Dear Diary, how do I not start a war?
“And then you put the straw between these two parts, and that is how you weave a basket,” Aluma says while putting the last bit of straw into place.
I look down at my creation. “I see. Well, this is a lot more difficult than I thought.”
“Yeah, you need to make sure that it is tight enough so the tension keeps it together. Otherwise, you will end up with something like that.” She says while looking at my monstrosity.
“Hey, it is only my first try. I never really made anything before.” I say in mock outrage.
“You didn’t? I thought you made that, sword you called it.”
“Yeah, but that was the only one that was not made to stab around corners,” I say with a shrug.
Aluma looks at me, confused. “Why would you want to stab around corners.”
“I was still learning. Okay, nothing can be perfect on the first try.” I try to defend myself.
Aluma started laughing “You don’t have to defend yourself. Nobody here can work with metal, so to me, you are pretty amazing as is.”
“Thank you. I guess I should be happy with what I can already do.”
“So you don’t want to try again?”
“No, I definitely will. I will not let some stupid basket get the better of me,” I say with determination.
Before I can get to it, a whoosh of air can be heard, and the door swings open with Amule standing there.
“You are back so soon,” Aluma says in surprise.
“Traveller's long shiny spear thing made getting in a lot easier,” Amule says with a broad smile.
“Please tell me you did not stab anyone,” I say, already dreading the mess.
“No, of course not. They just have never seen anything like it and want to speak with you as soon as possible.” Amule says.
“Wait, really?” I ask with a smile on my face
“Yeah, so are you coming? ” Amule asks.
“Of course, I am sorry, Aluma. I will finish basket weaving with you when I get back,” I say.
“It’s fine. This is important to you. The baskets will still be here once you return,” Aluma says.
“Thanks, okay, let’s go,” I say as I walk out the door.
We walk all the way up the different platforms to the top of the mountain. On top of the mountain is a beautiful ornate hut built with no real walls so people can easily fly in. You know what, I am actually jealous of that. Why does my power have to be memory and strength? Why can’t I just get the ability to fly? Or Lightning still sour about that.
Anyway, putting that aside, I get let inside rather easily—some of the people waiting in line giving me the stink eye, but there's not much I can do about that now. The people inside are actually old, unlike the dwarven elders. Also, partly, their wings don’t stop growing since all the elders have massive wings.
“So you must be the Traveller,” the middle elder says once we enter. He is an older man with a long beard with beats braided into them.
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“That is me,” I say with a happy smile.
“Good, we are willing to help you recover your necklace, but we want something in exchange,” he continues.
“Yeah, of course, I don’t have much money or any of the local currency, but I am more than willing to help,” I say, still trying to smile.
“I don’t know what this money stuff is, but we just would like you to establish a way of communicating with your tribe when you go back.” He says
“Okay, that might be a bit complicated, but I assume not impossible, but why?” I ask, wondering if I can use the amulet to make such a connection.”
“Well, because of this, of course,” he says while pulling out my sword. “It is a masterpiece. With some more of these, we can finely beat the shetani, so we want to get in contact with your tribe to trade.” He says.
“I am not sure if my tribe actually makes swords,” I say a bit awkwardly.
“Then where did you get this sword thing from?” the elder asks.
“I made it,” I say
It goes quiet for a bit. “You made this weapon?”
“Honestly, I made it more for fun, but it is technically a weapon,” I say, considering the sword.
“Can you make more?” the elder asks.
“Technically, I can. I don’t really have the proper equipment here, but it should not be impossible to get it.” I say
“Perfect. Once you make some for us, we can get rid of the shetani and help you with the grootslang.” The elder says with a happy smile
“I guess, but what is a shetani?” I ask, being unfamiliar with the word
“They are our sworn enemies; their wings have turned black by the hate in their hearts,” He says in a bitter tone.
“Wait, so there are people just with black wings,” I ask in concern as I get a nauseating feeling in my stomach.
“I would not call them people. They are pure evil,” the elder says.
I look at him directly in the eyes. “Except for the black wings, do they look like you?”
“Yes, but that does not make them like us.” He says
“Okay, we are done here. Give me my sword; I am leaving.” I say while making a give me gesture.
“Why are you leaving? Did you not need our help?” the elder asks.
“I do need help, but not yours specifically, and I have seen how this movie ends, and I don’t like it,” I say with determination as I take some more steps forward, reaching for my sword.
“What is a movie?” the elder asks.
“That is not important. I am out of here,” I say as I take the blade. i turn around and leave.
I am halfway down the stairs when Amule catches up to me. “Is something wrong? You look like you have seen the spirits.”
“I am fine. I am just uncomfortable with all of this.”
“Why?” he asks confused.
“My tribe was also attacked with superior arms when people came to our lands only because we looked different. And did not speak their language. There was a lot of blood. And I don’t want to be the cause of something like that. I am pretty sure my ancestors would choke me to death if I did.”
“I don’t think I understand fully, but it sounds like your people had it tough. But this is different. We tried talking, but nothing has worked so far,” he says.
I take a look at him and am surprised at what I see. He looks desperate. “Why not force me to work for you? I am outnumbered,” I finally ask.
He looks surprised. “We would never.”
I smile. “That is good then.”
Suddenly, I hear people shouting as a drum starts to rumble. I see a black shape fly out from below us, away from the mountain. Once it gets some distance, it drops something. something that was streaking with gold. More black shapes come out and drop things. I see multiple gold shapes jump after them. Trying to grab whatever was dropped.
“What is happening?” I ask confused
“Shetani, they like to grab the children that can’t fly and drop them, so the warriors are distracted and trying to rescue them.”
I see the black figures start throwing spears at the people trying to rescue the children. “You blow up the hospital,” I mutter to myself.
“You what?” Amule asks, confused.
I unsheathe my sword. “You think you can use it?” I ask.
Amule looks at me, surprised. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, those kids need help go”
Amule nods and jumps up to join the fight. This might be a bad idea, but it is the only one I have, and the kids are in danger. I stand on the platform, watching the fighting go on for hours. Once it is done, Amule flies back to me. My sword was covered in red blood. I swallow deeply, trying my best not to think of the implications.
“Are the children fine?” I ask as soon as he lands.
“They were a bit shaken, but all of them survived, some of the warriors did not make it, but it ended a lot quicker because of this.” He says while holding up the sword.
“Do they always attack like that?” I ask.
“Not always they ambush hunting parties or aim for the wings of people that fly off too far like Aluma.” He says.
I sigh. “Amule is there something your tribe swears to when making an unbreakable oath.”
“yes, but why?” he asks, looking at me confused
“Because we are creating a forge as long as the elders can make some promises.”
“Are you sure?” he asks in surprise.
“Not at all, but they are hunting children. That is a step too far.” I say with determination.
“Thanks, and for what is worth, I will stand by you whatever decision you make.”
“Thank you”