Chapter 94: Chapter 86 – Planning a war part 1

The long tail of Nolkonoe wrapped around Charlie’s waist. Putting her head back against him, she giggled as she stared into his nervous eyes. Awkwardly, he turned away, pulling his jacket tighter around himself.  This only did worse to hide his book as it now pressed against the jacket, emphasising its distinct square shape.

 

Prodding the book, she moved closer and grinned.

 

“What is it?” She said, a large, cheeky grin spreading over her lips.

 

“Just a book,” Charlie snapped back. With such a swift and slightly hostile response, Nolkonoe only cuddled closer against him.

 

“Come onnnnnn,” she said, burying her face against him. Even though she was being so adorable, Charlie could tell it was only to distract from the wound on her arm. Staring down at the stump of a bandage which was once where her hand was, he shuddered.

 

“Nolkonoe,” he said, his tone shifting, causing her to sit up and stare at him.

 

“What is it?” She said softly, making sure the others couldn’t hear them as she raised her tail and used it to make a quick barrier around their heads.

 

“I…How…. How do you stay so happy, even though things are so dire,” Charlie muttered, while Nolkonoe used her remaining hand to pull him closer.

 

 For a moment, her eyes started down, before wandering around this little box of fur she had made with her tail. Smirking, she raised her good hand, well her only hand, and used her index finger to gesture him closer. Shuffling closer, he stared into her eyes. Eagerly waiting for a response. Throwing back her hair, she moved even closer. Placing her lips against his ear, she began to whisper.

 

“When we arrive back, I need to rest, but I can have Phukomeia show you a few of my secrets,” Nolkonoe said, jumping back with a sly smile on her face. Her smile didn’t make Charlie feel any better, but yet it relaxed him for the time being.

 

“OK,” he muttered, still keeping his jacket tightly held around him as the Desert Claimer rode through the sand.

 

A hand grabbed his neck, pulling him from the fur of Nolkonoe. Staring up at his attacker, Charlie saw the Chiefess glaring down at him. Still trying to keep a noble posture, she pulled him against her chest. Wrapping her legs around his body, she made sure he was tightly secured against her. At first glance, it looked as if she was just being possessive.

 

But looking closer, it was clear how her ears at the top of her head were in constant movement. Like radar dishes, they turned, trying to sense even the slightest noise. Even though she places kisses on his head as she cuddled him, her eyes crept over the area. Not even the slightest emotion was shown on her face as her gaze crept around the desert, hunting for even the slightest sign of life.

 

As they moved through the sand on the back of the beast, several warriors and huntresses began to mimic the movements of the Chiefess. Scanning over their surroundings, they glared at even the smallest animal that moved. Noticing this, Charlie smiled and relaxed back against the Chiefess. To know she was so protective, was both worrying and incredibly calming to the boy.

For hours they travelled until they again reached the canyon that lead them back to the village. Following through the sand, they soon arrived at the village. Glancing at the dead bodies, bound to the Desert Claimer, Charlie felt chills roll down his spine. As they arrived, cheers shook the air and greeted them, but as they saw the solemn looks, they began to quiet.

 

By the time they noticed the missing tribeswomen, and saw the large cloth bags, they came to realise the situation. A dreadful silence hung over the tribe as the Desert Claimer moved towards the centre of the village. Head down, Charlie kept his eyes fixed on the tail of the Chiefess. A voice came from the crowd. He did not dare to turn. Screams a hysteric crying began to burst from the sidelines.

 

Only as the Chiefess sat up and turned, did he also turn his attention to the sobbing woman. She screamed something towards the Chiefess. Grabbing her leg, she began to hit the leg of the Chiefess. Raising a hand, she ordered the Desert Claimer to stop. Staring at the woman, she said nothing. Silently, she placed a hand on her head.

 

“I’m sorry,” Charlie said, staring down into the overflowing eyes of the grieving woman. Either she simply ignored him, or her grief was overwhelming her sense, but she did now respond to him.

 

“Take me to the temple,” Charlie said, and Nolkonoe translated to the Chiefess. They frowned for a moment before their frowns moulded into fear. Staring into his eyes, Nolkonoe saw again the emerald field. Brushing her tail across his face, she hoped to make it so that no one else saw those dreaded eyes and the sense of pain.

 

A few vultures began to walk down the side of the Desert Claimer. Reaching them, Nolkonoe saw Phukomeia. Leaning down, she gestured for her to come closer.

 

“Take him to the temple. Console him if it is needed, but I shall take the Chiefess and others back to our homes. But there is much to be done,” she said, glancing back to the dead bodies and the pleading and begging mothers and sisters coming from the crowd.

 

Leaning past Charlie and to the Chiefess, Nolkonoe whispered to her. Nodding, the Chiefess could see the dread in the eyes of the boy. Taking his hand, Nolkonoe dragged from down from the Desert Claimer and escorted him through the tribe. The women either stared or simply ignored him as they either focused their frustration on him or looked to see which bag contaminated which dead friend or family member.

 

Escorting him through the village, there wasn’t a soul to be seen. But despite not seeing them, he knew they were all around the village centre. Placing a hand into his jacket, he gripped his book. Phukomeia wanted to speak to him, yet an aura emanated from him that forbid her from doing so. It was like he was within his world as he walked.

 

Silently, they walked until they began to reach the temple steps. Here, Phukomeia spoke for the first time to him in the time they had been back.

 

“What happened out there?” Stopping, for the first time since he had arrived back, he made eye contact with Phukomeia.

 

“I allowed my ego to get the best of me. I made a grave mistake that I do not wish to make again. On that note, do you have a pocket watch?” Charlie asked. For a second Phukomeia looked confused, before using her index finger to draw a circle in the air.

 

“Like this and with the numbers and metal marts?” Phukomeia asked and Charlie nodded, “I don’t have one on me, but I am sure I can find one. Why do want it?” Taking in a deep breath, Charlie began to speak.

 

“I am going to do what I do best. Research and dig through documents. Can I access the room where all the documents and maps are held? Also, when you get the watch, come and get me in three hours. Maybe four. I am sure Nolkonoe will show you how it works,” Charlie blurted out in a flurry of words. Simply nodding, Phukomeia gestured for him to follow him.

 

The second they reached the storage room where the documents were held, and Phukomeia allowed him inside, he dashed to a wooden desk.

 

“Once I am finished, I would like to request a meeting with the clan leaders,” Charlie said, immediately moving to start ploughing through the well-organised files (thanks to the vultures and them organising some of the files with Nolkonoe).

 

Narrowing her eyes, Phukomeia decided to simply nod and go along with whatever plan he had brewing. As the door closed, Charlie dropped all the books and began to take the book from his jacket. Placing it onto the table, he kept an arm over the cover while staring at the door. Quickly opening the first page, he again snapped his gaze back to the door.

 

Standing, he kept his eyes locked on the door. Was he just overthinking it? Ah, it was probably just him overthinking it. The natives did sacrifice people, meaning they for certain had strong religious beliefs, but it didn’t necessarily mean they were so opposed to opposite cultures. Sitting back down, Charlie began to flick through the pages of the book.

 

A while later…

 

“How long has he been in there?” Ourupadia said, glaring down at Phukomeia as she stood in front of the door that led into the storage room.

 

“Give him five more minutes,” Phukomeia said, seeing the minute hand on the clock had already ticked past the four-hour mark.

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“I want to see him,” Ourupadia said, glaring at Phukomeia.

 

“I understand, but I have run this past the Chiefess, and she says it is best to leave him,”

 

“Why? What if he needs help?” Ourupadia said, moving slightly forward, just for Phukomeia to sidestep her and block her.

 

“Well, how well can you read imperial manuscripts?” Ourupadia was only silence in response.

 

“I know you are trying to compete with her for him. But take it one step at a time. First, work on your strength, then on your mind, on him,” Narrowing her eyes, Ourupadia placed her hands on her hips.

 

“Why give me such advice?”

 

“I am a vulture. I do nothing without gaining something from it. And if you win over Charlie, allow me to have a little fun with him. I mean the Chiefess lets us, but I can feel her glaring at me every time I touch him,” Phukomeia said with a bright grin.

 

“Typical Vulture,” Ourupadia said, just as Phukomeia turned and opened the door. In doing so, she startled the deeply concentrated Charlie. Closing his book, but not before closing the front cover, and covering it with a cloth, he turned and looked at them.

 

“Shit is the three hours up already?” he asked.

“Four actually,” Leaping up, Charlie began to scramble together books and files. Gliding past Phukomeia, Ourupadia began to help Charlie pick up the papers. Together, they moved the clumps of items into the hallway. From here, the three moved through the temple until they reached the top of the steps.

 

“We will move from here to a meeting hut. The Chiefess, her wives, as well as the clan leaders and their new heirs are there now,” Phukomeia said, glancing back to see Ourupadia was still dedicated to following Charlie.

 

For a while, they moved down the steps. Through the village, they saw most were now returning to their usual lives as the supplies from the Desert Claimer were being decided among the tribe. Still, though, Charlie kept his eyes down as he constantly kept checking to make sure he had the right documents. He also kept glancing back to make sure that Ourupadia also had all the right documents as well.

 

Soon, they reached a large hut. A chimney came from the top, this surprised Charlie as this was the first of this kind he had seen. But still, he carried on inside of the hut. Unlike other homes of the natives, this place was very well lit. Flaming torches adorned the walls. Closest to the door, the lead forger sat. Ases turned over her shoulder and looked at Charlie. Her eyes narrowed upon seeing him.

 

“Idiot,” she muttered, before turning back to the others.

 

Charlie moved to retort, but seeing the glares from all clan leaders, besides Nolkonoe, he decided to stay quiet. Walking past them, his footsteps were emphasised by the slight echo of the wooden floor, and the silence of the room. Charlie began to place down his papers in the centre of the room. Kneeling, he began to organise the papers.

 

Once it was done, he saw Ourupadia making a quick dash for the door as the Chiefess continued to stare at her. Finally, as she was gone, Charlie began to speak.

 

“Alright, the first order of business,” Charlie began.

 

“You almost died, yet you sit here with such confidence?” Ases interrupted. Sighing, Charlie turned and looked at her.

 

“Do you know how many people almost died? And yet you still think you can take responsibility? How about you do what you do best and allow us to do the fieldwork, while you do whatever it is you do with the documents that you imperials seem to care oh so much about,” Ases continued, her eyes staring at him. A look of disappointment on her face.

 

“My warriors died due to his mistake. But he couldn’t have predicted that. He has done so much, he just needs more guidance,” Cluupyte said, her arms crossed as she turned her gaze onto Ases.

 

“Exactly! He needs guidance. Let us stop this, make him stronger, and then we can allow him to tell us whatever plans he has,” Ases argued. Taking in a deep breath, Cluupyte’s tail curled as her hands gripped her opposite arms tightly.

 

“How about you two quiet yourselves and listen to what the boy has to say first,” Pycleia said, seeing Cluupyte was struggling to hold off her anger.

 

“I am the one who lost the most of my clan, and if I am calm, then I am sure you two can,” at her words, the two women stopped. This was no time for fighting.

 

“Thank you,” Charlie said, before beginning to speak.

 

“I have done some research. First, I want to show our problem. The Region Lord is getting about five hundred soldiers a day, right?” Charlie turned to look at the lead huntress. Nodding, she confirmed this.

 

“Well, there is a method that makes all the mercenary groups so powerful. They buy villages,”

 

“Buy villages? Like the people, or just the land like what happened to us?” Nolkonoe added.

 

“Just the people.  Well, kind of. Towns in this realm are incredibly poor. I got this from a document sent by the empire, as well as what I have overheard from other merchants when I was first coming here. The only reason your people have not been invaded is because of your battle tactics and use of the desert. But the only reason your people haven’t been destroyed by Mr Green Water was that the merchant union kept trading with you. And that was because of your salt, and native artefacts,” Charlie began to roll out a large map.

 

“Unlike you, these other towns get little to no trade. Since their economy is far more controlled by money, compared to yours, so since they are such a poor area, many would be more than willing to make money no matter what. So, these mercenary companies come and fund these towns. Shops, schools, places of work, you name it, and these companies fund it. All they want in exchange is the lives of their men to be used as cannon fodder,” For a moment there was silence, as a mixture of anger, and indifference filled the room.

 

Ases frowned, while Cluupyte and Pycleia’s faces didn’t change. Nolkonoe stared on in pity, as she was the only one that realised how many lives were to be wasted in the coming war.

 

“So, they use the population as soldiers…” Nolkonoe said, “How many are there?” Charlie turned and locked eyes with her. Sorrow emanated from him as he spoke.

 

“The average village has eight thousand people. Half of them are men. But considering how many of them have been coming, I predict at least double that,” The room sank, as the realisation came over them. That four thousand men had turned to eight thousand soldiers against their seven hundred.

 

 

“I…it will be a massacre to fight in an open battle. So, I have a plan. We will do the same tactics that have kept your people out of the grips of the empire. We will attack their supply lines. But, since there are so many of them, and I think they have a communication crystal, I have a plan,” Charlie said, his eyes falling onto a map and notes from the military book.

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