Born To Lead 2 Chapter 13
As if it wasn't bad enough Caesar was leaving the tribe now more of their number was choosing to follow.
Willow was double-checking the headcount while holding Cornelius at her hip and Rosie accompanying them because she was the toddlers best friend.
Willow was almost finished when Lake came bursting out of the crowd. Lake wasn't easily spooked so the look of shock on her face was more than enough to alert Willow that something wasn't right.
"Lake, what is it," asked Willow, worriedly.
Hurriedly, Lake signed "You have to come quick. Maurice, Luca, and Rocket are leaving."
"What," exclaimed Willow, astonished. She then allowed Lake to lead the way to where the three apes were.
Luca, Maurice, and Rocket were all already mounted on their horses surrounded by other concerned parties in the tribe. The expressions on their faces revealed that they'd been expecting her. So Willow cut right down to the chase setting Cornelius and Rosie back onto the ground.
"Why in the world are you leaving? With Father gone we need you here," signed Willow. "Rocket! With Blue Eyes dead you are the only one who can direct us to our new home."
"You have the map Blue Eyes and I drew out. As long as you follow the path you will not stray," reasoned Rocket.
"We must go with Caesar," signed Maurice. "We have been with him since the beginning and we cannot leave him now. He needs us beside him whether or not he agrees with it."
Stoically, Luca grunted "It is our solemn duty as his confidantes and friends."
Well when they put it that way Will certainly couldn't ague with that, but she still didn't want them to go. Willow wanted them here, she needed them here.
Seeing her distress Maurice hooted gently, signing "You'll be fine. There's no need to be afraid. Caesar would not have entrusted the wellbeing of our people to you if he didn't have faith in you, Willow. You will lead the Colony to this new paradise with honor."
"And we will return with Caesar in tow," reassured Luca, thumping a fist to his chest in a solemn promise and a gesture Rocket mirrored. "The moment he has completed his task we will make sure of it."
Gazing into the woods, Maurice signed "We must leave now or we'll lose Caesar's trail."
Luca and Rocket nodded in agreement. The three of them galloped into the woods with Rocket waving goodbye to his wife and daughter.
Silence reigned after their hasty exit. That silence was broken when Spear approached Willow and reminded her they were on a tight schedule. The reality check got them all moving and once everyone was in formation the exodus was on its way.
The tribe was an hour into the journey and so far things were going without a hitch. The procession was moving at a steady pace and the gorillas encircling the troop were well armed. But instead of looking for problems outside they should've been paying more attention to what was within.
Willow was at the head of the party, but she was troubled thinking about what Maurice, Luca, and Rocket said to them all. There was battle of turmoil in Willow's heart telling her to go after Caesar with them while her mind was yelling at her to remain with the tribe as Caesar wanted.
Finally Willow came to a decision. Willow knew how some particular members would react and it was already breaking her heart.
Stealing herself Willow raised a hand to call the troop to a halt. When the command was obeyed she wheeled her horse around so she was facing everyone.
"What is it," inquired Spear.
Willow's eyes went over every ape she could see before temporarily settling on where Cornelius was riding with Lake with sad eyes.
Taking in a deep breath, Willow signed "From this point forward you will all have to continue on without me."
There was an instant uproar one the gorillas went to work quieting so not to give away the position of the troop with their calls. Spear, Cornelius, Lake, and the rest of the immediate family and friends were the most upset.
Quickly explaining, Willow signed "I'm sorry to have surprised you all with this, but my decision is final. I feel like…I feel like this is what I have to do. I can't leave Caesar to do this on his own no matter what Maurice, Luca, and Rocket say."
As she spoke Willow saw an array of emotions change over Spear's face. In a flash she thought she saw an ounce of hurt on his face and concluded he must be thinking she might be trying to escape him.
Well she couldn't have him thinking that. Willow rode over to his side and cupped his cheek.
.
Do not ask me for a smile
Life is short but love is long
Let me not your heart beguile
Pray content you with a song
Do not ask me for a kiss
Life is short but love is long
You may never know that bliss
So I offer you this song
Do not ask me for my heart
Life is short but love is long
Knowing we are soon to part
Consolation be my song
.
Understanding came across Spear's eyes by the time she finished her song and Willow knew he got the message when she saw them shine in acceptance. She would come back to him to begin their new lives in love.
The two briefly touched foreheads and Willow went over to her devastated little brother. Cornelius had lost two of his family to death and now the other two were leaving on a quest he didn't know if they were coming back from. For a toddler this was all very confusing. Willow needed to pass on to him that they would be arrive strong and alive.
.
Though you've gone across the sea
I still see you smile at me
You and I will always be a family
Treasures new and treasures old
Hearts of silver hearts of gold
Happily I will offer them to you
Though we may be worlds apart
Ooooh
Keep wishing on our star
You will be in my heart
.
Willow had tears in her eyes matching her brothers as the song came to an end. She cupped his tiny face in both of her hands and nuzzled his head, lovingly kissing his cheek.
"I love you, Brother," said Willow, shakily. "So much." She then spoke directly to the one she now entrusted with his care. "Lake, you loved my twin. Look after his brother until Caesar and I return."
Lake nodded somberly, signing "I will."
Willow was pleased, but the tribe needed more than just words to convince them. In the minds of the tribe their two leaders were abandoning them. She needed them to see that wasn't true.
Willow took out one of her daggers holding it for the tribe to see. She then stabbed it into the palm of her hand making it bleed. The wound wasn't deep, but blood still dripped from the hand.
Loud enough for all to hear, Willow declared "Upon this wound I make this pledge! Caesar and I will return triumphant and reunited! This I vow!"
If the tribe had any ounce of lingering doubts left they vanished when they saw the lengths Willow just took to ease their worries and boost their confidence. They hooted and screeched showing their support.
Kicking her horse in the sides Willow cantered off into the forests with members of the tribe parting for her to pass. Willow didn't once look back knowing that if she did Cornelius's face would anchor her there for good.
Willow didn't bandage the injury on her head. She was too focused on catching up with Caesar, Maurice, Rocket, and Luca before their tracks were lost to her. Instead of becoming weaker each drop of blood she grew stronger. The spirits of the earth were guiding Willow as if telling her where to go.
.
Times ahead are filling with dread
Shedding tears for the days that are gone
Spilled at thoughts I could not send
The sky you looked up at was burning, oh so red
Burning red just for you
See the strengths and faults laid within your soul
If you realize your strength and weakness, now is the time
Do not be afraid
Follow on and show that you are brave
Break the wind that will push you back
And go wherever your heart leads
The dawn will illuminate that path
Raise your arms and reach up to the sky
Let your feet help you to run and fly
Fulfill your ancient pledge now
There are vows we could never know
From times of long ago
Meet their word and bring forth the day
Go till the dawn shall crack
Once you feel your passion flow
You'll know…
.
Willow is reborn.
Authors Note:
The three songs sung by Willow here in this session are Love Is Long in the Poldark series, the 2nd ending theme from Yona of the Dawn, and Alchemy from the movie One Piece Gold.
Follow the links and you will hear the songs just get rid of the spaces.
For Yona OF The Dawn there are multiple versions of this song blended together for added effect so here are double links for it. The second link is really good. The person who sung the cover has a great voice. She definitely makes it seem like you want to sing along with her at some intervals.
Also, the one piece song is a good one so I may use it in some of my other stories. Keep an eye open for it.
Yona Of The Dawn
ww w .y ou tu m/wa tc h?v = pI1 aw6 2w xU 0
w ww.y out ube wa t ch?v =srj Li c 9-S Qo
Poldark
ww w .yo utu be w atc h? v=yq d xb j8
One Piece Gold
ww w.y out ube w atch ?v= G _o Y-U 4