Summary:
Okay, so I seriously cannot stop writing! Since this idea came to me I have not stopped lol
This chapter has Trigedasleng language in it. I tried to keep the language as close as possible to the show but there are just some words that I have no idea how to translate over. I just made up some of my own words and also used the language of Afrikaans to make it flow better. Once again I don't want to offend anyway by using a different language in here, I only want the story to flow and sound like I want it.
I hope you guys like this chapter! It is extra long to make up for the short chapter from yesterday, like I promised!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter 4: The Old Ways
Lexa, Commander of the 12 Clans and Heda to the people, stood outside her tent trying but failing to keep her lips from quirking into the semblance of a smile. The children of the Triku village were playing with training swords a few feet from her tent. Their little war cries and giggles when one of them lost their footing and fell were something that Lexa believed she would never witness in this life.
The Triku village was much of what Lexa remembered. Growing up here as a child was a blessing and a curse. The village was stationed in an opening hidden deep in the forest, which allowed the Triku people access to the all the forest's rich nutrients to keep the people healthy and alive. Unfortunately, the placement of the village was also between two of the largest clans, and most volatile clans known to Earth.
The Ice Nation and the Delphi Clan were power hungry. They had little concern for the smaller and weaker Triku village. They took what they wanted, when they wanted and it was also done by with as much bloodshed as possible. Lexa still remembers the sound of her father's painful screams after being stabbed trying to protect his mother from an Ice Nation warrior who took an interest in her. Lexa hid in the trees high above and watched as her father was brutally murdered by the warriors and her mother…she was violated by the warriors before her throat was cut.
War, pain and blood have ravaged her lands for far too long.
But not anymore, peace has been finally achieved. And the sight of the small children happily playing, carefree of any worries became in Lexa's opinion her greatest achievement since becoming the Commander.
Her people however would not believe this to be true. Her people did not respect her because of the peace she has brought but rather the bloodshed that she shed to gain peace. The stories of leading her army to the gates of the Ice Nation to end the tyranny at the hands of the Ice Queen were not centered on the peace that she brought following the war, but rather how many Ice Nation warriors Lexa killed in order to gain the peace.
The stories whispered among the Clans were greatly over exaggerated.
"Heda killed 50 men with one swing of her sword."
"Heda slaughtered anyone in her path, it is said she killed over 500 of the Queen's warriors before the surrender."
"Heda used the Commander's spirit to move the earth and swallow the Queen's army."
Lexa sighed, the stories that she had heard throughout her time with the Clans grew grander and more false with every visit, but Lexa let the stories be told. Her people respected her, but they also feared her, and it is with this fear that she able to keep the peace.
"Heya Heda."
(Hello commander)
A small voice sounded directly below her and Lexa was pulled from her thoughts to stare down at the voice. A small child was smiling up at her, her little feet and hands signaling to Lexa that she had to have only seen maybe six or seven summers since she was born. The little girl's curly brown hair was short and unruly, sticking up in every direction, so much like Lexa's at that age. There was an also a heavy line of mud that ran across the little girl's eyes and then down her cheeks, which Lexa quickly determined was placed there on purpose to imitate Lexa's own war paint that she wore into battle. The little girl had her hands tightly wrapped around a training sword, the same size as her body and Lexa could see that she was struggling to carry it.
There was a shift of movement behind her and Lexa knew that her guards were moving towards the small child to move the child away. But Lexa brought her hand up quickly signaling to them that it was fine with it. Lexa moved down to her knee so that she was could meet the young one gaze before speaking.
"Heya strik won,"
(Hello little one)
Lexa didn't think it was even possible but the little girls smile grew even larger and her little green eyes shot wide almost as if she couldn't believe Lexa had addressed her. There was silence around her and Lexa looked up to see the other children behind the little girl had stopped playing and were slowly making their way towards her, their eyes too wide with shock at the sight of their Heda kneeling before them.
Lexa nodded to them and with a quickness that Lexa had not expected the group of five small children ages between six summers and twelve summers stood before her.
"Heya srik gonakru,"
(Hello little warriors)
"Heya Heda."
The small group of children answered back.
Lexa's lips twitched at the small group before she reached forward and grabbed the training sword from the small girl's side, examining it in her hands before addressing the group.
"You wish to be warriors?"
Excited nods shifted up and down.
"Sha Heda, soos yu!"
(Yes Commander, like you)
The little girl who was the closest to her exclaimed and it took all Lexa's will power not to laugh at the determination that took hold on the small child's face.
"Like me?"
Lexa questioned the children again, watching as the looks of determination spread amongst the nodding children and before her stood five little warriors.
Lexa looked back to her general and friend, Anya. The woman had been by her side since her parents had been killed. She kept her safe, took care of her and eventually became her teacher and mentor. Lexa was the leader and the warrior she was now because of Anya. Lexa gave the woman a small smirk as an idea made its way into her mind and Lexa caught the warrior's confused gaze before Lexa turned back to the children.
"Why like me? Why not like Anya? She is a great warrior."
Lexa smirked at the scoff of Anya behind her and she turned with the rest of the children to see Anya looking at her with narrowed eyes. Lexa turned back to the children to see them looking at Anya carefully.
"Ba yu laik die grootse gona, yu is Heda!"
(But you are the greatest warrior, you is the Commander)
The small girl exclaimed once again looking at Lexa with awe.
Lexa chuckled lightly at the girl's words before nodding.
"Yes I am Heda, but can you keep a secret?"
Lexa thanked all her years of training with Anya to show no emotion because the looks of surprise then excitement that filtered across the young children's faces at the prospect of 'Heda's secret' was almost impossible not to smile at, even after her years of training. Lexa leaned forward and the small children copied her action.
"Anya trained me. She made me into the great warrior that I am now. Anya is the only warrior to beat Heda."
The children all gasped at her words and Lexa watched in amusement as the children looked from Anya to her and then back to Anya, awe shining brightly in their eyes. Lexa turned from the children to see Anya fidget, only slightly under the children's gaze.
Lexa brought her gaze back to the children and leaned forward again, whispering low so that only the children could hear her.
"If you want to be a great warrior like Heda, then you must learn from Anya. She is a great warrior, the greatest, second only to Heda."
Lexa brought her hand to her mouth to cover the smile on her face as the children openly gaped at Anya. Lexa was sure that she would pay for this in some way or another for putting Anya in this position.
"Sal em leer osir Heda?"
(Will she teach us Commander?)
The small girl asked in a whisper, making sure to keep her voice low but her small eyes never left Anya as she asked.
Lexa followed the children's gaze back to Anya to see the woman's eyes glaring daggers at Lexa. Lexa knew that Anya did not hear her conversation with the children but she knew Lexa was telling the children something about her. Lexa looked around the camp to make sure no one was looking before turning back to Anya and allowing a rare smile to grace her face, one that is only reserved for Anya to see. Anya's eyes narrowed heatedly at Lexa and her lip pulled back in a silent snarl. Her face only made Lexa's smile grow wider before schooling her features and turning back to the children.
Leaning in she whispered to the children.
"Anya follows the Wakan Tanka's (Great Spirit's) teachings. Our people call them Old Ways. If you wish to learn from her you must first ask properly. I can show you how, if that is what you want."
The children listened to her closely and almost immediately after she finished her sentence they all began to nod eagerly. The small girl stepped closer looking at Lexa with determined eyes.
"Sha Heda, wys osir beja."
(Yes Head, show us please)
Lexa nodded, straightening her shoulders and holding her head high. The shift in her body language was to let the children know that this was serious and was not something to take lightly. A small sense of pride flowed through her as she saw the children copy her movements, their excitement giving wake determination and seriousness.
"Vorm a sirkel en geda in noue."
(Form a circle and gather in close)
The children quickly moved into a circle and moved in closely.
Lexa waited for the circle to tighten so that no one looking in could see what she was saying or showing to the children.
"First, you must understand the Old Ways, yes?"
"Sha Heda"
Lexa nodded before taking a deep breath before speaking.
"Why do warriors fight?"
An older boy sounded immediately.
"Jus drein jus daun."
(Blood must have blood)
There was a coldness to his eyes as he spoke, a look that Lexa believed no child should ever have. A great sadness moved through Lexa's body at the child's answer. Children who have not even seen ten summers are already calling for blood. Why did her people thirst for vengeance? When did everything go so wrong?
"That is the way of the people now, but the Old Ways were not blood must have blood. To shed blood in the Old Ways was a sacred act, and only done in an effort for peace. Warriors were great protectors of the people and great protectors of the Earth."
Reaching forward she wiped at the ground to show the children the small patches of grass that stuck up from the dirt. She softly ran her hands through the grass.
"Chit doen yu sien?"
(What do you see?)
She asked and looked up to the children as they stared down at the small patch of grass in confusion.
"Em ste gras, Heda"
(It is grass, Heda)
Lexa shook her head at their answer.
"Sha it is grass but is more than just grass, little ones."
Lexa looked up at the children and shook her head, her lips twitching at their even greater confusion before bringing her gaze back to the small spades of grass.
"Em ste sonraun."
(It is life)
Lexa reached forward again and ran her hand gently through the grass, a small humming traveled through Lexa's hand and then to the ground beneath her fingers. The children all gasped around her as a small white flower began to grow from the grass below Lexa's hand.
"It is the life of the Wakan Tanka. It is everywhere, in all things. To the grass…"
Lexa paused to stroke the flower lightly before bringing her hand up to her chest.
"…to our hearts."
"Long ago, our Earth was hurt and the Wakan Tanka cried for many moons. A warrior of the Triku and survivor of the great fire climbed to the tallest mountain and told the Wakan Tanka that he would fight and win many battles, he would avenge the Earth in the Wakan Tanka's honor."
"But the Wakan Tanka answered and said no, do not fight for me. Blood will not bring green back to our lands, it will not clean our water, it will not bring our people back."
Lexa paused, as she took in the wide eyes full of wonder and disbelief at the story being told. Lexa imagined that she most likely had the same look on her face as a child as Anya told her the story of Wakan Tanka.
"Fight for the survivors said Wakan Tanka," Lexa continued. "Fight for your tribe. Fight for your family born to you. Fight for your brothers and sisters. Fight for them. They are your home. They are life. And only through them will Earth find peace once again."
Lexa stopped, letting her word and the story of Wakan Tanka fully take its hold onto the children's minds and hearts. Pulling back from the children Lexa looked around the Triku village, to the people working around her, to the trees that surrounded them and then to the sky, before looking back to the children.
" Kyk kom julle land, kom die water, en die sky. Kyk kom jou kru ."
(Look to your lands, to the water and the sky. Look to your people)
Lexa paused as she watched as the children looked around them, to the ground beneath their feet, to the sky and then to their village.
"Hogeda sonraun ste heilig"
(All life is sacred.)
Her words brought their gazes back to her. Lexa watched as the children looked from her, to all around them. It was as if they were babies again, just born and opening their eyes for the first time, seeing the world like never before, a world full of life.
"Warriors of the Old Ways protect life. Do you understand?"
"Sha Heda"
"You still wish for Anya to teach you the Old Ways? Knowing it is blood must not have blood."
The children looked to each other for a few seconds before bowing their heads.
"Sha Heda"
"Do you understand that the Old Ways are sacred, and that once sworn to them you must always strive to follow its teachings?"
"Sha Heda"
"Our people no longer see strength in the Old Ways. Do you understand that you will be judged for your desire to practice it?"
"Sha Heda"
Lexa paused staring down at them, looking for apprehension or nervousness in their eyes. The old ways required dedication, a weak mind and will cannot practice it. Lexa could not find any weakness in the children's eyes as they met her gaze. Nodding she continued.
"Who will speak for you?"
The children went silent as they looked from one to another. Lexa watched the apprehension enter their eyes. No one was willing to step forward. Lexa opened her mouth to respond to their silence, what she would say she did not know but she was thankfully interrupted.
"I will speak for us Heda."
Lexa eyes widened as she looked at the same small girl that started it all. The youngest of the children had volunteered to speak for the group. This girl reminded Lexa so much of herself as a child. The child was small and weak but there was determination in her eyes. The bravery she showed by stepping forward signaled to Lexa that this child would do great things someday. As she looked down at the child Lexa couldn't help but wonder if this was what Anya saw in her all those years ago.
Lexa remembered the day she finally gathered the courage to ask Anya why she took her in, why she did not let her die.
Lexa had just reached her ninth summer and was sitting beside Anya, whom was teaching her battle strategy. A question however had been weighing heavily on Lexa's mind for quite some time and it would not allow her to move forward in her teachings without knowing the answer.
"Anya why did you take me in?"
Anya looked up from the book between them and stared at Lexa, a snarl on the tip of her tongue for being interrupted during the teaching. The snarl however ceased as Anya stared at the small child across from her, innocent green eyes pleading for an answer.
Anya sighed and shut the book in front of her and leaned back in her chair.
"You are my people Lexa. I will always protect my people."
Lexa nodded at the words, she understood Anya's fealty to her people.
"Yes I understand, but why are you training me to be a warrior. I am weak. The other warriors say that I am too weak, that I will never become one of them."
Anya snarled at the question and jumped from her seat.
"Those men are not warriors Lexa. A warrior is not someone who fights with vengeance, with a thirst for blood. Blood must have blood does not make a warrior."
Lexa's eyes shot wide at Anya's words and quickly lowered her eyes to the ground in respect, not meaning to offend her mentor.
Anya breathed deeply, cooling her rising temper as she stared at Lexa. A stirring of sadness filtered into her heart at the sight of the small child staring at the ground in fear. Sighing, Anya stood from her chair and walked towards Lexa who still sat in her chair, eyes on the ground.
"Lexa stand up and look at me."
Anya said this softly and waited for Lexa to follow her command. As soon as Lexa's bright green eyes met her gaze she spoke.
"I will only say this once, do you understand?"
Lexa nodded staring up at Anya, wide eyed and ready.
"A true warrior is one who understands the sanctity of life, and fights to protect it. A warrior is defined by the lives they save, not the ones they take. Take care of the Earth, it's land, its people, and above all else protect those who are defenseless and cannot provide for themselves."
Anya reached forward and gently touched Lexa's chest, right above her heart.
"You understand this Lexa. I can see it in your heart. Wakan Tanka is strong within you. There is a greatness in you and one day I believe you will lead our people to a better life."
Pulling her hand away from Lexa's chest she placed a firm hand on her shoulder and looked her deep in the eye, making sure her words were heard.
"Never doubt yourself Lexa. The Wakan Tanka has chosen you for a reason."
"Heda"
A small voice pulled her from her mind as Lexa was quickly pulled from her memory and back to reality. Lexa cleared her mind of the memory, gathering her thoughts before leaning forward.
"Goed, luister baie nou."
(Okay, listen very closely.)
Lexa whispered softly and showed the children what they must do and say in order to be accepted by Anya. After sometime Lexa nodded towards the children and stood. The children still gathered in their circle put their heads together and whispered between each other.
They would need to come up with their own request and oath in order to be taught in the Old Ways. It was their first test. Their oath would determine if they knew the importance of what they were requesting and the fealty it required. Lexa watched the small children converse in hushed whispers for a few moments before leaving them behind to walk towards Anya.
Anya stiffened at her approach and her eyes narrowed.
"What are you up to Lexa?"
The suspicion in her voice was evident and was answered with a shrug and silence from Lexa.
Anya eyes narrowed at Lexa as she stood silently next to her before dragging her eyes back to the small circle of children. Lexa and Anya watched the children in comfortable silence until the children broke away from their circle.
They stayed in their small group, huddled close together but they stared at Anya and Lexa with determined faces.
"What did you do Lexa?"
Anya asked in a hushed whisper, as she saw the children approaching her. The looks in their eyes reminding her of a small girl who now stood at her side, as the Heda and leader of their people. Anya watched as the small group came closer stopping only a few feet away before falling to a knee and dropping their heads in respect.
"Onya, osir kniel fou yu ona die graun waarin die Wakan Tanka het begaafde kom versoek to maak."
(Anya, we kneel before you on the ground in which the Great Spirit has gifted to make a request)
The children all spoke in unison, their voice never wavering.
Anya stiffened at the action and words that left the small children's mouths. Turning from the children Anya turned to stare at Lexa, whom was staring at the children pride swelling her eyes. Turning back to the small children before her Anya too found herself impressed with the confidence in their tone.
"Chon praat gon yu?"
(Who speaks for you?)
Anya waited for the oldest child to step forward but her eyes shot wide at the sight of the smallest child stepping forward stopping only a foot from Anya and resuming her stance with the rest of the children.
"Ai doen"
(I do)
"Chit ste jou versoek goufa?"
(What is your request child?)
"Osir wil kom wees gonakru."
(We wish to be warriors)
Anya barely stopped the sigh from sounding at the child's words. More warriors equaled more blood. More blood equaled more pain and suffering.
"We have many warriors child, and many teachers of the Triku ways. Why have you come to me?"
Anya could tell the child was surprised by the question as her eyes widened. She was not prepared for Anya's question and Anya could see her little mind working to come up with an answer. Her eyes shot to Lexa and she stared at the Commander for a few seconds before bringing her gaze back to Anya.
"We come to you because we wish to be protectors. We wish to give life instead of taking it. We request to be trained as warriors of the Old Ways."
Anya's eyebrows rose at this as she turned from the girl to Lexa at her side. Anya knew that Lexa felt her gaze, but Lexa continued staring forward, chin high and shoulders strong. Lexa was the leader of her people, and if she desired the Old Ways to be taught, then Anya would do it. But there would be consequences for such an action. Anya knew this and by the look of Lexa's gaze as she stared out into the village, watching the people closely, Lexa too knew this would bring trouble.
The Old Ways are rarely taught. The people turned their backs to the Old Ways a long time ago believing that it made their people weak. Leaders of villages stopped the elder's teachings of the Old Ways and the Clan leaders brought forth a new way of life, Jus drein jus daun.
In a way, they were right. As the Old Ways gave away the people became hard, like stone. But in its wake it brought hate and vengeance. Clans called for blood and the warriors sought it out ruthlessly. Life of all kinds began to bleed, soaking the Earth in red.
Anya let out a steadying breath before looking down to the small child before speaking once again.
"There has not been a request to be taught in the Old Ways in a very long time child. The last request was 12 summers ago. She was a child, not much older than you are now. Her request was granted and it took her 7 summers to finish her teachings, do you understand what you are asking?"
"Sha."
"Do you understand that once you start upon this path, there will be many who will look upon you as weak for your choice?"
"Sha."
Anya nodded at the small child before squaring her shoulders and raising her chin, taking a strong stance before speaking to the child once more.
"Sweer jou eed, en ai sal bepaal taim jou gees ringe ware."
(Swear your oath, and I will determine if your spirit rings true.)
The girl nodded, taking a deep breath she met Anya's gaze with a look of determination. She placed her hand over her heart and repeated the oath that they created.
"Osir sweer by die mond en hand kom leer die Wakan Tanka leringe."
(We swear by mouth and hand to follow the Great Spirit's teachings)
"Osir sweer kom berskerm die Aarde."
(We swear to protect the Earth)
Osir sweer kom berskerm ons kru en emo in nood."
(We swear to protect our people and those in need.)
Osir sweer kom wees die voodge gon die weg vaan gon eer en jova."
(We swear to be the guardians of the way of honor and courage.)
"En bo hogeda alles, osir sweer kom nou nie ons eie begeertes bo chit ste reg is."
(And above all else, we swear to not put our own desires above what is right)
"Gon on seer, disha osir sweer."
(Upon our honor, this we swear)
Anya stared at the young children before her, pride swelling in her chest at their oath. She turned her eyes from the children to Lexa. She too was staring at the children with pride. Lexa must have felt her gaze as she turned from the children to meet Anya's gaze.
Lexa cared for her people, deeply but so did many of the Commander's before her. They protected the people as best as they could and did everything in their power to ensure their people lived another day. But that is what made Lexa so different. Lexa lead her people not with the goal of just living another day, instead with the goal of providing them all a brighter future.
Anya remembered Lexa's words as the two sat in silence staring out into the land. A small village was below them and Lexa was watching the children play with a light to her eyes.
"The children are the future Anya. They are the rock on which our future will be built. Our warriors will not build walls nor tear them down, they will not bring life back into these lands, and they will not bring peace through sword in hand. It is the children, Anya. They will be the leaders of our lands and creators of life. They will bring our people back from the darkness."
"If we wish to change our ways then we must leave them with more than just war, pain and death. Instead we must leave them a glimpse of what our world could be. It will not be me who leads our people back to the Old Ways, it will be them. All we must do is show them the beauty and life they possess inside, they will do the rest."
Lexa's words sounded through her mind as Anya held Lexa's gaze. Sometime passed until finally Lexa gave her a firm nod. It was not a nod of permission but rather one of acceptance. The Commander of the 12 Clans was allowing the Old Ways to be taught once again through the lands.
Anya gave Lexa a nod of respect before turning back to the children.
"I have heard your request by mouth and hand, as has Wakan Tanka. Your spirit is true and your heart is strong.
"You shall have my sword, my heart and my respect. Rise children of Wakan Tanka, you have made your ancestors proud on this day."
The children all rose to their feet smiling and laughing, hugging each other in excitement.
The happy occasion was cut short as Anya had felt a shift in the air, and out of the corner of her eye she saw Lexa stiffen, her eyes narrowing at the gathered crowd.
"What is this Heda?"
Anya eyes sought through the crowd and quickly found Quint, a general of the Wood Clan known for his ruthlessness and blood thirst standing in front of the crowd.
Quint was highly respected and feared throughout the Wood Clan and was well known opponent of the Commander and her respect for the Old Ways. This rang true throughout all the Clan's. The day of Lexa's ascension to become Commander of the 12 Clans the leader almost revolted.
Lexa was raised under the teachings of the Old Ways and the Clans believed this made her weak, made the coalition weak, and made their people look weak. There was much outcry and many still believe that the Commander's Spirit chose incorrectly and some believed that Lexa should be sacrificed in order for a true Commander to take control.
Anya watched as Lexa moved forward and placed herself between the children and Quint, and the warriors at his back. Her movements were graceful and controlled but Anya could see the tenseness in Lexa's shoulder.
"The children have requested to learn the Old Ways and I have allowed the request to be honored."
A gasp echoed throughout the crowd and Lexa watched without emotion as Quint snarled at her words.
"The Old Ways are a disgrace to our people. They are weak and only the weak follow them," roared Quint his eyes shining with hate as he stared at Lexa.
Another gasp escaped the crowd. The people knew that Lexa practiced the Old Ways and by insulting the Old Ways he had in turn insulted theirHeda.
Lexa did not show emotion at the insult, her face was an emotionless mask but fury shined brightly in her eyes.
Slowly, Lexa took a few steps towards Quint, each step calculated and strong until she was standing just a few feet from him. Her eyes never wavered as she stared at him. She took a small sense of pride seeing that Quint's however did. His eyes lost their heat and she could see that he was fighting every urge to look away.
"You believe I am weak."
Her voice was calm, cool and collected, no semblance of emotion in her tone. There was however a power to it and Lexa heard the warriors and people around them shift nervously at her words.
Quint continued to stare into her eyes, but Lexa could see the weakness in them. Even in his weakness however he refused to answer her, the refusal alone being his last act of defiance against her.
Lexa's hand slowly made its way to her sword, and with every inch that she grew closer she watched as Quint twitched in fear until her hand came to rest on its hilt.
"If you believe me weak Quint, then challenge me here and now. Take my blood in front of our people and show them the true strength of Jus drein jus daun."
Quint stared at her, and Lexa could see the cold fury on his face at her challenge. But the fear in his eyes far outweighed his fury. He knew he could not beat her in a challenge.
Lexa continued to meet his gaze until finally Quint lowered his eyes, and turned his head away, an action of defeat and acceptance.
Lexa removed her hand from the hilt of her sword and stepped around Quint, ignoring his presence entirely before approaching the warriors at his back and the people of the village. She did not stop in her calculated steps, as she placed her hands behind her back and walked with her head held high making sure to meet every one of her people's gaze as she spoke.
"Many of you agree with Quint. You believe my lack of blood thirst makes me weak. It does not. It is your thirst for blood that makes you weak. To take another's life in rage and hate is the true sign of weakness and an undisciplined warrior."
A quite murmur echoed throughout the crowd and the warriors stiffened at her words. Lexa haltered in her movements and made one last passing glance through the crowd before bringing her hand back to the hilt of her sword.
"I was taught in the Old Ways and through its teachings I am strong in mind, body and blood. If any of you believe there is weakness in my blood then challenge me now. Spill my blood onto the earth and find its weakness."
Lexa stared out into the crowd and her hand tightened on to her sword, and the crowd and warriors shifted nervously at the action.
"But make no mistake, you will find no weakness in me, as the only blood that will be spilled on this day will be yours."
The challenge was set forth and Lexa stood there, head held high, chest pushed out and muscles tense, standing in silent power. Seconds passed into minutes but Lexa did not move, nor did she falter as her eyes continued to scan the crowd for any challenge.
Lexa met the eyes of an elderly woman in the crowd. There was a light in the woman's eyes, shining with respect. Lexa continued to meet the woman's gaze until the woman lowered her head to the ground. The woman's actions started a chain reaction throughout the crowd as each head dropped in respect. The warriors too followed suit.
Lexa stood before them, her gaze taking in her people before removing her hand from her sword, to place them once again behind her back.
"These children have requested to learn the Old Ways, a request that was granted and will be honored. Any challenge made to them will be answered by me, is that understood?"
"Sha Heda."
The crowd echoed.
Lexa nodded and turned to walk back towards her tent, her movement however halted as a loud boom echoed through the land.
The screams of the villagers soon followed as Lexa brought her gaze to the sky. A large metal ball of fire was falling from the sky at a rapid place. Lexa watched in silent horror as it was heading directly for the Wood Clan's lands. The panic that sounded around her did not break her gaze as she watched the metal continue its fall before crashing into the forest some distance away.
"Quint!" ordered Lexa gathering the general's attention. "Gather the warriors and send a rider to nearby villages, no one is to enter the forest until it is cleared. Sent your fastest rider to Indra's village and tell her to ready hers."
Quint nodded at her quickly, no trace of defiance in his eyes when given the order. Quint moved quickly and started barking out orders to the gathering warriors.
"Gustus!" ordered Lexa waiting for her head guard to quickly stand by her side. "Sound the horn. I want our hunters back in the village now. Once everyone is back I want a perimeter set. Nothing gets through our lines."
"Sha Heda," nodded Gustus before walking out of her view to set the perimeter.
Lexa turned from the village chaos to see Anya directing the children back to their homes. Lexa moved quickly up to meet her.
The sound of the signal horn echoed throughout the village.
"Anya," her words were low and barely heard over the horn but Anya heard her and stepped forward meeting Lexa's eyes.
"Take Lincoln and scout the area around the crash site," Lexa paused staring at the smoke that filtered up from the trees with narrowed eyes.
"I want to know what is on my lands."
Notes:
What do you guys think!? I seriously love reading your comments and any writer will tell you that your feedback is much appreciative. If you guys want this story to continue please continue commenting! Thanks for reading!