Richard Tuttle - Web of Deceit

“I have thoughts on that,” replied Lakado. “I have been wanting to talk you about it.”

“Any thoughts are welcome, Lakado,” Rejji said. “What are they?”

“I don’t think you should be putting houses in the old wasooki fields,” began Lakado. “That is an excellent area for the warehouses. The city should be expanding towards the mountains along the river.”

“There is not much room between our current houses and the stockade,” Rejji pointed out. “I don’t think you realize how many people are moving into Ghala each day.”

“Oh, but I do,” smiled Lakado as he drew a map in the dirt. “The stockade has to come down or be abandoned. Where it is now should be the city center. We should reserve a large section there for community buildings like stores, and inns. Maybe even a marketplace. Then in this area outside the stockade, we start the new houses.”

“We can’t have buildings outside the stockade,” Rejji said. “They would be too vulnerable to attack.”

“I know,” nodded Lakado. “That is why we will build a new wall way out here, but this one will be stone. There are two benefits to this plan. The first is that we will expand the city enough to house tens of thousands of people. The second is that the approach to the city can be a narrow path through the forest. It will be very hard for a large army to amass in front of the wall. It should increase our safety a great deal.”

“Clearing the land would be a lot easier,” nodded Plesy. “The forest outside the stockade is sparse, but still enough trees to supply the lumber we will need. And we won’t have to haul it either. “

“And there is enough room in the old wasooki fields for at least six warehouses,” smiled Lakado.

“I am not sure we need that much land for the city though,” responded Rejji. “That is a lot of houses.”

“There is more to a city than houses,” interjected Lakado. “Right now we get everything we need from Khadora, but that must change. We need shops, inns for travelers, schools, butchers, healers, and bakeries. I have been to Khadora and seen large cities. Trust me, the room will be needed.”

Rejji’s mind flashed back to his days in Khadoratung and he nodded. “I agree,” he said finally. “Leave room for parks too and a temple. Ghala need not resemble a lumberyard forever. It should be a place that is pleasing to travel to. Lakado, draw me a map that I can keep of what you think the city should look like. You will be in charge of determining where things will be built. The first area you need to layout is where we are going to house all these people.”

“I will have it done within the hour,” grinned Lakado.

“The animals are all moved,” reported Bakhai. “Is this a meeting?”

“Sort of,” nodded Rejji. “Do you want to be in charge of the animals?”

“I think Pfifer would enjoy that,” answered Bakhai. “He has already been caring for them everyday. He will need people to help him though. The herd is getting large.”

“Done,” agreed Rejji. “I think Jheron is a good person to be in charge of trades. He is pretty much doing that already.”

“I concur,” Plesy said. “He has organized it well so far.”

“Rejji,” called Mistake as she ran towards the group. “There is a large army approaching the stockade.”

“Join me, Bakhai,” Rejji said as he turned and ran towards the stockade.

The trio race to the wooden stockade and Rejji raced up the ladder to the platform. Several hundred paces out sat a tribal leader and his army was still riding in from the distance. Rejji had seen this sight several times over the last week, but he still trembled each time. There was little way to determine if this was a tribe that Wyant had sent, or one preparing to attack Ghala.

“Can you hear anything?” Rejji asked Mistake.

“Nothing,” she frowned. “They aren’t talking.”

“Okay,” frowned Rejji. “I am going out.”

“Bakhai and I are right behind you,” assured Mistake.

Rejji nodded to the men at the gates and they lifted the bar for the trio to exit the city. They walked out until Rejji stood in front of the tribal leader.

“Welcome to Ghala,” smiled Rejji. “I am Rejji.”

The tribal leader dismounted and walked up to Rejji.

“I am Adger, leader of the Mutang,” the leader said. “Our mutual friend, Marshal, sent me. He said we would be welcome here. I have twenty-five hundred men and their families. Are we welcome in Ghala?”

“The Mutang are welcome in Ghala,” Rejji smiled. “There is food for your people and soon there will be housing. We will supply the materials and tools needed and show you where your houses may be built. Did Marshal explain the rules to you?”

“He did and they are acceptable,” nodded Adger as he gazed at the stockade. “This may be a fool’s mission to stand up to the Jiadin, but the Mutang will do so. You will have no trouble from my men. I would like to see some fortifications stronger than what you have here though.”

“We were just discussing a stone wall,” responded Rejji. “Do your men have skills with stone work?”

“Many do,” nodded Adger. “The Mutang are one of the few tribes to inhabit the mountains and build stone fortresses. Another is the Extala and they are behind us. They should be here within the hour. Between the two of us, we will build your stonewall. Where should my men go?”

“There is little room within the stockade right now,” answered Rejji. “The wall we speak of will be built behind you, where the forest thickens. Perhaps you should camp near the river for now. As soon as you are settled, bring your people inside. I will have food prepared and you can eat while we discuss your permanent location.”

“We will get camped,” nodded Adger. “Then we will wait for Blaka and his Extala to arrive before coming in. We will be working together on the fortifications so we should discuss it together.”

“That is wise,” responded Rejji. “How many people does Blaka have, so I may make sure enough food is prepared?”

“The Extala are a little larger than the Mutang,” replied Adger. “I would guess around nine thousand mouths in all. Marshal said you had plenty of food. Is that a problem?”

“Only the manpower to prepare it,” Rejji stated. “Let me get it started so that you do not have to wait for a hot meal. Later today, we will deliver sacks of grain to your people so you may prepare your own meals, but it is our custom to prepare the meal at your arrival.”

“Our women would be honored to help with the preparation of the food,” Adger stated. “I am not naive about the problems of preparing for so many new arrivals. We will not be a burden on the other people already here. Where should they go?”

“That is very understanding of you,” smiled Rejji. “There is a large field between the houses and the river. It is lined with tables. The fire pits are there.”

Adger signaled to his men, who had been listening to the greeting, and they began to move towards the river to set up camp. Adger stared at Rejji for a few moments before speaking.

“I was hesitant to come here,” admitted Adger, “because Ghala is led by one so young and inexperienced. I would not be honest to say otherwise, but Marshal has great confidence in you and my people are starving. Yet you have shown a flexibility normally reserved for those with more years under their belt. Is it true that you killed Diakles?”

“It is,” nodded Rejji. “It was not a great feat. I was only defending myself. As far as Ghala goes, we welcome your input and everyone else’s. We need to all stand together to defeat the Jiadin.”

“Do you really think we can stand against his armies?” frowned Adger. “Look at my people. Their muscle wastes away, and with it, their will to fight. I think Ghala will become a graveyard for many, but the Mutang are committed to making it a valiant stand.”