Polar Opposites

7 - Ambush

tw for some blood, battle scenes, and injuries

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Zokkik let out a heavy sigh as he watched Elora fitfully sleep in her cot. He had turned to the herbs that made her so drowsy to finally get her to rest. Although she hadn't cried or screamed or outwardly panicked, it was obvious that Elora had been shaken by the encounter with Norlem.

Zokkik knew that Elora was wary around the men – and he could understand why considering her potential occupation. He was sure Norlem's aggressive behavior was terrifying and sent her into the anxious state. With Elora's permission, he decided that sleep could be the best thing for her, so he quickly whipped up a sleepy-inducing tea and offered it to Elora. Soon after ingesting the tea, she had thankfully fallen asleep.

Since his patient was now cared for, Zokkik's mind could think about other things. However, the only thing he could think of was anger towards Norlem. He could not believe that the man had acted so. Yes, he could see how the conversation between Elora and the boy could seem like a spy trying to gather information, but he could not excuse Norlem's behavior.

So, after a couple of hours of trying, and failing, to calm down and gather his thoughts, for he always wanted a well-thought-out argument, Zokkik left the healer's room and headed straight for Hakoda's office. He felt his blood pressure rise on his trek as he thought of all the things he was going to say to the chief. He was ready to complain for as long as he needed to for him to get his way. And he wasn't wanting much – just for Norlem to apologize to Elora.

When he reached the chief's office, he landed three strong knocks on the wooden door before swiftly entering when Hakoda allowed him entry. If he had not been so angry, Zokkik would have instantly noticed the troubled look on Hakoda's face. However, he was angry, and all he could think of justice. "Norlem needs to apologize to Elora. He overstepped boundaries and-"

"He did not overstep boundaries, Zokkik. He is concerned with the crew's safety, and he believed that she was threatening it."

"Well, she wasn't. We both know that?"

"Do we both know that, Zokkik? I am not sure if she is safe or not. It is suspicious that she chose to question our two youngest members about our motives."

"She was just being curious – and is probably concerned about her own safety. Plus, she probably only chose them because they are around the same age and don't look at her with pure hatred."

"That's the problem, Zokkik. She is so contradicting and confusing. Unfortunately, we can afford being confused."

Zokkik noticed the tone of Hakoda's voice. It was the tone he used when he was giving bad news. It was tender and comforting and his eyes would get soft. Zokkik grit his teeth, "You wouldn't, Hakoda."

"I don't have a choice, Zokkik."

An unfamiliar emotion bled into his voice, "But you do, Hakoda. I know the others are pressuring you, but you are the chief." Hakoda kept his bleak voice, "Your right. I am the chief." Zokkik inwardly sighed. See, he could talk his way through these things. His relief was cut short.

"I am the chief, so I must protect my crew. My people." He cleared emotion out of his throat, "I just got news that one of ships is missing. We both know what that means. I can't let us be next." Why couldn't everyone see what Zokkik did? Elora was no threat and Zokkik said as much, "She's an innocent, young girl, Hakoda. I wholeheartedly believe it."

Hakoda studied the man, debating if he should let his true feelings known. "She has truly bewitched you, Zokkik. That is no easy feat. Is it because she a sweet girl like you say? Or is it because she's a highly trained spy whose job it is to manipulate and find weaknesses. Again, she's so polarizing."