Iblan is the fortress of the north and is known to be the most isolated tribe in the region. Despite their chief's active involvement in peacekeeping and trade negotiations with the neighboring tribes, their massive gates have remained closed for almost three decades already; refusing almost all contact with the outside. And today is one of the rare chances that they'd let visitors in.
Rumors has it that iblan faced an epidemic that killed almost half of its population in the past, compelling the previous chief to lock the gates to prevent the disease from spreading further to the neighboring tribes. Some says Iblan wanted to maintain neutrality in the previous wars, but other rumor says the chief's wife is cursed and was turned into a beast-like creature that couldn't be seen by anyone.
"So, have you confirmed any of the rumors yet?"
I was startled by his sudden question that I almost jumped as my eyes darted to his undeniably-gorgeous face from staring at the entirety of Iblan.
Ullinen walked to my side and stood there, facing the scenery I was lost staring at moments ago; and I caught myself lost staring at him now.
"Guess you have the habit of sneaking out while everyone's busy... Like a curious little cat."
I chuckled at his remarks before dragging my eyes back to the breathtaking scenery I was watching before he came.
My brother's been caught up with another political discussion with Kayang and I'd rather see myself dead than stay in that hall for longer than a minute so I sneaked out, and the next thing I knew is that I'm up here--at the empty guard post right at the top of the massive steel gates that offers a stunning view of the entire tribe of Iblan and the western sea outside.
"Iblan's chief's has been present in almost all political meetings outside these gates. He'd participated in most peacekeeping negotiations ever since the end of the recent wars. The rumors about the reason why the gates are sealed are obviously baseless, and only fools would believe any of it." I said, answering his question. "If I were to believe any of them, it is more likely the epidemic that originated in the village of Bantaw right outside the capitol. But according to my father's sources, the said outbreak actually killed only a few tens of people from the same clan so some suspect it as a deadly hereditary condition rather than an epidemic." I added.
"For a troop commander, at least you know enough," he commented and then turned to face me. "But my lady, it is important that you do not only rely on historical texts, or intel from anyone."
"Yeah," I said, nodding in agreement. "I know."
"Then why'd you sneak out instead of participating in handling important political matters?"
My brows furrowed in confusion and it wasn't long before he added.
"The chief and I brought you here for a reason, so I hope you'd behave yourself during this visit. This is a rather important meeting, my lady. The council seeks your presence-- we need your side. You are a military leader and the princess. I guess it's time to stop playing and be the leader that you're claiming to be."
"I'm not playing--"
"We need you to help our people evacuate the east, Mira..." he cut me off as he faced me squarely. I felt my body stiffen and my face turned cold after he finished off what he was saying "...Or else they'll suffer worse than we're preparing for."
...
I hurried back to the hall where I left the Chief and my brother, with Ullinen a few steps behind. My heart is throbbing as thoughts began flooding my mind. There were a few unfamiliar faces in the hall already when I entered, and it seemed like the discussion is nowhere near its final.
"What do you mean our people needs to evacuate the east, Tilus?" I asked, demanding an immediate answer, stomping my feet as I made an aggressive halt before the massive, circular nara table. "What's going on?"
Tilus rose from his seat, slowly, and in full composure as he walked around the table to face me properly. Kayang sat still, watching the scene after Ullinen gave them a slight, respectful bow.
"If you hadn't left the hall without notice, you wouldn't have to ask, Mira."
My brother's voice is a bit firm but silent, hinting me of the anger arising from within. I could only look away to avoid his sharp gaze as I clear my throat to break the silence that comes with the unbearable feeling of embarrassment because of my actions.
"There'd be war, Mira..." Said Kayang.
My eyes shifted to the chief who had already risen from his grand seat. I am aware that confusion is already drawn all over my face so he went on and added, "The day has come for Iblan to open the gates and set our people free from a life of seclusion. And I can only do that if I could secure the borders, eliminate the threats, boost our economy, and re-establish the military power of my tribe. The monopoly in salt and rice has been a great contributor to the weak economy of the surrounding communities of the twin tribes, and it includes us--Iblan. I can no longer turn a blind eye on it. Many of our people are being prosecuted outside borders for stealing something as trivial as a piece of root crop. My people's been dying of hunger; poverty rules the poor because hunger overpowers will and reasoning."
There was a surge of fear and reluctance as images from the previous wars flashed before my eyes: The innocent lives and properties destroyed; the hunger and poverty that comes with it; the children; the bloodbath...
"And what do we get from that?" I asked, hands balled into hard fists. "What do we get after sacrificing our land and people for the freedom of your tribe?"
I cannot bear the memories from the past that I couldn't hide the disagreement in my voice.
I eyed Tilus who remained still in his stance--still in perfect composure and seemingly unbothered. I failed to comprehend why my brother would agree to it when he was one of the few chiefs to oppose war.
The hall went silent for a long moment; my throbbing heart the only sound I can hear.
"Cayath..." he said, and I froze.
Cayath is the Muhian village that once existed in Shiku... A place connected to our roots. The home of our great grandfather.
"I want Dagli to fight alongside Iblan to destroy Gamu and Guma. And if we win... I'll give up Shiku. I know you're aware that most of its parts has been claimed by Iblan, and are already a part of our territory. Gamu and Guma have already made a move to conquer it. It's only a matter of time before this war breaks out."
Tilus looked at me meaningfully, giving me a slight nod before saying, "The war is already inevitable, Mira. This matter's been in my plate for a while now but due to your immaturity, I am reluctant to discuss the matter with you. And, as much as I don't want any war to happen, I'd like to claim that land..."
He is talking about Shiku.
I let out a loud exhale of both disagreement and submission, sucking the sob that's about to escape my throat.
"Must there be war?" my eyes started pooling with tears, asking him in a soft murmur.
Tilus nodded. "We can no longer prevent it, Mira. It's too late."
...
I stayed in the hall for the rest of the day, discussing the upcoming war with Kayang and his council of advisers, council of commanders, Ullinen, and my brother.
The twin tribes-- Guma and Gamu, learned about the thriving, small settlement that started existing near the ruins of Cayath almost two decades ago. The small land that makes over half of the area is rich and fertile, and is used by the settlers in growing rice and other crops. The rest of Shiku are already forest area rich in rare herbs with medicinal properties. The abandoned mines untouched for almost three dacades, rumored to shelter all the missing golds of Shiku, is also suspected to be the reason why the twin tribes are obsessing with Shiku.
The golds of Shiku used to be in the safekeeping of Iblan during the reign of the former chief, Kahyu, Kayang's father. However, after Kayang inherited the throne, he used all of the golds in rebuilding the fortress and enhancing the security in the borders. He also established an artillery military unit to guard their claimed areas of Shiku.
When the meeting has finally come to an end, it's already an hour past dusk. Kayang is kind enough to show hospitality, offering us one of his vacant chambers to stay the night. He prepared a grand dinner. It's so loud that it almost feel like a banquet.
I stayed quiet the entire time I was there, observing them, and occasionally dropping remarks about certain topics. The jar of booze seemed bottomless, but I decided not to have a little more than a cup. And by midnight, Tilus noticed my fatigue, and was the one to ask if I would like to go to sleep already. So, I answered with an honest nod and then he said, "Go rest. We'll be leaving tomorrow at dawn."
I rose off my seat and sluggishly walked out of the hall, heading towards the chamber Kayang have prepared. I took off my dress and changed into the sleeping garments a maid had brought a while ago, before finally collapsing to the bed.