Page 82 of Wrath of the Oracle

“What are you trying to say?” Gane leaned forward again, his eyes narrowing.

”If the information Tula gave you is right and Ojore is attracted to Sholei, did Ojore let her escape the camp? Sholei left, taking Tula, the condemned spy, away. In a military camp full of battle-hardened soldiers, nobody saw them leave?”

“How convenient.” Gane marveled at Leikun’s deductions.

“I think Ojore took a gamble with Sholei. He let her go, saving her friend and appeasing his highly demoralized army. If he killed Tula, Sholei wouldn’t have forgiven him, and if he let Tula go without punishment, he would face the wrath of his men.”

“Do you think Sholei knew about this plan?” Gane narrowed his eyes in concentration.

“I’m not sure, but Ojore took advantage of Sholei’s desperation to save Tula.”

“He might know where Sholei is, and how to get her back,” Gane exclaimed, excitement in his voice. “If Sholei is alive and close to him, we still can take Ojore down.”

“We don’t know if Sholei will be on our side,” Leikun reminded Gane, and the prince nodded. Her time with Ojore might have changed her attitude toward Gane. She could reciprocate Ojore’s feelings.

“So long as we have Tula, Sholei will choose her.” Gane remained optimistic.

”Are you planning to use Tula again?” Leikun raised an eyebrow. “It’s cruel to use their friendship as a bargaining chip.”

“Do you think Ojore will leave anything to chance in this fight?” Gane turned to Leikun. “Tula will always choose to save her friend. Sholei is a chance for us to get close to Ojore, and I won’t miss it.”

Leikun’s expression grew somber. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“We have lost everything to the Dembe. I will use every opportunity to regainmykingdom.” Gane leaned back on his seat and crossed his arms.

“Without a care of who you use?” Leikun asked, his voice defeated.

“You think I am cruel to use Tula’s friendship with Sholei as a pawn?” Gane held Leikun’s gaze.

“Tula has lost everything. She deserves a break.” Leikun must have observed her in the camp, and her lifelessness was visible.

”Haven’t we all?” Gane’s eyes turned cold as he answered.

Later, Gane watched as Leikun left the tent. They agreed to break camp in several days and ride out to the desert tribes to seek shelter and bide their time before making a comeback.

Gane walked toward the window and stared out as cold air blew in. He closed his eyes as the breeze touched his face. The rains stopped, and apart from the watchmen who took turns to guard the camp, everyone turned in for the night. The sky was clear, and a bright moon glowed in the night. Gane knew he would miss his home when he left, but leaving was paramount to his unstoppable comeback.

Sholei woke with a start.Mueni was at her bedside and shook her shoulders.

“My Lady, wake up,” Mueni whispered, her tone urgent.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Sholei pushed her warm blankets away. The room was dimly lit, the air chilly. It was the dead of night.

“Akima is here for you.” Mueni placed a warm shawl on her shoulders and turned to light a lantern on the wall.

“The general needs you right now,” Akima’s voice beckoned. He was outside the door. Sholei rose from her bed, and Mueni helped right her clothes.

“What happened?” Sholei asked as she fastened the belt on her waist.

“You should come with me and see for yourself,” Akima replied.

Sholei had visited Ojore’s chambers earlier that evening, but she had been informed he held a meeting with some of his generals as they prepared for the burial rites of the Dembe soldiers who had died in the Keseve war. Ever since their discussion by the riverside, they didn’t spend much time together. When they met, Sholei administered his medication and left, avoiding him in between.

“Go and get Litonde. We might need him,” Sholei instructed Mueni as they stepped outside.

“Ojore collapsed when he got back to his chambers. I couldn’t wake him up.” Akima commented as he led Sholei to Ojore’s quarters.

“I warned him not to strain himself so much. It will only accelerate the effects of the poison.” Sholei drew her fur shawl closer to her shoulders. Ojore held meetings throughout the day, even though his meals.

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