Chapter 12: Taim Kik Raun Haihefa
Clarke was pacing again. It seemed like every time Kane saw her in the past couple of days, Clarke was pacing. Back and forth, back and forth. Monty had quit trying to calm her down after a few hours. The young man was lounging in a chair with his eyes closed and legs propped up on another chair. Kane had just come back from a meeting with Lexa's council and announced that Queen Nia was arriving in Polis this afternoon.
"I thought she was refusing to participate- she sent a representative," complained Clarke, but she didn't even pause in her pacing.
Kane sighed and reminded her, "Lexa pushed him off the balcony yesterday." It had been quite the event. Kane and Clarke had been invited to a meeting with all the representatives of the Coalition so she could introduce the representatives of Skaikru. They weren't exactly welcomed with open arms from any of the representatives, but the representative from Azgeda had been out for blood.
"Lexa never thinks about her actions!"
"Lexa was dealing with someone challenging her authority. It's the grounder way," reasoned Kane, although he didn't agree with the Heda's actions any more than Clarke did. But the Azgeda representative had wanted Lexa to murder Clarke, so Kane wasn't openly disagreeing with Lexa's decision to push him out the window.
Clarke was still fuming about it and Kane figured that it had less to do with Lexa's most recent murder, but with what happened at Mount Weather. Clarke and Lexa had barely exchanged more than a few words and it wasn't for the Heda's lack of trying. Even on the brink of war with Pike and Azgeda, Lexa had sought Clarke out several times. But she had been met with a closed door every time.
"Well now they're all going to get what they want- a needless war!"
There was a shuffle outside of the double doors that Kane, Clarke, and Monty waited behind and two guards entered before their Heda. Lexa was wearing her armor and had her customary black eye make-up on. Her sword hung at her hip and she kept a hand on the hilt as she waved with the other one to dismiss the guards.
"What can we do for you, Heda?" asked Kane politely. Monty stood quickly when he realized who was in the room, but Clarke just huffed in Lexa's general direction.
Lexa's eyes were dark and Kane knew this was not a meeting he was going to like the outcome of. He braced himself for bad news and bad news he received. "Pike has struck down Indra's defenses and moves into Trikru land, slaughtering all in his way. He hung up the messenger we sent three days ago as a show of good faith. We are at war with Skaikru."
"No," gasped Monty. The poor kid had been holding out hope that someone could talk some sense into Pike and if Pike was out there fighting, that meant that his mom was too. "Let me go! I can talk to him- he listens to my mom!"
Walking over to Monty, Kane put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. "I'm afraid we're beyond words now."
Lexa nodded in agreement and cast her gaze to Clarke who had finally stopped pacing and was just glaring at Lexa. "I have managed to arrange a pardon for you three since you were here when the acts of war where committed-"
"What about the others in Arkadia?"
Lexa sighed and admitted, "I have no intention of holding court for every individual. The people of Skaikru made Pike their leader and must now live with consequences. Once Queen Nia's demands have been heard, the coalition has voted to move against Arkadia as one army."
"We don't stand a chance," breathed Kane. He turned away with a hand on his chest. There were too many innocent people who were left in Arkadia. Fear had led to Pike's election and now the danger was real. As much as he tried to focus on all the people in Arkadia, only one face kept floating into his mind: Abby Griffin.
"I have made one condition to save your people," spoke Lexa, her eyes locked on Clarke. "I felt I owed you that much."
Clarke looked at her with suspicion. "You mean for abandoning us to the Mount Men?"
"That and so much more," murmured Lexa. "Please, hear me out. If you can bring the Coalition Charles Pike and he stands trial for his crimes, we will stand down against the people of Arkadia."
Monty sat back down and rested his forehead in his hand while muttering, "He'll never turn himself in. He thinks he's doing the right thing."
"Maybe we can talk to him," argued Clarke but Kane was already shaking his head. "Well, how are we going to get him here?"
"I think we should kidnap him."
Clarke looked at Kane like he had lost his mind. "Kidnap him?"
Lexa looked between Clarke and Kane, very confused. "Kidnap?"
"I meant, we should capture Pike and bring him to Polis," explained Kane and Lexa nodded in agreement. Monty looked a little skeptical, but Kane knew that the young man would do what was asked of him.
Clarke crossed her arms across her chest. "You just want to go back to Arkadia, tie up Pike, and drag him back to Polis? Did you forget the part where we committed treason? Or how Pike walks around with an entourage of people armed with guns?"
"According to my scouts, Pike isn't at Arkadia. He's leading his fighters," mentioned Lexa, but Clarke seemed to ignore her.
Kane sighed and rubbed his beard with trepidation. "If he's out in the forest, we could find a way to ambush him. We could find Lincoln and Octavia."
"We'd need help. Like inside help..."
Monty suggested, "We could try to get in contact with Jasper, Miller, and the others."
"I will go now," said Lexa gently. The Heda was holding her head high, but Kane could see the way she was glancing every so often at Clarke, but the other girl was doing an impressive job of ignoring her.
"Good luck with the Ice Queen," offered Monty with a small smile. Lexa acknowledged his statement and turned quickly to walk back out of the room. The guards shut the doors behind her, leaving the Sky People to discuss the problem amongst themselves.
For a brief moment, Clarke seemed to be watching her leave and Kane could see a lost look in her eyes that he had once had for her mother. But as soon as the door shut, the look was gone and Clarke was back in her planning mode. They had people to save- there was no time for lost love.
"Monty, what are the chances of getting in contact with Jasper or Miller?" asked Kane.
"It depends…Jasper wasn't in a good place when I left. If they were smart, no one would have given him a gun. It's possible that he's still in Arkadia," reasoned Monty. "As for the others, I don't know."
Kane sat down and rested his elbows on his knees. They had one too many problems for just three people. Even if they could escape Polis, which he reckoned they would not be allowed to leave easily, they would be locked up for treason the moment they stepped foot in Arkadia. But something had to be done. Standing back up he looked at the two teenagers before him. "We'll leave tomorrow to find Lincoln and Octavia. In the mean time we will come up with a plan to contact the others. I'll go find Indra to see if she can help us get out of here."
Kane left without confirmation of the plan by Monty or Clarke, but they both knew it was probably the only option. Monty let out a deep sigh and slumped back into the chair he had been in before Lexa had brought them the bad news. Mumbling, he asked Clarke, "Mind if I just hang here for a while?"
"Yeah, no problem." Clarke wandered over to the window. They were about halfway up the tower, so she had a perfect view over the grounder capital city. They had been in the tower for three days, but had never been allowed to venture out. This had made Kane restless as he naturally wanted to see the city that Indra was constantly describing. Clarke on the other hand, wasn't sure she even wanted to be in Polis.
When they had first arrived, the area below them had been filled with vendors and people milling about trading items and stories. Children had ran free through the streets while they played games. But after word spread that Skaikru had attacked Trikru and they were at war, the normal bustle had been sedated. Tonight was even worse as soldiers that Clarke assumed were Ice Nation lined the streets in support of their Queen who was at the top of the tower with Lexa.
Clarke turned away from the window and laid down on her bed. She curled her knees up to her chest and sighed. After freeing her people from the Mountain, Clarke had needed time to herself. But she had somehow been foolish enough to believe that they wouldn't be fighting again so soon. She just wanted a break. She wanted to go back to Arkadia and have a normal dinner with her mother and father. She wanted to sit across a table from Lexa and talk- really talk. But that was never going to happen. They were at war again and people were going to die.
A knock on the door brought Clarke out of her restless slumber. Monty was already opening the door as Clarke swung her legs off the bed and stood up. To her surprise, and Monty's, Lexa stood on the other side. This time she was not accompanied by guards nor was she wearing her sword or cape. Monty shifted awkwardly to the side so Lexa could enter.
"I'm guessing you're here to talk to Clarke…" he said awkwardly to the Heda. "I'll just go find Kane."
Lexa waited to speak until after Monty shut the door behind him. Clarke remained motionless by her bed, not daring to ask why Lexa had returned. Clearing her throat, Lexa said, "I wanted to let you know that Queen Nia will not be a problem after tomorrow. She has challenged my leadership and has demanded a challenge of single combat at dawn."
Confused, Clarke asked, "How do you know she won't be a problem? How do you know that your warrior will win?"
"I will win, because I will be fighting."
"What?" Clarke stepped towards Lexa in concern. She stopped a few steps away, unsure of what to do. Part of her was still angry with Lexa; the betrayal was still fresh. But hearing that Lexa would be fighting to the death in the morning left her with feelings that she had long suppressed.
"I will be fighting Prince Rowan at dawn," repeated Lexa. The strong Heda looked almost nervous as she stood in front of Clarke.
Another thought came to Clarke's mind. "Why are you telling me this?"
"I wish…" Lexa hesitated and blushed slightly before continuing. "I wish you would come. I would like to see you there."
"We're leaving tomorrow," replied Clarke stubbornly. But with the candles burning around them and the faint flush on Lexa's cheeks, Clarke was transported back to the tent where they kissed before storming Mount Weather. Even though Clarke wasn't sure at the time if she was ready for something more with Lexa, the kiss had been seared into her memory. The thought of Lexa's lips had kept her awake for hours as she went over the moment again and again. There had been promise in that kiss and for so long, Clarke had though that promise had been ruined when Lexa betrayed her. But now she wasn't so sure.
Lexa nodded in acknowledgment of Clarke's words. "It would mean a lot to me if you were there. But I understand that there is still problems between us. I just wanted to say to you in person that I am sorry that I hurt you. Although it was unavoidable, I wish I could take back how my decision impacted our…friendship."
"But you'd do it again, wouldn't you?" Clarke already knew the answer and didn't bother to say anything more. Lexa would always do what was necessary to save her own people; just as Clarke would.
"Goodbye and good luck, Clarke. I hope that the next time we see each other will be in peace." Lexa turned and walked back to the door. She paused before pushing the door open. "I want you to know that I care, Clarke. I have always cared about you. Please be safe."
With that, Lexa was gone and Clarke was alone. The candles flickered in the darkness and Clarke took a deep breath. She was tempted to run after Lexa and kiss her and beg her not to fight tomorrow. But she was still angry and Lexa would never change her mind. And for that, Clarke respected her. No one would die for the Heda; the Heda would fight for herself.
A question ran through her mind: would she be able to forgive herself if she didn't go tomorrow and Lexa died? Her gut told her she wasn't going to like the answer. Without a second thought, Clarke stalked out of her room to find Kane and Monty to tell them of her decision.
The sky was red as the sun burned over the horizon. Dawn was beautiful on Earth and something that Clarke hoped she would never take for granted. But this morning, she wasn't concerned with beauty. All of Polis was crowded around the fighting ring where Queen Nia and her nightblood had already taken their position on a raised stage. Lexa's right hand man, Titus, stood next to them with a grim expression on his face. Of course, for all Clarke knew, that was his natural look as she had never seen the grounder smile or express anything other than disgust.
Through the dust in the arena, Clarke caught sight of Lexa pulling her sword from the sheath held by one of her guards. Lexa turned around with the blade gleaming in her hand and Clarke dropped back the hood she wore when Lexa's eyes roamed over the crowd. For a brief second, their eyes met and Clarke felt her chest tighten. She nodded at the Heda and she was met with stern eyes and a brief dip of her chin. But as Lexa turned back to face her opponent, her shoulders straightened and she held her head higher. And in that moment, Clarke was glad she came.
Titus raised his hands and a hush fell over the crow. "Hashta soulou gonplei, bilaik won hedon noumou: du souda wan op deyon!"
Clarke knew the rules of single combat- you win or you die. Her heart raced at the thought of seeing Lexa killed in this dusty arena surrounded by a sea of unfriendly faces. She squinted into the sun to stare at the Ice Nation Queen. The woman sat in that throne as if she was the Heda and it made Clarke's insides churn. How dare she come to Polis and demand that Lexa be removed from her throne- where was Queen Nia when Lexa saved the grounders from the Mountain Men?
The crowd cheered as Rowan stepped up in front of Lexa with his own sword. Clarke couldn't help but remember how Rowan had easily cut down the grounders that had attacked Kane, Monty, and herself in the forest. Although she had never seen Lexa in combat, Rowan was one of the best warriors she had seen. But there was no fear on Lexa's face as Titus yelled over the commotion: "Yo na jomp in!"
Rowan swung first, but Clarke knew he probably had no intention of actually hitting Lexa. It was a test to get an idea of how fast the Heda was going to react. Lexa calmly stepped back to avoid his blade and brought her own out in front of her. This time there was the sound of clashing metal as the two grounders began the battle in full. The crowd cheered with every blow and swing of a sword. Clarke tried to tune out those around her who were cheering for the fight itself, not either opponent.
Metal screeched as their swords became intertwined. Clarke wasn't sure her heart could beat any faster as she watched as Rowan began to force Lexa to her knees. This wasn't about skill- the man was simply bigger than Lexa and had more weight to force her down. But Lexa was not out yet and Clarke gasped when the Heda reached up to grab the blade and push back against Rowan. Rowan stepped back, off balance and Lexa landed a hit.
But there wasn't time to celebrate as Rowan swung back in full force. The moment was gone and before Clarke knew it, Lexa was on the ground and Rowan had kicked her sword away. But Lexa was quick to her feet, hitting Rowan several times and somehow gaining back not only her sword, but Rowan's as well. The crowd cheered once more when Rowan punched a guard to take his spear and began spinning it around as he walked back to where Lexa stood waiting.
Lexa dodged and parried as Rowan swung his new weapon. But with both blades in hand, Lexa was a powerhouse and Clarke found herself wanting to cheer with the rest. However, in the next seconds, Rowan had Lexa on her back, spear poised to strike. To Clarke's surprise, a hush fell over the crowd as Rowan pulled back the spear and aimed down. Clarke shut her eyes in anticipation, but forced them back open just as quickly when the crowd roared to life.
Their Heda was back on her feet and fighting again. Lexa dodged a few of Rowan's lunges before grabbing the spear and knocking it free. The tables had turned again and now Rowan was forced down on his back. Clarke heard the Ice Queen scream something, but paid no attention. This was it. Rowan had gone down hard. But again, the fight surprised her. Instead of plunging the spear into Rowan's chest, Lexa hurled the weapon at the stage where Queen Nia sat.
Screams and gasps flew through the crowd as blood trickled from the Queen's mouth. No one dared to move as Lexa looked down at Rowan, still lying on the ground. "The queen is dead!" she shouted. "Long live the king!"
"Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king!" chanted the rest of the grounders. Clarke stood there gaping in silence as Lexa helped Rowan to stand. It was over. Queen Nia was dead and Lexa was still alive.
As the grounders cheered and celebrated around her, chanting for their Heda, Clarke stood still. Lexa turned away from Rowan, searching for Clarke in the crowd. Their eyes locked and Lexa walked proudly toward her. Titus tried to get his Heda's attention, but Lexa merely waved him off. Back straight and shoulders held high, Lexa stared intensely at the young woman before her.
"I'm glad you came." Her voice had gravel in it, but Clarke assumed it was due to the dust and blood as much as her emotions.
Swallowing nervously, Clarke responded, "Me too."
Lexa's eyes brightened and a smile crept across her face. "I missed you, Clarke."
This time Clarke sounded sure of herself when she answered. "Me too."
And Clarke didn't stop Lexa as the other woman placed her bloody hands in Clarke's blonde hair and pulled her in for a searing kiss. Lexa tasted of blood, sweat, and dirt, but Clarke's heart soared at the intimate contact. They were both breathing heavily when they broke apart. Clarke almost laughed at the way the must have looked- smeared in blood and grime but intertwined in a fierce embrace.
"You need to see a healer," she whispered, but Lexa only laughed.
"The only thing I need is you."
Translations:
Taim Kik Raun Haihefa: Long Live the King
Hashta soulou gonplei, bilaik won hedon noumou: du souda wan op deyon!: In single combat, there is but one rule: Someone must die today!
Yo na jomp in: You may begin.
