1 Alga & Solec

The blazing fire embraced the woods rapidly as the three men run forward carrying their spears. They all howled in fear while nearing the village, repeatedly chanting different warnings.

"They're coming! Run!"

"Get out of the village!"

"Hurry!"

"Hide!"

Catching their breaths, they stopped sprinting. The villagers wondered what frightened the men who were just supposed to hunt foods for supper. They thought of different beasts, from poisonous snakes to savage bears. Still, none of them was correct.

"What is all this commotion?" The tribal chief asked in a stern voice.

The sky suddenly turned foggy. Then the smell of burning wood slowly filled their lungs.

"The Algas are coming for us!"

"They burned our land! Let us not stay here for long!"

The Solecs have always been in feud with the Algas but not once did they experience this kind of trick from their enemy.

Kwahu ordered some of his men to gather all women and children on the cave located on the east. Others will try to save what's left of their small village.

"Hurry and pray to the gods for our safety!" He ordered.

Fear rush through their veins as they went to their own cottages and collect valuables. Kwahu then went to his own.

"Where is Halona?"

"She is on the lake father," said Akecheta. Sweat was dripping down his forehead. "I am going to fetch her."

"Alright child, I will meet you and the others on Maan cave," the chief hurriedly said while grabbing his weapon on the table.

"Be careful father."

Akecheta got out of their home and ran through the dark bushy path. It was a starless night. The gods must be angry, he thought.

When they were younger, they would walk around the forest at night and sneak on to the lake. It would reflect the bright silver moon that her sister loved so much.

He treasures his sister so much that he would cross unknown and unfamiliar fields just to fulfill his sister's wishes.

"Why are you running brother? You might trip on the scattered twigs, " Halona asked Akecheta. She let out a small chuckle.

Akecheta hugged his sister, "we must run, the Algas burned the woods!"

"What?! They would never do that," she stammered.

"But they already did! Father and the others will meet us on Maan," he desperately explained while gasping.

The color on Halona's rosy face was suddenly nowhere to be found. She knew well enough that her brother would never lie about serious matters. Akecheta grabbed her shaky hands and lead the way.

They ran and ran, faster every second, fearing the inferno that was swallowing their forest. Halona whispered a silent prayer to the gods to save her comrades, especially her father.

Confusion was all over her head. She cannot think of a reason why the Algos would go as far as spreading fire to their land.

Suddenly, whispers were heard across the narrow river. Shadow figures were seen from where Akecheta and Halona were standing.

"Oh sweet child, finally!" Kwahu said while marching to the other side. He took Halona's hand and guided her carefully to the others while Akecheta followed them behind.

"What happened father? Why did the Algos spread fire?" Halona asked while wiping the sweat off her face.

"I do not have the answer for now, but we will know soon. I sent the twins, Honon and Honani to spy on the enemy's village."

"I believe that their reason for destroying our home is extremely serious,"

"I know, that is why you need to rest. We never know what might happen in the future."

"Alright, good night father," Halona said.

"We will guard the area, do not fear. Good night Halona."

She entered the cave and was greeted by the other villagers. They gave her a blanket made of wool to sleep on.

The children were already fast asleep while the women were whispering. They talked about the incident and made up conclusions why it all happened. Halona was quietly listening to their murmurs, imagining on her own the possibilities of what they said.

Aranck clouded her mind too. She wondered why he did not show up on the lake. Halona kept on burying the doubt she have for him. She convinced herself that everything was just a mere coincidence. She knew that the feelings they share for each other is enough for him. She knew that Aranck would never follow the footsteps of his father. They both wanted peace.

*

The sound of children's laughter entered Halona's ears. Light seeped through the little hole on the cave. She opened her eyes slowly. It was another day.

"Come on sister, the food is ready," Akecheta said with a smiling face. She wondered where in the world his brother got the energy to smile so carefree, even when they are in an uncertain situation. It was a trait that she really envies.

They walked out of the cave and went to the trees beside its opening. Fruits were placed in a basket then fishes were cooked on the stick.

"Here, eat up." Akecheta said while handing over foods.

"Where is father?" Halona asked after biting an apple.

"He said that he needs to check on something, don't worry sister," Akecheta assured.

Halona nodded while nibbling her fruit. She sat on the wooden chair that was placed near the baskets.

The sky mirrored the faces of her fellow villagers. The soil had visible traces of water. The trees were now black as pitch.

The atmosphere felt cold.

"Run!"

"Save your lives!"

Hundreds of arrows were released into the air coming from the other side of the river.

Everyone was panicking.

"Go save yourself, we will handle this!" Akecheta shouted.

Halona was too shocked to move her feet, "But-" she stammered.

"Now!"

She did all her best to move fast and not look back. It was all too much. Her feet are trembling still. She can see the others running away with children too. They must feel the same, but a lot more worse. No mother would want their child to face such matters in a young age.

They were all innocent. The hatred that was passed down to their tribes lived and will continue to take away pure souls until none was left.

"Help!" Shrieked the boy who got trapped into a thorny bush.

Halona heard the tiny cry and turned around to help the little child get up. Setting her feelings aside, she ran fast to rescue the boy.

Tears were flowing out of the boy's round eyes down to his puffy cheeks. His clothes were stuck on the little spiky thorns.

"Oh calm down, I'm here," comforted Halona while trying to remove the stuck cloth.

"It won't come off," she panicked.

"Help me, do not leave me please," pleaded the child.

Halona grabbed a stone beside the bushes with a sharp edge. She pulled the cloth and struck the thorny bush repeatedly.

After a few more attempt, it finally budge off. "Let's run!" She yelled while grabbing the boy's tiny arms.

The other Solecs were very far from them already, and some of the enemies are now near.

"Do you see that oak tree?" Halona asked as the boy nodded while running.

A couple of arrows were released by some of the Algas directing at them.

"There is a shortcut leading to the other hill, if you go there, you will be able to catch up with our neighbors," she whispered. The little child flashed a shocked faced and shook his head, causing a sound from his beaded necklace.

"I will go to to other side, tell them to find me on Abey cave," she instructed.

"Now!" Halona shouted while going to the opposite direction. The boy stared at her while running to the path she thought him. Uncertainty was seen on his face, but he cannot stop anymore.

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