Chapter LIII

Capahuento

It had taken them about three hours to reach Gidit's destination. Silver Camp was a sprawling, interconnected network of camouflaged tents, tucked deep into the mountains like a fortress and blending seamlessly into the forest through some reflective technology.

“What’s up with at the tech? I thought it wasn’t available here.”

In response, Gidit limited herself to wink at her.

As they approached, Adriaas counted six security posts and two checkpoints. Inside, the camp was a dizzying maze of waterproof tunnels—warm, crowded, and buzzing with activity. Questions piled up in her mind.

People bustled about incessantly. Following a specific configuration of tent tunnels, Gidit led Adriaas to their destination. She tugged at his hand, guiding him through hallways lit by solar-powered LED lights, which were bright enough to highlight the filth on the floors.

Trying to take in his surroundings, Adriaas sneaked peeks into the corridors they passed, catching glimpses of makeshift offices, but the complex labyrinth seemed endless.

"I underestimated the size of this place," Adriaas admitted.

Gidit noticed every imperfection as they walked. "It’s not as big as we need."

"What do you mean? This place is paradise compared to the dumps I’ve been sleeping in."

"The concept of Capahuento is growing, and more people are arriving every day. We have hundreds of rooms—tents with living areas, kitchens, countless dormitories, bathrooms, an infirmary, even a bar. But it's still not enough!" Gidit's frustration was evident in her tone, clearly annoyed by the overcrowding.

"How long has this camp been here? How many of you live here?" Adriaas was eager to learn everything about Capahuento.

"This version of Silver Camp has been set up for six months. It's just a sample of the chaos caused by nearly four thousand campers. There’s ongoing talk of expanding or moving."

"Where's the infirmary?" Adriaas asked, curious about the level of their medical technology.

Gidit stopped and turned to look her in the eyes. "The Medical tent is parallel to the main entrance. Are you feeling weak? Maybe we can get you an enhancer."

Adriaas stepped back, feeling invaded by her proximity. "I'm okay. It just reminded me that I was recently on a path to become a Chesedin."

"If the Committee of Outsiders approves your permanent stay, you could really help us," Gidit suggested.

"Permanent? I just got here," Adriaas said, bewildered by the rapid developments. It seemed too good to be true.

"Capahuento is always seeking capable members. Participate in our activities, respect the rules, and earn your place, and this could be your home too. We’re self-sufficient and try to share what we can, including salaries in Onis. We strive to maintain a realm of good vibes, preserving our Malkuthian essence."

Adriaas’s mood lifted significantly, realizing the potential of this place. "I appreciate it, from heart" she said sincerely, grateful for the opportunity.

Despite the visible flaws—dirt accumulated on the waterproof walls, the sweat and smell of unwashed bodies—she recognized it as a refuge, albeit one where they had to hold their breath for a moment to avoid getting dizzy in the congested corridors. Following Gidit through a series of living rooms adorned with cigarette-scented carpets, the atmosphere felt lighter and more relaxed. Posters and paintings hung on the walls and scented candles provided a different source of light and aroma.

As they approached a group, their conversation halted.

"Gi! You're back! We're playing rummy, want to join?" a tall blond man asked, pausing to eye Adriaas. "Who’s your companion?"

"She’s with me, Remian. Knock it off," Gidit responded sharply, her gaze pressuring him.

"Relax, I don’t know her, that's why I asked. Introduce her."

"You can call me Zaraz," Adriaas interjected before Gidit could reply. "It’s my last name."

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"Stop it with the attitude," an unfamiliar voice chimed in. Another man, dark-haired with a formidable jaw and build, calmed Remian with a hand on his shoulder. The inhabitants of the room seemed to share robust physiques, including Gidit.

“I need to speak with Bipherus,’ Gidit shared.

"He’s gone for the night. I’m sure you can discuss anything that’s bothering you with us," the dark-haired man, Elchome, said in a low, intimidating tone.

"Thank you, El, but it can wait. Meanwhile, can we eat? What's for dinner?"

"Lentil soup!" Remian exclaimed with excitement. "It has turkey chorizo in it!

"I thought meat was scarce," another voice added. A person with dark blue hair rose from a couch covered in abstract green tapestry.

"It is, but I keep contacts in El Mercado, Raxae" Remian replied with a wink.

"Well, if Zaraz is having dinner and sharing our shelter, maybe it’s time for a change of clothes and a shower while we get it ready," Raxae suggested.

Adriaas felt at ease, reassured by the presence of rational voices. "You all live here?" Up close, he noticed Raxae's blue hair matched their silver eyelashes.

"It’s our home, yes," Elchome confirmed. "We sleep on these couches."

"He’s teasing you," Gidit cut in. "There's a bed for everyone."

"Better than living in the capital. That’s why you’re here, right?" Remian directed the question at Adriaas. “You want to become a Kapa?”

"In all honesty? I didn’t know this place existed until hours ago, Gidit saved me. My time in Imperial City is the worst I've ever experienced. There's no point in hiding the hell it’s been, yes, I’d love to stay here."

Elchome, appearing to be the group's informal leader, nodded. "The Elkrachets nearly took us to our graves. It was a constant struggle until we escaped, some from the Capital, other’s from the smaller towns. There's no path to freedom with them. Sabina and her minions drain every opportunity for wealth and joy. Capahuento is in constant conflict with the empire, we are it’s only opposing force, are you prepared for the risks that entitles?"

"Yes. Before knowing about this place I felt lost, with no direction, or purpose. I’m broken and this place migh be just what I need to get back on track."

A knot in her stomach made her feel dizzy. Following her first day in that country, no one had deemed her worthy of proper engagement, let alone sharing her insights about Imperia.

Adriaas had known little about the second country and its politics, and she had never cared about Sectum until her imprisonment.

"It's only natural. Imperials are a dry cookie too bite. Betrayal is a common occurrence here," Gidit explained with an empathetic look. "Do you feel like taking a shower before dinner?"

"Please, I’d be delighted.” Adriaas couldn't remember the last time she felt such excitement about a bath.

"The camp is fully functional. The reason it smelled like furka when we arrived was because it was peak hour. We leave with a honey lime scent in the mornings! Follow me."

Gidit started walking away from the living room, her friends nodding in agreement.

Adriaas followed her through an intricate path of interconnected tents to the bathrooms. Once inside, she noticed several spaces separated by thick fabric curtains.

"Go on, they’re individual and private," Gidit encouraged her. "You’ll find everything you need. Dinner should be ready once you’re done."

"Thank you. This is a kindness I wasn’t expecting," Adriaas said, blushing as she entered one of the tent cubicles.

She hung her clothes on a wooden chair and turned on the shower, shielded by a polymer veil. The water was neither warm nor cold. Grabbing some soap from a hanging dispenser, she rinsed away weeks’ worth of dirt. Suddenly, a noise behind the curtain startled her, and she instinctively covered her naked body, memories back to her first week of captivity overwhelming her.

"Here are some new clothes. Yours were covered in mud, and they smell," Gidit said from the other side of the curtain. "I’ll wait for you outside."

"Okay!" Adriaas replied, her heart racing from a minor panic attack.

After finishing her refreshing shower, she dressed in the beige outfit left for her. The smell of sweat in the air had been replaced by the scent of grilled soy.

When they returned, the living room was stocked with enough food and drinks to feed a small army. The group's initial defensiveness had dissipated, and they welcomed her as one of their own, sharing personal stories in an evening to remember. Being clean and among non-violent strangers was a cathartic experience that purged her soul and memory.

"Take as much as you can. Since the conflict with the Elkrachets became widespread, we never know when portions will run short," Elchome advised, offering her a plate with white rice.

"Isn’t it better if we take smaller rations, then?" Adriaas asked with caution, not wanting to overstep. "I don’t want to abuse your hospitality."

"Our reserves are at ninety-five percent and we have provisions coming from other factions tomorrow," Remian reassured her gently. "There’s plenty of food in Capahuento. Stuff yourself, there’s no point in being shy."

Adriaas topped her rice with lentil soup filled with tiny pieces of chopped vegetables and chorizo. It smelled so good it made her glands salivate. "Who cooked this? I haven’t even tried it but already know it is delicious."

"Elchome and Lunkir, who’s gone for the night," Miveria, another group member, replied. "Dig in or it’ll get cold!"

They didn't wait to start eating, and with a spoon in hand, Adriaas took a mouthful of white rice and brown seeds that exploded with unexpected waves of flavor. "There’s bread if you want some help with that," Remian said, offering a basket of warm, flattened dough.”Better while still warm!”

Adriaas took a warm piece, wrapping it around some chorizo and lentils. "What's that spice?" she asked, invigorated by the flavor.

"Chipotle, my grandma’s secret ingredient," Remian replied proudly.

"What’s so secret about that? She’d be disappointed," Adriaas joked.

Those friends burst into laughter, enjoying the meal like a big family, as if she had known them forever. A feeling of belonging, through cautious, began growing in Adriaas.

*****

That's it for Chapter LIII!

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