Benard's Letter

When they got into the village head's throne room, they met the village head waiting and he looked very worried and some other people were with him and were discussing amongst themselves. James knew that something was wrong but he could not point out what. After some time after some other men had come in, the village head raised his head.

"My friends and colleagues, I have bad news. I just received a letter from Benard himself and he has told us to expect him and surrender or he will take over with bloodshed. I am yet to reply but all I know is that I will never surrender that easily. Therefore, I need every male who is 17 and above to join the army because we need all the help we can find if we are going to survive and every eligible male will be taken to the army training ground for proper grounding

and preparation for what lies ahead while the women and children will leave for Fadian. My men have started taking the eligible males already. May the gods help us." Kinla said.

Immediately, there was instant murmuring and the people were talking amongst themselves. After sometime, there was a calm and then Bosco an old man who is very influential in the village adjusted his clothes, stood up and gave his approval and then the people dispersed and went to their homes.

James then went to meet Kinla who was leaving for his room.

"Sir I don't think fighting or refusing to surrender is a good idea sir. It will make things worse."

"I can never surrender to anyone no matter who he is and besides I have a plan."

"What is that sir?"

"The plan is simple. I send a letter indicating that I have surrendered to the snake nation and

then he won't bring as many men as he should bring and then my men will attack he and his entourage and kill them. He would never think that a small village like ours will want to fight back."

"But what if.."

"If we what? Fail? Then we die with honour. And tell the ladies to start packing because they will be leaving tommorow." He said as he entered his room.

James then went to look for Joy and when he got to the room, he saw no one and went round the whole palace and saw no one and when he got to the garden, he saw Cletus and Ashra discussing and he excused himself and Ashra stepped aside.

"Cletus have you seen Joy anywhere?"

"No my friend what is the matter."

"I have searched the whole palace and I can't find her anywhere."

Cletus then asked Ashra if she had seen Joy and she replied in the negative.

James then informed Kinla who sent some men and told him to go to rest but he refused and decided to follow them.

The men then started moving around the village and started searching for her and they could not find her and while they were still searching, they finally saw her eating roasted goat meat at a stall.

"Oh my goodness what is your problem. Why didn't you tell anyone that you were going out? We were so worried. James said as he held her hand.

"Come on can't I just go out. I haven't left that palace since I we came here and I wanted to understand the people here."

"Whatever, let's go to the palace immediately. You have to start your preparation for the journey tommorow."

"Okay let's go."

They got to the palace and Kinla was a bit angry about her leaving the palace without informing anyone and she apologized.

James then went into the room with her to discuss.

"I will miss you a lot. I wish I could stay with you but I can't and you caught me. Joy said with tears in her eyes.

"Oh no so you didn't want to follow the women and children tommorow so you decided to hide and run. You are one crazy woman." James said while feigning anger.

"That is because I love you and I am scared for you and after that beating you received from that archer, I was so scared. I don't want to loose you."

"Don't you worry I will survive and I will meet you in Fadian." He said as he pulled her face towards his and kissed passionately and made love that night.