“Sure,” frowned Mistake, “but what is the purpose of it?”
“I am thinking about coating our tyrik armor with it,” grinned Rejji. “If it is as strong as I think it is, we could have armor that is light and yet almost indestructible.”
“Where did this netting come from?” queried Mistake.
“A man named Karlo is on the beach coating netting to use over windows to keep the birds out of the new building,” replied Rejji. “He discovered it.”
“If it works,” stated Mistake, “we should keep it secret. Maybe we should move Karlo to a better location than on the beach.”
“I agree,” Rejji responded. “We will need for him to mine some more of the metal as well. I would like you to handle Karlo and the coating process. I have a few more things to get ready for Lord Marak’s arrival. Oh,” Rejji added, “I also ran into Brakas today. I sent him to help with the stockade.”
“Interesting,” frowned Mistake. “There is something about Brakas that rubs me the wrong way. He is always showing up, but never really helping.”
“Yes,” agreed Rejji. “I found myself being cautious when speaking to him also, although I wasn’t sure why. He was interested in being the one to lead the defenses, but he has been unsuccessful in finding the free tribes. Do you think his stories are false?”
“I don’t know,” admitted Mistake. “I just will not share much with him.”
“Like the location of our gold?” chuckled Rejji.
“Definitely not that,” laughed Mistake. “I did not lug that sack around the country to let someone else’s fingers get into it. Are you going to get more when you take Lord Marak to Angragar?”
“I don’t think we can spend what you already took,” Rejji shook his head. “Besides, can you think of a safer place for it to be?”
“Yes,” laughed Mistake. “It could be in a room guarded by a door that only opens to my touch.”
“Where is Bakhai at?” queried Rejji.
“He is tending to the wasooki,” replied Mistake. “We are about to have our first calf born.
“That should please everyone,” Rejji said. “The way the people are eager to build Ghala into a city is very warming. I did not think it would go this well. Are you going to give another talk about escape procedures in case of attack tonight?”
“I gave it this morning,” answered Mistake. “You were meeting with Plesy and Riktor at the time. It went very well. The newcomers were very attentive and even suggested a practice run. I think it is a good idea.”
“Then schedule it,” stated Rejji. “We are well ahead of schedule on most things, so a day off for the practice is a great idea.”
“I will set it up,” chirped Mistake as she pranced off.
Rejji spent the rest of the day checking out the progress of each of the projects that was going on. At each stop he saw new faces and was introduced to those who had joined the effort recently. The rate of people coming to Ghala surprised him. He had thought the idea of a city would be hard to sell to the Fakaran people, but the reverse was true. The people came not just for the abundant food, but also to be a part of building something for the future. By nightfall, Rejji was exhausted and fell asleep before Mistake and Bakhai returned to the small hut.
It was still dark out when Rejji awoke and he strolled down to the beach. He sat in the dark for some time, lost in thought about the construction activities and the trip to the jungle. As the sky began to lighten, Rejji saw a ship anchored off the coast and excitement rippled through his body. He ran back to the hut and woke Mistake and Bakhai and the trio raced to the dock. Others had started to awaken in Ghala and headed for their tasks full of eagerness to greet the new day.
The ship noticed the activity and hoisted its anchor. As the ship navigated slowly into the mouth of the river, seamen tossed lines to the trio and they secured the ship to the dock. No sooner than the ship was secured, Halman and Gunta jumped to the dock. Lord Marak was only seconds behind them.
“Greetings, old friends,” smiled Lord Marak.
“Welcome to Ghala,” greeted Rejji. “I am looking forward to showing you around Fakara’s largest town.”
“And I am anxious to see it,” smiled Lord Marak.
Ghalans had already started to crowd around the dock to see Lord Marak and his Torak soldiers, who were dressed in black and silver uniforms. Lord Marak’s cape fluttered in the wind as Rejji led him off the dock. Lord Marak touched Rejji’s sleeve and indicated that he wanted to wait while his men exited the ship. Riktor led some men forward carrying a long ramp and positioned it so the horses could walk off the ship. The people murmured with glee as the Torak soldiers exited the ship, each with a beautiful horse in hand. Bakhai showed the soldiers the way to the corral, which was unnecessary, as the path was lined with workers anxious to see the arriving Khadorans. The soldiers came back and escorted another horse each before they were done. When they returned the second time, they stood in formation awaiting orders.
“I was concerned that my men might upset the people of Ghala,” Lord Marak stated loudly. “It is a warm welcome indeed that Ghala has extended to their Khadoran friends. I thank you for this welcome. Squad Leader, you may dismiss the men.”
Botal dismissed the squad and people immediately crowded around them with all sorts of questions about Khadora and battles and uniforms. Lord Marak smiled and put his arm around Rejji.
“Now show me this wonder you have built,” he smiled. “I followed your progress from the information Mistake has relayed to us and it sounds like you are doing everything right. You should be very proud.”
“I guess I am,” smiled Rejji. “I just haven’t stopped long enough to realize it. How did you know I could do it?”
“I didn’t,” admitted Marak, “although I have always felt that there is something special in you. Judging from this mural Mistake described, I think we were destined to meet. I am glad that we both followed through with what we thought was best. Have you had any luck in bringing the tribes over to your cause?”
“No,” frowned Rejji. “I have someone in town who spent a great deal of time searching for them, but he has not been successful.”
“I think that is key to your survival,” declared Marak. “You cannot expect your skilled workers to be skilled fighters as well. Now that I have seen the reaction of your people to my men, perhaps I can be persuaded to lend you a corte until you are able to find defenders.”
“That may be necessary,” replied Rejji, “but I would like it better if I can get Fakarans to defend us. I do appreciate all that you are doing for us, Lord Marak, but this is supposed to be a Fakaran movement and I would like it to be seen as one.”
“I understand and agree with you,” nodded Marak. “Still, I do not want to see you fail. I will leave the offer on the table for you to accept if you need to.”
Rejji spent several hours showing Lord Marak around the town. At each area, he stopped and introduced the Khadoran clan lord to the workers. At first the workers bowed to Lord Marak when introduced, but soon the word spread that the Khadoran did not stand on formalities. Rejji noticed the Torak soldiers mixing freely with the citizens and smiled in approval. Rejji was surprised to see the stockade wall complete and wondered if the workers had kept going the night before so it would be ready for Lord Marak’s arrival. The tour ended at the wasooki fields and Rejji suddenly realized that he had kept his guest busy all day without food.
“I am sorry, Lord Marak,” apologized Rejji. “I had no idea we were doing this so long. I have kept you from meals and even a chance to relax after your long journey.”
Marak gazed up at the sun and laughed. “I am as guilty as you are,” Marak replied. “I guess I was so involved that time did not register. There is plenty of time for food and relaxing now that I have seen all of Ghala. I must tell you that I am very impressed. Your workers are happy and content. Their workmanship is fine and they all seem to get along well with each other. This is not the picture of Fakarans that we have in Khadora. If all Fakarans are like this, Khadora will have a wonderful neighbor and trading partner.”