Elena arrived at the scene where she had seen and heard the crash from. Her weapons were already drawn out, ready for battle but what she met had her dropping her shields. There were soldiers of her clan, she recognised some of them and their uniforms made further distinction. They were with people whom she did not recognize. People who did not look like Soldiers or Uhulu people for that matter. Women. Men. Children. Injured. Distressed. Her brain put together what she was seeing very quickly and she was already moving to help.
"What happened?" She asked a soldier whom she knew as Olare, as she relieved him of the woman in his arms.
"It's Utafi. More than half of them changed sides. Went to support Gasturd. They have always been close Allies to Kilawi. So when they talked, both clans suffered the hit. To win this war, we have to help each other. Stay united."
Elena's held Olare's eyes and understood at once. Gasturd was very strong. All the six clans had to join forces to defeat them. With half of one of the strongest clans backing them, the odds were seriously tipping against their favour. They could not afford to take chances. Chances that may pursue other clans to the enemies's sides.
The people of Kilawi were almost all intellects. They were the brains behind science, History, Music, Art and all these weapons. Gasturd had recruited most of them into advance slavery and what was left of the resistance was not strong enough to stand on their own. Yet, they had sent fighters to be trained by Uhulu and Petru. Two very strong clans. These fighters had joined the war. Now that their refuge have been attacked, they have to take them in. As for Hutafi, if more than half of them already jumped ship, the remaining were likely to follow. It was their responsibility to make sure they didn't.
"Are these all of them?" They were about a hundred by estimation. Surely not so many lives could have been lost.
"No. We decided to divide them between the remaining standing clans. Our fortress is one of the most secure. We that could be spared from the field responded to their distress call and brought them here. Each clan to their fortress."
Elena nodded. It made perfect sense. Soon, all of them had been brought in. The wounded taken to the infirmary where they were being attended to by the healers. Members of Uhulu helped their new inmates to settle in quite easily. Graciously adjusting and giving up needed space.
Elena felt a sense of happiness in her veins. They would be very busy for the next few days at least, and she would have something to do other than train and walk around. She passed by Queen Zara again, bless her soul, Clan Mother was using her gift on the distressed, calming their minds and restoring their spirits. Many times, Elena had wished for that gift. Instead of her sight. Something wholesome. Something that actually helped. But it was a fool's wish, she knew. She was what she was and that had to accept it. Love it. Use it.
She saw soldiers huddled around as they discussed in hushed tones and made security checks. The soldiers would stay two nights at most. Then they would have to leave. The rest of them would stay on guard- the fighters left to protect their cave. Chances were slim that they would be discovered but still, they couldn't take the minute percentage. She could feel the excitement in her veins at finally getting busy but still, she wanted more, to return with those soldiers. To fight beside her parents and brother.
Deciding to get some fresh air, she found her way out of the cave into sunlight where she knew the tech people were working. A wall of stones had been built to look natural yet it surrounded the cave, hiding it even further. The wall and the cave itself were ladened with several security measures, to keep the enemy out if they ever found them out. She knew the tech people would be working on more fortification. Maybe she would find a free soldier to ask about her parents and the other question that plagued her. One that sat as a gnawing worry in her throat.
Just as she stepped out, arms grabbed her and she was already kicking and thrashing when she heard a very familiar voice say
"Ever the fighter I see."
Elena froze and raised her head slowly to look at the face that had that voice, her heart thumping against her chest, fear of disappointment, acute. Her breath caught when her eyes met those very blue ones. She barely found the voice to speak. It was almost a whisper.
"Ceric"
"Hello Elena." Then he was crushing her in his arms, holding her tightly, securely and she held him just as tight, letting a tear or two roll down her cheeks. She couldn't believe it. Ceric was here. After two years, her best friend was back.