Chapter 8

The great hall of Tengaki was alive with murmurs. Warriors and nobles alike whispered among themselves, exchanging hushed words about the man who had stolen the attention of all the kings.

Tsegunki.

A warrior of wisdom. A fighter of patience. A man whose presence alone commanded respect.

His name had spread across the land like wildfire, reaching the ears of the most powerful rulers. He had defeated Fezzi, a warrior known for his brute strength, and had done so with ease. But it was not just his skill in combat that made him the centre of attention, it was his mind.

And now, he stood before Lahara.

The hall doors groaned as they swung open, revealing Tsegunki's tall, composed figure. Unlike the others, he showed no hesitation, no fear as he stepped inside.

The kings, seated in a semi-circle, watched him with interest. Among them was Kovu, his gaze steady and unwavering.

Lahara, sitting at the head, studied the man before him.

"You have done well, Tsegunki," Lahara said, his voice deep and commanding. "Your victory over Fezzi was… enlightening."

Tsegunki gave a small bow, his expression neutral.

"Tell me," Lahara continued, leaning forward slightly. "What is it that you seek?"

The kings listened intently, waiting to hear what kind of reward a man like him would ask for.

Gold? Land? Power?

But Tsegunki simply said, "A place to serve."

A murmur spread through the hall.

Lahara narrowed his eyes. "You could serve any of us. Every king here would gladly take you into his court."

Another king nodded. "A warrior of your caliber deserves a greater position than a mere servant."

"You could lead an army," another ruler offered. "Command warriors who would fight and die for you."

"A life of honor," a different king added. "A life of wealth and status."

But Tsegunki did not waver.

"I have already chosen my path," he said simply.

Lahara's eyes flickered with intrigue. "And what path is that?"

Tsegunki turned his gaze to Kovu.

"I choose to serve Kovu."

The hall fell into stunned silence.

Lahara's brow lifted slightly. "Kovu?"

The other kings exchanged glances, clearly surprised.

"You refuse a position of power, wealth, and command… for this?" one king asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

Tsegunki nodded.

Lahara studied him carefully, then let out a small chuckle. "Fascinating."

Kovu, who had been silent the entire time, let a smirk cross his face.

"Didn't expect that," he muttered.

"You could have chosen anything," Lahara said, shaking his head. "And yet, you choose a man."

Tsegunki met Lahara's gaze with wisdom in his eyes.

"The greatest treasure is not gold but the company you keep."

Lahara exhaled sharply, as if amused by the answer. "You are an interesting man, Tsegunki."

The hall was silent for a long moment before Lahara finally nodded.

"Very well," he said. "Your request is granted. From this day forward, you shall be Kovu's personal guard."

Kovu leaned back, his smirk growing wider.

"Looks like I just gained a valuable ally," he said.

Tsegunki simply bowed. "As I have gained a worthy master."

The kings murmured among themselves once more, some impressed, others confused. But none could deny that Tsegunki had made his choice with certainty.

Fezzi's Fate

As the rulers settled, Lahara's attention turned to Fezzi, who stood silently at the side of the hall.

He had been defeated. Humiliated. Stripped of his confidence.

But Lahara's gaze did not hold disappointment. Instead, it held something else.

"Fezzi," Lahara called.

The young warrior stiffened, his fists clenched at his sides. "Yes, my lord."

"You lost today," Lahara said. "But do not mistake defeat for failure."

Fezzi's breath hitched. "I…"

"You are strong, Fezzi," Lahara continued. "But strength alone is not enough. If you wish to stand among the greatest, you must learn discipline. You must learn strategy. And most importantly, you must learn patience."

Fezzi's jaw tightened. "You still believe I have a place here?"

Lahara's lips curled slightly. "I know you do."

Fezzi felt a surge of emotions—relief, determination, frustration.

"You will not be cast aside," Lahara said firmly. "But you will train. You will grow. And when the time comes, you will prove yourself worthy again."

Fezzi bowed deeply. "I will not fail you again."

Lahara nodded. "See that you don't."

With decisions made, Lahara turned his gaze to the warriors assembled in the hall.

"The battle is far from over," he declared. "What happened today was merely the beginning. Our enemies are still out there, waiting for the right moment to strike. If we do not act first, they will strike us when we least expect it."

A hushed silence filled the room as warriors listened intently.

"As such," Lahara continued, "our forces will be divided. Warriors will be sent to different regions to ensure that we maintain control."

Murmurs broke out. Warriors glanced at one another, wondering where they would be sent.

"Kovu," Lahara called.

Kovu straightened. "Yes?"

"You and your men will travel north," Lahara instructed. "Rumors speak of an enemy force gathering near the Tulen River. You will intercept them before they can march toward us."

Kovu gave a firm nod. "Understood."

Lahara then looked at Fezzi. "You, Fezzi, will remain here. Your training is not complete."

Fezzi swallowed but did not protest.

Lahara's gaze swept across the hall. "The rest of you will be given assignments accordingly. War is upon us, and we must be ready for whatever comes next."

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Tsegunki turned to Kovu. "It seems our journey together begins sooner than expected."

Kovu smirked. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

As the warriors dispersed, the reality of their next mission set in.

Tsegunki had won his place at Kovu's side.

Fezzi had been given another chance to prove himself.

And the warriors of Tengaki had their orders, a battle awaited them in the north.

The war was far from over.

But for the first time, Tsegunki felt at peace.

He had made his choice.

And he would stand by it until the end.