Desert Company: Retrospective

The second and final port, Port Eshnuk, was already showing its silhouette when they departed Sangre de Mga Diyos. In fact, it was so close that they could see the details of the buildings from the archipelago. Leaving the Hitei limit, Kwazhak felt as if a blind man could see again. The Walang Sahar de Islas was a true eccentricity that baffled even the most astute scientists and researchers. Returning to their cells, Saya and Ashojan called out from the other side. They had snuck into the captain’s cabin to find anything worthwhile. It was risky, but he had to exploit the happenstance that brewed at the docks. L would have done the same. Although the prince was not the type to be a leader, L’s will needed to take fold. Kwazhak leaned in as they informed him about their findings.

He nodded his head. Supposedly they were going to arrive at Port Eshnuk, then transported by buggies, before being teleported to the city in time for the Yeii no Matsuri. According to the books, the Yeii no Matsuri was a festival for one of the divine deities, Azazeru no Mikoto of Yahmajô̗. Although only held in the north, since Tasdaha was a vichy government of Azutami, it would be celebrated by the Yan and Dineh peoples in unison. Although these beliefs today were limited to the Khoitan, the Yeii no Matsuri was going to be utilized as an opening ceremony for the Dineh Kazaàd.

“Good work on this reconnaissance. I’m sure that must’ve taken some time to figure out.”

“Actually, an Al-Wa employee showed us the route,” Saya pointed out. Kwazhak perked up.

“Someone from Al-Wa? Why did thou showest our plot? Of the many possibilities, they could have notified Tayang or someone else,” He insisted, raising his voice. Noticing his own volume, Kwazhak made sure to calm himself.

“It was the same guy that knows Li. And I played it down like I was wondering how we would get there,” Saya explained, holding her hands on a metal bar. “He let us go inside and told us our route. I don’t think that he’s a bad guy.”

“I see,” Kwazhak coughed, hesitant. Since it had already happened, there was no choice but to accept it. However he would still consider it a possible variable during the construction of their next move. Still, he felt a slight uneasiness. He wasn’t sure if he was doing everything right. Since Kwazhak was sheltered for most of his life in As-Z̆onghu̐a, he had been only able to travel once he had reached young adulthood. He spent his time honing his crafts, studying world languages in the Xinggong Imperial Library or perfecting his bladework. L would masterfully plan out how they were going to convince their batch of fighters, although Kwazhak found himself never contributing much to their plans. Perchance that was the reason why they had always failed, or L had given up during this year’s candidates. Until the very end, L had a contingency scheme for them to follow. No, it wasn’t time to dwell in self-doubt. Kwazhak needed to think about it logically. A way for everyone to escape. If they were to break off the cuffs while the ship was at sea, there would be very limited opportunities. If they were to do it at Port Eshnuk, then perhaps there would be a better chance at escaping them. If they were to use teleportation spells, that would be the most ideal, but not everyone has the sahar level and mastery to use them. Perhaps if they were to hijack buggies en route to the city, then it was possible to defend and teleport the vehicles to As-Z̆onghu̐a or Buhanggilog. There was no guarantee of everyone making it out, but it was better than dying in the tournament.

The distant shine of a lighthouse penetrated the window. They were nearing Tasdaha. Since it was a de facto country, the ship had to be processed accordingly, along with all passengers and personnel. That would give him sufficient time to instruct the others, and Mr. Khouw as well.

“Li, we’re going to moor at the landing in twenty minutes,” The soldier dropped down from above.

“Ah. I see,” Mr. Khouw responded as he stood up.

“You ten are going to have to be processed at the Tasdaha Consulate- Wait, is that a Laoyuang I see?” The man walked towards Kwazhak, nearing the cage. “Second prince of the Laoyuang House? I never expected to find the father’s kin here…”

“Salutations. I’m humbled that one has come to recognize me,” The prince introduced himself, although it was rather a bad situation to do so. He could see another person coming down the steps.

“Conghuong Ungchi, from Al-Qarakh,” The soldier bowed deeply, “With you in the tournament, surely you will repeat Al-Wa’s reputation-”

“You two,” Tayang placed his hand on Mr. Khouw and Conghuong’s shoulders, lowering his voice. “You are free to talk to them at your discretion, but it is likely they will all die.”

A sense of dread filled the air, bringing in the reality. Conghuong turned around.

“I know, Captain.”

“Then don’t let it get in the way of your work, your job. You are a soldier. Rank and file. Someone who follows orders. If you form relationships with the fighters, then you need to be aware of drawing the line,” Tayang advised him, leaving a chill on his words. “That’s all I have to say to you.”

Kwazhak already knew that the biggest problem in escaping from their captivity, was the captain himself.