The Elephant Gate

The group of horses clopped along between the trees, along a path that barely qualified for the name. Kevin was near the end of the train as they peacefully travelled in single file. These weeks had strengthened both his seat and his stamina, and he no longer hurt at the end of a long ride. Still, it wasn't his travel mode of choice.

Rowdy snorted and crow-hopped; Kevin laughed and patted his neck in apology.

A short time later, Thadchai crowded up against Rowdy and leaned over.

"We should arrive in about five minutes. I want you to stay near the back of the crowd and just observe everyone."

Kevin rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, Dad, we've gone over this multiple times." The older man mock-punched his shoulder.

"I know, son. I'm just nervous. If something happens, you must return safely." His grave face broke out in a lopsided smile. 'If only so your mother doesn't kill me. "

They both chuckled together before Thadchai nodded and faded back behind him.

"Ho!"

At the sound, the horses halted. They were here!

One by one, the riders dismounted and tied their horses to a picket line before heading towards a small wooden cabin.

Kevin almost hummed with excitement as he loosened Rowdy's cinch to make him more comfortable. Giving the gelding a final pat, he followed the rest.

The cabin was small, and felt cramped with the several dozen people inside. Chairs were arranged in several semicircular rows, all facing a small table. Since it was still standing room only, Kevin arranged himself near a window at the back of the crowd. Giving a nod to the captain, he settled back, slouching a little to look less conspicuous.

Meanwhile Captain Thadchai took the last chair at the table.

A burly man, dressed in a dark red tunic and sand-colored pants, stood up and rapped his knuckles on the wood.

"Okay, everyone is here, so let's begin."

The crowd settled down as the man glared around the room before sitting at the center table.

"Who is he, Khun Preem?" Kevin asked of the man next to him.

"That is Khun Wisut Panyawong. He was the head of a village that was annihilated by Anachak troops. He fled to the mountains and collected other refuges to form this current hidden village. I know he seemed self-important, but he did managed to keep his group safe and fed in the bad times."

Kevin gave a slight shrug. He was not impressed with the man at first glance, but he should give him the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

"We have heard that the villages to the northwest have seen more Anachak troops coming through their borders, although they have not caused any problems other than the usual harassment. It seems they are amassing at Chao Dae valley. Soldier estimates are 3000."

A young man in the middle of the group stood up. "Have we heard anything from any villages nearby the valley?"

Captain Thadchai stood up.

"Nobody from that area has been here in about two months, so we know little besides this information. At this time, we have no idea what they are planning to do there. I would like to propose that we send several men to ascertain what actions they may be planning."

He looked around the room for a moment. "I will take three men with me to scout out the situation. If you are interested, talk to me after out meeting is completed." He glanced at Kevin and nodded before sitting down.

The village lead continued.

"Khun Brom, how are our food supplies right now?"

A portly gentleman rose to his feet.

"We have enough stores to serve our village well into next year. In addition, we can probably support at least another 200 or so comfortably, in the event that it is needed. Animal feed stores should be augmented with the next haying. That should happen within the next month as the grasses are drying nicely."

The leader nodded. "Well done, thank you. Does anyone have something they want to discuss?"

A breath of wind tickled Kevin's ear, and he turned to see the heavy curtain on the window move slightly. Since it caught his eye, he slipped away to see who or what was eavesdropping.