Only You Can Make Me Whole Again

chapter 16

Chapter 16

Lexa's POV 

It took three days for the swelling to go down on Octavia's leg , so that she could wear Raven's leg brace. That is twice she has saved my pris's life. When we get to Polis I will have Alec make her a present. 

Clarke still has a slight headache, though she trys to hide it. She can't hide much from me, just like I can't hide much from her. Today, we are going to have the executions. My gonas have now moved camp up to just inside the treeline. Things around Arcadia are a little less tense everyday. 

Things could have gone so much worse than they did and I thank the spirits that they didn't. I look up and see Indra, and say, "Indra, go get the prisoners, one at a time. I want no less than two gonas on each man. Tie them all to a pole. We will all be there shortly."

I grab Clarke's hand. I know this can't be easy for her. Clarke always wants to protect life. She looks at me and says, "I'm ok. They chose to be on the wrong side. They chose to all participate or help the people who were part of a massacre. We can't have that. I am the one that chose the punishments and I have to be the one that participates in each one. I made the decision so it has to be me."

I so want to take this burden for her, but our people need to see us as a United front. We take our places just outside the gate, on the dias my gonas have made. We have brought a chair over for Octavia, even with the brace, she won't be able to stand the whole time. 

Everyone starts walking out of Arcadia at this time. Everyone have to bear witness to the proceedings. Marcus and Abby wanted to fight us on that but reluctantly agreed. They will definitely have a hard time with tomorrow's meeting. 

As the last of the prisoners walk out, Raven comes over and I ask her, "Is that everyone?"

Raven replies, "Yes, commander. Everyone that isn't still in medical with injuries to sever to attend."

"Is everything set up for Polis to hear?" I ask. 

"Yes, all we have to do is contact them to let them know we are ready." Raven replies as she hands me a radio.

I push the button and speak into it, "Aden, are you there?" 

"Sha, Heda. We are all here, just outside the tower, so that the people of Polis can hear as well."

"Thank you Aden, we will begin." I tell him.

I gently pull Clarke over to stand next to me. I look over the crowd, everyone has looks of acceptance on their faces, except for a few of my gonas. They look angry. I know it is time.

I call out, "People of Arcadia, Warriors of the kongeda, people of Polis, today we bring justice to the men and women who died trying to protect Arcadia. The natronas hurt us all. Whole families will be missing their loved ones."

I pause for a minute, for effect, "None of this had to happen. Fear and hate drives us no where. We cannot continue the fighting. One day we will wake up with no one left. Wanheda knows this. I know this. Most of you know this. With today's execution of the natronas from Arcadia, will bring peace to all our people. It will bring a new era for our people. An era where children can grow up in a better world. An era where constant fighting is a thing of the past. An era where there will be peace for all"

Clarke's POV 

Clarke walks over to the line of men and women who participated, and says, " I speak for everyone in the kongeda, Arcadia is no different than any other clan. We all follow the same rules. If we all lived in a world where death holds no meaning, then then life also holds no meaning as well. No one should have to live like that. When you take a life you are not just effecting one person. It effects many."