Chapter 19
It was mid-afternoon the next day when the squad came upon Madeba. Sara was impressed with how much it looked like any other town in any kingdom. She had thought that it would look very haphazard with simple buildings and no organization in how they were laid out. But Madeba was very organized with buildings that gave you the feeling of permanency. As they rode into town, she could see signs of a busy community, with people and carts going to and fro about town. There were also kids playing in town, some playing a game where they tried to keep a large ring (like those used to keep barrels together) rolling with a stick. The gameentailed a lot of running and laughter.
As they rode into town, people paused to look at them but then would go about their business. This struck Sara as strange, especially since there was a war on and the squad was a military force. As she pondered this, she realized they acted this way because of their religion. They would not want others to think hostile of them at the first meeting, so they do not do it. She felt sorry for them as any kingdom could send a squad in these woods and wipe them out. To Sara, this would be a shame as they were so friendly and peaceable. These people needed protecting and after the war, she would have to see into that.
They entered a square in the middle of town. On one side of the square was a large building. This was clearly the largest building, so she guessed it to be a meeting hall. The Woodsman signaled for them to stop and then he jumped off his horse. He walked up to a man standing in front of the large building. He was an older man with gray predominate in his hair and beard. His eyes told of a life of hard work and the wisdom earned from it. He was wearing trousers made of animal skins but the shirt Sara could not figure out what kind of material fromwhich it was made. It looked to be light weight and was blue in color with striping in black. Down the front were buttons made of wood.
When the Woodsman reached the man, he held out both hands, palms up, and said, "May the tree grow strong in your blood."
The man repeated the hand gestures and replied, "May you be as prosperous as 'de leaves of its branches."
This produced a smile from both men as they dropped their hands back to their side.
The man then said, "It is good to see you again my friend, and I see you have brought some friends with you." The man was then looking at the rest of the party.
"Yes I have, and let me introduce you to them." The Woodsman then introduced each member of the squad. He was careful to use the squad ranks for both Sara and General Allison. Sara did notice a brief look of surprise when he was introduced to Private Corval. Finally, the Woodsman said, "And Squad, this is Unger Ortin, clan leader for the Ortin Clan."
Unger smiled at everyone again and then turned back to the Woodsman, "So what brings you and 'dis squad to Madeba?"
"I am leading them to the Kingdom of Emos."
Unger gave a funny look. "But you are headed in 'de wrong direction 'den, Emos is behind you."
The Woodsman smiled and said, "Yes but that way is blocked, so I am taking them another way."
Unger had a skeptical look on his face and said, "If you say so. If anyone knows of away into Emos 'dat is south of here, it is you."
"Thanks for the confidence but our way it actually to the northwest of here."
After a moment, he said, "So 'den why come 'dis far south to Madeba? Do you need supplies or something?"
"We have wounded and were wondering if you could see that they make it back to Carriland for us. The wounded will never make it through the Borah Mountains."
Unger looked over the squad again and thought for a minute. He then asked, "You want me to take 'dem to Carriland?"
"That is correct."
Unger thought a bit more and finally said, "I have heard 'dat 'de people from Carriland have treated our kind very well. I have even heard 'dat 'dey offered medical aid, so I will agree to 'dis. You have my word 'dat 'tey will make it to a Carriland town safely. Had you said Delland 'den I would have to turn you down as 'dey have treated us very poorly."
Sara was flush with pride to hear that her people were treating these people well.
Topher then spoke up. "Thank you very much, we greatly appreciate this." He then stuck his hand out to Unger.
Unger looked at Topher and then at Topher's hand. Then he turned to the Woodsman and said, "'Dis is one of 'dose 'Hand Shakes' you told me Plains-folk do."
As the Woodsman nodded, Topher pulled his hand back, feeling awkward.
Unger then said, "Hold on 'dere, 'dis will be my first handshake so you will have to bear with me." Unger held out his hand, only where Topher had held out his right hand, Unger held out his left.
Topher felt a little odd a first, looking at this man who was holding out the wrong hand but with a look of expectancy on his face. Finally, Topher decided just to go with it.
"You need to hold out the same hand as me, that way our palms face each other."
Unger pulled back his left and then extended his right hand. "Like this?"
"Correct, now we grab each other's hands like this. Then we raise and lower our hands together." They raised and lowered once. "And then we let go."
As Unger pulled back his hand he had a large smile on his face. "You Plains-folk have 'de oddest customs." He let out a small chuckle as he turned and motioned to a man who was standing next to him. He spoke to the man in a language that Topher did not know. He then turned back to the group. "I have called for our doctor to tend to your wounded. Now you will be my guests for 'de night. You can 'den ride out at first light well rested."
Topher was about to object when Unger raised his hand and said, "I am an old man, and it is rude to decline an old man's request."
Sara noticed that he never said it would insult them or offend them. She got the impression that they could leave with they wanted to, but she figured that without the wounded they could now make better time and one night would not make a difference. Besides, she was curious about these people. Topher could see that his queen had no problem with staying, so he agreed to Unger's request.
This seemedto make Unger happy as he said, "Wonderful, wonderful. I will have someone show you were to can bed your horses for 'de night and where you can freshen up. 'Den we will have a big meal together.
As they were led away, Sara looked back to see Unger showing an older woman the handshake and they both sharing a laugh.
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