The Commander
Dr. Abigail Griffin was a clinic woman. She observed, analysed, made decisions and then tried to rectify situations. That's what doctors did. What she observed in front of her was an extremely dangerous state of affairs. In front of a large fire was a mammoth man of about forty. Bald head, crooked nose and steel-blue eyes – The Commander was as imposing as his name. Battle-hardy, he paced back and forth in front of the flames like a caged animal. Behind him, a group of eighty seasoned warriors watched Yaheera, Lincoln and the tribe of just over one hundred; weapons sheathed, but hands resting lightly upon them. Like opposing armies, the battle lines were drawn.
"Poison?Ill-treatment?" The Commander spat. "She lies!"
Composed, Yaheera faced The Commander before Lincoln could respond: "While these are serious accusations, we have no doubt that there is some misunderstanding-"
"The only misunderstanding is that she is an impudent bitch! I was fooled into taking her as my wife. Her sight has revealed nothing of merit. It didn't even warn of the arrival of these things from the sky," with his last words, The Commander pointed a finger at Abby. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lincoln rise to his feet. Emilia did too, a spear in her hand. Sensing that it was her moment, Abby took a step forward. Finn was by her side instantly, but she motioned for him to stay back.
"If I may," all eyes were focused on her now, but Abby was used to tense situations, to meetings of the Council on the Ark. She would not be intimidated. "If I may, accusations and name-calling aside, Luna is in no condition to travel. Her baby will arrive within the next few weeks and, in her weakened state, the journey could be life-threatening for both of them."
"I will not listen to the ramblings of the enemy," The Commander interjected, refusing to look at her.
Yaheera gave a tired sigh. Playing peacekeeper, she responded: "This is a time of harmony, Commander. Sky Warriors and Grounders in the Shadow of Mount Weather have united over a common enemy and subdued them. They are our allies."
"Allies?" The Commander snarled. His voice was low and seethed with venom. Yaheera realized that she had made a mistake. He turned to Abby and walked slowly towards her.
"These allies used fire from their sky ship to obliterate several of our people. These allies are the very reason why the Mountain Men and the Reapers descended upon us in the first place," The Commander was inches away from Abby's face now, saliva surging with every word. "I will have that girl tonight. I will have my revenge on you and your kind. I am The Commander. My word is law. Nothing you can do will change that."
"But there is something I can do," came Lincoln's voice.
Still staring at Abby, The Commander smiled. Confusion crossed the physician's features, but then it was replaced by understanding. Whatever Lincoln was about to say was what The Commander expected; it had been part of his plan all along.
Slowly, The Commander turned to face Luna's brother.
"A challenge," Lincoln stated.
"A challenge?" The Commander's lips curled around the words.
"No!" Yaheera was on her feet too. "A challenge for the title of Commander can only take place in front of both sets of Elders." She turned to Lincoln, "And the Elders of the Eastern Tribes of the Sea are not present."
"As luck would have it," The Commander said, "the Elders of my community are following me on horseback, keen to hear the treacherous claims of your sister. They should arrive shortly."
On the other side of the compound the dogs were barking. Locked in their kennels, they were enticed by the smell of strangers and the sense of impending violence.
The Commander's voice was barely above a whisper now. "Challenge accepted."
Yaheera sat on the ground, diplomacy defeated.
Luna's shrill scream rang out in the night. Without warning, her labour had begun.