CHAPTER 03

ACT 11

After the whole commotion, the raid was now over. The Village was in ruin and smoke. People rounded up the dead and attended to the injured. People were crying and depressed. Animals were running all over the place. Joey and his parents looked at their Village. There was a Red and Blue man fighting. Two Yellow men were trying to settle them down. Joey's father's name was Bandri. He had a broken arm from all the fighting. Partla held him close to her.

Joey - Mama, where is Reolita?

Partla - I'm sure they are fine. Let's check the shelters.

On getting to the shelters they saw a lot of injured but alive people. The atmosphere was very gloomy and sad. They saw a woman holding her husband and crying.

Woman - Where is my son oh?! They have taken him away oh! Someone bring him back to me oh! Bring him back to me!

Partla held her son close to her. They finally got to one of the tents in the rescue side. They saw Reolita and her father sitting together very devastated. Reolita was in silent tears. Her Father looked numb. Diablo slept peacefully on his back.

Partla - Thank the goddess your safe. Where is Alicia?

Ricktin - She is gone.

Partla was shocked. Bandri didn't show any emotion. Joey couldn't believe his ears. He looked at Reolita and saw how sad she was.

Bandri - My friend... I'm very sorry for your loss.

Partla - I know how it is to lose someone you love. During the first raid of my Mother's Village. My father was out fighting the raiders but one of them still managed to sneak into our home. I was startled awake and I saw the raider pointing a knife at me. He grabbed me and wanted to kill me but then my sister attacked from behind and his knife scratched my eye. They continued to fight until she killed him but she too was gravely injured. She only lasted another week. I know it doesn't help but... Alicia was like a Sister to me.

She burst into tears. Her husband held her tight and comforted her.

Partla - Should we go and see her body? I'm sure it's at...

Ricktin - No. I and my children will be leaving soon we will go to the Village of Khana. The only village left at the border of the Red empire. It's still standing despite all this chaos. It's the safest option for my children right now. We will leave at dawn.

He knew he was supposed to hold his wife's burial but he couldn't bear the thought of it.

Ricktin - (Forgive me Alicia, but I simply can't bear to see you in that state.)

Partla - But isn't that...

Bandri held her hand. She didn't say anything again.

Ricktin - That is all I have to say.

Bandri - No problem then. We will assist you with what we can. We may not have much. Those raiders took most of our cattle away. It's a serious loss. Very few are left. But I'll gather something. Some people have gone after the raiders.

Ricktin - Thank you my friend. I really appreciate your help.

Reolita ran into the inner chambers of the tent and Joey ran in after her.

Joey - Reolita... Wait!

Reolita - It is my fault.

Joey - What are you saying?

Reolita - My Mama is gone because of me.

Joey - What happened? How did you Mama get killed. She is one of the strongest woman I know.

Reolita - She died saving me. I just want her back. I wish she didn't try to save me. It's all my fault.

Joey hugged her closely.

Joey - It's not in any way your fault. That is what Mothers do. They protect their children. It's just like the Mother hen and her chicks. It's OK. Stop crying. I don't like it when you cry.

Reolita - I'll try.

Joey - Reolita I'm also moving to the Empire Yellow kingdom. Mama and I will stay there until the walls are finished. Half of it has been destroyed in the raid. I want you to know that I'll miss you very much.

Reolita - I'll miss you too.

She still continues to cry and Joey also starts to also shed tears.

ACT 12

The next morning...

After the very first cock crow. Ricktin had finished packing whatever they could get from their burnt house. Joey's family gave them water, money and some food items. Reolita and her father wore black clothing to mourn.

Partla - Please be safe out there.

Joey hugged Reolita close.

Joey - I'll miss you.

Reolita - Me too. I'll always remember you.

Joey - Me too. Here have this, so you will remember me.

He places a bracelet on her hand.

Reolita - Thank you.

Ricktin carried Reolita and Diablo and the bags of food and clothes and the water in animal skin and placed them on the donkey. Soon they started heading for the great river Lugondo where they would pass the water to get to the Village. But the water was known to be very dangerous.

ACT 13

Meanwhile at the Leotin Mountains.

The Red Empire army lay ambush for the Empire Blue Army. They had joined the Jokon Red army for a surprise attack. Head Warrior Naphila gives instructions to their men as a messenger gives her a piece of paper.

Red Messenger - It's from the Red Empire kingdom.

Head Warrior Naphila - Those Disease ridden Blues. They've attacked 2 of the Red Villages from the south and a Yellow village as well. But not to worry everything will be in motion very soon. Is everything set?

Warrior - Yes my lady.

The Royal Red Empire army starts to close in.

Head Warrior Naphila - According to plan. Get ready for my signal.

Her second in command stands next. His name is Jammos.

Jammos - Our informants tell us that the King and Queen of the Empire Blue army are leading this raid themselves. And it's a double formation strategy.

Head Warrior Naphila - That is good to know. Looks like they plan to use one to distract us while the other heads straight for the Red kingdom. Lucky for us various traps have been set up already.

Warriors - The Blues are coming and they are being led by Queen Surline.

Head Warrior Naphila - All right. Warriors steady your weapons!

(Warriors Fighting Scene)

ACT 14

One week later...

Reolita and her family reached the great stream called Lugondo. Baby Diablo had been crying for a few hours now. He was very hungry and they needed to settle down and rest. It was already evening and his crying could get unwanted attention. Reolita was quiet throughout the whole journey. Ricktin was very worried that she was injured. His wife just died and he didn't want to lose his daughter too.

He quickly set up a bonfire and used long sticks and clothes to make a tent. He and his wife had made sure to set up for emergencies just like this.

He brought out some beans and corn and but them over the fire in a pot to cook. He warmed some milk and fed Diablo. The baby drank it hungrily. He then added some spices to the food and served himself and his daughter in a plate. He packaged the rest for later.

Ricktin - Come on Reolita let's eat. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow.

Reolita burst into tears and Ricktin quickly carried her and put her on his laps and hugs her tight.

Ricktin - Shhh it's OK. I'm here. Everything is fine.

He pets her head.

Reolita - Papa, did Mama die because of me?

Ricktin - No. Never say that. Your Mother died protecting you from a bad person. No matter what, she and I will always love you and protect you sweetheart. Now eat I don't want you to fall sick. We have a long road ahead tomorrow.

He feed her but she didn't eat much and they both soon finished their dinner. He settled the children inside the tent and held a long cutlass outside the tent in case of intruders. He may not have strength and courage like his wife but he won't let anything happen to his children. He began to pray.

Ricktin - Dear goddess please guide us on our journey. Let no trouble come our way. Protect me and my children.

ACT 15

The next morning...

Reolita was sleeping on her mat. It was still very early in the morning. Ricktin tapped Reolita on her shoulder. She groaned.

Ricktin - Quick get up. We have to go.

He quickly showered the children and they all ate the leftovers. They waited by the river. A man on a canoe stopped for them. Reolita hid behind her Father. The man on the boat looked scary. He had a very bushy beard and was very skinny almost looking like a skeleton.

Skinny Man - Where are you going stranger?

Ricktin - I am headed towards Khana Village at the edge of the river.

Skinny Man - The journey there is very dangerous especially for small children.

Ricktin - I know. But I'm willing to pay any amount if you can take us there safely.

Skinny Man - I don't want money. Your donkey will do.

Ricktin - OK. The donkey is yours.

Skinny Man - Very Well. Enter.

Ricktin quickly put himself and his children inside the boat with their luggage. The man rowed gently down the stream. Reolita was still sleepy. She fell asleep in her father's arms.

1 hour later...

Reolita woke up when the boat shook roughly. The water current was very strong and rough. But the skinny man maneuvered expertly around the current. They narrowly missed a waterfall. Soon they reached a clearing. Ricktin helped Reolita out.

Skinny Man - Follow the path. You will find yourself at the Village by nightfall or dawn depending on how fast you move.

Ricktin - Thank you very much Sir.

Skinny Man - Business is Business. Farewell.

He rode back.

Reolita - That man was scary looking.

Ricktin - Don't talk about people like that. Quick carry this bag and let's go.

They began to walk down the path.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Please, I would really appreciate reviews and criticism.