Chapter 116: FIRST DAY IN OFFICE

Olexa paced to and fro as she waited for the surviving elders and other important individuals of the community of Moonville who were involved in the decision-making process in the community.

She had set up a place for them to sit when they came, despite the rickety nature of some of the chairs and stools.

After a while, she saw them all coming together. In the midst of them were Mona, Tully, and the other three men who were part of the people she met when she was rescued by Kron. A couple of witches and warlocks were also part of them.

The elders quietly took their seats, managing what was made available. They appreciated her gesture. Tully, Mona, and the rest remained standing.

Olexa sighed, as she stepped forward before them.

"I'd like to thank you all for honoring my call, for us to meet," she began, on a wise note. None of the people showed any expression of acknowledgment of her appreciation.

She felt a bit awkward but continued nevertheless.

"I know we are all going through a very tough time now. Maybe some more than others, but it doesn't matter. But it is for this very reason we all need to find a way to forge ahead. Hence, the reason I called for us here," Olexa explained.

Within the minds of the people, they liked how Olexa comported her manner of speech as she began addressing them, but they didn't show any expression of validation.

"Do I know what to do? Well, I don't quite yet have a full handle on that yet. But the first thing I do know that we need to do is rebuild our community," she said.

She could see the subtle shrug and pursing of the lips of the people, concurring with what she proposed.

"Yes, we'll begin by rebuilding our community. That would help re-create that sense of security again, now that the barrier is up again, and even way stronger," she said further.

"Excuse me chief," an elder sought to speak.

"But don't you think we are unsafe here? Shouldn't we be trying to relocate, for our safety?" he asked.

Some of the elders nodded in agreement with his school of thought.

"No. We will not relocate," Olexa disagreed. "This is our home. A great number of you were here when it was being built. You saw the sacrifice it took to get this community functional and self-sustaining. We're not going to let some tyrant bully us out of our homes."

"Besides, the barrier is stronger than before, and it will not diminish, but get even stronger. So, we will rebuild Moonville," she added.

They all nodded, feeling encouraged by her words.

"And by the way, what actually happened? I for one have not been made aware of what actually happened, as Tully, Mona, and I were away when it happened. So, how did it happen?" Olexa enquired.

"Permit me to speak, chief," the elder who had been with her earlier spoke up.

"Please, just call me Olexa. I feel a bit irked with that title, chief," Olexa requested, as she chuckled awkwardly.

"Well, you'll just have to used to it, chief," she responded.

"Well, you can go ahead," Olexa shrugged. "But first, please tell me your name."

"My name is Thian, chief."

"Okay, Thian. Please, go ahead."

"So, the kids who were playing close to the barrier saw soldiers approaching. They brought that to our notice and we all watched to see if they would just walk past us as they always did aforetime. But this time was different. They stood there, facing us," Thian began.

"With that, we knew things weren't looking good, and we hoped the barrier would keep them out. It did, until a scarlet-robed witch stepped forward, and was able to bring down the barrier, although it took a lot from her, but she still did. And that was when the soldiers invaded," she said.

"It was The Legion that attacked us, led by that monster, Klaus," one of the men said, fuming.

Olexa looked down, welling up with rage at General Klaus.

"They killed some of us, and took some as captives, despite fighting valiantly. We were no match for the kind of attack that was launched on us," Thian explained.

"And they took some folks captives," an elder added.

"I knew I was going to hear that. Slavers," Olexa commented, sighing.

"I wonder why they didn't just kill us all," an elder said.

"They did that to let you see that you're alive because of them. They relish the fact that they seem superior to everyone. It feeds their ego," she explained.

"I swear to the moon, they'll regret they did that," one of the men said, boiling with rage.

"Well then, I guess this has given us our next course of action," Olexa stated.

"And what's that chief?" Tully asked.

"We shall be rescuing our people," she replied casually.

"I know that that's a noble cause but, how? How are we going to possibly carry out something as impossible as that?" Tully enquired.

"We'll use the element of surprise," she replied. "Trust me, after the carnage they've caused, they believe they've crippled us, and they will not be expecting any retaliation, especially from us. Trust me, I know how those pricks think after a supposed victory."

"Okay, let's say we are crazy enough to want to go through with this, how do we find them?" an elder asked.

"We'll use a locator's spell," a warlock answered. "I believe the family of one or more of the people abducted should still be here, so we can use their blood, which is a stronger point of connection for the spell, than just their personal effects."

"Magnificent! That will be great," Olexa rejoiced, beaming with hope. She looked at the people, and they seemed skeptical.

"Look, I know it's scary, but we all know what they'd do to our friends, our family if we sit back and do nothing. It'll mean that Kron's efforts and the purpose of Moonville were all for nothing," Olexa said.

"Just say when chief, and I promise to soil the earth with their blood!" Mona sided with Olexa. Olexa nodded at her in acknowledgment.

"And you have my blade too," another man sided with her also, standing erect. Soon after, they all agreed, as they were encouraged and motivated by Olexa.

Olexa smiled at their response and willingness.

"Alright then. Tully, put together a team of fifteen warriors, and let's go rescue of family," Olexa instructed. Tully nodded.

"We're all coming as well. You'll need all the help you can get," the witches offered.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Olexa smiled.