The four people had their hands tied behind their backs and secured to thick logs set up along the fence of the Chashi.
They had a vague sense that this was a place to hold captives.
“Another situation like this, huh? We always seem to get caught. I’m sick of it,” Kanga grumbled with a sour face.
“I’ll ask you again. What’s going on?” Irika, seated on the ground, glared up at Ikrui.
“That’s what I want to ask,” Ikrui said, sheathing his sword and crossing his arms. “You lot came to kill Elder Tono, so why did you come all the way here?”
Demba and Irika exchanged glances. Irika turned back to Ikrui.
“You’re mistaken. Why would we do such a thing? These black people came all the way from Mito just to meet the elder,” she said, raising her voice.
Ikrui’s expression remained severe. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from. I want to know why you’d do such a thing. You’re assassins. We can’t let you go any further. That’s all there is to it.”
“I’m telling you it’s a misunderstanding! Who told you such a thing?”
Ikrui snorted. “A messenger came from Ebetsu Yubeok. The story that black people from the mainland killed the bear of Iomante and are now targeting Elder Tono is spreading along the river.”
Irika’s eyes widened. “That’s a lie! It’s nonsense. These people haven’t killed any bear, nor are they targeting the elder!”
“Then why are you here to see Elder Tono?”
Irika looked at Demba in surprise. She didn’t know the reason herself. She called out to Demba.
Demba, expressionless, stared at Ikrui. After a moment, he spoke. “I have no obligation to tell you. We were told to meet Hawukase. That’s all I can say.”
Ikrui’s mouth twisted. “Look, you’ve betrayed yourselves. If you don’t intend to explain, then this conversation is over. Elder Tono will decide your fate. Be obedient.”
He turned on his heel. The six men surrounding them lowered their weapons and followed.
“The people in the field were acting strange. Now I understand why,” Irika said, biting her lip. “It’s Samaykachi’s doing. While we were delayed by Hikokyu and the others, he spread lies up the river.”
She looked at Demba. “Why didn’t you explain?”
Demba’s face remained impassive. “Do you think they’d believe us if we told them?”
Irika averted her gaze slightly, then said, “You’re right.”
“But, what exactly do we intend to do when we meet Hawukase?”
“You’ll understand when we get there.”
Irika felt left out and her eyebrows drooped slightly. “Do you still not trust me?”
Demba’s head moved slightly. “It’s not that. Our mission is to convey our lord’s will directly to Hawukase. I haven’t been authorized to tell anyone else. That’s all.”
Irika seemed to want to say something but stayed silent.
“Hey,” said Emariya, who had been watching their exchange, “I feel like something’s very strange here.”
Irika and Demba looked at her.
“What is it?” Irika asked.
“I get that Samaykachi is spreading lies. No one else would do that. But what does he gain from it?”
Irika started to say something but stopped short.
“I can’t think of a reason.”
“Exactly. Samaykachi wants to kill both us and the elder, right? If we’re captured here, he can’t get to us. And if the rumor spreads along the river, it’ll reach the people around the elder. They’ll be even more cautious and tighten security. It’s not to Samaykachi’s advantage.”
That made sense. Demba and Kanga exchanged glances, impressed by Emariya’s sharp thinking.
“Then, is someone else spreading the rumor?” Demba asked.
Emariya shook her head. “I don’t think so. If someone acted on their own, Kalheka wouldn’t allow it.”
“Then, why?”
Everyone fell silent.
Emariya continued thinking, her blue eyes moving rapidly.
Demba discreetly observed their surroundings.
The hilltop, surrounded by tall wooden fences, was flat and quite spacious. Three moderately sized buildings were set apart. A large fire burned in the center of the square, and a wooden rack stood nearby, resembling a drying stand. Three tattooed women were taking down clothes hung out to dry.
Of the men who had captured them, two with bows slowly circled the perimeter, occasionally peering through gaps in the fence.
Demba estimated there were about seven men and three or four women. No children. He guessed some people lived here, given the houses.
“At night, the number of people might decrease,” he muttered to himself.
Emariya, who had been lost in thought, suddenly looked up.
“That’s it! At night!” she exclaimed, drawing everyone’s attention.
“What do you mean?” Irika asked.
Emariya leaned in and began to explain.
“The scenario is like this—”