She took the silence asked for, and when they stood up, she knew they'd await her next words. But she wasn't exactly sure what they'd be expecting of her.
It's not like she was ever as steadfast as her mother with these things.
"Where is my aunt?"
"She might have been away…"
"Might have?"
"We're still looking for her and her family."
Dread ate at her. Salīa raised her thumb's nail to her lips.
"Is Prince Kian still on Uh Isle?"
"Your uncle is sailing here now. My son—Commander Sibusiso, who was close by, has let me know he's gathered them with their soldiers."
"Good," Salīa said unconvincingly. What choice do I really have? "He will act in my mother's name."
"You are Queen now," Chief Raino said firmly.
"Then he will act in mine, until my mother returns."
Chief Raino had to bite his tongue to not offer his own opinion. It seemed he was not the only.
Although Salīa already knew what might be said, and deep down she agreed with him. Prince Kian was a notorious judge of the realm and could be quite a disciplinarian.
His judgments on trials were blunt and resolute, with severe punishment and execution being the result. Though many favored him for the same reason, since he wasn't prone to bribery and didn't falter easily.
"Let's be clear. The only rule he has will be to aid in recovering our people and preparing for any battlements here or searches for any others who might be missing.
No attacks on any lands unless my mother or I have given the command. Defenses are fitting, yet we can't afford to make more enemies or lose any allies."
"Yes, Queen."
The baby woke to cry again, and magi-mi Chamba couldn't pacify it.
"Is there someone who can breast this one?" Salīa asked.
"My wife has given birth," said Chief Raino.
"Oh," Salīa lit up and hugged Chief Raino.
She knew it wasn't proper nor the appropriate time, yet Chief Raino was more than just the strongest sworn guardian of Salazā. He'd become something of a family.
"What's the name?"
"His name's Mpilo," Chief Raino said proudly.
"Ah, you should give auntie Nomusa a bit of a break, Chief Raino. Unless you're planning for another soon?"
"No," he shook his head, hiding a half-smile. "Our ninth is our last."
"Speaking of…is your family…"
"My family is fine, thankfully."
She nodded, yet looked to the wailing child and gestured for it.
Ever since her mother scolded her for going near the twins when they were young, she'd always been reluctant to touch another babe, yet couldn't stand to hear it cry. It was put in her hands, and instantly, flashes swept before her.
Of a family holding the babe, then people in dark clothes and black masks flaring torches around. The screams and yells of many while the babe's vision was covered.
The hurried stomping and the rustling of things within a basket as the baby was hooked onto the tree. Its eyes were blurry as it cried out for its family.
And then darkness and wailing. Then a flash of glaring red eyes.
"Ah!" Salīa stood up, panting as she stared at this baby.
"Are you ok?" asked magi-mi Chamba.
"Uh…it's hungry. But please get a healer to check on it as well." Chief Raino nodded while passing it to another zazi and nodding. "The baby. His mother called him Tutu."
The zazi looked to her, but none dare ask how she knew.
She walked on, then halted when she saw the courtyard's thick, marshy grassland and wilted flowers that lay in the center between the long columns that made up their home.
This was where those within their home would go to pray. The stars would peak above and dance for them as they did.
The impregnable hut lay here at the edge of the wooden courtyard where her mother would come out to write. There was plentiful bloom and gems around, as well as velvety pillows and places to lounge.
Salīa would hide out here when the sun would set and watch the small body of sparkly blue water at the center glisten.
"What's become of the people?"
"We're doing a census now. Some villagers are sparse. The main council survived, yet some of the extended council are either dead or hiding. A few have traveled to receive aid, and a few have left."
Salīa clenched her jaw. I could've done something.
"I need a count of how many Salazā keepers are still here. Each open role must be filled. Prince Kian may make remarkable choices, yet see to it that they are those you trust too.
These roles are temporary, and if any ill decisions are made, they may be replaced. You must inform me of these decisions so that nothing occurs that would displease our Queen," Salīa paced. "We need to save as many of our villagers as we can.
Inform the Islands of this. Prepare ships for any who would like to reside in the Islands in my absence."
Chief Raino nodded and gestured to several zazi who walked off to their given roles.
"I need a map for the Noblas Veiros, preferably one that marks surrounding lands, as I may be called to visit them.
I need a book or a few that can inform me of what I need to know about each land's history, past, and present, especially the present. I need to know if any shadows have word on who these people are and who they serve.
And I need weapons, a bigger bag, and something to keep meals."
"Yes, Queen. And a carriage?"
"Horses, yes. A carriage is too slow. Even with just horses, it will still be at our best a month, unless we transcend."
"Too dangerous."
"Chief Raino…"
"I swear to protect and heed you. It's too dangerous."
He was right. Especially since it was riskier than trespassing the magic ban.
"Are there any Tiago tigers available?"
He quieted for a moment, his eyes racing side to side.
"Two. And I will send the best of my zazi."
"No, just one of your best."
"Queen—"
That word raised her shoulders over her ears, reaching her tolerance, and she quickly cut it with, "Just one. I understand your need to counsel me on the dangers, yet I've already decided. If I travel armed, it's as if I'm posing a threat on every land I enter."
"You don't know which land is posing a threat to you."
"Chief Raino, I respect you, and I understand. This is the Noblas Veiros, though. I won't be alone. There are allies to Salazā all on this journey. And I know you've sent zazi to reach out in each land, so I'll never be short. One zazi is worth another's army. It is only one army I need."
"As you wish," he said low, letting his sigh fade. "Rakire."
Raki kneeled and made an x, then held his xira out to Salīa as a symbol of respective serving, yet the disdain lay thick on his face.
"I offer to serve in his place," said Bazil.
"You are not ready to, son."
"I am."
"You aren't," said Raki, who stood up with the double-bladed spear.
"Bazilani, you will attend to another task in which—"
"Chief Raino, you must forgive me. I choose Bazil."
Bazil's eyes lit up, and Raki's scowl coarsened.
"He is not the best of the zazi."
This had Bazil flinching, yet he kept his upright, chest-proud stance.
"I've seen him fight. He might not be undefeated like his older brothers, but he is barely defeated and next after them."
Bazil quickly covered his smile, yet Salīa caught it.
"I also chose him because he chose me. As brave as Raki is, it is plain to me that I am not his Queen yet."
Chief Raino passed Raki one of his own scowls.
"I say this not to shame him, Chief Raino. I just think he might be best suited to finding our Queen in his own way. I will be safe."
Chief Raino might not have believed her, yet he bowed and gestured to his sons, who commanded the zazi.
"I know a council meeting is needed, so please arrange for it right now. And if there are any still-minded witnesses to anything, big or small, I'd like to meet them now."
Bazil nodded at Chief Raino's gesture, and while he moved tentatively, he left with a few other zazi.
"A ceremonial dinner, right?" Salīa looked at Chief Raino. "That's what's needed to establish camaraderie, correct?"
"Yes, but why are you—"
"This evening, but early. This has to be done before I leave."
"Are you sure you shouldn't rest for a few days? At least to get an understanding."
"I understand," Salīa's voice cracked, yet she turned her face from the zazi and attendants who stared. "Please, just honor my request."
"As you wish. Anything else you need?"
"We must have the Freedom Festival tonight."
"Freedom Festival?" many exclaimed, unable to stop themselves.
"Yes," Salīa forced a smile. "Please send the birds to ask the villagers to come down by sunset. Each leader must light the torch that leads the way."
"Princess," Raki growled, then caught his father's scowl. "I mean, Queen. Don't you think some of them might not share the same enthusiasm as you for a party after all they've been through?"
Salīa often struggled to face him, yet stared right at his darkened, deep brown eyes.
"The dancers and music players must be ready. They'll only have this time until late afternoon, but tell them it doesn't have to be anything new," she went on. "Make a feast. Take from our quarters if we have to.
Have the bakers and cooks ready. Secure blankets and the pits, and make sure there are places for the kids to play.
Keep guards sectioned all around and be wary of intruders. Also, invite those who are coming to our aid, too."
"What about those unable to attend?" asked Chief Raino.
"If some are too unwell, please see that we have many scribes and watchers to translate to those in their homes after.
Oh, and you can carve out a small pocket of time after the council meeting for those who have words to say on this, but just to a few.
My words will be the same to each, so they can pass the message on."
Raki arched a brow, but it seemed Chief Raino instantly understood Salīa's intention.
"Let it be known to all," Salīa said. "Tonight, we celebrate."
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