Shackled

Stepping Down

Days after releasing her father to the heavens, Tikal has fully taken on the role as Chieftess of the Sabali. The people have been respectful. Akef hasn't had any issues keeping the tribe tolerant of their new leader. That is until the third day.

The thirty workers of the tribe of about 120 people pack equipment and supplies. Their stay at this site has come to an end. It is now time to move. The business here has been settled but it is not meant for them to settle with it. Tikal assists with the packing, despite Akef's advice. Rashad works happily beside her, his smile showing pure emotion. Akef watches them work from the lead carriage. It's a well decorated cart with a blue cover that shields its passengers.

Akef has packed Tikal's things for her. It's the only way things would be placed in an organized fashion. He's now seated at the front of the carriage relaxing before they take off. His regal blue and white robes drape from the cart, blowing in the wind.

His careful watch is disturbed by Kophi, a council member. "We're making great progress, eh?" Kophi says.

Akef nods without making eye contact. "Our people will move again after a long pause. Osirus fought that sickness for some time." My followers are nomadic. They make camp from time to time but are to never stay in the same place for long. Complacency is a fungus to the heart and soul. It devours all creativity and progression.

Kophi agrees with him, saying, "It's his strength that impressed us in the first place. Sorry to say I can't say the same for the child."

Akef slowly looks down to the council member. "Your opportunity to challenge her position has passed, Kophi. If you have any issues, it's too late."

"I don't want her title... I want out," he says. Akef frowns at him for a moment before looking away. "I'm not the only one. Seth and Abasi feel similarly."

"Then I relieve you of you responsibilities. We won't miss you," Akef says.

"Sounds like you are upset."

"Not at all. You have read me wrong. I'm glad you are approaching me as you are instead of making a scene like Ditet. I just pray Bazra doesn't respond negatively to your decision." Akef extends his hand to Kophi. The folding council member reaches out to shake his hand but Akef retreats it. "Your necklace, fool." This pleases me. His glare towards this quitter is intimidating. "Go gather the others' necklaces as well." He takes Kophi's necklace and returns to watching Tikal work.

"Don't you want to hear me out?"

"You've said enough... move." Kophi gives the stern leader a disgruntled stare but departs as instructed. "The troubles begin, my friend," he says while looking to the sky. Once he looks back down, Tikal is walking in his direction. She wipes her brow and steps up to their cart.

Tikal exhales and flops onto the edge of the royal carriage. She's barely tall enough to reach over the lowest rim. "We're done! Time to roll out." She folds her arms and lays her head in them.

Akef shakes his head slowly. "Not yet, Chieftess..." She looks at him confused. To her, she's done all that she needs to in this barren area. She's buried her father, became a leader, and even helped pack supplies with the workers. To him, she has one lesson left to learn. She turns her head towards the footsteps in the sand behind her. Tikal watches one of the people she expected to be a part of her support system reach two necklaces to Akef.

"Why are you collecting the council's necklaces, Akef?" she asks. Kophi avoids eye contact with the child. He attempts to leave. "Kophi!" He freezes but doesn't turn back to her. "Who else..."

"Forgive me, I have business to attend to," he says.

Tikal pushes off the cart aggressively. "Tikal!" Akef yells. She fumes for a moment but let's Kophi leave. "Three members of the council have abandoned their posts."

"Why?" Sand splashes as she swiftly spins around to face her vizier. "So, I'm left with three members?"

Akef nods. "You are, but this is actually more of a blessing than you may consider. It is far better that people who are displeased with your leadership remove themselves from the decision making of the tribe. Had they stayed, you would have three definite votes against you."

"What if I stepped down and let you lead instead?" she asks. "I feel like my appointment is tearing our people apart. I have received some congratulations but I have also received some awful looks." Tikal's hands shake either from rising anger or the pain of her people's lack of faith in her.

Akef pats the seat next to him as he sits upright. "Let's calm down and consider our options." He watches her as the emotions dancing in her head win the fight for her stability. She drops to her hands and knees instead of joining him on the carriage. He quickly hops down and covers her with the sleeves of his flowing robes. "Tikal, look at me." She looks up with tears flowing down her cheeks. "Your father did not ask me to lead. He made me promise to help you push through this journey. I am here for you. Those who choose not to follow will leave but it is not up to us to judge them."

"But my father worked so hard to gather and maintain this following."

"You are not your father, child. Do not try to be. You need to look for quality instead of quantity." He wipes her face clean, kisses her forehead, and lifts her to her feet. "Bazra is on your side. She is all you need." Wise words from a wise man. The girl is in good hands. "Don't let others make you question the power of your femininity or the knowledge you hold due to your age." They climb back onto the royal carriage. He reclaims his place and Tikal climbs past him, deeper into the covered part of the cart.

"Thank you, Akef," she says softly. "I will be strong. I promise."

Rashad slams into the rear of the cart. "Boo!" he says playfully. The worker looks into his leader's red and puffy eyes. "You okay?" he asks. He gently grabs her hand and rubs its top with his thumb. Tikal nods with a smile. "What happened?"

"Come up front, Rashad," Akef commands front the front of the cart.

He disappears for a moment as he walks around the cover. "Sir?"

"Have a seat." The worker climbs up and looks back at his friend with a wink. Akef plucks him on the head. "Focus, boy... I have an offer for you."

Rashad rubs his head while giving Akef his full attention. "Sorry, sir."

"There are openings in the tribe's council due to some recent defects. I will be speaking with the remaining members about filling the positions. I want to know if you would be interested in holding one of those positions." Tikal looks at him as he stares at Rashad awaiting his response. His facial expression tells her that he is serious about the offer. Rashad's eyes widen and brows rise. He also looks back to her again. "Answer me, boy..."

"Most definitely, sir!" he says. Tikal smiles at his excitement. "My parents are going to flip when they hear this!"

Akef smiles as well. "Thank you. Go fetch the beasts to pull the carriage. We will talk this over with your parents and the council next time we set up camp."

"Can I steer?" he asks longingly. Akef nods and without another word, Rashad flips out of the seat. He dashes away to do as he's told.

"He'll be one that has your best interests in mind," Akef says to Tikal. He turns to look at her. "We'll find more with time..."