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“Is that really you?” Iker gasps, clutching your hand like a lifeline. “I... I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, or even anyone familiar out here.”
The pudgy figure in front of you stumbles backward, tripping over a root and landing with a thud. You rush forward, extending a hand to help him up. His face is dirty, his clothes torn, and his eyes dart around wildly, as if he’s seen ghosts.
“What happened to you?” you ask, glancing around to ensure no danger lurks nearby. “Why are you out here alone?”
Iker takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “It’s Xiatlidar,” he says, his voice trembling. “The settlement. With the Great Xiatli Himself. Everything’s gone wrong. Xiatli… He’s…”
You motion for him to lower his voice and pull him closer to the fire pit where Dorez and Benicto are still sleeping. “Let’s wake the others. You can tell us everything.”
As you rouse your companions, Iker plays with the hem of his shirt, glancing into the shadows as if expecting another threat to emerge. Dorez is the first to wake, her eyes widening when she sees Iker. Benicto follows, his usual scowl softening slightly in the presence of a new, Legido face.
“Who is this?” Dorez wonders aloud, her voice froggy from being stirred awake.
Iker casts his eyes to the ground. He mumbles something—you believe it’s his name—and draws circles into the dirt with the tip of his worn leather shoes. His shoulders hunch forward, as if trying to make himself smaller, to disappear from the attention.
“This is my good friend, Iker,” you announce. Benicto smirks, but before he can crack wise, you continue, “He was on one of the other ships, led by the Great Xiatli. He has information on how we could rejoin the party, to journey to their settlement with the great leaders.”
You hope this news prevents any harsh treatment of Iker, sparing him from Benicto’s berating. Dorez looks on, her curiosity piqued. All of you sit closely together, gazing at Iker attentively.
“Alright, Iker,” you say, once everyone is gathered around the fire. “Start from the beginning. What are you doing out here, alone? It’s dangerous out here, after all.”
“Well, I’m not exactly alone,” he mutters. “I traveled here with a search party. We had to spread out to cover more ground. We’re looking for food, water, medicinal herbs—anything we can find to bring back to Xiatlidar. Anything that can help us survive.”
Benicto perks up. “You’re traveling with others? We can be rescued! We can finally return to civilization! Praise Xiatli!”
Iker shrinks at Benicto’s statement, which is not lost on Dorez. Eyes narrowed, she stares at Iker, as if studying his expression to glean any hidden meaning. When he doesn’t speak, she observes, “What are you not telling us about your companions?”
He continues staring at the ground. “There’s nothing wrong with the members of the search party,” he says, then nothing more.
You note what is being left unsaid, and the enigmatic manner in which your longtime friend speaks. You decide to get to the bottom of what is going on. “You mentioned earlier about Xiatlidar. What has been happening there?”
Iker swallows hard, meekly looking each of you like a wounded animal, before speaking. “Xiatli’s gone mad with power. He’s enforcing his rule with an iron fist, and Captain Criato and Atelmaro Ulloa… well, they’re no better. They’re brutal, forcing everyone to work without rest, punishing anyone who steps out of line. People are struggling, and the morale is shattered.”
Dorez leans forward, her brow furrowing. “Why would they do that? What are they hoping to achieve?”
“I don’t know,” Iker replies, his voice cracking. “But it’s as if they want to break us, to mold us into something else. They talk about ‘purifying’ the settlement, making us stronger, but it’s just cruelty at the end of the day.”
“‘Purifying the settlement’,” you echo, trying to determine what that means.
“Well, we have all been reborn in His Great’s image, after He saved the Legido and showed us the way to prosperity,” Dorez says, words that have been recited in the schoolhouse since as far back as you can remember. “Perhaps He is declaring that the lands upon which the settlement has been constructed need to be purified, to ensure our prosperity.”
You find her explanation to be a bit of a reach. Judging by her troubled expression, you don’t think even she believes what she’s saying. “If it were that simple,” you reason aloud, “I don’t believe my friend would look so gravely concerned.
The fire crackles, filling the silence that follows as the four of you contemplate the situation. Even in the dim early morning light, you can see the worry etched on Dorez’s face, the same worry you feel gnawing at your insides.
Benicto disrupts the quiet, asking, “So, what do we do? Do we go to Xiatlidar? They must have more supplies than Aitzabal. We could really use their help.”
Iker shakes his head vehemently. “You don’t understand. They have eyes everywhere. If we don’t return with something useful, they’ll punish us. We’re all being watched.”
“‘Something useful’?” You find yourself parroting Iker’s statement again, as he continues to speak in riddles. “What’s more useful than medicinal herbs, food, and water? They sent a search party, but for what? Something more useful than that?”
Iker looks at the three of you furtively, whispering with a trembling voice, “There are tales being spoken among the settlement that Ulloa and Criato seek precious metals, gems, anything that can be useful for crafting weapons.”
“Weapons?” you say, alarmed. “Why would we need to craft weapons? Is there something threatening the settlement?”
“I’m not sure,” Iker says, patting the air to signal to you to keep your voice down, as if the creatures of this forest will pass along word of what’s being said among you. “But considering the urgency in which they’ve deployed search parties, I can fathom something is definitely of great concern to them.”
Dorez clenches her fists, tight enough that her knuckles turn white. “And we’re supposed to just walk into that?” she charges, glaring at Benicto. “We need to think this through.”
“We can’t go there, to Xiatlidar,” you state. “Not if it’s as bad as Iker says. We need to know what’s really going on, and we can’t do that alone. We need to find our companions from Aitzabal and figure out a plan.”
“But we need supplies, too,” Benicto counters, shaking his head in frustration. “You remember how much we all were struggling for supplies in Aitzabal. If Xiatlidar is the only place with resources, we might not have a choice. And it can’t be that far if…” He lets his statement drop, the implications already severely wounding to Iker’s physical conditions. You maintain a level head, not allowing yourself to get baited into such an argument with a known tormentor and bully.
“We’ll find another way,” you insist. “We can search for our own supplies while we look for our lost companions. Going to Xiatlidar sounds like a death sentence.”
“We can’t just wander around the forest aimlessly!” Benicto exclaims, incensed.
“Like we have been for the past few days?” Dorez snaps, still glaring at Benicto. “We find ourselves in this situation all because you have the navigation skills of a blind shepherd in the Cores Altas fog.”
Benicto appears wounded by Dorez’s remark. Yet she persists, saying, “We have drifted too far from our companions, and I’m starting to believe we would be better served if someone else led the way.”
“You can’t seriously expect—“
“Iker’s words cannot be ignored,” Dorez cuts off Benicto. “We need to be smart about this. By traveling to Xiatlidar, we would be trading off one awful scenario for another, possibly worse one. At least we now know where we can collect supplies for Aitzabal.”
Benicto’s perpetual scowl returns to his face. Iker looks nervous about this, but sputters, “Whatever you all think is best. I shall inform my party that—“
“No,” Dorez says abruptly. “They may try to get us to return with them to Xiatlidar, which is what we don’t need. If you don’t go back, they will assume you’ve gotten lost and may not search for you for long, leaving us to travel back to Aitzabal in peace.”
Iker’s shoulders sag from her harsh words. His head hangs low as tears begin welling in his eyes. You attempt to comfort him with an arm draped around his shoulders, but he looks inconsolable, taking her words hard.
“Let us find our way back to Aitzabal,” you declare. “Upon our return, we can inform Captain Lema of the good news that the other crew is safe and has formed a settlement. But we can speak of what’s taking place there, as well. We will let him decide what to do.”
The others appear uncertain about the latter part of your plan, but nod in silent acknowledgement. You know the journey ahead will be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but it’s a journey you must take together. You gather your belongings, leaving the makeshift shelter roughly in place, silently thanking it for the protection it provided.
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Your group moves cautiously, and the soft, damp ground muffles your footfalls as you navigate the unfamiliar terrain. Draped with moss and vines, the towering trees block out most of the sunlight, offering much-welcomed relief. The constant buzz of insects provides an unsettling accompaniment to your travels. Your feet ache from days of walking, and your spirits are low, snapping at one another constantly. But you push on, driven by the need to find your way out of these uncharted lands.
Benicto insists that, prior to Iker’s arrival, you have been heading in the right direction all this time. This causes you to pause. Dorez begins arguing with him, but his confidence is unwavering. You ignore this, deliberating with Iker to help recalibrate your bearings. He points out the direction of the sun’s movement, the angle of shadows, and the growth patterns of the moss on the trees. Combining this with the sparse knowledge of the terrain you’ve gathered along the way, it becomes clear—a southward direction would lead you back in the direction you seek.
Convincing the others is no small feat, especially the headstrong Benicto. But the signs are undeniable. In tandem with Dorez, the realization slowly dawns on Benicto, and with a mix of reluctance and relief, the course is corrected. As you begin to forge ahead, a sense of cautious optimism starts to replace the earlier tension.
The thick underbrush snags at your clothes, and the uneven ground threatens to trip you up. Your stomach churns with hunger, and the sparse game and foraged roots provides little sustenance. Yet despite its best efforts to thwart your progress, the forest seems less oppressive, now that there’s hope of finding your way.
The days-long journey has been brutal, and the weight of your supplies grows heavier as time passes. You wipe sweat from your brow as your eyes sweep the surroundings for any sign of Gartzen or Landera or any settler of Aitzabal. The forest feels endless, as each step seems to blend in with the next.
To pass the time, you turn to Iker, who is struggling to navigate these lands. You tell him all about your journey, the storm your ship weathered, and what it was like to reach this new land. “So,” you say to him after completing your tale, “what happened after we were separated at the docks? One moment, you’re behind me, and the next, I find you gazing up at the ship I thought we both boarded.”
He shrugs his shoulders. “You pushed ahead so quickly, I was unable to keep up. I couldn’t squeeze between the crowd, who were surging up the plank onto the ship.”
“Not surprising,” Benicto snarks. This earns him a smack over the back of his head by Dorez. She then insists Iker continues the recounting of his journey.
“One of the other ships was also beginning to push off the docks, leaving a single ship remaining,” he continues. “While the crowds were hollering for the ship to hold on for a moment longer, so that they could board, I rushed over to the other ship as fast as I could. I was astounded that no one was trying to board this ship, and I was able to grab my belongings and easily board.”
“Quite the resourcefulness!” you exclaim, clapping Iker on the back.
Iker, however, does not look as enthralled by his quick thinking. “Well, the reason nobody was boarding it was because it was the ship Xiatli was on. People feared being part of the crew responsible for getting Him to the new land. Only the most arrogant and overly confident dared board—everyone else didn’t want to mess up in front of the Great Xiatli.”
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
You take a moment to process this revelation, glancing at Iker. The implications of being on the same ship as Xiatli are not lost on you. Your stomach twists into knots as you imagine what life on that ship must’ve been like.
Dorez’s eyes narrow as she also considers this. “So, you ended up on the same ship as Xiatli? That must have been… an experience.”
Iker nods somberly, his gaze distant. “It was terrifying. Most of the crew was on edge the entire time, afraid of making even the smallest mistake. Xiatli’s presence was like a heavy cloud over everyone. There was no laughter, no camaraderie. Just fear and tension.”
“And what about you?” you ask, concerned. “How did you manage?”
“I kept to myself as much as possible,” he replies quietly. “I tried to stay out of sight, out of mind. But there were times when Xiatli would summon the crew for inspections. He would walk among us, His eyes investigating every face. It felt like He could see into my very soul. I was always terrified He would find something wrong with me, some reason to punish me and throw me overboard.”
Benicto scoffs. “Maybe He should have. Sounds like you were just being a coward. If you’d stood up straight and looked Him in the eye, maybe He would have respected you.”
Dorez shoots Benicto a withering glare. “It’s easy to talk about bravery when you’re not the one facing the danger. Besides, Xiatli is not some stallion to be tamed with a glance. Iker did what he had to do to survive.”
“The journey itself was rough,” Iker continues, his voice a bit steadier now. “The seas were choppy, and many of the crew got sick. We were tossed around like rag dolls. At times, it felt like the ship would be torn apart by the waves. I remember clinging to my bunk, hoping and wishing that we would make it through the maelstrom.”
You nod, encouraging him to go on. “And then? What happened when you finally reached the new land?”
“The landing was chaotic,” Iker says, shaking his head. “Xiatli ordered the crew to set up camp immediately. He was impatient to start exploring and claiming the land. We worked day and night, setting up tents, building fires, and scouting the area. There was no rest, no relief. And the whole time, Xiatli was watching, always watching.”
Dorez’s expression softens. “It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, Iker. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.”
Iker nods, his eyes downcast. “It was. But it got worse. The work was non-stop. People were collapsing from exhaustion, but Xiatli, Criato, and Ulloa wouldn’t let up. They kept pushing us, demanding more. It was like they were trying to break us, to see who could survive under the harshest conditions. Anyone who didn’t meet Xiatli’s unspoken expectations was punished severely.”
You exchange a worried glance with Dorez and Benicto. “Punished how?” you ask cautiously.
Iker hesitates, his voice barely above a whisper. “Beatings, public humiliation, even execution. Xiatli has no mercy for those who fail Him. Captain Criato and Ulloa are just as bad. They enforce His will without question, using fear and brutality to keep everyone in line.”
You glance at Iker, feeling a surge of empathy for your friend. “Well, we’re together now, and we’ll figure this out. We’re not going to let Xiatli’s madness break us.”
“Thanks,” Iker says, managing a small smile. “I just hope we can survive long enough without Xiatli’s support.”
As the days pass by, the four of you continue onward. Always the most brash, Benicto curses under his breath as he stumbles over yet another gnarled root. Trailing just behind, Iker half-heartedly mutters words of encouragement, though his voice wavers with fatigue. Dorez swings her small dagger with precise movements, managing to carve a narrow path through the relentless foliage. You admire her determination, even as the forest pushes back against your efforts to tame it. You search the surroundings for any sign of familiarity in the landscape, hoping to identify the area as a place you’ve stepped foot before.
Then, through a break in the dense trees, you think you see it—a glimpse of something that quickens your heart. Squinting against the shafts of sunlight piercing the gloom, you catch sight of a structure, a hint of civilization amid the wild. Could it be? The possibility fills you with a renewed sense of urgency, of hope. You call out to the others, pointing toward the faint outline of what you believe is your settlement. Their weary faces light up, and together, you push forward. This just might be the last stretch of your grueling journey.
The trek seems endless as you hurry your way toward the sight. The shadows stretch long in the dimming light, and the air grows cooler as you pick up your pace. You hear the crunching of dead leaves as the footsteps of the others jog behind you.
The forest opens up suddenly, revealing a clearing where the nascent settlement stands. It’s a patchwork of rough-hewn structures, some barely more than frames. The sound of workers lifting and carrying lumber or supplies grows steadily louder as you draw near. You never thought you would see this place again. Your heart flutters, and you feel as if you could take flight.
Upon your return to Aitzabal, Dorez and Benicto immediately part ways with you. Despite enduring such a brutal and punishing journey together, it appears they would rather return to being your tormentors. It’s fine, you think to yourself. You’ve got your friend, Iker. What more do you need now?
“Praise Xiatli!” You hear a familiar voice through the clamor of construction and labor. “You’ve returned!”
The smiling, boyish face of Landera pierces through the crowd. She races toward you, giving you a huge hug that nearly takes the breath out of you. “I thought you were lost forever in the wilderness! I was so worried!”
She glances at Iker, then her cheeks flush red with embarrassment. “Oh, I apologize,” she says. “Who is your friend?”
“This is Iker,” you announce proudly. “We grew up together on the farms in Rexurdir.” Iker waves meekly, head hung low and barely making eye contact with Landera. You turn to your longtime friend, introducing him to your ally from the ship. “And this is Lander—“ You catch yourself just in time, almost calling her by her full name.
“So, what happened to you, after the storm?” Landera asks with wonder oozing from her voice. “I want to know everything you endured. And how you came back with another person! You must have traveled far!”
“Actually,” you say with a bit of regret, “we should go to Captain Lema first. Iker is from the other expedition—the ship that carried Xiatli to the new land. He knows where their settlement is.”
Landera’s face bursts with excitement. “We can rejoin the crew! This is wonderful news!”
“Well,” you say with a cringe, “according to my friend here, conditions are apparently awful. They’re driven to the point of exhaustion and collapse, and punished harshly for not meeting exceedingly high demands—even by execution.”
“Oh,” Landera’s smile suddenly drops, and she’s flooded with concern. “That sounds awful. Maybe we don’t tell Captain Lema, then.”
“We can’t!” Iker exclaims. It’s the most impassioned you’ve seen him since reuniting. He doesn’t say any more, doesn’t clarify. However, the panicked look on his face says it all.
“Maybe we ask Gartzen,” you suggest. “He would know what to do.”
Landera nods, while Iker continues looking gravely concerned. But it’s the clearest option you can think of, the one that makes the most sense. Gartzen is a trusted member of the captain’s crew, someone whose opinion he would respect. Perhaps he can persuade Captain Lema to not venture to Xiatlidar, and a better solution can be reached.
You approach the clearing where Gartzen has set up camp among the unfinished construction of his home. You’re struck by the smell of freshly cut wood. His broad shoulders are hunched over as he meticulously sharpens his blade. A rough-hewn table, scattered with tools, sits nearby, and a fire crackles softly, sending up wisps of smoke. Landera walks beside you, while Iker nervously trails behind. You take a deep breath, steeling yourself for the conversation ahead.
Gartzen looks up as you enter the clearing. His face reveals a brief, almost imperceptible sign of relief. Sheathing his blade, he stands. “You’re back,” he says, his voice gruff but not unkind. “Didn’t think I’d see you again.”
“I’m tougher than I look,” you reply, trying to keep your tone light. Flashes of what you endured over the previous days creep into your mind, but you push them aside for now. “We need to talk.”
Gartzen’s eyes narrow slightly, but he sets down the tool and nods. “Alright. Let’s hear it.”
Landera steps forward. “This,” she presents your friend with a wave, “is Iker. He’s from the other settlement. He has news about Xiatlidar, the other Legido settlement. It’s… not good.”
Gartzen’s gaze shifts to Iker, who looks like he wants to shrink into the ground. “Well, speak up, boy.”
Iker takes a deep breath, his hands clenching at his sides. “Xiatli’s gone mad. He’s enforcing his rule with an iron fist. Criato and Ulloa are just as bad. They’re making everyone work without rest, punishing anyone who steps out of line. People are starving, morale is shattered. It’s like a nightmare.”
“That’s life on every ship,” Gartzen remarks. “Those who aren’t used to the work always find it oppressive.”
“That’s not like what’s happening in the settlement,” Iker says. “This is far, far worse, I assure you.”
Gartzen’s expression hardens, but you can see the concern in his eyes. “And what do you propose we do about it?"
You step in, trying to gauge his reaction. “We believe Captain Lema should be made aware of the new settlement, but we need to be cautious when we do. We need to figure out a plan, and we need your help.”
“We need to approach this delicately,” Gartzen begins with a low rumble. “Captain Lema won’t take kindly to hearing that Xiatli and His men have lost their minds—he’s unlikely to believe it’s true. But news of the oppressive conditions at Xiatlidar should raise concern, as well. We need to present the facts carefully, without sounding like we’re inciting rebellion.”
Landera nods. “We can emphasize the suffering of the people. If we highlight how desperate the situation is, Captain Lema might see reason. He may have a strong adoration of Xiatli, but he’s not heartless. He might be more willing to listen if he understands the human cost.”
Gartzen’s eyes meet yours. “What do you think?”
You take a moment to gather your thoughts. “I agree. We need to be strategic. If we just come out and say Xiatli’s a tyrant, it could backfire. We need to make it clear that we’re concerned for the well-being of everyone—at Xiatlidar, but also of Aitzabal. Maybe we can suggest that Captain Lema send a small group to investigate, to see the conditions for themselves.”
Iker shifts nervously. “And what if Captain Lema sides with Xiatli? What if he thinks we’re trying to undermine the leadership?”
Gartzen’s jaw tightens. “That’s a risk we’re going to have to take. But if we play our cards right, we can minimize that risk. We need to be careful, but united in our message.”
You nod, feeling a steely resolve settle in your chest. “Agreed. We’ll start by presenting the facts, emphasizing the suffering and the need for humanitarian aid. If that doesn’t work, we’ll need to reassess and figure out our next move.”
Gartzen stands, his imposing figure casting a long shadow in the firelight. “Alright. Let’s get some rest. Tomorrow, we’ll approach the captain and hope for the best. But be prepared for the worst.”
As you lie down on your bedroll, the upcoming conversation with Captain Lema presses on your mind. The forest around you hums with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, but your thoughts are consumed with the challenges ahead. You know that the fate of Xiatlidar, and perhaps even the entire expedition, hinges on the decisions made in the coming days.
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Morning comes all too quickly. As the first light of dawn filters through the trees, you wake with a tightening in your chest. As you rejoin your companions, each of you are lost in your thoughts as you make your way through the camp. The faces of your companions are etched with great worry and fatigue. Their movements are deliberate and slow, as if burdened by some unseen forces.
The settlement is abuzz with activity. The sight of familiar faces from the ship brings a momentary sense of relief, but reflecting upon your mission quickly pulls you back to reality. Laughter and chatter fill the air, yet beneath the surface, the looming challenges are impossible to ignore. As you navigate through the bustling crowd, the lively atmosphere does little to ease the knot in your stomach. Every cheerful greeting and busy worker reminds you of what is at stake, emphasizing the seriousness of your task ahead.
You approach Captain Lema’s quarters, with Gartzen leading the way. He pauses at the entrance, turning to face you and the others. “Remember, stick to the plan. Present the facts, emphasize the suffering, and suggest an investigation. He fervently worships Xiatli. We need to tread carefully.”
With a nod, Gartzen pushes open the door that lets out a faint creak. You all step inside, hoping you’re ready to face whatever comes next.
The newly-created quarters reflect both the haste and necessity of their construction. Rough-hewn wooden walls enclose the space, with gaps where the wood hasn’t settled entirely. The roof, made from overlapping palm fronds, offers basic protection from the elements. The furnishings inside are sparse, but functional: a sturdy wooden desk cluttered with navigational tools, a simple cot with a thin blanket, and a small chest for personal belongings. Candles from makeshift holders cast a dim light over the room. A brass sextant and a compass rest prominently on the desk, along with a half-finished letter to someone back home. Despite the rough surroundings, a sense of order and purpose permeates the space.
Captain Lema looks up from his desk, his expression stern, but surprised to see his trusted right-hand man. “What is it, Gartzen? You look as though you have an urgent matter to discuss.”
Gartzen steps forward. “Captain, we have significant news. We encountered a survivor from the rest of the expedition. The others have established a settlement called Xiatlidar.”
At this, Captain Lema’s eyes widen slightly. “Survivors? Where is this settlement?”
Gartzen gestures to Iker, who steps forward hesitantly. “This is Iker. He’s from Xiatlidar. He can tell you more about what’s happening there.”
Iker looks nervous, taking a deep breath, but only giving a small wave. “Captain,” Gartzen continues, seeing that Iker hasn’t picked up the signal to speak, “From the moment Xiatlidar was established, things have taken a dark turn. Xiatli’s turned into something of a tyrant, and Criato and Ulloa are just as ruthless. Folks are being driven to the bone, with no rest, and any sign of dissent is met with brutal force, even execution. Spirits are crushed, and the people are in misery."
Captain Lema’s expression darkens. “And where did you get this information?” he asks skeptically.
Iker steps forward, his voice trembling slightly. “I saw it myself, Captain, sir. The conditions are terrible. People are starving, and the atmosphere is oppressive.”
Lema scoffs, dismissing Iker with a wave of his hand. “And we’re supposed to take the word of a child? This is ridiculous. Xiatli is our leader. He knows what’s best for us.”
Landera steps in, working to keep her voice calm and firm. “Captain, with all due respect, this isn’t about undermining Xiatli. This is about the well-being of our people. We suggest sending a small group to investigate the conditions at Xiatlidar. See for yourself what’s happening, and have them report back.”
Captain Lema leans back in his chair, shaking his head. “You don’t understand the weight of your words. Xiatli is god. He is the savior of Legido. Questioning his methods is questioning the very foundation of our existence. And besides, this is coming from a child who barely understands the situation.”
Gartzen’s jaw tightens, nostrils flaring, but he remains relatively composed. “Captain, we are not questioning Xiatli’s authority. We are concerned about the implementation of his directives. If the people are suffering, it reflects poorly on our ability to execute his vision.”
Captain Lema’s eyes flash with a momentary blaze of anger and annoyance, but he swiftly steadies himself. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Gartzen. You all are. If this is a ploy to undermine Xiatli, there will be consequences. And I don’t see why we should trust the word of a boy who might not even understand what he’s seen.”
You feel the tension in the room escalate, but you press on, feeling the situation slipping away from you all. “Captain, we’re not suggesting anything drastic. Just an investigation. If the conditions are as dire as my friend, Iker, says, we need to know. If they’re not, then we’ve lost nothing by checking.”
Captain Lema stands, his expression resolute. “Enough. We will not question Xiatli’s rule. We will not entertain baseless claims from a child. We will travel to Xiatlidar. We will go to support Xiatli and ensure His vision for the new land is carried out.”
Gartzen’s eyes widen slightly. “Captain, please reconsider. This is about the well-being of our people. If we—”
Captain Lema’s gaze hardens. “My decision is final. We leave for Xiatlidar at dawn. Anyone who refuses to follow will be left behind, and left to endure the wrath of Xiatli. Do I make myself clear?”
You nod reluctantly, the burden of the decision settling over you. A pit forms in your stomach at the Captain’s declaration. Something doesn’t sit well with you, about being forced to travel to a destination Iker explained was experiencing such brutal leadership. All you can do now is brace yourself for the unknown.