Clarke led a dozen mounted Azgeda warriors through the woods. She had one of the white flags with her in case they ran into anyone, and to ease Trikru's minds about seeing Azgeda. She stopped them just within sight of the gate, and approached it alone.

"Heya," she called.

Lincoln appeared in one of the watch stands. "Clarke?"

"Lincoln, I am so glad to see you."

"Where's Octavia?"

"Probably still on her way from Polis. It's a long story, but we're here to get everyone and get them the help they need. How many of you are there?"

"Eight."

"Can they ride double?"

"If it means getting out of here, they will."

"Ok, don't freak out at the Azgeda."

"Azgeda," he repeated slowly.

"It's a long story and as soon as I have a chance, I'll tell you everything. Right now, I just need you to trust me."

"Did Heda send you?"

"Sha, but not Lexa." Clarke closed her eyes and fought back tears again.

"I am sorry, Clarke."

"Me, too." She waved the warriors forward. "The coalition still holds. I promise you're safe."

"They cannot walk."

"Open the gate."

It took a minute be he got it open, and the warriors followed Clarke into the enclosure. She looked at the drop ship and sighed, then gave directions to the men with her. It only took a few minutes to gather the ill and get them on horses. Most were so weak they had to ride in front of the warriors.

Lincoln rode behind Clarke. "What happened?" he asked when they were underway.

She sighed. "Lexa died."

"How?"

"I don't know the official story."

"Clarke, what are you not telling me?"

"I can't," she choked.

"Who is heda?"

"Ontari kom Azgeda."

"Aden?"

"Alive. All the strikon Natblida are alive."

"Then how is Ontari heda?"

Clarke sighed again. "Nia challenged Lexa, so Lexa and Roan had to fight to the death. Except it was Nia's death. Roan is king of Azgeda. Ontari was Nia's personal Natblida, and a couple days after Nia died, Lexa died. The riders caught them on the road, so they came back. On the way, Roan told her not to kill her opponents. He's determined to keep the coalition going. Ontari sent me to give Skaikru a chance to survive, but Pike's completely delusional. There are thousands of gona here, and when Ontari arrives, they're going to attack."

"Is everyone still there?"

"No. Fifty or so snuck out and surrendered."

"Your mother?"

"Sha, and Marcus and a lot of the people who came down with me."

"Bellamy?"

"No. That's gonna kill Octavia. He flat out told me he doesn't care. I don't know what's wrong with him."

"He's angry."

"So am I, but I'm not willing to die for it."

"What will happen?"

"Your ill will be tended. You'll be fed and put with the others. Until Ontari arrives, you're all prisoners. She promised me you'll be safe, Lincoln."

"I hope she spoke true."

"Me, too."

They rode the rest of the way in silence.

100 – 100 – 100

Murphy almost charged Clarke when he saw her. "Where were you?"

"I have things to do, Murphy. Chil au. Is there any coffee?"

"You haven't slept since before we left Polis, Clarke."

"Murphy, what the fuck is your problem?"

He stepped closer to her. "If anything happens to you, if you even break a nail, Roan's gonna kill me."

"I'm fine. I'll be better with some coffee and something to eat."

One of the guards approached her with a plate and mug. She accepted it and told her, "Mochof."

Clarke found a place to sit and quickly ate her food. The coffee was no longer steaming when she finished eating, and she chugged it. She handed everything to Murphy. "I'm going to see who all got out of Arkadia and make sure they're all right. You're welcome to come with me."

Clarke asked the guard to take her to her people. Murphy followed her silently. At the rear of the encampment, a small detachment stood guard around a separate group of tents. Clarke saw several people standing near the fire. She started with them, pleased to be told that yes, they'd been fed and had a place to rest. After that, she went from tent to tent. Lincoln was missing, as was her mother. She was glad to see Marcus, who explained that Abby and Lincoln, as well as the ill Trikru and several Arkadians were with the healers.

"You're sure everyone's ok?"

"I'm sure, Clarke," Marcus reassured her. "No threats, no raised voices. They brought food earlier and promised more later. They left us with water. There are plenty of furs in the tents. It's a little crowded, but we'll be fine for a few days."

"Good."

"I'm sorry to hear about Lexa."

"Please don't, Marcus. I can't."

"It's all right, Clarke. You'll have time."

She stared at the ground and nodded.

"Tell me about the new commander."

"Ontari kom Azgeda."

"That doesn't sound good."

"Nia is dead. Roan is king now. He wants the coalition to continue, and that's what Ontari is doing. She sent me to try to save Skaikru. I failed, so you guys are going to have to join other clans. I don't know if it's going to be voluntary or if she's going to farm you out or what. I kinda doubt Trikru's interested in hosting anyone."

"I suspect you're right."

"I'll try to keep you and Mom with me in Polis."

"Why would you stay in Polis if Skaikru is disbanded?"

"Another long story," Clarke sighed. "If you see my mom, tell her I'll see her soon. I need to get some rest before Ontari gets here."

"Is that Murphy?"

"Yeah."

"Another long story?"

"You got it."

"Get some rest, Clarke. I'll take care of everyone here."

"Thanks so much, Marcus."

"We should be thanking you."

"Not until we find out what Ontari plans."

He nodded. "Go," he told her.

Clarke didn't wait for another conversation to delay her. She left the camp and followed Murphy and their guard back to their tent. Clarke laid down and tried to calm her racing mind. It took a while, but she fell asleep.

strikon = young
gona = fighters
Chil au = Chill out