"Horsemen, dangerous."
Both Mami Mamba and Sibu gave him a sidelong glance.
"A few uncloaked horsemen of different colored horses were spotted on the mountain, watching as Salazā was attacked. No one witnessed them attacking, but they were not from there and moved around suspiciously before disappearing."
"Why am I only hearing about this now?"
"It was only revealed once we left, and by then I felt you overwhelmed by the fatigue of travel and the exhaustion of the matter at hand. The decision was mine, so I take the blame."
Tawanda shook his head around anxiously.
"Piper stole them."
"A man of red-marked eyes, pale skin, and dress pied clothing was also witnessed by someone, saying they heard him playing a flute. That witness said they saw some of the missing children go with him."
"Did you also think that I was too overwhelmed and exhausted to hear this as well?"
"No. This witness is known for being a little backwards. They were barely coherent when they recalled the events."
"But still…"
"Also, we questioned its veracity since it's almost too similar to a child's song of The Whistler."
Where have I heard that before?
"Oh, I know that one," said Nagapie. "But one thing to know, and know it quite well, is The Whistler is not one to stop."
I remember now. The poem of the one called in to rid the land of demons, but was not paid properly, and so sought out to balance the books.
"But what would The Whistler want in Salazā? We'd never call outsiders to deal with demons when we have barriers and so much more. That can't be it."
"I agree," said Bazil.
Salīa saw his face, void of expression, and said, "Watch out for the destra."
It was the first time Sibu and Mami Mamba tensed. Even Tawanda's face fell as if it brought him back to some memory.
Camille shook her head, not wanting to think of it.
"As you know, ala-bala is our realm's most precious game. Enough to hold tournaments every few years. Of course, trials are made to ascertain which players will secure a spot to be on a team representing their land."
He sighed.
"The black masks attacked Salazā, and it was announced that all teams had been chosen to represent in the tournament."
He patted his finger down and continued.
"We can't trace them to a certain land. We haven't heard them speak, but they seem to talk with each other.
They both move swiftly through the shadows evasively, but as soon as they strike, it's in the open and precise.
It seems they're moving in a rhythm, using strategies best known by the destra, otherwise known as the destroyer half of a team."
"It's not a name we gave them," Sibu added. "The zazi in Chiro relayed that they've heard these black masks call themselves destra. Some say there are astra, otherwise known as the defender half of a team, too, but we're not so sure."
The bruising in her throat flared in fury.
"Destra? Astra? Is killing our people a game to them?!"
She slammed her fists down, trying her best to calm.
Nagapie put a glass of juice by her, waiting stubbornly for her to drink it and cool down before moving.
"Lilitha loves you," Salīa spoke on.
"She does. She wrote you a letter, but it was stuck to another letter I didn't want you to see. I accidentally tore it. This happened back in the land of the civets."
Salīa massaged the gall at the back of her neck and asked, "Is there anything you remember from the letter?"
"She's thinking of visiting Uncle Azanji with mother in Bhuan. They were going to travel by sea with the babies. Maybe Chichi, too, since Kwaro is already away."
"You know what's crazy, brother?" Sibu interrupted. "Father won't even tell us where Kwaro's gone. I know all his sons are free warriors, but he's only ten.
He keeps saying we'll know soon enough. It's never been him to be so secretive and indirect, but he seems excited about whatever it is."
Salīa would usually indulge these conversations as each member of Chief Raino's family was like her own. But she just said, "Anything else?"
"She said she loves you."
While writing a letter for Lulu, she recalled the next line.
"Father worries about…"
"Many things," Bazil exhaled. "Just all the daily matters and conflicting views. It's all part and parcel of being on the council, I guess."
Salīa was only on it for one day, and she had no doubt it was worrying. But she couldn't help but wonder if Bazil was not saying everything.
"I'll save you, Līa," she said, but as soon as she did, she swallowed diffidently.
"I think that one has been spoken for," Mami Mamba said playfully, inviting Sibu to smirk.
Bazil showed no hint of shame, feeling full resolve and devotion to his words.
"None are worthy."
"They aren't," he said.
"Worthy of what?"
He gave a humorless laugh and let his eyes bore into her, testing if she really wanted him to say it aloud. She quickly hurried to the next line.
"She's—" Salīa halted.
I can't say that line.
That same unmoved expression stayed on Bazil's face as he waited.
"It's monkeys, mama."
"Ha!" Sibu hollered. "So tough and austere all the time, but you still miss Mama deep down. She'll be so happy to hear that you remember that time. But don't worry, brother, you'll see the monkeys tonight."
He bounced up, stretching his legs and cracking his sides.
"Queen Salīa. Is there anything else you'd like to address today?" His eyes gestured to the window as a hint to remind her that the sun would dip behind the mountains soon.
Bazil stayed seated, keeping his languid gaze on her.
"I'll answer anything you want to know," he said earnestly.
"How sweet," Sibu ruffled his curls.
It was sweet indeed. An offer like this should not easily be overlooked and yet Salīa kept peeking at the setting sun.
"Later. I have some things I want to do."
"I'll join you," he lifted, only to be pulled by Sibu.
"You'll join me? That's so great, brother. I was hoping to spend some time with you, too."
"Sibusiso…" Bazil groaned.
"Spend some time with him," Salīa encouraged. "We'll see each other soon."
He quietly nodded, glancing back at her just before he was pulled away.
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