Days later,
Commander Eiga pulled the last bit of meat from a sheep rib and tossed it in the fire. The generosity of the carpenter to give them some of his cattle had been killing their hunger for some days. One goat was still alive which was grazing on greenest grass it had ever seen.
“Slaughter this for evening.” Commander Eiga said to a soldier enjoying bone marrow then stood up.
“Even in such grassland we can’t find animals to eat.” The soldier uttered, “Isn’t it peculiar, commander?”
He was right. Commander Eiga hadn’t seen anything other than birds. But he didn’t think it was necessary to act as a validation for the grown up soldier. Commander Eiga dusted off dried grass from his buttocks during his short walk and knocked on small window of the carriage.
Genzou slid the shaft open, “What?” he asked.
“Are you liking this journey?” asked Eiga.
“I expected the carriages to be comfortable. Loose nails are noisy.”
“I would be grateful on these six carts for not falling apart, considering these being built in mere three days.”
“With my own work burnt to ashes, I find it hard to admire others’ craft.”
“Wouldn’t argue with that.”
“Are they making tea or not?” Genzou squinted around.
“It’s about to bubble soon.”
“Tell them to use less leaves.” Genzou was about to shut the slide.
Commander Eiga put his hand on it to stop. He opened his empty palm as Genzou watched.
“Now is the right time.” Commander Eiga whispered.
Genzou tightened his lips and nod in agreement. Seconds later, he gave Eiga a key.
“Put less leaves in Doctor’s tea.” Eiga spoke loud after grasping the little key.
Everywhere the commander watched, he saw soldiers munching on leftover bits of meat. A soldier was sipping bone soup the mug near to a carriage.
Commander Eiga inserted the tiny key in the rusting lock and twisted it open.
Shinji, blindfolded and handcuffed, was sitting inside the smelling cart. Avoiding stepping on Shinji’s excreta, he walked near him.
“Commander Eiga, will you speak?” Shinji asked.
“Good instincts.” Eiga said, “To kill, one needs to have it in good form.”
“Also to survive.”
“What does your instinct tell you now?”
“Tells me I will be able to see again soon. We’re in Nastria already.”
“Our soldiers are loud?”
“No. They neither speak to me nor speak near to me.” Shinji sighed, “Nastria has plain land and I reckon it won’t be rocky till we head for the valley.”
“You think the valley exists?” Commander Eiga burst to laughter.
“We didn’t come here without purpose, did we?”
“Okay cut throat. I’ll open the blindfold, set you free and you show me at least one valley in Nastira.” Eiga hadn’t yet stopped giggling.
“You are confusing me.” Shinji changed his voice.
“I’m bringing end to it!” Eiga paused, “Wouldn’t every dying man in Ouskerus come for Valley of Life if it existed?”
Shinji had no answer.
“Nastria is grassland.” Commander Eiga continued, “Here’s no valley.”
“So what about things I had heard in your council?”
“In Nastria there is a specific spot where it takes longer time for some people to die. The place won’t work for me, you, kings, lord or anyone else but just for very few. And Lord Wernh’An is one of them.”
“It works for Chosokabes too?”
Instead of replying him, Eiga removed the cloth from his eyes.
“Tomorrow we will meet Metal Mage.” Commander Eiga said to the blinking man.
An arrow pierced the carriage wall out of nowhere. They couldn’t do anything other than getting confused. Chaos replaced their bewilderment when multiple arrows pierced the wooden walls.
“Fire back!” a soldier roared outside.
“Quick, unlock my hands.” Shinji showed his cuffs to Eiga.
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