The Human Path

Chapter 19: Upgrade

Koren sat for dinner with Enri and her family. Kaph and Torp were their usual selves, and Enri was snuggled next to her mother. However, there was gloom in Lady Zena's eyes, sorrow even.

Her husband, Tanru the village blacksmith, had been staring at his food since he sat down, not taking a single bite. Finally after what seemed like forever, Enri spoke up.

"Abba, why aren't you eating." Asked Enri, as she noticed her fathers untouched food.

"Nothing to worry about, I'm just not that hungry." Replied Tanru, his tone low-spirited.

"You have to eat Abba, tomorrow we have a lot of work." Said Torp, as he took a bite from Kaph's plate.

"Ah, that's mine, finish yours first." Yelled Kaph.

"My muscles need nourishment." Torp hollered back.

"Stop Adda!!." Shouted Enri in an overwhelming tone, her voice shut the two up immediately.

Tanru looked at his wife, and said "Now is a good time as any."

Lady Zena nodded. "Everyone quiet down and listen, me and your father have something very important to say." Said Lady Zena, as she looked at Koren and her children.

"All 4 of you will go to the new village with Sappa." Said Lady Zena, her tone sombre.

"You will be joined by all the other children in the village, don't cause trouble for Sappa."

Tanru looked at his son's and said "Torp, Kaph, I will rely on the two of you to take care of Enri. She may be a spiritualist, but she is still far too young."

Torp and Kaph, who were always kidding around, looked at their parent's serious faces. "Father, we already know we are not going to a new village location." Torp said as he put his food down.

"We know about the attack, we overheard mother talk about it with Brother Sappa. Why are we going first, I thought we would all randevu at the Oasis." Asked Kaph.

"What attack, where are you sending us Amma." Enri who was oblivious to the truth spoke up.

"Abba, I won't go, you need my help in the shop." Said torp.

"I will stay as well, you can't send me away, I'm not a child, I can make my own decisions." Said Kaph.

"Enough!!" Shouted Tanru. "You will all go with Sappa tomorrow, and that's the last of it. Now finish your dinner and then pack your belongings."

"Amma, Abba, go where, what is every one talking about. Why won't you tell me." Cried Enri.

"Enri dear, don't worry, we will join you the next day. You just have to be strong and stay with your brothers." Said Lady Zena, as she caressed Enri's hair. She looked at Koren who had remained silent this whole time.

"Koren, I know you have questions as well, don't worry, The chief will explain it all to you tomorrow before you leave. For now, I want you to promise me that you will take good care of my Enri." Muttered Lady Zena as she looked at Koren with a caring gaze.

Koren looked at Lady Zena and nodded, he knew in his heart that he would not only protect Enri, but everyone.

************

"My Prince, your palanquin has arrived." Said an attendant as she bowed in front of the 4th Prince. Rekim was seated on his decorated Golden chair inside his tent.

Uther had been mobilizing the entire battalion for movement, getting ready to block the path from the Oasis to the border.

Although, it wouldn't be a problem defeating the spiritualist from the villages, but it would be troublesome capturing all the villagers.