warning neighboring villages of the British threat and soliciting aid. The second, a phalanx of formidable warriors, will safeguard their passage. I shall personally select those I deem worthy of this noble task."

"The third group will embody cunning and stealth, infiltrating the enemy's ranks by feigning surrender and begging for servitude. Fear not, for I possess a strategy, which I shall impart to my chosen few. Inquiries?" I asked, but only silence replied.

"Excellent. Form a single file, and our young ones, please assemble beneath that tree," I directed, my gesture graceful.

As they complied, a sense of pride swelled within me. The first individual in line was a towering figure, his countenance stern and eyes impassive. "You shall join the vanguard of our assassins," I decreed, my finger extended toward the jakaranda tree.

He departed with purpose, and I turned my attention to the next person. Though slight and timid, I sensed an unassuming strength within him, at first glance a person would deem him useless but I had faith in him.

"You shall scout ahead, seeking out sympathetic villages. Proceed to the mango tree," I instructed, my tone gentle. He smiled, seemingly heartened, grateful that I gave him a chance to do something purposeful with his life, and took his leave.

Then, Yaa appeared before me, and my voice faltered, ever so slightly. "You survived," I said, my words barely above a whisper.

"Indeed, I am astonished you didn't even bother to search for me," Yaa retorted, her voice glacial and devoid of the warmth I had once known. I anticipated her ire, given the circumstances.

"Considering your condition, you're unsuitable for messenger or warrior duties,x I explained, maintaining a steady gaze. Yaa's tone rose, laced with sarcasm, "So, you suggest I assume the role of nanny for the children?"

"Yes."

"I want to come with you-"

"You cannot and I do not wish to go on with this conversation so please abide."
Her eyes flashed, but exhaustion seemed to quell her anger, and she stormed off to join the children.

"Pregnant women, please step aside and join the children." A few women complied, and I couldn't help but think of the immense challenges they faced, carrying life amidst such turmoil.

My attention turned to the woman before me. Her eyes, though sorrowful, burned with a fierce determination, likely fueled by a desire to avenge her fallen loved ones.

"You shall join me as a spy," I said, and a hint of a smile crossed her lips. "I had hoped you would choose me," she replied, her tone tinged with a quiet triumph. I directed her to the designated tree, and she walked away with purpose.

With a sense of satisfaction, I smiled, having completed the task of assigning roles. I turned to face my three groups, each with a critical mission. "Messengers and warriors, you depart today at noon," I announced. "The children and pregnant women will accompany you, but protect them with your lives and souls." I emphasized. "You will head west, seeking the Ewe people. Warn them of the British threat and seek their aid."

"Gather as many tribes as possible and, when your army is ready, send a messenger a day before your attack to alert us of your approach so that we may be prepared and not taken by surprise." I instructed.