Chapter 15 - One Banner, One war
The fire crackled low in the hut, casting long shadows on the walls. Khisa sat cross-legged, deep in thought.
[You're hesitating.] Ayaan's voice resonated thought his mind.
Khisa sighed. "Not hesitating—deciding."
[There are only two paths before you: take them by force or appeal to their hearts. The former wins their bodies. The latter wins their loyalty.] She reasoned.
Khisa sighed, "If I appeal to their hearts and they reject me, then what?"
[Then they were never meant to stand beside you.]
He exhaled sharply. "We can't afford hesitation. The slavers won't wait."
Ayaan's voice softened slightly.
[Then lead.]
Khisa closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, his resolve was set. "We ride at dawn."
The golden hues of morning painted the sky as the Abakhore warriors rode toward the Angwenyi village. Their horses moved in steady, controlled gallops, the sound of hooves striking the earth a rhythmic beat of war.