th was covered with black cloth, against the harshness of the weather. He squinted, shielding his eyes as he looked from side to side, scowling. Father once said that the world was once littered w

from their path,eyes lowered in fear, occasionally looking up quickly to look at the impressive armors of the Tije and the mighty warhorses upon which they rode. It saddened and at the same time, fascinated Idem at how people could live this way; without ambition, without power, like sheep waiting for the jaguar. He saw resignation on their faces,even the faces of

heir tasks with a lack of efficiency and discipline that stung Idem's eyes. He looked at Samza and he could see her scowl, her face turn into a mass of intimidating, terrifying flesh. The men wore their leather armors in different styles than what was expressly c

in, re

aptain's eyes were unfocused and he was struggling to maintain his balance. He was clearly under into

sked, struggling to keep his anger out of his voice. The

py in writing has been carefully documented and awaits your perusal. Before I had the chance to react, my men had already set fire to the Atu. The men have bee

r the weather. Fear broke through the captain's face but he drew his blade and offered it, still not look

y you and your former men. Leave me. Go and receive your punishment." He said and Samza raised an eyebrow at him before falling back into cold silence.

an saluted. He walked into the captain's room and looked around. It was spacious, sparcely furnished with a table and three chairs on each side wi

is too close to kindness. It m

uld I punish a man when I have tried to avoid punishment for my own incompetence?

He ordered and the man nodded, saluting sharply then jogged away. Idem reached for a pile of papers that lay

nt to a bucket which contained different rolls of maps and he opened them, glancing over them quickly, his mouth muttering quiet words. He did that whenever he was thinking. Oddly, he felt excited about this hunt. It gave him a refreshing di

obviously three options." She said " there is the nor

ded and

ace moist with sweat even inspite of the harmattan cold. His head was bowed low and he clenched his hands into fists, probably to keep them from shaking. H

st, soldier?" He asked. The man

are also efficiently manned. Though a bit less t

itated then pointed on the map. Idem raised an eyebrow then frow

l toward the sleeping hills or one of the outlying villages. A man and woman on foot, say they were running, will get to the nearest inhabited place

uld not travel by the road. You couldn't spread eyes that far, darkness." She said an

y. He turned to the soldier standing before him. He made to dismiss him but he stopped, turning to look at the lanterns that lit the room. What would he do if they all left? Think? No, doing that too much allow

id and the man sat, st

ervations? I am terribly curious." He said a