After the healers in Polis treated my injuries I slept comfortably in a bed for an entire day. When I awoke I still felt sore and bewildered by my situation. How did I find myself sleeping in Polis Tower under protection of The Commander? My brother would never believe me. One of your sentries called at my door, ready to escort me to speak informally with you.
We rode on horseback to the outskirts of the Capital, to a wooded area where I watched you sparring with some of your warriors. You clashed with your opponents with such power and grace, but with a deadly skill. You were every bit the warrior I had heard about.
Titus stood analysing the fight as one by one you knocked each of your opponents to the ground, " Your left side is still vulnerable, Heda!" You frowned, " My left side is stronger than ever, Titus!"
Titus was a man who had trained many Commanders, he always spoke the truth, "Maybe, but its still vulnerable". You nodded at him grateful and respectful of his teachings.
The sentry called out, drawing your attention to our arrival. You dismissed your warriors and also to his surprise, Titus. He reluctantly left, leaving only the two of us, "That eye looks better. And the shoulder?"
I was surprised by your concern. "A little sore, but the rest helped." I watched as you gathered your weapons, not knowing what to say. Eventually you broke the silence, "I have a dilemma of what to do with you, Plains Girl. Titus doesn't trust you, Anya and Indra think you're a bad omen and Gustus thinks you may be an Azgeda spy."
I'd had enough of people doubting me, enough of my honour being questioned, enough of Heda not knowing my name, "Costia!" I replied.
You looked confused by my answer, I repeated it, "My name is Costia and I'm no spy!"
You looked at me so intensely, somewhat taken aback by my name,
"Your name is Costia?" Not a name I'd associate with a Plains Rider." You still spoke with a hint of suspicion in your tone.
"I was born in Trikru territory, in Anacostia. My family honoured the Cheif there by naming me after his village. So you see I'm no Azgeda spy, a bad omen maybe, but I have no control over that. Send riders, do whatever you need to do, but I think we both know I'm not a liar."
I felt my temper rising, it constantly controlled me. You walked over to me and simply grinned at my fiery nature, "I never said you were lying. Titus and my Generals have their own opinions, they dont always reflect mine. I've known about the treachery of Azgeda for sometime, ever since I won my conclave." Your smile subsided as I watched you cast your mind back to that moment. You seemed tormented by it.
"So tell me why? Why does Nia move against you?" I asked. Your answer was simple, "Politics! She wants an Ice Nation Commander. She wants control of Polis. I'm working towards something, a coalition of The Twelve Clans, unity. We've lost our way, lost the heart of Becca Pramheda. I intend to change that. Nia wants war not peace."
You spoke with such conviction, I listened to your words, they filled me with hope for a better future. "The Ice Queen has a personal vendetta against you?" I queried with some apprehension, careful not to over step my place.
"I took away her oppotunity for an Ice Nation Commander. The final battle of my conclave was against her Nephew. I won, she took it personally. I hear she searches all of Azgeda for a Nightblood child, this move towards war makes me think she has found one. There can be no new conclave until my death, Nia knows this. Nothing good will come from having a Commander controlled by The Queen of Azgeda. If war is what will stop this, then reluctantly war is what must happen. Peace will have to wait. Jus drien, jus daun!"
I understood your dilemma, there must always be sacrifice for the greater good. I didnt envy your responsibility, but I had the utmost respect for you as our Commander.
