After killing the soldier that had trailed them, Ferze and Nakia had returned to the other soldiers that they left behind.
"Did ya' have a great time daffodils"? One of them asked, smiling. Ferze rolled her eyes then proceeded to call for the rest of the soldiers to gather around. "Before we continue to journey any further, let's camp here for a few nights. I need three teams of four to gather enough provisions of food and water. Nakia and I will handle getting wood".
After hearing their leader, everyone went off to gather provisions. Six hours had gone by since everyone departed and when everyone returned, Nakia and the others began setting up the site expeditiously. The men constructed temporary forts and set tents while the women prepared food and their leader, was devising plans, to prepare them for when they fully set out to depart.
Night fall
The cold breeze filled the air, while creeping through the soldiers forts and the melodies of the night were heard from the insects. The soldiers fell into a deep slumber, yet,there stood one who refused to leave a problem unresolved. He went over to Ferze's tent. When the soldier entered the tent, he was shocked to see Nakia there as well. "General, I have a concern". He said.
There was a silent moment when Nakia's and Ferze's eyes met for a split second before returning towards the soldier. "What seems to trouble you " ? Ferze asked with a trembling voice.
"Since we started this journey, I've been traveling alongside a certain soldier. This morning he was with us, but the moment you two returned from doing who knows what, after deciding to set up camp here, I have not seen him since. Prior to leaving, he said he needed to check something out...yet he never returned and didn't say where he was going or what he needed to "check out". You have instilled into every soldier, that no man is to be left behind. I can't speak for others but for myself, I must say that, something is going on around here... You're afraid of the truth getting out. By now, you would've noticed that one of your men is missing...yet ... You do nothing!
Ferze's heart sunk as she began sweating and the air grew tense, while Nakia's mind and body went into flight or fight.
"He knew something didn't he and that's why he didn't return... he was killed ! I don't know what has gotten into you, but you've betrayed us and judging from your body's response, I stand correct". Nakia immediately charged at the soldier while Ferze stood frozen like a statue. "Snap out of it, we can't let him escape or the other soldiers know" ! She yelled as she was on top of the soldier, beating his face in. While Ferze still was standing frozen and speechless, the wind blew violently near the tent's entry, causing a soldier from the outside to see what was happening.
"Traitor, you turn on your fellow man"!? The soldier yelled, causing the other to come outside their tents. When everyone saw what was happening, they immediately went to retrieve their swords and charged at Nakia. Ferze finally moved by stepping in the line of fire, causing the soldiers to halt. "Why get in our way ? She turned on a fellow man , we shall execute her". Before she could respond, the beaten up soldier drew up the last of his strength to say something. "That sniveling wench...is a t-traitor". Ferze was pushed out of the way and the soldiers continued to charge at Nakia. With no other choice, she prepared to take them on.