Sands of Survival - Chapter 36

Epilogue

(Equinox)

Zley Falls, Kri’enden

A large bonfire burned on one of the fields closest to the huge waterfall. A large group of dark-skinned tribesmen crowded around, bellies very full, weary smiles on everyone’s faces. Some wore medallions won in the games held during the day.

Moxara Masola noted how this scene would have been impossible to imagine even a month ago. The Yeziling and the Zley had fought and tormented each other for decades.

“I agree. No one would have thought this possible. All because of your brilliance, my wife,” Benjan said.

“Only seemed obvious to me,” Moxara replied in her Varkevand accent.

“But you have probably saved many lives!” Benjan said. “The games today were a complete success, and there were three weddings, and promises of more to come!”

He kissed her in appreciation.

“It was a fortunate day when you joined us on that trip to Yezi’tra,” Kivana, the Joton abári said, sitting next to Moxara. “Look at the peace you have orchestrated, through friendship and love!”

Moxara looked around, knowing the abári was right. She looked at the various newly-formed couples around the fire. Soala and Vonjy, Naama and Arzewt, both cementing the relationship between the Yeziling and the Zley. Then there was Haldi and Kianda. The Chief Councilors of Yezi’im and Kri’enden. She wasn’t aware of what their solution was going to be.

“But it was your own heart that had to soften first before you could help anyone else,” Benjan said, his arm around her holding her snug. “Your love that allowed everyone else to learn friendship and love.”

“Chief Andac speaks,” Moxara said urgently.

The aging leader stood with a huge grin that seemed to split his dark face.

“I have so much to be grateful for today!” Chief Andac began. “My lovely daughter Soala, lost in the desert. I had feared the worst. And the worst was nearly realized when I found her – naked; sharing a bed with the son of my mortal enemy.”

Several whoops echoed around the canyon, followed by a knowing laugh.

Moxara felt the pregnant teen blush.

“In the days that followed, we were invited to meet the Yeziling in Joton. I wished for peace, so I naturally agreed. At Vestharya, miracles happened that no one could have predicted. I learned that not only did I have a new son, thanks to Soala, but he came with brothers, who had recently been orphaned. Okay, so they’re all grown up, but I chose to recognize them as my sons all the same. The miracle was when Chief Sidjin decided that I made an okay father,” Andac said, the tears flooding his eyes.

Another man approached the old man and hugged him tightly.

“Chief Sidjin!” Benjan said. “I can still barely believe it!”

“My father’s dying request was that we made peace with the Zley,” Chief Sidjin said. “It took me humbling myself enough to realize that my brothers Arzewt and Vonjy were right – that loving our neighbors was the best course of action. This is why I’ve also taken another wife today. Give Meknes another year or two and he may take another Zley for the Yeziling – but not as a captive bride. That day is now in the past for the Yeziling.”

There was a loud cheer among the Zley.

“Vonjy and Arzewt have taught me that bestowed love is far sweeter than anything we attempt to force.”

“Thank you, Chief Sidjin,” Chief Andac said, joining the man again. “It makes me proud to become as your father. My family has doubled this day!”

There was a huge cheer among the entire crowd. Moxara scanned the crowd again. She saw Chief Councilor Haldi Uushin sitting with his arm around Chief Councilor Kianda Bentin. She did a double take – was that another leya imprint coming from the woman?

“Benjan,” Moxara said urgently. “I not see Kianda since we visit Joton last. Is she?”

Benjan nodded with a laugh. “I do believe you’re right! In the days of the kings, that would have merged two kingdoms like that!”

“Haldi tell you what he plans to do?” Moxara asked.

“No. You’re his adviser, not me!” Benjan retorted.

“He not say anyting to me needer,” Moxara replied. “Maybe Kianda resign from office.”

“One of them will have to do something,” Benjan said with a chuckle. “Yet another product of your time with me! I think Haldi owes you a raise or something.”

Moxara smiled. “Have all I want… wid you,” she said, snuggling into her husband’s embrace.

She looked around, at all the couples, old and new. There were many stolen kisses, some followed by pairs disappearing with muffled giggles into the pueblo above. Moxara returned her focus to the bonfire which popped regularly, sending eruptions of sparks towards the star-laden sky.

♥

Stay tuned for the final section of Acting the Part...
NEXT CHAPTER

If you have enjoyed this book, I would be grateful if you could put your thoughts as a review on Goodreads for me.

Other Chapters of this set

Acting the Part - chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Building on Promise - Chapter 1

Acting the Part, part 2 - Chapter 10

Spice of Strength - Chapter 1

Acting the Part, part 3 - Chapter 19

Sands of Survival - Chapter 1

Maps and Guides

continents of Alacantis and Kranisis (five maps)
continent of Almara (five maps)
countries of Kri'enden and Yezi'im (four maps plus "other places")
characters, pronunciation and glossary

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Lori Svensen
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photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
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