After five days the South gate had finally been completed and it stood taller than any elephant in the camp. There were two towers on either side with raised platforms that allowed for sentries to keep watch for anyone approaching. The sides of the camp were already hemmed in by the huts and building, and where there were gaps, thick hedges of bracken had been planted. On the other side of the camp the entrance way that led north to the river was now blocked by a trench and a gate of its own. Additionally, around half of the camp elephants had been moved to the north end, so now anyone who managed to break the gates down at either end of Buttersweet would be met by at least five loyal elephants who could squash them like ripe cherries underfoot.
One of the first things everyone had agreed on was that all timber pay would be distributed equally. They decided then that the whole camp would split the jade evenly, assuming they could survive long enough to send the timber downstream. There would also be a fund set aside that any man (or woman) could draw for in times of need. The spirit of brotherhood that flowed through the camp like a constant wind had given them energy and they marvelled at how quick they had managed to erect the defences. There had been a few early discussions as to whether they would vote in a replacement for Gunthaw and Dow Som. It was inevitable that both Kon and Dai, the two eldest men, were the most popular choices. But they had both quickly refused. They both had a better idea.
Seng Nu, Kon, Dai, and Zaw were eating breakfast in the cook station. Kon was eating his noodles slowly and precisely, almost one strand at a time, and was careful not to let any of the sauce spill on his tunic. Zaw was eating thoughtfully, sometimes closing his eyes as he took a mouthful, wondering if the sauce needed more or less spice next time. Seng Nu ate quickly and noisily, sucking up each noodle and talking as she ate.
“I don’t know anything about cutting down trees or pushing timber! I’d make a terrible master!” she said, in-between slurps.
“Don’t take us for fools” Said Kon. “We know perfectly well how to cut timber and push it down the river without someone telling us how. We don’t need you to do that for us. But if you’re the one holding the purse of jade, then they’ll be less arguments between us, you see? And we were all there when you stood on top of Pinkwetha and made us see the same future. You’re a natural.”
“What about you Kon?” Said Seng Nu. It was true that she had enjoyed the attention that came from the incident with Dow Som, but that had been spontaneous and she wasn’t sure that she had the energy to give speeches and to face that attention every day. “You are the eldest here and you even fought in the Mountain wars didn’t you?”
“No!” said Kon, in a tone that was louder than normal and rung final. He caught himself, took a breath and then smiled at Seng Nu. “I am old, yes, but that’s not always a benefit, especially in defence. You have more fire in your eyes, girl.”
“And an elephant who comes at your call like a dog” said Zaw. “That’s always useful.”
“But this wasn’t my idea, our idea” Said Seng Nu. “If we just change the Master, then we aren’t changing anything are we?”
“Gunthaw was always the real power here.” Said Kon who had put his chopsticks down in order to gather his thoughts clearly. “Dow Som was the master, and he gave himself more than everyone else yes, but he still worked on Gunthaw’s behalf. Because he owned the land and took the profits. Right now, we have not just overthrown the master, but the power behind the master too.”
“But that just means there is one less Master” Said Seng Nu. “I would have even more power than either one of them.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Not at all” said Kon. “The land belongs to everyone now. Gunthaw drew his power because he owned the land and that meant that every single branch of wood we cut down belonged to him. The land belongs to no one now. You wouldn’t have the power to throw us out or take the jade we make.”
“Well then why call me the Master?” protested Seng Nu.
“It’s a fair point, but…”
Seng Nu raised an eyebrow and frowned “you managed to convince people they didn’t need to own the land anymore, can’t you convince them we don’t need a leader? Uncle, answer me honestly, do you believe we need a leader?”
Kon hesitated. “I’m suspicious of all leaders, believe me Seng Nu. Even you” he winked at her. But, I think the men would feel safer knowing you are there. And I think you’re in the best position to settle any disputes over the share.”
“So you want me to be your guard dog with a pouch of jade round its neck?”
Kon paused for a moment and then laughed. “Yes! Now you get it”.
Seng Nu wrinkled her nose.
“Ok” said Seng Nu. “I’ll be your leader. But I don’t really know about Timber.”
“And we wouldn’t want you to tell us how to do our work either. You’ll be responsible for counting and sharing out the money for us, and maybe leading us if it ever comes to a battle with Gunthaw.” added Zaw.
“I don’t know how to count though!” whined Seng Nu.
“Yes you do, it’s just like making a recipe and putting the right amount of each ingredient in”.
“More importantly.” Interjected Kon “You’ll also lead us in defending the gate if we are attacked.”
“Do you think we can hold off Gunthaw if he comes?” asked Seng Nu.
“He will come and it depends how many men he can bring. If we are matched, then then I’d say we have the clear advantage in defence, but if Gunthaw can round up more, then I can’t say.”
“Don’t forget we have the elephants on our side too” said Zaw.
“Will you enchant them to fight for us Seng Nu?” said Jakan, an apprentice oozie and the youngest member of the Buttersweet team. He had just filled his bowl and sat down at the far end of the canteen.
“It doesn’t work like that, They are not under an enchantment” said Seng Nu. “And why are you sitting over there? Come down to our end. We won’t bite you”.
Jakan shuffled up to join them, barely hiding his smile.
“That’s a relief to him, I’m sure, given the way you eat those noodles,” said Zaw and then ducked as Seng Nu threw her spoon at him.
“But they do what you say, don’t they?” said Jakan, who was determined to use this time to find out the truth behind the rumours of Seng Nu’s abilities.
“Even Seng Nu wouldn’t have been able to get young Japhtu to hold still this morning while we checked under his ears for damprot,” said Kon. “That elephant is a fiery one.”
“She speaks to them though!” protested Jakan, “Don’t you Seng Nu?”
“Yes that’s right. Just as I’m speaking to you right now. But I’m not enchanting you” replied Seng Nu.
“Then why do they seem to do what you say?” Said Jakan, confused.
Seng Nu gave a half shrug “Maybe it is because I ask them nicely.”
Jakan had many more questions he wanted to ask Seng Nu, especially about her rumoured ability to kick down trees, but there was no time. On the other side of the camp, the old cooking pots that had been hung by the watchtowers were being beaten.
Clang Clang Clang.
Everyone seemed to take a deep breath at once.
Gunthaw had returned.