"I'm glad to see so many new friends. I won't waste your time."
He reached inside his bag, took out silver, and handed it to me.
"This is a very important trip for all of us. Take this silver in case. Once they arrive, those who won't stay will receive the same as everyone: five silvers each and my gratitude."
We handed the two Captains a bag, each containing thirty or more silver—enough for anything they might need along the road, as they would only come across a few towns.
"Now, the rest of my words are for those who stay. With our seventy or so new residents, I must make something crystal clear."
He stepped forward. "FREEDMEN!"
Those standing there were just as confused as I was.
"I understand that some of you might look at and treat them differently. This will not be tolerated. I will offer all of you the chance: if you hate them, look down on them, or try to abuse or intimidate them... it won't end well for you."
His voice got very low at the end, and his smile was the most sinister yet. But it had to be said.
They might consider themselves good people, but they could still harbor the prejudices all those born and raised under similar brainwashing possess. It was better to sort this out now. If someone disturbed his people or way of life, a quick death would be a dream considering what his actual ending would be.
No one moved or said anything, as expected. Who would give up a chance at a new life behind a powerful, emerging leader like him?
"Very well. Time will tell. I apologize to all those who were offended. Please understand that Emet Village does not allow slavery." He looked at all those who had committed to staying. "There, you will receive a community willing to help in bad times and celebrate the good ones. I hope we can all get along."
He stepped by my side and gave me a look.
Right.
"Sebastian, Mellos! Organize your men and your own wagons. Once everyone is inside, head toward Uitla. With this many, it will take about two to three days. There, you will wait until Zephyr arrives with a comprehensive map in—"
I looked behind me, and he showed three fingers.
"—Three days. With that many men, I doubt you'll run into trouble. His Holiness also supplies an additional one hundred Holy Archers until you reach Malai City. Zephyr here already had words with them. Do your best not to antagonize them. Now go, and good luck."
They saluted and walked away, saying goodbye to their old lives.
"Let us go as well. We need to say goodbye to your parents and grandmother, by the way..." He stopped and turned around, confused. "What happened to your cousin?"
"Heimy is wintering south. We'll see him once spring arrives."
I was tired already. Being up all last night was truly starting to take its toll.
~
We waited comfortably, joined by Nora, who woke Gilly and then stood silently. I saw Zephyr's coy smile but ignored it—and her hungry eyes. I didn't feel all that well, having skipped a bath and still wearing last night's clothes. Her presence didn't allow for our usual conversations, so we waited without a word.
"You boys came."
We saw her. Bone-tired, clearly regretting last night.
"You insisted."
We got up to greet her. Nora went to bring some much-appreciated tea.
"I'm the last stop?" Gilly asked.
"Of course. We said our goodbyes to everyone else." I smiled.
Mother and Father had embraced Zephyr for an uncomfortably long time and made him promise a trip in the summer—hopefully, they would forget it.
"Good. I have a few things to say. One: I will visit your village once the snow has melted." She sipped the hot tea just served and went on. "Two: I want to be more involved with Juan's rescue."
Here we go again. "Gilly—"
"That will be fine." Zephyr tapped my shoulder and leaned forward. "As long as you accept our decisions and do exactly as you're told."
Gilly smiled brightly. Though she probably assumed my answer would be the same as last time, Zephyr was doing everything and more for his escape. If he was okay with it, so was I.
"Handsome, family man, and a good head on that shoulder. I approve."
There it was, the trifecta. She never approved of anything or anyone I did. In fact, her most used phrase was 'I disapprove.'
Zephyr took the compliment and turned to me.
"She is rich, smart, and very well connected. My thoughts are that she found and kept your father out of kindness," he said without humor.
She giggled at the compliment, which doubled as an insult to my father.
"My boys, I want you to listen." She turned dead serious. "Viego and his family, hell, even the Commander, Mario, have been charmed, but tread carefully. These people are ruthless and quick to turn on you."
Gilly still didn't seem to understand how these people needed to be afraid of us. After last night's flawlessly executed maneuver, Zephyr practically achieved religious peace between nations as an afterthought.
Zephyr just smiled and got up.
"I'll take your words to heart. I enjoyed your company and your cadence." He walked over and knelt in front of her, taking her free hand. "Maybe when you visit in the spring, you might decide to stay, dear Gilly."
She was charmed—no surprise. "I might just think about it." She giggled as he gently kissed her hand.
"With respect, Gilly, we must leave. It's a long and cold journey to Uitla. Our people are already on the road."
She looked annoyed but stood up, saying her goodbyes. "I wish you good luck. Zephyr? Be a dear and come get me once you achieve your goal and the date of reunification is set."
He placed two kisses on her cheeks. "I'll head here long before the date, and you can take me around the city. This one was useless." He pointed behind me. Well, excuse me, Mr. Peace Maker.
"It's a promise. Julius... treat her well. Having great-grandchildren is a privilege few can call their own," she smiled softly.
I gave her a long hug, thinking Vistellia already looked exactly like her despite being no older than sixty. Ehlite, hear me, I hope Seline will look exactly like her in twenty years.
"I'll do my best, Gilly. Latest, I'll see you in the spring. Hopefully, in my very own house." I winked.
We walked outside her gates, the sacks tightly wrapped around my back. My height really helped me out.
"In this, it will be a breeze to move. Are you ready? No, no, no... not here no." He stretched, then stepped away in a hurry once I attempted to climb onto his back.
I smiled as we moved to the secluded gardens and left Dharma behind us.