>>5304414>>5305128>>5305427{Photo: Doug Porter}
The march was busy, at first. Your announcement only grew the fervor of the followers of your followers.
Many Ahi see you as a way to regain power lost to other tribes.
But crowds began to thin out when you didn’t march on the Holy Reef or Ahido, centers of power and prestige.
They wouldn't follow your crew through the weeds and stones of the rural outlands.
You can tell that when they aren’t being riled up by the glory of rhetoric, the harsh conditions of the job set in.
Most of them haven't seen their families for almost two years. Your large crew is impressive, but you don't know how long they’ll hold out.
“We’re here.”
Kauhale liʻiliʻi seemed so much bigger when you were visiting your grandparents as a child. But as an adult you see it's so small it could barely fit your fleet, let alone feed them.
“The Guard and I can handle this alone. Nizax, lead a hunting and gathering run.”
They shuffle off with far less energy than usual. With Kasi by your side, you enter the village you haven't been in since you lost your mother.
The huts are humble. Not impoverished like Ke Awa, just, restrained.
Those here are far removed from the trade and politics of the greater tribe, there is a raw peace.
The chief is old, but so is the village in general. They accept the smallest trinket of the material owed to them as if it fell from the sky itself.
<span class="mu-b">Great Captain, we thank you for this blessing.</span>
“It is the blessing of the fleet, and I would hope it is the first of many.”
<span class="mu-b">You look so much like her.</span>
“Excuse me?”
<span class="mu-b"> She had that fire too. Couldn't let a problem lie until she talked or fought or fucked it into submission.</span>
The chief gives a wry laugh while looking at your troubled face.
<span class="mu-b">Come, I must show you something.</span>
Kasi and the Elite Guard move to follow but the chief blocks them.
<span class="mu-b">This is a private matter. </span>
<span class="mu-g">The Captain must be...</span>
“It’s fine, Kasi. If a hundred-year-old assassinates me, I would be more impressed than anything.”
<span class="mu-b">I’ll have you know I’m a spry 98!</span>
The chief cackles again as you walk into an alcove in the foliage. At its center is a massive tiki carved in the image of Mama Koa.
