Grandma Ingrid let out a sigh, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion, as she responded, "He's right. Now that we have confirmed everything that we needed to do on our own it's time we seek the village chief's support and assistance. It will bring us the much-needed peace of mind, knowing that we have the backing of the chief."
As Grandma Ingrid finished speaking, her gaze briefly fixed on me before shifting elsewhere. I couldn't decipher what thoughts occupied her mind at that moment. Nevertheless, I resolved to have a private conversation with her later, to unravel whatever nonsense was swirling in her head. It was evident that concealing the fact that she had already engaged in 'kushi' with me would only lead to trouble if it surfaced on its own.
The rest of the group nodded in agreement, acknowledging the need to approach the village chief for support. However, the idea of all nine of us descending upon the chief's compound simultaneously seemed unwise, drawing too much attention and potentially hindering our entry. Such unwanted scrutiny was the last thing we needed.
Therefore, in the end, it was decided that only my mother, Grandma Celia, Reena, and I would make the visit. They were the ones carrying my children at the moment, making their presence crucial for the discussion with the village chief.
Emerging from the hut, we embarked on the path leading to the village chief's residence. As we strolled beneath the scorching afternoon sun, we encountered various villagers going about their business in groups or alone. Eventually, we reached our destination—the village chief's compound.
Fortunately, the guards stationed at the gates were familiar faces. Having seen me and the others on multiple occasions with Warrior Jean, they recognized me as a novice warrior from this year's awakening generation. Their eyes carried a glimmer of familiarity as I approached, sparing me the need of presenting the wooden chip that was given to me during the awakening ceremony.
Confident in my ability to handle the situation, I instructed my mother and the others to let me take the lead, knowing it would be much smoother that way. With confidence in my steps, I approached the guards, their eyes fixed on me, and conveyed my intention to meet the village chief with urgency, emphasizing that I had crucial news to deliver.
Initially, the guards displayed a hint of hesitation. However, employing a deliberate and seemingly coincidental approach, I subtly revealed my identity as Orion- the one who had awakened a Six Stars potential for inner strength. In an instant, their demeanour transformed into one of subdued respect. One of the guards cleared his throat before speaking, "Although I cannot grant you immediate access to the chief, I can inform the messenger of your presence." While this meant that I would have to relay the purpose of our visit to Mr Thak first, before explaining it again to the village chief, it was a minor inconvenience considering that others typically had to inform the chief days in advance for appointments, unless it was a special occasion or involved someone of significance, like myself.
Understanding the situation, I nodded in agreement and observed as one of the guards made his way into the compound, heading towards one of the larger huts.
After five minutes, I spotted the guard approaching us, accompanied by Mr Thak. As they reached our location, Mr Thak cast a perplexed gaze at the three women and then redirected his attention to me, his lips forming a frown. "I heard you were not present with the group when they departed for their warrior's training today. However, seeing you here suggests that you have a reason for your lateness and sudden arrival."
Hearing his stern tone, I nodded in acknowledgement and opted to share the news discreetly by whispering into his ear. It seemed like the most efficient way to convey the information and quicken our entry for a meeting. With a subtle gesture, I motioned for him to lean closer and bring his ears forward.
Despite the deepening frown on his face, Thak remained attentive, recognizing the gravity of the situation as he observed the seriousness etched on my expression. He obliged and brought his ears closer to my lips, ready to listen. With a hushed tone, I uttered, "You see that older woman over there..." I watched as his gaze immediately shifted and locked onto Grandma Celia and my mother. Continuing, I specified, "The one on the far left..." ensuring that his attention was solely directed at Grandma Celia. Then, with an even quieter whisper, I delivered the news, "She is pregnant."
As soon as the news reached his ears, Mr Thak's eyes widened in astonishment, and he instinctively pulled back his head. He looked at me with a mix of surprise, confusion, and deep contemplation. Gradually, his expression transformed into a state of calmness, and he narrowed his eyes at me. With an air of authority, he spoke, his voice carrying a serious tone, "Mr Orion, do you understand the gravity of attempting to deceive the village chief's messenger, neglecting your training, and seeking an audience with the village chief without a plausible or justifiable reason?" His words carried an unprecedented level of seriousness and composure that I had never witnessed from him before.
However, instead of prolonging the situation by engaging in an argument with him, I swiftly responded, "Mr Thak, if you suspect that I am being dishonest, why not call a healer and verify it yourself? Furthermore, I wouldn't skip my warrior training and come here this afternoon just to trick you. But if I am indeed lying, I willingly accept any punishment of your choosing. I assure you, I won't utter a single complaint. However, I kindly request that you confirm the truth first."
As his expression settled after he listened to my words, the doubts seemed to clear, yet a lingering suspicion remained, intensifying in an unusual manner. I could sense his contemplation, wrestling with my words but still harbouring reasonable doubts. Mr Thak cleared his throat, diverting his attention to one of the guards stationed at the gates, before issuing his command, "Fetch one or two available skilled healers. Inform them that someone within the village chief's compound requires their services." The guard promptly acknowledged the order and went on his way. Mr Thak then turned back to us, motioning for all four of us to follow him.
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