Clarke of Many People

Chapter 5

Listening to the two traders bicker over a cart was giving me a headache. I had more pressing matters than this. The two had been like this since mid yesterday, continuously coming back to argue in front of me.

"I will give one man a cart to carry their products. It will be the same size as the one you are arguing about so decide amongst yourselves who will get this cart." My guards led them out of the throne room.

"Heda. Have you decided what to do with Azgeda? The rebellion must be taken care of." Titus moved into my vision. The mention of Azgeda, as always, made my blood boil. "This is the perfect opportunity to take care of Nia. She has her ambassador challenging you more frequently when we gather."

"Azgeda has always been challenging me." I tried to say nonchalantly. Titas knew me though and raised an eyebrow. "Besides, the ambassador said it was a group of bandits. Nothing they can't take care of."

"You know they do not give the full extent of information they have. They will not admit this is a threat. The Queen is to arrogant and prideful. She will not ask for help."

"I will not have my army match over to Azgeda to start another fight." I growled out. " If an army marches over they will think we are attacking rather than giving assistance. I will not give Nia the satisfaction of starting a war. I will not give Azgeda assistance unless they ask for it."

"They will not and you know it." Though the Fleimkepa gave the appearance of calmness, I could easily see the irritation.

"There has been no major battles since the mountain. That is two years of peace. If Azgeda cannot contain the situation then they should request for help."

Titus seemed to want to counter my word but didn't. Two years have passed since the mountain and the Skaikru has thrived in the coalition. They proved their loyalty in the first year of the alliance after the mountain. The younger generation has been the most adaptable and working with my people with ease after a bit of hesitation. It was surprising since they had the most experience with us. Most which included my people killing him. The Skaikru counsel was resistant to Abby's decision to listen to Clarke, but now they are more cooperative.

During the first year, our relationship with the Skaikru was still rocky. Winter had been harsh to them due to their stubbornness. Then, Skaikru that had landed in other clan territories arrived in Trikru territory led by riders. They had the marks and brands of different clans. It was troubling since some of the riders had been from enemy clans. I received word from one of the returning Skaikru that they had been sent by Clarke. They were amazed at her abilities that helped her thrive on the ground. Clarke had taught them to hunt, defend themselves, and talk our language. She had taken taken care of them.

When Octavia had come into Ton DC with word of Clarke I had went in search of her when I had time. Though it wasn't as much time as I had wished for I looked. She couldn't have gone far. She didn't know how to fight or hunt. I thought she was defenceless. When the returning Skaikru said that they had been sent by her I could only think about how wrong I was.

Indra had come to me not long after Octavia had when she had the letter, stating that she had seen the Skai Prisa with another. Indra suspected her niron. The news hurt. Had the moment in the tent meant nothing to her? Did Clarke just used me to get her lover back? Thoughts like this plagued my mind for the past two years. Each thought worse than the previous.

I had left Clarke at the mountain for the good of my people. I had done my duty, but in the process I lost my heart. I was too worried to focus on matters right now. And to not be searching for her in a time like this hurt.

"Azgeda has renewed the bounty on Wanheda. The other clans have followed their example." TItus started to inform me of other things happening in the clans but I didn't listen. A bounty on Clarke's head. I prayed to the spirits that she would be safe.