Chapter 13 & 14

                                    

                                          
Chapter Thirteen    
                          
If there is to be reconciliation, first there must be truth. Timothy B. Tyson
                          
***
                          
It was a different group that faced one another on the other side of the marsh. Nago had immediately walked off some distance when he reached safety. Not noticing Quinn sitting in the shade against a rock, he leaned against the side of the cliff. Ever loyal, Leykin followed Nago and stood next to him while they both waited for Zebbah to speak. 
                          
There was no sign of Chalerio. Quinn was both relived and anxious. Why did she leave? To get back-up? To take a different route and ambush them?
                          
In a gesture that spoke a thousand words, Vesallo positioned himself beside Zebbah. His eyes levelled on Nago, but the young leader gave no sign of his thoughts regarding the obvious defection.    
                          
Not wanting anyone to misunderstand his actions, Vesallo spoke up. Although he was speaking to everyone, his gaze fixed on Nago.
                          
"My son is gone. This is what it took..." His voice broke and he turned his head away momentarily to compose himself. He fisted his hands tightly and exhaled slowly before continuing. "...to make me face what I came to realize a long time ago. Leaving Tibay was a mistake—the biggest mistake I ever made. The only reason I ever left my people, my family, was because I was afraid to lose my son." 
                          
He turned his head towards Zebbah, but his eyes were downcast. 
                          
"But I lost Mishko long before now. He wouldn't listen to reason." Vesallo looked at Nago again, "He was controlled by pride." 
                          
A muscle in Nago's jaw twitched. Leykin averted his eyes and shifted nervously beside him. 
                          
Vesallo went on. 
                          
"Haraõ once asked Mishko if he might reveal what he saw in Mishko's heart. Mishko laughingly granted him permission." He sighed wearily. "The day Haraõ exposed the pride in Mishko's heart and voiced his concerns to Zaqi, my son almost attacked the mind-reader. I did not rebuke him. I honestly thought it would do more damage. Nago approached Mishko shortly after that incident. We left our people that same night. By not opposing Mishko, I condoned his behavior. It is a dark day when a man has to admit that he has failed as a father. By joining Mishko, I fueled his arrogant pride. He was lost to me long before today."
                          
His eyes travelled over the Tree people. "I beg your forgiveness." He sank down on his knees before Zebbah. "Forgive me, Zebbah," his smothered voice could be heard where he clutched Zebbah's tunic to his face.
                          
Zebbah placed his hand on Vesallo's head. "You will come home with us when this is over." Zebbah affirmed in a voice choked with emotion. When he looked up, his sorrow-filled eyes were fixed on his son. Leykin's own suffering was evident as he held his father's gaze for the first time. Moments ticked by as the air thickened with all that had never been said. 
                          
Seeing what was going down right before him, Nago straightened and spoke harshly, successfully shattering the moment.
                          
"Don't expect anyone else to fall at your feet, Zebbah," he said heatedly, giving Leykin a pointed stare. "The rest of us have more spine than to run home at the first sign of trouble. We stick by our own."
                          
Zebbah pinned him with a stare that could freeze lava. "Do you, Nago?" he asked emphatically. 
                          
Nago blinked when the irony of his own admission struck him. To cover his vexation, he raised his water skin. He couldn't contain his frustration when he found it empty and flung it to the ground.
                          
When he turned on Quinn, Quinn could see his need to vent his anger by pounding someone. 
                          
"Water!" Nago growled at him, daring Quinn to refuse him.